Bayern Forward Mane Considers Saudi Arabia Offer

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July 24, 2023

Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane is considering an offer to join Saudi Arabia Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Mane, 31, has fallen out of favour at the Bundesliga champions after an underwhelming first season following a £35m move from Liverpool last summer.

Reports suggest Bayern are open to selling the Senegal international, with manager Thomas Tuchel saying Mane “fell short of expectations”.

Mane has spoken to Al-Nassr but no deal has been agreed with the Saudi club.

If Mane does move, he would link up with former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo, while ex-Red Devil Alex Telles and Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic have both joined the club this summer.

After a successful spell at Anfield where he won the Champions League and Premier League, Mane moved to Germany last summer stating it was the “right time for this challenge”.

But his time there has turned sour after reports he punched team-mate Leroy Sane following a Champions League defeat by Manchester City in April for which he was dropped from the squad as well as fined.

Mane played 38 games for Bayern last season, scoring 12 goals, and boss Tuchel added: “The competitive situation is extremely high, the starting position is not easy for him.

“The player knows that too, he knows my opinion and the opinion of the club.”

Saudi Arabian Club Al Hilal Make Record KSh47 Billion Bid For Mbappe

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John Mutiso

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July 24, 2023

Al Hilal have made a world-record KSh47 Billion[£259m] bid to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French champions have put Mbappe up for sale and left him out of their squad for the pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea having made it clear they only want to include players who are committed to the club.

Al Hilal’s record-breaking offer is not the only one PSG have received. They have been approached with a mix of offers for Mbappe, including cash plus players, but Al Hilal have shown their intention after tabling a world-record bid.

At least five clubs contacted PSG over the weekend to register their interest in signing Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.

The 24-year-old has been put up for sale by the French champions after refusing to sign a new deal, with his contract set to expire next summer.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has no intention of losing him for free in 2024, and he was left out of their squad for their pre-season tour of Japan in a clear indication that the club are ready to offload the forward.

This has put clubs around the world on alert that Mbappe is available, and more than five teams have reached out to PSG in recent days, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

It is understood that some of the clubs interested in Mbappe are in the Premier League, and they have been informed PSG could be open to loaning their star striker out.

Gabon’s Bongo To Face 18 Candidates In Presidential Vote

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John Mutiso

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July 24, 2023

Gabon’s leader Ali Bongo Ondimba will face 18 other candidates in next month’s presidential election, authorities announced Monday.

Bongo is favourite to win a third term at the head of the oil-rich West African state ruled by his family for 55 years.

The 64-year-old, who took over from his father, Omar Bongo Ondimba in 2009, officially announced in July that he would run again.

His leading rivals include Alexandre Barro Chambrier of the opposition Rally for the Fatherland and Modernity (RPM) party and the National Union’s head Paulette Missambo.

The opposition failed to agree on a single candidate to challenge Bongo in the August 26 poll, but candidates are former ministers and part of the Alternance 2023 coalition.

Bongo’s powerful Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) holds strong majorities in both houses of parliament.

The president was narrowly re-elected in 2016, with just 5,500 more votes than rival Jean Ping who claimed the election had been fixed.

Announcement of the results sparked violence in the capital Libreville that left five dead, according to the government. The opposition says 30 people were shot dead by the security forces.

Bongo suffered a stroke in 2018 and spent months on the sidelines recovering, leaving the opposition to question his fitness to run the nation.

In April, the Gabonese parliament voted to amend the constitution and reduce the president’s term from seven to five years.

The presidential ballot will coincide with elections for the National Assembly and regional and local councils.

Gabon is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of per capita GDP due largely to its oil revenue and relatively small population of 2.3 million.

A third of the population live below the poverty threshold, according to the World Bank.

Nyege Nyege Festival Kenyan Organizers Announce New dates And Venue

By

John Mutiso

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July 24, 2023

The Nyege Nyege Kenyan Edition organisers have come out to clear the air and set the record straight on the confusion surrounding the upcoming Kenyan leg of the famous festival.

