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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
"GIVE ME HIGH FIVE"
"Don't forget that you have scored twice, killing Osama Bin Laden and this one now" Migrants hold fifth of low-skilled UK jobs says ONS The number of low-skilled workers born outside the UK more than doubled between 2002 and 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics. The figures show that almost 20% of low-skilled jobs are held by workers born abroad, up from 9% in 2002. Workers coming to the UK from eastern or central European countries were the biggest single factor in the rise. Separate ONS figures also show that net migration has increased despite government plans to bring it down. The ONS figures on low-skilled workers underline long-term trends already identified through other data. According to the figures, there were 666,000 low-skilled foreign-born people working in the British economy during the first quarter of 2011 - more than double the 298,000 workers who were in the UK at the start of 2002. Over the same period, there was very little change in the number of low-skilled jobs in the British economy. But the figures show the number of British workers in these posts fell from just over 3m to 2.56m. Most of the additional 367,000 foreign-born workers in low-skilled jobs came from the "A8" countries which joined the European Union in 2004. In 2002 there were approximately 4,000 workers from the A8 nations in low-skilled jobs in the British economy. As of this year, there were 235,000. Migration bars The UK was one of the few EU members which did not temporarily bar workers from eastern and central Europe. Immigration Minister Damian Green said: "These statistics show that immigration was out of control thanks to the old system — that is why we have already introduced radical changes to drive the numbers down. "We accept that employers need to attract the brightest talent from across the world to fill jobs gaps but this should never be at the expense of UK workers." The coalition government has continued the last Labour government's ban on low-skilled workers from outside Europe, but has also introduced a migration cap as part of a pledge to bring net migration down to "tens of thousands" by the end of the Parliament. But separate figures also published on Thursday show that net migration rose to 242,000 in the year ending September 2010, meaning more people were coming to live in the UK than leaving. The total, the largest for five years, was driven by a fall in emigration, said the statistics body. Oxford University's Migration Observatory urged ministers in a new paper to stop focusing so much on net migration figures. Dr Martin Ruhs, director of the team, said the government's approach risked ignoring information that was vital to understanding immigration's wider effects on the UK. "There are some very basic problems with focusing so closely on long-term net migration data," said Dr Ruhs. "For one thing, reducing long-term net migration doesn't automatically mean that you are also reducing the growth in the country's total migrant population. "It is perfectly possible that a decline in long-term migration could be accompanied by an increase in short-term migration, which may lead to flat, or even faster, growth in the migrant population." And Sir Andrew Green, chairman of pressure group Migration Watch UK, said the latest figures were a shock. "These figures show just what an enormous task the coalition government has inherited as a result of Labour's mass immigration policy," he said. "Firm measures are now absolutely essential. The impact on British-born workers is a particular concern that has been brushed under the carpet for too long."
OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "The biggest investments in this world is the investment in people." - Rev. Teresa Wairimu of Fem
Professor Wajackoyah going Presidential post in 2012 Preparations for the big day are complete. Time is of essence. many appointments have become part of Dr. George Luchiri Wajackoyah's life as he puts final touches to go home from USA. Dr. Wajackoyah explained that those calling him to go home must also be prepared to sacrifice for the country. Lip service will not help and there will be no handouts, laptops, cellphones and goodies. The campaign is based on Anti-corruption platform. We shall not bribe anyone. Those seeking for handouts can go to other political parties. Students in Kenya and the jobless can take advantage of Shake The Tree Spirit and form their own chapters. They are free to organize, pull together and move own. The presidential Candidate has presented to the Lion's Club Glendale Chicago where he spoke at length on investments in Kenya. They clapped and the candidate left thereafter. Lion Bob Jackson (District Governor I-J) and his wife. – 21st May, 2011. Obama v Bush: A tale of two state visits
Barack Obama has completed his three-day state visit to the UK. But how did it compare with the last state visit by a US president, when George Bush came to the country eight years ago in 2003?
