Raila calls out newspaper over ‘false report’ urging Luos to cremate loved ones

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May 28, 2020

Former Prime Minister and ODM Leader Raila Odinga has called out the media over false reporting on burial where it was reported he asked Luos to cremate instead of burying their loved ones to combat the spread of Coronavirus – By Prudence Wanza.

Raila specifically refuted the report made by the Star newspaper terming it as sensational misreporting.

“I wish to clarify that in my interview with Kameme TV and Radio Milele, I did not ask the Luo or any other Kenyan and African community to cremate the dead as reported by The Star Newspaper.” Raila stated.

He indicated that he only urged Kenyans to embrace speedy burials to help contain the virus spread.

“I called on Kenyans to embrace speedy burials and void elaborate and crowded burial ceremonies at this time of Covid-19 to help contain the spread of the Coronavirus.” He said.

Raila noted that cremation has never been part of the culture of most African communities and must not be imposed on them now.
He also called out the Newspaper for reporting that he was to head an economic recovery team saying it was false information.,

“I ask Kenyans to treat the report in The Star as a continuation of the sensational misreporting that has characterized the paper lately,” he said.

The newspapers reported that Raila advised Luo families to cremate their loved ones.

Boeing resumes production of 737 MAX

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 28, 2020

boeing-737-max-approval-mess — Boeing 737-Max Production site

Boeing has resumed the production of embattled 737 MAX at a low rate following the involvement of the aircrafts in two deadly crashes that led to the suspension of its manufacturing – By Prudence Wanza.

The 737 MAX is yet to be cleared for service by the US Federal Aviation Administration and has not flown commercially since March 2019.

The company said it had resumed working on the MAX at the Renton Washington factory as it continues to implement workplace safety and product quality.

“We have been on a continuous journey to evolve our production system and make it even stronger,” said Walt Odisho, vice president and general manger of the 737 program.

Boeing has suffered huge losses since regulators moved to shut its production costing billions of dollars more than 400 planes could not be delivered to customers.

The company has also announced downsizing plans so as to cutoff costs as coronavirus continues to hit the world.

US Covid-19 death toll surpasses 100,000

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 28, 2020

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Trump leads daily coronavirus response briefing at the White House in Washington — FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump stands in front of a chart labeled “Goals of Community Mitigation” showing projected deaths in the United States after exposure to coronavirus as 1,500,000 - 2,200,000 without any intervention and a projected 100,000 - 240,000 deaths with intervention taken to curtail the spread of the virus during the daily coronavirus response briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Tom Brenner/File Photo

The US Coronavirus death toll has surpassed 100,000 in less than four months since the case was reported in Washington on January 21 – By BBC News

It has seen more fatalities than any other country, while its 1.69 million confirmed infections account for about 30% of the worldwide total.

Globally there have been 5.6 million people recorded as infected and 354,983 deaths since the virus emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

The US death toll stands at 100,276, according to Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, which has been tracking the pandemic.

BBC North America editor Jon Sopel says it is almost the same as the number of American servicemen and women killed in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan over 44 years of fighting.

But on a per capita basis the US ranks ninth in its mortality rate behind the likes of Belgium, the United Kingdom, France and Ireland.

President Donald Trump has insisted that without his administration’s actions the death toll would be 25 times higher, though critics have accused him of a slow response.

State governors have also been blamed for failing to grasp early enough the lethal threat that the virus posed to nursing homes.

Initially, the Republican president downplayed the pandemic, comparing it to the seasonal flu.

‘Corona will miraculously go away’

Back in February he said the US had the virus “under control” and that by April it could “miraculously go away”.

He predicted 50,000-60,000 deaths, then 60,000-70,000 and then “substantially under 100,000”.

With nearly 39 million Americans out of work during the pandemic, the US is pressing ahead state by state with reopening the coronavirus-frozen economy, even as the death toll continues to tick upwards.

All 50 states have begun to ease Covid-19 rules in some form.
The world’s largest theme park, Walt Disney World in Florida, has plans to begin opening on 11 July, if the state governor allows it.

