President Kenyatta calls on leaders to work in unity for a stronger nation

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October 6, 2019

KAJIADO, 5th October 2019, (PSCU) — President Uhuru Kenyatta today called on leaders to promote peace and unity saying that is the only way Kenya can achieve its development objectives.

The President, who spoke at the funeral of the former chairman of the defunct OlKejuado County Council Daniel Kasirimo ole Muyaa, said leaders should emulate the late civic leader and several of his peers who stood for the national values of peace and unity.

He said ole Muyaa’s contribution to national cohesion can be seen in the manner in which, as a Maasai community elder and opinion leader, he participated in laying the foundation for Kajiado to become a peaceful and progressive cosmopolitan county.

“Kajiado has never had any ethnic tensions and this is as a result of the leadership of people like ole Muyaa,” said President Kenyatta.

The President narrated how the late Ole Muyaa mentored and ushered him into elective politics saying the former civic leader was a close family friend.

“I have known him for many years as a friend and political teacher. He loved peace and unity,” President Kenyatta said as he called on leaders to emulate selfless leaders like Muyaa.

The President reiterated that his cooperation with opposition leaders is underpinned by the understanding that national unity is important for the achievement of the country’s development objectives.

He said growth and progress cannot be achieved when the country is divided.

“Let us unite, have peace, grow our economy, fight poverty and fight unemployment together,” said the President.

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku, Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko and COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli also spoke at the funeral service attended by thousands of Kenyans.

Former VP Musyoka eulogized the late Ole Muyaa as an astute grassroots politician and leader who stood for national unity, peace and progress throughout his public life.

Governor Lenku and MP Tobiko thanked the President for the development projects being implemented by the national government in Kajiado County including the recently completed Kajiado-Mashuru-Loitoktok road.

Will Dr. Matiangi succeed Uhuru as Kenya’s 5th President?

By

Dan Ojumah

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September 2, 2019

Dr. Fred Matiang'i — Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i

BY HENRY MARETE – Whoever was sober on Friday evening must have read the mood of the Abagusii country during the burial of Dr. Hezron Manduku.

The Omugusii, as the community is affectionately referred to have smelt leadership coming their way. A permanent replacement for the aging Simeon Nyachae, whose word was the law to the community.

Leaders led by the two Governors of Kisii and Nyamira urged former premier Raila Odinga to endorse Super CS Fred Matiangi for the Presidency.

Opening the much-postponed debate on the role Dr.Fred Matiangi will play in the President Uhuru succession.

He has already taken over the Presidential Delivery Unit docket. He has the entire cabinet reporting to him. And he has the ear of the President himself and all key players in his administration including the security agencies.

The Matiangi power trajectory reminds one of the late Kenneth Matiba and John Michuki. Matiba was a political colossus who would have easily ruled Kenya had KANU not divided the opposition in 2002. Matiangi forced the ever sly Kenyan men to bond with their wives and girlfriends during the Census weekend. He closed bars and restaurants at 5pm for two consecutive days.

Now his community wants him to go for the ultimate prize.

So what are his chances? He starts off with approximately 600000 votes from the Omugusii country, spread over Gusii land, Nakuru, Transmara, Ukambani and Nairobi.

Should he get the backing of Raila- unlikely as Raila is widely expected to vie, he will easily run away with the greater Nyanza vote expected at close to 2 million and since age at the time are on his side.

Dr.Matiangi can forge an alliance with other leaders in a coalition of sorts…

Better for him, there is every chance that more powerful seats will be created after an expected referendum.

But Matiangi has major hurdles to navigate. Wherever a new political star emerges, political knives are aimed at that particular direction.

The DP Ruto camp must be watching the Matiangi evolution with concern…they will watch his every move as Gusii land has for long being a swing vote of sorts.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a political ally of the Abagusii will monitor Dr.Matiangi moves.

So will Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula and others.

All politicians now know Matiangi is not your idea of a “softee“, as the generation he belongs to refers to indecisive leaders.

In 2013, when he was appointed the CS for Information and Communications, Dr. Matiangi took on the media head-on and created a Government Advertising Agency.

Prior to the Uhuruto Government, mainstream media seem to lean heavily on the CORD brigade, then associated with Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.

Then Matiangi struck where it hurt most and revenues to the media came tumbling down as Government received value for money. By the time Matiangi left the ICT ministry, he had hammered sense into the mainstream media by placing them where they rightly belonged.

When President Uhuru punched his alleged corrupt ministers in Charity Ngilu, Felix Kosgey, Davis Chirchir and Engineer Kamau, Matiangi acted as CS Lands. During that short period, he reigned on a murderous land gang in Murang’a and restored sanity in a disputed piece of land that had claimed more than 30 lives.

Then came his move to the Education Ministry. Here, Matiangi hit the ground running, cleaned all the cartels in the education system, ended exam cheating and restored the credibility of secondary education.

He reversed the years of apathy in the education system, tamed apathy in Universities and placed Kenya’s education system to where it rightfully belongs.

Then his sojourn at Internal Security. He inherited the docket after the demise of Gen Nkaissery, a no-nonsense soldier poached from ODM by President Kenyatta to deal with terrorism and other security threats.

Dr. Matiangi has not disappointed. He took the job on his gusto and has since made Kenya one of the safest places to live in East Africa.

Towards a healthy nation, a doctor’s advice on how you can stay healthy, and wealthy

By

Dan Ojumah

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August 27, 2019

They say health is wealth; – which simply means our good health is our real wealth. Good health enables us to face the challenges of life. If we are not in a good state of physical, mental and social well-being, we will not be able to create wealth and the wealth we have will not mean much to us.

We spoke to Dr. Timothy Kingondu, a physician specializing in infectious diseases on a wide array of issues pertaining to our health.

