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WHAT UK NEWSPAPERS SAY - IKO NINI BWANA SEED ARCHIVE
LONDON :
Martyns & Rose Solicitors - CAPITALfm RADIO fff - KAMEME RADIO IS BACK AGAIN
Minnesota, USA Vikings roof collapses A huge snow storm caused the Minneapolis Metrodome's inflated roof to collapse, forcing the relocation of the New York Giants-Minnesota Vikings NFL game to Detroit. The game had already been postponed after the Giants were stranded in Kansas City when their charter flight was unable to land in Minneapolis because of the storm. The league was then forced to moved the contest when the blizzard ripped open the Metrodome's roof just hours before kick off, covering the field in snow. Several alternate venues were considered, including the University of Minnesota's outdoor stadium and the Super Dome in New Orleans before settling on Ford Field where the Detroit Lions were taking on the Green Bay Packers. The NFL said ticket holders to the Vikings-Giants game would receive preferred seating and any extra seats would be given away free on a first-come basis. But getting to Detroit will be a major challenge for both teams and fans as a massive winter storm sweeps across the US Midwest disrupting several NFL games.
Toby Ord: Why I'm giving £1m to charity
Toby Ord is a university researcher earning not much more than the average salary. So why is he giving away £1m over his lifetime to help address global poverty? When Facebook founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg pledged to give away most of his wealth during his lifetime, some British commentators bemoaned the lack of philanthropy on this side of the Atlantic. But an academic at Oxford University is living off little more than £300 a month in an act of charity-giving that is arguably more impressive than those of Zuckerberg, Gates, Buffett and co. Toby Ord, 31, has in the past year given more than a third of his earnings, £10,000, to charities working in the poorest countries. He also gave away £15,000 of savings, as the start of his pledge to give away £1m over his lifetime. Given his personal sacrifice, it's difficult not to feel rather intrigued about the kind of lifestyle he can maintain while so much of his earnings is going elsewhere. And heading to Oxford to find out, there's a fleeting thought that we'll be sharing tea bags in a caravan parked on the banks of the Thames. Instead, the Ord household inhabits a rented one-bedroom flat in a beautiful sandstone house in the heart of the city, provided by his employer, Balliol College. But the interior is as modest as the exterior is glorious, furnished sparingly in a style reminiscent of student digs. There is no television, through choice rather than hardship, but plenty of books and DVDs. The only signs of indulgence are the two Mac computers, for Ord and his wife, although as he points out, they are used so much that the cost works out at a few pence per hour. And he has an iPhone, which also helps him work. Giving away a tenth of one's earnings is something most people in the UK can achieve without having to make much of a sacrifice, says Ord, who was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. "That's probably surprising because if you did a survey of 100 people, 99 would say they couldn't. "When I was earning £14,000 as a student, I found I was in the richest 4% in the world, even adjusting for how much further money goes in developing countries. "Giving away 10% of that, I found that I would still be in the top 5%.
Ord lives in a rented flat in Oxford
So while it can seem impossible to live on less, if your employer was to suddenly pay you less, you would get by somehow." Ord gives away much more than a tenth. A year ago, he vowed to give away everything he earned above £20,000 and his wife, Bernadette Young, a medical doctor in the NHS, set a target of £25,000. After his first year, he has lowered his personal allowance to £18,000. Ultimately, there weren't any big sacrifices, he says, and they still maintain a reasonable middle-class existence. "What's really important in our lives is spending time together, chatting with our close friends and reading beautiful books and listening to beautiful music, and we're really lucky to live in a beautiful place and there are lots of stimulating cultural activities around. With all that you can't really ask for much more." "I've also changed the way I look at the world. I don't want more stuff. If someone said to me 'Here's one thousand pounds' and I had to spend it on myself I would feel anxious about that because I just want to help people more and it would be a very frustrating time." He goes out for dinner about once a fortnight and for coffee about once a week. In the past year he spent £5,000 on rent, kept £4,000 to live on and spent the rest on a week's holiday in France and Italy and putting some away to buy a house. Incidentally, in 10 years, Ord and his wife, who have no children, will have given away a sum that equals the average price of a house in the UK, just at a time when they will hope to have bought one themselves. "When it began, I would be down in the supermarket agonising about whether to buy a more expensive cereal or not but I realise that's a road to a nervous breakdown and that it was much more sensible to work out at the start what you can live on [give away the rest in a lump sum] and then after a year readjust - can I live on less, am I pushing it too hard - instead of perpetually agonising about it." It was while he was studying for a masters degree in philosophy that Ord came across the idea of sacrificing luxuries in order to save a life. He estimated that over his own lifetime he would need about £500,000 to live comfortably, and would therefore be able to give away £1m to those people in most need. But who are they?
MEET COL. PATRICK NDERITU
The New Kenya's Defence Advisor in London Col. Patrick Nderitu is the new Defence Advisor at the Kenya High Commission, London. Col. Nderitu arrived in UK two months ago replacing Col. Macharia who has gone back to Kenya. His contact is nderitupm@mod.go.ke
Snow sweeps back to London on Thursday as temperatures plummet
Snow will return to London this week as temperatures plummet again. The capital was plunged into fog this morning, causing severe flight delays and cancellations at London City Airport, and forecasters said conditions will get worse. Julian Mayes of MeteoGroup said: “Last weekend was just a brief respite from what is now a prolonged cold spell for the UK.” Brief but heavy snow is predicted for London on Thursday as bitter cold sweeps in from the North Pole. “The snowstorms won't last long, but will be very intense, so could cause problems,” said Mr Mayes. “At the weekend we get the main event. Although Wales and the West will be worst hit, we expect there to be a significant snowfall in London as well.” Chaos as Wamalwa, Njenga Kamukunji rally aborts
Police Monday dispersed a group led by Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, who attempted to lead crowds to Kamukunji grounds for a banned rally. Wamalwa, Njenga and political activist Tony Gachoka arrived at the grounds shortly after 10 a.m. and engaged police in a heated argument. They were however repulsed after police lobbed teargas at them. There was heavy security personnel presence at the grounds to ensure no rally took place. Nairobi Provincial Police Officer Anthony Kibuchi canceled the rally Sunday evening for he termed as security reasons. There were reports that Wamalwa was to launch his presidential bid together with Njenga and thousands of youth who were expected at the meeting. The legislators said he was not aware of the cancellation. "These people think we are still operating under the old constitution. Under the new law we have a right to assembly and we are here to test whether it works" said a furious Wamalwa. The meeting had earlier been planned to coincide with Jamuhuri Day celebrations but postponed on Thursday to Monday. Mr Wamalwa and Mr Njenga later addressed a press conference in Nairobi West where they condemned the police action. They however, assured their supporters that they will organise another rally to announce their new political alliance ahead of 2012. The legislator said he will demand an explanation in Parliament Tuesday.
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German Christmas tree turns out to be cannabis plant, police discover
A German man's plans for a merry spliffmas were scuppered after police discovered a large cannabis plant he had decorated like a Christmas tree, complete with tinsel and twinkling fairy lights. Christmas is often thought of as a time to relax, but this German reveller took things a little too far. In a rather tongue-in-cheek press release entitled ‘All you need is love or how a hippie celebrates Christmas’, police said: ‘When asked, the hashish fan told the perplexed officers that he had intended to add more decorations to the 'tree' and place presents under it, according to tradition.’The two-metre high marijuana plant was seized during a drug raid in Koblenz along with another 150 grams of home-grown pot. Police said: ‘The marijuana plant had been put in a Christmas tree stand and decorated with a string of lights.’ The man was released but will now face charges of drug possession. Earlier this week German authorities detained a 21-year-old man in Munich over his suspicious home-made advent calendar. It was found that instead of chocolate behind every door there was a little cannabis. Rachel Njeri from Notts UK, launches her new album in Kenya
Kenya Gospel Singer living in Nottingham, UK Ms Rachel Njeri launched her new album on Sunday 12th December, 2010 in Wida Hotel, Kenya. The ceremony was well attended by gospel singers, friends, family and gospel ministers. On left photo is Rachel Njeri (in green), Njoki wa Mburu of Kameme FM Radio (brown) and Rev. Ruth Wamuyu (2nd right) and the photo on right is from right to left Ms Rachel Njeri, Rev. John Ndungu (Mwitio wa Mwiri) and the officiating Bishop Kibobi. US gospel singer, currently in Kenya, Mrs. Mary Njau also attended the ceremony. The ceremony was sponsored by Nairobi Institute of Business Studies, Nairobi Campus and Ruiru campus. For more information contact email rachel728@hotmail.co.uk Top 10 richest people in Kenya? - CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Revival house invites you for Christmas dinner, on the 19th of December 2010. The dinner is from 6:00 pm till late. There will be a three course meal in a 5star set up, lots of entertainment and music there after. Last ticket is available on Wednesday. Contact 07904615134, 07400951093, 07401531446, 07575099699 for a ticket.
KENYA IS NOT YET UHURU? "Kenya is not yet uhuru. Yes, it is true. It is yet another year that Kenyans all over the world purport to celebrate Jamuhuri Day. I think we should all celebrate personal victories and accomplishments and not our Country's liberation for indeed Kenya has never been liberated. What we experience in Kenya today is neo-colonialism where corrupt and greedy elite has perpetuated itself in power overtime." - Ndagitari, Message board. - MORE
Dortmund introduces 'sex tax' on prostitutes
Prostitutes in the German city of Dortmund will only be allowed to work if they purchase a 'day ticket', as city officials attempt to reduce the country's budget deficit. If prostitutes do not buy the $8 (£5) ticket they will face a potential fine. The city of Dortmund is hoping that the new tax will bring in an extra £600,000 each year. City spokesman Michael Meinders said: ‘Dortmund has financial problems like many cities in Germany. We considered several sex taxes but this was the most practical proposal.’ An alternative proposal was to impose a tax on anyone entering the city’s red-light district, but this plan did not receive as much political support. The sex tax went into effect in August but it is only this week that the prostitution day tickets have been made available. Prostitution is legal in Germany - as are brothels - and sex workers are expected to pay tax on their income. In other news from Germany this week, a man was arrested after police found that his Christmas tree was in fact a cannabis plant. DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT Death has occurred of Grace Wambui Muchiri of Ruiru beloved mother of Alice Wanjiru Njenga of Kantafu, Wilson Njoroge muchiri of Sopili Ng’arua and Joseph Kimani Muchiri of London UK. Mother in law to Jane Waithera Kimani of London UK. Grand Mother to Kevin Muchiri Kimani, Grace Wambui Kimani and Anthony Gachuhi Kimani all of London UK.
Prayers at 157, Padnall Road, Chadwell health Mark Gate - Romford RM6 5EP. The burial ceremony takes place on Saturday 18th December, 2010. A memorial service takes place in London on Thursday 16th December, 2010 at their home at Marks Gate as from 6.00 p.m. You can contact Jane Kimani on 07903677965 or Joseph Kimani on 00254-735846501.
New Tuition Fees in UK Is it paying or not? The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum review
Sugar plums were still on ration when the London Festival Ballet danced its very first Nutcracker back in 1950. English National Ballet (as it is now known) has worn out nine productions since then and on Friday at the London Coliseum Wayne Eagling's company unveiled its latest version: utterly traditional, thoroughly captivating.
Kibaki: Kenya will not be intimidated by foreigners
President Mwai Kibaki Sunday said Kenya will not be intimidated by foreigners and urged wananchi not to worry as the Government has the capacity to run the country's affairs without patronage. Speaking at Nyayo National Stadium when he led the nation in marking the 47th Jamhuri Day, President Kibaki emphasized that the Government will not allow foreign interference to derail the country's reform agenda. "Some people think that because they are financially endowed they can use their money to corrupt our youth and destabilize our country. I want to state that they will not succeed in their misguided motives," President Kibaki said. The President, at the same time, appealed to Kenyans to embrace a new way of thinking dictated by the new Constitution and to view counties as the latest focal points of governing and service delivery. Assuring that the national government will work closely with each county to exploit its respective potential, President Kibaki said that each county should seek to attain the status of an industrialization and urbanization centre. The President declared that every county has abundant resources which, if exploited appropriately, can turn the economy around and called upon Kenyans to identify key towns within their region to become industrial and service centres. The Head of State affirmed that each county shall be expected to avail land for industrial and urban use while, at the same, in collaboration with the national government to install vital infrastructure, utilities and offer incentives to attract investors to build factories in their regions. Noting that this is the first Jamhuri Day since Kenyans got a new Constitution, President Kibaki paid glowing tribute to the nation's founding fathers and freedom fighters who led the courageous liberation struggle. "This is the day we commemorate our achievement of full independence as a free people and free nation. Our freedom and independence was hard won. We must always cherish and defend it," stated the President. During the colourful occasion, the President vividly described the kind of nation he foresees to the public, "I look forward to an era in which counties endowed with beautiful landscapes, wildlife, beaches and other leisure and recreation facilities, will develop these into attractive tourism facilities for local, regional and international tourism." He expressed his desire to see Kenyans share a common vision of seeking to fully utilize the presently underutilized potential in all counties, an era where locally available minerals can be transformed into items of higher value such as steel and precious metals or stones. Said the President, "We are moving into an era when the unused renewable energy sources in our counties such as wind, biomass, solar and geothermal energy, will be harnessed to transform our nation into a regional energy powerhouse. An era in which factories will be located in our livestock and crop producing counties to manufacture and export finished leather goods, beef and dairy products. Those with crop agriculture should also process and add value as they produce branded tea and coffee, fruit juice and other industrial products for export." Among facilities the Head of State wants developed in the counties include attractive housing schemes, transportation, health facilities and vital social amenities that attract professionals to live, work and invest in the regions. "This will ensure that each of the 47 counties will have the necessary infrastructure to develop higher productivity and value added agriculture; livestock keeping, fisheries as well as industrial activities," the President remarked. He acknowledged that Kenyans are full of optimism as well as hope and assured them of Government's commitment to turn these hopes and aspirations into a reality particularly the implementation of the new Constitution. Urging Kenyans to refocus their energies and passions on the political, economic and social transformation of the country, President Kibaki called upon legislators to approve the nominees to the commission for the implementation of the Constitution to ensure timely accomplishment of national renewal. The Head of State reassured the nation of the Grand Coalition Government's commitment towards enactment of the proposed laws with integrity and fidelity to the Constitution. In this regard the President said, "We do appreciate that there will be challenges in the process of implementing the Constitution. As a Government, we are committed to engaging in consultation and dialogue for the sake of our nation." He affirmed that the new Constitution was achieved through the most robust and inclusive process with due regard to the country's future adding that the new constitution's bill of rights guarantees Kenyans decent and fulfilled lives. The President observed, "The referendum on and the promulgation of the new Constitution signaled the end of this political dialogue, and the start of implementing what we, as a people, have established as our binding Constitution." Hate speech In order to safeguard national unity, President Kibaki directed the Commissioner of Police and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to promptly deal with individuals as well as groups engaging in hate speech. He reiterated that the Grand Coalition Government will continue to consult on various issues affecting the country so as to continue enjoying the prevailing productive partnership whose achievements are not only visible but also beneficial to the country. The President particularly asked wananchi to demonstrate patience and political maturity as the process of dispensing justice in regard to the post election violence got underway at the International Criminal Court. He urged communities to embrace national healing and reconciliation as well as to be guided by the spirit of forgiveness to enable the country move ahead. "We are one indivisible nation. God meant us to live together harmoniously. Let us all embrace peace and the spirit of forgiveness to enable our nation move ahead. Let us not engage in utterances that compromise our national unity," said the President. On security, President Kibaki promised Kenyans that elaborate measures will be taken to ensure they carried out their daily duties peacefully. "Security of all Kenyans is core to the well-being of our nation. The Government is doing everything in its power to ensure that Kenyans can carry out their daily activities peacefully," assured the Head of State. Urging wananchi to cooperate with the police, the Head of State reiterated that the Government will ruthlessly deal with the twin vices of corruption and drug cartels. Asserting that corrupt people are enemies of the nation, the President urged Kenyans to desist from political posturing in the course of fight against corruption. He said, "We will also deal ruthlessly with drug cartels. I have already directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that any individuals involved in this trade should be arrested and charged without regard to their status. I call on all Kenyans to co-operate with the police in dealing with illicit drug dealers." President Kibaki expressed confidence that the economy was on the path to commendable growth based on solid performance in the social sector and was expected to grow at 5.4 per cent and two years of reduced growth. The Head of State hailed the growth rate of the tourism sector standing at 15 per cent while important amenities like clean water had been provided to additional 2.5 million Kenyans residing both in rural and urban areas. He observed, "Sectors such as agriculture, tourism, building and construction, as well as a rapid expansion of private credit and lower interest rates and inflation have contributed to this growth. This is expected to continue over the next two years, with a forecast of between 6.5 and 8 per cent by the year TWENTY TWELVE." In order to attain food security, the government expanded the area under irrigation by 6,500 hectares which yielded 185,000 bags of maize while about 27,000 fish ponds build and equipped throughout the country. The President reiterated that the Government will continue to invest heavily in the education sector for the benefit of the country's youth. Said the President, "About 1.8 billion shillings will be spent in supporting youth polytechnics through subsidized tuition fees, construction of infrastructure, equipment and hiring of instructors. The vacancies for 2,000 new instructors have been advertised and will be filled over the next few weeks." He, however, noted that such huge investment in the sector could only bear fruit if the young people are gainfully employed after graduation and hence the government's launch empowerment programmes such as the Kazi Kwa Vijana and Youth Enterprise Fund. The President also acknowledged that the initiatives were inadequate and called for changed mode of thinking. "The only way to secure our future as a peaceful, law abiding and productive society is investment in projects that create long-term jobs and growth prospects. I call upon more Kenyans to join together in co-operatives and companies and invest in industrial and service sector facilities that will grow and create jobs for our people," affirmed the Head of State. In this regard, the President directed relevant ministries to devise creative ways of assisting Kenyans to form companies and cooperatives to enable them invest in viable business ventures in industrial, energy and service sectors. President Kibaki appealed, "I equally encourage the private sector and foreign investors to take advantage of our political stability, conducive business environment as well as our skilled human resource base to establish and expand enterprises in various sectors of our economy." During the celebrations the Head of State sent a message of goodwill to all Kenyans throughout the festive season and wished them a prosperous, blessed new year. He, however, cautioned motorists against speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. Said the President, "Finally, as the year comes to an end, it is my sincere hope that we will all take time to rest and reflect on our achievements, both individual and collective. I also appeal to motorists to avoid speeding and driving while under the influence of alcohol. As you relax and enjoy the holidays, I encourage you to celebrate with moderation." Speaking during the occasion, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said foreigners should respect Kenya, adding that they have no right to dictate to Kenyans as if they were governors. "We are a friendly country and welcome foreigners but they should not backstab us," the Prime Minister said. On the Constitution, the Prime Minister assured Kenyans that Parliament will not block the implementation of the new supreme law of the country. Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, on his part, thanked President Kibaki for leading the country into ushering in a new Constitution that signals a better future for Kenyans. Later, President Kibaki and First Lady Mama Lucy Kibaki hosted a colourful garden party at State House Nairobi for Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and other invited guests. During the occasion, President Kibaki also decorated outstanding Kenyans with various national awards for their distinguished services to the country.