Four Las Vegas casinos owned by MGM Resorts are also scheduled to reopen on 4 July. The company says employees will be tested for Covid-19 regularly.

Currently, there is no vaccine for Covid-19. There is also no confirmed treatment for the disease, but there are several being tested.

EPL: Project Restart’ takes another positive step

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 27, 2020

Premier League clubs have unanimously voted to resume contact training; the governing body has announced.

It marks stage two of the league’s ‘Project Restart’ plans to resume the 2019/20 season.

After starting with small, socially-distanced training sessions, players and managers from the 20 top-flight clubs were briefed on proposals for the reintroduction of contact training on Tuesday.

The matter was voted on the following day by Premier League shareholders and has been given the green light as a mid-June return edges closer.

A statement read: “Premier League shareholders today voted unanimously to resume contact training, marking another step towards restarting the Premier League season, when safe to do so.

“Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising any unnecessary close contact.

“The Premier League’s priority is the health and well-being of all participa

“Strict medical protocols are in place to ensure the training ground is the safest environment possible and players and staff will continue to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week.

“Stage Two of the Return to Training protocol has been agreed following consultation with clubs, players, managers, the PFA, LMA and the Government.

“Discussions are ongoing as work continues towards resuming the season, when conditions allow.”

However, social distancing will still apply to training grounds with team meetings not taking place as they’ll fall under the ‘unnecessary close contact’ category.

But a number of players, including Watford captain Troy Deeney and Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, are not taking part in phase one of the return to training protocols because of concerns about coronavirus.

All 20 clubs have completed the third round of COVID-19 tests with results expected to be published by the Premier League on Wednesday afternoon.

Eight positive cases from 1,744 tests have been recorded across the first two rounds of testing.

On Thursday, the Premier League will discuss all other aspects of ‘Project Restart’, including the league’s contingency plans on relegation, the issue of the use of points-per-game, and the award of the Premier League title, if the season does end up being cancelled.

After starting with small, socially-distanced training sessions, players and managers from the 20 top-flight clubs were briefed on proposals for the reintroduction of contact training on Tuesday.

The matter was voted on the following day by Premier League shareholders and has been given the green light as a mid-June return edges closer.

A statement read: “Premier League shareholders today voted unanimously to resume contact training, marking another step towards restarting the Premier League season, when safe to do so.

“Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimizing any unnecessary close contact.

“The Premier League’s priority is the health and well-being of all participants.

“Strict medical protocols are in place to ensure the training ground is the safest environment possible and players and staff will continue to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week.

“Stage Two of the Return to Training protocol has been agreed following consultation with clubs, players, managers, the PFA, LMA and the Government.

“Discussions are ongoing as work continues towards resuming the season, when conditions allow.”

However, social distancing will still apply to training grounds with team meetings not taking place as they’ll fall under the ‘unnecessary close contact’ category.

But a number of players, including Watford captain Troy Deeney and Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, are not taking part in phase one of the return to training protocols because of concerns about coronavirus.

All 20 clubs have completed the third round of COVID-19 tests with results expected to be published by the Premier League on Wednesday afternoon.

Eight positive cases from 1,744 tests have been recorded across the first two rounds of testing.

On Thursday, the Premier League will discuss all other aspects of ‘Project Restart’, including the league’s contingency plans on relegation, the issue of the use of points-per-game, and the award of the Premier League title, if the season does end up being canceled.

Nairobi continental tour race now renamed to Kipkeino classic

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 27, 2020

The Nairobi continental tour that’s slated for September 26 2020 has been renamed to honor the father of athletics, legendary Kipchoge Keino.

The race was to take place on May 2^nd however it had to moved due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Preparations are in top gear with everything seemingly on course, as organizers are upbeat of success.

Kipchoge Keino had an exemplary record during his time, with unmatched performances that brought honor to the country hence the honors to rename the race, for instance;

He won 1500m gold medal in Olympics in 1968, winning 3000m steeplechase four years later in Munich Olympics.

Besides he also won 2 Olympic silver medals.