Nyege Nyege, a renowned arts and music festival with Ugandan roots, trended early last month after the Kenyan organisers took to Twitter to distance themselves from their Kampala counterparts.

The statement sparked a lengthy online debate in which Kenyans and Ugandans argued over the authenticity of the Kenyan festival and the legality of its name.

The Kenyan Nyege Nyege Festival’s head of public relations, Mariita Mairura, told members of the press that the event is still going on and that, despite earlier confusion, the Kenyan team is not affiliated with the Ugandan team.

“After we made our earlier statement, there was a lot of confusion regarding the event’s name. We wish to state that we are still on and that we reached an agreement with the Ugandan team who gave us their blessings and have allowed us to go ahead with our version, ” he said.

While acknowledging the name’s similarities, Mariita stated that the team chose the name ‘Nyege Nyege’ in the East African spirit of bringing countries together and that, unlike the Ugandan version, the Kenyan version would avoid negative publicity, raunchiness, and runaway immorality.

“Our theme is – music and mental wellness. We want to incorporate art, East African culture and cuisine and fuse it with mental wellness. We’ve also introduced East African fashion and wish to use the event to showcase the better side of each of our countries and show young people that they can have fun without excessive drinking and sexual debauchery, ” he said.

The organisers also took the time to explain that, while the name ‘Nyege Nyege’ may have negative connotations in some parts of Uganda, they were essentially using the festival’s brand name to maintain the East African vibe rather than to attract crowds by riding on the already-popular name.

The event, which will take place from September 1st to 3rd at the expansive Savannah Park Grounds in Naivasha, will feature exhilarating performances from some of East Africa’s biggest names in music.

“We have Kenyan superstars as well as big names from Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and Tanzania,” Mariita said.

Ugandan and South Sudan teams also made a brief appearance, as if to give credence to the event and to shore up support.

“As the South Sudanese, we’re excited to be part of the Kenyan team behind Nyege Nyege and wish to state that we’re fully behind the people behind it and can’t wait to bring all our people and communities together,” Bhakita Deng said.

Mungiki Ex-Leader Maina Njenga Remanded At Industrial Area Pending Bail Ruling

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Cyrus Kimanga

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July 24, 2023

Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga was arraigned before the Makadara Law Courts on July 24, five days after his whereabouts remained unknown.

Njenga and two others were apprehended on July 19 in the Olosurutia district of Kajiado County.

Njenga, Peter Kamunya, and Felix Lakishe were arrested on July 19 with “…cannabis weighing 1.224 grams with a market value of Ksh.36,720 and cocaine weighing 486 grams with a market value of Ksh.1.944. 000 concealed in plastic bag packages in motor vehicle make Toyota Hilux Surf registration number KCJ 413X.”

The charge sheet further stated that on July 20, the three were found armed with 14 machetes, 24 Maasai swords, 46 rungus and three jembe sticks.

They are also said to have jointly organized an unlawful assembly and procession scheduled to take place within Nairobi city county and other parts of the nation.

They were also charged with intent to incite members of the public to violence and organizing an unlawful assembly.

The bail ruling was pushed to Tuesday, July 25 at 9 am, and he will be remanded at the industrial area police station in Nairobi.

Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, 2 MCAs Charged, Freed On Sh100K

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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July 24, 2023

Mathare Mp Anthony Olouch and two Nairobi MCAs have been charged with conspiracy to commit subversive activities against the law by inciting members of the public to demonstrate.

The trio were represented by a bunch of renowned lawyers including the President of the Law Society of Kenya, Eric Theuri, Advocate Felix Keaton among other Lawyers who expressed a lot of disappointment to the ODPP for violating High Court orders which barred the police from arresting Hon. Anthony Oluoch.

Olouch, Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok and Kitusuru MCA Alvin Orlando appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina and denied that with others not before the court, they mobilized and incited members of the public to commit subversive activities by demonstrating.

