Arsenal beat Rapid Vienna to secure three point in the Europa League

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October 23, 2020

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said there is more to come from “fantastic” Thomas Partey after the midfielder’s superb full debut in the 2-1 Europa League win at Rapid Vienna.

David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored two goals in five second-half minutes after a Bernd Leno mistake had gifted Taxiarchis Fountas the opener to ensure the Gunners began Group B with a victory.

But it was the performance of £45m deadline day signing Partey that stood out. The former Atletico Madrid player was a calm presence in midfield, breaking down attacks and building play with apparently effortless ease.

It was only Partey’s second appearance in an Arsenal shirt after a late cameo in the 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in the Premier League at the weekend, and Arteta is excited by what is to come from the Ghana international.

“I think he held the midfield by himself in the second half when we were a little bit more open,” said the Arsenal boss. “He started to take more chances attacking certain spaces with some players.

“I think he was fantastic and there is much more to come from him.”

No to racism and no to rudeness, Journalist apologised to Ansu Fati

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 23, 2020

A Spanish journalist has apologised after comparing Barcelona’s Ansu Fati to a black street vendor in their 5-1 Champions League win over Ferencvaros.

Fati, 17, scored and made a goal in Tuesday’s match and was supported by team-mate Antoine Griezmann on Twitter.

Griezmann said: “Ansu is an exceptional boy who deserves respect like any human being. No to racism and no to rudeness.”

Fati is the first player under 18 to score two Champions League goals.

Salvador Sostres’ match report in Spanish newspaper ABC had likened the Spain winger to a “black street vendor” who “you suddenly see running” when the police arrive.

In an apology published by ABC on Thursday, Sostres said that he was attempting to “praise the beauty of Ansu’s movements” and was “deeply sorry for any misunderstanding”.

Maddison and Barnes score to secure Leicester win

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 23, 2020

England internationals James Maddison and Harvey Barnes scored their first European goals as Leicester marked their return to continental action with a comfortable home win.

The Foxes had looked set to secure Champions League football for the majority of last season but set about their task in the second-tier competition with zest after a sticky start.

Ukrainian visitors Zorya had their moments in the opening stages and Kasper Schmeichel was called into serious action with the score at 0-0.

But even without the injured Jamie Vardy, Brendan Rodgers’ side ultimately had too much.

Barnes, the standout performer on the night, curled a shot against the post and when Kelechi Iheanacho flicked the loose ball out, Maddison had a simple finish.

Barnes then ran through the heart of the Zorya defence to clip in a second and Iheanacho took advantage of a defensive lapse to score the third.

The match was also notable as Stephanie Frappart – who became the first female referee to officiate a major men’s European match when she took charge of last year’s Uefa Super Cup – made an immaculate Europa League debut.

WHO diagnosis kit for Covid-19 has boost management of pandemic

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 22, 2020

By Wilson Wambua and Agencies

The roll-out of new, World Health Organization (WHO) approved antigen-based rapid diagnosis kit for Covid 19 has boosted the management of the pandemic in Africa.

The approved kits have significantly increased the number of people tested. The initiative comes at a time when the pandemic cycle is revisiting Kenya after a false flattening optimism. Many African countries have struggled to test in sufficient numbers to control the pandemic. with only 12 in the region reaching a key threshold of 10 tests per 10 000 people per week during the past month. They have also often fallen short when compared to other countries of a similar size in a different region. For example, Senegal has significantly boosted its testing capacity but is testing 14 times less than the Netherlands. Nigeria is testing 11 times less than Brazil.

“The widespread use of high-quality rapid testing in Africa can revolutionize the continent’s response to COVID-19,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “The new, antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests will help meet the huge testing needs in Africa.”

Most countries in the region conduct polymerase chain reaction or PCR tests, the gold standard, which require laboratories, reagents and experts, limiting COVID-19 testing mostly to large cities. People can wait from 48 hours to more than ten days for results as they are sent for laboratory verification.

The new rapid tests are easy to use, cheaper than PCR tests and provide the results in just 15–30 minutes, enabling countries to decentralize testing.