Weather Warning For Christmas Getaway
Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures are expected to make a timely return - for the Christmas getaway. The weekend has brought milder weather but forecasters are warning Brits to prepare for a cold week ahead. And by Friday - as most schools break up for the festive holiday - we can expect heavy snow showers and arctic winds. Sky weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said things will start to get cooler tomorrow. "We'll start to drag in a Northerly air flow bringing in the cold arctic air. "For the latter part of the week temperatures will really take a tumble and there will be the risk of heavy snowfall, especially in the East.'' Met Office Chief Forecaster, Bob Wilderspin said: "Colder weather is expected to return next week. "Northerly winds are predicted to bring a return to cold days and significant overnight frosts." An AA spokesman said he hoped motorists would be better prepared for the bad weather after the recent treacherous spell. "Scotland was pretty much paralysed and if the next spell is going to be as bad, then you've got to ask, what are they going to do differently this time?"
"Nîûkûririkana ûrîa Chege wa Kîbirû oigire mwaka-inî wa 1893 - oigire atîrîrî - nîgûgaciarwo ciana ina ngengere (bell) matû. Itakaiguaga aciari acio ona kana Ngai. Ikenda maûndû makîgeni (foreign) gûkîra maûndû mao. Uguo nîgugwo gûtariî thîkû ici." - Meaning - there will come a generation of children who will be having 'bells' in their ears and they will never listen to anybody. They will not obey their parents nor will they obey God. They will like everything foreign and nothing of their own. This is the time we are living now. Christmas booze smugglers stopped by UK Border Agency Home Office, 10 December 2010 Smugglers attempting to sell cheap booze in the lead up to Christmas have had their plans thwarted by officers from the UK Border Agency. In the last week of November alone, over 300,000 litres of beer, cider, wine and spirits, worth over £1million, were seized at ports across the south of England. The alcohol was detained because it is believed the traders involved were attempting to avoid paying excise duty and VAT. Had the alcohol not been confiscated, it is likely it would have been sold on the black market, resulting in buyers also avoiding taxes. The UK Border Agency estimates that over £900,000 in revenue would have been lost to HM Treasury had the consignments not been stopped. In the last week of November, the following loads were detained at the border:
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) criminal investigators are already carrying out enquiries after 21,500 litres of whisky were found in a lorry at Portsmouth Ferry Port on 25 November. The amount of revenue evaded in this case alone is estimated at £118,000. Investigations are ongoing. Carole Upshall, UK Border Agency regional director for ports across the south of England, said: 'This level of alcohol seizures leads us to believe that criminals are trying to exploit the pressure on household finances by offering cheap booze in the lead up to Christmas. 'It is perfectly legitimate to shop in Europe and bring back alcohol for yourself but anyone who smuggles alcohol is effectively stealing from the public purse and from law-abiding taxpayers. 'The money from this kind of smuggling is often recycled into other forms of organised crime. 'Our officers are on constant alert to keep drugs, weapons and other contraband out of the country. Anyone with information that may be helpful to the UK Border Agency, should phone our hotline on 0800 59 5000.' Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) regional spokesman, said: 'Alcohol smuggling lines the pockets of criminals and deprives honest retailers of legitimate business. We estimate that alcohol smuggling costs the Treasury at least £1billion a year - money that should be available to fund UK public services.' The detained alcohol will be turned into fertiliser, while the packaging will be recycled. UK Border Agency officers use hi-tech search equipment to combat immigration crime and detect banned and restricted goods which smugglers attempt to bring into the country. They also use an array of search techniques including detection dogs, carbon dioxide detectors, heartbeat monitors and scanners - as well as visual searches - to find well-hidden stowaways, illegal drugs, firearms and cigarettes which would otherwise end up causing harm to local people, businesses and communities.
Michael Joseph lands government job
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 10 - Barely two months after leaving his post as Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom, Michael Joseph has landed another plum job as the Chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB). Mr Joseph was appointed to the post by Tourism Minister Najib Balala for a period of three years. “I am honoured by this appointment which I did not seek and will do my best for Kenya,” Mr Joseph said on his Twitter page. Mr Joseph replaces long-serving chairman Jake Grieves-Cook whose two terms ended on November 30, 2010. The former CEO who has been credited with helping to build Safaricom into one of the most profitable and successful brands in East Africa, officially retired on November 1 after serving for 10 years at the helm of the firm. He is expected to help transform KTB into an efficient marketing body that will help unlock the potential in the local tourism industry. “I congratulate Mr Michael Joseph on his new appointment and wish him success in the new assignment,” said Mr Balala in a statement. At the same time, he lauded KTB for its good performance particularly at a time when the industry was facing many challenges. Under the chairmanship of Mr Greives-Cook, KTB managed to put up aggressive marketing campaigns targeting domestic and international tourists. In addition, the organisation partnered with international travel and leisure organizations as well as the media and airlines to build a strong image for Kenya as a niche tourist destination. The board is credited for diversification of the tourism market by putting up additional market presence in India, China, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, Poland and Turkey. “The board has done a wonderful job in turning round the performance of the sector from the all time low in 2008 after the post-election violence and we shall experience all time high in 2010 with over 1.2 million tourists expected and envisaged receipt earnings of over Sh100billion,” he said.
'Diet or die,' world’s fattest woman is warned after hitting FIFTY STONE (320 kgs) Huge problem: Terri Smith, pictured in her bed with medication, is facing a battle to lose weight so she can fit in an MRI machine and on right devoted: Terri with loving husband Myron who changes her nappies * Mother of one, 49, urgently needs brain scan but is too big for an MRI machine A woman believed to be the world's fattest at 50 stone (700lbs) is facing a battle to shed weight after being told by doctors she could die. Terri Smith is confined to her bedroom in her Ohio home unable to move, stand or roll over by herself. Suffering from severe headaches which doctors fear could stem from a brain problem, Terri urgently needs a brain scan - but is too big to fit inside an MRI machine. To undergo the scan and receive the life-saving treatment she may require, Terri is now embarking on a weight loss regime of exercise and healthy eating. She relies on her husband Myron, 44, and oldest daughter Najah, 30, to do everything for her. The 49-year-old must be washed, fed and dressed on the bed and wears nappies which her daughter and husband change. 'My husband is my guardian angel,' said Terri. 'He's stuck by me through everything. Most men would have left a long time ago and who could blame them but Myron is a living saint.' Terri was always large - at age seven she weighed almost eight stone (112lbs). 'My nickname at school was fatso,' she said. 'No one wanted me on their sports team and that didn't help the fat. 'We grew up on soul food and no one thought anything about it. 'That's just what people did where I'm from. We never watched what we ate at all and we didn't know what was healthy and what wasn't.' By the age of 20 Terri weighed 18 stone (252lbs) but she remained active and held a job as a mental health care worker for 20 years. 'I used to help people wash, feed and dress themselves,' she said. 'Back then I never thought that the tables would turn and someone would be doing all that stuff for me.' After marrying her husband in 1986 Terri was big but happy. 'I prayed for a man like Myron and he came to me,' she said 'He's kind, gentle and he loves me for who 'I am. Even now he tells me I'm pretty, that man is amazing.' But she continued to eat the same diet and kept on growing, while her husband and daughter stayed slim. Terri, who suffers severe headaches, needs an MRI scan to check for a potential brain tumour but is too big to fit in any scanners or into the doors of a hospital clinic. She faces a race against time to lose weight in a bid to qualify for gastric surgery to save her life. When Terri was 32 she developed severe arthritis in her knees and couldn't walk for more than a few steps. She was given an electric wheelchair and the lack of exercise made the weight pile on. 'I used to walk everywhere and be on my feet at work but suddenly I was trapped,' she said. As the years passed her weight ballooned until she could hardly stand. Then, after her doctor changed her diuretic medication, she gained a staggering 6.5 stone (91lb) in 30 days. She suddenly found herself bedbound and has been trapped for almost three years. Dr. Dariush Saghafi said: "I have been seeing Terri for six months. Caring for someone of Terri's size is very difficult. It is very hard to move and transport her. Hospitals do not have equipment to hold someone of her girth. Terri needs an MRI but there are no machines in the region big enough to take her weight. 'We thought that it might be possible for Terri to have an MRI at the Cleveland Zoo in the machine used for the elephants and rhinos but the zoo does not have a licence for humans. 'We're hoping the Cleveland clinic can find an MRI for Terri.' Dr. Chris on coughs, cold and flu
How to tell them apart and prevent them The common cold, or coryza to give it its medical name, is a virus infection resulting in the inflammation of the lining of the nose and throat. This lining is known as a mucous membrane, which will produce 'mucus' in response to the attack by viruses. Almost 200 viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold, which is why we have not been able to develop a specific anti cold vaccine. The symptoms of the common cold are a stuffy and/or runny nose, sneezing, which sometimes can be accompanied by a slight fever, watery eyes, headache, sore throat and feeling slightly unwell. An ordinary cold usually lasts about 5 to 7 days, but can spread to other parts producing laryngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis or otitis media (ear infection). A simple common cold rarely leaves any serious after effects. Why do we get more colds in the winter months?The cold viruses are not necessarily more numerous in the winter, but we are more prone to picking them up, because we tend to spend more time indoors, so that we are closer to each other. An infected person spreads the cold viruses, from their mouth and nasal passages, by coughing or sneezing tiny droplets, which are laden with these viruses into the air and onto unsuspecting victims close by! A single sneeze can produce up to 5,000 droplets of mucus, travelling up to a distance of 13 feet! During the winter, the air we breathe indoors is very dry due to heating and lack of ventilation. This dry air reduces the mucous membrane's ability to resist infection, and so we become more susceptible to attack by viruses and other organisms in the atmosphere. Schoolchildren are particularly prone to catching colds, as they are exposed to many viruses for the first time, against which they have not yet developed any immunity. As they grow older, their immunity protects them, so that a young adult may only get two or three colds a year, and an old person gets one or none at all. What is the best way to treat colds, and can they be prevented?There is no cure for the common cold, and it will be gone within a week. However, some people feel better using a simple cough linctus, decongestants or painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol. Some people swear by such remedies as honey and lemon drinks and hot toddies, which may ease the symptoms but don't actually alter the course of the cold.Basically, you should just keep warm, drink plenty fluids and eat light meals. There is no scientific reason to "Feed a cold and starve a fever!" With regard to preventing colds, the claim that Vitamin C is effective in large doses has not been scientifically proven. How does 'flu' differ from a cold?The symptoms of 'flu' are similar to the common cold, but they are also more severe. There is a higher fever, along with marked aching of the muscle and bones. You feel weaker and more ill with flu, and it takes a bit longer to return to normal. It is not uncommon to feel quite weak and easily tired after a bout of flu. This is known as 'post viral fatigue'. Flu can be a serious condition especially in the elderly or in those with other illnesses. It can also kill. For example, the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 killed millions of young adults around the world! Does the flu vaccine work, and who should be vaccinated?Like the common cold, there are several viruses that cause influenza. Each year the flu vaccines are composed of those viruses which are considered most likely to be circulating in the approaching winter season. Protection is afforded against these specific strains of flu and therefore immunisation is strongly recommended for certain groups of people, especially those who suffer from:
It is also recommended that residents of nursing homes and old peoples homes should be immunised, because rapid spread could occur once the infection started. Influenza in the elderly and the unwell can be a serious condition, and sometimes fatal in these 'at risk' individuals. The ideal time for immunisation is from early November onwards. If those in the 'at risk' groups have not yet received their 'flu jab', they can still be given the vaccine by their GP or practice nurse. Protection takes 10 to 14 days to develop and immunity can be expected to last through to next winter. ANOTHER KENYAN IN UK GOES FOR A COUNCIL SEAT
Another Kenyan in UK is going for a Council Seat. Mr. Daniel Munyambu has been nominated on a Labour Ticket for the seat of Vange Ward in Basildon, Essex. Mr. Munyambu who is a businessman is also a student studying BA in Politics, Psychology and Economic. He is appealing to the residents within the area to support him by registering as voters in his Ward. The soft spoken down to earth Kenyan has this advice to Kenyans in the Diaspora "the sky is the limit and they need to awaken-up their visions. - We need more Kenyans MPs and councillors in the dispora - go for it." Mr. Munyambu concluded. His contact is 07551526956 or email daniel.munyambu@yahoo.com
OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "Kenya nîgwathûkire mûno tondû andû aingî marî wîra na matarî wîra matuîkire karîa nîme." - Kameme Radio, Nairobi - "It is sad that many people in Kenya working or not working have formed a habit of promoting corruption. WANJOHI WA MAKOKHA NEW BOOK IN BERLIN
Kindly bring the news of my book's availability at www.amazon.com to the rest of our brothers and sisters abroad. You can publish a small notice of it and paste the cover attached to this email. The book has 70 powerful and instructive pieces of poetry that speak directly about peace to all Kenyans. http://www.amazon.com/Nest-Stones-Kenyan-Narratives-Verse/dp/9956578304/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
ICC denies receiving appplication from Ruto
The International Criminal Court (ICC) 'symbol of jusstice', left, where Mr Ruto, in his application, asks the judges to compel Mr Moreno-Ocampo to “conduct his own independent, fair, impartial investigations and to stop defending the reports of investigations done by others. Mystery surrounds two applications seeking to stop the International Criminal Court from issuing summonses against six post-election violence suspects. While lawyers pursuing the matter on behalf their clients at The Hague insisted that they had filed the applications, an official at the court’s Public Information and Documentation Section, Dr Fadi El Abdallah, an associate legal outreach officer at the ICC told the Saturday Nation that the submissions would have been uploaded on their website immediately. “With regard to the mentioned request by the lawyers of Mr (William) Ruto, we are not aware of any public filing about this issue for the time being. Any public submission that might be filed is uploaded on our website with no delay,” Dr Abdallah said in an email. But one of Mr Ruto’s lawyers insisted that they had filed their case on Wednesday at the court’s registry. “On Wednesday, we filed our application at the registry of the ICC as per section 103 of the Rules of Procedures and Evidence,” lawyer Kindiki Kithure said on phone. Lawyers representing nine security chiefs and administrators were not reachable but had already said a week ago that they had sent their application on e-mail. Both applications want prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo stopped from naming his six suspects on Wednesday until their submissions are heard and determined by the ICC judges. The prosecutor announced this week that he will go before the judges on Wednesday when the names of the six suspects will be made public. Mr Ruto, in his application, asks the judges to compel Mr Moreno-Ocampo to “conduct his own independent, fair, impartial investigations and to stop defending the reports of investigations done by others.” He argues that the prosecutor cannot claim to have conducted his own investigations, considering that the agreement between the ICC and the Kenya Government granting the ICC investigators status and authorising them to operate in Kenya was signed in September 2010. Britain hits the shop as snow looms |
| # 1 | United States: | 4.95 per 1,000 people | |
| # 2 | Puerto Rico: | 4.47 per 1,000 people | |
| # 3 | Russia: | 3.36 per 1,000 people | |
| # 4 | United Kingdom: | 3.08 per 1,000 people | |
| # 5 | Denmark: | 2.81 per 1,000 people | |
| # 6 | New Zealand: | 2.63 per 1,000 people | |
| # 7 | Australia: | 2.52 per 1,000 people | |
| # 8 | Canada: | 2.46 per 1,000 people | |
| # 9 | Finland: | 1.85 per 1,000 people | |
| # 10 | Barbados: | 1.21 per 1,000 people | |
| # 11 | Guadeloupe: | 1.18 per 1,000 people | |
| # 12 | Qatar: | 0.97 per 1,000 people | |
| # 13 | Portugal: | 0.88 per 1,000 people | |
| # 14 | Albania: | 0.83 per 1,000 people | |
| # 15 | Tunisia: | 0.82 per 1,000 people | |
| # 16 | Singapore: | 0.8 per 1,000 people | |
| # 17 | China: | 0.79 per 1,000 people | |
| # 18 | Greece: | 0.76 per 1,000 people | |
| # 19 | Brunei: | 0.72 per 1,000 people | |
| # 20 | Panama: | 0.68 per 1,000 people | |
| # 21 | Syria: | 0.65 per 1,000 people | |
| # 22 | Thailand: | 0.58 per 1,000 people | |
| # 23 | Mauritius: | 0.47 per 1,000 people | |
| # 24 | Ecuador: | 0.42 per 1,000 people | |
| # 25 | El Salvador: | 0.41 per 1,000 people | |
| # 26 | Cyprus: | 0.39 per 1,000 people | |
| = 27 | Chile: | 0.38 per 1,000 people | |
| = 27 | Jamaica: | 0.38 per 1,000 people | |
| = 29 | Mongolia: | 0.37 per 1,000 people | |
| = 29 | Turkey: | 0.37 per 1,000 people | |
| # 31 | Mexico: | 0.33 per 1,000 people | |
| # 32 | Italy: | 0.27 per 1,000 people | |
| # 33 | Brazil: | 0.26 per 1,000 people | |
| # 34 | Sri Lanka: | 0.15 per 1,000 people |
Freezing temperatures are set to return to much of the UK
Sunday 5th December, 2010. Freezing temperatures are set to return to much of the UK following a temporary reprieve from the big chill. After days of shivering and travel chaos for commuters, parts of the nation enjoyed a thaw on Saturday with snow and ice melting as the mercury rose slightly. The change allowed travel operators to get Britain's delay-hit transport network moving again. After temperatures well below zero, London enjoyed a much improved 6C. But it will not last. Weathermen warned that sub-zero temperatures will be back across Britain this week. Billy Payne, of MeteoGroup, the Press Association's weather arm, said: "Into next week temperatures drop away again and lots of areas could be struggling to reach zero degrees and there will be sharp frosts. "It is still very cold into next week but from Wednesday onwards there could be a slight recovery." Though meteorologists believe Britain has had the worst of the snow, it will continue to fall in Scotland from Sunday night onwards. It emerged on Satuday that at least seven people have died during the bleak weather. They included two men who were killed in a motorway crash on the M62 in Humberside and two teenage girls who died when their Peugeot 206 collided with a Royal Mail box van in Cumbria.