Q: What, in your view, ails Kenya’s health sector today?

A: The biggest problem affecting our health sector has to do with resource allocation, or should I say, misallocation. We have a sizeable budget allocated to health, but the money is not always spent on priority areas, leading to a lot of wastage and less than desired end results.

Q: So where do you think more resources should be channeled in order to ensure a healthy and wealthy Kenyan population?

A: I have four main points in that regard and I think the first and most important is the provision of

Clean water for all; – it will not matter how many hospitals we build, so long as a majority of the population does not access clean drinking water, which does go a long in curbing the spread of diseases.

Secondly, I think we should ensure proper nutrition –a person exposed to poor nutrition has a very low immune system hence stands a higher chance of falling sick

The there’s health education; – it’s time people took responsibility of their own health, being in control over their own lives, this way we will be able to stop most of these chronic diseases

And finally, there is need to strengthen government regulations; – the Government needs to strengthen public health policies so as to ensure harmful or suspect quality products do not find their way into the market.

Q: Specifically, given changes in society, what challenges do you think lifestyle diseases pose?

A: No, personally I don’t think lifestyle diseases pose the biggest threat but infectious diseases do.

For example in children you find diseases like diarrhea, pneumonia, typhoid and cholera and in

trying to combat infectious diseases, water quality is the first thing.

I believe poor quality water is responsible for the spread of most of these diseases we are facing including major ones like cancer. If the water we consume daily has impurities there are high chances that people will end up with cancer at their old age, and even before cancer kills you, you will die of

Diarrhea so it important to take into consideration the quality of the water we consume.

Q: Take us through some of the major diseases affecting Kenyans today, starting with HIV/Aids, what do you have to say concerning the HIV menace?

A: I think the HIV menace is not gone and it is driving cancer in our population because you find

that illness like cervical cancer are on the increase because of HIV infections.

We should also not focus on treatment alone as the way to get rid of HIV but also consider other

Preventative measures like health education, even before treatment comes into the

picture. Young people should be educated on the importance of abstinence and condom use during sexual contact as some of the ways of ensuring they do not contract HIV.

Q: The prevalence of cervical cancer, as you have said is on the increase, why is this so?

A: Cervical cancer is mainly caused by HPV which is a sexually transmitted infection, especially if

One are infected with HPV 16 and 18 which is responsible for 70% of all cancer cases, but this is

not to mean that we are doomed because WHO is actually advising and advocating for young

girls to get vaccinated against HPV, but this should happen before sexual contact for it to be

effective.

Q: Hepatitis B is also on the rise….

A: Well, first of all 6% of Kenyans have it, and it is a liver infection. It can either be caused by a

virus or intake of substances like alcohol. Hepatitis that is viral is either hepatitis B or C which is the worst, Hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluids such as saliva, semen, sweat, and even water… it severely affects the liver causing inflammation and when it gets to the chronic stage it leads to liver cirrhosis. Some of the symptoms of hepatitis are

– Fever

– Weakness of the joints

– Shaking

– Vomiting

– Yellow eyes and in severe conditions, swollen face and abdomen

For chemical hepatitis during treatment one will be advised to withdraw from alcohol as for the

Viral, one yes there is treatment but it really takes a long time to heal.

Q: Is malaria still one of biggest killer diseases in the country?

A: Yes, it is still a major killer disease but there have been interventions like distribution of mosquito nets and drugs to mitigate its risks

Q: Earlier on, you made reference to the prevalence of low quality, sometimes even dangerous products in the market….how can this be contained?

A: I’m not saying that Kenyans are killing themselves because of greed but continued production of

Low-quality foods and other products is increasing the clinical burden. The regulatory authorities have

to realize that if you pass down products of low quality they will be responsible for diseases

spreading and they, themselves will get sick in the process.

Q: You have stated that infectious diseases pose a greater risk than lifestyle diseases…please elaborate

A: I think that people are, so to speak planting these lifestyle diseases on themselves. They are found mostly in urban areas, primarily because people in rural Kenya consume natural food hence they are healthy, so you will find someone living in Turkana very healthy and free from diseases like hypertension but if brought to the urban in 5 years they might suffer from it due to a change in environment.

Q: Your parting shot, matters health?

A: I think that, instead of waiting for people to get sick and hospitalized, we should take the initiative of going to meet them, in their places of residence, examine factors which may lead to them contracting diseases and address these factors …. Remember, prevention is better that cure!

Social media companies on the spot as Manchester United’s Paul Pogba suffers racist abuse

By

Dan Ojumah

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August 27, 2019

Pressure is mounting on social media companies such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to act decisively against individuals subjecting football players to racist abuse after Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba became the third black player inside a week to be abused online.

The three players all had one common denominator; – they bravely stepped up to take penalty kicks on behalf of their teams, but unfortunately missed.

Paul Pogba had a penalty saved in the second half as Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday Night.

Last week, Chelsea condemned “abhorrent posts” aimed at Tammy Abraham after his decisive penalty miss in the Super Cup against Liverpool.

Then on Sunday, Reading striker,Yakou Meite called out racist abuse sent to him social media after he had a spot-kick saved.

Following the racist abuse aimed at Paul Pogba, one of the more visible players on social media with over 37 million followers on Twitter, the global football community rallied around the French world cup winner.

Manchester United’s new 80-million-pound defender Harry Maguire called on social media companies to “stop these pathetic trolls” while striker Marcus Rashford also expressed support for the France midfielder.

“Manchester United is a family. Paul Pogba is a huge part of that family. You attack him you attack us all,” England forward Rashford said on Twitter.

United said they are “working to identify” those responsible for the racist abuse directed at record-signing Pogba, while Greater Manchester Police said they were working with the club to help identify and apprehend the culprits once a formal complaint was received from a member of the public.

