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Steve Harvey Shares His True Feelings OnDaughter Lori’s Romance With Michael B.Jordan

2021-09-21T11:41:00.003+03:00

Only the best for daddy’s little girl. In a recent interview, ‘Family Feud’ host Steve Harvey admits that he ‘approves’ of daughter Lori’s romance with Michael B. Jordan.

Lori Harvey, 24, has her stepdad’s approval! Her and Michael B. Jordan‘s romance is as strong as ever, especially now that her stepdad, Steve Harvey, 64 approves of the relationship. The famed comedian recently spoke to PEOPLE about his feelings on the actor dating his stepdaughter in an interview on September 20.

“I don’t speak publicly about this type of stuff, but I’m happy for my daughter right now. I really am,” the comedian, 64, confessed. “It’s the first time I’ve been happy for her [in a relationship]. And it’s the first time she’s been happy. He’s just a good guy. If he wasn’t, get him out of here, ’cause I have ways,” the Family Feud host continued. “But I can’t say nothing bad, man. He’s just got a great family, man. He’s a spiritual guy.”

Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey seen on a night out, Los Angeles, USA – 20 Aug 2021 (RHTY/starmaxinc.com/Shutterstock)

But, “he’s not the sexiest man alive to me, at all,” Steve joked, while referencing the title Michael was given in 2020. “I haven’t seen it. I haven’t seen anything sexy yet.” All jokes aside, Steve just wants the best for his daughter, as anyone would. “But I’m a father. I don’t give a damn if you [are] cute,” he continued. “I just want somebody to treat my princess the way I treat her.”

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The model started dating Michael in November 2020, and they went public with the relationship in January 2021. Since going public, the duo have been posting glimpses into their romance on social media.

Miss Universe Competition, Show, Tyler Perry Studios, Atlanta, USA – 08 Dec 2019 (Frank Micelotta/Fox/Picturegroup/Shutterstock)

As of now, the lovebirds have been an item for almost a year now and show no signs of slowing down. As time goes on, it seems as if the model can no longer contain her love and adoration for her beau. During her appearance on The Real season 8 premiere on Monday Sept. 20, she confirmed that the pairing is truly a romance for the ages! “We just really balance each other,” Lori told co-hosts Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon Houghton, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, and Garcelle Beauvais. “I really do believe in the statement when they say, ‘when you know you know.’ And I think that really applies to our situation and we just have a really good time together,” she added.

It seems as if she is not the only one that is head over heels. In an interview with People in April, Michael spoke about why he decided to be public about his relationship with Lori, after keeping his personal life private for years. “I’m still private, and I want to protect that, but it just felt like it was a moment of just wanting to put it out there and move on,” he said. “I’m extremely happy.”

Angelina Jolie’s Daughter Zahara, 16, IsStylish In A Red Dress On Grocery StoreRun With Mom

2021-09-21T11:40:00.005+03:00

Angelia Jolie pushed her own grocery cart in organic food store Erewhon, where she stocked up on several bags of items.

Angelina Jolie‘s daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt, 16, looked so stylish on a recent grocery trip run. The teenager rocked a long red, cotton dress and sneakers while shopping at pricey organic food store Erewhon in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 18. Zahara accessorized with beaded bracelets and a ring, as well as a protective face mask due to COVID-19, in a photo snapped by the stores’ refrigerators.

Angelina Jolie and 16-year-old daughter Zahara stocked up on groceries at the West Hollywood Erewhon on Sept. 18. (GAMR / BACKGRID)

She was joined by her equally as fashionable mom Angelina, who kept to her usual neutral tones. The 46-year-old channeled Max Mara in her camel colored wool wrap coat, as well as a low, nude colored leather pump. Angelia kept her dark hair down and in a loose wave, keeping her face partially covered with a black face mask. The Lara Croft: Tomb Raider actress was pushing her own grocery cart through the West Hollywood store, which looked filled with an array of snacks and goodies. Leaving the store, at least six filled paper bags could be spotted in the cart.

Angelina Jolie pushed her own grocery cart through the store, which was filled with plenty of items. (GAMR / BACKGRID)

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The actress, who is the daughter of Jon Voight, 82, recently visited the White House to speak about the importance of the Violence Against Women Act. In a short video from the appearance, Angelina let out a nervous laugh as she snapped a photo in front of a White House podium, looking poised and elegant in a sleeveless black turtleneck and cream midi-length skirt.

During the visit, she also met gymnasts McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, and Maggie Nichols, who spoke about the FBI’s handling of the Larry Nassar investigation in a Senate hearing. “I was honored to meet with some of the brave US gymnasts who appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday,” she captioned her social media post. “I’m in awe of their courage and commitment to preventing future failures to investigate abuse,” she also said.

The appearance came amid Angelina’s on-going child custody case with ex Brad Pitt, 57. In late August, Angelina was granted full custody of the couple’s minor children, Pax, 17, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 15, and 13-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox (eldest son Maddox, now 20, is legally an adult). In a rare interview, Angelina confessed she “feared” for the safety of her kids during her relationship with Brad.

“I’m not the kind of person who makes decisions like the decisions I had to make lightly. It took a lot for me to be in a position where I felt I had to separate from the father of my children,” she said during the same interview with The Guardian.

Khloé Kardashian & Tristan ThompsonMatch In Black While Taking DaughterTrue To Dance Class

2021-09-21T11:40:00.001+03:00

Amicable exes Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson color coordinated their outfits while taking daughter True to dance class.

Khloé Kardashian and ex Tristan Thompson are making co-parenting work — and in matching outfits, no less. The former reality TV star, 37, and the NBA player, 30, stepped out to escort their daughter True, 3, to dance class in Los Angeles on Monday in color coordinated black outfits. Khloé wore a black tank and leggings with a matching black Prada fanny pack, while Tristan wore a black graphic tee and shorts.

Tristan Thompson and Khloé Kardashian take daughter True to dance class (4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID)

As for little True, the tiny dancer wore a black dance dress with some bedazzling detail. The tot, who completed her look with pink sneakers and two pigtail buns, did not have to do much walking to her destination, as she hitched a ride by swinging on both of her parents’ arms. Both mom and dad wore black surgical face masks for the outing.

In another snapshot, doting dad Tristan can be seen holding his baby girl. The outing marks the latest in a string of family outings for the trio. While the on-again, off-again split for good in June, a source previously told HollywoodLife that the exes are in “a really good place right now,” explaining that Khloé makes a “conscious effort” to be on good terms with Tristan for the sake of their daughter.

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“They’re totally friendly, and they talk, text, etc., all the time,” the source said. “It took some time to patch things up between them, but. . . Khloé has a heart of gold and doesn’t have the time or energy to put into holding onto grudges.” The insider added that the Good American founder “knows that it’s in True’s best interest to have an amicable relationship with her dad.”

Tristan Thompson takes daughter True to dance class with ex Khloé Kardashian (TheCelebrityfinder/MEGA)

“Khloé feels like it would do more harm than good to have any bad blood with Tristan, and that’s not what she’s about.” the source continued. “She made a conscious effort to avoid holding onto any pain or resentment, and she always tries to make the best of every situation.”

The recent dance class outing comes after Khloé spoke to E! News on Monday and gushed about her little girl. On top of dance class, True is also big on gymnastics. “She’s a gymnastics girl. I just love watching her,” Khloé said. “She’s very careful too, so watching her just be really timid and careful while her cousins have no fear; I’m proud of her for being a careful girl.”

Dua Lipa Rocks Monochrome Outfit OnRomantic NYC Dinner Date With AnwarHadid

2021-09-21T11:38:00.002+03:00

After celebrating the first birthday of Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik’s daughter Khai, Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid stepped out for a dinner date in the city.

Dua Lipa stunned in a stylish monochrome outfit during a dinner date with boyfriend Anwar Hadid in New York on Monday. The English singer, 26, wore baggy black denim jeans, matching pointed heels with laces, and black gloves while out in the city, pairing the ensemble with a loose white blouse.

Dua Lipa rocks a monochrome outfit during a dinner date with Anwar Hadid in New York (Said Elatab/BACKGRID)

Her model boyfriend, 22, on the other hand, mixed his prints for the outing, wearing a charcoal band tee and patterned blue and yellow pants. The dinner date comes after the “Levitating” singer joined her boyfriend for a family event over the weekend: the first birthday of Khai, the daughter of Anwar’s older sister Gigi Hadid and partner Zayn Malik.