The men, aged 30 and 56 and both from Nottinghamshire, were travelling in freezing conditions on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 35 and 36 at 11.50am on Friday when the crash happened. Their silver pick-up truck was in collision with a white lorry. Earlier in the week two Cumbrian pensioners in Kirkby Stephen and Workington died after falling in their gardens where they spent hours lying in sub-zero temperatures until they were found. And a good Samaritan who stopped his car to help a stranded motorist in the Yorkshire Dales was killed when he was struck by another vehicle. Amid fears of essential supplies not getting through, the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond temporarily relaxed restrictions on truckers' working hours. The nine-hour daily driving limit was raised to 10 hours for HGVs to help vital supplies of fuel, food and gritting salt be delivered. Northern Rail said the aftermath of the severe weather continues to affect some train services in Yorkshire and Humberside and the North East, with a number of routes closed. Commuters are being urged to check before their travel.
Strictly Come Dancing: Ann Widdecombe's
'dancing honeymoon' on BBC show ends
Ann Widdecombe, the former MP, has been voted off Strictly Come Dancing with a performance described by judges on the BBC show as similar to "Dalek in drag". For weeks she had defied the judges and won over the public with her less-than graceful performances on BBC One show. But on Sunday night, Miss Widdecombe came down to earth with a bump. After she was voted off the show, the former home office minister declared herself disappointed that she had not made Saturday’s semi-final, but confessed that she was looking forward to “getting my life back”.
Dramatic metro station rescue caught on camera
A Spanish man has an off duty policeman to thank after he was saved from the path of an oncoming train. CCTV footage of how the dramatic events unfolded have been released. The video shows the 41-year-old man falling from the platform at the Puerta del Angel station. Passengers are then seen to be screaming and waving their arms to try to warn the conductor of a train which was just about to pull into the station. The 30-year-old police officer scrambled across the tracks and pulled the man to safety. The train narrowly misses both of them. The off duty police officer only graduated from police academy two months ago.Video
A Kenyan lady has passed away in Boston, USA
The late Mrs. Theresiah Wambui Nguyaii (holding bag) and her husband Mr. Stanley Nguyaii Wa-Mbarii
The Kenyan Community in Nashua, New Hampshire are in mourning as death struck one of the couple who was ailing with cancer. Teresiah Wambui Nguyaii whose husband is also battling cancer passed away on Friday 3rd December 2010 at 5.00am with her husband Mr. Stanley Nguyai holding her hand. Stanley Nguyaii Wa-Mbarii and Teresia Nguyaii were diagnosed with cancer just weeks apart at the beginning of the year leaving their 9 year old son in the care of their friends. Stanley was diagnosed with acute leukaemia while Teresia was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. Meetings are being held daily at 20 Timberline, Nashua, NH From 6:00 P.M. The first Meeing was held on Friday and a Commitee was set up to help out in the planning of the Fundraising & Funeral Arrangements. Mr Kariuki Kimungu; Chairman, assisted by Mr Muite, Treasurer; Mr Freddy, & Mrs Amos the Secretary. Meetings to go on from 6:00 P.M. A Sunday meeting was organized at St Stephens.
Here below is a message from Pastor Samuel Kimohu of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Lowell, pleading for help to assist with funeral arrangement
Appeal for donations for burial of the late Mrs. Teresiah Wa nguyais
When death strikes we are always reminded of our vows and our holy obligations as Christians to help one another. Many Kenyans in New England have given their monies and time whenever we lose a member of our community. What I have learnt from this generous spirit is that people no longer give out of obligation to vows or in response to any authority whatsoever. They give because they are compelled by the love of God. We need to know that the monies that we get from these people are not enough for us to do what we intended to do but they are enough for us to do a lot of little things with great love. I appeal to you all to donate to this family as you visit them on daily basis. The money that you give will do more to encourage them and assist them in very practical ways that you could ever imagine. I am convinced that because these donations are given with love Jesus supernaturally anoints and blesses what we donate. In short our donations at this time really matters and really helps.
I am asking you to really be compelled by the love of God to wholeheartedly give your donations to this family even in this time of financial uncertainty. I also want to thank all of you for all that you have done to this family in the past. We were all amazed at your extraordinary generosity during our fund raising to help this family. I am sure we can do even better than that with the help of God. God bless you as you plan to visit this family and as you also prepare to come on 11th Dec. at st. Stephen church for the main harambee [fund raising]. - Diasporamessenger.
MEET THE PEOPLE TOUR
While in London Hon. Karua met and posed for photos with tens of families. On right posing with Mr. And Mrs. Githinji and on right Pastor Jessie Nderitu and wife with other friends
Govt To Waive Tuition Fees For Poorest
Bright children from disadvantaged backgrounds could have up to two years of their university tuition fees paid for them. Ministers believe 18,000 students a year could benefit from the scheme, saving up to £18,000. The plan could significantly increase the number of children from poorer families who go to university. Under the scheme, any student eligible for free school meals who is accepted for a place at university would have one year's fees paid by the state, according to a Government source. Universities which choose to charge more than £6,000 a year in fees will be required to fund a further year's tuition for these students. The state's share of funding for the scheme will be covered by a £150m National Scholarship Programme announced by Business Secretary Vince Cable when he unveiled the Government's proposals for an increase in the fees cap from £3,375 to £9,000 in 2013. Ministers will consult representatives of students and universities before deciding how the Scholarship Programme money will be spent. But the proposal for a year's free tuition has emerged as the preferred option over alternatives such as an increase in the maintenance grant for poorer students. It has strong backing from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who believes the Government needs to shift the debate away from the political contortions his Liberal Democrats are going through over which way they will vote on fees, and on to the measures being taken to ensure the package is fair. Universities minister David Willetts said: "Nick Clegg is personally very committed to the National Scholarship Programme. "Setting aside £150m by 2014 will enable universities to help the poorest students. "Currently 10,000 students who received free school meals go to university. We hope to have 18,000 under the new proposals." Mr Willetts defended the increase in tuition fees, saying graduates' monthly repayments would be lower under the new scheme. "
A combination of raising the threshold at which graduates repay their loans, providing help for part-time students and the National Scholarship Progamme means we'll continue to be able to help people from poorest backgrounds. "There is no reason for students to have any genuine concern about our proposals." The Liberal Democrats have been under intense pressure from students after promising to abolish fees in their manifesto for this year's election. MPs including Mr Clegg signed a pre-election pledge to vote against any increase. The Lib Dem said he would "of course" like to vote for the Government's university funding package and would like all his party colleagues to do the same. he Deputy Prime Minister told the Independent on Sunday: "Of course I would like everyone to vote for this, we are not there yet." Many of those opposing fees in the recent wave of student demonstrations appeared not to have taken on board the details of the policy, which would actually be more affordable for low-paid graduates than the current arrangements, he said. "It's immensely frustrating to me to see a policy which lowers barriers of entry to university being portrayed as putting up barriers," said Mr Clegg. Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith told Sky News the Lib Dems are having to "come to terms" with being in Government over the issue. He said: "I'm not worried about what's said in advance of a vote, what matters is what happens - getting a majority is what counts." Labour leader Ed Miliband accused the Government of "cultural vandalism" over tuition fees, arguing that their plans will set back the cause of social mobility by a generation by entrenching "privilege and inequality" and persuading youngsters from poor families not to go to university. Writing in The Observer, Mr Miliband dismissed the coalition's argument that the rise in fees is "unavoidable", saying it could have been contained to a few hundred pounds a year.
Ice traps seven in well-stocked pub
A couple and five staff were trapped inside one of Britain's highest pubs for eight days because of the snow, a chef there has said. The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, near Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, was cut off since Friday of last week, as 20ft of snow drifted against the 16th Century pub and bed and breakfast. The couple, from Darlington, were trapped along with five members of staff until a plough made its way over the North York Moors and the man and woman managed to follow it back to the next town of Castleton. However, the five employees have remained on site and will wait for the road to officially reopen, possibly on Sunday lunchtime. Chef Daniel Butterworth, from Kirkbymoorside, admitted he had been talking to himself during the enforced lock-in. At first the staff, all aged under 25, got stuck in to the drinks, he said, but on the third day they eased off. "We haven't been getting ratty," he said. "It's been fun and we have had a laugh. We have been getting on with little jobs, having our tea, a drink, playing games and then going to bed. The bosses aren't here, they are snowed out. We have wireless internet here and the television works so we have been fine." During the day, the Lion Inn seven have managed to get out onto the snow on improvised sledges made from beer trays. There remained plenty of food and the beer has not run out at the well-stocked inn, some 1,325ft above sea level. But he admitted the icy internment had not been all fun. "I have been going a bit crazy, doing weird things like talking to myself," he said. "Hopefully, we will get some more customers in when the road opens again. I could do with some more company. We have had people phoning up asking to get trapped in, but it's kind of boring now and I would like to go home."
Help me find a slim wife, bachelor president appeals
Botswana President Khama Ian Khama, a retired army general, has numerous medals on his chest. But he doesn’t have a ring on his finger. The 57-year-old leader is probably African’s highest-profile bachelor. Botswana could be among the few African countries – if any – without a First Lady. Mr Khama’s marital status has been “a source of national concern” with his countrymen questioning whether he believes in the institution of marriage. For a long time, President Khama did not seem to agree with the adage that behind every successful man there is a woman. Now it is a tall order for his aides who have been sent out to find a “tall, slender and good-looking woman” in a country where women are known for being “heavily built.” In addition to being president, Mr Khama is a paramount chief of the Bamangwato people, the largest ethnic group in Botswana. This responsibility requires him to marry, but the President has defied tradition. According to the BBC, although made a chief in 1979, Mr Khama has never assumed the responsibilities of traditional leadership in his village. Last week, southern Africa media reported that the President, known for a wry sense of humour devoid of social sensibilities, demanded to address those concerned about his marital status. The Botswana leader told them he never had time to hunt for a wife. “The best that you should do is to go all out and look for the woman that you prefer for me as I hardly have time to hunt for a woman who will become my wife.” To borrow words from Henry Barrow’s famous poem Building the Nation, the President has been attending to the more urgent and delicate matters of state.
He then declared his requirements for the lady of his desire. “I want to marry a woman who is slim, tall and beautiful,” he said. To give an example of the type of woman he didn’t want, the President turned to Botlhogile Tshreletso, the Local Government assistant minister. “I don’t want one like this one. She may fail to pass through the door, breaking furniture with her heavy weight and even break the vehicle’s shock absorbers,” he told an audience, the majority of them women, who broke out into ululation. After his announcement during a party meeting, Angelinah Sengalo, the chair of the women’s wing of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, proposed Emma Wareus, a beauty queen who was the first runner-up in a Miss World beauty contest. As a fitness fanatic, President Khama is not new to controversy. In 2000 he took one-year leave from office while he was President Festus Mogae’s deputy. A former army commander and pilot, Mr Khama insists on flying his plane on official trips. The official opposition has accused him of “illegally surpassing his powers to fly military planes, a reserve for only serving military officers according to the Botswana law.” His profile on a government website and the BBC website says Mr Khama was born in the UK in 1953 to Ruth Williams, an English Lloyds of London bank clerk. Because he married a white woman, his father was deposed as Bangwato chief and exiled by the British. Young Khama attended school in Botswana’s Serowe village before travelling to Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia, Swaziland, Switzerland and the UK where he graduated from Sandhurst Military Academy. He entered politics in 1998 when he was elected to parliament as a member of the ruling Botswana Democratic party. He ascended rapidly, becoming minister of presidential affairs and public administration, vice-president (1999), and party chairman (2003). When President Festus Mogae resigned in 2008, Khama succeeded him and was elected to a full term in 2009. - Daily Nation.
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The Spanish government has declared a state of alert after a strike by air traffic controllers grounded flights, stranding thousands of travellers. The measure will allow wildcat strikers to be charged with a crime under the military penal code. It is the first time Spain has seen such a measure since the end of military rule in 1975. Airport operator AENA said controllers, striking in a dispute over working hours, had now begun returning to work. More than half of Spanish airspace had reopened by 1330 local time, the operator said, but disruption is likely to continue because almost all flights in and out of the country have been cancelled until Sunday morning. There are huge crowds of passengers at Spain's airports, many hoping to get away at the start of a national holiday, many of them frustrated and angry, says the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Madrid. Officials estimated 250,000 people had been affected by the strike action. The army was called in to take charge of the country's air space on Friday, but cannot direct air traffic.
Austerity drive
Announcing the state of alert, Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said the air traffic controllers were trying to protect "unacceptable privileges". The government has stepped in with the firmest possible measures. For the first time ever, the government has declared a state of alert in Spain, with immediate effect. This means air traffic controllers are officially mobilised. If they refuse to work they will be committing the crime of disobedience according to Spain's military penal code. These are extremely tough measures being taken by the government, which says the controllers are holding the country hostage and that is unacceptable. The controllers can earn 350,000 euros ($470,000; £297,000). There is not a lot of sympathy for them in a country with 20% unemployment.
Spain is engaged in a big austerity drive to cut its budget deficit.
"Our airports are still at a standstill, and according to the Spanish constitution, the government is imposing a state of alert," Mr Rubalcaba said. "The immediate effect is that the controllers are are now under orders to go back to work and can be charged with a crime under the military penal code if they refuse. The state of alert will initially last for 15 days." Our correspondent says the controllers could be charged with disobedience, but it is not clear what sentence any conviction would carry. Some flights were operating to parts of Spain, including the Canary Islands and Majorca but flagship carrier Iberia, and budget airline Ryanair said they were cancelling all their flights until Sunday morning. Iberia warned people not to travel to airports and said travellers at Spain's airports should leave if they could. The controllers' unsanctioned action began Friday afternoon in Madrid, with staff calling in sick. It spread across the nation, forcing travellers to find last-minute hotel rooms or sleep on airport floors. Some passengers were taken by coach to their destinations. The controllers were already involved in a dispute about their working hours, but were further angered by austerity measures passed by the government on Friday which would partially privatise AENA. "We have reached our limit mentally with the new decree approved this morning obliging us to work more hours," said Jorge Ontiveros, a spokesman for the Syndicate Union of Air Controllers. "We took the decision individually, which then spread to other colleagues who stopped work because they cannot carry on like this. In this situation we cannot control planes."
'Hostages'
The head of AENA, Juan Ignacio Lema, said the strike was "intolerable", and told the controllers to "stop blackmailing the Spanish people".Some were left stranded on runways as their planes had to turn back. Others had to travel by bus to regional destinations. "All flights are blocked, there's a huge lot of people here, sitting around everywhere. Right now everyone is calm, but we don't know what's happening," said one traveller at Barajas airport."The captain came out to say Spanish airspace had suddenly shut, with no prior warning," another passenger stuck in a plane at Palma told Spanish radio. One woman at Barajas airport said it was "a disgrace". "How can a group of people be so selfish as to wreck the plans of so many people?"
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The UK Government warns against panic buying
The UK Government warns against panic buying as snow continues. Environment secretary Caroline Spelman has urged people in the UK not to panic buy after hearing rumours of food shortages due to the current cold snap crippling supplies to supermarkets. She denied such reports and said there is currently no problem with the provision of food. The politician admitted there had been slight delays to the arrival of deliveries to supermarkets as a result of the snow and ice causing trouble on British roads, but noted supplies are still arriving on a regular basis. 'Buying extra supplies won't help the situation and will only end up with people wasting money and wasting food,' Ms Spelman said. Her comments were made following an emergency meeting of government ministers at the Cabinet Office to discuss the problems of food and fuel shortages.The cold snap has resulted in the deepest snow in November for the UK since 1965, with 44cm falling at one location in the Scottish Borders during the month. Temperatures have also plummeted across the country, with -18 degrees C being recorded in Wales. Wind chill has also contributed to making it feel even colder for anyone daring to venture outside during the wintry weather, which currently shows little sign of abating.