“The individuals who expressed these views do not represent the values of our great club and it is encouraging to see the vast majority of our fans condemn this on social media also,” read a United statement.

England women’s manager Phil Neville, the former United player and coach, suggested footballers should “boycott” social media for six months in order to send a “powerful message” that such abuse is not acceptable.

“It’s not going away,” he said. “We need to take drastic measures in the football community.”

Sports minister Nigel Adams added: “The football season is only a few weeks old and yet we’ve already witnessed sickening examples of racist abuse against players.

“We have been clear that social media companies must do more and the government will hold them to account.”

For the social media companies, it’s a dicey, catch 22 situation; – they’ve been reluctant to take drastic action such as deleting messages or deregistering faceless users who make comments deemed offensive, citing free speech and the risk that they would hurt their bottom lines by limiting traffic on their platforms, which is key to attracting advertising revenue.

Central Bank firm on October 1st deadline for retiring old Ksh.1000 notes

By

Dan Ojumah

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August 27, 2019

New Bank Notes — New Kenyan Bank Notes © Getty Images

Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge has reiterated that the October 1^st deadline set during the Madaraka Day launch of the country’s new generation currency for those holding Ksh.1, 000 denomination notes to retire them, is cast in stone.

Speaking in Kwale County over the weekend as he inaugurated a nationwide sensitization campaign on the ongoing demonetization dubbed “Badilisha Noti Za Elfu Moja Sasa”, the Governor once again warned that the old Ksh.1, 000 will be rendered valueless, as at the stroke of midnight, September 30^th.

“I want you to take this message to every corner of the country that people have to dispose of their old Sh1, 000 banknotes by September 30. We shall not extend the period,” Njoroge said.

Without providing exact figures, the Governor regretted that the Central Bank, the country’s sole issuer of currency and custodian of its monetary policy, had not received enough of the old banknotes as it had anticipated.

The new notes are identifiable through a number of ways including touching, identifying a distinctive watermark and pictures.

They each bear a unique theme depicting significant aspects of the Kenyan nation, with the Ksh.50 note symbolizing green energy, Ksh.100, agriculture, Ksh.200, social services, Ksh.500, tourism and the Ksh. 1,000, governance.

Additionally, they all bear an image of Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and features meant to make them user-friendly to the visually – impaired.

The banknotes also embody each of the big five game animals –lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, and buffalo.

During the June 1^st launch presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Narok County, Dr. Njoroge had noted that the new generation bank notes were also meant to curb counterfeits, money laundering and other illegal financial flows which were hurting the formal economy.

“To deal conclusively with these concerns, all the older one thousand shilling series shall be withdrawn. By a Gazette Notice dated May 31, 2019, all persons have until October 1, 2019, to exchange those notes, after which the older one thousand-shilling banknotes will cease to be legal tender”, the Governor said.

However, the design of the new Ksh.1, 000 banknote is currently subject of court petitions lodged by a number of litigants, among them activist Okiya Omtatah who is contesting the inclusion of the portrait of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta outside the KICC, arguing that it flew in the face of a 2010 Constitutional provision stipulating that Kenyan currency shall not bear the image of any individual.

EPL Match Day 3: Man Utd, Spurs stunned, another two-horse race on the cards?

By

Dan Ojumah

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August 27, 2019

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace — Marcus Rashford missed a penalty for the first time as United failed to win at Old Trafford. Source: AP

What an electrifying English Premier League we had over a weekend when Kenyans were forced by ‘Matiang’i law’ to follow proceedings from the comfort of their homes (rather than in bars and other social places), for ease of enumeration as the 2019 census kicked off.

There were two absolute shockers of results, new Chelsea manager Frank Lampard finally has a win under his belt, a firm case for yet another two-horse race for the EPL title is already building up, one manager is under intense pressure, while the early race for the golden boot (scorer of most goals) has one unusual suspect.

Man Utd stunned in injury time

Looks like all manner of (unwanted from Man United fans’ viewpoint) records are tumbling at the Theatre of Dreams (Old Trafford). Now, late (injury time) winning goals were a common occurrence during the 26-year reign of legendary Scotsman Sir Alex Ferguson, but on Saturday Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man Utd were on the receiving end of a 93^rd minute Patrick Van Aanholt strike, as lowly Crystal Palace stunned the 20-time English league champions 1-2.

For the second time in as many matches, a lethargic display and a missed penalty (this time Marcus Rashford the culprit) capped a largely lethargic display by the same team that wowed the Old Trafford crowd with ruthless counter-attacking display as they dismantled fellow top four competitors Chelsea 4-0 on the opening weekend.

Granted, Crystal Palace, without a win or a goal before this match were overly defensive and have an impressive away record, but pundits are now beginning to question Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tactical shrewdness; – why for example did he play with only one defensive midfielder (Scot McTominay, whom he replaced with Juan Mata in the 85 minute) leaving United exposed to Crystal Palace’s route one football and swift counter-attacks which led to both goals, despite dominating possession (71-29%, 22-5 total shots, 3-3 shots on target, 8-1 corners)?

Newcastle shock Spurs at their new stadium

Come Sunday and another shocker, this time in London, at the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium to be specific. Straight from holding champions Manchester City 2-2 at their own stadium, Spurs were left ruing missed chances as Newcastle beat them 1-nil, with manager Mauricio Pochettino appearing to blame an ‘unsettled squad’ (star midfielder Christian Eriksen is thought to still ‘want out’ with the European transfer window still open) for the lackluster display, despite spurs boasting of a 79.8% ball possession. Just like for Man Utd, the win was new Newcastle manager Steve Bruce’s first of the season.

Criminalize missing penalties then…..!

