Moses Kuria set to replace Muthui Kariuki as government spokesman

According to reliable information reaching The Reporter from credible sources, the embattled government spokesman Muthui Kariuki, is set to be replaced by Moses Kuria.

This is after he offensively spoke against CORD leader Raila Odinga last on Thursday week.

According to this information, President Uhuru Kenyatta was caught unaware and angered by remarks made by Mr. Muthui when speaking about the chaos witnessed in a Kisii funeral whereby he directly abused CORD leader, Raila Odinga.

"I can assure you he is going out, we don't need him", said a state house operative privy to the information and one who pleaded for anonymity, "His place, if it is going to be retained, will probably be given to Kuria", the operative added.

Mr. Kuria, who is a close friend of President Uhuru Kenyatta, is set to take over from Muthui who has since been described by many people as arrogant. Muthui, who remains unapologetic, will be re-assigned to a less social place.

Speaking to he press on Thursday last week, Muthui accused Raila Odinga for a number of sad events that happened in Kisii, where the President's speech could not be read.




 

Miraa not a hard drug, says NACADA

The National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has refuted claims that it is planning to label Miraa as one among the hard drugs.

The Angency's CEO, Mr. William Okedi was responding yesterday to a case filed by an association of miraa traders claiming that the anti-drug agency is planning to classify the plant as a narcotic something which they say will hurt their economic welfare. 

Mr. Okedi observed that the traders are just but abusing the court process saying adding that NACADA has not made any move in banning miraa even though it has raised concerns regarding the plant's side effects.

He also added that according to a survey done by the anti-drug agency last year, 4.2 percent of Kenyans who are between the age of 15 and 65 chew miraa. This translated to about 1.2 million Kenyans. Miraa consumption is high at 5.7 percent among the youth aged 25 to35 years.

“Miraa has two key psychoactive substances, namely cathinone and cathine, which cause feelings of euphoria and empathy,” said Okedi, “It is important to note NACADA does not advocate for a ban on miraa production as that is not within its mandate under the law,” he added regarding Nacada's role mandate.

The petitioners through their lawyer, Henry Kurauka, informed the court that they are traders, consumers and farmers of miraa and that they depend on the plant as a source of income.

Responding to the suit, High Court Judge Isaac Lenaola directed the chairman of  the association to file an affidavit showing that miraa is not a drug as well as Nacada's proposal to ban it.

Also enjoined in the matter are seven MPs from the Meru County.

The case will be mentioned on August 19. This is after Henry Kurauka, the lawyer representing the traders sought to consult Nacada first.

Doctors threaten to strike from next week

Doctors have threatened to start their countrywide strike from next week if the Jubilee government fails to meet their salary demands.

Speaking in Nairobi at a press conference on Monday 29th July, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union called on Kenyans to be ready to go without medical services in all public hospitals from next week if the salary stand-off between them and the government will not have been solved.

Mr. Sultani Matendechero, KMPDU's secretary general, said doctors from all public hospitals will travel to Nairobi on Monday to seek audience with the relevant bodies and institutions.

"We hope that our concern will be addressed with expediency so as to avoid prolonged closures at these facilites", said Matendechero.

He also noted that the KMPDU members have not been paid their July salaries and that there is no indication as when it will be made.

"We have reliably established that this delay is due to efforts to hurriedly transfer personal emoluments and health services to the counties", Mr. Matendechero claimed.

He also added that the decision of the government to rush into transferring health services as well as doctors' salaries and allowances to the county government is ill-advised saying that the county governments in question are not yet functional.

The market with one too many mad men

 

Luanda Market sits along the Kisumu - Busia high way and is a fast growing centre and the business here is quickly taking shape and promises to be an economic hub in the region but it has yet another 'praise'. One of being a home of a high number of people with mental illness.

If you happen to visit Luanda on just a normal day, you will be surprised with the number of mad men you will see in the streets doing all sorts of weird things.

This fact has made Luanda the home of most mad men than any other.

There are a few facts that have made madness or mental illness something 'normal' to the residents of Luanda.

For instance, just a few months ago, a story run on television about one Mr. Daudi Otieno who can simply be described as a self proclaimed mad man. Mr. Otieno, in the story revealed to acting mad only during market days, on Tuesdays and Saturdays that is, to solicit for food and money for his family back home.

As tough that was not enough, a few weeks ago, a woman caused a scene when she camped outside Equity bank branch in Luanda and demanded that everybody who came out of the bank drop her some money and not coins. Notes only.  People tried to eject her including the police officers who man the back but were pout off by her noisy wails. She however, left when her cup filled.

The locals are now pointing such incidences and many other to use of drugs bhang being the most abused.

To prove this fact, suppose you take a stroll in Luanda, you will find groups of people in their Rastafarian attires and colors smoking weed without any fear.
 
It is only last year when the Luanda police station launched an operation dabbed Oparesheni Wazimu Rudi Nyumbani. To residents, this operation bore fruits to some extent because it helped reduce the number of mad men in Luanda Market.

UHURU's Kameme FM incites KIKUYUs against LUOs, calling Raila 'SHETANI'

Former PM Raila Odinga with president Uhuru Kenyatta

In what many have termed as irresponsible journalism, Kameme FM, a radio associated with president Uhuru, today Friday 26th July, aired a frightening talk in which two popular journalist of the radio station is said to have incited the Kikuyu community against the Luos.

During the morning programme aired between 6am and 10am, the two journalist turned to be purveyors of hate speech playing exclusive politics and referred to former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga as shetani translated as devil. They also said he should be stopped at any cost.