Anwar and Gigi’s dad Mohamed shared snapshots from the festivities on Instagram on Sunday, including a photo of Khai surrounded by birthday toys and balloons. Dua was also in attendance, as the Grammy winner shared an Instagram Story of her holding Khai on Sunday. “Happy Birthday perfect angel Khai,” she wrote on the photo, tagging parents Gigi and Zayn.

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The singer has been dating the model’s brother for two years now; and a source previously told HollywoodLife that Gigi — as well as fellow model sister Bella Hadid — both “adore” their brother’s girlfriend. “Bella and Gigi absolutely adore Dua and they are so happy that Anwar has found such an amazing woman,” the source said. “They think Anwar has been happier than ever. . . She’s such a positive energy. It’s hard not to love her.”

The source added that all three women were friends long before Dua’s relationship with Anwar, so the sisters have a “genuine friendship” with the singer outside of her romance with their brother. “She absolutely has the Hadid family’s blessing,” the source continued. “Gigi and Bella really do look at her as a sister. She fits right in.”

The duo are notoriously private about their relationship. In her interview with British Vogue in January, Dua explained the decision to maintain the privacy. “We’re quite private. We’ll only show you as much as we want you to see,” the singer said. “It’s a little bit of give and take, trying to find the right balance of being so excited and being in love, and wanting to share that with the people around me, but at the same time not wanting to put too much out there. I want to be able to just be happy in this relationship without having other people’s opinions.”

Zayn & Gigi Hadid’s Daughter Khai SeenIn Rare Photos From Her 1st BirthdayParty

2021-09-21T11:37:00.003+03:00

Happy birthday, Khai! Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik’s daughter celebrated her first birthday over the weekend — and the model’s family shared sweet snapshots from the festivities.

Baby Khai is officially 1! Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik’s daughter celebrated her first birthday over the weekend — and their family offered a glimpse into the festivities on social media. Gigi’s parents Mohamed and Yolanda Hadid, as well as sister Bella, paid tribute to Khai over the weekend, calling her “the greatest gift our family has ever been blessed with.”

Grandpa Mohamed shared a photo dump from the birthday festivities filled with lots of toys of balloons, some that spelled out his granddaughter’s name. The Hadid patriarch sported some bunny ears for Khai’s big day. On her own Instagram account, aunt Bella shared a carousel of everyday photos and one photo from the party that featured Khai’s bear cake.

The model thanked sister Gigi and Zayn for her “forever best friend” and wrote, “Happy Birthday to the greatest gift our family has ever been blessed with…. I didn’t know my heart could grow this big!!!! You make me smile when I’m sad and make me cry of happiness just because ur alive. I can’t wait to watch you grow into the most perfect specimen of all.”

Grandma Yolanda, on the other hand, shared sweet snapshots of Khai with the animals on their family farm. “Happy first birthday to our Angel Khai,” she wrote. “No words can express how much love and joy you have brought into our lives in just one year… I had to grow a whole other heart to absorb it all, you are such a magical little being that brings us smiles and blessings everyday.”

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Yolanda added, “Thank you to your incredible mamma @gigihadid and bubba @zayn for the greatest gift of life!!” Singer Dua Lipa, who is dating Gigi and Bella’s brother Anwar, was also in attendance, sharing a snapshot with baby Khai on her Instagram Story and writing, “Happy birthday perfect angel Khai.”

The model’s friends and family all made sure to obscure Khai’s face during their birthday tributes. Gigi, who welcomed her firstborn with Zayn late last September, has been vocal about her desire to maintain privacy for her daughter. She penned an open letter to the press and fan accounts in July that pleaded for all images of Khai’s face to be blurred.

“You know we have never intentionally shared our daughters face on social media,” she wrote. “Our wish is that she can choose how to share herself with the world when she comes of age, and that she can live as normal of a childhood as possible, without worrying about a public image that she has not chosen. . . I just want the best for my baby, as all parents do, and I hope this can continue the conversation to protect minors in the media, even if they come from a public family.”

Shawn Mendes Says He & Justin Bieber‘Never Talked About’ His Met Gala DateWith Hailey Baldwin

2021-09-21T11:36:00.002+03:00

While hooked up to a lie detector for a ‘Vanity Fair’ segment, Shawn Mendes dished on Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, among other amusing topics.

Shawn Mendes was put on the hot seat for Vanity Fair’s infamous lie detector test on Monday. The Canadian singer, 23, nervously laughed through a series of questions while hooked up to a lie detector, dishing about girlfriend Camila Cabello, his pal Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Joe Alwyn, and, more notably, his idol Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Baldwin, whom he infamously attended the Met Gala with in 2018.

“When you met Justin Bieber, did the Met Gala get brought up?” the interviewer asked, placing a photo of Shawn and Hailey at the gala on the table. “When we met? No,” Shawn replied. “Never talked about that.” The question came after Shawn answered other questions about his “Monster” collaborator, including whether he was nervous meeting the pop star since he has credited him as one of the main reasons he got into singing.

“Definitely,” Shawn responded, adding that he “probably had some face twitching” going on due to how nervous he was to meet Justin. “Did you say anything weird to him?” the interviewer asked, to which he replied, “Probably.” For context, Shawn and Hailey briefly dated between 2017 and early 2018 prior to the model’s nuptials to Justin in late 2018. As for Shawn, he has been dating Camila since 2019.

Shawn Mendes and Hailey Baldwin at the 2018 Met Gala (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock)

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Elsewhere in the segment, Shawn said he had initially been “friend zoned” by girlfriend Camila. He also dished on whether he approved of friend and former tourmate Taylor’s boyfriend Joe. “I’ve never personally met Joe, but he looks like a sweet guy,” Shawn said. When the man monitoring the test said the singer was lying, Shawn admitted, “I mean he’s kinda got a little bit of a villain look about him. I mean, he looks like a nice guy . . . but he at any [moment] could turn into a villain, you know?”

The singer added that the British actor has “really blue eyes” and he finds it easier to “trust brown eyes.” The hilarious segment comes after the “Wonder” singer announced his upcoming tour, “Wonder: The World Tour,” pegged to his fourth studio album of the same name, on Instagram on Monday. “Announcing later this week!” he wrote of the dates. “Can’t wait to get out there and see you all again guys.” It’s unclear who will join him as opening act, but they probably won’t have blue eyes.

MPs want campaign funding kept secret

2021-09-21T11:29:00.004+03:00

MPs plot to amend the law to keep secret campaign donors and election spending, dealing a blow to efforts to enforce accountability in poll financing.

A month after rejecting an attempt by the electoral commission to impose spending caps on campaigns for various elective seats, the National Assembly now wants to amend the Election Campaign Financing Act to ensure poll money handled by candidates and parties is confidential.

A Bill by the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) seeking to amend the Act to ensure that sources of funds and expenses by politicians during campaigns are kept confidential is set to be introduced to the House.

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Through the Election Campaign Financing (Amendment) Bill, 2021, Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni wants the requirement to establish a candidate’s expenditure scrapped.

The committee is opposed to the requirement by the electoral commission that the identity of donors of political parties and candidates should be revealed.

“The disclosure of funds shall be confidential and details of such funds shall not be divulged except where such information is the subject of a complaint or an investigation, or is the subject of proceedings in a court of law,” reads the Bill.

"The objective of the Bill is to amend the Act, 2013 to align its provisions with the Elections Act, 2011 and further propose amendments that will enable its implementation as the current provisions do not take cognizant of current socio-economic and political structures which have hindered the full implementation of the law,” says the Bill.

While the proposed law provides for submission of expenditure reports by candidates and parties to the commission as well as disclosure of funds including by a referendum committee, the confidentiality clause denies public access to such information, which defeats the spirit of the law.

It’s the same scheme MPs exploit to ensure their wealth declaration that was meant to be public to facilitate scrutiny is kept secret in Parliament.

The development is a further onslaught to efforts to promote transparency in campaign financing, coming weeks after MPs rejected the Election Campaign Financing Regulations published by the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

IEBC had spelt out spending limits for those vying for the posts of President, governor, MP and MCA.

Given how unpopular the action to ensure secrecy is and the attendant public backlash, MPs who spoke to the Nation yesterday disowned the Bill and vowed to shoot it down despite the unanimity with which they rejected the electoral commission’s regulations.

They argued the Bill undermines the spirit of accountability needed to ensure that dirty money does not find its way in the political arena during campaigns.

The MPs added that if enacted, the Bill will ensure that aspirants with deep pockets will have undue advantage over their counterparts during elections.

National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi said he will not support the amendment ,saying it will promote looting of public funds by public officers seeking various elective posts.

“We are commercialising these positions if we spend millions of shillings to get them. I wonder why one would spend Sh100 million to get a position where in five years he will earn Sh42 million. This means he will get the balance of Sh58 million through looting of public funds,” Mr Mbadi said.

