Gundogan Ready To Be A Mentor For Barca’s Young Midfielders

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July 17, 2023

Barcelona’s new midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said it was an easy decision to join the Spanish giants mainly because of the role he expects to take as a mentor for the team’s young squad.

The German international, 32, was presented at Barcelona’s training facilities on Monday, following the signing of a two-year contract on a free transfer after his departure from Manchester City.

He captained the English club to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble last season, ending a successful seven-year stint in England where he won 12 major trophies in total.

When asked about Barcelona’s youth and talent in midfield especially, Gundogan said he had a lot to offer the team with his experience.

“They are incredible, Gavi, Pedri, Luuk De Jong… I come with more experience because my life and my career have not been easy and I think my experience can help a lot,” Gundogan told a press conference.

“They are a very talented young group of players who do better things than me. If I can give them at least 1 per cent, I’ll be happy.

“Even though I’m older, I’m prepared for the challenge and I still have a lot to prove.”

Having worked under former Barca manager Pep Guardiola at City, Gundogan expected an easy transition to life at the LaLiga champions with manager Xavi Hernandez.

“The style is very similar to what I played at City,” he said.

“Guardiola and Xavi are very similar. I felt a connection with Xavi from the first moment we talked. When I spoke to him I knew they were on the right track.

“It’s an incredible team and an opportunity to be able to play in a different league and in a different country.

“We will try to fight for the Champions League title. It is a responsibility to wear this shirt and I will try to give my best to win as many titles as possible.”

Kane Chat ‘Nothing Earth-Shattering’ – Postecoglou

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John Mutiso

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July 17, 2023

New Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says he has spoken to Harry Kane but the chat was “nothing earth-shattering”.

The 29-year-old England captain has been linked with a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich this summer.

Postecoglou said that while Kane is still at Spurs, he remains “totally committed to what we’re doing”.

Spurs are in Postecoglou’s native Australia, preparing to face West Ham in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.

At a news conference in Perth on Monday, Postecoglou said: “I had a good chat with Harry.

“It was nothing earth-shattering as people are seeking. Just a good chat, introduced myself, and we spoke mainly about the club, where it’s at and where he thinks can improve.

“It’s not a specific vision for one person, it’s about the group and we’re perfectly aligned on that – we want to see a successful team this year.”

Kane, who has one year left on his contract at Tottenham, was selected in the squad for the tour of Australia and the Far East, but former France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was left out.

In a statement, Spurs said club captain Lloris, 36, had been omitted so he can “explore prospective transfer opportunities”.

Bayern have reportedly made two bids for Kane, and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy met with officials from the German giants last Thursday over the possible sale.

Uli Hoeness, who is Bayern’s honorary president, said in an interview there had been talks with Kane’s advisers and the Bavarian club were confident they will sign him.

Kane has yet to make a decision on his future, but the PA news agency reported Spurs have offered their record scorer a new contract that features a significant increase on his current £200,000-a-week deal.

Postecoglou is confident Kane, who scored 30 Premier League goals last season, is “not going to get fazed by anything”.

The 57-year-old said: “He’s here and while he’s here, he’s totally committed to what we’re doing, and that’s the way I’ve seen things.

“No one has spoken to me from Munich. If other clubs want to talk about our contracted players, that’s more of an issue for them than us.

“We’ve got nearly a month until the season starts, the transfer window’s still open, so we’ll see what transpires.”

After visiting Perth, Tottenham will fly to Thailand, where they will face Leicester on 23 July before heading to Singapore for a game against local side Lion City on 26 July.

CS Tuya, German Ambassador to Kenya Officially Launch ACS Website

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Vanessa Kariuki

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July 17, 2023

Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya and German Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Sebastian Groth met to officially launch the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) website, social media platforms, and registration portal.

The launch of the website heralds the official beginning of the registration and accreditation processes for the first ACS and the annual Africa Climate Week set for September 4–6, 2023, and September 4–8, 2023, respectively.

The media outlets are crucial for coordinating campaigns, disseminating news and updates on climate-related events, and inspiring people to participate in climate activism.

“The launch of the Africa Climate Summit website is a huge milestone. We have just processed a climate amendment bill that will be tabled in Parliament tomorrow,” said CS Tuya.

She added, “The development of the website has been made possible by the Federal Government of Germany. We encourage donors to plug in as there are still needs towards the realization of a successful summit.”

Also in attendance are PS Eng Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change) and Mr Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), several MPs as well Special Climate Envoy Mr Ali Mohamed and ACS CEO Mr Joseph Ng’ang’a among other senior Gov’t officials.