Over the weekend, what is emerging in these early days as the soft underbelly of the new EPL season reared its ugly head again. Marcus Rashford, who alongside Raheem Sterling (also a previous victim albeit under different circumstances), is seen as the future of English football, became the fourth black player to suffer racist abuse upon missing a penalty, after Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, fellow Man Utd midfielder Paul Pogba and Reading’s (Championship club) Yekou Meite— begging the question; – has it suddenly become a crime for a black player to miss a penalty which is part and parcel of a football match anywhere in the world?

The affected players are however adamant the racist online taunts will not keep them down. Paul Pogba, his toddler in his arms and against the background of portraits of his late father Fassou Antoine Pogba and American civil rights activist Martin Luther King, posted this on his Instagram account on Sunday;

“My ancestors and my parents suffered for my generation to be free today, to work, to take the bus, to play football. Racist insults are ignorance and can only make me stronger and motivate me to fight for the next generation.”

Well said, Pogba!

Business as usual for Liverpool, City as they cruise out of the starting blocks

On Sunday, champions Manchester City won 3-1 at Bournemouth to move within two points of early pace-setters Liverpool who had walloped Arsenal by a similar margin 24 hours earlier. Raheem Sterling helped himself to a goal to take his season’s tally to 5, his goal sandwiched in between Sergio Aguero’s brace.

On Saturday, Liverpool had laid down the marker, beating Arsenal 3-1 at Anfield, thanks to a Joel Matip header and a brace from Mo Salah including a scintillating second where he paced all the way from the halfway line, leaving Arsenal’s new defensive acquisition (from Chelsea) David Luiz dead on his tracks… David Luiz had earlier on stupidly pulled Salah’s shirt, leading to the award of a penalty which Mo Salah cool-ly converted.

For Liverpool, the only (negative) talking point from the match was that their defense stalwart Virgil van Dijk appeared human for only the second time since he joined Liverpool in January 2018: – Arsenal’s new record signing Nicolas Pepe actually outsmarted VVD, becoming only the second player after Newcastle United’s Mikel Merino (in 2018) to successfully dribble past the 28-year-old Dutchman!

It might be early days, but judging from performances on the pitch and consistency, few would argue with the pre-season prediction by most EPL football experts, that 2019/20 will be a replica of the 2018/19 season; – with Liverpool and Manchester City the only two contenders for the Premier League title.

‘Starling’ Raheem, Aguero and a certain Teemu Pukki lead early Golden boot race

Leading the early race for the golden boot, are Raheem sterling with 5 goals and a certain Teemu Pukki of Norwich City, also on five. No one has ever scored more than 5 goals in the opening month of the season (August) but with City and Norwich each having a match left, to be played on Saturday August 31^st, a new EPL record could be set by Raheem, Pukki, both or one other!

By the way, the little-known Norwich City striker, formerly of Celtic (Scotland) and Schalke (Germany), by scoring in the 3-2 defeat by Chelsea, became only the second player after ex-Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, to score 5 goals in his first three Premier League appearances! Kudos to him.

Pressure eases on Lampard, is Watford’s Javi Gracia likely to become the first manager axed?

Frank Lampard’s start as Chelsea Manager had been humbling before Saturday’s 3-2 win away at Norwich City. He had suffered a heavy loss at Man United, a luckless home draw against Leicester and a penalty shootout loss to Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup, played between the previous season’s winners of the UEFA Champions League and the Europa Cup. However his youthful team (Chelsea is currently under a 2-season EUFA ban on signing new players) turned up, Tammy Abraham (2) and Mason Mount on the score sheet as Chelsea narrowly edged out newly-promoted Norwich City. Breathe easy, at least for now, Frank!

But, on the other end of League table after Match Day 3, one manager is already feeling the heat. The soft-spoken, amiable Javi Gracia, who took Watford to an impressive 8^th – place finish last season, saw his side beaten 1-3 at home by West Ham United, the third defeat in a row after earlier losses to Brighton and Everton.

Watford, with zero points, is presently perched at the bottom of the EPL table and Javi Gracia is now the bookmaker’s favorite to become the first manager to be sacked this season.

Next weekend’s EPL fixtures

Saturday: Southampton v Man Utd (2 pm), Man City v Brighton, Chelsea v Sheffield Utd, Newcastle v Watford, Crystal Palace v Aston Villa, West Ham v Norwich City, Leicester v Bournemouth (all at 5pm), Burnley v Liverpool (7.30 pm)

Super Sunday: Everton v Wolverhampton (4 pm), Arsenal v Tottenham (6.30 pm). Liverpool (7.30 pm)

The first international break of the new season takes after place next week’s action, so there will be no EPL football matches on the weekend of 7^th-8^th September. Live action returns to a screen near you on 14^th September with Liverpool taking on Newcastle at Anfield, 2.30 pm.

The End is Near, Senator Kiio Tells Ngilu

By

Dan Ojumah

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August 23, 2019

When I say Gov Ngilu stands out as the most incompetent governor in Kenya and that she has presided over arguably the most corrupt administration in the history of devolution, a few of her supporters read malice. They hurl insults at me, and I have come to accept these insults as a small price to pay for standing up to impunity.

Those who don’t support her see in my statement a perfect opportunity to rally more support for the leaders of their choice. Both teams have a right to ride on my statement to advance their cause. But whichever way one looks at it, irrespective of whether one supports Ngilu or not, I have reason to believe that Ngilu has miserably failed the test of leadership and has engaged top gear on a steep, slippery road to nowhere.

