The number of babies born to unmarried parents has soared by a staggering 26 per cent in 20 years, it was revealed on Thursday 26th June, 2003. Four in ten kids were born outside marriage in 2002, compared to 14.4 per cent in 1982, official figures show. Women are also waiting longer before having kids, according to National Statistics. The average age of new mums in England and Wales was 29.3 last year — two-and-a-half years older than in 1982. Last year saw 596,122 live births, up 1,500 on 2001, but still one of the lowest totals since records began in 1838. Fertility rates were highest in Newham, East London, with 79.2 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44 compared to a national average of 54.9. Lowest was the City of London at 33.4. The rising number of births outside marriage involve many single mums. Campaigners last night described single-parent families as “a social disaster” and accused the Government of ignoring the trend. Robert Whelan, deputy director of the Institute for the Study of Civil Society (CIVITAS), said: “It is one of the biggest social disasters of our time. “It is fuelling dangerous and undesirable trends because we know these children are severely disadvantaged compared with those brought up by two parents. “They are more likely to be poor, do badly at school, exhibit behavioural problems, commit crime and become single parents.” Mr Whelan added: “The Government has shown itself to be completely unwilling to tackle the issue, as if it is an irreversible trend of modern life. If we don’t get a grip it will spell even further increases in crime and anti-social behaviour.”

UK airlines can resume flights to Kenya, the British Government has announced.  A ban had been imposed on flights to the east African country's capital Nairobi and second city Mombasa in May following intelligence that British planes could be a terrorist target.  The Department of Transport said the Nairobi ban had been lifted on Thursday, with the Mombasa ban expected to be lifted soon.  "Following an improvement in the security situation, and close co-operation with the Kenyan authorities, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's warning against inessential travel in Kenya and the Department for Transport's ban on UK airline services to Nairobi have been removed with immediate effect," a spokesperson said.  "Work is now under way at Mombasa airport with a view to the ban on UK air services there too being lifted at an early date." British Airways, which operates a daily service between London and Nairobi, said it hoped to resume flights "as soon as possible".  "Safety and security of our staff, passengers and operations is always our absolute priority and will not be compromised," said Ron Lindsay, BA's head of aviation security.  "We would not fly to any destination unless we were totally satisfied it was safe to do so.  "Our own team of security experts remains in close touch with the Department for Transport and the Foreign Office and continues to keep the situation under close review," he added.  Apart from BA, the only UK carrier that flies to Kenya is holiday airline Monarch which operates a once-a-week Gatwick-Mombasa service.  The ban was imposed after reports of a specific threat to a BA plane.  The US also warned about possible terrorist attacks throughout East Africa and south-east Asia, prompted by suicide bombings in Saudi Arabia which killed 34 people in mid May.

Police in Trans Mara District on Wednesday 25th June, 2003  disrupted a traditional marriage ceremony to save a 12-year old girl from forced marriage. Led by Kilgoris District Officer (DO) Isaiah Nakoru, the police stopped elders from presiding over the marriage at Ntengwar village.  A clinical officer who is suspected to have circumcised the girl a week ago was among those arrested. 14 guests found at the venue of the party and were also arrested and locked up at Kilgoris Police Station. Nakoru also confirmed that a Maasai Moran who was to marry the girl had also been arrested. The police destroyed traditional brew prepared in honour of the guests from the bride and groom's families.

Going broad with their names in mind. Mr. Njenga wa Gatehi has opened a pub in Northampton. Bar Serengeti as it is popularly known is a hot venue for Kenyans and Zimbabweans in Northampton. Coming to two weeks since they opened the place is becoming small as most of the times you cannot get a place to sit. With a lot of customers coming within the outskirts of Northampton the management are in the processes of renovating the first floor of the venue for a restaurant as you know Kenyans without "nyama choma" the dish is not complete.  (click here for photos)

A Kenyan lady has won a large business premises in Newham. Emma Nyambura traced the property through environmental department and the council leased it to her. The property 68 Portway, London E15 has now been renovated into a hair salon catering for Kenyans and Afro styles. She is doing quite well as she is importing some hair from Kenya. She renting apart of the premises -  if interested please contact her at Tel: 0208 555 3320 - Email: truelightsalon@yahoo.co.uk - 07947258664. - See advert on the main page.

Sahara Communities Abroad (SACOMA), a charity based in Ilford was among 31 charities short-listed for the prestigious Charity Awards 2003. The presentation ceremony was held last Thursday, 19th of June, at the Hotel Intercontinental in London.  SACOMA was chosen in the category of Social Care, Welfare and Religion where it competed against well-established organisations like Terrence Higgins Trust and Leonard Cheshire who won the award. (click here for photos)

Evangelical and conservative Anglicans have described the appointment of a gay bishop as "catastrophic" for the Church of England. They failed to persuade the Bishop of Oxford, Richard Harries, to reverse his decision to nominate Canon Jeffrey John as the new Bishop of Reading, in a three-hour meeting on Friday. (click here for photos)

Kenya must meet six tough security conditions imposed by Britain and the US governments before lifting travel advisories to its citizens visiting the country. The mission representatives, Sir Edward Clay of Britain and Johnnie Carson of the US have been doling the conditions to the press in a piece meal manner. The conditions, which the Kenya government is feverishly trying to implement include;

• The passage of an anti-Terrorism Bill,
• The Kenyan authorities to cancel all current airport staff passes and re-issue them after careful screening of all staff members,
• The introduction of a new electronic pass system,
• Improving airport fences and enforce security patrol inside and outside the fences.

In a report quoting crosswalk.com, an international news wire agency, the UK and America also want Kenya to;

• Increase its passenger screening equipment at the two international airports,
• Increase its staff manning the immigration arrival desks, and
• Deploy mobile security units at the airports and below aircraft flight paths.

The conditions were imposed last month after the two countries said there was an imminent terror attack on their interest from Osama Bin Laden's Al Qaeda terror outfit.

A two-year-old boy drowned after his mother threw him into Kipkaren river in Nandi North district. Area OCPD Nelson Munyi said the boy's mother Susan Chepkoech had quarreled with her husband on claims that the boy was born out of wedlock. Munyi said the enraged mother ran out of the home, threw the boy into the river and later confessed to her parents that she had drowned him. He said Chepkoech has been arrested and is being held at Kapsabet police cells awaiting to be arraigned in court. Meanwhile residents of Nduriwo location in South Nandi district have asked the government to investigate a chief who allegedly set free a man suspected to have defiled a ten year old girl. The residents claimed the standard two pupil was defiled two weeks ago and her defiler arrested and taken to the chief’s camp but was later released under unknown circumstances.