According to the Kenyan Daily Post, at some point in the programme, the two journalists in question called on the members of the Kikuyu community to be 'ready' in case 'shetani' and 'his loyal supporters' causes an uprising.

Many people have seen this as a dangerous precedent being set and have called on the concerned authorities led by the Communication Commission of Kenya to move in with speed and stop this trend before the situation goes out of hand.

It should be remembered that in Rwanda, the radio and music industries played a central role in inciting and perpetrating the genocide which hit the country and left hundreds of thousands dead.


  

Kisii MPs demand an apology from Raila Odinga for playing politics at funeral

A section of  legislatures from  Kisii county have demanded an apology from the Cord leader and presidential loser Raila Odinga for turning a funeral at Gusii stadium into a political field.

Expressing their concerns at the parliament buildings on Wednesday, 24th July, the members of parliament led by the Kitutu Chache legislator, Mr. Richard Onyonka, demanded that Raila apologizes for politicizing a funeral giving a wrong perception of the Kisii community.

They also called on the Cord leader to realize that the Kisii community respects president Uhuru Kenyatta as their president and urged him, Raila Odinga, to accept defeat, move on and stop whining.

Echoing Onyonka's sentiments while speaking at the same venue, Jimmy Angwenyi, Kitutu North MP, said the Kisii community will not accept to be misled by what he termed as a 'seasoned loser'.

Sossion threatens a teachers' revolution if they are not paid their July salaries in full

The Kenya National Union of Teachers' chairman Wilson Sossion has today Wednesday 24th July, threatened to call a teachers' revolution against the Salaries and Remuneration Commission if the teachers will not be paid their July salaries as agreed in the deal they signed with he government.

This comes a few days after the SRC chairperson Sarah Serem sent a stern warning to the teachers' employer TSC, not to pay them for July. She said it is unconstitutional to pay for services not rendered and therefore, teachers should not be paid since they were not in class.

She warned the TSC secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni that he will be held liable if he makes any payments regarding the teachers' July salaries.  

But speaking today, the KNUT chairman, warned the SRC to stay away from teachers' matters or else they face their full wrath.

Mr. Sossion said that paying teachers their full dues was part of the deal that they signed with the Jubilee government bringing to an end their 24 days old strike. He observed that anything contrary to that will be met with full resistance from the teachers.

He also urged the Jubilee government to honour its part of the bargain and let the teachers work in peace.
 

Jubilee government set to restructure parastatals

President Uhuru Kenyatta has named a 10 member team to review parastatal policies and recommend any changes to the state corporations.

The public firms are set to be restructured in order to reflect the jubilee government policies.

In press statement sent to newsrooms, the head of state explained the membership of the taskforce which includes professionals from both the government and private sector.

“The taskforce will deliver its report within six weeks, but in any event not later than September 15, 2013,". The president also said that the team would be transformational.

Those appointed to the team include former Mandera Central MP Abdikadir H. Mohamed (Executive Office of the President), Kamau Thugge (National Treasury), Mugo Kibati (Vision 2030), Korir Sing’oei (Deputy President’s Office), Stella Kilonzo (Private Sector), Angalie Mediratta (Private Sector), Isaac Awuondo (Commercial Bank of Africa), Nelson Kuria (CIC Group), Carole Kariuki (KEPSA) and Edward Burbidge (Burbidge Capital Ltd).

Don't pay teachers' July salaries, warns SRC

A conflict is brewing between the Kenya National Union of Teachers and the government after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission through its chairperson Sarah Serem, sounded a very strong warning to the Teachers Service Commission against paying teachers who were on strike their July salaries.

The Reporter has learned that the SRC chairperson communicated to the TSC in writing on July 19th, a day after the the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) signed a deal with the government ending the teachers' strike which had lasted for 24 days.

The move could worsen the already strained relationship between the government and the giant teachers' union.

In the letter, the SRC warned the TSC secretary, Gabriel Lengoiboni, that he will be held liable if he pays teachers who carried on with the strike even after the industrial court ruled that the  strike was illegal.

In reference to the period when the teachers were on strike, Serem said it is absolutely unconstitutional to pay for services not rendered.

“Please take note that as a public officer, if you pay or approve the payment of any remuneration and benefits out of public funds contrary to SRC instruction or advise and more so in contravention to court order to resume work, any payment made for the period during which teachers were on strike would be illegal and in contravention of Article 226(5) of the Constitution which places responsibility of public funds on such officer,” reads part of Serem’s letter.

The letter is headlined Industrial action by the teachers in employment of TSC and dated July 19.

The SRC is counting on the constitution's article which states, “If the holder of a public office, including a political office, directs or approves the use of public funds contrary to law or instructions, the person is liable for any loss arising from that use and shall make good the loss, whether the person remains the holder of the office or not.”

Man flees naked after being caught 'sleeping' with a goat in Baringo

A man was forced to flee naked after he was caught in the act with a neighbour's goat in Baringo County.


According to The Standard reporter, the owner of the goat was awakened by commotions in the goats den only for the suspect to run away naked when he went to find out what was going on.

“It was around midnight when I heard the goat bleat severally and I went out but did not see anybody but I found a pair of trousers, underwear, shoes and a knife,” said Peninah Kiptoo.

She further added that she woke up her husband and together they took the clothes to the area chief . A search was mounted with the help of villagers and that is when they found the suspect in the nearby bush, gave him a beating and took him to Kabarnet police station.

Area OCPD Omondi Musewe confirmed the incident terming it embarrassing.He assured the villagers that the suspect will be arraigned in court.