She is behaving like a person who has made the determination that she is leading clueless and desperate people who will, in season and out of season, sing praises to her even when she is stepping hard on their toes. But I have some news for her; the end is near!! The writing is clearly and boldly on the wall; her mischief in leadership must come to an end whether law enforcement agencies rise to the occasion or not. The burning of the Finance offices was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The alleged appointment of a new County Secretary is the latest evidence that she has ZERO regards for the abundant human resource excellence in Kitui County. I am happy that the Majority Leader of the Kitui County Assembly has called her out on this matter and especially on the issue of due process. The CA must not stop there, I believe the Speaker knows what to do should the governor officially communicate the alleged unlawful appointment. She MUST follow the law as long as she is governor of Kitui County. And now even our mothers in Kitui are speaking out.

I am particularly keen to listen and decisively act on the cry of our mothers because they are speaking candidly about their suffering under Ngilu. In fact, you realize that out of her Cabinet, there is only ONE woman. And she comes from Makueni. NONE from Kitui County. How can Ngilu say she has the interest of Kitui women at heart? Don’t we have qualified women from Kitui who can join her Cabinet? I will act, in close partnership with like-minded leaders and people of goodwill in Kitui, within the law, to make sure that Ngilu either reforms or leaves office.

The people of Kitui can’t endure another three years of impunity, blatant theft of public resources, oppression, intimidation, the extreme radicalization of our youth and disregard to the rule of law under a governor they elected into office.

Enoch Kiio Wambua,
Senator, Kitui County.

Ruto Takes Chopper to Beat Westlands Traffic Jam

By

Dan Ojumah

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June 29, 2019

Deputy President William Ruto was forced to board a chopper to avoid a huge traffic jam in Westlands.

The Deputy President had gone to Consolata Shrine in Westlands for a function.

This was immediately after attending his daughter’s graduation at Strathmore School.
The private chopper picked the DP at around 3pm and flew him to an unknown destination.

On Monday’ Ruto made sensational claims that three cabinet Ministers namely Joe Mucheru, Cecily Kariuki and Peter Munya were plotting to kill him.

The three have denied the accusations but admitted they had variously met at La Mada Hotel to discuss development projects in Central Province.

Have you registered for Huduma Namba?

By

Dan Ojumah

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April 29, 2019

In an effort to further the government’s agenda on serving its people, The government launched National Intergreted Information Management System.

The Government initiated the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) program through Executive Order No. 1 (2018). The purpose of this initiative is to create and manage a central master population database which will be the ‘single source of truth’ on a person’s identity. The database will contain information of all Kenyan citizens and foreign nationals residing in Kenya and will serve as a reference point for ease of service delivery to the people of Kenya. (Huduma Namba kwa Huduma Bora).

17 years later, How Raila turned Kasarani into a political ‘butchery’

By

Dan Ojumah

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March 18, 2019

Some 17 years ago today, the political careers of former Vice President Professor George Saitoti and former KANU Secretary General went South.
The venue was Kasarani Stadium. The event merger of KANU and Raila Odinga”s National Development Party

The build up to the event was pitch tense. Then President Moi, who was due to retire in 9 months time was in the political market for a successor. And he was already clear that Saitoti was not on his plans.
And so on 18th March 2002, Saitoti and his cronies were kicked out of KANU by delegates.

Saitoti and Moi during National Celebrations

In came Uhuru Kenyatta; Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and Katana Ngala as Vice Chairman. A stunned and visibly angry Kamotho was replaced by Raila Odinga.
During the full day drama, Joseph Nyagah and John Harun Mwau were prevailed to step down for Kalonzo after wheeler dealers convinced Moi that Kalonzo should remain in top KANU leadership. William Ruto was elected Organising Secretary.

Political realignments over President Uhuru Kenyatta succession are in top gear. The Kasarani event mad as well have launched Uhuru Kenyattas March to State House which he eventually entered in 2013.
But it is his battles with Raila Odinga and the eventual handshake in 2018 that will define his memoirs once leaves office in 2022.
Pundits are comparing the Kasarani debacle the handshake.

In both cases Raila aka ‘tinga’ aka ‘jakom’ aka ‘baba’ is a prime mover. In both cases, there are huge political prizes to be traded. In 2002, Raila had hoped the KANU deal will thrust him to State House with Uhuru as his deputy. But Moi wanted Uhuru in state house with Raila as one of the pillars. The professor of politics had wanted the constitution to be changed and a non executive Prime Minister position to accommodate Raila created but only after Uhuru takes over.
Raila did not trust Moi…and so he refused to take the bait, struggled the KANU cockerel and backed Mwai Kibaki.

The political season and succession in now back. A change of the constitution has been proposed. The Post of Prime Minister is key to these changes. It is this change of the constitution business that has informed the current bad blood between DP Dr. William Ruto and Raila.
Allies of the DP feel that the creation of a PM amounts to mutilation of the Presidency at a time when the DP is warming up for the Big seat up the hill.

Raila men know the pain of losing. 1997. 2007. 2013. 2017. They would rather share seats via a new constitution rather than continue waiting. And so they have convinced Kalonzo to back the new deal with a firm promise of a deputy PM.
In Mombasa, Hassan Joho has been roped in, Gideon Moi is also in the stable. Musalia Mudavadi political mood is unpredictable but he appears nearer those for constitutional change.
The move is complicating political mathematics and science for the DP. But he appears to be spoiling for a mother of all political battles. He is banking on his die hard supporters to soil their hands since he is already part of the Presidency.

Problem is Raila is a political mammal with hands everywhere in Kenya.
One thing is however clear. Some political careers may be consumed by the time the handshake is becomes an embrace.

Morocco, Russia renew deal on Russian fishing in Atlantic waters

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

(Reuters) – Morocco and Russia renewed a deal on Friday allowing Russian ships to fish in Morocco’s Atlantic waters, the Moroccan foreign ministry said.

The deal was signed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Ilya Shestakov, the head of Russia’s federal fisheries agency, in Moscow, the ministry said in a statement.

