Van Dijk urges calm as Liverpool worries fate of top defender

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October 19, 2020

Virgil van Dijk has vowed to return stronger than ever as the Liverpool defender faces up to the prospect of missing the remainder of the 2020/21 season. – By Enock Mukoma

The Dutchman is to undergo knee surgery after suffering damage to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as a result of a horror challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 2-2 draw in Saturday’s Merseyside derby.

Pickford, England’s No.1, was fortunate to escape a red card after scything Van Dijk down in the box.

Van Dijk went to hospital on Sunday where he underwent scans to determine the extent of the injury and it has now been confirmed that he has suffered ACL damage.

The Netherlands international will undergo surgery and is now facing many months on the sidelines.

Virgil van Dijk Forced Off After Sustaining Leg Injury Following Jordan Pickford Tackle During Everton Vs. Liverpool

Van Dijk released a statement on Sunday night in which he wrote: “This afternoon I met with a leading consultant to start the process of planning the finer details of my rehabilitation following the incident yesterday.

“I’m now fully focused on my recovery and will do everything I can to be back as quickly as possible.

“Despite the obvious disappointment I’m a firm believer that within difficulty lies opportunity and with God’s help I’m going to make sure I return better, fitter and stronger than ever before.

“In football, as in life, I believe everything happens for a reason and it’s important to try and keep level headed whether going through the highs or the lows. With the support of my wife, kids, family and everyone at Liverpool, I’m ready for the challenge ahead.

“I’d like to thank everyone for the messages of support, it’s meant a huge amount to me and my family, and I’ll now be doing everything possible to support my team-mates in any way I can ahead of a big few weeks ahead as I take my own recovery day by day. I’ll be back.”

Fears Virgil van Dijk could miss rest of the season with knee injury after horror challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford

Liverpool retain some hope Van Dijk will play again this season given his previously excellent fitness record but an ACL injury typically requires up to eight months to fully heal.

A statement from the club read: “Liverpool FC can confirm Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery on the knee injury he sustained during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Everton.

“The centre-back damaged knee ligaments following an incident involving Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park.

“Van Dijk was required to be substituted and further assessment on the injury has revealed an operation will be needed.

“No specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage.

“Following surgery, Van Dijk will begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical team to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible.”

Suspect in espionage plan arrested in Taita Taveta

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 19, 2020

A 52-Yr-Old man has been arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations suspected of cyber espionage. – By Gerald Gekara

Archibald Kalela Mwandawiro was raided by Special Security Unit (SSU) detectives at Milondo in Wundanyi-Taita Taveta County, who recovered devices used in the interception, access &transmission of messages to unauthorized recipients.

The sleuths also recovered; Two Global Systems for Mobile communications (GSM), one fitted with 512 simcards, Four Internet Routers, a GSM Skyline inserted with 64 Safaricom simcards, 25 modems, 83 Airtel simcards, 76 Safaricom simcards, An Electric Inverter, a HP laptop and mobile handset among others.

Archibald, who is a computer science expert is rumoured to have widely traveled and has been actively sending espionage materials to a country in the West.

He is in custody as further investigations continue.

According to Interpol, Cybercriminals are said to be raking advantage of the COVID-19 health crisis to attack computer networks and systems.

You can now Hum to Google for songs

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 19, 2020

If you’ve ever had a song stuck in your head but can’t remember enough lyrics to search for it, Google has a solution: hum to search.

Google unveiled a new search feature Thursday that lets users search for songs by humming a few bars, in an attempt to help you identify music.

The feature is now part of Google’s mobile app and Google Assistant, where you can say “what’s this song?” (add a “Hey Google” first on Google Assistant) and then hum, whistle, or sing for 10 to 15 seconds.

Google said the feature, which was announced along with several other new search-related functions during an online event held by the company, will be available first in English on Apple’s iOS and in over 20 languages on Google’s Android mobile platform.

Hum-to-search isn’t a brand new idea — SoundHound, for instance, offers a hum-recognition feature — though it is new to Google.

Like many of Google’s search offerings, the feature uses machine learning: Essentially, software analyzes the tune you hum (or sing or whistle), turning it into a sequence of digits that can then be compared with tons of digitized songs to find a few that appear similar.

Second Wave: CS Kagwe hits at Kenyans for laxity in COVID-19 rules

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 18, 2020

Kenya has so far confirmed 832 deaths from the coronavirus after seven people died in the last 24 hours – By Gerald Gekara.

In a series of updates by Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, 687 people have tested positive for the virus. This pushes Kenya’s total cases now to 44,881.

From the cases, 635 are Kenyans and 50 are foreigners.

456 are male and 229 female. The youngest is a one-year old child while the oldest is 99.

Nairobi registered the most cases with (141), Nakuru (127), Mombasa (73), Trans Nzoia (61), , Kisii (37), Kiambu (30), Kakamega (27), Kisumu (27), Busia (20), Kilifi (18), Nandi (18), Nyeri (14), Turkana (14), and Nyamira (10).