Joho unveils State-of-The-Art pollice patrol cars

Part of the fleet of police vehicles that were unveiled in Mombasa County yesterday

The Mombasa County government has unveiled State of The Art police vehicles. The cars are meant to heighten security in the County ahead of the high tourism season.

According to the Star, 14 out of the intended 48 police patrol cars have been cleared to leave the Mombasa port and they will be distributed to various stations in the six constituencies in the County.

These police vehicles are fully equiped with the state of the art communication equipments, connected to the internet and have 360 degree cameras that can zoom in on targets from as far as a half kilomtre away.

The cars were assembled at the  Automarine Garage near City Mall along the Mombasa - Malindi highway.

The locals as well as businessmen in the county are hoping that these State of The art police patrol vehicles will improve security in the area for both the locals and tourists. 

Another hurdle for Wiper, Agnes Ndetei challenges Mutula Kilonzo Jnr's candidature

 

The Reporter has learned that the Wiper Democratic Movement is not out of the woods yet after a former MP, Agnes Ndetei, filed a case challenging the inclusion of Wiper Democratic movement's candidate Mutula Kilonzo Jnr in the Makueni senatorial by election. 


The former Kibwezi MP moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge the ruling that was made by the High Court last week which allowed the Wiper Party to field another candidate after its first choice, Kethi Kilonzo was blocked from contesting in the race.

Ms Ndetei argues that the deadline had already expired. The former Mp filed a notice of appeal and it is expected that she will file the appeal itself on Monday.

She is of the opinion that the Wiper party should not be allowed to take part in the by election because it had initially nominated an unqualified candidate, Ms Kethi Kilonzo.

According to the Elections Act, any party, which nominates an unqualified candidate, commits an electoral offense and is barred from participating in the elections. This is what Ms Ndetei is banking on.

 
Mutula Kilonzo Jnr flanked by top Cord leaders, Former PM Raila Odinga and former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka

“Agnes Mutindi Ndetei being dissatisfied with the decision of the Honourable Lady Justice Ngugi, Honourable Justice Mwongo and Honourable Justice Korir given at Nairobi on July 19 intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal against such part of the said decision as decides that Wiper Democratic Movement Party do nominate a candidate for the Makueni County senatorial by-election scheduled for the July 26 and present its nominated candidate to the Makueni County Returning Officer at Wote on the on July 20 at 8am,”  reads part of the notice filed by Ms Ndetei.

The Makueni senatorial by election is set for Friday, 26th July, 2013.

CITI HOPA buses set to be withdrawn from Nairobi for colluding with gangsters to rob passengers

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. David Kimaiyo, has revealed that the CITI HOPA buses will be withfrawn from all Nairobi routes for what he termed as 'rising carjackings associated with the buses'.

According to the statement he posted on his official Facebook account on Saturday, Mr. Kimaiyo sent a warning to all commuters against using the CITI HOPA buses saying they risk being robbed.

He observed that quite a number of CITI HOPA buses have been carjacked and its drivers and conductors are being suspected for colluding with the thugs to rob their passengers.

"CITI HOPA will be withdrawn from the roads because they carry at least two criminals in the morning and evening, thus commuters are hijacked and robbed", said the Inspector General.

This comes after a CITI HOPA bus was on Thursday, full of passengers left nairobi city centre for Buruburu only to becarjarked and all its passengers robbed. It is said that the bus stopped along Jogoo road and picked seven men who turned out to be robbers. After the incident they damped the passengers at Githogoro slums.

However, CITI HOPA Managing Director Mr. Githaiga Weru has since denied these claims.

Central Bank of Kenya website hacked

Part of the message that was left by the hackers

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) website was on Sunday night attacked by hackers who claimed to be from Gaza.

The hackers targeted the exchange rate section of the website which was full of of messages both in English and in French in a marquee that scrolled through the site.



The hackers, who referred to themselves as Gaza hacker Team, also left a message that can be termed as threatening.

“…But all your interests and your citizens in all parts of the world will be our legitimate targets! So, if you want the safety of yourselves, possessions and interests from our revenge, Depart all soldiers from our land "Mali"”, read part of the message.

Moments after the hacking, the url to the main site, http://www.centralbank.go.ke, gave a 'NOT FOUND' response.

The attack blocked many visitors from many parts of the world who use the site to get information as far as the exchange rate is concerned.

However, the CBK restored the website at 11pm, a few hours after the hacking.

Wiper picks Mutula Kilonzo Jnr for the Makueni by election

The Wiper Democratic Movement has today, Friday 19 July, nominated Mutula Kilonzo Jnr to carry its flag in the upcoming Makueni by election. 

Mr. Mutula Jnr has since accepted the nomination and said he is ready for the challenge in a press conference held at Serena Hotel in Nairobi to announce his candidature.

This follows the High Court's decision to uphold IEBC's ruling that blocked Mutula's sister, Kethi Kilonzo, from running in the by election on grounds that she is not a registered voter.

However, the court ruled that the Wiper party can still field another candidate in the race.

"The Wiper Party has a right to nominate another candidate to contest the senatorial elections in Makueni County," the three-judge bench ruled Friday.

Mr. Mutula Jnr has until tomorrow, Saturday 20th July, to present his nomination papers to the IEBC's Makueni County Returning Officer in Wote.

Angwenyi, Ghati: 'Jubilee government full of Kikuyus and Kalenjins'

The  Migori County women representative Denita Ghati and Kitutu Chache member of parliament Jimmy Angwenyi have called for an immediate restructuring of the jubilee government claiming it is full of Kalenjins and Kikuyus.