“Most African countries are focused on testing travellers, patients or contacts, and we estimate that a significant number of cases are still missed. With rapid testing, authorities can stay a step ahead of COVID-19 by scaling up active case finding in challenging environments, such as crowded urban neighbourhoods and communities in the hinterlands.” said Dr Moeti.

Rapid antigen tests are an addition to PCR tests, not a replacement for them, and WHO recommends tests that are above 80% accurate. They are more reliable in patients who are symptomatic, with a high viral load, or a lot of virus in their upper respiratory tract.

Currently the two tests which WHO has approved for emergency use are the “standard Q COVID-19 Antigen Test by SD Biosensor Inc” and the “Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device” manufactured by Abbott. They test for proteins produced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Bodily fluids are taken from a nasal swab and applied with liquid to a paper strip, where a dye gives the result.

WHO recommends that rapid antigen tests should be used in four scenarios: in suspected outbreaks where there is no access to PCR testing, including in remote, hard-to-reach areas; to trace the extent of an outbreak where at least one case is detected through PCR, including in close-contact settings such as prisons; among high-risk groups like health workers; and in areas with widespread community transmission.

Globally, 120 million of these tests are being made available to low- and middle-income countries through the ACT-Accelerator, a coalition launched by WHO and partners, comprising international organizations, the private sector and philanthropy. It aims to expedite the development, production and availability of promising tests, vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Under the umbrella of the ACT-Accelerator, UNITAID, the Global Fund, FIND and the Africa Centres for Disease Control will distribute the tests in 20 African countries. WHO is also supporting countries to procure the tests through the supply portal set up by the United Nations.

WHO is working hand in hand with countries and partners to prepare for the roll out of the rapid tests by deploying technical experts, developing a training package and issuing key guidance documents with detailed information on which situation and how to use the tests.

Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Dr Abdoulaye Toure, Director-General of the National Institute of Public Health, Guinea; and Dr Susan Ndidde Nabadda, Head of the Ugandan National Health Laboratory Services and Central Public Health Laboratory.

BBI is the panacea for most of Kenya’s historical challenges, President Kenyatta tells Kisumu residents

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 22, 2020

President Uhuru Kenyatta today rallied Kisumu residents to back the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) saying the process will lead to a more cohesive, equal and progressive Kenya.

The Head of State spoke Thursday at various stops during a day-long inspection tour of national government development projects in Kisumu County.

The President started his day in a closed door meeting with Nyanza leaders at the Kisumu Yacht Club before crossing the lakeside town to Mamboleo where he commissioned the construction of the Kshs 415 million Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.

From Mamboleo, the Head of State who was accompanied by opposition leader Raila Odinga, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, inspected the ongoing construction of the Kshs 600 million ultra-modern Uhuru Business Park Market Complex.

He then proceeded to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex (formerly Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground) where he commissioned the upgrading of the historic facility by the County Government of Kisumu to a modern recreation

The President concluded his tour at Kisumu Port where he inspected improvement works and witnessed the loading of eleven wagons of industrial sugar onto MV Uhuru headed for Port Bell in Uganda.

After years of neglect, the Government is restoring Kisumu Port into a modern harbor capable of handling huge volumes of cargo and human traffic from Kenya into the East African hinterland.

Speaking to thousands of Kisumu residents at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex, the President said recommendations in the BBI report released yesterday are the panacea for most of the historical challenges bedeviling the Kenyan nation.

“It must be taken together, it is a package that is addressing what ails the Republic of Kenya in the hope of making our country better, in the hope of making our country stronger, in the hope of ensuring our people are able to live a prosperous life without fear,” the President said.

The President acknowledged that there are proposals within the BBI report that require administrative and legislative actions but cautioned against quick fixes saying such attempts had failed in the past.

“I have heard some people say that some of the proposals in BBI only require administrative and legislative process, yes we are aware of that but what is required is a full package that will ensure complete healing of the country,” he said.

The Head of State appealed to leaders to unite and deliver justice to Kenyans through BBI, saying the process is not a political contest.

“We don’t want to leave anyone out, we want all Kenyans to be inside the house, all Kenyans to be contented. And if you have something which you feel has been left out, tell us so that we can include it,” he said.