Deputy Majority Whip Maoka Maore said disclosure of the sources of campaign funds is fundamental especially for those seeking public office.

Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu said the world is operating in an era of accountability and politicians cannot run away from it, noting that full disclosure is a way of dealing with corruption. BY DAILY NATION

CBC: Magoha says he is ready to face Kenyans in court

2021-09-21T11:28:00.002+03:00

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has said he is ready to defend the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) in court.

Prof Mahoga defended the new system of education, saying it is impacting positively on the lives of learners.

"Take me to court, you will meet me there, but I can assure you that I will defend it," said Prof Magoha, who announced that next year the government will roll out CBC for Grade 6.

Speaking in Kilifi during a ceremony to award winners of a national primary school essay writing competition in which 23,000 pupils from 11,300 public primary schools countrywide participated, Prof Magoha said those criticising the government must be sober and ready to adopt the new curriculum.
He was with his Tourism and Wildlife counterpart Najib Balala.

"You have seen me in the slums because that’s where my call (sic) is … to ensure there is equity in the education sector. Kenya is not the richest country in Africa and yet it spends 29 percent of its budget in the education sector," said Prof Magoha.

However, the CS acknowledged challenges in the new curriculum, saying it will be reviewed next year.

"Everything is being done to ensure equity … Parents at home are the greatest teachers. Stop asking that parents must be literate. My mother didn't go to school but I learnt from her and she took part in my class work," he added.

The CS said the government is turning the river back to its course to ensure learners are impacted with skills instead of cramming for examination.

He criticised the 8-4-4 education system for being exam-oriented. Prof Magoha said the three years he was at the Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) he witnessed how learners were struggling to pass tests after being drilled.

"Growing up we used to be told to carry manure and some would carry goats, cow and chicken, which is common in Western Kenya so nobody would say they cannot get it. Every home in western Kenya has chicken so the government is going back to that period," said Prof Magoha.

The two ministers said CBC is practical, where learners learn skills.

"Some learners will become industrialists as they learn how to do things. What is wrong if children learn how to make ice cream? The concept is to identify different talents in children. All children are intelligent, CBC is trying to identify the talents of the child and avoiding situations happening right now where a parent forces a child to study medicine instead of doing what they love," he added.

Mr Balala praised the state for implementing the new curriculum, adding that it will nurture talents. BY DAILY NATION

Airtel customers to receive money from 129 countries free of charge

2021-09-21T11:25:00.001+03:00

Airtel Money has partnered with World Remit to allow Airtel customers to receive money from 129 countries, free of charge.

World Remit is an international money transfer service that allows people across the world, to send money directly to Airtel Money wallets in a fast, affordable, secure and easy way to use.

Through this partnership, Airtel Money customers will be able to receive funds directly into their wallets and transact through sending or withdrawing money, paying bills or using the Lipa Na Airtel Money options.

Mobile Money services continue to experience significant growth in Kenya.

According to the third quarter sector statistics (January-March 2021) by the Communications Authority of Kenya, the number of active mobile money subscriptions grew by 2.0 per cent to stand at 33.1 million, whereas active mobile money agents stood at 275,907 up from 264,390.

This increase highlights the growing need for customers to access mobile financial services like Airtel Money, especially during the prevailing times caused by the pandemic.

Airtel Kenya Managing Director, Prasanta Das Sarma said the volume of transactions and the number of new registered customers to Airtel Money continues to grow.

"Through this partnership, our customers are assured of seamless services across the globe, without fear of costs. Airtel Money continues to offer fast, secure and affordable services to all Kenyans,” Sarma said. BY THE STAR

Undeterred after attack, Jimi Wanjigi plans return to Migori

2021-09-21T11:23:00.002+03:00

Politician and businessman Jimi Wanjigi is planning a second visit to Migori County following one marred by chaos after his convoy was pelted with stones.

Mr Wanjigi has just concluded a grassroots campaign to woo Nyanza residents to support his bid for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership and presidential ticket. He has, however, not specified the dates.

Winding up his four-day visit on Sunday, he met 22 ward representatives from Migori in Kisumu County, whom it is said apologised for the attack and promised to support him on his next tour.

ODM officials kept off Mr Wanjigi’s visit, saying it did not have the blessings of the party.

They also reiterated their support for party leader Raila Odinga, whom Mr Wanjigi hopes to dislodge on claims that he is politically spent.

Those supporting Mr Wanjigi in Nyanza appear to be new faces, with close allies of Mr Odinga from the Nyanza region staying away from the businessman lest they be branded anti-Raila, which they fear could affect their political careers.

Read: Jimi Wanjigi banks on 'strong friendship' with Raila Odinga in State House bid

Mr Wanjigi’s strategy of by-passing ODM officials and opting to go directly to the party supporters at the grassroots seems to be supported by people who feel some party officials are already leaning towards some candidates, which could influence nominations and elections.

"I am a believer of game-changing. I love the orange party because of its ideals and constitution, which is people-centered, [as well as] its internal democracy, which I hope will be upheld so that it is the people who are heard and respected, not the few people in the party," he during his visit.

Primary strategy

While the impact of his visit in Migori is mild, he could thrive on the divisions being witnessed in the ODM party, and sympathisers supporting his bid for the ODM ticket.

The split in the party seems to be working for Mr Wanjigi.

At a press conference in Kisii County after the Migori attack, the businessman was accompanied by some party officials said to be his point men there.

It included parties sympathetic to Governor Okoth Obado, in what is starting to raise eyebrows.

Among them were ODM Organising Secretary Joseph Nyambori, former God Jope MCA Ochieng Abwao and Caleb Ocholla, a political aspirant for the Got Kocholla Ward seat Mr

Mr Wanjigi’s strategy is to net as many delegates as possible across the country to support his bid.

"I am confident that I will win a good majority of these delegates because the time for fresh leadership in the party and in the country has come. I will, however, support Raila should I lose in a free and fair nomination" he said.

More on this: Defiant Jimi Wanjigi takes ODM battle to Raila Odinga

Also read: Muturi reacts after attack on Jimi Wanjigi, says he won't be intimidated

Across the country, he intends to advance efforts to popularise his party by opening offices.

Mr Wanjigi said by the end of September, he should have opened 13 offices in the Mt Kenya region, which has not been supporting the ODM party.

"By the end of October, we will have opened offices in 25 counties across the country. We will then move to the Coast to meet delegates while planning office openings in areas where offices don’t exist before moving to Upper Rift," he said.

The results of his efforts will become clearer when he makes his second visit to Mr Odinga's backyard. BY DAILY NATION

Harambee Starlets striker Rachael Muema dreams big

2021-09-21T11:22:00.001+03:00

Harambee Starlets forward Rachael Muema’s star continues to shine after she guided Thika Queens to the Kenya Women's Premier League title.

From her days at Nginda Girls, where she helped the team win the national secondary schools' football title, the ever-smiling assassin has her eyes set on a move to Europe.

She talked to Nation Sport about her love for football, prize money given to the women's league winners, future plans and President Samia Suluhu’s remark on women footballers.

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How did you get into football?

I developed interest when I was seven years old. I could join the boys in my village whenever they played. I was the only one from my primary school who was selected to represent the school at the national ball games.

Later on, I joined Nginda Girls where I became the captain of the football team. My coach Harrison Clinton gave me the captain duties because he was impressed by my discipline and leadership skills. I also played handball while in high school, but when I fell in love with football completely, handball became a pastime.

Describe the feeling you had when you won the KWPL with Thika Queens

It was a great, especially having scored the first goal in the final and assisted another one. Winning the league was our biggest objective from the onset and I’m glad I helped the team to achieve it. (Thika Queens defeated Gaspo Women 3-0 in the final to bag the title).

What's your take on the prize money awarded to KWPL winners?

My view is the money can be more if the league and clubs are able to secure a sponsor(s). At the moment, I’d love to see the league attract more interest, especially from local fans.

We need them to attend our matches, so that sponsors can see value for money and come on board. Last season, we were privileged to have some of our matches live-streamed by the Football Kenya Federation. We hope we’ll see more of that this coming season.

How are you investing in your future?

The money we get on this side of the game at the moment goes straight into paying bills. I am working on building my brand and also working and praying for a move into better leagues, so that I could have enough to spend and invest.

What would you be doing if you weren't a footballer?

I would do art, especially drawing. It’s one of the things I love doing, but haven’t really taken seriously recently. I am also working hard on building my brand both online and offline. I could venture into advertising.

Is football your full-time job?

At the moment, yes. I try to make do with the little I get, as I focus on getting into established leagues in the future.