These claims come following the appointments of Cabinet Secretaries whereby 11 out of the total 18 who were appointed hails from central and rift valley, homes of president Uhuru and deputy president Ruto respectively.

They also observed that 16 out of the 26 Principal Secretaries come from the same regions.

Mr. Angwenyi accused the jubilee government for favoring their home regions when it comes to public appointments in spite of the fact that  Kenya is made up of more than 42 communities. Mr. Angwenyi was speaking in parliament yesterday, Thursday 18th July.

This statement was echoed by Denita Ghati who claimed that the Uhuru/Ruto government snubbed her region in the appointments.

"The sharing of positions has been skewed to favor Kikuyus and Kalenjins. Even Kurias voted for Uhuru/Ruto but have been sidelined in the appointments", Ghati said.

IEBC releases final presidential poll results

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission led by its chairman Isaac Hassan, released the final tally of the March 4th general elections yesterday.  

However, this exercise did not end without drama after the parliament's committee on legal affairs asked the election officials to take oath before presenting the results prompting the IEBC officials to walk out of the meeting only to return later and table the results.

According to the results, there were only 58,320 voters who voted for the presidential candidates and did not vote for governors.

The electoral body said that 12,221,053 voters voted presidential candidates while 12,230,139 cast their votes for governors.

The confusion started when Cord MPs who sit in the committee demanded that Isaac and his commission take an oath first before tabling the results. The Mps observed that swearing by oath is in line with the parliamentary procedures and serves to make sure that there is truth in what is being said.

 
 IEBC chairman Isaac Hassan

But the commissioners walked out in protest paralyzing the proceedings temporarily.

Mr. Hassan told the committee that he and others in the commission are on fast and it would be wrong for the MPs to compel them take an oath.

The speaker of the National Assembly had referred the matter to the committee following a request by Chris Wamalwa, Cord parliamentary whip.

On Tuesday, IEBC's chairman and CEO appeared before the committee but requested for more time saying the commission had not finished compiling the results.

“We have taken the oath of office as a commission before the Chief Justice. We feel that this is selective application of the law,” said Mr. Hassan.

The IEBC declared Kenyatta as president after getting 50.7% of the votes cast against his closest challenger, Cord's Raila Odinga's 43%

Knut calls off strike as govt closes public schools

The country was yesterday, Wednesday 17th July, treated to a twist of events as the government through its Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi, ordered the closure of all public primary schools only for the KNUT officials to emerge a few minutes later and officially call off the strike.

Prof. Kaimenyi had ordered the schools to close indefinitely following the teachers' strike which had paralyzed learning throughout the country.

On the other hand, the government had also put clear its intention of withholding the salaries of all striking teachers.

However, the Knut officials called for a press conference where they called off the strike after meeting the deputy president William Ruto.


 KNUT chairman William Sossion

Mr. Sossion said they agreed to end their three-weeks-old strike after the government gave in to their demands of paying them commuter allowances. He also said that the jubilee government agreed to withdraw the contempt of court charges it had filed against him and the union's secretary general.

The teachers agreed to go back to class on a Sh 16.2 billion deal. This amount will cover their commuter, reader and responsibility allowances. This amount is set to be payed in two phases whereby the teachers will get Sh 5.7 immediately while the remaining will be released in the next financial year.

Following the increment in allowances, the lowest paid teacher will be getting Sh 4,000 while the highest paid will take home Sh 16,000 every month as commuter allowances.

“We have assessed the government offer over time and we are satisfied that we have put in place proper mechanisms through engagement... With that in mind, the National Executive Council has now authorized the secretary-general to call off the strike,” said Mr. Sossion

But despite KNUT's move to end their strike, the government has insisted that all public primary schools will remain closed until further notice.

Public primary schools closed indefinately

The government has closed all primary schools indefinitely.

This is after the teachers led by their union officials remained defiant to an industrial court order that required them to resume duty.

Members of the Kenya National Union of Teachers have been on strike for three weeks.

Meanwhile, the government has moved to assure the public and KCPE candidates that measures are already in place to ensure that they will take their exams.

The Education Cabinet Secretary had on Tuesday threatened to sack all striking teachers and hire others to replace them.

More to follow....

Kenya Pipeline Company accused of nepotism

The Kenya Pipeline Company, which is a state corporation has been accused of nepotism with its senior managers influencing the employment of their blood relatives.

Confessing to the parliamentary committee on energy, the former KPC managing Director, Salest Kilinda said that he influenced the employment of his two sons and a brother.

“When people have to be taken through the interviewing process, it is difficult to turn down a relative yet they are qualified and have met all the requirements of the interviewing panel.” Kilinda said.

The committee chaired by Kigumo mp Jamleck Kamau heard that there are also several relatives to various managers who are still working in the company.

The committee was also told that senior managers at KPC took advantage of a loophole in the company's policies whereby a person can be taken in as a casual but be employed on permanent basis after some assessment.

Apart from the embattled former MD Salest Kilinda, the company's human resource manager Miss Rose Osiako also admitted to employing her daughter.

Mr. Samuel Odoyo, KPC's finance manager is also said to have employed his sister.

During the hearing, the committee was informed that the board chairman of the KPC, Samuel Maluki and chief human resource manager Rose Manji are the only people who have not employed their relatives.

Proposed penalties in the Marriage Bill, 2012

False statement of notice of intention to marry	Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or fine not exceeding one million shillings or to both
Marrying a person below 18 years	Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to both.
Marrying a person within the prohibited marriage relationships	Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or a fine not exceeding  three hundred thousand shillings or to both
Inducing consent by coercion or fraud	Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three (3) years or a fine of three hundred thousand shillings or to both.
Celebrating marriage by unauthorized person	Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or a fine of three hundred thousand shillings or to both
Celebrating a marriage without the required witnesses	imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding ten thousand shillings or to both.