In addition, he also won 3 commonwealth golds and a bronze adding to his tally record.

The athletics legend has also served as the NOC-K president.

The 10,000m race will be renamed in honor of another race hero Naftali Temu.

Speaking to the media race director Barnabas Korir confirmed the need to honor the legends given their immense contribution to the growth of athletics in Kenya.

” we decided to name this event after Kipchoge Keino because every Kenyan knows that he is the father of athletics in this country. We also set out the 10,000m race as Naftali Temu Classic in honour for Temu’s heroics because we have to recognise the contribution of these great icons of athletics in this country,” said Korir.

At the same time, Korir disclosed that the event may be turned to a regional competition if the strict measures put by different countries to curb the spread of the virus would not have eased by then.

“Before the suspension of the race we had received many athletes who were interested in competing however as a result of the pandemic we might have a problem especially if the skies are not open by then. The idea is that we have athletes from Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia to grace this event in case it will be difficult for others to come,” said Korir.

Panic in slums as Kagwe reports 123 covid-19 cases

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 27, 2020

Kenya has recorded 123 coronavirus cases, the highest in a single day infections since the first case was recorded in March – By Prudence Wanza.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe announced that the cases emerged out of 3,077 tested samples, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 1,471.

Kagwe said coronavirus is now spreading in the communities, raising alarm over the rapid rate of transmission in informal settlements in Nairobi which had 85 people infected out of the 123 cases.

“This disease is now within our communities. The increase is because of community contacts and number is high in areas where public transport is highly used.” Kagwe stated.

Mathare recorded 33 cases, Kibra 14, Embakasi West 12 and Embakasi Central with 4.

Mombasa followed with 24 cases spread across Mvita and Changamwe among other areas while in Kiambu cases were spread across; Ruiru, Kikuyu, Kabete and Juja. Kisumu and Kajiado County also recorded new cases.

Garissa, Kitui, Kilifi, Busia and Uasin Gishu counties each recorded 1 case.

3 more patients have succumbed to the disease bringing the total fatalities to 55.

The CS has urged Kenyan to come out for testing, citing that there should be no false sense about immunity to Covid-19.
“Let us volunteer to go for the ongoing tests in our estates. Knowing your status is important to protect you and others around you.” He said

Catholic church faults Burundi election result, calls out irregularities

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 27, 2020

The Catholic Church in Burundi has raised a red flag on the Election results that saw the ruling party retain its power at the presidency – By Gerald Gekara

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi says it witnessed ballot box tampering, harassment and intimidation of voters, and proxies registered “in place of dead people and refugees”.

“We deplore the many irregularities regarding the freedom and transparency of the electoral process, as well as fairness in the treatment of certain candidates and voters,” said the bishop.

Opposition leader Agathon Rwasa and his National Freedom Council (CNL) have announced their plan to start filing legal challenges as early as Wednesday, after rejecting the election results.

Burundi’s president elect, Evariste Ndashimiye was overwhelmingly elected with a 67.72 % of the votes casts, in an election that lacked basic credentials such as international observers, as well as ignoring the Covid-19 pandemic.

Deathtoll in Narok clashes rises to 8 as 13 more nurse arrow injuries

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 27, 2020

Deathtoll in Narok inter-communal clashes along the Narok- Nakuru has risen to 8 with 13 more nursing arrow injuries at the hospital – By Prudence Wanza.

The clashes are said to have been caused by a man from Kipsigis community who stole and sold his father’s cow to a Maasai man.

George Natembeya said 20 houses have been burnt down since the clashes erupted last Saturday and dismissed claims that the violence was triggered by livestock theft in the area but rather ethnic driven battles.

Natembeya stated that more measures have been put in place to restore in the area including sending more police officers in the area. A police post will also be opened in Ololoipon and Ololoruothi area.

“GSU officers were sent to the area yesterday and more from the livestock theft unit,” he said.
Natambeya further urged the communities to surrender illegal firearms failure to which they will be forcefully disarmed.

Politicians have also been banned from visiting the area who have been largely blamed between the Maasai and Kalenjin communities.