Number of visits to various countries at the same point in their presidencies.  Father Kizito faces sodomy charge yet again
Father Kizito Renato Sesana is once again the key suspect in an ongoing investigation in a sodomy case involving one of his employees. Kilimani OCPD Bernard Muli said on Thursday that Kizito's DNA analysis will reveal further evidence to the cleric's guilt or innocence. Mr. Muli said they arrested Kizito after evidence provided by the medical practitioners indicated that the young man was sodomized two days ago. This means Father Kizito will be spending the night at the Dagorretti Police Station until the tests are complete. The 26 year old employee is currently at the Nairobi Hospital receiving treatment. Kizito's acquittal In 2009 and 2010, Father Kizito was accused of sodomizing and molesting boys in his Koinonia community centre, but key witnesses and victims retracted their accusations against him, stating that they had been given money to implicate the cleric. In December 2010, Father Kizito Renato Sesana was declared a free man as police investigations yielded insufficient evidence to incriminate him. The Italian priest of the Comboni Missionaries turned himself in and recorded a statement at the Kilimani police station Thursday morning after learning that he was being sought by detectives, for allegedly sodomizing his secretary. Father Kizito actively supports and promotes Community's street children rehabilitation projects in Nairobi and Lusaka, as well as peace building activities of Africa Peace Point, a non-governmental organization established under Koinonia Community.
Evangelist Teresa Wairimu launches her book in London
Evangelist Teresa Wairimu launched her new book in London on Tuesday 24th May, 2011 at Emmanuel Centre, Central London. The 404 pages book entitled "A Cactus in the Desert" is a book covering Rev. Teresa Wairimu's amazing life story of how she yielded to God and allowed Him to use her in an extraordinary ways. The book contains a section of her family photos covering her from her young age to date. The book reviews that she is is a grandchild of Paramount Chief Kinyanjui wa Gathirimu. All the copies of the book was sold out at the venue but you can order your copy in UK by calling 02082913850. Seen above signing a copy of her book to Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe. Rev. Wairimu left London for USA on Wednesday 25th May where she will be launching the same book in Dallas, Texas on Friday 27th May, 2011. The contact for US is Teresia Wairimu Evangelistic Ministry US, Tel: 001-9722646430 or (214) 6503786 or email info@twen-usa.org.
A large number of people turned up to buy a copy of the book and on right is young Evangelist Wairimu in her young days.
MEET THE NEWLY ELECTED KENYAN COUNCILLOR IN UK
COUNCILLOR DANIEL MUNYAMBUI - CLICK HERE End of Matiba family empire as Hillcrest goes on sale
The prestigious Hillcrest Group of Schools owned by politician Kenneth Matiba is up for sale, signalling a possible end to one of independent Kenya’s largest family-owned business empires. Barclays Bank of Kenya — the creditor who put the politician-cum-businessman’s schools under receivership in 2005 over a Sh620 million debt — last week advertised the schools for sale after an out-of-court settlement was agreed upon by the two parties. The schools have a consolidated turn-over of Sh600 million. Last Friday, the two parties were at the Milimani Court hoping to register consent outside the courts, but the matter was pushed to this week because the consent papers had not been filed. Mr Gichuki King’ara, the Hillcrest lawyer, Monday said the sale was part of the settlement that the Matiba family had agreed to with Barclays Bank to recover the debt. Loss of the Hillcrest Schools will see the Matiba business empire significantly shrink once again, having lost control of carbon dioxide manufacturer Carbacid after he sold his 22 per cent stake to a private equity firm, Centum Investment, for Sh418 million. - Daily Nation.
Barack Obama bids fond farewell to UK, but G8 protest storm awaits
Barack Obama left the UK today with a broad smile on his face after a successful state visit - but now he faces a less warm welcome at the G8 group summit in Deauville, France, where protesters are aiming to disrupt the high level meetings between the eight of the most powerful nations in the world. The US president boarded Air Force One at Stansted Airport, Essex, turning to give a final wave from the steps of his Boeing 757 before taking off at 9.18am for Normandy, France, en-route to the G8. The uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East are likely to dominate the two-day gathering, with the situation in Afghanistan, global economic development and reform, nuclear safety, and internet regulation also covered. Although the site of the summit is relatively remote protesters are already gathering nearby in the port city of Le Havre some 15km away and also in the French capital Paris. G8 summits tend to draw anti-globalisation protests, which can turn violent. A protester was shot dead by police at the Genoa, Italy summit in 2001, the first death in nearly two years of violent anti-globalisation protests. There were later protests in Evian in France in 2003 and at the 2005 Gleneagles summit. Since then the summits have been held outside urban areas to allow the summit to be sealed off to demonstrators.