Source: Kenya Law Reform Commission
http://www.klrc.go.ke/index.php/bills/459-marriage-bill-2012

23-years-old Wangui Gitonga bags Miss World Kenya 2013 title

Wangui Gitonga, a 23 years old linguistic student at the German School, scooped the Miss World Kenya 2013 title after a very stiff competition coupled with training which saw 10 contestants being shortlisted for the finals.

Miss Wangui Gitonga won herself Kshs 1 million and the coveted Miss World Kenya  crown.

She takes over from the outgoing Miss World Kenya 2012, Shamim Nabil.

Wangui who broke into tears when she was announced the winner said she will use her new status to champion for the rights of young boys and girls who are facing sexual exploitation in the country.

On the other hand, she describes herself as humble and disciplined.

The 1st runners up position was taken by a 1st year Maseno University student Leah Tesfamariam who also took home Kshs 100,000 while Sophia Umwiza, a mass communication student at the Multimedia University settled for the 2nd runners up position also taking home Kshs 50,000.

Education Cabinet Secretary, Jacob Kaimenyi, threatens to sack all striking teachers

Education Cabinet Secretary, Jacob Kaimenyi, has threatened to sack all striking teachers who will not have returned to work by 8am this morning, 16th July, 2013.

But the Kenya National Union of Teachers' officials down-played the directive from Prof Kaimenyi saying he has no power to order teachers back to class.

Mr. Sossion, the Knut chairman, said they will go on with the strike until the Jubilee government offers them a better deal.

“Teachers feel they have been trampled upon by some individuals in government who are hell-bent on denying them their rights. The strike will only end when Knut formally calls it off,” Mr Sossion said.

But Prof Kaimenyi insisted that the teachers who will not resume work should consider themselves fired. He also noted that the government is set to start hiring new teachers on Friday this week in a bid to keep its promise of recruiting 10,000 teachers this year.

He called on all eligible teachers to report to the respective district staffing headquarters on Friday at 8am for the recruitment.

A celebrities church opens its doors in Nairobi

 A church that is exclusive to celebrities only has been started in Nairobi. The church, All-Stars Church, opened its doors to celebrities one week ago.

Speaking to the Nairobian newspaper, The All-Stars Church senior pastor Catherine Munene, said they will be housed at Laico Regency and they are mainly targeting actors, musicians, corporate chiefs, top politicians as well as sports stars.

According to the senior pastor, they are targeting 'high-end Christians who cannot go to River Road churches'.

Nairobi governor Evans Kidero was expected to be present during the inauguration of the church on 7th July, but didn't and instead went to the Sokotoko marathon.

The All-Stars Church is expected to increase competition among the already established churches which usually attracts the who is who in the country.

“high-end Christians who cannot go to River Road churches.” - See more at: http://www.nairobiwire.com/2013/07/new-church-exclusive-to-celebrities.html#sthash.9KioOLTf.dpuf

 

Kalonzo: Uhuru/Ruto are 'dictators'

Former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka and Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka has called on Kenyans to join hands with him in order to restore the democracy which the Uhuru/Ruto government has 'killed'.

He said the Kenyatta led government has taken democracy away from the people.

Speaking yesterday when sending a goodwill message to all Muslims during this holy month of Ramadhan, said that democracy was taken away from Kenyans right from the moment they were denied their choice of president, Raila Odinga on the March 4th general elections and the subsequent ruling by the supreme court.

Mr. Musyoka claiming that this government has divided Kenyans more than ever before also noted that the Uhuru/Ruto government has denied  the people of Makueni the right to elect their favorite choice, Kethi Kilonzo by barring her from running in the by election.

The former vice president said hat he will not just sit and watch the democracy being 'defiled' by this government and called on all Kenyans stand up and protect it.

Blogger Dennis Itumbi appointed Director in the office of the president

Blogger and social media bigwig Dennis Itumbi has today, Friday 12th July 2013, been appointed Director Digital, New Media and Diaspora in the office of the president.

While accepting the appointment, Mr. Itumbi, pledged to help the Jubilee government fulfill its digital promise.

Below is what he posted on his Facebook and twitter accounts this morning;

My appreciation to president Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing me as Director Digital, New Media and Diaspora in the executive office of the president (EOP), I pledge to lead the path in delivering the digital promise and to connect the concerns and ideas of Kenyans in the Diaspora and those on the digital space with Government service and the presidency, So Help Me God! Congrats Manoah Esipisu for becoming the First ever Secretary of communication....James Kinyua for your new job as Director Brand Strategy, Munyoki Boku Ng'eno Director for External Media Relations, Edward for being Director Press and Eric Ng'eno Director Research and Speech Writing....Congrats team

I embrace my appointment as Director Digital, New Media and Diaspora, The digital promise will be delivered, So help me God!