Other cases were recorded in: Kajiado (9), Taita Taveta (9), Bungoma (8), Uasin Gishu (6), Laikipia (6), Machakos (6), Baringo (5), while Murang’a, Meru, and Wajir reported (3) cases each.

Kitui, Kwale, and Makueni had (2) cases each, while Siaya, Elgeyo Marakwet, Vihiga and Isiolo each had (1)case.

105 people recovered from the disease, 51 from the Home-Based Care Program, 73 from home-based care program and 32 from hospitals, pushing the total number of recoveries to 31,857.

CS Kagwe castigated leaders for leading the citizens in breaking COVID-19 rules and regulations, warning of tougher measures should the trend continue.

“Leadership is just not a name. Take responsibility. When you do not follow the measures laid down, you become a heckler. Leaders should not be told what to do, they should be the ones leading us on what to do” Kagwe said.

Narok Pilot impunity that nearly killed Governor

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 18, 2020

In fact, altitudes of more than 8,500 feet above sea level are a no go zone for the Robinson R44 helicopter that the governor, an MP, and a bodyguard were flying. – By Gerald Gekara.

Aviation experts have revealed that the ill-fated chopper that almost killed Narok Governor Samuel Tunai originated from a lower altitude, and that is why it could not take off from Melili, Narok North.

According to a top Aviation expert based at Wilson Airport, the pilot is in deep trouble for the breach.
“The chopper cannot take off at that altitude. It has no capacity to fly above its recommended 8,979 ft. It was just a suicide attempt by the captain”, the expert said.

The revelation puts in question the safety of the choppers that are flown all over Kenya by politicians and wheeler-dealers. Experts say the chopper owners knew about its capacity and should never have flown it to Narok North.

According to the Robinson R44 data, the accident could have been avoided if the pilot kept to the original manufacturer’s manual.

It is however prudent to note that the Robinson R44s were involved in 42 fatal crashes in the U.S. from 2006 to 2016, more than any other civilian helicopter.

This makes Robinson R44 the most dangerous civilian helicopter among its peers.

Robinson Sees Softening, Then Rebound in Sales | Flying

A status symbol in Kenya

Choppers have become synonymous with politicians, who recklessly fly them accross Kenya.

Had Governor Samuel Tunai died in the Helicopter crash in Narok North on Saturday, allegations of foul play would have followed suit.

It would have been demonstrations galore in Narok County to protest at the killing of elected leaders by supposed agents of doom.

The Government would have been blamed for the killing. It would have even been linked to 2022 politics by idiots.

Tunai was with Narok East Mp Lemanken Aramat at the time of the crash.

The Governor is a former NIS officer and a close ally of embattled Deputy President William Ruto.

Why a leader of the capacity and training like Tunai would risk his life and others is a paradox that has baffled many, unless he was playing politics with his own life.

Tunai had attended a funeral at Narok North Constituency.. others would have attended his own a few weeks later.

Eye witness accounts say the ill fated chopper was unable to lift. The same was confirmed by amateur videos circulating in social media.

Inexplicably, Governor Tunai is said to have insisted on his journey, despite the obvious difficulties.

That elevation was too high for that chopper,they're lucky it landed safely in the 1st place.#governorcheatsdeath pic.twitter.com/TXlr9AJggw
— #UzalendoNewsKE (@UzalendoNews_KE) October 18, 2020

It crashed less than 100 metres after take off.

It is not the first time choppers have crashed in Kenya. High profile Kenyans have lost their lives in circumstances that could have been avoided.

There appears to be no chopper regulation in Kenya.. and if it exists, it is never followed. In Kenya, everything goes, Politicians buy and fly choppers without due regard to safety.

Evras end 25-year marriage over infidelity and betrayal

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 18, 2020

Randy Patrice Evra is set to divorce his wife, Sandra Evra over infidelity and betrayal.

The former Manchester United captain, is rumoured to have secretly fathered two children with Gabriella Birley, a California-based doctor.

Evra has been romantically involved with Sandra since both were 14. He is currently a pundit for Sky Sports.

He is said to have left his family home in France for London in January.

Sandra said she discovered the ex-Man Utd ace had dumped her when he went away for a 15 day work trip and didnt come back.

She however learnt of Evra’s affair when his mistress, 25-year-old Danish model Margaux Alexandra posted pictures from inside their home gym on social media.

‘That was the worst day of my life. I was devastated, distraught. I have been left paying all my credit cards and the Netflix bill. It has taken me a long time to realise what he’s like (…) He has turned into a rat.’ she said.

The former Man United captain met doctor Gabriella Birley, 32, in Las Vegas several years ago, and fathered two children oblivious of their marriage with Sandra that also has two children.

State pumps Ksh 2.1 Billion for Kisumu roads ahead of a global summit

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 18, 2020

Road works on the Kisumu Boys Mamboleo Road | PHOTO COURTESY

The Government has allocated a total of Kshs 2.1 billion to facilitate the completion of Kisumu Boys and Mamboleo Junction Road. – By Gerald Gekara.