One person was killed and two others seriously injured when they were hit with a hand grenade in a hotel room in Moyale town. The injured were rushed to the Moyale district hospital where they were admitted, one of them in a critical condition. Moyale OCPD Joseph Musyoka told the Kenya News Agency that the dead person was a nurse at Sololo Mission Hospital. He said the three had lodged at the hotel when an assailant threw the hand grenade through the roof. He said no arrest has been made but investigations have been launched over the incident.

Ugandan soldiers are searching for scores of schoolgirls believed to have been kidnapped by the rebel Lord's Resistance Army.  A Ugandan army spokesman, Shaban Bantariza, told the BBC that some girls had managed to escape the night-time attack on their school in the north-east of the country.  Eleven girls had been found hiding nearby and were rescued, but between 40 and 80 were still thought to be missing.  The United Nations says the rebel LRA has kidnapped more than 5,000 children in the past year alone, using them as soldiers, labourers and sex slaves.  Mr Bantarisa told the BBC's World Today programme that the raid on the Roman Catholic school near Soroti was a continuation of the rebels' 17-year brutal resistance movement.  He denied that the army had been caught unawares but said attacks such as that on the Rwara Girls Secondary School, 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Soroti could not always be stopped.  "If these terrorists are just sneaking into place to abduct schoolgirls I say definitely... there is no force that can protect every school, every village, every home where you have to deploy forces," he said.  "You would need probably about two million soldiers in Uganda to do that."

Drivers using mobile phones at the wheel will face fines of up to £1,000, the Government has announced Initially offenders will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a maximum of £1,000 if the matter goes to court, Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said. The new offence becomes law on December 1. The Government is also planning to legislate to make it an endorsable offence, so drivers will get three points on their licence each time they are caught holding a phone. Introducing the fines, Mr Jamieson said: "Driving whilst using a mobile phone is dangerous. "We are all too familiar with the sight of people driving along while holding and talking on their mobile phones. "Any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message. "It affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk. Our decision to introduce this new offence will make the roads safer for us all. "Missing a call won't kill you, an accident quite possibly could."Research demonstrated that driving and using a mobile phone meant motorists are four times more likely to have an accident, he said. Hands-free calls were also distracting and still put drivers at risk, he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived on a state visit to the UK - the first by a Russian leader since 1874.  Correspondents say the visit is a reflection of the rapid development of ties between Britain and Russia since the end of the Communist era.  There will be a particular focus on co-operation in the energy sector, amid the pomp and ceremony that tradition demands.  Mr Putin was greeted at Heathrow airport by the Prince of Wales, before being driven to central London to meet the Queen and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.  Mr Putin joined the Queen in an open-topped horse-drawn carriage for the final part of the journey to Buckingham Palace. On the eve of the visit, Mr Blair said new oil and gas deals signed by UK companies would soon make the country Russia's biggest foreign investor.  BBC diplomatic correspondent Mike Wooldridge says British officials seem confident that the very public differences between Mr Blair and Mr Putin over the Iraq war will not affect the atmosphere of the state visit. Russian officials also say the two countries' views of how to handle Iraq have been converging. When Tony Blair and Mr Putin hold talks on Thursday, the Middle East peace process is also likely to be on the agenda.

Kenyans who are originally from Nakuru district, but now living/working/studying in the UK will have a socialisation get together party at the Pigeon Pub on 27th July, 2003 this year. They will be entertained to free meat. The aim of the party is to give them a chance to know each other, eat together meet old friends or make new ones. Among the guests who will address the party is the former Nakuru East M (Now Naivasha) Mr John Francis Wanyange, businessmen and  academicians. It will be your day. Come ready to meet an old or a new friends. Contact 07971767006.

At 24 years of age, young Khalif is already a Minister like his father, the late Minister Ahmed Khalif. His appointment came today as President Kibaki made some new changes in government ministries as well as State Corporations.

President Mwai Kibaki has sacked immediate former assistant minister for Agriculture in his first cabinet reshuffle announced on Wednesday morning. Kibaki at the same time said the changes were aimed at enhancing effectiveness in running the government. He split the ministry of agriculture and livestock development into two ministries saying the move was aimed at giving adequate attention to livestock development, especially, in the arid and semi arid areas of the country.  (click here for full list)

A banker died in London on Monday night after he was dragged under the wheels of a minicab during an argument over three pounds. Tobias Buss had just arrived at his Chelsea home after celebrating his 29th birthday with friends when he got involved in a row with the driver over the change. He was leaning into the car as it began to pull away slowly. Mr Buss continued to walk alongside the minicab, still holding on to it, when it suddenly accelerated, dragging him to the ground and under the back wheels. A witness said: "I saw something that no person should ever have to see. The guy was thrown straight on to the floor and the wheels went over his head. "The man didn't even stop to look. He just drove off as fast as he could." The victim's distraught friends looked on in horror. Mr Buss, who worked for City bank JP Morgan, suffered severe head injuries and never regained consciousness. The minicab was a Renault Espace. The driver, a black man in his late thirties or early forties, is being hunted by police. The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police believe the driver may be an unlicensed minicab who regularly touted for business in the West End. Mr Buss and his friends had been celebrating at the Tantra Bar. One witness, who asked not to be named, said of Mr Buss: "He had just arrived in Beauchamp Place and he was with about six friends, they all seemed quite happy and they had probably been drinking a bit.

Nine out of 10 people want a vote on the European Union constitution, two surveys showed today. The findings put more pressure on Tony Blair to bow to demands for a referendum before he signs up to the controversial blueprint, which includes an EU president. In the most dramatic challenge, a poll organised by the Daily Mail drew a response from almost 1.7million people. More than 95 per cent of valid ballot papers called for a referendum.

A gang of killers armed with swords and axes struck twice in one hour after driving across London in convoy. Scotland Yard today launched a massive double murder hunt for the 12-strong gang after revealing the two lethal onslaughts were linked. The killers are believed to have used the M25 or the North Circular to race around the capital to launch the attacks in Wembley and Ilford. The murders have shocked detectives who fear a disturbing escalation of feuds between young Asian gangs. One detective said: "We do not know the motive yet - one possibility is rival groups falling out." Both murder victims were Sri Lankan Tamils who survived the initial assaults but died days later in hospital from their horrific injuries. The first attack took place at 1am on 8 June when a 23-year-old man was attacked in a Wembley street by a group armed with bottles, swords and an axe. Partheepan Balasinghan, 23, died four days later from the head, face and chest injuries he sustained outside the Palm Beach restaurant in Ealing Road. An hour after the Wembley attack Kishokumar Balachandiran, 18, was kidnapped from outside a bar in High Road, Ilford. The student was found 10 hours later - shocked, semi-conscious and with hypothermia - in a river in Wanstead. Police say he had been beaten for several hours - possibly tortured - and had suffered face, neck, shoulder and stomach injuries. He died a week later.