My Appreciation To President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing me as Director Digital, New Media and Diaspora in the Executive Office Of The President (EOP), I pledge to lead the path in delivering the Digital Promise and to connect the concerns and ideas of Kenyans in the Diaspora and those on the digital space with Government service and the Presidency, So Help Me God! Congrats Manoah Esipisu for becoming the First ever Secretary of Communication....James Kinyua for your new job as Director Brand Strategy, Munyori Boku the New Director for External Media Relations, Edward for being Director Press And Eric Ng'eno Director Research and Speech Writing....Congrats team

I embrace my appointment as Director Digital,New Media & Diaspora,The digital promise will be delivered,So help me God! - See more at: http://www.nairobiwire.com/2013/07/dennis-itumbi-appointed-director-in.html#sthash.pZBaHZKd.dpuf

My Appreciation To President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing me as Director Digital, New Media and Diaspora in the Executive Office Of The President (EOP), I pledge to lead the path in delivering the Digital Promise and to connect the concerns and ideas of Kenyans in the Diaspora and those on the digital space with Government service and the Presidency, So Help Me God! Congrats Manoah Esipisu for becoming the First ever Secretary of Communication....James Kinyua for your new job as Director Brand Strategy, Munyori Boku the New Director for External Media Relations, Edward for being Director Press And Eric Ng'eno Director Research and Speech Writing....Congrats team

I embrace my appointment as Director Digital,New Media & Diaspora,The digital promise will be delivered,So help me God! - See more at: http://www.nairobiwire.com/2013/07/dennis-itumbi-appointed-director-in.html#sthash.pZBaHZKd.dpuf

My Appreciation To President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing me as Director Digital, New Media and Diaspora in the Executive Office Of The President (EOP), I pledge to lead the path in delivering the Digital Promise and to connect the concerns and ideas of Kenyans in the Diaspora and those on the digital space with Government service and the Presidency, So Help Me God! Congrats Manoah Esipisu for becoming the First ever Secretary of Communication....James Kinyua for your new job as Director Brand Strategy, Munyori Boku the New Director for External Media Relations, Edward for being Director Press And Eric Ng'eno Director Research and Speech Writing....Congrats team

I embrace my appointment as Director Digital,New Media & Diaspora,The digital promise will be delivered,So help me God! - See more at: http://www.nairobiwire.com/2013/07/dennis-itumbi-appointed-director-in.html#sthash.pZBaHZKd.dpuf

My Appreciation To President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing me as Director Digital, New Media and Diaspora in the Executive Office Of The President (EOP), I pledge to lead the path in delivering the Digital Promise and to connect the concerns and ideas of Kenyans in the Diaspora and those on the digital space with Government service and the Presidency, So Help Me God! Congrats Manoah Esipisu for becoming the First ever Secretary of Communication....James Kinyua for your new job as Director Brand Strategy, Munyori Boku the New Director for External Media Relations, Edward for being Director Press And Eric Ng'eno Director Research and Speech Writing....Congrats team

I embrace my appointment as Director Digital,New Media & Diaspora,The digital promise will be delivered,So help me God! - See more at: http://www.nairobiwire.com/2013/07/dennis-itumbi-appointed-director-in.html#sthash.pZBaHZKd.dpuf

Toppled president Morsi's supporters take it to the streets

Supporters of the ousted  Egypt's president Mohamed Morsi's supporters demonstrates next to the Republican Guard headquarters in Cairo.

Morsi's supporters took it to the streets again even after 51 protestors were killed at the palace's doorstep this week.

The Muslim Brotherhood supporters is said to be planning more demonstrations  along the Republican Guards headquarters and to the Presidential Palace to express their dissatisfaction over the military's move to oust president Morsi.



The demonstration is set for Friday after the noon prayers.

Meanwhile, a state run news agency has revealed that the interim Prime Minister  Hazem El-Beblawi is in the process of making his new government.

According to this news agency, on early Friday, the interim PM was already done with more than two thirds of his new government.

KNH calls for blood donors to save survivors of the tragic Kisii accident

The Kenyatta National Hospital has called on the public to donate blood to save the lives of students and teachers who survived the horrific Kisii accident which took place on Wednesday killing 15 people. 

 KNH made this appeal as it received 16 patients who were airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment.

Some of these survivors suffered broken limbs, spinal and head injuries.



 Mr. Simon Ithai, KNH's corporate affairs and communication manager, said that the hospital uses more than 2000 pints of blood every single day and therefore they want more blood to complement what they have in the  blood bank.

The accident prompted president Kenyatta to call for full and strict implementation of the traffic rules.

Several leaders among them, deputy president William Ruto and cord leader Raila Odinga have since sent their condolences to the bereaved families. 

Victor Wanyama set to make history, moves to Southampton on a record Sh1.7bn

Harambee Stars captain Victor Mugubi Wanyama is set to enter into the books of history for becoming the first East African player to play in the prestigious FA premier league.

This is after the Kenyan midfielder on Wednesday 10th July, confirmed that he is ready and has agreed to move to English premier league side Southampton on a Sh1.7 billion deal. The four-year-deal has also set a Scottish transfer record.

Wanyama was expected to fly to England from Germany where his club is having a per-season camp. His visit to England is meant to finalize the deal.

The medical test is set to be done at the Southampton's St. Mary's training grounds after which the club is expected to give financial guarantees to Wanyama and his representatives.

Mr. Chris Osare, the player's local manager, confirmed Wanyama's transfer from Celtic to Southampton saying the deal will be made official any time from now.

9 students, 3 teachers perish in Kisii road carnage

The wreckage of a school bus that overturned in Kisii killing 12 people.

Nine studets and three teachers lost their lives, on Wednesday 10th July, when a school bus they were travelling in from Itumbe to Nyamache in Kisii lost control and overturned.

According to eye witnesses, the bus lost control and rolled several times.

The public which had gathered in the scene of the accident was still trying to rescue survivors late into the night some of whom were rushed to the Kisii level five hospital.

Meanwhile, president Uhuru Kenyatta instructed the Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku, to make sure that the survivors of the accident have been airlifted to Nairobi, Kenyatta National Hospital, for more treatment. The president also called for full implementation of the traffic rules.