They allegedly committed the offence on July 12 within Nairobi County.

Lawyers led by LSK President Eric Theuri, Peter Kaluma among others urged the court to release the accused persons on bail stating that they are state officers.

Theuri said the accused have a fixed abode and are not a flight risk.

“Your honour, release the suspects on free bond citing that they cannot abscond court proceedings,” Theuri told court.

He questioned how many people will be charged with similar offences of demonstrating.

“I plead with you to release the accused on free bond as this is a trial you wouldn’t be happy to listen to,” Theuri pleaded.

The defence further asked to be supplied with witness statements as they intend to move to the High Court to challenge the proceedings on violations of their rights.

Kaluma submitted that Olouch was arrested on the 20th of July at 4 pm and was not presented in court within 24 hours. His rights were violated by not granting him bond or bail pending his arraignment in court.

“The courts are the temple of justice as at long last, the accused had to appear before you,” Kaluma said.

Kaluma added that the government is determined to have all Azimio leaders be arrested and brought before this court including himself.

He said the police are waiting for him outside the court to arrest him, but ‘I will deal with them when I get to the dock.’

“Oluoch is sick as he suffers from Hypertension and it will be good if the court releases the accused person on free bond to prove to the state that the courts are independent.”

The court also heard that Olouch was tortured while in police cells.

The court was told that despite Imwatok being granted anticipatory bail of Sh100,000, the police arrested and detained him.

Theuri urged the court to give orders that the police should stop the illegal arrests or rearrests of people who already have been granted anticipatory bail. But if police need them let them appear before a police station with their lawyers so that we can have dignity in our country.

“It is so shameful of the continued arrests,” he said.

The prosecution did not oppose bail but urged the court not to release the suspects on free bond.

Onyina considered the submissions by the defence and released Olouch on a cash bail of Sh100,000 while Olando and Imwatok were released on Sh70,000 each.

The court directed the defence to make a report on the allegations of torture raised before the court.

The case will be mentioned on August 8 for pretrial.

Olouch was arrested by police on Thursday evening while he was fuelling his car at a petrol station near Nakumatt Junction on Ngong Road.

The three are accused of dishing out money to young people to lure them to the demonstrations.

‘They Wanted To Plant Guns, Drugs On My Son…’ Uhuru Says

By

John Mutiso

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July 24, 2023

Days after police raided former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s son Jomo’s home, the former Head of State has spoken out again, claiming that there was a plan to plant guns and drugs on him during the Friday night operation.

Mr Kenyatta addressed the alleged cache of guns held by his two sons, Jomo and Muhoho, during a meeting with news editors on Monday.

“This gun issue is surrounded by lots of propaganda to divert attention from what has been happening,” he said.

“I believe they wanted to plant drugs and guns in my son’s compound.”

An angry Kenyatta says the incident hurt him.

“I went because of a distress call from my son; I was not drunk, I was extremely hurt,” he said.

According to Uhuru, his two sons have three guns each and his daughter has none, which they were forced to apply for after their security was withdrawn immediately President William Ruto’s government took over office last year.

“My son Jomo who has never been interested in weapons, was forced to apply for a gun after his security was withdrawn, immediately after the new administration came into office,” disclosed Uhuru.

The former Head of State revealed that his plea to the new administration to extend the security of his children for one year to allow them to acclimatize to the new life was rejected.

“I know there is no provision in law to extend the security of my children despite my request. I therefore encouraged them to apply and they followed due process. They went to DCI and even their figure prints were taken and issued with the license,” explained Uhuru.

My son Jomo applied for three guns for his family’s protection, which is also vital in the operations at our farm in Narok county, with the open safari camps.

“My younger son has an interest in guns and it’s because of his hobby of shooting birds in Mwea, an irrigation scheme to scare them away. They are for animals and he applied after I was out of office,” he added.