What are your thoughts on the recent comments by President Suluhu on women players?

I may not understand her context, but I believe beauty is much more than that.

What are you chances of making it to the 2023 World Cup?

I believe the team that will be selected will be good enough to secure a slot in the next round, considering the level of competitiveness of our just concluded league, and, of course, with proper preparations. We have a very good crop of players currently.

What's your greatest moment on the pitch?

For Thika Queens, it’s definitely when we won the league last season. For the national team, it’s scoring the only goal against Ghana U20 team with the Junior Harambee Starlets in 2018 African U20 Women's World Cup qualifying tournament.

Who's your role model in football and outside football?

Argentinian Lionel Messi and American Alex Morgan. Outside football it’s Carol Radull. Doreen Nabwire’s journey is also inspirational to me. She was the first Kenyan woman to play professional football in Europe. My dream is to play in Europe.

Lastly, what's your advice to upcoming women footballers in the country?

Always believe in themselves. Hard work will never betray them. BY DAILY NATION

All Blacks brace for 'bully' South Africans in historic clash

2021-09-21T11:20:00.001+03:00

The All Blacks must prepare to face South Africa's "bully mentality" in Saturday's historic 100th Test between the fierce rivals, assistant coach John Plumtree said.

Plumtree said the Springboks' game had evolved since they won the 2019 World Cup and he was unsure what approach Jacques Nienaber's men would take in the Rugby Championship fifth-round fixture in Townsville.

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Plumtree's New Zealand are undefeated in the Rugby Championship, leading the standings by 10 points, and can wrap up the tournament with a win.

Plumtree, who has coached extensively in South Africa, said the Springboks had used a skills-based approach to become world champions before reverting to the physicality they are renowned for.

"It's probably more of a bully mentality around contestable kicks, really aggressive defence and forward play, scrummaging, mauling, which suits their DNA," he said.

"We've seen them play some pretty good footy at the World Cup and against the (British and Irish) Lions as well.

"They can play, they've got some outstanding backs. So you can't trust them, you don't know what's going to happen on the day, so we've got to be prepared for everything."

Whatever the South African game plan, Plumtree said the All Blacks could expect a fierce contest from a side smarting over back-to-back losses to Australia.

"For the forwards, particularly, this is going to be the toughest-fought battle since I've been involved (in 2019)," he said.

"All the boys know that. Everything we do has to have more power, more speed. We've got to play the game at a high tempo, we can't fall into the trap of allowing the game to slow down."

Plumtree played down the significance of the 100th Test meeting, saying the coaching group had not discussed it with the players.

"A milestone like that doesn't help, we'll just knuckle down and get the preparation done," he said. BY DAILY NATION

Inside ADC ranch, a vast heavily-guarded paradise in Laikipia

2021-09-21T11:12:00.002+03:00

The vast Laikipia plains stretch from the slopes of Mt Kenya to the borders of the Rift Valley, where tourism merges heart-warming hospitality with stunning scenery, scintillating skies and wonderful wildlife.

The region is full of ranches and conservancies that are defined by exclusivity and freedom, the quintessential qualities that make Laikipia a paradise on earth.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the wilderness and enjoy the breath-taking beauty of nature.

Wildlife haven

After the Tsavo, Laikipia is the most extensive wildlife haven, a part of the Ewaso ecosystem that is home to a variety of endangered animal species, including the Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffes and black rhinos.

Private ranches occupy more than half of the land with foreigners owning thousands of acres, which they utilise in wildlife conservation and livestock farming.

Our journey to the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) Mutara Ranch begins in Rumuruti town at noon. It takes about 40 minutes on the bumpy Rumuruti-Nanyuki road to Mutara shopping centre.

At the 64,000-acre ranch, there are guards manning the main gate while an electric fence and trenches are also in place to deter intruders. There are many layers of security. Maximum protection.

The ranch comprises an area of 253-square kilometres in the middle of critical wildlife migration corridors. It has a wide diversity of animals, including the big five, rare species such as Grévy’s zebra, cheetah and Patas monkey. It was first established as a private ranch in 1921.

It borders the Laikipia National Park and the Kihika Ranch to the East.

As we drive on the dusty road between the main gate and the administrative offices, the serene environment welcomes us to the ranch. The chirping of birds and raucous trumpeting of elephants lift our spirits.

We are momentarily thrilled by a family of elephants strolling to a water hole. It’s a scene to behold as they play with the water, splashing and spraying it with their trunks. Just like adventurous toddlers. They then come out and pose, as if waiting for a group photo. This is Laikipia.

Old structures and machinery at ADC Mutara Ranch in Laikipia.

Cheboite Kigen | Nation Media Group

Old buildings

It’s touted as one of Africa’s most exhilarating safari and wildlife destinations. In one section of the ranch are rusty houses, idle machines and old vehicles that give the impression of an abandoned historical site. Not at all. The old buildings serve as offices for employees running a section of the ranch.

One of the managers, Mr Benard Maranga, says a section of the property has been leased out to four individuals.

“They mainly carry out farming. The rest of the land is managed by ADC,” he offers.

Two of the individuals are Musa Haji and Mark Powsy, who are both commercial farmers. They grow maize and rear beef cattle. The indigenous Boran cattle is the most popular, with an employee saying there are about 6,000.

“The ranch is home to the Boran cattle but there are also wild animals. It’s a beautiful mixture. The section of land under agriculture has been leased out to farmers,” he says.

Beef cattle

The section under ADC is used as a breeding ground for Boran cattle. The beef produced is sold locally and abroad.

In 2007, ADC set aside more than 20,000 acres for integrated wildlife conservation and ecotourism. It runs the wildlife sanctuary with the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. A private wildlife area that borders Mutara Ranch, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to Kenya’s largest black rhino population and promotes ecotourism.

Ol Pejeta occupies about 360-square kilometres of savannah and incorporates the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Leases secretly signed

While ADC believes the land leased out to commercial farming brings revenue to the government, most employees say the leases were secretly signed as they don’t know the individuals who benefitted.

“I know some people have leased sections of the land, but I don’t know all their names. It’s the ADC management and the government that knows who owns land here,” says one of the employees.

Although the management remains cagy on the other people it has leased out land to, there’s speculation that a powerful public official sits at the top of the list.

Earlier this month, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said Deputy President William Ruto owns thousands of acres at the ranch, where he’s reportedly involved in growing of cereals and livestock farming.

But the DP denied owning a 15,000-acre piece in the property and blamed it on his political enemies.

“The Office of the President was 70 per cent right (on the Matiang’i dossier), but they added me some property like the ADC land that isn’t mine,” said DR Ruto when he addressed a meeting with leaders from Nakuru County at his Karen residence.

Not actively involved

The Nation has established that Dr Ruto has not been actively involved in management of any of the mentioned properties. It remains unclear if he uses proxies to manage the land.

In 2015, a local daily reported that as conflict over pasture in Laikipia County escalated, questions emerged about the ownership of a vast ranch leased out to an influential individual. A contingent of armed police officers had been deployed at the ranch to provide security.

A section of leaders from the pastoralist communities have now urged the State to allow herders into the 15,000-acre land, alleged to be under Dr Ruto, to use it for grazing.

Led by Samburu Senator Ltumbesi Lelegwe and former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel, they want pastoralists to graze their livestock there.

“We want the government to hand over the land to pastoralists to use it for grazing. They used to graze freely on the land before they were ejected. Now their animals are dying,” says Mr Lempurkel.

Meanwhile, residents of Suguroi near the ranch also want to be allowed access to pasture. They say their sources of water and pasture for their livestock have been sealed off.

They are calling on the National Assembly to investigate the circumstances under which a section of the land was leased out.

“We used to graze our cattle at the ranch, but since the individuals leased out a section of the land, we were thrown out. We now want to be given grazing land by the ADC,” says a resident, Mr Musa Lekirmpoto.

Elephants near staff houses at ADC Mutara Ranch in Laikipia.

Cheboite Kigen | Nation Media Group

****

ADC is a parastatal established through an Act of Parliament, Cap 444 of 1986 for promotion and execution of agricultural schemes, and reconstruction in the country by initiating, assisting or expansion of agricultural undertakings and enterprises.

Its main mission is to promote sustainable agricultural development and reconstruction in Kenya by initiating, assisting, and expanding agricultural enterprises through production and supply of quality seed, livestock, technological transfers and training in a sustainable and affordable manner.

The ADC Mutara Ranch lies to the north of Ol Pejeta.

An archetypal Laikipia landscape, its rich grasslands and thick bush are home to many of the species that are also found on Ol Pejeta Conservancy including the elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, antelope and zebra.