"The president has ordered the airlifting of the students from Kisii to Nairobi. Mr Lenku should liaise with Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia to ensure the victims are taken care off," said Mr Kimemia, Secretary to the Cabinet.

Mr. Kimemia said the government will meet all the bills.

On the other hand, the government pledged to assist the bereaved families.

Kethi Kilonzo sues IEBC over its decision to revoke her Makueni candidature

Kethi Kilonzo and her party, the Wiper Democratic movement, have moved to high to sue the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission over its ruling that locked her out of the Makueni senatorial race.

The IEBC revoked Kethi's candidature on Monday over allegations that she is not a registered voter as required by law and the Political Parties Act.

In an application filed on Wednesday 10th July, Kethi's lawyers Harun Ndubi and Jullie Soweto, are asking the high court to stop IEBC from gazetting a notice that excluded Kethi's name as a candidate for the Makueni senatorial by election, until the court hears and determines the case.

They also want the court to quash IEBC's cancellation of Kethi's candidature.

On the other hand, they also want Kethi's name to be included in the voters register.

High court judge, Justice Lenaola certified the matter as urgent and set the hearing of the case for Thursday. 
 

Chewing miraa makes men 'fertile and good in bed', Mithika Linturi

After the ban of miraa in the UK and other countries, Igembe south member of parliament Mithika Linturi has said that contrary to what many people believe, chewing miraa  leaves men 'very fertile and pretty good in bed'.

He said this while contributing to a motion seeking to regulate the miraa industry in the country.

Mr. Linturi even dared those demonizing the use of miraa to try it out saying they will never disappoint their spouses.

"We do not import men to Meru to come and sleep with our women, because we are capable of reproducing ourselves, thanks to miraa", said Mr. Linturi.

Rio Ferdinand: Leaving Man United has never crossed my mind

 Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United veteran defender.

Rio Ferdinand, a 34 years old veteran Manchester United skipper, has made it clear that he has never thought of leaving his favorite and current club, Man United. However, he confirmed that so far he has received several offers from different clubs.

He said that he has achieved all that he ever wanted to in his career as a footballer at Man United.

"I came to Manchester United for reason and that was ti win trophies, so i could retire and say how many trophies I have won and look back and say I've made a success of my career", he said.

When asked whether he has ever had any offers from other clubs, Ferdinand said, "I've had loads of  offers over the years to go to other football clubs and there has been loads of speculations in the papers every other year, but I've never really wanted to go anywhere", he added.

Meanwhile, he has been awarded a testimonial match against Seville due to his service to the club. That match will take place next month.

Cord blames Kethi Kilonzo's woes on TNA

The CORD leadership has in a press conference held on Tuesday at the Serena hotel, blamed the National Alliance for being behind the removal of Kethi Kilonzo's name from the voters register for fear that she would win the Makueni senate race.

Speaking on behalf of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, the former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka said that TNA resolved to remove Kethi's name from the register after unsuccessful tried to lure her to vie on any of its affiliate parties.

“Of concern is the manner in which TNA, a major player in the Jubilee Coalition raised the issue of Kethi’s voter registration status without the knowledge of the electoral body, begging the question of who is the custodian of the IEBC’s vote register. This clearly shows that TNA is IEBC and IEBC is TNA. TNA must have tampered with the voter register, hence deleting Kethi’s name,” Mr. Musyoka said bitterly.

He was accompanied by several Cord members of parliament and senators.

Cord vowed to move to high court and challenge the IEBC's decision to make sure that Kethi is allowed to run in the Makueni senatorial by election.

When contacted regarding Cord's allegations, Mr. John Sakaja, TNA's chairman said that he was in a meeting.

Kenyan Authorities intercepts 3.2 tonnes of ivory at the port of Mombasa

The Kenya Revenue Authority and the Kenya Wildlife service have, on Monday 9th July, intercepted an ivory consignment weighing 3.2 tonnes that was waiting to be shipped to Malaysia.

This is in a bid to intesify the fight against illegal trade of ivory.

While addressing the press, KRA's public relations and corporate affairs officer, Fatuma Yusuf, confirmed that the ivory was packed in Kenya and disguised as groundnuts.

"Some of the ivory weighs almost 60 kilograms an indication that they were hacking off ivory from big elephants", she said.

“According to documents we have, the container carried 240 bags of groundnuts but upon scanning, ivory was discovered hidden in between the bags,” she added.

 

The director of Kenya Wildlife Service coastal region, Mr. Arthur Tudor, observed that that is the largest consignment of ivory that has been seized this year.

BREAKING NEWS: Teachers turn down govt's offer of Sh17bn

              
Striking teachers protesting along the streets of Kisumu

The Kenya National Union of Teachers has rejected government's Sh17 billion offer terming it too small for teachers.

They are also demanding that the pay increase should not be done in phases, but in one go.

More to follow.....

Knut recruits more than 20,000 Kuppet members

 Knut chairman, Wilson Sossion left and deputy secretary general Mudzo Nzili.

The rivalry between the two teachers unions, Knut and Kuppet, has been taken a notch higher with Knut claiming that it has recruited more 20,000 Kuppet members.

While urging all teachers to register with Knut, Mr. Sossion, the chairman of the Kenya National Union of Teachers, boasted of benefiting from the massive exodus that has hit their rival, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers.

Mr. Sossion said teachers will not go back to class until the government honors  the 1997 teachers pay deal in full.

This comes even as the TSC withdraws the contempt of court charges it had pressed against the Knut officials.