Kenyan on the Apprentice fired
Nairobi, Friday 3rd December, 2010. Liza Mucheru-Wisner has been fired by Donald Trump in a controversial decision rendered on the semi-final leg of American TV show The Apprentice. Liza, who was on tour in Kenya recently, had won the task she and co-competitor Brandy had been given, but was told by Mr Trump to pack her bags and “learn how to get along with people better.” Her exit dashes the fiery Kenyan’s hopes of working for “Mr Trump” as she calls him, after making it to the final three. Liza got emotional after her exit and told NBC television that it was very hard for her to hear criticism from Trump and especially hearing the words “Liza, you’re fired”. With her out of the picture, Clint and Brandy become the finalists on the 10th Season of the hugely popular show, which several Kenyans have been following in the hope that Liza would emerge victorious. But that was not to be. Liza’s sister Njeri questioned Trump’s decision. “Usually when someone wins a task, they are safe, and Liza won the task so it doesn’t make sense that she has been fired,” she tells Capital News on phone. “The decision was not clear cut. Trump has previously refused to fire people on the basis that they have won their task. What’s even stranger is that he heaped her with praise before telling her that she’s fired,” she adds after viewing the episode at the Sankara hotel. And a tense episode it was; Liza’s happiness at coming so far despite frequent attacks from other contestants in Trump’s ‘boardroom’ came crashing down. Said Mr Trump on the show: “Despite your problems with others, I’ve always seen things in you (Liza) that no one else did. Still, you need to learn to get along with people better. You’re fantastic in every way, but Liza, you’re fired.” Though she thanked him and left the boardroom, Njeri thinks things are far from over for her sister. “The show is titled second chances. And some of the fired contestants have been brought back on the show to help the finalists achieve their tasks. Liza is one of them. Trump is still praising her work and her golf skills and they are even going to play in a tournament together! I have a feeling that there is a catch coming up,” she speculates. Brandy, who chose Liza to help her with her final task of organising a golf tournament, is not happy with Trump for choosing Liza as his opponent on the course, but what exactly is she scared of? Is it because Trump hugged Liza when she showed off her golf drive? Anyway, Trump also told Liza that being on the show had given her a lot of publicity and that is something Njeri can attest to. “She will be fine even after the show. She has gotten so many offers and is so very capable to do even greater things. In fact, I think its Trump’s loss that he does not Liza on his team.” The winner of this season’s The Apprentice will be revealed next week. - CapitalFM
Najivunia kua Mkenya
U.S. employment barely grew in November
U.S. employment barely grew in November and the jobless rate unexpectedly hit a seven-month high, hardening views the Federal Reserve would stick to its $600 billion plan to shore up the anemic recovery. Nonfarm payrolls rose 39,000, with private hiring gaining only 50,000, just a third of what economists had expected, a Labor Department report showed on Friday. The unemployment rate jumped to 9.8 percent from 9.6 percent in October. The weak report was a surprise given the relative strength of some other recent economic signals, including robust retail sales. Economists had expected 140,000 new jobs and a steady unemployment rate. While the data raised a warning flag, many analysts cautioned against reading too much into it. "The report comes as an unwelcome bucket of cold water," said Nigel Gault, chief U.S. economist at IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Massachusetts. "We're reluctant to take it at face value and suspect that it is an outlier -- on the downside -- but it does underline that the recovery remains a gradual one." Stock market investors also appeared to be in disagreement with the weak hiring number, and U.S. shares closed marginally higher. Prices for long-dated U.S. government debt fell while the dollar dropped across the board. A separate report from the Institute for Supply Management showed service sector activity rose in November, with a gauge of hiring reaching its highest level since October 2007, before the economy tumbled into recession. Payrolls for September and October were revised to show 38,000 more jobs were gained in those months than previously estimated, taking some sting out of the report. Some economists said November's data was likely distorted by the way it was adjusted for seasonal fluctuations and said they expected a snap back in December.
CONFLICTING SIGNALS
"Some of the areas of weakness were a bit surprising," said Zach Pandl, a U.S. economist at Nomura Securities International in New York. "Manufacturing and retail sales seem to contradict other available evidence, and the services ISM is outpacing the growth we saw in services employment during the month." One of the big surprises in November was the loss of 28,100 retail jobs despite signs of a busy holiday shopping season. Adding to the mystery, data collected by workforce management firm Kronos showed retailers recorded 56,028 hirings on a seasonally adjusted basis in November, up 77.5 percent from October. Economists said it was possible some last-minute hiring by retailers had not been captured in the Labor Department's survey of employers. It was also likely that many of the workers were being hired through staffing agencies, which would boost temporary help employment. Temporary help services employment increased 39,500 last month, building on October's 34,700 gain. "We are stalled on the launch pad for now. Nevertheless, we remain convinced that we will see a transition into a self-sustaining economic expansion through 2011," said Stuart Hoffman, chief economist at PNC Financial Services in Pittsburgh.
"I HEARD THE VOICE"
"Asked by Mr. Seed why he is relocating back to Kenya from UK with his wife and three children, Pastor Mike Wanyoike replied: "I have heard a voice from God and I am just obeying the voice. After obeying and moving back to Kenya, I will then wait upon God to give me the next direction. Mine is just to obey." explained Pastor Mike Wanyoike who leaving on Tuesday 7th December, 2010.
ANOTHER BOUTIQUE AT ELEPHANT & CASTLE
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Mukiri well known as Mama na Baba Angel of East London has opened a 2nd Boutique at Elephant & Castle Shopping Mall. The new Boutique, Pretty Angels is giant shop with all the latest designs in display. It is located in a very strategic area opposite Tesco Supermarket. The shop is stocking hundreds of designer clothing from several countries including USA. The couple has another Boutique - Alismu Unique Designs at Barking Shopping Mall, Unit 23/24 Vicarage Field Shopping Centre, Station Parade, Barking, IG11 8DQ. Make a date for the shop and you will find that it worth a visit.
"Why are there so many dogs around. The dogs are everywhere. Where do they come from?" Asked Pastor Jane Njiiri after arriving the Athens, Greece. "These are the dogs which has been abandoned by their owners after they become depressed." Replied the host. "Does it mean that dogs gets depressed." Continued Pastor Njiiri. "Yes, they do." replied the host.
Gospel Singer from US Mary Njau launches her Album in London
Mrs. Mary Njau a gospel singer from USA launched her latest Album entitled "Africa" on Sunday 28th November, 2010 at CCBC Swahili Church. Mrs. Njau presented the number with a style as the moved the worshippers with her beautiful voice and slow motion movements. She left for Kenya on Monday 29th November where she is doing some other recording before flying back to US. Seen above performing at the service and later with a group of her funs at the launching. Her contact in Kenya is 0700322299.
Kenya phone firms to pay for bad service
Telecommunications industry regulator has warned that it will penalise Kenyan mobile phone operators who fail to offer quality services as set out in the law. “We shall levy penalties for non-conformity with the set quality of service,” the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), director general Charles Njoroge says. It did not, however, state how much will be levied and for which service parameter. On November 26, 2010, the commission released its first-ever assessment report on the quality of service offered by the four mobile phone operators in the Kenya - Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, Airtel Kenya and Essar Telkom.
No end in sight to icy conditions
Forecasters warned there is no end in sight for icy conditions as the death toll rose and transport networks struggled to cope with the freezing weather. Two pensioners died after falling in their gardens in sub-zero temperatures, while a motorist who stopped to help a stranded driver died after he was struck by another vehicle. As a working week beset by major disruption comes to an end, commuters face continuing chaos on the trains and drivers were warned of the danger of black ice on roads. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond summoned Government chiefs for an hour-long emergency weather meeting on Friday to "stocktake" and discuss preparations for the weekend, a Downing Street spokeswoman said. Though the worst of the snow has fallen, temperatures remain low and rain is set to make Britain's frozen roads and pavements even more dangerous. "The problem is the ground temperature is lower than the air temperature so makes thawing difficult," said Aisling Creevey, a forecaster with Meteogroup."It's going to be really cold into the next 10 days." There might be a slight reprieve on Saturday for the south of England with a rise in temperatures to about 5C expected. But that will not be enough to melt the ice which is expected to be worsened by rain freezing on top. Any thaw will "be a very slow process", said Miss Creevey. "It's a big, icy mess - I would be really advising caution, it is going to take time to thaw out." The warning came as details emerged of the first casualties. Police said they feared 80-year-old Lillian Jenkinson had frozen to death after collapsing in her back garden in Workington, Cumbria. Her body was found at 10.40am on Thursday, the day after an elderly man was found dead in his garden in Kirby Stephen, also in Cumbria.The deaths prompted charities to urge residents to check on elderly neighbours. Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police said a 57-year-old man, who has not been named, was standing behind his Land Rover Defender when he was struck by a Land Rover Freelander. He had stopped to help recover a Vauxhall Corsa from a ditch at Bellerby Bank, between Richmond and Leyburn, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, when the accident happened at 7pm on Thursday.
It might be freezing, but the weather didn't stop this couple from enjoying a hot drink on Brighton's beach on a snow table
"I WANT TO BE A LAWYER LIKE YOU"
"I want to be a lawyer like you" explained young Joy Wambui left, to Hon. Martha Karua on Sunday 28th November, 2010 at PCEA Church London. Seen with her mother is Hon. Karua explaining to the young lady what it means to be a lawyer. On right is Mr. & Mrs. Manje Wairia.
NCCK cautions Kenyan politicians
The National Council of Churches of Kenya, NCCK, has cautioned politicians against frustrating the efforts of the International Criminal Court as it strives to bring to book perpetrators of post election violence. The clerics who spoke during the council's 60th General Assembly reiterated their commitment to supporting the implementation of the new constitution. Speaking to journalists in Nairobi Friday, Namwamba said the talks will also discuss options the committee is exploring and discuss all the issues that have emerged since the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission -IIBR concluded its work. NCCK secretary general Canon Peter Karanja lashed out at legislators who are threatening to call for mass action over possible indictment of their political acquaintances implicated in the post election violence by ICC saying the move amounts to obstruction of justice. Karanja further supported Koffi Anan's role in monitoring the reform process, saying the implementation of the constitution will be key in ensuring Kenyans enjoy gains of the new law. But the cleric raised concerns over government alleged cold feet on its promise to amend contentious issues after the passage of the new constitution, saying the church will stop at nothing to ensure the amendments are effected. NCCK further urged the political class to initiate efforts aimed at resolving the boundaries stalemate. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee on Legal affairs has convened a one day workshop for all Members of Parliament in a bid to resolve the impasse on the newly created constituencies. Committee chairman Ababu Namwamba expressed optimism that Mps will reach a consensus during the Monday meeting and unlock the stalemate that has threatened the implementation of the constitution. Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Namwamba said the talks will also discuss options the committee is exploring and discuss all the issues that have emerged since the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission -IIBR concluded its work. On Wednesday the committee announced that it has agreed on four options in resolving the matter. However, Namwamba declined to disclose the avenues the committee was exploiting saying it was too early to make them public.
"It is very bad to lose your family abroad" - Pastor Peter Wangaruro
Christmas presents stuck in snow - thousands of gifts trapped in big freeze
Families are facing an unprecedented Christmas toy crisis as the big freeze prevents thousands of gifts being delivered. Orders of the most popular presents are arriving in Britain this weekend but have been hit by the worst December snowfalls for a generation. Experts warned of shortages at Christmas as the icy conditions are forecast to continue. Thousands of tons of games, clothes, computers and electronics made in the Far East and destined for the West End and high streets throughout the country have become stuck at snow-bound ports and distribution centres. The South's four biggest container ports — Tilbury, Southampton, Thamesport and Felixstowe — are battling to clear a huge backlog after being shut by the snow. Although the main Christmas deliveries will have been made weeks ago, a trend towards later ordering means top-up deliveries for the crucial last shopping days are being hit. Distribution expert Grant Liddell, of Uniserve, said: “If the icy conditions continue there are going to be shortages.” Popular gifts that could be caught up in the chaos include the Microsoft Kinect games console, John Lewis's top seller the Butterscotch pony and Lego's Winter Workshop. The warning came as West End stores and restaurants say trade is down by 25 per cent this week because shoppers and staff cannot get into London. Jace Tyrrell, spokesman for the New West End Company, said that while stores were not panicking yet, “if we have another week of this then I think we've obviously got problems”.
"I learned from my former school, Starehe School that if you are given a coffee cup, wash it better than it has been washed before." Gatanga MP, Peter Kenneth, speaking in London
A finds new form of life... on Earth
Bacteria that thrive on arsenic have been scooped from a California lake, a discovery that redefines the building blocks of life and offers new hope in the search for other organisms on Earth and beyond. Not only do the bacteria survive, they grow by swapping phosphorus for arsenic in their DNA and cell membranes, said the study funded by the US space agency NASA and published Thursday in the journal Science. The findings add a new dimension to what biologists consider the necessary elements for life, currently viewed as six elements: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. "What we've found is a microbe doing something new -- building parts of itself out of arsenic," said scientist Felisa Wolfe-Simon, a fellow in NASA's astrobiology program who made the groundbreaking discovery at Mono Lake in eastern California. "There's an organism on Earth doing something different," said Wolfe-Simon. "We've cracked open the door to what's possible for life elsewhere in the universe. And that's profound." Ariel Anbar, a co-author of the study, explained how Wolfe-Simon was able to get the bacteria known as strain GFAJ-1 of the Halomonadaceae family of Gamoproteobacteria to grow under extreme toxic conditions in the lab. "She takes this sediment, puts it in a bottle essentially where there is lots of arsenic and very little phosphorus, and she does it over and over so only organisms that are going to be happy in that environment survive," said Anbar. "The organism came from nature," said Anbar, a scientist at Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration. "It is a known bacteria. It is not a brand new bug but nobody realized it could do this," he said. Scientists have known for some time that some microbes can use arsenic for energy, much like humans do with oxygen or food. "The way I like to put it is they smoke it but they don't inhale it," said Paul Davies, a co-author of the paper and British-born cosmologist at Arizona State University. "So the big question we all wanted to know was where has the arsenic gone? Is the arsenic really in their innards? "Eventually, bit by bit, the evidence accumulated that indeed the arsenic was in the DNA, the proteins, the lipid membranes and the metabolites, so it was everywhere where it is important."
A few years ago, Wolfe-Simon, Anbar and Davies began discussing the idea that different life forms could exist on Earth but by biological rules unlike ours, a notion known informally by scientists as "weird life." The trio published in 2009 their hypothesis that arsenic, which is directly below phosphorus on the periodic table, could substitute for phosphorus in Earth life forms. "We conjectured that maybe life started via the arsenic route and phosphorus was the later adaptation," said Davies, noting that they still are not sure which came first, or if this bacteria could be "like a living fossil, a hangover from an earlier arsenic epoch. "But the discovery has made him think about all the forms of life out there that scientists may have missed. "This is going to open up a whole new line of inquiry. First of all this can't be the only arsenic organism on the planet, there is going to a be lot more, so this is a whole new domain of microbiology that it represents," said Davies. "Who knows what else is out there if we take a harder look?" The findings, leaked early in a vague but intriguing announcement by NASA that mentioned "extraterrestrial life," lit up the blogosphere and stunned many scientists. Arizona State University professor James Elser said he has spent years telling students that phosphorus was a necessary part of DNA. "The idea that I am sitting here today discussing the idea that this is not true is shocking," said Elser, a panelist at a NASA press conference on the discovery. Caleb Scharf, a Columbia University astrobiologist, told The New York Times he was amazed. "It's like if you or I morphed into fully functioning cyborgs after being thrown into a room of electronic scrap with nothing to eat," he said. NASA has conducted numerous probes at eastern California's Mono Lake, an unusually salty body of water with high arsenic and mineral levels, as it is likely to reflect conditions under which early life evolved on Earth, or perhaps Mars. "Sometimes you think something is not going to work, but then you go looking for it and sometimes you may find it," said Anbar. "And then you realize, oh, I didn't understand things quite as well as I thought I did before. And that happens all the time in science. That's part of what makes it fun."
Spain's military takes over air traffic control
Spain's military has taken over the country's air traffic control after civilian traffic controllers called in sick en masse. The move - authorised by the government - comes after several airports across Spain were shut after traffic controllers' unauthorised walkout. Most of Spain's airspace remains closed after the strike began. The controllers are involved in a dispute with Spanish airport authority Aena over hours and conditions. Earlier on Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's office warned that the military would take over planning, supervision and control of the country's airspace unless the controllers called off the unsanctioned strike. Spanish Transport Minister Jose Blanco also condemned the strike, saying: "We will not allow this blackmail, which is using citizens as hostages." The controllers' action began at 1700 local time (1600 GMT), resulting in the shutdown of about 90% of Spain's airspace, with the exception of the southern region of Andalucia.
The UK will be "much, much, colder"
The UK will be "much, much, colder" on Friday 3rd December, 2010, forecasters say, as disruption caused by snow continues. Overnight, temperatures fell as low as -20C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire. There are severe warnings of heavy snow for parts of central and eastern Scotland, Wales and north-west England. Gatwick Airport has reopened but delays remain. Southern and Southeastern rail have reduced services, trains in East Yorkshire are cancelled, and there are virtually no services north of Glasgow. Many schools are closed again in Scotland - including all schools in Fife, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, North Lanarkshire and the Borders - and more than 2,000 are closed in England. Several rail services in England Scotland are either cancelled or severely disrupted, and drivers are again warned of icy roads. Snow showers in many areas have eased but the Met Office is now warning of heavy snow in Strathclyde and Central, Tayside and Fife, and of widespread icy roads in south-west England and the Highlands. Temperatures plunged overnight to -16C at Aberdeen airport and -15C in Edinburgh, while both Manchester airport and Yeovil recorded -10C. The thermometer at RAF Leeming, in North Yorkshire, was showing -17.9C on Friday morning, making the coldest night recorded at the station since records began in 1945. Areas such as Northern Ireland, western Scotland and north-west England are set to be the next affected by snow during the course of Friday. Drivers in Wales have been warned about icy roads and freezing fog, with outbreaks of snow and sleet in all areas.