At the conservancy, the Mantis Tented Mutara Camp stands in the midst of wildlife.

Nestled high on a cliff-top, Mantis Mutara Tented Camp enjoys a 360 degrees view of raw, uninterrupted wilderness. It is the only accommodation in the 20,000-acre Mutara Conservancy, with just 15 tents. BY DAILY NATION

When they ‘fish out’ explosives from pre-colonial period

2021-09-21T11:11:00.002+03:00

It’s every fisherman’s dream to dock on the beach at dawn with the largest catch. The heavier the catch, the bigger the wallet.

But with reduced supply of fish from Lake Victoria due to competition and decline in breeding, many have to work harder and spend more time in the lake searching for the delicacy.

Strange things have been happening lately. Instead of catching fish, some fishermen have been netting bombs.

Some of the fishing nets haul heavy metallic boxes that contain explosives believed to have been used by German and British soldiers during the scramble for East Africa between 1884 and 1895.

At Litare Beach in Mbita Sub-county of Homa Bay, several fishermen have netted bombs. The latest incident happened on August 3 to a group of five fishermen.

As their vessel sailed across the lake at 2am, their net suddenly became heavy. They became excited at the thought that they had caught a giant fish but Alas! They were wrong.

“We usually go fishing at night and it’s a tough job. On that night, we all thought of how we would make good money at dawn after selling the fish,” says Wycliffe Omondi, the coxswain.

Fishing boats docked ashore at Litare beach, Mbita in Homabay County on September 2, 2021. On several occasions fishermen have hauled heavy metallic boxes containing explosives while on fishing expedition.

Ondari Ogega | Nation Media Group

In excitement, they all joined hands to pull the net up to the boat. Mr Omondi also abandoned his duties to help his colleagues who were struggling to pull the net out of the water.

They were, however, surprised when they discovered that their energy had been wasted on a heavy metallic box.

“It was leaking brown water due to the effects of the rust on the surface of the metal. It was my first time seeing such a thing,” says Mr Omondi.

In a bid to discover what was contained in the box, they hastily broke it and found six, 60-millimeter mortar bombs. They were shocked by their discovery.

Mr Joshua Otieno, one of the fishermen, says he had heard about bombs being found in the lake, but this was his first time to come across them.

As they gazed at the bombs, they feared for the worst and two of them jumped into the hippo-infested waters.

The other three steered the boat ashore and reported the incident to the Beach Management Unit chairman Isaiah Ochieng’, who alerted Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officers in Mbita.

Netted bombs

The police rushed to the beach, collected the bombs and called their colleagues from the bomb disposal unit in Kisumu.

Mr Ochieng’ says fishermen have netted bombs on three different occasions this year. Six bombs were netted by another group in February.

“I am always the first person to be contacted when fishermen net bombs. We’ve instructed them to bring ashore all foreign materials they find so as not to get into the wrong hands,” he says.

The two men who jumped into the water were rescued at Rabuor Island.

Mbita DCI boss Philip Sang has instructed fishermen to be careful whenever they come across ammunitions and explosives.

“Fishermen are required to report the cases immediately so that we can neutralise the threat. They have been informed to always keep the devices away from the public until authorities arrive,” he says.

Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan says bombs the bombs are usually taken for ballistic analysis. BY DAILY NATION

Conflict-torn Ethiopia announces partial second round vote

2021-09-21T11:10:00.003+03:00

Conflict-torn Ethiopia said Monday it would not hold polling in at least 26 constituencies during the next round of landmark national polls due to security issues.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party secured a new five-year term in the first round in June by claiming 410 out of 436 contested seats in the federal parliament.

But logistical challenges and insecurity led to delays in some areas, and a second round of voting is planned for September 30.

More than seven million voters can choose representatives for 47 federal parliamentary seats and 105 regional ones, electoral board spokeswoman Solyana Shimeles said Monday.

However 18 constituencies in Amhara region and eight in Oromia region will not vote now, Solyana said.

Amhara has been scarred by fighting between government troops and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group, while Oromia is grappling with an insurgency by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).

Polling will also not take place in some constituencies in the Afar and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, the electoral board said, without specifying how many.

"Basically we felt like some of the regions, they do have other priorities, so they won't be able to give logistical support for electoral operations in their region," Solyana said.

"We have not decided how and when the election will be held in these places. However, since the number of constituencies is small, we will decide when to hold the election collectively together," she said.

Ethiopia has 547 constituencies nationally, but the electoral board has written off plans to hold elections in Tigray, which is currently mostly under TPLF control.

Ethiopia's new government is set to be formed on October 4.

Solyana said the electoral board was aiming to release the results of the September 30 polls by October 10.

Abiy came to power in 2018 on the back of several years of anti-government protests and promised to break from Ethiopia's authoritarian past in part by holding the most democratic elections the country had ever seen.

The ruling coalition that preceded Abiy claimed staggering majorities in the two previous elections, which observers said fell far short of international standards for fairness.

A more open vote in 2005 saw big gains for the opposition but led to a lethal crackdown on protests over contested results.

This year some opposition parties, notably in Abiy's native Oromia region, opted to boycott the polls, complaining that their candidates have been arrested and their offices vandalised. BY DAILY NATION

After suffering blow, Cameroon mulls shift in war against separatists

2021-09-21T11:09:00.002+03:00

Cameroon has announced a “paradigm shift” in its anglophone region after more than 15 soldiers were killed and three armoured vehicles destroyed by separatist fighters in two separate attacks in a week.

In a statement issued Monday, the military said a convoy of elite soldiers and the Rapid Intervention Battalion, an army combat unit of the Cameroonian Armed Forces, were ambushed while on a reconnaissance mission in Bamessing in the North West region on September 16.

Four days later, a similar attack was carried out against the army in Kikaikom in the same region.
Some “15 soldiers and several civilians were killed as well as three vehicles damaged,” military spokesperson Cyrille Serge Atonfack Guemo said in the statement.

The attackers, he said, used home-made bombs and anti-tank rocket launchers.

Citing intelligence reports, Colonel Atonfack said the resurgence of terrorist groups in the region and the quality of firepower at their disposal is a result of collaboration with foreign terror players. However, he did not elaborate on this claim.

“It is thus clear that the coming into play of high-capacity explosives and new weapons undoubtedly enshrines a paradigm change in operations,” Colonel Atonfack said.

Volatile region

The English-speaking North West and South West regions of Cameroon have remained volatile since an industrial strike by lawyers and teachers over marginalisation morphed into an armed conflict in 2017.

Separatist groups have since engaged the state in a bloody conflict. The groups want English speakers to secede from the majority French-speaking country and have declared the independence of a new country they call Ambazonia.

More than 3,500 people have been killed, according to humanitarian organisations, and over 712,000 have fled their homes as a result of the conflict. BY DAILY NATION

Litmus test for William Ruto’s UDA in party polls

2021-09-21T11:07:00.006+03:00

Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set for its biggest test yet as it plans for grassroots elections next month.

The party is under pressure to ensure popular aspirants prevail without being seen as favouring elected leaders who have stuck with Dr Ruto despite his woes in the Jubilee administration.

There are camps across the country, such as the power struggle in Nakuru between factions allied to Senator Susan Kihika and Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri.

Another challenge is guarding against infiltration by rival parties that use moles to either spy or disrupt grassroots elections.

Analysts say the fate of the nascent party depends on the manner in which the polls are conducted as a bungled exercise could trigger a fallout, coming after recent protests over the appointment of coordinators that saw elected leaders blamed for shortchanging other aspirants.

Lock out rivals

The lawmakers were accused of planting their proxies in the positions to lock out their rivals as part of strategy to ensure they secure nomination tickets.

“Elections are there next month. What we are trying to work out is how they are going to be conducted amid the pandemic,” UDA chairman Johnson Muthama told the Nation.

The party is yet to decide whether leaders of polling stations should be picked through consensus or voting. The other seats will require voting to select delegates — the important cogs in a party and who are the ultimate decision makers in the National Delegates Convention .

“If people can agree in their polling stations, from there, it will be delegates electing other leaders. Once we manage the polling station issue, the rest will be easy,” Mr Muthama said, adding that the party secretariat will preside over the elections.

“We don’t want anybody to appoint himself as an acting leader in any position. This means people in the counties, sub-counties and wards should not appoint themselves. We want the party to be managed by those elected by members,” Mr Muthama said.

UDA’s success

The polls are an important precursor to the nominations as it is those elected that will be integral in the primaries. Parties are expected to submit a membership list to the electoral commission in April in preparation for the primaries. UDA secretary-general Veronica Maina said preparations for the polls are in top gear.