Millions of Prince William stamps went on sale today Tuesday 17th June, 2003 - the first at the new 28p price. The blackand-white collection, with pink or grey backgrounds, celebrate William's 21st birthday this Saturday. It is the first time a Royal has appeared on postage stamps for such an occasion.

British and American intelligence and special forces have been put on alert for a possible conflict with Iran within the next 12 months, as fears continue to grow that Tehran is secretly building a nuclear weapons programme.

Falling petrol and oil prices helped the annual underlying rate of inflation to ease slightly in May, official data showed today. The figure, which excludes mortgage interest payments, fell 0.1 per cent to 2.9 per cent after spending the previous three months at 3 per cent. Inflation has now been above the Government's 2.5 per cent target for seven months in a row. As well as cheaper oil products following the end of the Gulf War, weaker house price rises than a year ago and smaller increases in the costs of foreign holidays than last May added to the downward pressure on inflation figures. There was also a fall in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which Chancellor Gordon Brown said last week he wanted to adopt for the Bank of England's new inflation target. HICP stood at 1.2 per cent - the lowest since September - following a fall in the annual rate from 1.5 per cent in April. The HICP, which is the favoured measure in the euro zone, does not include housing costs and smoothes out fluctuations. Mr Brown sees its adoption as a key part of the UK's preparations for entry to the single currency. In the retail prices measure, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the headline figure, including mortgage interest payments, stood at 3 per cent, down from the 3.1% annual rate seen in April.

House prices in England and Wales have fallen for the fourth consecutive month, according to a new industry survey. Yet again London and the South East led the slide, while in the north, growth has remained strong. The survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found that 25% more surveyors reported a fall in prices than a rise across the whole of England and Wales. But some estate agents in the South East are reporting renewed interest from buyers, despite the recent rise in National Insurance contributions and growing economic gloom. The RICS housing market survey - based on the views of estate agents and surveyors - has shown a fall in UK house prices for most of 2003, prompting some commentators to warn that a housing market crash was around the corner.

Prof George Saitoti on Monday 16th June, 2003  said he suffered great pain when he worked as former President Moi’s Vice-President. Saitoti said he was “mistreated, humiliated and disgracefully forced out of office” as Vice-President under the retired President. Now the Minister for Education, Saitoti said his treatment was not any better than that meted out on the other V-Ps who served under Moi, including the now President Kibaki. “It is a well known fact that every Vice-President who served in the Nyayo Era was mistreated, humiliated and eventually forced out disgracefully,” Saitoti said in a Press statement on Monday. Saitoti quit the then governing party Kanu a few months before the last General Election together with other Kanu “rebels” like Messrs Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, William ole Ntimama and Moody Awori.

Moving abroad with their traditions. Kikuyu elders in the UK converged at the Duke of Fife pub, East London on Saturday 14th June, 2002 to witness two of their own being initiated into the council of elders. Mr Vincent Mbogoro of Heathway Security Services and Mr Harrison Kairu were lead into the initiation ceremony by a group of elders under the stewardship of Mzee Musa Kinini. Almost one hundred strong men attended the function which proceeded into the early morning of Sunday. Mr Mbogoro gave "Mburi ya Hako" and "Mburi ya Kiama" while Mr Kairu gave "Mburi ya Hako". It means that while Mzee Kairu has been accepted by the elders as one of their own, Mzee Mbogoro is one step a head since he can now seat in a council for elders to solve complicated disputes among members of the Kikuyu community. The ceremonies which have become very popular among the community's have been hailed as a leading factor of unity among the Kenyans. They also serves as a learning forum for younger Kikuyu men about their culture and traditions. (click here for the photos)

Marauding lions, leopards and hyenas suspected to be from Amboseli National Park have invaded parts of Kajiado's Central division, and killed livestock worth more than Sh500,000. The livestock has been lost by Oloontulugum residents in the past three months. Mr Jeremiah Nkokua claimed he has lost 12 cows and eight goats, and Mr Peter Nkokua 47 sheep. Mr Jeremiah Mako, Mr Tajin Wakapari and Mr Kuyiante Makooi said they lost 26 goats. Mr Nkokua said that the stray wild animals mostly cause havoc during night time when people are asleep. The farmers appealed to Kenya Wildlife Service personnel to come to the area and drive away the dangerous animals back to the park.

The Lord Chief Justice has attacked the government for its planned reforms to the criminal justice system, accusing it of political interference.  Lord Woolf, the most senior judge in England and Wales, particularly criticised proposals by Home Secretary David Blunkett to restrict judges' power to sentence offenders. Speaking in the Lords debate on the Criminal Justice Bill on Monday, he stressed it was crucial to separate justice and politics.  In response to the criticism, Mr Blunkett insisted he firmly believed in the independence of the judiciary.  But voters expected a "clear framework" of minimum sentences when it came to murder, he added.  Last month, the minister set out reforms of the legal system which would allow Parliament to set minimum terms for murder and a sentencing guide for judges.  That included "life meaning life" for the most horrific murders and upping the minimum tariff in aggravated murders from 20 to 30 years.  Lord Woolf said his speech was representative of the views of the judiciary.  He said sentencing must be taken "out of politics", especially where crimes as serious as murder were concerned.  "The provisions are bespattered with requirements as to what a judge must do," he said, during the second reading debate in the House of Lords. It was crucial that trial judges should be allowed to "make the just decision, in the light of the particular circumstances of the cases, having heard argument from both sides", he added.  Mr Blunkett said: "The Lord Chief Justice and I have agreed to disagree on certain features of the Criminal Justice Bill.  "We are, however, united in our aim of improving the criminal justice system and I am confident that, under the guidance of Lord Woolf, the judiciary will apply the Bill."  Proposals in the Bill which were attacked by Lord Woolf included forcing judges to run their courts in specific ways, proposal to end automatic right to jury trial, the watering down of the double jeopardy rule and changing the rules of evidence.