The President also spoke about his coming together with opposition leader Raila Odinga saying the ‘handshake’ had brought about tranquillity in the country.

He challenged other leaders to emulate their example by cultivating a culture of dialogue and coming together to find solutions to challenges facing wananchi.

“I call on all Kenyan leaders, please let us join hands and do justice for all citizens. We want all Kenyans to work and live together peacefully, we don’t need to insult each other,” the President appealed.

The Head of State said the projects being rolled out by both the national and County Government of Kisumu are transforming the region and restoring the glory of Kisumu as a regional economic hub.

On the Jaramogi Odinga Sports complex, President Kenyatta announced that the national government will inject Kshs 100 million to support the upgrading which is being financed by the Kisumu County Government.

In Mamboleo, the President said the new stadium is a fulfilment of the promises he made to the football rich Nyanza region.

“We are here to fulfil the promises we had made in which we said we want to see proper development in Kenya and part of the pledges we had given was to put up proper sports facilities to enable our youth to develop their talents,” the President told the crowd that included a galaxy of Kenya’s football legends.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga who spoke at all venues addressed by the President drummed up support for the BBI saying the process will culminate into a national referendum.

“We don’t want this to be stopped, it will go up to referendum and we want 80 percent to say yes to BBI,” the former Premier said at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex.

Mr Odinga recalled Kenya’s founding fathers dream of having a peaceful, progressive and united country noting that dream can only be achieved through the BBI.

“For 56 years we have not been able to fulfil the vision of our founding fathers which was peace, unity and progress. It is for this reason we sat with my brother and agreed we take another route to achieve it,” the veteran politician said.

The ODM party leader decried the predictable cycle of elections related violence every five years saying proposals in the BBI report will help create a conducive environment for peaceful elections.

Expressway: CRBC says road piers will be complete in November

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 22, 2020

Contractors now say the iconic road piers located at the Bellevue area between South C and South B are 35 percent complete. – By Meshack Makau

A routine spot check by Uzalendo News team has established that the exceptionally tall piers will be complete within the first weeks of November.

The Contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation is eyeing on beating the December 2022 completion date, employing high tech pit drilling machines to reduce construction time.

Once complete, the project aims at decongesting the bumper to bumper traffic menace experienced on Mombasa road.

On a normal day, driving from Mlolongo to Westlands takes about two hours or more but once this state-of-art facility is completed one will approximately take 15 mins. This will save Nairobi losses made in the traffic congestion.

The Ksh 60 billion project is funded through public-private partnership with The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

The expressway runs from Mlolongo through JKIA and terminate at Rironi.

CRBC on their part, have lauded Kenyans for taking part in the construction of the highway.

Kenyans have taken time off their busy schedules to marvel at the speed and technology which the Nairobi Expressway is being built.

At the Bellevue pedestrian footbridge, residents mill around the project, even at some point, approaching CRBC contractors for further explanations.

Uhuru welcomed by mammoth crowd in Kisumu county

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 22, 2020

In what appears to be a reincarnation of the famous Kisumu tour by former president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Raila Odinga led his handshake partner Uhuru to the lakeside to visit big four agenda projects. – By Gerald Gekara.

President Uhuru Kenyatta acknowledged greetings from thousands of Kisumu City residents who turned out to welcome him at the start of his tour of development projects in the County

Uhuru toured several projects including the construction of the ultra-modern Uhuru Business Park Market Complex in Kisumu County.

President Uhuru Kenyatta inspects ongoing construction of the ultra-modern Uhuru Business Park Market Complex in Kisumu County. | PSCU

The Shs 600 million multi-purpose facility is being implemented by the National Government and will be ready for use by the end of 2020.

Together with the opposition leader, and a section of Nyanza leaders, Uhuru also toured the grounds for the new Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex.

The historic stadium will be ready for sporting activities by March 2021 according to Uhuru.

The Head of State said the construction of the new international standard sports facility is a fulfillment of his election promise to the people of the football rich Nyanza region. | PSCU

In his tour, President Uhuru touted the Building Bridges initiative as a lasting solution to peace and stability in the country.