Under the four-year deal, Morocco shall determine an annual catch quota for Russian ships, it said.

Rooney doubts Rashford’s ‘inconsistent environment’ claim

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney doesn’t believe the environment was to blame for Marcus Rashford being unable to perform consistently for the Red Devils.

Rashford scored 138 goals in 426 matches for United since making his debut for the club in 2016 and won five major trophies.

He scored 30 goals in all competitions in 2022-23 but has been unable to match that form since and fell out of favour, spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.

Rashford is now flourishing on loan at Barcelona and he said recently in an interview he had been in an “inconsistent environment for a very long time”., external

However, speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said: “I think the environment hasn’t been right but that is down to yourself.

“If you are not playing well or you get left out of the team then I think it is easier to blame the environment and whether that is right or wrong. I think that comes from how you apply yourself.

“In games we have seen with him where we know he can do more, we know he can run more – that is nothing to do with an environment.

“I might be wrong here, I really like Marcus as a lad and as a person but I think that is an easy one to throw at people.”

I was wrong, Palmer out for six more weeks – Maresca

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer will be out for six more weeks as he continues his recovery from a persistent groin injury.

The 23-year-old forward hasn’t played a competitive match since 20 September, when he was forced off by the recurrence of an issue that first emerged during the Blues’ shortened pre-season following their successful Club World Cup campaign.

Palmer has made just three Premier League appearances this season and is running short of opportunities to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel before next summer’s World Cup.

Chelsea decided to rest Palmer before the international break to give him the best chance of being fit and ready by November – but Maresca has pushed his potential return back to the end of next month.

“I was wrong,” Maresca told a news conference on Friday. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update.”

The Chelsea manager said he was confident Palmer, who scored 15 Premier League goals last season, would not need surgery.

“We try to protect Cole as much as we can,” Maresca said. “The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit.

“The medical staff are not magicians. We hope six weeks are enough. We need to see it step-by-step. For sure, he’s going to be OK.

“He looks relaxed. He has tried to recover from the injury and is doing all the therapy.”

Speaking before his side continue their Premier League campaign away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Maresca conceded Palmer would be a big miss.

“To replace Cole is difficult, because Cole is a very important player for us – probably one of the best players in the Premier League – so to replace that kind of player is always difficult,” he said.

“We don’t have another player like Cole, because Cole is unique.”

Palmer will miss Premier League games against Sunderland, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and Arsenal, and a League Cup tie at Wolves.

The six-week recovery estimate would also count Palmer out of Champions League games against Ajax, Qarabag and Barcelona, while ruling him out for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

Hundreds attend ex-Liverpool manager Beard’s funeral

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

The great and the good of women’s football were among hundreds of mourners who said an emotional farewell to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard at his funeral service.

Beard, who led the Reds to successive Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, died on 20 September at the age of 47.

The Beard family and friends were joined by leading figures from across women’s football, including United States boss Emma Hayes, for the mass at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

“Please, please, please let Matt’s passing be a lesson to us all,” his brother Mark, the former Millwall and Sheffield United midfielder, said during the service.

“We are only human.”

He added: “Matt had a beautiful soul and a one-in-a-million personality. He always found a way to make you laugh and smile.”

Beard’s wife, Debbie, children Harry and Ellie, step-son Scott, and mother Margaret were joined at the service by Liverpool’s first-team squad, along with manager Gareth Taylor and his coaching staff, and sporting director Richard Hughes.

Players who played under Beard – affectionately known as ‘Beardy’ to family and friends – formed a guard of honour inside the cathedral as his coffin, draped in two red and white scarves, arrived.

Liverpool legend Ian Rush pictured at the funeral of former Liverpool's Women's boss Matt Beard at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral — Image caption,Liverpool legend Ian Rush was among those paying their respects

There were several former Liverpool players from Beard’s title-winning sides, including Natasha Dowie and Fara Williams. Ian Rush, Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer, was also present along with ex-Reds and England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

Dowie said he was like a father figure to her. She told BBC Sport: “He had a cheeky smile, someone that made you laugh, a twinkle in his eyes, an ‘alright darling’, a big hug which made you feel like a million dollars.

“We’ll make sure as a family, his family are looked after and he won’t be forgotten, absolutely won’t be forgotten.”

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner, Canada boss and ex-Liverpool player Casey Stoney and former England forward Lianne Sanderson were among those in attendance.

Stoney told BBC Sport: “You can see from the turnout and the amount of people that have travelled far and wide to come and pay their respects and show their love to a wonderful man [how respected he was]. He was kind, funny, caring, cheeky.”

Also present were Arsenal’s former Liverpool players Olivia Smith – women’s football’s first £1m player – and Taylor Hinds, who played for the Gunners in Portugal on Thursday against Benfica in the Champions League.

Many at the service wore red after Beard’s family invited fans to attend wearing football shirts or casual clothes.

Fans raised scarves and joined in as ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, Liverpool’s club anthem, was sung by Beard’s niece Lucy at the end of an emotional service, which was attended by around 600 people.

Richard Elliott and his daughter Anna travelled from Brampton, near Carlisle, to be at the service.

“He was the nicest bloke ever who always made time to speak to fans,” said Richard.

“When he learned where we travelled from to watch Liverpool games home and away, he’d say: ‘Wow, it’s you again!

“Before one game he took my daughter’s scarf into the the dressing room to get it signed.”

Another fan, Fiona Wedgner-Thorpe, who attended the service after travelling to Durham to watch Liverpool win 2-1 in a Women’s League Cup tie on Thursday, described Beard as a “trailblazer”.

“He gave everything to the women’s game. He was so giving to the fans.”

Beard was being laid to rest in a private ceremony and invited guests were heading to Anfield for a reception.