More than half of Nairobi's residential houses are unsafe to live in, architects said on Monday 16th June, 2003. They were constructed by unqualified individuals and were not inspected by the City Council, the chairman of the Architectural Association of Kenya, Mr Francis Gitau Mungai said. He singled out houses for middle and low income earners in Eastlands, which he said could cave in. The official spoke at Donholm Estate when he and a team of engineers from the association inspected the ruins of a three storey-building which collapsed on Sunday. Two people were injured in the incident, which Mr Mungai attributed to poor workmanship. Title deeds in the area specified that the land owners were not allowed to construct storeyed buildings, although flats as high as eight and ten storeys had been built, he said. Storeyed buildings exerted pressure on sewerage systems, roads, water and electricity because the areas had bigger populations than planned for. "But the council has abdicated its duties, endangering millions of lives," he said, adding that houses with more than five storeys should be installed with lifts, a rule which he said was blatantly ignored. The association planned to conduct a survey to establish the extent of the problem. (click here for the photo)

Former President Moi has been asked by the anti-corruption police to record a statement over the Euro Bank scandal, it was revealed on Monday 16th June, 2003. They want to know if he ever ordered any of the former parastatal chiefs facing graft charges to pump millions of taxpayers' money into the bank before it collapsed. Mr Moi's name and those of his top aides featured prominently in statements recorded for the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission by most parastatal chiefs, according to a Government source. The parastatal chiefs all claimed they were ordered by Mr Moi and some of his aides to deposit the money, the source said. Two former State House chiefs – Mr Abraham Kiptanui and Mr Joshua Kulei – were separately interrogated for several hours in Nakuru on Saturday over the scandal. Neither Mr Kiptanui nor Mr Kulei could be contacted for comment.

A storm has erupted in Italy after a senior government minister was quoted as saying that boats carrying illegal immigrants should be shot out of the water. Umberto Bossi, head of the far-right Northern League, wanted the action because he was "sick" of illegal immigrants, the Corriere della Sera newspaper quoted him as saying. A statement from his ministry later said his views had been misrepresented.  The row comes days after figures showed a large drop in the number of immigrants reaching Italy this year. Mr Bossi is currently engaged in a major political battle within the Italian coalition, and has threatened to pull out of the government unless immigration controls are toughened. Corriere della Sera quoted Mr Bossi as saying that weapons should now be used because there was no other solution. "After the second or third warning, boom... the cannon roars," the paper quoted him as saying. "Without any beating about the bush. The cannon that blows everyone out of the water. Otherwise this business will never end." The paper says Mr Bossi was then asked whether it would be right to fire on immigrants when most boats carry mainly women and children. "Illegal immigrants must be hounded out, either nicely or nastily. Only those with a job contract can enter the country. The others, out!," he is quoted as saying. "There comes a time when it becomes necessary to resort to the use of force.

The British Government will only withdraw its travel advisory against Kenya if assured of security, British High Commissioner Edward Clay said on Monday. Clay said the Kenya Government has to initiate eight measures before the travel advisory can be lifted. The High Commissioner did not reveal the eight measures they have put forth to the Government. However, he stated that some of these measures have been met while others are in the process of being met. Clay said terrorist threats are real and the British Government would continue updating its citizens on the security situation around the world. He said terrorists have continued to plot how to murder innocent civilians. The envoy's sentiments come five days after US Ambassador to Kenya Johnnie Carson said his country’s travel advisory is likely to remain until and unless the Kenyan Authorities arrest terrorist elements in their midst.

An 'offshore' holding camp for asylum seekers applying to live in Britain has been built in Croatia, according to reports.  It is thought that people arriving in the UK would be sent there while their applications were being processed.  The move is part of attempts to reduce the number of immigrants to the UK, according to the Observer newspaper. It says the Home Office will seek EU approval next week for a trial series of processing centres - which could be set up in countries bordering member states. It emerged earlier this year that the UK was proposing the offshore centre.  British ministers have said there is "significant interest" in the idea among EU countries but have kept quiet on where the centre could be based.  Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to discuss the proposal with fellow European leaders at their summit in Greece next week. The Croatian camp is said to be in Trstenik, 30 miles from the capital, Zagreb.  According to the Observer, it is a European Commission funded £1m redevelopment of a former army base, which could house 800 people.  It says similar camps could be built in countries like Russia, Belarus, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Albania. If these are a success a second wave of camps could follow in countries near areas affected by conflict - like Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Concerns about the development of the Croatia camp were raised by Liberal Democrats Home Affairs spokesman Simon Hughes. He said: "If this camp has been negotiated, developed and made ready with nobody being told, there are serious questions to be asked. "Secrecy or deception at this level is completely unacceptable." Refugee Action spokeswoman Leigh Davies said: "We urgently need every assurance that these centres will be compliant with the European Convention of Human Rights and the 1951 Refugee Convention."

President Mwai Kibaki's weekend homecoming marks the first time in 24 years that the presidential flag is being flown home by an incumbent who is a native of Central Province. For a province that was the hotbed of opposition to Nyayo rule for all those years, the rapturous welcome for the presidential entourage clearly signals a new mood of high optimism in the region. There was no mistaking the trip's symbolism. The President came bedecked in full presidential regalia - the long motorcade with the motorcycle outriders, headlamps blazing full, the heavy-suited members of the Presidential Guard jumping out of their limousines even before the motorcade would cruise to a stop. The message was clear: the Head of State is home. Commentators and politicians alike could not resist latching onto the theme the about the presidential motorcade having finally crossed River Chania.  This crossing-the-River-Chania imagery has a mythical resonance amongst Kikuyus which may not be easy for other communities to comprehend. It goes back to the era of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's presidency when the Kiambu clique that surrounded him are reputed to have vowed that the presidency would forever remain in the district and never cross River Chania. The river, which cuts through Thika Town, marks the old boundary between Kiambu and Murang'a, before the journey northwards to Nyeri. True enough, a posse of politicians from Thika and Maragwa districts were on hand on the Chania river border to witness the presidential crossing. Of symbolic note was the presence there of the septuagenarian Julius Gikonyo Kiano, who in days gone was regarded as the paramount political leader of the old Murang'a district.

Armed gangsters on Friday night intercepted a magistrate’s car, abducted and robbed him of a mobile phone and money. The five gangsters confronted Narok Senior Resident Magistrate Stephen Githinji as he was dropping off a relative within the Doonholm area of Nairobi.  According to a police source at Nairobi Area provincial police headquarters, the magistrate was dropping off a friend at about 8 pm when he was confronted by three gangsters armed with AK-47 rifles.  The robbers jumped into the vehicle, a Toyota Corolla , and rode in the car for about 500 metres during which time they robbed him of his mobile phone and money.  They then abandoned him along Outer Ring Road. The magistrate managed to drive to Buru Buru Police Station where he reported the matter.

President Mwai Kibaki on Saturday described the founder of Icipe, the late Professor Thomas Risley Odhiambo, as Africa’s most accomplished icon of scholarly achievement and scientific excellence. In a message of condolence read by the Minister for Planning and National Development, Prof Anyang Nyong’o, during the burial of Prof Odhiambo at Ng’iya in Siaya District, the President said he had known the scientist for many years as a man of outstanding academic credentials. President Kibaki praised Prof Odhiambo for putting Kenya on the world map, saying he will go into the annals of history as one of the most distinguished sons of Kenya and the entire African continent for his exemplary contribution to scientific research.