“We are still preparing and we will see how the date will fit with our processes and consider issues around it,” she said. Aspirants have warned against attempts to favour MPs. “We are all working hard to win. We demand fairness,” Uasin Gishu gubernatorial hopeful Jonathan Bii said.

Mr Antipas Tirop, a gubernatorial hopeful in Nandi County, said UDA’s success will be determined by how it conducts the polls.

Political analysts say grassroots polls could spell doom for parties if they are poorly done.

“Political parties don’t like holding elections due to fear of infiltration by rivals. They also fear disruptions by goons sponsored by opponents with various political ends in mind,” argued political analyst Javas Bigambo. BY DAILY NATION

Raila eyes ‘hustlers’ with new youth agenda to rival Ruto’s

2021-09-21T11:07:00.000+03:00

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has unveiled his 17-point agenda for young people.

The plan, which envisages creating a national boda boda fund and local assembly units for motorbikes, is seen as a move to rival Deputy President William Ruto’s ‘Hustler’ narrative.

Mr Odinga said the fund and the units will make motorbikes “more available and affordable in order to harness and support the potential of the 2.4 million riders”.

In a document called “My thoughts on policy interventions for Kenyan youth” and released on Sunday, Mr Odinga said he envisions proper training and providing young people with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills.

“Creating opportunities, particularly jobs, for these young people is the biggest challenge this country has to deal with going into the future. All our policies must reflect this reality,” he said.

His rival, Dr Ruto, has promised a Sh30 billion kitty to help ‘hustlers’, among them youth, mama mboga and boda boda riders. This, he hopes, will help him capture the support of small-scale businesses as he seeks to boost his influence ahead of the 2022 polls.

“Those complaining about the fundraisers should stop the complaints because next year we shall have a Sh30 billion kitty to help hustlers through our bottom-up approach,” the DP announced in July.

ODM leader Raila Odinga rallies the coast

But on Monday, Mr Odinga disclosed that his youth agenda, which borrows some proposals from the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), envisages the creation of a stand-alone Ministry for Youth Affairs and mainstream appointments of young people into the next government.

“At independence, young leaders did a spectacular job of preparing Kenya for the future. The foundation the young leaders laid has brought Kenya this far,” he noted.

The former Prime Minister said that with the help of the national government and the private sector, he conceives rolling out a Kenya National Youth Internship Programme targeting 10,000 enrollees per year and revamping industries across the 47 counties for ‘Made in Kenya’ products to provide employment opportunities for the youth and make use of and perfect their skills.

“KICOTEC by the Kitui County government would provide the guidance needed in this direction,” he said.

He also underscored the need to maintain a data bank on skilled youth and source support, including extending specific incentives to SMEs run by craftsmen and artisans and ensuring that their passions become professions, industries and jobs.

“I propose that going forward, we consider creating a Youth Commission with equal representation of both genders and task it with advancing the participation of the youth in all spheres of public and private life, mainstreaming the youth perspectives in planning and decision-making, advising the national and county governments on the design, implementation and evaluation of policies and programmes to secure sustainable livelihoods for the youth as well as facilitating generational mentorship and integration of African traditional values with contemporary youth lifestyles,” he said.

ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses delegates at a Mombasa meeting on September 18, 2021.

Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group

"Real action"

In a bid to minimise taxation of new and small youth-owned businesses, the ODM leader plans to create a seven-year tax holiday for youth enterprises, in addition to extending tax incentives to organisations and companies that offer employment to the youth.

He also promised real action, “not just policies on paper, to enable young people start and stay in businesses,” to redesign, revamp and re-launch Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) and make training and retraining of youth a constant in policies.

“In this regard, we will review HELB loans by expanding limits to reflect the cost of living in Kenya as it evolves, removing the interest rates accrued and CRB listing of the graduates. In addition, increase and expand bursaries in tertiary institutions, again, to reflect the reality of the cost of living,” added Mr Odinga.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko drums up support for ODM leader Raila Odinga

He promised to revamp, empower and activate the Youth One Stop Shops to provide strategic and youth-focused services, including access to ICT, entrepreneurship training and guidance and counselling on drugs and substance abuse, and HIV/Aids prevention.

“I also envision to activate Youth Internet Designate Spots and Zones across the country, with free internet and professional guidance services for youth to access the internet for jobs and other opportunities, re-engineer the National Youth Service, devolve its campuses to all the 47 counties in collaboration with the county governments and put it in charge of a mandatory induction and community services across the country,” he said.

He also promised to support 1,000 young people every year with paid internships with the United Nations and other international agencies, and pursue a youth jobs migration programme to review the quality of jobs offered to young Kenyans abroad.

This, Mr Odinga noted, will ensure the security of young Kenyans taking up such jobs and make the entire process friendly, transparent and accountable.

“I also propose to review and reform the Youth Empowerment Development Fund (YEDF) to ensure credit access is youth-friendly, flexible and accessible to individual youths, youth groups and youth-owned SMEs as well as to create a toll-free Youth Call Centre that constitutes a digital platform that allows any young person to get any information on youth opportunities across government departments on their phone,” he said. BY DAILY NATION

US calls for Somalia leadership to resolve 'dispute'

2021-09-21T11:05:00.003+03:00

The United States called Monday on the president and prime minister of Somalia to resolve their "dispute," so as not to further delay the country's electoral process, with the African nation's presidential election scheduled for October 10.

"Cooperation among Somalia's leaders -- particularly President Farmaajo and Prime Minister Roble -- is essential to ensure that the country quickly completes its ongoing electoral process," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

"The dispute between President Farmaajo and Prime Minister Roble risks complicating this process and needs to be resolved immediately and peacefully."

The rivalry between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, popularly known as Farmaajo, and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has raised concerns for the country's stability.

The long-brewing dispute escalated this week when Farmajo suspended Roble's executive powers, a move the premier rejected as unlawful.

Somalia is due to vote for a president on October 10, but the leaders' spat threatens to imperil the repeatedly delayed poll and distract from efforts to confront a long-running Islamist insurgency.

The months-long delay has "concerned" Washington, Price said, stressing that any further postponement "increases the potential for violence and plays into the hands of al-Shabaab and other extremist groups seeking to destabilize the country."

The radical Islamist group Al-Shabaab, whose insurgency was unleashed on Somalia in 2007, control large rural areas and regularly carry out attacks in the capital. BY DAILY NATION

Defiled by brothers at 14, woman cries for justice after court hands probation sentence to one

2021-09-21T11:03:00.003+03:00

An 18-year-old woman is crying for justice after a court handed a probation sentence to a man who defiled her when she was 14.

“There was no justice. It is hurting and disheartening to see him free and I am living in fear,” she said.

She could not talk about the matter, especially the court case, after Muinde Nashon, a boda boda rider who defiled and made her pregnant, was convicted and sentenced to three years of probation by a Makindu court.

ALSO READ

She had earlier testified that she was grabbed from behind and wrestled to the ground by a man who turned out to be her neighbour.

“I struggled to free myself and resisted but he was heavy…he threatened to kill me if I reported the attack to anyone,” she said.

Police report

She found out she was pregnant two months later during a medical examination after she was defiled for the second time by Muinde’s brother.

After the second incident, she opened up to police about the earlier attack.

In the second incident, the man, whom we can’t name for legal reasons because he fled the scene and has therefore never been caught or convicted, was allegedly found in the act in the girl’s parents’ house.

She would later deliver a baby girl, who is now four years old.

DNA tests ascertained that Muinde was 99.99 percent the biological father of the child. Only Muinde was arraigned and convicted.

The two incidents were reported at the Misuuni police post.

In court, Muinde claimed that the defilement was a false claim arising from a land dispute between his and the girl’s families.

But he was convicted of defilement on March 30 this year and sentenced to three years’ probation by resident magistrate JD Karani.

“The accused denied the offence. He never tendered any other evidence in support, save for his denial. The only thing that the accused managed to prove was that the complainant was of questionable morals. I thus find that the defence was not sufficient to raise any doubts in this court’s mind,” Mr Karani stated in the judgment.

“Being of questionable morals does not in any way mean she was at the age capable of giving consent and further, does not in any way make one unable to seek justice when a wrong has been done to her. The state has sufficiently proved their case. In the upshot, therefore, the accused herein is convicted under section 215 of criminal procedure code.”

Muinde had been charged with defiling the minor on diverse dates between February 6 and May 6, 2017, in Emali, Nzaui sub-county, Makueni County.

She was only 14 and in Standard Six. The attacker was a neighbour known to her family because her father had bought land from the man’s parents.