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AP officer killed in grenade attack in Nairobi
Nairobi, Friday 3rd December, 2010. An administration police officer was killed and one of his colleague wounded early Friday morning in Nairobi's Eastleigh estate in what is believed to be a grenade attack. According to police sources, an unknown assailant threw an explosive device in a police device in a police land rover fatally injuring the deceased. It is unclear who the masterminds of the attack were but the anti terrorism police unit has already launched investigations into the incident. Another incident in Kayole saw police shoot two thugs in their hideout and recover 2 pistols , 4 rounds of ammunition and 3 vehicles Meanwhile, Westlands Member of Parliament Fred Gumo has called upon the Police Commissioner to enhance and improve security in the country especially in his constituency. The Mp who was speaking at the Westland's CDF offices where thugs broke in and shot the watchman Thursday night said insecurity has been rampant in the area despite there being over six police stations. The thugs had broken into the CDF offices that is housed by the Kenya Freedom from hunger council offices via a window and tried to come out with a photocopier which they later abandoned at the compound. Speaking at the scene, Michael Ojiambo the Secretary General of the Kenya freedom from hunger council said that apart from a break in 1995 which they managed to control before it happened and another incident where their security dogs were poisoned the offices are normally quiet and have no cause for break in since they do not have any money in their offices.
SNOW, SNOW, SNOW EVERYWHERE
"Snow, Snow, Snow everywhere my son, this what made your grandparents to back to Kenya before retirement."
The University of Dundee's satellite receiving station captured this image of how the heavy snow of the past week has affected the UK. The picture, which was received at 1145 GMT on Thursday from Nasa satellite Terra, shows almost the entire country covered by a blanket of snow.
DR. CHEGE GITHIORA'S NEW BOOK
Please see copy of new book which is available in scant supplies but available for online purchase at
http://lulubooks.com A new publishing order is expected shortly
Dr. Chege Githiora a senior lecturer at University of London School of Oriental and African Studies - or SOAS, London has written another book. You can ring or email him to get a copy. Dr. Githiora who like to exercise his vernacular talents like Ngugi wa Thiongo wrote this to Mr. Seed: Ni ndirarutire ibuku ria Njuguna Mutonya, Nation journalist and former political detainee, from Gatura) na ni ndirendia o na guuku London. Riguriitwo ta mandathi mahiu Kenya. I was there last week. Andu no metie Cege wa Githiora (07904328866) kana manyandikire jcpressbooks@yahoo.com. £6.99 + s/h kindu £2.
"Hearing something a hundred times is not as good as seeing it once" - Chinese proverb
THE WORD OF TODAY
Ezekiel 37:1-10
The Valley of Dry Bones
37The hand of the Lord had been on me, and he took me out in the spirit of the Lord and put me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones; 2 And he made me go past them round about: and I saw that there was a very great number of them on the face of the wide valley, and they were very dry. 3 And he said to me, Son of man, is it possible for these bones to come to life? And I made answer, and said, It is for you to say, O Lord. 4 And again he said to me, Be a prophet to these bones, and say to them, O you dry bones, give ear to the word of the Lord. 5 This is what the Lord has said to these bones: See, I will make breath come into you so that you may come to life; 6 And I will put muscles on you and make flesh come on you, and put skin over you, and breath into you, so that you may have life; and you will be certain that I am the Lord. 7 So I gave the word as I was ordered: and at my words there was a shaking of the earth, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 And looking I saw that there were muscles on them and flesh came up, and they were covered with skin: but there was no breath in them. 9 And he said to me, Be a prophet to the wind, be a prophet, son of man, and say to the wind, The Lord has said: Come from the four winds, O wind, breathing on these dead so that they may come to life. 10 And I gave the word at his orders, and breath came into them, and they came to life and got up on their feet, a very great army.
European countries battle weather chaos
People across northern Europe are still facing heavy snow and freezing temperatures, with more cold weather forecast for the weekend. Up to 28 people are thought to have been killed by the cold or in weather-related accidents. Thousands of people have been left stranded after roads and rail networks were disrupted and airports closed. In the Balkans, heavy flooding has forced more than 1,000 people to evacuate their homes. Temperatures in Poland have fallen to as low as -33C (-27F) in the past few days. Police in the country say 18 people are now known to have have died from exposure, most of them homeless people who had been drinking alcohol outside. Russian media reported three deaths in Moscow and at least two people were also reported to have been killed in Germany. They included a 73-year-old man in Lower Saxony who was said to have been hit by a train while attempting to clear snow.
700,000 more to pay higher-rate in double blow
for families about to lose child benefit
London, Friday, December 3, 2010. Around 700,000 extra people will be forced to pay higher-rate tax next April, dragging many teachers, nurses and other professionals into the 40 per cent band. Experts warned the move will cripple thousands of workers who do not consider themselves rich and struggle to keep financially afloat. An estimated 230,000 of the total – those with young children – will suffer a double blow as they will also lose their child benefit. The change is because of the Government’s decision to lower the threshold at which the 40 per cent tax band comes into effect. At present, you become a higher-rate taxpayer when your salary hits £43,875. But it has been revealed that the limit will fall to £42,475 next year. This will leave a typical victim with an extra tax bill of £80 a year. From 2013, all higher-rate taxpayers will also lose their child benefit, which is worth £1,752 a year for a family with two children until they are 16, or 19 if they remain in education. Mike Warburton, senior tax partner at the accountants Grant Thornton, predicted that the change would mean an extra 700,000 workers paying higher-rate tax. At present, around three million are in the 40 per cent band.But Mr Warburton calculates this figure will hit 3.7million in 2011/12, which is close to an all-time high. Some financial analysts say it is inevitable that the Government will continue to lower the threshold each year, meaning the number will keep growing. Mr Warburton said it could hit six million by 2015. ‘A family with one-earner with a total income of £43,000 are being pulled into the higher-rate band,’ he said. ‘But they are not people who would consider themselves to be rich.’ With an average house price of £340,000 in London, for example, it is impossible to buy a home in the capital on this salary. Patricia Mock, a tax director at accountants Deloitte, said: ‘The pressure is piling on for middle-income families earning between £40,000 and £50,000.’ In some parts of the country, more than one in three full-time workers is a higher-rate taxpayer. Thirty-five per cent of workers living in inner London, 25 per cent in outer London, 30 per cent in Hertfordshire and more than 20 per cent in Essex pay higher-rate tax. The changes will help lower earners, with up to 880,000 lifted out of the income tax net.This is because the tax-free personal allowance is rising by £1,000 to £7,475. This will boost the incomes of the country’s basic rate taxpayers by up to £170 a year. The move will cost the Treasury £3.5billion next year, official figures show. The reduction in the threshold at which higher-rate tax kicks in is designed to offset this, and stop those people benefiting from the personal allowance increase. A Treasury spokesman said: ‘The Budget announced that the personal allowance would be increased by £1,000, which will take 880,000 people out of tax and benefit 23million taxpayers by up to £170 a year. ‘To ensure that the benefit goes to those on low and middle incomes, the Government is reducing the higher rate threshold for income tax.’
Was the World Cup a stitch-up? Humiliated England loses out again...
while fuming No10 refuses to congratulate Russia?
Left, the FIFA President, Sebb Blatter, unveils Russia as the 2018 World Cup hosts, centre, the pleased Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, who did not attend the ceremony, gives his reaction to the success and right, a glum David Cameron, holds his nose with defeat and bitterness.
London, Friday, December 3, 2010. Amid strong suspicions of shady backroom deals, the tournament went to Russia, branded a ‘virtual mafia state’ in leaked U.S. diplomatic cables this week. Last night Downing Street did little to hide its anger and said Mr Cameron had no plans to congratulate the Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin personally ‘at the present time’. Shortly after Fifa president Sepp Blatter declared Russia the winner for 2018, he announced that Qatar, a tiny desert country which has never even qualified to play in the World Cup, would host the 2022 tournament, beating bids from Australia, the United States and a joint bid from Japan and South Korea. Read More
Kenya chaos suspects to be known by Dec 17
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno -Ocampo Thursday warned those interfering with witnesses saying his office can arrest those obstructing justice. Addressing a two day conference hosted by The Kofi Annan Foundation to review Kenya's progress on reforms, Ocampo said he would file cases against six Kenyans by December 17 following the conclusion of investigations into the country's post-election violence. This means that Kenyans will know the masterminds of the post election violence in the next two weeks. "Before December 17, we will file two cases of about 80 pages each summarising the facts and analysing the evidence collected," the ICC prosecutor said. He added "There are two cases, each involving three individuals who have to face justice. They have to go to The Hague. Their names will be known. These six individuals are still presumed innocent, their guilt or innocence shall be proved by the judges after the judicial process and not before." He said that trials could begin in 2012 or early 2013. Ocampo futher said ICC will only issue arrest warrants against the six individuals if they decline to appear voluntarily. He at the same time challenged the government not to wait for the ICC process for victims to get justice saying that this could be done through the local courts to ensure healing and reconciliation. Meanwhile, suspended Higher Education minister William Ruto has told off Ocampo in his bid to prosecute the perpetrators of the post election violence. Ruto says Ocampo is doomed to fail if he relies on evidence adduced by the Kenya national commission on human rights, which he accuses of coaching witnesses to implicate him. Ruto who spoke on the sidelines of the agenda four conference attended by Annan and Ocampo maintained that ICC is engaging in a futile exercise adding that the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has refused to record statements with the police on the matter out of mischief.
Normal service is expected at public enquiry offices on Friday
London, Thursday, December 2, 2010. All UK Border Agency public enquiry offices are expected to be operating normally on Friday 3 December. If you had an appointment at the Croydon or Sheffield public enquiry office on Thursday 2 December, please phone 0870 606 7766 on Friday 3 December to make another appointment, or use our online appointment booking service. If adverse weather conditions cause any service disruptions at public enquiry offices on Friday, we will publish details on: click here
MEDICAL FUND RAISING BUFFET IN AID OF MAUREEN OUSO
HOSTS: MR & MRS MICKY OUSO/COMMITTEE - DATE: 18/12/10 - TIME: 4.00PM
VENUE: OUR LADY QUEEN OF MARTRYS, STONEBRIDGE LANE - LIVERPOOL - L11 9AZ.
No hope of respite for frozen Britain
Frozen Britain will endure another Arctic blast of snow and ice as sub-zero temperatures bring more chaos to public transport, motorways and commuters. Two major airports - Edinburgh and London Gatwick - remained closed as the country endures what forecasters have described as one of the coldest starts to December on record. Up to 20cm (8in) of fresh snowfall is expected to fall on the east of England according to weather experts, with London and the South East also being hit by more blizzards. Temperatures across the UK will struggle to break zero, but experts offered some respite, predicting that the wintry weather will ease off. Forecaster David Price, from The Met Office, said: "It will continue to be very cold for most of the country and in terms of snow it will be a very similar picture to yesterday. "Showers will be pushing in from the North East coast and across Northern England all the way through to the east coast."
Snow And Ice Take Heavy Toll On UK Travel
There is more major disruption to travel this morning after a night of heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The South East was the worst hit with 15cm (6in) of snow overnight in Kent and 30cm (12in) in East Sussex. London was also hit and further snow is expected through the day in the East and South East. A train on the London to Brighton line was stranded overnight and drivers were left stuck in South Yorkshire on the A57. Several airports remain closed, including London Gatwick, which will stay shut until at least 6am on Friday, and London City Airport, which is closed until at least midday. Severe weather warnings are in place across most of England and Scotland, with the heaviest snow expected to fall in the South West, southeast England and along the east coast. There has been major disruption again on the roads.
Heavy delays are expected on major roads, including the M25 in Kent and Surrey. The M20 is closed southbound between junction 7 and 13 due to hazardous driving conditions and other major roads are closed up and down the country. The AA says it has dealt with more than 100,000 breakdowns in the last week. Forecasters say the cold snap will last at least until the weekend, with only a brief let-up from the snow on Thursday night. Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said the South East would see further snow today and further freezing temperatures. "We have seen fresh snow overnight, including snow in the London area. South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex have all been particularly badly hit," she said. "Today we are going to continue to see a bitter easterly wind blowing more snow in across south-east London, Sussex and the extreme South East. "Today London can expect a further 2cms of snow while another 10 to 15cms will fall in southeastern counties." Lang said it would be another exceptionally cold night across the UK. Temperatures fell to -18.6C in the Scottish Highlands last night and Lang said there was a possibility of -25C being hit in the Grampian area tonight. Temperatures of -15 could be recorded in the snowfields of northern England.
Trains transformed into hotels for another long, horrible night in the cold
Train staff were forced to turn carriages into “emergency hotels” as hundreds of freezing passengers spent the night in sub-zero conditions after services across the South-East were stranded. At least four trains were caught in snow storms in Sussex and three stuck at Victoria. Another service came to a halt at Horley station near Gatwick airport because of ice on the tracks. Passengers told how they were left in freezing conditions for up to 10 hours and were forced to beg station staff to go and find food and water. More than 300 passengers were stranded at Three Bridges station in West Sussex after snow storms made the lines impassable. Passengers told how they had to huddle for warmth in poorly heated waiting rooms and a stationary train for seven hours. They eventually convinced platform staff to trek to a 24-hour supermarket for supplies. It came as train services across the South-East were cancelled because of the snow. Jonny Young, 22, from Hove, spent the night on the platform at Three Bridges. Mr Young, who works in publishing, said passengers were told to get off the Southern service at the station so a broken-down train in front could be shunted out of the way. But the train could not be moved, and Mr Young said people were left “frustrated and cold” until they were rescued at 5am.
Safaricom now moves to High Court over CCK licence fee row
Safaricom now moves to High Court over CCK licence fee row. The love-hate affair between mobile phone operator Safaricom and industry regulator Communications Commission of Kenya is far from over. Apart from regulations published early this year that the listed telecoms fought tooth and nail demanding that they be reviewed, it also feels aggrieved by the handling of its 3G network licence fees. Last year, Safaricom challenged a Sh135 million invoice by the CCK for usage of its 3G licence. The service provider also wanted the regulator to provide it with a formula it used in arriving at the fee. From the documents presented before the tribunal, Safaricom insists that it is only fair and in line with international benchmarks that they pay Sh5.3 million frequency usage fees. The tribunal, made up of Mrs Rose Simba, Mr Arthur Ogwayo and Mr Richard Mutiso, dismissed the appeal and also ordered Safaricom to pay a third of CCK’s cost for the appeal on February 22, 2010. Feeling cheated, the operator has now moved to High Court for a constitutional and judicial review of its appeal. The bone of contention is the legality of the tribunal that determined the appeal in favour of the regulator. In an affidavit sworn by the then operator’s legal and regulatory affairs head, Mr Nzioka Waita, the tenure of the tribunal had lapsed by the time the ruling was made. Mr Waita is currently the head of strategy and new business at Safaricom.
“At the time when the 1st respondent (the communications appeals tribunal) delivered its ruling on the February 22, 2010, the term of the members had expired and to the best of the applicant’s (Safaricom) knowledge, the same had not been renewed by the minister,” says Mr Waita in his affidavit. However, in a replying affidavit, Information and Communications permanent secretary Bitange Ndemo disputes Mr Waita’s assertions. Dr Ndemo says the members of the tribunal were reappointed via a gazette notice 10897 of September 17, 2010. However, their appointments took effect from February 1, 2010. “I’m aware that the members of the tribunal had individually received letters of appointment on February 1, 2010 which is within the period they made the decision,” noted the PS while dismissing the application by the mobile phone operator as mischievous, misconceived and without merit. In 2007, Safaricom paid Sh1.9 billion ($25 million) as 3G spectrum fees. However, intense lobbying from Orange, Essar Telecom and Zain now Airtel saw the regulator review the fee downwards to Sh800 million ($10 million). Safaricom demanded to be refunded the difference — Sh1.2 billion ($15 million) — a plea that commission refused to give a nod. However, the regulator is said to have reached a consensus with Safaricom that the firm will not pay for 4G or other advanced technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) spectrum fees. Last week, the CCK said that it will review downwards all spectrum and licensing fees by March next year. Operators have, in the past, claimed that spectrum fees in Kenya are the most expensive in the region. – Daily Nation.
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RACHEL NJERI NOW SHINES IN KENYA
Kenyan Gospel Singer Rachel Njeri living in Nottingham, UK is in Kenya. She is in Kenya recording a new album. While in Kenya Rachel has been a guest singer in many functions. Last weekend she was a guest singer at thanks giving ceremony which was organised by Kameme FM. Seen above left is Rachel and Rose Kimotho the Managing Director of Kameme FM. On right is Rachel and Lucy wa Ngunjiri during a prayer meeting at St. Andrews Church Nairobi.
Hague probes three on witnesses
Three prominent people are being investigated for trying to obstruct justice by compromising witnesses set to appear before the International Criminal Court. A source close to the ICC said the three were a top politician, a lawyer and a senior police officer linked to the 2007 post-election violence. They are said to have enticed witnesses to recant their statements, assuring them they would not be charged with perjury “because the government is not interested in the ICC process.” The witnesses were further allegedly coerced to implicate a human rights organisation in coaching witnesses. The sources said the witnesses were being harassed. Harassment of witnesses is one of the issues ICC prosecutor Mr Luis Moreno-Ocampo is expected to address during his visit to the country. The ICC has said anyone found trying to compromise witnesses will be held liable. In a letter to Internal Security minister George Saitoti, who chairs a Cabinet committee dealing with the court, an ICC official expressed concern over reports that witnesses had “been offered bribes by persons who feel threatened by the ICC.” Meanwhile, a group of MPs has dismissed International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo’s visit as “useless”. “We don’t care whether Ocampo is in the country or not. He has been here before,” said Dujis MP Adan Duale. The MPs accused the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) of disregarding the law by disobeying the “authority mandated to investigate crime.” Last month, Mr Ruto claimed that KNCHR commissioner Hassan Omar Hassan had coached witnesses to give false accounts about his contribution to the post-election violence. – Daily Nation.