He spent seven years at Liverpool across two spells with the club, as well as jobs managing Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, Boston Breakers, West Ham, Bristol City and Burnley.

The order of service at the funeral of former Liverpool boss Matt Beard — Image caption,Helplines for the Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club were printed in the order of service

An inquest into Beard’s death was opened and adjourned on 29 September.

At the hearing in Ruthin, North Wales, coroner John Gittins said paramedics were called to Beard’s home in Flintshire after he was found hanged. Beard was taken to hospital in Chester, where he died at 21:15 BST on 20 September.

Beard’s family requested that instead of flowers, gestures of remembrance be made through donations to a mental health charity.

In Liverpool’s first game after Beard’s passing, a 5-0 Women’s League Cup win over Sunderland on 24 September, one banner read: ‘Liverpool was made for Matt and Matt was made for Liverpool.’

A fundraiser to support his family organised by journalist Jacqui Oatley has raised more than £61,000.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line.

Co-founder of failed Everton bidder 777 charged with $500m fraud

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

The co-founder of investment firm 777 Partners – which made an unsuccessful bid to buy Premier League club Everton – has been charged with defrauding lenders and investors of more than $500 million (£372m).

Josh Wander, 44, lied and used fake financial documents to inflate the finances of 777, according to Manhattan federal prosecutors in the United States.

A potential deal for 777 to acquire the Toffees fell through in June 2024, before new owners the Friedkin Group bought the club from Farhad Moshiri in December that year.

“Wander used his investment firm, 777 Partners, to cheat private lenders and investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars by pledging assets that his firm did not own, falsifying bank statements, and making other material misrepresentations about 777’s financial condition,” said US attorney Jay Clayton.

Special agent in charge Ricky J Patel said the picture put forward of 777’s finances was “an illusion of stability that was a years-long house of cards”.

According to prosecutors, starting in 2018, Wander began investing in “new sectors with less certain cash-flow profiles, including streaming platforms, airlines, and professional sports teams such as Sevilla FC and Genoa CFC”.

They said he did this knowing that the Miami-based group either did not have the funds or had already pledged it to other lenders, and attempted to conceal this.

Wander, of Miami, Florida, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of securities fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

He is also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Wander’s lawyer Jordan Estes said he denied all charges, telling Bloomberg: “This is a business dispute dressed up as a criminal case. We look forward to setting the record straight.”

Apple wins US F1 TV rights in $750m deal

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

Apple has won the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States for the next five years in deal said to be worth about $750m (£558m) in total.

The agreement, which starts in 2026 and for which insiders say Apple is paying approximately $150m (£111.6m) a year, will make F1 available to all Apple TV subscribers in America as part of their standard monthly fee.

It is the first time Apple have ventured into sports broadcasting in this manner.

It provides coverage of US Major League Soccer but that is for an additional charge over and above Apple TV’s basic subscription.

Apple TV customers will have access to live coverage of all on-track sessions and all content produced by the sport’s in-house channel F1 TV.

Commentary arrangements have not been decided – Apple will not initially produce its own commentary and is likely to buy either that of F1 TV or the UK’s Sky network.

The popular Drive to Survive documentary series on rival streaming service Netflix will not be affected.

The F1 movie that was released earlier this year starring Brad Pitt was a significant contributing factor in securing this deal.

The film has been a big hit for Apple. It has taken about $630m (£470m) at the box office and is said to be both the biggest grossing sports movie ever, and Pitt’s biggest grossing movie.

F1’s previous US rights deal was with sports network ESPN, for about $80m (£60m) a year.

A statement from F1 said the deal would “amplify the sport across” all Apple’s outlets – News, Maps, Music, Sports and Fitness+.

F1 chairman Stefano Domenicali said: “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximise our growth potential in the US with the right content and innovative distribution channels.”

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice-president of services said the company “looked forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can”.

Spain recall Hermoso after 12-month absence

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

Spain’s record scorer Jenni Hermoso has been handed a recall after a 12-month absence by new manager Sonia Bermudez.

The 35-year-old Tigres striker was named in the 23-player squad for the Uefa Women’s Nations League semi-final against Sweden, along with Barcelona defender Mapi Leon, who last played for her country in 2022.

Bermudez has brought the pair back into the fold after being promoted from the under-23s side to replace Montse Tome, whose contract was not extended by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) when it expired in August.

Hermoso, who has 57 goals for her country, last featured in a 15-minute substitute appearance against Canada in October 2024.

She was not part of Tome’s plans for Euro 2025, where where Spain lost to England on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Spain are the reigning Women’s Nations League champions and Bermudez will lead the side for the first time in the first leg – which takes place on Friday, 24 October in Malaga – with the return in Gothenburg four days later.

Hermoso played a key role in Spain’s 2023 World Cup success, beating England in the final, and her three goals and performances helped her win the Silver Ball at the tournament.

But she then became the centre of controversy when the then-RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed her on the lips without her consent as she went to collect her winner’s medal in Sydney.

Despite resisting calls to resign, Rubiales was forced to step down from his role and fined 10,800 euros (£8,942) as Spain’s High Court found him guilty of sexual assault.

Hermoso subsequently played a part in Spain’s qualification for Euro 2025 and helped them progress to the bronze-medal match at the Paris Olympics, which they lost to Germany.

But after the appearance against Canada, Tome said she did not select the forward due to her performances for her Mexican club.

“I understand that she is angry for not being called up when she feels she has to be,” said Tome.

“I try to be respectful, I have always been. I have given my arguments, I have a clear conscience and I know that I have worked professionally. We have followed Jenni in her team with the help of information from her coaches.”

Leon, 30, returns after last playing at Euro 2022, where Spain were beaten by the Lionesses in the quarter-finals.