Her father said that he told the probation officer that all he wanted was the law to take its course “because they called me to interview me in the presence of Muinde instead of interviewing us separately".

He said Muinde had been tormenting him. “Each time I meet him in the company of his friends, he tells them to remember he has two wives, just to remind me that he made my daughter pregnant and considers her his wife,” he said in an interview at his home.

“When he comes to my homestead he calls my daughter’s child to ask her about her mother’s whereabouts or whether she is still in school, in mockery.”

He added: “They kept threatening me the entire time that this case was in court. They used to tell me the case won’t go anywhere, and I have seen it. At some point, they sold land and offered me Sh30,000 to stop pursuing the case and I turned it down.”

Makueni Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau also wants Muinde’s case reopened. The State can appeal to seek a revision of the sentence. BY DAILY NATION

Murder probe: Family of Nakuru doctor James Gakara alleges foul play

2021-09-21T11:02:00.003+03:00

The family of the doctor whose children were found dead in their home in Nakuru has denied police claims that he killed the minors and then attempted suicide.

Dr James Gakara’s son, Dylan Gakara, five, and daughter, Karuana Gakara, three, were on Saturday night found dead inside their apartment in Milimani while their father was unconscious.

On Monday, the doctor’s sister, Mary Gakara, said the family suspected foul play in the investigations, adding that the reports given to the family by first responders were not adding up.

Last moments of Nakuru doctor and his slain children
Nakuru 3 hours ago

“I know my brother very well. He would do anything to protect his children. He is also not the kind of person to commit such an act,” she told the Nation.

“He loves his family and we have never heard of any differences between my brother and his wife. They have always been happy.”

The distraught sister said she heard the news about her niece’s and nephew’s death through the media, adding that she was very shocked.

The crime scene

On Sunday, Nakuru County Police Commander Beatrice Kiraguri said preliminary investigations showed that the well-known doctor had injected his children with drugs before attempting suicide.

Police believe he may know what transpired behind the locked door after used syringes and an assortment of drugs were found in the room where the minor's bodies were found.

"The girl's bedroom had a sharpened knife indicating that if they didn't die from the drugs their murderer would have probably killed them using the knife," said Kiraguri.

The police said the bodies of the two children who studied at Greensteads International Schools had no physical injuries.

Dr Gakara’s sister yesterday asked the police to approach the investigations into the deaths with an open mind, saying they suspected that someone may have been behind the killings.

“Someone wants to frame him in the murders. We want the investigations expedited and everything should be done thoroughly,” she said.

She also questioned why the police were quick to remove the bodies of the two children after the first responders raised alarm, saying no family member was contacted before the bodies were moved.

“The police told us that my brother had confessed to killing his children but some of those who were at the scene said that he was unconscious when he was picked up and taken to hospital,” Ms Gakara at Nakuru Level Five Hospital.

No complaints

Ms Gakara said she had been having regular contact with her brother and that he had never complained about any difficulty.

Neigbours, friends and clients were still shocked yesterday, with most of them expressing concerns about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

A close friend to the doctor said he was always hanging out with his wife, and that both families had been together on Friday.

“We had dinner together a day before, and there was no sign that he was disturbed. In fact, we had been talking about expanding our businesses and so this story about him attempting suicide, does not add up,” the doctor said.

Dr Gakara’s children’s bodies were Monday transferred from the Nakuru City Morgue to PNN Funeral Home, while the doctor was, by press-time, unconscious at the Intensive Care Unit at the Nakuru Level 5 hospital.

His wife, a nurse, who was in Nairobi during the incident, had been admitted to hospital for shock, but was discharged Monday.

Nakuru West Sub-County Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Stephen Ambani said police will begin investigations, but they were giving the family time to grieve.

He said samples extracted from the bodies of the children were taken to the Government Chemist for toxicological analysis, and that the police were waiting for the results. BY DAILY NATION

How greed, animosity led to the closure of Fig Tree Hotel

2021-09-21T11:00:00.004+03:00

Greed and animosity among shareholders has led to the closure of a Sh1 billion city hotel, three directors of the enterprise have disclosed in court.

Milimani chief magistrate Francis Andayi heard that business rivalry pitting cousins over the control of the multi-billion shilling business operating in the capital city led to the move.

Ms Lucy Waithera Mwangi said the majority shareholder in Fig Tree Hotel Limited (FTHL), Mr Stephen Maina Kimang’a, has been cajoling fellow shareholders to increase his stake to 85 per cent with a view to selling it exclusively.

Mr Andayi heard that hatred has fuelled a flurry of cases in the commercial, family and criminal courts at Milimani and Kibera pitting the siblings of the initial five founding shareholders of Fig Tree Hotel Limited.

Original owners were named as Patrick Mwangi Githinji, Mwangi Gacau, Benson Mwangi Kimang’a, Mwangi Kariuki and Fredrick John Njora.

Some of them have since passed on and their rights inherited by their children.

The five, Andayi heard, pooled their resources together and bought properties in Nairobi and in other counties such as Nyandarua.

“There is bad blood between me the controlling majority shareholder and Mr Stephen Maina Kimang’a who is also my cousin,” Ms Waithera disclosed.

The court also heard Mr Maina has been sued by step brothers and sisters in the family court fighting over the estate of his late father.

“Maina has been sued by the children of his father’s first wife seeking to be allotted their share of his estate,” Ms Waithera said.

In a bid to determine the shares of the late Benson Mwangi Kimang’a a court appointed arbitrator, Mr Kyalo Mbobu, ruled that the deceased had 625 shares in FTHL and had made a further contribution of Sh2 million.

“Stephen Maina Kimang’a , the deceased son who is also the complainant in the Sh48.8 million theft case has been cajoling us to convert his late fathers’ additional contribution in Fig Tree Hotel Limited of Sh2 million into shares,” Ms Waithera told Mr Andayi.

Upon refusal the three directors have been arrested and charged in Kibera and Milimani with criminal offences.

Asked by defence lawyer Wangalwa Oundo whether they stole the Sh48.8 million and whether they have records showing accounts and expenditure, Waithera said all the documents are locked up at the hotel, which has since been closed down and under police guard since 2015.

“We were flushed out of the hotel by police officers who were executing a court order in a case filed against us by Maina requiring us to hand over the hotel,” Ms Waithera.

She added, “We took nothing with us. We walked away with only the clothes we were wearing. All records remained in the hotel.”

The director said they used some Sh26 million to revamp the hotel through painting, tarmacking parking yards, sewer line, purchase of powerful generators as the construction of the Thika Super-Higway interfered with the hotels power supply, water and sewer.

She said they purchased quality utensils plus restocking their stocks of beer and food stuffs.

“We hired a Chinese company -China Wu Yi to reconstruct the damaged sewer at an exorbitant cost,” Ms Waithera recounted.

She said there was a balance of Sh22.3 million of the Sh48.8 million which was taken by Mr Maina after making an application in court through the investigating officer in the case.

Asked by Mr Wangalywa Oundo why they opened the Donholm account she said Equity did not have a branch within Ngara area which is within the precints of the FTHK by then.

She, however, said they later opened an account at the Ngara branch of EBL when it was established.

Mr Andayi who is trying three directors over theft of Sh48 million heard the hotel is just one of the many multi-billion shilling enterprises developed by the 21 shareholders within the Central Business District (CBD), of Nairobi county and in other regions.

Other businesses operated by the shareholders are Kirima Bus Service, Jida House, New Kiuna Limited, New Mwea Trading House and a building within Nyamakima area in Kamkunji Nairobi

“We did not steal the Sh48.8 million reflected in the charge sheet. We used part of the money to renovate and upgrade the Sh1 billion Fig Tree Hotel built in 1981 by our fathers,” the three directors told the magistrate while defending themselves in the theft charge.

They applied for the court to visit FTHL to view it and see the development they carried out.

Mr Andayi delivers a ruling whether to visit FTHL or not today.

All the three have denied the charges of altering company resolutions and theft of Sh48.8 million. Hearing continues. BY DAILY NATION

Cost of imports to increase as shilling hits new low

2021-09-21T10:59:00.003+03:00

The Kenyan shilling continued weakening on Monday against major currencies, hitting its lowest point this year yesterday in the latest nightmare for the economy.

Official data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) shows that the local currency exchanged at a mean of Sh110.16 for each US dollar, in what promises to make imports more expensive in coming days.

Kenya is a net importer and a depreciation of the shilling has a net effect of increasing the prices of goods, including electricity and fuel.

The shilling has been weakening steadily in the last few weeks, sliding from Sh107.9 in July, to Sh109.7 at the end of August. In September, the home currency has further lost ground to cross the new Sh110 psychological point and it appeared to be dropping further as importers increased demand for the greenback.