Former NACADA Chairman, John Mututho also blamed politicians for the clashes in the area which is not the first time that such is being experienced.

“We know of politicians who are so desperate to be in parliament, they are sick and these are the kind of people agitating people to fight because of one cow so that they can remain in power,” he said

Trump slams Twitter for adding a ‘fact-check’ option on his tweets

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 27, 2020

US President Donald Trump has hit out at social media site Twitter, for adding a fact check option to his tweets – By Gerald Gekara.

According to Trump, Twitter was interfering with elections by suggesting that his statements on a new California voting policy were not true.

“They are saying my statement on Mail-In Ballots, which will lead to massive corruption and fraud, is incorrect, based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post,” the president tweeted.

“Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month signed an executive order for every registered voter to receive mail-in ballots for the November 2020 general election. The Governor of California is sending Ballots to millions of people, anyone living in the state, no matter who they are or how they got there, will get one,” President Trump tweeted in a two-tweet series.

Twitter added a message on both of Trump’s tweets that says “Get the facts about mail-in ballots.” The page then disapproved of Trump’s allegations.

“On Tuesday, President Trump made a series of claims about potential voter fraud after California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an effort to expand mail-in voting in California during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the page says.

The page calls the president’s statements false: “Trump falsely claimed that mail-in ballots would lead to ‘a Rigged Election.’ However, fact-checkers say there is no evidence that mail-in ballots are linked to voter fraud,” the page says.

“Trump falsely claimed that California will send mail-in ballots to ‘anyone living in the state, no matter who they are or how they got there.’ In fact, only registered voters will receive ballots,” the page also says.

A Twitter spokesperson said in a statement that the president’s posts “contain potentially misleading information about voting processes and have been labeled to provide additional context around mail-in ballots.”

NewCastle Proposed £300m Takeover Boosted

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 27, 2020

Newcastle’s proposed new owners appear to have been handed a huge boost in their takeover bid with the Premier League allegedly agreeing to their acquisition of the club.

Amanda Staveley is at the head of the proposed £300million takeover, with backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) which is fronted by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The proposed takeover has been greeted by Newcastle fans, as not only do they want to see the back of incumbent owner Mike Ashley, but they are also aware the Magpies could soon have the richest owners in the entire Premier League.

The PIF are understood to have assets totaling more than £260bn, and to put that wealth into perspective, Manchester City’s owner Sheikh Mansour currently tops the Premier League rich list with a net worth of £23.3bn – a staggering £236.7bn LESS than the PIF.

Nonetheless, there has been strong opposition to the proposed takeover and doubts have been raised over the Premier League approving the deal.

Questions of ‘sports washing’ and human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have led to criticism of the Saudi regime, while the fiancée of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz, has written to the Premier League saying the crown prince should not be able to buy Newcastle.

But it appears this final hurdle has been successfully crossed, with Saudi state news channel Al Ekhbariya claiming the Premier League has approved the takeover.

A Twitter post from the news channel, which is owned by the government and run by the Ministry of Media, read: “The English Premier League gives the green light to complete the Saudi acquisition.”

Questions of ‘sportswashing’ and human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have led to criticism of the Saudi regime, while the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz, has written to the Premier League saying the crown prince should not be able to buy Newcastle.

But it appears this final hurdle has been successfully crossed, with Saudi state news channel Al Ekhbariya claiming the Premier League has approved the takeover.

A Twitter post from the news channel, which is owned by the government and run by the Ministry of Media, read: “The English Premier League gives the green light to complete the Saudi acquisition.”

“Steve Bruce has done a very, very good job, but they are moving to the next level. They won’t stick with some of the players they’ve got in their squad.

“Everyone knows that they are now looking to upgrade, and they are going to upgrade everything; on the pitch, in the dugout, their scouting network… everything.

“This guy that is rocking up at Newcastle isn’t there to make money – he’s not there like Mike Ashley – they will go in there are throw money at this, and they won’t really mind how much they throw at it.

“But it is how you spend that money.

“You’ve got to get the right people in doing the right jobs, and that isn’t always easy.”