According to the former President, none of the boys have received orders to surrender their firearms, contrary to what has been reported in the media and by top government officials.

The Fourth President argued that it was important to secure guns for protection, as his children as at risk and therefore can not take chances.

Kilifi South MP, Speaker, Released on Ksh.100,000 Bond and Ksh.50,000 Bail

By

Vanessa Kariuki

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July 24, 2023

Kilifi South MP Ken Chong Kiti, the speaker of Kilifi Teddy Mwambire Ngumbao and their two co-accused, Patrick Chiro Charo and Victor Katana Mwaganga, have all been freed by a Mombasa court on a Ksh 100,000 bond with one surety and an alternative cash bail of Ksh 50,000 apiece.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Alex Gituma, however, had objected to the release of four suspects on bond because he believed that the politicians and their aides would also obstruct the investigation and put witnesses in danger.

The four are accused of engaging in an unlawful assembly in violation of provision 78(1) read in conjunction with section 79 of the penal code, found in Kenyan law chapter 63.

The four allegedly gathered and demonstrated on July 19, 2023, in the Mtwapa district of Kilifi County’s South Sub-County, inciting public fear and upsetting the peace.

The case will be mentioned on 8 August 2023.

Ministry of ICT Eager to Play Role in Government’s Agenda for Digital Transformation

By

Vanessa Kariuki

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July 24, 2023

Eliud Owalo, CS of the Ministry of Information Communications and the Digital Economy, and Tanui John, PS of ICT, were present at a meeting with the heads of ICT in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) this morning to discuss the role of ICT in carrying out the government’s agenda for digital transformation.

The Digital Transformation Agenda aims to boost Kenya’s digital economy while keeping pace with technology breakthroughs throughout the world.

The digital agenda emphasises four critical pillars: fostering digital innovation for entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure, digital services and data management, and digital skills.

The Digital Superhighway, which Mr. Owalo noted is a stand-alone BETA theme area intended to enable outstanding results in Agriculture, MSME economy, Housing and Settlement, Healthcare, Environment, and Climate Change, is important to the overall economy.

Additionally, he asked the ICT Officers of MDAs to collaborate with the PCOs to put in place a thorough communication strategy that would help Kenyan citizens comprehend the significance of digitising government records and digitilizing government services.

Sudan General Dares President Ruto To A Fight

By

John Mutiso

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July 24, 2023

Sudan Armed Forces General Yasser Al-Atta has challenged President William Ruto to engage the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) in a fight, escalating animosity that has been simmering for months.

In a video posted online, General Al-Atta mocked Ruto and told him not to join East African forces conducting a joint operation in the troubled Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Al-Atta faction has accused Kenya’s president of funding the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been fighting for control of Khartoum since the transitional government collapsed.

Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo, the RSF’s leader, has been accused by the Yasir unit of being a close ally of Kenya’s president.

“The state (Kenya) that supports you (RSF) and the mercenaries like you with money must also bring its army… leave the East African forces and come with your army to intervene and we are waiting for you,” Al-Atta stated.

After being appointed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), SAF rejected Ruto as a mediator in the ongoing conflict. Instead, SAF has asked South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit to lead the mediation team.

In his address, the General also criticised the presence of an East African force tasked with protecting civilians and aid workers in Khartoum as the war continues.

Sudan’s military rulers have also blamed an unnamed Gulf country for supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

General Alatta stated that the army’s ultimate goal was to keep a united Sudan “free from the Janjaweed menace.”

He emphasised that they do not seek to govern; rather, the political forces must come to an agreement and govern the country.

“Sudan is not a game of every unscrupulous politician, profiteer, and mercenary,” he added.

The army has deployed infantry forces in Khartoum to launch ground operations against RASF militiamen as the war enters its 100th day. The military has also established volunteer training camps in the Sudanese states of northern, eastern, and central Sudan.

Meanwhile, the pro-democracy coalition Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) is holding its first meeting in Cairo since the war in Sudan began.

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