Norway Threatens Ksh.14M Aily Fine On Facebook Owner Meta

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John Mutiso

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July 17, 2023

Norway’s data protection agency said Monday it would ban Facebook and Instagram owner Meta from using the personal information of users for targeted advertising, threatening a $100,000 (Ksh.14 million) daily fine if it continues.

The business practices of US big tech firms are under close scrutiny across Europe over concerns about privacy, with huge fines handed out in recent years.

The Norwegian watchdog, Datatilsynet, said Meta uses information such as the location of users, the content they like and their posts for marketing purposes.

“The Norwegian Data Protection Authority considers that the practice of Meta is illegal and is therefore imposing a temporary ban of behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram,” it said in a statement.

The ban will begin on August 4 and last three months to give Meta time to take corrective measures. The company will be fined one million kroner ($100,000) per day if it fails to comply.

Meta spokesman Matthew Pollard was quoted as saying by Norwegian public radio channel NRK that the company will review the demands and that the announcement will not have an immediate effect on its activities.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o Undergoes Spinal Surgery

By

John Mutiso

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July 17, 2023

Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o has undergone a successful spinal surgery at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

The surgery, conducted by a team of neurosurgeons based in the United States of America (USA), Germany and JOOTRH, becomes the first of its kind to be carried out at the referral facility, which is run by the County Government of Kisumu.

Nyong’o, who was admitted to the facility on Friday afternoon, underwent the specialised surgery courtesy of the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative, organised by Dr. Bethwel Raore from Atlanta, Georgia; Dr. Victor Awuor from Columbus, Ohio and Dr. Timothy Ogutu from Dusseldorf, Germany.

The neurosurgery team led by Dr. Bethwel Raore and Dr. Lee Ogutha teamed up with JOOTRH doctors, anesthesiologists and nurses under the coordination of the facility’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. George Rae, to make the operation a success.

Nyong’o, who had been complaining of back pain, was diagnosed with a condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome, where tissue stenosis compresses nerves.

He lauded the team for undertaking the operation professionally with limited resources.

“Everything has gone extremely well and I am grateful to the hospital CEO, Dr. George Rae and his team for taking very good care of me,” he said.

“I was discharged home the next day on Saturday and I am recovering well. This has given me tremendous relief on my nerves, which were compressed,” he added.

He appreciated the efforts of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) doctors, nurses and nutritionists for exemplary service.

The historic operation, he said, was proof that, with adequate skill development, complex surgeries can be performed in the country.

“It is now very clear to me that even with the existing resources, both human and technical, we have the capacity to treat conditions that we sometimes shy away from and end up sending huge personal resources elsewhere,” he said.

Nyong’o, who went back to the facility to thank the doctors, asked the County Department of Health to enhance the quality of services at all levels to enhance access to quality health care at affordable and accessible rates.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate JOOTRH and I am proud to give my stamp of approval to the health services you provide. I encourage you to always put the client first. Thank you for literally saving my back,” he said.

For the last eight years, the neurosurgery team has been visiting Kisumu to help build capacity for JOOTRH and give back to the community.

Head of the delegation, Dr. Bethwel Raore, said the goal of the initiative is to build capacity for neurosurgery at the facility to help the community and the country.

“We are sons of the soil, so we are here to give back to the community through building capacity for this hospital. We thank all the patients, including the governor, for trusting us,” he said.

FREEDOM: Court Acquits Archbishop Gilbert Deya Of Child Trafficking Charges

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 17, 2023

A Nairobi Court has acquitted controversial Bishop Gilbert Juma Deya of stealing five children.

Robison Ondieki, a senior principal magistrate in Milimani, concluded that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Bishop Deya.

The court determined that the accused’s burden of proof was lacking because none of the evidence placed the accused where the subjects were retrieved.

According to the learned Magistrate, a strong suspicion does not render someone guilty.

“The prosecution having failed to establish circumstantial evidence, I acquit the accused under section 250 of the CPC,” the magistrate stated.

Deya found himself becoming a constant visitor along the corridors of Justice in 2017 when he was charged with five charges of child theft.

Deya told the court in early May that the authorities invented the theft of five children case against him since there was no evidence.

While defending himself, the bishop, who was deported to Kenya from the UK on August 4, 2017, to face child theft accusations, disputed all five counts leveled against him by the state.

Chebukati Congratulates Wife After Being Sworn In As CRA Chairperson

By

John Mutiso

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July 17, 2023

Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has written a message of congratulations to his wife Mary Wanyonyi Chebukati.

Chebukati congratulated Mary on her appointment as Chairperson of the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA), a position she assumed after taking the oath of office on Monday morning.