Three Kenyans were caught by police in London last week. The first one was asked "what is your name?" surprisingly he answered "I have forgotten the name".  What else do you expect. Another one in Slough was caught and without the police asking him anything he started to tell it all: "Mimi ni Mkenya...... msinipeleke hapa na pale.... mimi sio wa huko - ni watu wakwetu waliniambia nisema ati mimi ni wa huko." - A bit of homework please!

President Kibaki on Friday 13th June, 2003  made a grand home-coming in Central Kenya where he was received with jubilation and heightened enthusiasm in all the five districts he visited. And a jovial Kibaki described his home-coming as the happiest day in his life since he ascended to the Presidency six months ago. The jubilant crowds, who lined all the routes the President passed through, welcomed him with ululations and much ecstasy, saying they were happy to see him in full health. In all the centres he stopped to acknowledge greetings between Thika, Maragua, Muranga, Kirinyaga and Nyeri, the cheering wananchi gave the President a standing ovation as he promised a better Kenya under the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc) leadership. The President was accompanied among others Cabinet ministers Chris Murungaru, Martha Karua, John Michuki, Raila Odinga, Karisa Maitha, Raphael Tuju, several assistant ministers and Members of Parliament from Central Province. At every centre he addressed the people, the President underlined his new message of hard work, saying that lazy bones and idlers have no place in Kenya. "Looters and economic saboteurs will all be jailed," said the President.

Kenya's fledging tourism sector on Friday got a boost after Alitalia— the Italian national carrier — announced a decision to resume flights to the country. The decision by Italy's premier airline to restart flights to Kenya after a hiatus of over ten years comes barely a month after British Airways (BA) suspended its flights to Nairobi over terrorist concerns. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs broke the pleasant news to the country through a statement circulated to media houses. Alitalia closed its Nairobi route in mid-1990s citing high costs of jet fuel. Other destinations Alitalia removed from its list at the time were Sydney, Addis Ababa and Bangkok.  The position of the British government has remained that BA will only lift the ban after conducting an intelligence assessment that shows the country is safe from terrorism.

Thousands of mourners on Friday 13th June, 2003  gathered at the Githunguri stadium, in Kiambu District, for the emotional burial of six victims of the Mathare rent dispute killings. Over 2,000 people turned up at the venue to bid farewell to relatives and friends who were killed after an eviction bid failed at Mathare Estate, Nairobi. Emotions ran high as the inter-denominational requiem mass for six of the slain youths was conducted. Samuel Kuria Njuguna, 20, Daniel Kirubi Ruigu, 23, Peter Gitau Ndachi, 23, Solomon Mukora Mwaura, 25, Simon Wanyoike Wangari, 25 and James Ng'ang'a Goro, 30, were buried in their respective parents' homes in Githunguri Division. The bodies were moved from Githunguri mortuary at 9 am for the service that was conducted by pastors from several churches within the Town Council. Families of the deceased moved the bodies for burial after the four-and-a-half hour service that was also attended by Githunguri MP, Mr Arthur Kinyanjui Magugu. The businessman, who had hired the youths to carry out the eviction exercise, paid for the coffins and transport from Nairobi City mortuary to Githunguri. Residents said they had forgiven the businessman and did not blame him for the death of their sons as he was only providing jobs for them. They demanded to know the fate of the suspects who have been arrested but Magugu said the issue was already in court and cannot be discussed in public.

A 37-year-old father of two was on Friday sentenced by a Nanyuki court to 19 years imprisonment for defiling his seven-year-old daughter. John Maina Muraguri will also receive seven strokes of the cane and hard labour for the offences he committed between January 10 and March 21, last year at Ngenia village in Laikipia District. Nanyuki Senior Resident Magistrate, Ms Praxedes Tororey, when passing the sentence, said the prosecution led by Chief Inspector Mbaya had proved their case beyond any reasonable doubt . The magistrate noted that out of the evidence corroborated, the court found the accused who had initially been charged with incest guilty of defilement. Tororey said Maina took advantage of his daughter's trust to abuse her which called for stiff punishment.

Britain has granted Kenya Sh600 million towards education and other programmes to politically empower the country's poor. A statement released by the British Department for International Development (DfID) said the funds would help Kenya's political Empowerment Programme 2 (PEP2) to build on successes the National Civil Education Programme (NCEP). The latest grant, announced by DFID Chief in Kenya, Mathew Wyatt, will bring to Sh800 million, the British government's contribution to the programme since 1998.

"Overall, the funding is aimed at enhancing dialogue between Kenya's policy makers and the poor people to strengthen organisation and influence of Kenya's poor on policy development and implementation and to improve capacity of key democratic institutions such as Parliament to advocate, deliver and monitor pro-poor policies," the statement said.

A chief in Kajiado District has been ordered to produce a 10-year-old school girl married off to a 70 -year-old man last month. Kajiado District Commissioner (DC) Mr Kenneth Lusaka ordered the Eremit Sub-Location, Central Keekonyokie assistant chief Ntiaputit Lotuno to produce Maria Pakasha by June 15 or be sacked. The Standard Four pupil at Eremit Primary School was married off to the man who lives in Waso Kedong's Ole Ntoko village some 150 kilometres away from her Eremit home. "If you want to remain a chief on Monday, then produce the girl by that day, "Lusaka ordered the Waso Kedong Chief, Ezekiel Ole Teepa. He also ordered him to produce the girl's parents who have since gone underground.

David Beckham has been awarded an OBE for services to football in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.  The England captain is currently the subject of intense transfer speculation with Manchester United set to sell him to either Barcelona, Real Madrid or AC Milan this summer.  But the 28-year-old was given some respite from headlines about his future when it was announced that he was going to be honoured by the Queen.  Beckham said: "I am honoured and privileged to receive this recognition.

Funny pictures and photos sent to the Seeds in the month of June, 2003 - click here for the photos

Miss Jamhuri UK 2002 leaves London for on Friday 13th June, 2003 through Heathrow Airport at 8.00 p.m. Shantell who will be accompanied by her month  will travel with Kenya Airways who donated the tickets arriving in Nairobi on Saturday morning. On hand to see them off will be Mrs. Rebecca Maina - Station Manager in UK. They shall be flying to Mombasa in the evening with Kenya Airways where they shall take a local flight to the South Coast. They will spend three days at Matiba's South Coast hotel fully paid by Kenya Airways. They are expected to be met by Mr. Matiba at the hotel. On their short stay in Nairobi they are expected to meet the media including the newspapers and the magazines staff to photos.  On Thursday they were presented with the tickets and hotel documents by the organiser of Jamhuri Day 2002 Mr. Henry Ngei. They are expected to stay in Kenya for three weeks. Kenya Airways the pride of Kenya in Kenya and in UK.