She was then one of 15 players who asked not to be called up amid a dispute over working conditions and the conduct of then-head coach Jorge Vilda.

While most of those players on strike returned after Vilda was replaced by his former assistant Tome in September 2023 following the Rubiales scandal, Leon did not.

I can’t bank on three years at Man Utd – Amorim

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim thinks it is important Sir Jim Ratcliffe went public with his long-term thoughts – but says nothing is certain about tomorrow in football, let alone three years.

In an interview with The Times last week, Ratcliffe said it could take Amorim three years to make a significant impact at Old Trafford.

Coming in a period when Amorim’s future has been under scrutiny following an extended sequence of disappointing results, the comments helped quell some of the immediate pressure.

But, speaking before the 100th meeting with old rivals Liverpool at Anfield, the United boss stressed that the future is hard to predict in football.

“It is really good to hear it but he tells me all the time, sometimes with a message after games – but you know, I know and Jim knows, that football is not like that,” he said.

“The most important thing is the next game. Even with owners, you cannot control the next day in football.”

Chief executive Omar Berrada has admitted it has taken far longer for Amorim to adapt to the Premier League following his move from Sporting last November than anyone imagined.

United have won 10 times in 34 Premier League matches under the 40-year-old. They are yet to win two league games in a row and have not ended a round of league games this season higher than ninth.

The dire statistics are stretching belief in the manager among the United fanbase heading into a sequence of matches their club has been awful in for the past two seasons.

Amorim said he does not feel the uncertainty internally at the club’s Carrington training ground and is adamant nothing can match the pressure he puts on his players – and in some senses, he would prefer Ratcliffe not to be trying to bring a sense of calm because he fears the impact it could have on the team.

“It’s not just a thing that people talk about, I feel it every day,” he said. “It’s really good to hear it because it helps our fans to understand the leadership know it is going to take a while.

“But at the same moment, I don’t like it because it gives a feeling that we have time to work things out. I don’t want that feeling in our club.

“The pressure I put on the team or on myself is so much bigger [than that from outside]. In football, especially in big clubs, you need to prove yourself every weekend.”

Usyk targeting 2026 return but rules out Itauma

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

Oleksandr Usyk says he will continue to fight for two more years and plans to return to the ring in 2026, but has ruled out a bout with British heavyweight Moses Itauma.

Usyk, 38, stopped Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

The Ukrainian, who also previously held all four recognised world titles at cruiserweight, had previously hinted that he would fight only once more before retiring.

However, the pound-for-pound star appears to have reversed that decision.

“I’ll fight until I’m 41,” Usyk told the Ready to Fight website. “Then I’ll build a sports academy – I’ll train there and train others.”

Usyk said he is back in training after being sidelined by a back injury which forced the postponement of a fight with WBO mandatory challenger Joseph Parker.

He added that, “God willing”, he will return next year but dismissed 20-year-old Chatham fighter Itauma as a potential opponent.

“No, I won’t fight Itauma,” Usyk said. “He’s young – always teasing me. And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas.

“I can’t say who exactly [I’ll fight next] because negotiations are ongoing. I’d be lying if I gave you a name.”

Itauma extended his unbeaten record to 13 wins, with 11 knockouts, by stopping former world title challenger Dillian Whyte inside two minutes in August.

The WBA has ordered its secondary champion, Kubrat Pulev, to face Itauma next, although the Bulgarian is keen to defend his belt against Murat Gassiev in Dubai in December.

Matiang’i: Day Raila swore himself as people’s president was my greatest test as Interior CS

By

John Mutiso

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October 17, 2025

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has reflected on one of the most iconic moments in Kenya’s political history — the day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga swore himself in as the “People’s President” at Uhuru Park.

Speaking in a media interview with Citizen TV on Friday, Matiang’i described the January 30, 2018, event as the greatest test of his career as the country’s security chief.

He noted, however, that it was a test they managed to pass, despite the presence of thousands of supporters at the venue.

“When Raila went to swear himself in at Uhuru Park, it was the greatest test for me as the Minister for Security. We discussed the issue with other members of the security council and agreed that it was a test we had to pass,” Matiang’i said.

“It was a test we passed, because not a single shot was fired despite there being almost 7,000 people in the field.”

He revealed that ahead of the ceremony, security chiefs held extensive discussions and agreed that the only way to manage the situation was to ensure no bloodshed.

“We had assured ourselves that it was a test we had to pass. And we did, because no shots were fired,” Matiang’i recalled.

The self-swearing ceremony came just months after Kenya’s disputed 2017 elections.

President Uhuru Kenyatta had been sworn in for a second term after winning a repeat poll in October, which Raila boycotted.

The opposition leader, insisting he was the rightful winner of the first annulled election, staged his own symbolic oath-taking at Uhuru Park, complete with thousands of cheering supporters and a Bible in hand.

At the time, the government had warned against the event. Media outlets covering it were briefly shut down.

Reflecting on Raila himself, Matiang’i noted that beyond the political brinkmanship, the ODM leader carried an aura of lightheartedness that defused tension even in difficult times.

“What always amazed me about Raila Odinga was that every time we met, even during difficult moments, there was never a time he failed to laugh or make a light-hearted joke about it,” Matiang’i said.

“There was no hatred between us. For me, it was duty. And for him, politics was never a matter of hatred or blood.”

The Uhuru Park event remains a defining chapter in the country’s political history.

The former Prime Minister died on October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i is among the top leaders who have expressed condolences to the family following the loss.

Earlier on Friday morning, he joined other leaders and citizens at Parliament Buildings to pay his last respects to the late veteran leader. He also attended the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium.

In a solemn moment of reflection, Matiang’i honoured the legacy of a patriot whose unwavering fight for democracy and justice helped shape the course of Kenya’s history.