“Your dedication and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the Mandate of the CRA and prosperity for all Kenyans. Keep your fidelity to the Constitution and the Law. Wishing you great success in this important role,” Chebukati wrote in a tweet on Monday

Mary was sworn in as Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the ceremony on Monday.

Ms Wanyonyi was appointed CRA chairperson by President Ruto in May 2023. She will succeed Jane Kiringai, who retired in February 2023.

Azimio Maintains Three-Day Anti-Government Protests Still On

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John Mutiso

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July 17, 2023

Despite the government’s stern warnings, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has claimed that the plan to hold anti-government protests from Wednesday to Friday is still on.

Speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) on Monday, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi stated that they will not back down from exercising their constitutional mandate of peaceful protests.

The Ugunja MP argued that no authority, including President William Ruto, could stop them from carrying out their planned protests.

“The peaceful protests planned for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week are on as earlier declared by our leaders. These protests will go on in line with Article 37 of our Constitution which provides for freedom of peaceful assembly and picketing and no authority has got the power to suspend the operations of Article 37, no person, authority, agency, not William Ruto, Kithure Kindiki, not Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.

“No person and anybody purporting to stop demonstrations is deluding themselves because they have no power.”

At the same time, he said that the signature collection drive to oust President Ruto is still on course and it will happen simultaneously with the protests.

“We can also confirm that the signature collection is going on and it will proceed side by side with the protests. This exercise is also protected under Article 1 of our Constitution,” he said.

Wandayi lashed out at the government, demanding that Ruto resign and admit the failure of their policies in order to ” pave way for a regime that has solutions.”

He contended that the state has lost touch with its citizens, which is one of the reasons citizens are protesting across the country.

“We are shocked at how fast Kenya Kwanza has lost contact with the people and how they don’t understand what Kenyans are going through,” he said.

“Kenya Kwanza claims that the protests are not about the cost of living. In their view, the cost of living is not so high as to warrant protests that is how a regime that has abandoned people’s agenda thinks,” he added.

“If Kenya Kwanza’s solutions are not working for the people then they need to get out of power, just disband and quit.”

Azimio: Kenyans Don’t Eat Government, They Want Food

By

John Mutiso

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July 17, 2023

The Azimio la Umoja coalition now claims that Kenyans are tired of President William Ruto’s regime and that they no longer care.

Senate Minority leader Stewart Madzayo said while Kenyans ask the state to lower the cost of living and reduce taxes, the government continues to talk about funds.

Speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) on Monday, Madzayo insisted that all Kenyans want is food, because they cannot eat the government.

“Kenyans have specifically asked for the cost of goods to come down and taxes reduced but Kenya Kwanza is talking about deficit and funds. We have seen Kenya Kwanza resort to tired phrases like “Lord of violence” it won’t work,” he said.

“People don’t care. All that they want is food and decent standards of living… The people realise they don’t eat the government. People eat food and they want food,” he said.

The senator stated that, contrary to what Kenya Kwanza leaders claim, the protestors come from all walks of life, including some from parties affiliated with the ruling coalition.

“The thousands of Kenyans turning up for protests are not just Azimio supporters. Those are Kenyans from across all political and non-political formations who have been brought together by suffering,” Madzayo stated.

“The protesters are from Azimio, Ford Kenya, ANC, and even Kenya Kwanza.”

He added that it is clear that Kenya Kwanza is struggling on all fronts, and he urged Kenyans to wake up to the reality that they are on their own.

“We have to fight for ourselves,” he said.

It Wasn’t Me, MP Mbai Denies Assaulting A Kenya Power Officer

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John Mutiso

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July 17, 2023

Kitui East Member of Parliament Nimrod Mbai has denied allegations of assaulting a Kenya Power officer.

Asserting his innocence, Mbai, who claims to be a pastor, stated that he had no knowledge of the incident in question and claimed that the video footage had been tampered with.

“No, I never assaulted anyone. Did you see me? I am a pastor and did not do that,” he said.

He had been summoned to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission following the incident.

And after spending almost four hours, he walked out and said it was not him who committed the offense.

Expressing no remorse, he, however, defended his actions, stating that if given another opportunity, he would handle the situation differently.

In the viral video doing rounds on social media, the MP can be seen hurling insults at the Kenya Power officers before repeatedly slapping one of them.

EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak condemned MP Mbai’s behaviour calling on Kenyans to choose their leaders wisely.

Mbai is accused of slapping a Kenya Power engineer who was reportedly seeking to disconnect an illegal power line at the legislator’s home in Kitengela, Kajiado County.

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