Police in London has finally released the body of the late Anthony Wachira Githaiga. At the same time the inquest has now been launched. The body of the late Wachira leaves London on Wednesday 18th June, 2003 with Kenya Airways arriving Nairobi on Thursday morning. A memorial service will take place on Monday 16th June, 2003 at Memorial Baptist Church, 395 Barking Road, London E13 opposite Plaistow Police Station at 6.00 p.m. The late Antony Wachira's mother has been in London for the last one and half weeks is also expected to leave London soon after the memorial. The body is expected to be buried in Kenya on Saturday 21st June, 2003. The late Wachira was crashed to death by District Line train at Plaistow Station, East London after he fell on the track as the train was approaching. The man was crashed beyond recognition and the police used the finger prints to identify the body.

Help us to nominate the correct candidate for the Jack Petchey Award to be presented in London on 20th June, 2003. Jack Petchey Achievement Awards are given to young people (mainly between 11 and 25 years of age) who make a wholehearted contribution to their club, school, group or community. The aim of the Foundation is to help  develop the potential within young people aged 11-25, especially those struggling with 21st Century problems. The Foundation is eager  to help young people take advantage of  opportunities and play  their part in society. The Awards are given out every month and the achievers and their family meets at the end the of the year at London Planetarium for their presentation of the medallions. The winner will be represented with a cheque of £200 on June 20th.  The catchment area for awards is East London and West Essex - more specifically, the boroughs/districts of Barking and Dagenham, Brentwood, Epping Forest, Hackey, Harlow, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Thurrock, Uttlesford and Waltham Forest. If you know of a child who have achieved something please contact Misterseed at misterseed@yahoo.co.uk or post the achievements and contacts at the message board.

In Kenya, finance minister David Mwiraria on Friday 12th June, 2003  presented Narc's first Budget – but proved he needed no lessons in political guile and cunning.  He gave a boost to farming and industry while punishing middle class consumers to fund the salary increases promised to teachers and the civil service; the Government's major supporters. With the first part of his Budget dedicated to bashing Kanu for messing up the economy, Mr Mwiraria went on to perform the delicate balancing act of meeting his party's election pledges without worsening the tax burden on wananchi. And in one major departure from tradition, the Finance Minister launched a withering attack on local banks, introducing the Donde Act in all but name to control interest rates. Banks will now be expected to disclose their minimum lending and deposit rates to customers, while a committee has been formed to regulate interest rates.  Banks will also have to seek approval from the Central Bank of Kenya before they spring yet more new bank charges on their unsuspecting customers.  Kenyan banks will from now on be required to seek the Treasury’s approval before imposing various bank charges and commissions, Finance Minister David Mwiraria said on Friday.

Information and Transport minister Raphael Tuju praised the budget, saying that Kenya Broadcasting Corporation would no longer require radio and television licences per set. The minister said the proceeds from the levy were not worth what was banked at the end of the year, estimating it at Sh200,000. Mr Tuju said the licences were unnecessary, arguing that KBC was operating as a parastatal and a monopoly, competing with new players in the market. "The removal of the tax will give KBC an opportunity to compete openly with other players in the market. It has no business doing Kenya Revenue Authority's work," the minister said.

Kenyans have organised for a football match on Saturday 14/06/03 at 1300 hours at Hackney Marshes Football fields, Homerton Road, Hackney ( A12 side of Homerton road near Kingsway International Christian Centre KICC). East London (Cockney) Kenyans playing West London (Posh) Kenyans. They intend to  include the North and South in future if the turn out is good, there will be a trophy for the winning team and this trophy will be contested every last Saturday of every month. They need a cheering crowd at this venue. Contact 07930230483.

Middlesex Impexco a  Kenyan owned company in UK  has won a licence to transact several financial dealings in UK. The company can now transact several businesses including opening bank accounts and credit cards (in person or by post), personal loans (unsecured), non-status and for people with low CCSS), mortgages (low income and non status). The company can also give car loans, company registration and annual returns. It is quite a step forward. For more details contact JR on 07956649382 or 02088898776. (see advert)

Two prominent Kenyan preachers arrives in London as from Thursday 12th June, 2003. Evangelist Theresa Wairimu will be having several meetings in London as from Thursday when she will kick off with Partners meeting. Women meeting on Saturday while evening crusades comes on Saturday and Sunday evenings. All meetings will be held at Emmanuel Centre, Marsham Street, Westminster, London. She will be concluding her meetings with a dinner with on Monday evening. Contact 0208 291 3850 or 07984 958 667. Bishop Mark Kariuki arrives on Saturday and he will be preaching at monthly Swahili Service at Calvary Charismatic Baptist church on Sunday at 6.30 p.m.

Former Nairobi Deputy Mayor Mr. Gerison Kirima is in London. The once powerful and rich Nairobi councillor arrived in UK for medical treatment. On Sunday he was attended a church service at Brentford, West London church - Discipleship Christian Centre accompanied by his daughter a property developer in London. Mr. Kirima was highly welcomed Kenyans in that church.

"Wahome Mutahi (Whispers)  is still at Kenyatta hospital, I can't believe this. What is the Nation Newspaper and the The Standard doing about this - these papers has really benefited from Whispers and now they can't do anything to save his life. I think we should also do something" this was a statement by a furious Kenyan in London on Sunday 8th June, 2003 in connection with the case of Whispers who is critically ill at Kenyatta National Hospital. Many Kenyans in UK have communicated to Misterseed in protest that the Wahome Mutahi medical kit did not make a start in London after a big disagreements with the organisers. A successful Kenyan businessman in UK and a fun of Whispers have contributed £1,000 to start the Whispers Fund Kit kick off. Eulink Recruitment boss Mr. Gabriel Rwamba has offered to open Whispers Medical Account by Wednesday 11th June, 2003.  Mr. Gabriel Rwamba  and Misterseed are requesting friends and funs of Whispers to come forward and contribute to help him to come to the UK for treatment. A fundraising event has been organised in London on Sunday 22nd June 2003 at Duke of Five, 350 Katherine Road, London E7 as from 3.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Contact 07881788308. Anyone one with the family contact of Whisper's family should contact misterseed@yahoo.co.uk or 07951220695.