In a communique to the media, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Nyanza regional Director Eng. Cleophas Makau, said a new contract has been awarded to China Railways No. 10 Engineering Group of Companies to complete the 4.5km Mamboleo road.

The project is expected to be complete in 12 months, just in time for Kisumu City to host the 2021 Africities Summit under the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA).

The November 16-20 which is expected to be attended by close to 10,000 foreign delegates.

The completion of the roads will come as a big reprieve to motorists, residents, and business communities who have been up in arms over the poor state of the stalled sections of the road.

Terminated Contracts

SBI Holdings, that was awarded the contract for the dualling of Kisumu Boys and Mamboleo junction, terminated the contract on September 27th, 2019 due to delayed payments.

Zhongmei Engineering Company also terminated its contract for construction of the Ahero Interchange due to delayed payment by the authority.

However, County commissioner Josephine Ouko said the state was keen will ensure the three key roads are completed within the schedule to ease transport in the Lakeside town.

Eyes on IEBC as Kenya edges 2022 politics, and BBI referendum

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 18, 2020

IEBC COMMISSIONERS — IEBC Commissioners : Chairperson Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba | PHOTO COURTESY

As Kenya’s political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the Building Bridges Report, Kenya’s supposedly independent board of elections, IEBC is set for major clean up. – By Gerald Gekara.

Legislators passed the IEBC (Amendment)(No.3) Bill 2019, giving the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) four slots in the seven-member panel to appoint commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

However, politicians allied to the tangatanga wing of Jubilee have cried foul over the bill, saying it would give an unfair advantage in selecting the IEBC commissioners.

They claimed that allies of President Uhuru Kenyatta and those of his Handshake partner, ODM leader Raila Odinga would take advantage to infiltrate the selection process.

According to the bill, the selection panel will name four commissioners to replace those who resigned in the contested 2017 elections.

Electoral Reforms

Electoral commissions in Kenya have been marred with political foul play. From the process of appointing electoral commissioners, to untimely expenses that have constantly raised questions.

In the 2013 elections, Raila Odinga successfully led multiple protests to oust Issak Hassan, and have a completely new commission put in place.

Raila said the commission was biased in favor of the incumbent and could not be trusted to deliver a free and fair election.

In the disputed 2007 elections, the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) commissioner Samuel Kivuitu was said the elections were “flawed” and the ECK had failed to establish the credibility of the tallying process to the satisfaction of all parties and candidates. In his words, the ECK chair ‘did not know who won the elections’.

In 1997, former President Daniel Moi bowed to pressure from political parties and the civil society to form an Inter-Parties Parliamentary Group (IPPG) that paved way for parties to participate in the nomination of commissioners to the then Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK).

Police blaze Marijuana worth Ksh 4.5 million in Nyando

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 18, 2020

1.5 tonnes of bhang estimated at approximately Sh4.5 million was burnt in Nyando sub county by Police officers. – By Gerald Gekara.

While presiding over the destruction, Nyando OCPD Leonard Matete said police officers nabbed the banned substance along Kisumu-Nairobi road.

After a rigorous court process, the Police were given the go-ahead to destroy the stash in full glare of the public as a testament against drug trafficking.

Matete thanked members of the public who tipped the police off, enabling them to impound the consignment which originated from Busia, along the Kenya-Uganda border.

He urged residents to keep reporting incidents and leads and on its part, the police would continue to be vigilant along the highway to make more arrest of offenders.

French Tutors swear to teach ‘critical lessons’ after a teacher was beheaded

By

Dan Ojumah

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October 18, 2020

FRANCE-ATTACK-DEMO — A man holds a Charlie Hebdo cover during a demonstration in Rennes on October 17, 2020, one day after a teacher was beheaded by an attacker in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, 30kms northwest of Paris. - (Photo by Damien MEYER / AFP)

Shocked French teachers vowed to continue encouraging their pupils’ “critical spirit” by raising contested subjects after an Islamic terrorist beheaded a secondary school teacher who showed his students caricatures of the Prophet as part of a freedom of speech discussion.

Representatives of teaching unions met the education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer and the prime minister Jean Castex on Saturday, hours after the death of 47-year-old history and geography teacher Samuel Paty.

Before the meeting Jean-Remi Girard, president of the secondary school teaching union, said teachers were “devastated” but would not be cowed. We will try to encourage our students’ critical spirit and explain that everyone has the right to disagree.”

Rallies were expected in cities across France on Sunday in a show of solidarity and defiance, with Blanquer telling France 2: “It is absolutely important to show our mobilisation and our solidarity, our national cohesion.”

He called on everyone to support the teachers. Police were questioning his parents, grandfather and 17-year-old brother and yesterday detained another five including the father of a pupil at the school and an acquaintance of his known to the intelligence services.

The father of one school pupil published a video on YouTube calling the teacher a “thug” who needed to “go back to school himself” and calling on parents to join him in demanding that the teacher face disciplinary action.

The teacher had gone to the local police station, with the school head, earlier this month after a legal complaint about his lesson.

The teacher lived near the school and was used to walking through a wood to get home, but had recently decided to change his route to walk through a residential area because he felt threatened.

By News Agencies

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