Ocampo, Annan meet principals
President Mwai Kibaki and the Rt Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga Wednesday morning separately held talks with former UN Secretary General Dr. Kofi Annan and International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Mr Moreno Ocampo at the Harambee House Office. During the talks, the two leaders and Dr. Annan discussed the progress the government and people of Kenya are making in the reform agenda, especially in regard to the National Reconciliation and Peace Accord. President Kibaki, Prime Minister Odinga and Dr Annan reviewed the progress in the implementation of the constitution that was promulgated on August 27th 2010, and noted that the government was on the right track in its reform agenda and in the implementation of the Constitution. On his part Dr. Annan commended the government and people of Kenya for enacting and promulgating the new Constitution. He encouraged the country to move ahead and implement the Constitution that holds much promise for the Kenyan people. Later President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga held talks with I.C.C. Prosecutor Mr. Moreno Ocampo. During the meeting, the Prosecutor briefed the two leaders on the progress he is making on post election investigations in Kenya and the two leaders assured him of the government's commitment to supporting the work of the I.C.C. in Kenya. Dr. Annan and Mr. Ocampo are in the country to attend the second Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation Review meeting that is being hosted by the Kofi Annan Foundation.
Coldest start to winter on record as two die
As the mercury plunged lower than -20C (-4F) in some areas, a woman died after falling into a freezing lake in Yorkshire and a motorcyclist was killed on an icy road in West Sussex. Although the country has been in the grip of the coldest November for 17 years, winter officially started yesterday with an all-time record low for December 1. The sub-zero conditions could persist until at least the weekend and strong winds will make it feel bitterly cold, forecasters have warned. Many travellers endured a day of misery yesterday as the snow crippled road, rail and air links. One rescue worker on the M25 said: ‘We could not get anywhere. It was absolute bedlam. There were people sleeping in cars and other people walking down the hard shoulder.’ Paul Watters, head of roads policy for the AA, called for better planning to allow gritters through when traffic was heavy and roads were blocked. ‘In the 21st century, we should not have people stuck on the motorway all night,’ he said. The Highways Agency said salt spreaders had been treating motorways and major A roads ‘around the clock’ but spells of very severe weather meant it was not always possible to prevent congestion and delays. Ashwin Kumar, director of watchdog Passenger Focus also said it was ‘unacceptable and worrying’ that some rail travellers were stuck on trains for a number of hours. Blankets were handed out to stranded passengers at Heathrow where 72- year-old Mohamed Nasr said he was ‘not holding out well at all’ after being stuck in Terminal 5 for 50 hours. Transport secretary Philip Hammond said: ‘We will work together to look at what has happened, to look at how best, and how most effectively, to tackle the problems that we have seen.’
The Mirror newspaper says food is flying off the shelves as the cold snap prompts panic buying in some part of the UK.
Koffi Annan arrives in Kenya
Former United Nations Secretary General Koffi Annan arrived in Kenya ahead of Thursday's two-day conference to evaluate performance of the Grand Coalition governmnet. International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo is exepcted in the country Wednesday evening for the same conference. The meeting will review the progress of reforms including the implementation of the new Constitution, which is part of Agenda 4 of the National Accord that ended the post-election violence in 2008. The conference that opens on Thursday at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Nairobi is organized by the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation (KNDR). It will also be addressed by Prime Minister Raila Odinga. It was not immediately clear whether Moreno-Ocampo will seize the opportunity to brief Kenyans on the status of his cases related to post election violence. Their visit comes in the wake of growing political tensions and stalled political reforms. The South Consulting research firm indicates that there are sharp divisions among the main political parties on the issue of the ICC intervention. Briefing the press on the conference last week, Nana Effah-Apetenhttp://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/The-Papers---National-Newspaper-Front-Pages-On-Thursday-December-2-2010/Media-Gallery/201012115844450?lpos=Home_Left_Promo_Region_0&lid=GALLERY_15844450_The_Papers_-_National_Newspaper_Front_Pages_On_Thursday_December_2%2C_2010#g, the chief of staff at the Panel of Eminent African Personalities said the conference has been divided into five panels, two on the opening day and three on Friday. He said the first panel will discuss the institutions created under the new Constitution, reforms in the civil service, judiciary, police and devolution. The second panel will handle key issues in the Bill of Rights, law enforcement and disbandment of armed gangs.
London, Wednesday 1st December, 2010. Millions were marooned today as the big freeze tightened its grip. Commuters were forced to sleep overnight on trains, airports were packed with stranded passengers and drivers were trapped for hours in roads blocked by snow and ice. Some train passengers had to walk along the track to safety. Thousands of schools were shut as forecasters warned worse is to come and police urged people to stay at home if possible. The M3 was closed in both directions after a body was found close to junction two at Lyne near Virginia Water. Police were investigating whether the victim had been caught in the severe weather. There were reports of shops running out of milk.
Passengers stranded on a freezing train all night in snow
Passengers told today how they were forced to sleep overnight on a broken-down train and wrapped themselves in piles of clothes to keep warm. The Southeastern service was so badly affected by snow that some commuters were still stuck on the tracks near Orpington by mid-morning. Passengers on the train from Charing Cross to Hastings used every scrap of spare clothing they could find to keep warm with little light or heat after the power failed at around 10.30pm. One commuter, a wheelchair user called Michael, said: “We had a bit of the Blitz spirit going until about 3am, then we crashed out for a couple of hours. A bus turned up and they had a bit of a Mexican stand-off in the car park where the driver said he wasn't going anywhere. “That bus left and a second one turned up and while I was trying to sort out something that one left. I am in a wheelchair and could not actually get on the third bus.” Michael eventually continued his long journey home on a 4x4 vehicle provided by Southeastern. He added that during the night the train lights “were on but the heating was not brilliant”, but he took a blanket as a precaution.
Snow keeps Gatwick and Edinburgh closed
Gatwick airport spokeswoman Sarah Baranowski said the runway was closed at 10.30pm on Tuesday night and ground staff have been working throughout the night but had not been able to clear the settling snow. "It is vital that passengers do not make their way to the airport and check our website and with their airline for updates," she added. "We need to make sure the runway is safe before all flights can recommence but the snow has not stopped all night." It is not known when the airport will reopen. Edinburgh Aiport is also closed due to heavy snow showers overnight. A statement on its website said it was anticipated that the runway would be clear and open at 12 noon.
Nîguo kana tigwo
Do you know that
THAMES RIVER HAS FROZEN ON SEVERAL TIMES
Throughout the ages the Thames has been locked in Winter's icy grip on countless occasions. In olden time when its bed was much wider, ice would form at the sides, and as the frost increased, would extend from bank to bank.
In 1063 it is recorded that it was frozen over for fourteen weeks, and again in 1076. In 1434 it was frozen over below London Bridge, as far down as Gravesend, and the frost lasted from November 24th to February 10th.
In 1515 the ice on the river was strong enough to bear carriages, and many passed over between Lambeth and Westminster, but unfortunately it is not said what sort of carriages - coaches did not come into use until a later date.
In 1564 we first hear of all sorts of diversions on the frozen river, the first real Frost Fair, but very little is recorded of it. There can be little doubt that London Bridge, with its narrow arches and huge piers, contributed not a little to the frequent freezing of the river from bank to bank.
Since the new bridge has been built such an occurrence has been less frequent. The floating ice was massed against these piers and heaped up on the starlings, and so formed a barrier, and the intervals between soon got frozen over.
The Great Thames River Frost
On December 23rd, 1683, Evelyn describes "a greate frost." The Thames was frozen, and on the 1st of January the weather continuing intolerably severe, streets of booths were set upon the Thames. On the 6th the river was quite frozen over. On the 9th, Evelyn crossed the Thames on the ice, which had become so thick as to bear not only streets of booths in which they roasted meat, but there were all sorts of shops present just like a town centre. Coaches, carts, and horses passed over. He went from Westminster Stairs to Lambeth and dined with the Archbishop, and accompanied by Sir George Wheeler, walked back on the ice from Lambeth Stairs to the Horse Ferry. The frost continuing in severity, the Thames was filled with tents and people selling all sorts of items. He tells us that the booths were planted in formal rows like streets, and that not only were the shops full of all sorts of commodities, but various trades were carried on, particularly printers, who set up a press where people, ladies especially, could have their names and the day and the year printed on card on the Thames. Many of these cards are to be found in the Gardner and Crace collections. This became so popular that the enterprising printer made 5l a day for printing a line only, at 6d. a name, besides what he got by ballads, &c.
Coaches plied on the ice from Westminster to the Temple, and from several other stairs to and fro as in the streets. Sleds, sliding with "skeetes" pulled by bulls, horse and coach races, puppet plays and interludes, cooks, tippling and other lewd places, filled the area like a bacchanalian triumph or carnival on the ice. This winter was so severe that trees were split by the frost, birds and fish perished, and many parks of deer were destroyed, and fuel so dear that there were great contributions to preserve the poor alive. London, by the excessive cold of the air hindering the ascent of the smoke, became so filled with it that one could hardly see across the streets, and it filled the lungs so that breathing was difficult. On the 5th of February it began to thaw, but froze again, and there being no water many trades, especially the brewers, had to stop. Evelyn crossed from Lambeth to the Horse Ferry at Millbank, but the thaw continuing, the booths all had to be taken down. He adds that there was a map or landskip cut in copper representing the scene, and all the sports and pastimes listed. A sketch made by Thomas Wyck on the 4th of February is preserved in the British Museum, taken from near the Temple, and old London Bridge with its houses is visible in the distance. The following year in January the frost was very severe, and the Thames was frozen, but unsafe to venture upon.
Heavy snow hits airports and roads across Europe
Heavy snow hits airports and roads across Europe. Snow and freezing temperatures severely disrupted airports in Germany and Britain and caused chaos and deaths on roads across Europe on Tuesday 30th November, 2010. More than 200 flights were cancelled at Frankfurt airport in Germany, the continent's third busiest, while southern German states were blanketed by snow. Large parts of Poland were covered in thick snow, causing hundreds of accidents on the roads and at least four people were killed on snowbound roads in the Czech Republic. It was so cold in France that electricity network RTE warned of cuts in the supply as the country looked set to top record demand levels while 20 percent of high-speed train services to the hard hit southeast were cancelled. Switzerland suffered its coldest November night for 45 years as temperatures plunged below minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit), according to national weather service Meteosuisse. Even Spain and Portugal were shivering after snow fell in the northern half of the Iberian peninsula. Britain has been taken by surprise by its earliest widespread snowfall since 1993, forcing hundreds of schools in Scotland and rural parts of England to close and causing treacherous conditions on roads and at smaller airports. Scotland and northeast England had fresh snowfall and the freezing weather has started moving down England's east coast while London had its first sprinkling of snow this winter. London City Airport, a popular departure point for business travellers, was forced at one point to suspend all flights because of snow and ice before resuming with a heavily interrupted service. Edinburgh, Scotland's busiest airport, was disrupted for a second day, but London's Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, said all its flights were operating normally. Britain's Met Office issued severe weather warnings for most regions of the country and warned snow was heading south.
One of the roads with heavy snow in Germany on Tuesday and on right a visitor from Malindi, Kenya Mrs. Teresia Wangui Gichuki who is fearing to hold snow on her first sight of snow in her life is shown how to hold the snow by Joseph Njiiri in Nottingham on Saturday 27th November where snow came before London.
A 53-year-old man was crushed to death when a recovery truck rolled into two other vehicles in snowy conditions on a motorway near Doncaster in northern England, police said. Scotland, on St Andrew's Day, its national day, recorded the coldest temperature in Britain overnight Monday with the mercury plunging to minus 15 degrees Celsius (five degrees Fahrenheit). Thousands of schoolchildren had to stay at home in Scotland for a second day while 42 schools were closed in picturesque Cornwall in southwest England because of snow. But the bitter cold in London failed to deter several thousand students from taking part in the latest demonstration against the government's plans to raise university tuition fees. In Germany, heavy snowfall blanketed the southern states of Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Saxony and even colder weather is forecast across the country later this week. At Frankfurt airport, even when the runways were cleared of snow, aircraft had to be de-iced, causing further delays. By mid-morning local time, a total of 128 arrivals and 80 departures had been cancelled, with many other flights experiencing significant delays, an airport spokeswoman said. In the eastern German city of Leipzig, a playful snowball fight descended into a violent melee involving more than 500 people. "The black-clad mob threw not only snow but also firecrackers, bottles and rocks," a police spokesman said. Police had to intervene to break up the mob and two officers were wounded in the fray late Monday, while the driver of a passing car also fell victim as the mob smashed his windscreen with a beer bottle and injured his arm. On a lighter note, players from German Bundesliga football team Bayer Leverkusen said they would wear ski masks for their Europa League game in Rosenberg, Norway, as they battle sub-zero conditions. The Czech Republic experienced up to 25 centimetres (10 inches) of fresh snow in some cities, causing power cuts and travel disruption. Four people were killed and 80 were injured on the country's roads. The Polish capital Warsaw was snarled up by huge traffic jams after 30 centimetres of snow fell since Monday. Lorry drivers were stranded in their vehicles for 20 hours near Warsaw after a truck skidded and blocked the road.
The Christmas anti-drink-drive campaign has been launched
London, Wednesday, December 1, 2010. Designated drivers will be offered a buy one get one free deal on soft drinks in pubs as part of the Government's Christmas campaign to crack down on drink-driving. The Government's road safety campaign Think! has joined Coca-Cola to offer the drinks in more than 8,000 participating pubs. The offer is in addition to radio advertising, posters in pub toilets and online search activity in a campaign that will run until January 2. Launching the campaign, road safety minister Mike Penning said: "Drivers should be in no doubt that if they get behind the wheel after drinking this Christmas, they risk losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence. Last year 380 people were killed in accidents where the driver was over the limit. That is why our message is clear: don't drink and drive." Chief Constable Mick Giannasi, head of roads policing with the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "This year we are using information from the public to target those areas where drink-driving is a particular problem and so the chances of getting caught are greater than ever. "If the police stop a driver, and there is any suspicion that they have been drinking, then they will be asked to provide a breath test and drivers should be in no doubt that if they are found to be over the limit they will be brought before the courts. "Many drivers don't realise that alcohol stays in the system for a number of hours, and that they could still be over the limit the next morning when driving to work or dropping the children off at school. That is why we are asking drivers to be safe, not sorry, this Christmas." Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland manager Jon Woods said: "This Christmas we're proud to be partnering with the Government's Think! initiative to help raise awareness of responsible drinking." As the campaign was launched, the AA released details of a poll of 18,251 of its members which showed that the most popular excuse for drinking and driving is: "It's only down the road."
Bridegrooms and Brides marrying UK citizen or residents must pass English test
UK has stated that migrants wishing to marry a Briton or other UK resident will have to undergo basic English test and pass before they are given the permission for a marriage visa. From Monday, November 29, 2010, they will have to prove that they can speak the language as good as a native-born six year old before the visa will be issued. Damian Green, Britain’s immigration minister, said: "Being able to speak English should be a pre-condition for anyone who wants to settle in the UK - that is why from the end of November we are making it compulsory for migrant spouses and partners to demonstrate they can speak English before we grant them a marriage visa. "Speaking English promotes integration into British society and broadens opportunities. Supporting documents will need to be provided with applications that an English test in speaking and listening has been passed. The level of knowledge required by the immigration department should take 40 to 50 hours of tuition as reported by the media. (ALZ).
Meanwhile, migration campaigners have condemned a law that will require non-EU citizens or migrant wishing to marry a Briton or other UK resident or entering the UK on spousal visas to pass an English language test. As the law came into force from Monday 29, November 2010, protesters marched from Victoria Street in Westminster to the Home Office. The Immigration Minister, Damian Green, said that the new rules “will help ensure that migrant spouses are able to participate in British life from the outset and integrate more easily into our society”. But groups supporting migrant rights are concerned that the law will unfairly impede those who have no access to English lessons in their country of origin, or cannot afford them. The demonstration was called by the group No One is Illegal, with the support of the London No Borders campaign, who commented, “This law will affect those from areas of the world where English classes are not available, or who can’t afford to pay for such classes. It extends the reach of the UK Border Agency to spouses’ countries of origin.” At the Home Office, protesters handed out leaflets to passers-by and re-created a UK border on the pavement. They held warning tape between them and asked members of the public to take an English language or citizenship test to pass through. Other protesters dressed as a bride and groom to represent couples who will be separated because of the new law. Protesters described the legislation as a “racist law”, as it affects only those coming from non-EU countries, and expressed concern about the implications for migrant women, as it is they who more often arrive in the UK on spousal visas. The law was initially proposed two years ago by Labour ministers, but has been implemented by the current government amid pledges to significantly reduce the number of immigrants to the UK.
MEET A KENYAN GP IN NORTH LONDON
Caught posing with Hon. Karua in London on Sunday is Dr. Judith Mbaire a GP in Bounds Green Group in North London and on right is a Kenyan journalist in London Mr. Gakuru Macharia, Hon. Karua and Kenyan well known preacher JJ Gitahi.