Armed robbers on Sunday 8th June 2003 at dawn shot dead a primary school head teacher who had just returned from attending his son’s graduation ceremony in the US. The headmaster surrendered some Sh7,000 he had to the gangsters but they were disappointed it was that little so they shot him in the head. The thugs apparently thought the deceased had returned home with "dollars" from the US. They shot him as he pleaded with them to spare his life. Paul Waweru Waitere, the headmaster of Wamagana Primary School in Nyeri, was shot when he failed to raise more money. The incident occurred at Karigu-ini village near Gachatha trading centre at 1.30 am. Nyeri District Police Chief, Mr Sevelino Kubai said three men armed with pistols gained entry into the house after breaking the main door with a huge stone. He said the gangsters used the same stone to break into the bedroom where Waitere and his wife were sleeping after the long journey from the US. Kubai said the gangsters demanded money from the couple and were given Sh7,000, their mobile phones and two CD cassettes. He said initially the robbers appeared satisfied but when they got out of the house they started quarrelling over the money with some saying it was too little. The teacher tried to plead for his life but the robbers did not listen to him. They instead shot him through the cheek and the bullet was lodged in the head, killing him instantly. - The Standard

Six people from the same area  in Githunguri township, Kenya  were killed on Tuesday 03/06/03 at Mathare North while evicting tenants who had refused to pay rent. Some of the dead are brothers and relatives to some people in the UK. At the same day a man from the same area was short dead at a petrol station by thugs. The town is in grief. Since these people are from the same the area the burial arrangements is being arrangement together as it not possible to hold them separately. Family and friends are meeting at Karima, 56 Plashet Road, on Sunday 8th June, 2003 for burial arrangements as from 2.00 p.m. A contribution book has also been set at Lincolns Club, Leytonstone  Contact: 07956105522. See the story below.

At least 13 people were killed on Tuesday 03/06/03 and several others injured in Nairobi’s sprawling Mathare slums when youth fought over rent. According to the Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Francis Sigei, the chaos erupted at dawn when youths allegedly hired by one landlord attempted to evict tenants who had refused to pay rent. The situation is highly tense but security has been improved with police, General Service Unit (paramilitary police) and Administration Policemen patrolling the area. Police Commissioner Edwin Nyaseda said 35 were arrested, although other sources put the arrested number at 42. The situation on the scene is pathetic, dead bodies littered on the streets in Mathare North area 2. But the exact number of those killed cannot be known at the moment. The bone of contention has been the vexing question of rent. According to the residents, the flat in question has a case in court arguing that the landlord had no right to hire a gang. “The gang has been hired from Githunguri. They were over 100 men armed with rungus and all sorts of crude weapons to evict us. In fact, some doors were broken,” said one of the residents. At first the residents thought the gang part of the outlawed Mungiki sect members and called for help from neighbours. It is alleged that among those killed are 9 members belong to the gang. The incident according to the residents started at 8.00am when most dwellers had reported on duty. “Most people had gone to work, the gang broke doors, they tried to evict those found inside, that is when they were confronted,” a witness said.

A man has been killed after a shooting incident near Heathrow airport. Unconfirmed reports suggest a police patrol on the A4 near the British Airways headquarters was fired on as it tried to stop a vehicle. Police returned shots and a man was fatally injured. He died an hour later in hospital. An eye witness told BBC London he saw a casualty being taken away by air ambulance. British Airways staff were told to stay inside their headquarters building at the airport. Scotland Yard has said there is nothing at the moment to suggest that the incident is terrorist related. The man, who is described as white, died at 1734 BST.

Ethiopian envoy to Kenya Murad Ali Musa Friday 06/06/03 said that the man purported to be General Stanley Mathenge was an Ethiopian and urged him to go back home, he was finally repatriated today in the morning abort Kenya Airways The envoy told the press that Ato Lemma Ayanu is a peasant farmer from Ethiopia and called on him to return to Ethiopia and do what he knows best, that is farming. He however, refused to state reasons why the Ethiopian national was invited to Kenya as a state guest and purporting to be the Kenyan freedom fighter, General Mathenge. Elsewhere, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Assistant Minister Robinson Githae said disciplinary action would be taken against all individuals involved in the invitation of Ato Lemma Ayanu if the DNA tests indicate that he is not the much touted General Stanley Mathenge. Mr Githae said results of the DNA tests would guide the government on whether to deport Mr Ayanu back to Ethiopia or allow him to stay on as a Kenyan. And as the government appeared to remain on the fence over Mr Ayanu’s mystery, officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) visited the hotel and whisked away journalist Joseph Karimi. It was not immediately established where Mr Karimi was taken to, but sources indicated that police wanted to question further on the identity of the man whose presence has caused a stir in the country. The two doctors said to have taken Mr Ayanu’s blood samples visited the hotel but declined to talk to the press although they indicated that the results could be released today. Other sources hinted that the alleged Mau Mau war hero was unwell and that the doctors had gone to the hotel to check on his condition. PanAfric hotel Manager Mr Kenned Ayoti disclosed that if confirmed that Mr Ayanu was the real Gen Mathenge, the hotel would set aside a special day called “General’s Night.” Mr Ayanu’s three sons were heard complaining that they had been denied freedom to move around the city. Some former freedom fighter camping at the hotel expressed commended the government’s decision to end the General Mathenge puzzle through DNA tests.

Baringo District Commissioner Mr William Kerario has reiterated his Madaraka Day remarks that it was shameful for residents of the district to rely on food donations 40 years after independence. Mr Kerario said the belief of the locals of free food should be discarded and they should join hands with their leaders and other stakeholders in initiating and implementing ways of sustaining food production.

Police in Nairobi on Thursday gunned down a suspected robber and recovered a pistol with 10 spent cartridges. The suspect was in a three-man gang that engaged police in a fierce shoot-out along Ronald Ngala street. Central Police OCPD Japheth Koome said police officers on patrol confronted the thugs prompting the gun battle that left one suspect dead outside the KTDA Plaza. Koome said the other suspects escaped but police were tracking them down. The incident brings to three the number of suspects gunned down in the last five days within the city centre. The police move comes two days after Police Commissioner Edwin Nyaseda directed police not to spare any suspected criminal.

KMDJ Nyama choma, nyama choma Madaraka Day celebrations in London on Saturday 31st May, 2003. (click here for photos)

Salami on sale in the UK could contain horse and donkey meat, the Food Standards Agency said on Wednesday 04/06/03. The agency announced an investigation to analyse what goes into salami, chorizo and pastrami.  It follows a survey carried out by local authorities in Hull, Durham, Northumberland, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire which found horse meat in three of the 24 samples of salami tested. Rosemary Hignett, the FSA's head of food labelling, said: "There are concerns that UK consumers could unwittingly be eating horse and perhaps donkey meat when they buy a salami or similar product. "Some people may prefer not to eat these products, even though food safety is not the issue and they are often traditional recipes."