Apart from imports costs shooting up, a weaker shilling has a direct impact on Kenya’s foreign-denominated loans given that the country pays a huge chunk of its loans in dollars.

“For every shilling that weakens against the dollar, Kenya’s external debt grows by Sh40 billion going by our latest external debt numbers which is Sh4 trillion,” Mr Tony Watima, an economist, said.

But on the flipside, exporters will be smiling all the way to the bank given that a weakening shilling makes exported goods cheaper, and therefore more competitive in the global market.

Mr Watima noted that inflation is likely to increase because of intermediate raw materials that Kenya imports for manufacturing.

“The other impact is that a weak Kenya shilling means our debt position shifts,” Mr Watima said.

Kenya’s risk of debt distress has grown from moderate to high as the country continued its borrowing spree to fund expensive infrastructure projects and deal with a ballooning budget deficit.

The overall debt hit Sh7.71 trillion in June, and is set to spiral to Sh8.75 trillion by the close of the fiscal year, just Sh250 billion shy of hitting the statutory Sh9 trillion debt ceiling that will trigger a fresh move by the National Treasury to seek Parliament’s approval to raise the debt ceiling.

The weakening of the Kenyan shilling has been partly attributed to increasing dollar demand from importers alongside the stay of excess liquidity within the financial markets.

The Central Bank of Kenya has been aggressively defending the home currency in the past several weeks by deploying what is known as open market operations (OMOs) to ease any volatility in the exchange rate by the sale of re-purchasing agreements (repos).

At the same time, the reserve bank has sold dollars from its pool of reserves to even out unmatched dollar demand in the financial markets.

The CBK says in its weekly bulletin that it has adequate dollars to meet imports at $9,619 million or 5.88 months of import cover as at September 16. BY DAILY NATION

Three dead, dozens hurt in Burundi blasts

2021-09-21T10:58:00.003+03:00

A series of explosions hit Burundi's economic capital, killing at least three people and injuring dozens on Monday evening, police and media reports said, the latest in a string of attacks.

The blasts in Bujumbura followed a deadly grenade explosion in a bar in the capital Gitega on Sunday and a series of mortars launched on Burundi's international airport Saturday night.

At least two grenades exploded in a bus parking lot in Bujumbura's city centre on Monday at around 7pm, a police source and eyewitnesses said.

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"One of the victims was killed and 29 others injured, some seriously," the police official said on condition of anonymity, giving a provisional toll.

The blasts triggered panic among bus drivers, passengers and pedestrians, who frantically tried to escape the carnage.

The third blast targeted a market, killing at least two people and injuring several others, the Iwacu newspaper reported.

Burundian officials could not immediately be reached and there were no claims of responsibility for Monday's blasts or Sunday's grenade explosion which killed at least two people in a bar in Gitega.

"A grenade was thrown last night in a bar run by a police officer where many officials and members of the ruling party were gathered," a security source said on condition of anonymity on Monday.

A police officer said the blast killed two people on the spot, while eight others were being treated at medical facilities in Gitega.

It followed an attack on the airport in Bujumbura a day before President Evariste Ndayishimiye was due to fly out for the UN General Assembly in New York.

No one was injured in the assault which saw a series of mortar shells fired at the airport.

'Coordinated attacks'

The RED-Tabara rebel group --accused of being behind many deadly attacks or ambushes across the country since 2015 -- claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack in a statement on Twitter.

"These are coordinated attacks launched by enemies of peace who have wanted to show for three days that there is no peace in Burundi when President Ndayishimiye is at the UN General Assembly", a senior Burundian official said on condition of anonymity.

"But they are mistaken, the situation is under control despite their little outbursts," he added.

RED-Tabara, which has a rear base in South Kivu in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, emerged 10 years ago and is now the most active of Burundi's rebel groups.

In 2020, it claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in which it killed more than 40 people among security forces and the youth league of the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

The Burundian government and many diplomats believed at the time that the rebel group, of 500-800 men, was led by one of the fiercest opponents of the state, Alexis Sinduhije, who has always denied it. BY DAILY NATION

Absentee landlords complicate Laikipia’s perennial troubles

2021-09-21T10:57:00.003+03:00

Absentee landlords and open spaces that remain unoccupied for long have become fertile ground for invasions by herders, fuelling conflict in Laikipia County, the Nation can reveal.

Though a potent mix of bad politics, land grievances, recurring droughts, ethnicity and historical land injustices have been blamed for the recent violence in the region, absentee landlords have also contributed to the conflict.

Investigations by the Nation have revealed that in Laikipia North and West, dozens of land owners have left huge tracts of land to lie fallow for years, making them attractive to invaders.

In Laikipia West, for instance, several parcels of land on the outskirts of Rumuruti town, and parts of Ol Moran have been abandoned by owners and remain idle, years after they acquired them. The Nation established at least 40,000 hectares of land in Laikipia West alone have been lying idle, and illegal grazers have invaded them.

"Absentee landlords is a major factor that contributes to the conflict in the Laikipia plains. The unoccupied parcels of land owned by absentee landlords are a heady temptation for pastoralists in search of open spaces. That attracts invaders," Mr John Kariuki, an expert on land matters, told the Nation.

Laikipia North Member of Parliament Sarah Korere also admitted that absentee landlords are a major cause of conflicts in Laikipia County.

"The government should compulsorily acquire these vast lands and pay back the owners, then take them over and resettle those people who are already settled there and have nowhere else to go," added the MP.

Well-coordinated conflict

Rift Valley Council of Elders patron Gilbert Kabage has also been advocating development of idle land.

"The owners of idle land should come back to Laikipia and develop their land. This region will be fully developed and properly planned if absentee landlords take over their property,” said Mr Kabage.

According to Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya, the conflict in Laikipia is part of a bigger plan of creating insecurity and evicting legal landowners from the area.

Mr Natembeya said communities had been duped that the evictions would expand their territories, yet the beneficiaries would be several individuals.

He described the situation as a well-coordinated conflict by some leaders he did not name, who were interested in taking over the land and setting up ranches once the owners leave the area.

"There are vast pieces of land, conservancies and ranches in Nagum area for instance, where landowners were evicted in 2013 and they have never returned. There is a conspiracy by communities who have been fighting previously to gang up and take over private land,” he said.

The regional administrator said the government was fighting with the people behind the bandits and morans who wanted to push people out of their land.

Latest invasions

Emboldened by the narrative of historical land injustices, the invaders have killed residents and wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalos, giraffes and zebras, as well as domestic dogs.

The trespassers also drive their cattle into small scale farms in Laikipia West.

In the latest invasions, they have in the past few days, invaded private land around Rumuruti, causing tension between farmers and herders.

In the past three weeks, banditry attacks have rocked Ol Moran, in Laikipia West and its environs, where at least 10 people were killed and hundreds displaced.

However, deployment of more security officers to the region and an operation that is under way, have seen the return of calm, a week after Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i toured the area.

Last week, Central Kenya governors asked the government to allocate more funds for development in Laikipia to end insecurity in the region.

The governors Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Mwangi Wairia (Murang'a), James Nyoro (Kiambu), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Martin Wambora (Embu) and Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru), in a statement to newsrooms, said the best way for the government to get rid of banditry attacks in Laikipia is by channelling more funds to its growth.

Banditry attacks

"While we applaud the national government for the quick response in stopping the Laikipia violence, we call on ministries, agencies, and departments to accelerate their support capacity and allocate more development funds to end banditry in the region,” read the statement signed by Mr Kimemia, who is also the Central Region Economic Bloc chairman.

The government should pump more funds into the road network, dams, and putting up more schools and health facilities, to end banditry and cattle rustling.

The leaders further said the banditry attacks and associated acts of lawlessness were geared towards displacement of citizens, voter suppression and manipulation of electoral processes through heinous acts of destruction, and fomenting of fear and anxiety.

"It is critical that the leaders across the various communities at all levels who are found to have a role in the incitement and perpetuation of violence must face the full force of the law, notwithstanding their political standing or affiliation. We call on the government to redouble its efforts to ensure normality resumes,” read part of statement.

The county bosses have further recommended the strengthening of community policing in the region, deployment of more Kenya Police Reservists, containment of illegal firearms through a disarmament programme and introduction of a proper pasture management programme.

Leaders have recommended that any recovery plan for the region should involve a massive lifestyle shift, including provision of formal education for children to as a means to escape the pastoralist lifestyle.

"It must also include the building of roads, hospitals, water boreholes and livestock markets," said Mr Kinyanjui. BY DAILY NATION

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