I'll die in debt, say one in three
Nine out of 10 people in UK have run up unsecured debt and many fear they will never be able to pay back what they owe, a survey has claimed. Around 89pc of people aged between 18 and 35 said they owed money on a credit card, loan or overdraft, the research showed. A third of people admitted they did not think they would ever be debt-free, 54pc of whom said they would always need to borrow money in order to fund the lifestyle they wanted. One in five of these people also claimed they were not worried about the possibility of their debts being passed on to their next of kin if they died before they were repaid. Just over half who owed money said they did not feel in control of their debt, with 8pc admitting they had needed to ask for help with repayments from a friend or family member. Eight out of 10 people also told the research for discount website MyVoucherCodes.co.uk that they thought it was too easy to borrow money through their bank or on credit cards. Farhad Farhadi, MyVoucherCodes.co.uk's personal finance expert, said: "The majority of British adults owe money in some way, shape or form, but to see that almost a third think they'll never be free from debt is quite alarming. "When borrowing money from any source, how you are going to repay it should always be in the back of your mind. "A lot of people don't really think about the consequences of borrowing money and it can be easy to get complacent, but keeping it all under control should be a priority from the off. Only borrow what you really think you can afford to pay back."
Fundraising for the late Lucy Wambugu in Saturday
The late Miss Lucy Wambui Wambugu (Mama Dorcas) of Nottingham, UK passed away after a long illness in City Hospital on Tuesday 23rd November, 2010. The late Miss Wambugu was beloved mother to Dorcas Ngaguthii of Nottingham and the late Nancy Muthoni. She was grandmother to Sarah Wanjiru, Jeremy Wanyiika, Sam Kanyi and Joshua Kiama all of Nottingham. Friends and relatives are meeting every evening for prayers and funeral arrangements at 34 Failsworth Close, Clifton, Nottingham, NG11 8FS. Those wishing to help the family can do so through NatWest Bank, 35923202, Sort Code 560061, Nottingham, Account name: Emma Stevens. For more details please contact: Njoroge Mucheru – 07960498503, Mama Mbugua (MK) – 07886392291, Mama Diana - 07532028089 or Ann Jane 079081308. Fundraising is on Saturday (see card below).
US apologises to Kenya over WikiLeaks reports
The Kenyan government says it is "surprised and shocked" by reports in the international media indicating that the US government has low regard for the Kenyan leadership and sees the nation as a swamp of corruption. Government spokesman Dr Alfred Mutua termed as totally malicious and a misrepresentation of the country and its leaders damaging information on Kenya by the US and released by WikiLeaks. Although the government claims it does not have the details of the leaked documents, Mutua confirmed that indeed the US assistant Secretary of State Johnny Carson has since called to apologize for the leaks. Mutua says the reports which appeared in leaked documents published by wikileaks, indicate that briefings by the US ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger, paint a very gloomy picture for Kenya in as far as governance is concerned. "We do not know the details of the leaked cables, but if what is reported is true then it is totally malicious and a total misrepresentation of our country and our leaders," government spokesman Alfred Mutua said. "We are surprised and shocked by these revelations." "The US Government indicated they are sorry for the content in the leaked documents," he said. "They however have not told us what the documents say and what exactly they are sorry for." According to the damaging Wikileaks cables touching on Kenya, almost every single sentence from the US embassy in Nairobi speaks with disdain of the coalition government. Mutua also accused foreign powers - apparently referring to the US - of attempting to undermine the government. "The Government is aware that a lot of money has been allocated to fund the youth to cause an uprising against our country and lead us into turmoil in an attempt to install a new leadership structure," he said. "What we know is that true friends should tell you the truth all the time and should not tell you everything is okay on one hand and on the other hand say the opposite or initiate programs against you," Mutua added. According to the leaked documents, America's ambassadors have been termed as merciless in their assessments of the countries in which they are stationed. The website indicates that it has collected 1,427 US diplomatic reports related to Kenya.
PASTOR JJ BACK TO KENYA
Pastor JJ Gitahi left UK for Kenya on Tuesday evening 30th November, 2010 after holding several seminars in the UK. The preacher has been in the UK for the last one month. His final seminar was at Memorial Baptist Church, Barking Road, London on Sunday 28th November, 2010. He missed the flight on Monday due to the tube strike which caused heavy traffic jam in all roads in London.
Kenya gay activist criticises Odinga crackdown threat
A gay rights activist has criticised Kenya's prime minister for threatening a crackdown on homosexual people. David Kuria from the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya told the BBC that Raila Odinga's comments would encourage people to extort money from gay and lesbian people. On Sunday, Mr Odinga warned that men or women found engaging in homosexual acts would be arrested. He later said he was only saying the constitution bans same-sex weddings. Mr Odinga was heavily involved in campaigning for the new constitution which was passed in a referendum in August. He said rival political leaders had said the new document allowed gay marriages. Homosexual acts are illegal and can be punished by up to 14 years in prison. It is believed to be the first time Mr Odinga had made such comments. Mr Kuria told the BBC's Network Africa programme that he did not know why Mr Odinga had made the statements in a speech to his constituency in the Nairobi slum of Kibera. He said most African leaders who condemned homosexuals were trying to gain political leverage but he said Mr Odinga was already popular so his statement was "surprising". An MP in neighbouring Uganda last year tried to introduce the death penalty for some homosexual acts, sparking international condemnation. The BBC's Caroline Karobia in Nairobi says gay people are largely left alone in Kenya as long as they do not draw attention to themselves. The city is home to some well-known gay pubs, she says. Mr Odinga said on Sunday: "We will not tolerate such behaviours in the country. The constitution is very clear on this issue and men or women found engaging in homosexuality will not be spared." Mr Kuria said the prime minister's comments left him "full of sadness". "We thought in this country we had made a lot of headway," he said. "People will succumb to extortion, blackmail and violence." In February, five people were arrested near the resort of Mombasa after reports they were trying to organise a gay wedding, sparking local protests.
"Wisdom lies with silence, I cannot name anybody at this stage but when I move to court, I will be having full information to know who is behind this drug business in Kenya." - PLO Lumbumba, anti-corruption boss
Snow is expected to continue falling across large parts of England overnight, causing further disruption. The Met Office has issued heavy snow warnings for London, the South East, East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, the East and North East. It also warned of widespread ice on roads across the whole of England. Snow and ice covered much of the country on Tuesday causing travel problems and hundreds of school closures.
Students march... and march... in central London
What was billed as a student fees march over less than a kilometre from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square, turned into a high-speed yomp several miles around the heart of the capital. After an initial headlong dash towards Whitehall, those at the front of the demonstration abruptly changed direction as a line of police blocked their way, and rushed back towards Trafalgar Square. They led several thousands of university, college and school students and other protesters onto Pall Mall and round the edge of St James's Park at a breathless clip. As they neared Parliament Square, a police line cut them off. Figures, including Simon Hardy of the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, clad in a fluorescent orange bib, shouted "turn around and go that way!" - pointing back towards Westminster Abbey. The crowd obeyed, briefly breaking into squeals and dancing as a sound system, wheeled on a trolley, cranked into action. "It's a spontaneous demo - the strategy is not to get kettled," said Mr Hardy, in reference to the cordon behind which hundreds of protesters were held for hours after protests on Wednesday descended into clashes and vandalism. A cat and mouse game around the streets of Westminster began, with the traffic grinding to a halt as the horde flowed past, shouting "no ifs, no buts, no education cuts" and obscenities about the prime minister and his deputy. Police watched, filmed and photographed from the sidelines, while clusters of vans with lights flashing appeared at various points along the way, blocking off some routes. "It's a perfect strategy, it's like a roving protest - last time we were kettled for several hours, but the police don't know where we're going because we don't know where we're going," said Robin Minouge, 30, a fine arts and photography student at the University of the Arts in Camberwell. A few youths banged on the windows of a bus as they marched from Victoria towards Hyde Park, which they passed to the cow-like honking of vuvuzelas and chants of "revolution". But other students shouted "peaceful protest, peaceful protest", and some drivers caught up in the melee honked in support - or amusement - to cheers from the protesters, as snow began to fall.
Child asylum cases
Home Office, 30 November 2010
The UK Border Agency responds to Channel 4's Dispatches programme on child asylum cases. Child asylum and the detention of children for immigration purposes has been the subject of widespread media attention - last night Channel 4's Dispatches programme discussed 3 cases. The government is committed to ending the detention of children for immigration purposes and is working with a number of charities representing children and asylum seekers to achieve this end. We are currently piloting alternative schemes in London and the North West. In making decisions on asylum, staff working directly with families are trained to safeguard and protect the wellbeing of children and adults in their care. The programme had a number of inaccuracies in the broadcast, where changes have since been made (barbed wire was removed from Yarl's Wood in 2009 and 'caged' vehicles are no-longer used for moving children, for example). The cases featured have been assessed by both the UK Border Agency and the courts, who have found the assertions not to be credible. The issue of age assessments was also raised in the programme. This can sometimes be a difficult issue however we will give the claimant the benefit of the doubt until a local authority age assessment is made, and other evidence considered. Additionally we have a duty of care to protect children by ensuring that we do not house them with adults claiming to be minors - in order to remain in the UK. Commenting on the removal of failed asylum seekers, David Wood, director of criminality and detention said:
'The UK has a proud tradition of granting asylum to those who genuinely need protection. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has praised the system that the agency uses to assess the quality of asylum decision making. In 2009 the UK granted protection to more individuals than any other EU country. 'Those who do not qualify for asylum are given the opportunity to leave voluntarily, if they refuse then the agency will enforce the law and remove those here illegally humanely and as a last resort.'
Student tuition fee protest ends in stand-off
A third day of student protests against raising tuition fees ended with a stand-off with police in Trafalgar Square in London. Demonstrations were held in cities across the UK - with occupations taking place in at least eight universities. Meanwhile in Wales, the assembly government has announced that its students will pay thousands less in fees than in England. Business Secretary Vince Cable said he might now abstain in the vote on fees. In Birmingham about 30 protesters occupied the city council's offices. There were also protests in Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Belfast, Brighton, Manchester and Bristol, with school pupils joining students. Students are campaigning against plans to raise tuition fees in England to up to £9,000 per year, with a vote expected in the House of Commons before Christmas. The Welsh Assembly Government announced its own fee plans, which will see Welsh students at university in Wales and England paying no more than £3,290 per year. It would mean that an English student at a university in England could pay more than £17,000 more for a three-year degree than a Welsh student on the same course. Hundreds of protesters marched through central London in freezing conditions, but the numbers were smaller than the two previous demonstrations this month. Demonstrators appeared to be trying to avoid being caught in police lines, after thousands were held in a "kettle" last week. Police eventually surrounded a group of around 100 people in Trafalgar Square, where fires were lit and missiles thrown at riot police. A police officer was taken to hospital with head injuries and three protesters were also hurt. A 19-year-old student told the BBC their strategy was to avoid being contained by police: "Whenever the police block us off, we turn round and go the other way. "We also do not want to be panicked into violence. Smashing up windows was necessary in the beginning to get the demonstrations on the front pages, but now any violence would be counter-productive." Seven people were arrested during the course of protests in London. The National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts earlier accused the police of having "pre-emptively blocked" the protest route. The Metropolitan Police say the marchers began earlier than planned and there was "never any intention to contain the protesters". Protesters have directed anger towards the Liberal Democrats, whose MPs gave personal pledges to students that they would vote against any increase in fees. But it remains uncertain whether Liberal Democrat ministers will abstain or support the proposals to raise tuition fees to £9,000 per year, when it comes to a vote in the House of Commons.
THE WORD OF TODAY
2 Chronicles 7:14-17
14 and my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from the heavens, and forgive their sin, and heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attentive to the prayer [made] in this place; 16 for I have now chosen and hallowed this house, that my name may be there for ever; and mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually. 17 And [as for] thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and mine ordinances;
Warning signs - 10 ways to scare off a man
Eligible London bachelor Dan Juan lays bare the details of his dating adventures in the capital.…
You might not be aware of it at the time, but when you're on a date with a man he'll be constantly evaluating your pros and cons every way he can. Partly, this just means trying to work out how big your breasts are and whether you're likely to sleep with him. But it also means he'll be sizing you up for a potential relationship. It's difficult to make this judgment in one date, but there are several "warning signs" many men will look for that could rule you out as girlfriend material. Such as …
No questions
I've been on dates with lovely, charming ladies who have wowed me with their looks and interesting personalities, until I realise I haven't told them anything about myself - because they haven't asked. This is surprisingly common, and an indicator that a girl likes herself a bit too much.
Babies
Tricky ground, babies. Some chaps can get scared and suddenly all protective of their sperm if you babble on about them. But other chaps will be far more perturbed by the opposite. If a girl tells me she "doesn't like babies" it makes them a less viable candidate to mother my children.
Toilet breaks
Women spend a long time in the toilet, we know that. But if you stay in there too long, men will start to wonder what the hell is behind the delay. Anything over eight minutes and our imaginations will start running wild. The only thing more unnerving is if your toilet breaks are too brief. If you’re back in your seat within 45 seconds, don't expect us to share a dessert with you.
Cooking
It's always a laugh when one’s attempts to follow a Jamie Oliver recipe ends in disaster, but it might be worth keeping these innocent anecdotes quiet around men. If we think a woman can't cook - even if we've just met her - we will subconsciously start visualising a lifetime of burnt chips and Uncle Ben’s sweet and sour sauce, and consequently she will be less hot.
Cats
Don't get me wrong, I like cats. And I like girls that like cats. But there's such a thing as liking cats too much. When a girl has more interesting anecdotes about her pet than any humans, including herself, it sets alarm bells ringing.
Relationship history
It's obviously never a great idea to bang on about your numerous ex-boyfriends, but I was equally put off when a girl I was seeing told me she had never been in relationship longer than three months - and she was 28. It makes you wonder… why not?
Buying drinks
Guys buy drinks on dates. It's not necessarily fair, but it's fine and we're happy to do it. But if a girl doesn't at least offer to get a round in - and be prepared to buy them if we accept - we'll put you down as conceited and potentially high maintenance.
Neediness
This can be detected in several ways. As a recent example, a girl told me she had turned to online dating after being single for a month. I instantly perceived this as her desperation to always be in a relationship, and I picked up the faint whiff of a bunny boiling in the distance.
Family resemblances
Supposedly, many of us are subconsciously attracted to people who resemble our parents. But it's best to keep this under wraps. "You remind me of my brother" or "you're a bit like my dad" is not what men want to hear.
"Turning Dreams Into Homes"
Cross Over Savings Account
Have you opened a Crossover Savings Account yet? The Crossover Savings Account is an account that offers you very attractive features that enable you to save for long term projects such as home ownership or any other dreams you have in mind. These features include earning high interests on the deposit made to the account, earn loyalty points on every deposit made into the account, access to 100% mortgage financing, up to 25% discount on commitment fees, up to 2% discount on mortgage interest when applying for a mortgage loan and much more.
Open the Crossover Account today and Stop Dreaming, Start Saving and Crossover!
Milka Wachira milka.wachira@housing.co.ke or Alice Ngatia alice.ngatia@housing.co.ke
LONDON UNDER SNOW
Train services were badly hit by London's first snowfall of the winter today just two weeks after Network Rail said it was ready for the cold weather. Commuters were urged to start their homeward journeys as soon as they could because conditions are likely to get worse. And more snow is on the way tomorrow. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were forced to close and gritters were trying to keep the roads clear with many drivers struggling to complete journeys. Winds from Siberia were making temperatures feel as low as minus 12C in the coldest November for 25 years. The widespread rail disruption — blamed on the “sheer weight” of snow — brought a storm of protest from passengers. Julia Haworth, 24, who works at the Soho Theatre, said: “They are always making excuses — it was much worse in February, but they don't want to put people off using their trains. They've got all this new technology but what have they actually done?” Phil Hawkeswood, 49, house manager at the Palace Theatre, said: “I can't understand why the trains can't run on time.” Worst hit were passengers on Southeastern, the UK's busiest commuter operator, travelling from the Kent coast heading for Charing Cross, Victoria and Cannon Street stations.
Two inches of snow fell in some parts of the capital with about the same forecast for this evening. A spokesman for Network Rail admitted some lines were more than four hours late opening. However, he said the sections of line which had been equipped with heating elements had “worked well — and we would describe it as a success”. Rail chiefs were on standby to rip-up the timetable in a desperate move to keep the trains running.Robin Gisby, director of operations and passenger services for Network Rail — responsible for keeping the tracks clear — said: “In these kind of conditions our priority is to keep people safe, keep the railways open and keep trains moving. We will sacrifice punctuality for capacity to make sure we get people home tonight.” Forecasters warn things are set to get much worse, with heavier snow tomorrow and temperatures dropping to -4C overnight. Aisling Cleever of forecasters MeteoGroup said: “There were snow showers across much of greater London today, and heavy snow across northern areas of the capital. Last night was relatively warm, and didn't really dip below zero. "However, tonight will be much colder.” No major problems were reported on the main Transport for London-run roads today. But drivers were warned that tomorrow morning could see treacherous conditions. “Freezing temperatures overnight could also mean that people need to take care on the roads, with snow falling onto freezing surfaces,” said MeteoGroup.
Airports
Flights were cancelled at London City airport this morning when heavy snow forced the closure of its runway. The airport was unable to open as usual at 6.30am, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded with 67 cancellations, 52 delayed flights and eight diversions. At Heathrow only a dusting of snow fell, so the only cancellations were due to closures at Scottish airports, particularly Edinburgh and Aberdeen, while Gatwick saw “minimal disruption” with cancellations and delays mainly affecting domestic flights. Luton and Stansted were “completely operational”, with the only problems reported at other UK destinations hit by snow.