“I want to urge you to read the recommendations of the BBI report. The process is aimed at crafting a united, cohesive & progressive Kenya.”

Raila joins #EndSARS protests’ call for police reforms

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 22, 2020

skynews-nigeria-sars-endsars_5142437 — Protester holds a sign during protest over alleged police brutality in Lagos, Nigeria, on 17 October | PHOTO COURTESY

Kenya’s former Prime Minister, now AU special envoy Raila Odinga has condemned the police brutality in Nigeria that has left several civilians dead.

Raila defended the protesters urging the Nigerian government to stop interfering with peaceful protests.

“The brutality meted on protesting civilians is a sad reminder of how precarious and threatened Africa’s march towards democratization, respect for rights and freedom and the rule of law remains.”

Raila reitarated the protesters’ call to disembark from the politics of confrontation and violence and instead pursue restraint in solving problems.

“It’s incumbent on those in authority to ensure they use their positions to protect the lives, rights and freedoms of citizens. The opposite has been the case in Nigeria.”

The #EndSARS protests that began as a peaceful protest to end the brutal Anti Robbery Squad has spilled over to yet another week, despite the decommissioning of the police unit.

The event gathered special attention when the military allegedly opened fire at protesters, cutting out the lights and injuring several Nigerians who were protesting at the Lekki toll gate.

World leaders, celebrities and sports icons have condemned the attack on civillians.

Health ministry backtracks on school reopening dates

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 22, 2020

In-person learning in schools may not resume if the cases of the dreaded coronavirus continue to spike.

Speaking on Thursday at a KBC interview, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said only Grade four, Class eight, and Form four candidates will continue with their studies.

“In light of the current curve, we shall sustain it at grade fours, class eights, and those who are doing their national exams as we analyze the situation to see what happens.”

Mwangangi urged parents to remain calm and make sure their children are provided with protective gear.

At the same time, Dr. Mwangangi called on Kenyans to strictly adhere to COVID-19 containment measures saying the possibility of a second wave should be taken seriously.

A total of 15 teachers are among 46,144 cases of the coronavirus cases reported since the pandemic was discovered in Kenya.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa to contest for FIFA council membership-

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 22, 2020

Kenya is among the five English-speaking African countries that have fielded candidates for a seat at the prestigious Fifa Council.

Nick Mwendwa who won a second term as football boss in Kenya has thrown himself into the the battle where he will face out strong challenge from among others, neighboring Tanzania.

Africa has seven seats in the Fifa Council — three reserved for French speaking countries, two for English speakers, one for Arabic nations and the last one reserved for one of the CAF vice presidents.

Mwendwa will battle with fellow Cecafa member Tanzanian, two from the Concaf region (South Africa and Malawi) and either Ghana or Nigeria for the two seats reserved for English speaking African countries.

The Cecafa region has never had a member at the Fifa Council though the fact that both Tanzania and Kenya will be going for it might jeopardize the region’s chances, unlike West Africa that will have just one candidate.

The 36-member Fifa Council is tasked with the responsibility for setting the overall strategic direction of world football’s governing body.

On Thursday, Mwendwa will kick off a lengthy campaign trail with a trip to Morocco as he seeks to convince over 50 CAF members to vote him into the prestigious seat.

“If elected, will have the privilege of firsthand information at CAF because I, by default, will be sitting in the CAF executive committee,” Mwendwa who earned a second term over the weekend told Nairobi’s Hot 96.

Mwendwa now dives deeper into the football politics even as he faces serious integrity issue back at home.

There is an ongoing investigation on his administration over alleged misuse of funds, including the Sh125 million (1.2 million dollars) Fifa funds that was meant for the purchase of an Outside Broadcast (OB) van.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) paid WTS Media Group Limited, a British firm that has since been put under receivership, to procure a multi-purpose OB van, moments before company was declared insolvent.

That is just but one of the financial ghosts that Mwendwa’s administration is battling.

There is an open file at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation as the detectives continue to piece up information on the Harambee Stars expenditure at the last Afcon finals.

Part of that money, some sources say, was used to purchase direct contracts with bank transaction showing that Mwendwa also wired federation funds to his private account.

The Fifa Council elections are set for April 2021

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