KQ passengers who were stranded in Greece now pushing for compensation

Passengers who were aboard the ill-fated KQ flight that made an emergency landing in Athens, Greece now want to be compensated by the Kenya Airways.

The 301 passengers made these demands shortly after the KQ plane which had developed some problem was repaired and allowed to leave Athens, touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Their original flight, KQ flight 117, was forced to make an emergency landing in Greece after sensors in the cargo hold sent a fire alarm forcing captain Muiruri to divert and land in Athens.

"...we are going to demand from KQ for the kind of treatment we got from them. We are not fighting them but we feel there is need for compensation", said one of the passengers, Rachel Onamu.

Miss Onamu disclosed that they were booked into a hotel for only five hours after the emergency landing after which they stayed out in the cold with no communication from the national carrier.


 Passengers who were aboard the ill-fated KQ flight being received by relatives

Another passenger, Mr. Ketan Shaa, who was traveling with his family also expressed his dissatisfaction with the KQ.

The passengers were received home by their relatives who had been camping at the JKIA.

BREAKING NEWS: IEBC withdraws Kethi's nomination as it gives Prof. Kaloki a green light to vie

News reaching The Reporter indicates that the IEBC's Dispute Resolution Committee has, on Monday 8th July, revoked Kethi Kilonzo's certificate of nomination on the grounds that she is not a registered voter consequently locking her out of the Makueni senate race.

While making the ruling, the Letangule's committee upheld Prof. Kaloki's candidature saying he has not broken the Political Parties Act nor any law of the land as far elections are concerned.

"We rule that the nomination of Kaloki by NARC was within the 45 days and thus was valid" ruled the Dispute Resolution Committee.

The wiper movement had contested Kaloki's candidature claiming that he is still a member of the party.

About Kethi's registration, the tribunal said it will launch investigations as how Kethi got her registration.

Meanwhile, Kethi has vowed to challenge the tribunal's ruling at the high court.

The ill-fated KQ flight 117 denied clearance to leave Greece

The Kenya Airways has, on Monday July 8th, said that its plane that made an emergency landing in Greece on Saturday has been denied clearance to leave Athens.

According to KQ, the departure was cancelled on Sunday by Greece authorities but it has sent another flight from Nairobi to bring home the 301 passengers who are still stranded in Athens.

Captain Muiruri was forced to make an emergency landing in Greece at 1am local time after smoke was sensed in one of its cargo holds. However, the flight made a safe landing and the crew led by Captain Muiruri have been applauded on the professional manner they handled the whole situation.

Part of the statement sent to newsrooms and signed by KQ's chief operating officer read, "This follows the denial of clearance by the Greece Civil Aviation in spite of approval by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the manufacturers, Boeing, for reasons yet to be officially communicated"

Initially, the plane was expected to land at JKIA at exactly 4:30am.

IEBC to rule on Kethi Kilonzo's fate today

The IEBC through its Dispute Resolutions Committee chaired by commissioner Thomas Letangule, will today, on Monday 8th July, 2013, rule on whether Kethi kilonzo will be allowed to vie for the Makueni senatorial seat or not.

This follows hearings that were conducted last week in which the Jubilee coalition and three voters from Makueni contested Kethi's candidature on the grounds that she is not a registered voter and therefore should not be allowed run for any political office.

During the hearings that were done at the Milimani Law Courts, sensational allegations were made. One such allegation was raised by Immaculate Kasait, IEBC's Director of Voter Registration when she said and confirmed that the registration slip that was used to register Kethi is among four that were stolen from a registration booklet. The Letangule's committee is expected to give its ruling today.

Today's ruling will either make or break Kethi's bid to represent the Makueni county in the senate as their second senator after the passing on of her father, Mr. Mutula Kilonzo, who was the county's first senator.



Meanwhile, according to information from credible sources, Kethi's lawyers, Mr. Harun Ndubi, Jullie Soweto and Tom kajwang' are not a happy with the Letangule's committee on allegations that they were not given enough time to make their case clear especially during the cross-examinations.

Observe 'Mututho Laws', president Kenyatta

                                                                       President Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has, on Friday July 5th, urged all Kenyans to fully observe the famous 'Mututho Laws'.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting held in Nakuru with elected leaders from the area , the president  pointed out that people should drink only when the alcohol laws allows. That is from 5pm over the weekdays and from 2pm during the weekends.

Once again, president Uhuru reiterated his commitment to trim down alcohol consumption in the country especially among the youths.

The president challenged the Kenyan youths to direct their energy to more productive activities rather than just drinking. He also noted that his government will implement the 'Mututho Laws' to the letter.

HELB recovers Sh620 million following the amnesty period ending July 6th

The higher education loans Board, HELB, on Friday, July 5th confirmed that it has recovered more than 620 million shillings following the amnesty period it gave to all loan defaulters. That period is scheduled end on July 6th.

HELB, through its CEO Mr. Charles Ringera, says it is very happy with the results of the two-month long amnesty. "by the end of tomorrow, Saturday 6th, we shall have raised a total of between Sh650-Sh700 million" the CEO said.

Initially, HELB had set the amnesty to run for only one month but extended it later after getting overwhelming response.

However, the amount recovered is only 7% of the total Sh8.3 billion loan defaulters owes HELB. The cash raised will be injected back into the fund to support more students.

HELB supports needy students in universities by giving them bursaries and loans on low interest. During this year's budget, the fund got Sh4.9 billion from the government treasury. but it has asked for more allocation stating that that amount is not enough.

According to the fund, it requires close to Sh14 billion to successfully meet its targets.