Roads
Roads around London rather than in the city were particularly badly affected by the bad weather. The A2 in Kent linking the M2 and M25 was partially blocked and in Surrey the A217 Brighton Road saw long rush-hour traffic jams. There were also severe delays on the Dartford Crossing approach. The AA warned that wet roads could freeze tonight, causing treacherous driving conditions tomorrow morning, especially on the back roads.
Rail and Tube
Southeastern passengers from the Kent coast encountered severe delays this morning and face more on the way home, with trains cancelled because stock could not be brought out of the depots because of frozen tracks. Transport for London said Tube services were running normally, although non-weather issues have caused delays on the outer reaches of the Circle and Piccadilly lines.
Snow spreading across much of UK
Fresh snow has been falling across many parts of the UK, bringing disruption to some areas not previously affected. Hundreds of schools have closed, driving conditions have been hazardous, and rail and air passengers have been delayed, as the snow moves south. London City Airport has no flights and Edinburgh Airport has severe delays. The Met Office has issued heavy snow warnings for Yorkshire and Humber, east Midlands, east and north-east England, London and south-east England. It has also issued severe weather warnings of widespread ice across Scotland. BBC weather forecaster Nina Ridge said snow showers would persist into Tuesday night across north-east England and parts of north Midlands and Lincolnshire. But a line of snow stretching across south-east England towards Dorset would drift southwards and ease, she added. Temperatures are expected to tumble well below freezing into Wednesday, with the greatest risk of heavy snow in northern England.
Robin hunter takes a morning dip in the freezing waters of the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park.
Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara lets the cat out
Nairobi, Monday 28th November, 2010. Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara now claims that several cabinet ministers are involved in an international drug tracking syndicate. He claims to have handed the list containing the names to Prime Minister Raila Odinga after meeting him on Sunday in a Nairobi hotel. Mr Imanyara said that he will be tabling the names in Parliament on Wednesday. “That is the information that I have given to the PM to follow up and make it public. I have given him specific names, ranks, addresses and telephone numbers which I will also declare them in Bunge but they are senior government officials,” he said. He further claimed to have facilitated a telephone conversation between former Senior Superintendent Mohammed Godana Jarsa and the PM during this afternoon meeting. The Imenti Central MP accused the Police of trying to cover up the matter citing Saturday’s attempt by the Police Spokesman to absolve high ranking police officers of any blame in the drug syndicate. The MP said SSP Godana had some time last year gone to him for assistance, accompanied by some journalists and police officers He said: “It came to me as a matter of shock that the Police Spokesman purported to exonerate all polices officers of any wrongdoing. One wonders what kind of investigations begin with exoneration of key suspects.” The legislator also accused the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) of abetting the trade in narcotics by clearing a consignment of 3,000 bags of Vietnamese rice to be imported to the country only for them to turn out to be hard drugs. “This is an international syndicate, it’s an international crime if the Kenyan government does not take action there are other avenues that we will take action,” Mr Imanyara vowed. Mr Imanyara demanded that the government offers protection to SSP Godana saying he was willing to disclose his whereabouts to the PM. “I want to assure the Police Commissioner that I don’t intend to take the word of Mr Kiraithe seriously until I hear action has been taken,” he said. The Imenti Central MP tabled documents in Parliament Wednesday detailing how a junior police officers, who had uncovered the activities of serious drugs cartels at the Coast, was fired from following orders from powerful forces. Another police officer, who was in charge of criminal investigations at the port of Mombasa, a Mr Abdullahi was shot dead by criminals suspected to have links to powerful drug cartels, the MP claimed. SSP Godana had stumbled upon 24 containers of hard drugs, probably cocaine disguised as rice imported from Vietnam as he conducted investigations into drug cartels at the Port of Mombasa. - CapitalFM
HON. KARUA AT THATCHED FOR DINNER
Next time you visit Thatched House, ask for "Karua"
While in London, Hon. Karua visited Thatched house for dinner on Saturday and Sunday 27th and 28th November, 2010. She liked the food at Thatched House on Saturday and she requested to go back there on Sunday. What did she eat at Thatched House? She ate a mixed grill of everything which include Nyama Choma, Chapati, Nyama fly, Mukimo, Flied fish, Ugali, Kachubari and vegetables among others. The dish was well decorated and those at the restaurant at the time asked for the same dish and instead of wasting time explaining all the components of the dish they explained in one word - give us "Karua" meaning the dish that Hon. Karua ate. The dish goes an extra mile and according to those who were on the table with Karua the dish was worth going an extra cost. Next time you visit Thatched House, ask for "Karua". Hon. Karua left London for Kenya on Monday evening.
Rev. Macharia's Daughter graduates in Notts
Miss Grace Nyawira Macharia daughter of Rev. Geoffrey Macharia was among the grandaunts who graduated at University of Nottingham, UK on Saturday 27th November, 2010. Miss Macharia graduated in Accounts. They graduated together with Dennis Njiiri (Baby Seed) in the same university. Rev. Macharia of Rhema Covenant Ministry in South London as written a book entitled "Kingdom Seekers" and the launching takes place on Saturday 4th December, 2010. The launching venue will be 240 London Road, Micham Post code CRO 3HD Time: 5.30p.m. and on December 19th 2010: Rhema Covenant Christmass Party Time:11.00 a.m. Venue Derinton Community Centre. Rev. Macharia explained about the book: "The book talks about living your full potential isn’t easy. It takes training, persistence; knowing yourself; your strength and weakness and developing your areas of weakness for you are as strong as your weakest link. This book will help you understand why you are in this world and how to develop every part of yourself: the Spirit, the mind, the emotions and the body. The book will also challenge you to maximise your time here on earth and become more productive in the hands of God as a Kingdom Seeker. In this book you will learn how to Maximize your potential, Use Kingdom principles in your life, Value your time and get things done Maintain your Physical strength for your energy, Control and rule your emotions and Discover your purpose and succeed in your mission." -
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BABY SEED GRADUATES AT NOTTINGHAM
Mr. Dennis Njiiri (Baby Seed) graduated at University of Nottingham on Saturday 27th November, 2010. All the Seeds team joined Dennis at the graduation ceremony where he graduated in law. He is the last born in the family of five. He is heading to Kenya School of Law in Kenya before coming back to UK. The moderator of this website Mr. Jackson Njiiri is also graduating in masters on Wednesday 8th December, 2010. See above on right is Daughter Seed (right) and Pastor Jane Njiiri congratulating Dennis and the rest of the family joined in for the ceremony.
Gospel Singer Mrs. Mary Njau presentation at PCEA Church, London
Gospel Singer Mrs. Mary Njau presented several numbers at PCEA Outreach Church in London on Sunday 28th November, 2010 where Hon. Karua was a guest. After presentation Mrs. Njau posed for a photo with Hon. Karua and her host in UK another Kenyan gospel singer Mrs. Joyce Muturi. In the morning she was a guest singer at CCBC Swahili Church. Posing on left with Mary and her friend from New Jersey, USA Ms Pauline Kuria (left) and Mrs. Winnie Kuria from Milton Keynes (far right) together with Joyce Muturi her host.
THE LATE WAMBURA'S FRIENDS MEETING IN LUTON
The late Wambura's friends from Luton have organised to meet on Wednesday the 01/12/2010 from 6.00pm at 334 Selbourne road, Luton Beds. LU4 8NU contact Allan on 07588505968.
Last election in Kenya there was over 300 political parties but now it has been reduced to 60
Hon. Martha Karua concludes her UK tour
Councillor Kangethe hugging Hon. Karua when welcoming her to address the worshippers at the PCEA Outreach Church before introducing her
Hon. Wangari Karua concluded four-days tour in UK on Monday 29th November, 2010. Hon. Karua addressed Kenyans on Friday 26th November, 2010 at Luton where he met hundreds of Kenyans. While addressing Kenyans at Luton, Hon. Karua confirmed that she will vying for the presidential seat in Kenya on a Narc Kenya Ticket in 2012. On Sunday 28th November, 2010 Hon. Karua attended a church service at PCEA Outreach Church in Stratford, East London where she addressed the worshippers after the ceremony. She was welcomed by Rev. Kibathi of PCEA Outreach Church. She was introduced to the platform by Councillor Wanjiru Kangethe the newly elected councillor in London. While inviting the Hon. Karua, councillor Kangethe asked Hon. Karua that she should take the grievances of those in the diaspora to the parliament that we they don't want to be just financiers but they also want to be participating in voting while abroad. Councillor Kangethe continued to encourage Hon. Karua to go for the executive seat at this women's time in Kenya. "It is our time, go for it" Councillor Kangethe explained. While addressing the worshippers Hon. Karua explained that it now time for Kenyan politicians to put their acts in order. She explained that the best way is for those in the Diaspora and the politicians to build a better Kenya so that everyone will be queuing to go to Kenya. "Our country is good and it is a matter of reorganising ourselves to make it better. Stay engaged with your country. Don't under estimate yourselves - you are not just money senders, the phone you ring home is a big voice to change for better. You are very influential people. Why under estimate yourself. I see you beyond remittances" Hon. Karua explained. Her visit in UK has been organised by a Narc Kenya team in UK headed by Mr. Peter Kahoro. Kenyans were very happy to see the lawmaker and they took pictures with her.
MEDAGOLD FREIGHT LTD
MEDAGOLD FREIGHT LTD IS OFFERING AN EARLY XMASS AIRFREIGHT WEEKLY OFFER TO NAIROBI @ £3.30
PER KG PLUS HANDLING CHARGES WHEN YOU DELIVER GOODS TO OUR WAREHOUSE IN SLOUGH SL3 7UJ CLEARED AND READY FOR COLLECTION IN AGIP HOUSE,NAIROBI CITY CENTRE. PLEASE CONTACT SAM ON 07950826617 0R O1753586366 OR MICHAEL ON O7540882798.OTHER SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDES:
-MONTHLLY SEA FREIGHT SERVICE ALL THE WAY TO NAIROBI @1.95 PER KG CLEARED
-VEHICLE SHIPPING TO EAST AFRICA (CARS FROM £750 AND 4*4 FROM £850.
-NEXT DAY PARCEL TO NAIROBI AT ONLY £25.
Mr. Juma and family from Milton Keynes were among those who posed with Hon. Karua (left) and Pastor Jessie Nderitu and family posing with Hon. Karua after church service at PCEA Church, London
Gichinga’s mother dies at the age of 97 year
The mother of the late David Gichinga is dead. The late Mrs. Ruth Njeri Gichinga (wagacorohio - centre) who is also the mother of Wilfred Kibutu Gichinga of London passed away on her sleep on Friday 26th November 2010 at home Icaciri Village Gatundu, Kenya. She was 97 years old. She was the wife to late Wilson Gichinga Muturi. Mother to Mary Wambui Gichinga, Late Beatrice Wanja Gichinga, Late David Mwangi Gichinga formerly of UK, Late Joseph Muturi Gichinga, Wilfred Kibutu Gichinga of Forest Gate London UK, Late James Njuguna Gichinga and George Gitau Gichinga (Mwarimu Sai) of Icaciri Village Gatundu. She was the Granmum to Wanjiku Ngugi (Wasaimo) of Kirwara, Ruth Njeri Irungu (Mama Rose) Gatundu, Dorcas Njoki Mburu (UK) Isaac Njuguna Mburu Gatundu, Gichinga Mburu, Muturi Mburu, Kim Njeri Gichinga (UK) Amina Gichinga UK Debora Kibutu, Bronche Njeri Kibutu, Njoki Gitau, Gichinga Gitau, Ruth Njeri Gitau, Daina Wambui Gitau, Gichinga Muturi, Muthoni Muturi and Njenga Muturi and many more. She was also great gran mum to many. Funeral will be held at Icaciri village Gatundu on 3rd November 2010.She was 97 years old. Any donations will be highly appreciated through this account at HSBC Wilfred Gichinga Acc. No. 11380761, Sort Code.40-07-31. For more information contact Gichinga 07957501717. Here in UK we are meeting at Hudson Bay Upton Lane Forest Gate on 28th and 29th November 2010 Form 18.00hrs to 21.00hrs.
A KENYAN STUDENT IN CALIFORNIA, USA NEEDS YOUR HELP
"I am a Kenyan student in financial hardship in studying for nursing in my 3rd semester and I need help with finances and transportation. I live in Buena Park California and I commute to Rio hondo college which is 12 miles away from school where I buy bus tickets which is costly and it takes more than two hours one way and I need financial help in order to complete 4 more months since I do not have a job and I do not have scholarships. I ran out of funding. Any advice or help will be greatly appreciated." - mux002@yahoo.co.uk
Gospel Singer Joyce Muturi at CCBC Swahili Church, London
Mrs. Joyce Muturi, a gospel singer in London presented a number at CCBC Swahili Church in Barking, London on Sunday 28th November, 2010.
A Kenyan man has passed away in the UK. It is with profound shock and sadness that we would like to announce the sudden demise of Garang a.k.a. Toni or Deng/Dino following a tragic road Collision. This occurred on the M4 enroute to London following a family visit to Wales, on the evening of Sunday 21St November 2010. The late Garang was the beloved son of Susan (UK), brother to David (UK) and loving father to Alicia of St. John’s School in West Ealing. He was nephew to Jimmy and Tabitha Wainaina (Kenya), Rosemary Wanjiku and Jemo “MC” (UK), John Chege (Kenya) and cousin to Carol Muthoni (UK), Elsie Shiro (UK), Jimmy Wainaina (UK), Shiro Wainaina (Kenya), Sheila Wainaina (Kenya), Peto Chege (Kenya), and Alvin Chege (Kenya). He was also the loving uncle to Michelle Munyi (UK), Sharayah Munyi (UK), Connor Thomas (UK), and Sharlene Thomas (UK). The deceased has also left two cousins in law namely Patrick Munyi (UK) and Andrew Thomas (UK). Family and friends are meeting daily at his home: 31 Glenpark Court, Felix Road, W13 0NX. Donations can be made through Elizabeth Wanjiru Halifax Bank account No: 01460724, Sort Code: 110375. It is the Lord who gives and he is the one who takes away. A fund raising is scheduled to be held at the Jubilee Hall Greenman Gardens, W13 0SE, West Ealing on the 4th Of December 2010 from 2pm.
3 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR LEASE
3 BEDROOM APARTMENT, OLEDUME ROAD UPPERHILL/LAVINGTON NAIROBI,
MASTER BEDROOM BATH ENSUITE, VERY NICE LOCATION, 24 HR SECURITY.
LOOKING FOR LONG TERM OR SHOT TERM LEASE. CONTACT FRED ON 0721784725, OR 0721385665.
FORWARDING AND CLEARING
NAKURU WIDOW OCCUPYING HER HOUSE IN JULY 2010
Help The Seeds family settle this widowed lady
The construction started on 15th September 2009
The house construction now remains roofing and plastering and this will make a difference to Mrs. Lucy Wanjiru Maina (right) - a mother of six
It all started in a fellowship in London several years ago. A visiting preacher from Nakuru, Kenya was preaching in a Kenyan family house in London where they had lost their parent in Kenya. As the preacher was preaching she narrated the meaning of the word "poverty". "You people, you don't know what poverty is. When I talk about poverty you might not exactly understand but I can narrate what poverty is all about with an example of a widowed lady who was left by the husband with 6 children. The children do not go to school and the family is like nomads. They have been evicted from their rented houses for more than 9 times. They rent house, at the end of the month they cannot afford to pay the rent hence they are evicted. You are evicted until you don't know which estate you belong." the preacher explained. After the fellowship Pastor Jane Njiiri, the wife of Mr. Seed, enquired from the preacher about the woman and her where abouts. She contacted the lady and immediately she started to educate her children. It has been all along the desire of Pastor Njiiri and her family to build a home for this poor widow to make a difference in her life. Whenever Mr. Seed's family are in Kenya they always contact the lady who always join them in their family tour and she has become like a part of their family.
If you would like to help her in any way please contact her through Mrs. Lucy Wanjiru Maina on 0727307672 - FULL STORY
HOUSEHOLD GOODS NEEDED FOR THE THREE BEDROOMS HOUSE
You can donate whatever you like AND the Seeds family will buy whatever will not be donated.
1) 4 BEDS (4 x 6 @ KShs. 7,000 each) - 4 MATTRESS @ KShs. 5,000 each
2) 2 SOFA SETS @ Kshs. 20,000 each
3) Cooker (gas) Cylinder @ KShs. 5,000 – Cooker KShs. 4,000
4) Cooking Sufurias (8)
5) Cups - 1 dozen
6) Plates - 1 dozen
7) Glass (water) - 1 dozen
8) Blankets (10)
(9) Bed sheets (10)
(10) KPLC Power connection from main (KShs. 42,000) we have done all the wiring)
(11) Coffee table (3)
(12) Spoons (table and tea) - 1 dozen of each
(13) Wardrobe (2)
(14) Table and 6 chairs (for children study)
(15) Kettle - one electric and one ordinary one)
(16) Sugar dish, salt holder, knifes,
(17) Radio (1) old or new
(18) Television set (1) Old or new
(19) Stools (6)
(20) Cooking pan (1) Toaster (1) new or used
Whatever someone is touched to donate is highly welcomed. The Bible says in Proverbs 19: 17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Thanks
God Bless.
Mr. Seed - London
www.misterseed.com - mistereed@hotemail.co.uk - Tel: 07951220695.
ANNOUNCMENT!
NEW BRISTOL OFFICE LOCATION
Kesom Freight International Limited are pleased to announce the opening of their OWN office in Bristol.
Kesom Freight International Ltd,
Next to Beauty Queen Cosmetics
229-231 Stapleton Road
Bristol
BS5 0PG
Office Tel: 0117 951 6161
Mobile: 07930508058/07932450835'
This office can offer a full Freight forwarding service, including Imports, Exports by air & sea worldwide plus receiving & handling of cargo for our KENYAN consolidation service
www.kesomfreight.com
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