President Mwai Kibaki has appointed two Judges to the Court of Appeal and eight others as High Court Judges. Consequently, the President witnessed the swearing-in of the Judges at State House Nairobi on Wednesday 04/06/03. The new Court of Appeal Judges are Erastus Mwaniki Githinji and Philip Nyamu Waki. Former Fida boss Martha Koome was among the newly appointed High Court Judges. Others are Hannah Magondi Okwengu, Mrs Joyce Nuku Khaminwa, Leonard Njagi, Dr Onesmus.K. Mutungi, Benjamin Patrick Kubo, G.B.M Kariuki and Mohammed Khadhar Ibrahim. Addressing the new Judges, the Head of State said that Narc government would continue to fight sleaze in all areas, including the Judiciary. “We have heard of too many complaints of corruption, inefficiency and incompetence in the Judiciary. My Government continues to accord the highest priority to the ongoing Judicial reform process.” The President said an independent, accountable and transparent Judiciary is a critical pillar of Kenya's democracy, without which many of the Government's other reform efforts would be hampered. He noted that a weak Judiciary undermines the confidence of investors by casting doubt on the enforceability of contracts and introducing an unreasonable element of unpredictability in the administration of justice.

Britain has become the No1 place for foreign firms to invest since they decided to stay with the Pound, a study revealed last night. The UK is now the most popular destination for inward investment, while countries using the euro have seen their share of foreign cash nosedive. Britain has now outstripped France as the European base for manufacturing. And London has more than trebled its position as the number one magnet for investment. A hard-hitting independent probe by accountants Ernst and Young says: “The UK, and London in particular, still continue to punch well above their weight in inward investment terms in Europe. “To continue to do so, its efforts must not be sidetracked by the euro debate.” Lord Derwent, deputy chairman of Hutchison Whampoa (Europe), one of Asia’s biggest inward investors in the UK, said: “Whether or not the UK adopts the euro is not an important factor. “What is important for us is a stable economy, flexible working practices and the level playing field afforded to foreign companies by British governments.” Britain’s share of investment into the EU rose from 26.5 per cent in 2001 to 28.4 per cent in 2002, the report found.

They came to UK in one thing in mind. To look for money - no more no less. Anything else happening behind the scene is not of much interest to them. This is the life of most Kenyans in UK. They are far much behind compared to other communities in UK especially in the line of community projects. On top of the list of the communities who have really benefited from the projects are the Asians, Somalis, Nigerians Zairians and now the fast coming up Ugandans. There are millions of money ready to support communities in UK. The money is there for anyone who has an idea of how he or she can help their communities. Every week the National Lottery collects between 80-100 million pounds. Out of every one pound of lottery money 23p goes for good causes. That means the money has to be taken back to the communities who contributed towards game. This is one of over 3,000 funders in UK. Among the Kenyans community groups doing well in UK include Sahara Communities Abroad, Abantu, East African Women Community Association, Progressive Women Association among others. Most of them have done a fantastic jobs especially Progressive Women Association under the leadership of Caroline Manje who teaches Kenyan children in London Swahili and Kenyan Culture. While addressing participants at workshop recently organised by Sahara Communities Abroad one of the funders Mr. Phil Miller introduced himself as: "I am Phil Miller, I have the best job in the world - to give money! Tell me what you want to do in your community, I  will fund you" said Mr. Miller. He continued to say "it pains me when I return  millions of money back as only a few applications comes to my desk. Over 100 pastors attended the seminar. A good example is a 27-year-old Somalia in the borough of Westminster who has been funded £500,000 for a year to promote the cultural food sector within their community. Have a look at one of this simple BT Community Connections http://www.btcommunityconnections.com/news.htm

A 20-old-man won £9.7 million national lottery money - then he decided to marry - then his gardener runs away with the wife. The man who stole lottery lout Michael Carroll’s wife was on Tuesday revealed as their GARDENER. Sandra Carroll, 20, walked out on her husband and his £9.7million fortune just two months after they tied the knot. And it was all because she had fallen for Albert Robertson, 21, one of 20-year-old Carroll’s closest pals. Robertson, known as Junior, was paid to maintain the grounds of the couple’s £350,000 Spanish-style home in Swaffham, Norfolk. A pal said: “Somebody said it’s a bit like the plot from Lady Chatterley’s Lover — but I wouldn’t say Sandra has been much of a Lady.” She and the couple’s six-month-old baby daughter Brooke have now left the home and moved in with her mum. Legal experts say she could be eligible for a divorce settlement in excess of £1million. And friends say if she stays with Junior, he’ll be delighted — as he is currently homeless and described as a layabout. He has been booted out of the home he shared with girlfriend Donna Coe, 19, and their three children in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. The pal added: “Whenever you see him he’s always got a can of lager in one hand and a fag in the other. He’s got nowhere to live — he just sleeps on people’s sofas. The only time he’s worked was at Michael’s.”  A pal of Carroll, who has a string of minor convictions, said: “The lad is gutted. He doesn’t want Junior to get a penny.”

In Kenya it has never been a problem - when abroad and especially in UK it is quite a big problem. You won't know it until you come to it. Male circumcisions. As the natives of the land never do it - you have to do some homework. Hardly would you get a hospital where they do it. Mostly it is done by the Jewish doctors. Some Kenyans communicate to Mr. Seed from as far as Ireland to enquire where they can take their children. Summer holidays in UK is just around the corner.  If you are lucky to get a clinic where they do it is quite expensive some of them going as much as £700.  As that is not enough, they ask you about the age. "How old is your son?" one Kenyan lady was asked. "He is eighteen years" "Oh my dear he is too big leave him alone - don't hurt the boy." the doctor replied. One of the reasonably good surgery is Custom House Surgery, 16 Freemasons Road, Custom House, London E16 3NA. Tel: 02074747684. The charges varies with the age ranging from £100 to £300. You need a booking. The surgery has gone into web and their website is www.circumcisions.co.uk

The mother of the late Anthony (Tony) Wachira Githaiga, 28 arrived in London on Monday 02/06/03. After arrival she visited the scene of accident where his son was crashed by a train. She later contact the police for update of the late Tony's body which has not been released by the coroners. Today Wednesday she visited the Kenya High Commission in London and she was informed that the embassy is still waiting for the outcome of the enquiry which has already been set up. The late Wachira was crashed to death by District Line train at Plaistow Station, East London after he fell on the track as the train was approaching. The man was crashed beyond recognition and the police used the finger prints to identify the body. He is the son of John Githaiga and Mrs. Jane Githaiga of Langata (Akiba Estate), Nairobi, Kenya. Husband to Laura Blount of Dublin Ireland, father to Gemma Githaiga, 3, of Dublin, Ireland. Brother to David Githaiga of London and Moses Githaiga. Originally they are from Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri, Kenya. Family and friends are meeting in London to arrange for burial at Mercy Kamau's house, 58 Bluebell Avenue, off Warwick Road, Manor Park, London E12 6UL. From Romford Road through High Street North, East Ham, turn left at Wirwick Road, at Manor Park Christian Centre, then first left down under the bridge and follow the road to the end. Time 7.00 p.m. Contact Tel: 0208 5868477 or 07930273557.  (click here for the photos)