Allan Aaron for Leicester, Midlands this weekend
Gospel Artist from Kenya Allan Aaron currently in UK will be having a concert at a Kigoocho in Leicester on Sunday 29th May, 2011. He will be hosted by Pastor Samuel Muiruri Kinuthia (centre) of Gethsemane Global Foundation Outreach as from 5.00 p.m. For more information please contact Pastor Samuel Muiruri Kinuthi on 07931477134 or 07832915163, email samkinuthia55@yahoo.co.uk Allan Aaron contact in UK is 07550621578. - VIDEO
Alcohol-related hospital admissions reach record level
The number of alcohol-related hospital admissions in England has topped one million for the first time, according to official statistics. An NHS Information Centre report said admissions had increased by 12% between 2008-09 and 2009-10. That includes liver disease and mental disorders due to alcohol abuse as well as some cancers, accidents and injuries. The Department of Health will publish a new alcohol strategy later this year. The number of admissions reached 1,057,000 in 2009-10 compared with 945,500 in 2008-09 and 510,800 in 2002-03. Nearly two in three cases were men. Earlier this year the charity Alcohol Concern predicted the number of admissions would reach 1.5m a year by 2015. It estimated that would cost the NHS £3.7bn a year. Tim Straughan, chief executive of the NHS Information Centre, said: "Today's report shows the number of people admitted to hospital each year for alcohol related problems has topped 1m for the first time. "The report also highlights the increasing cost of alcohol dependency to the NHS as the number of prescription items dispensed continues to rise. "This report provides health professionals and policy makers with a useful picture of the health issues relating to alcohol use and misuse. It also highlights the importance of policy makers and health professionals in recognising and tackling alcohol misuse which in turn could lead to savings for the NHS." Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, the chair of the UK Alcohol Health Alliance, said: "This confirms doctors' impressions that the health harm from alcohol continues to rise. "While total alcohol consumption has fallen in recent years it is likely that the number of abstainers in England is increasing, but those who do drink continue to do so in a harmful and destructive way."
The body which represents drinks manufacturers in the UK, the Portman Group, expressed surprise that admissions had increased at the same time as alcohol consumption had decreased. David Poley, chief executive of the Portman Group, said: "If the hospital admissions data are robust, they clearly put paid to the argument that measures to reduce overall alcohol consumption are effective in reducing harm. "The report shows that the proportion of people misusing alcohol is falling. We just need to find a way of persuading and educating this hard core of misusers who account for these admissions to drink responsibly." Alcohol Concern said the latest set of figures were alarming but that early detection of alcoholism contributed to the increase. Its director of policy and communications, Nicolay Sorensen, said: "More people than ever before are drinking in a way that is harming their health and it's a serious public health problem. It's one of the biggest public health problems facing the country. "In addition, the NHS has been doing some great work to identify people that have alcohol problems and so some of the increase is due to better identification and better referral." Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: "These statistics show that the old ways of tackling public health problems have not always yielded the necessary improvements. "We are already taking action to tackle problem drinking, including plans to stop supermarkets selling below cost alcohol and working to introduce a tougher licensing regime. "We will also be publishing a new alcohol strategy later this year."
Obama in the UK: The security cordon
When President Barack Obama touched down on British soil, a massive security operation, months in the planning, was under way. Who, and what, is involved? The Queen has hosted hundreds of foreign dignitaries but none is quite like the president of the United States. Unlike other state visitors, the president always supplies his own transport, which means he won't be seen in a royal carriage but will be hidden inside the motorised fortress above, known as "The Beast". Three weeks after ordering the raid that removed Osama Bin Laden, the security operation surrounding President Obama's three-day visit is one of the tightest ever mounted in the UK. He will bring with him political aides, inscrutable secret service agents and hi-tech vehicles. Some reports suggest this entourage will top 500. A lot of the advance work would be carried out by US Secret Service agents resident at the American Embassy in London, says Fred Burton, a former Diplomatic Security Services agent. But the Presidential Protection Division typically sends its own agents too. Working closely with British officials, the US team will have first surveyed the sites on the visit and then identified locations of particular vulnerability. This could mean several preparatory trips to the UK.
The day before the president arrives, there's a sweep of the venues for bugs. The route due to be taken is assessed, which involves checking any fixed object along the way - dustbins, cars, sewers, fire hydrants, lamp posts, letter boxes and even bikes. Sniffer dogs hunt for explosives, while officials check for evidence of chemical or biological threats. Transport for London will be informed if Tube trains need to be stopped for a few minutes underneath the street, says Mr Burton, and manholes may also be locked down. About 30 days ahead, the US starts background checks on everyone the president is likely to come into contact with. "They are checking for any miscreants or anyone in the intelligence database, looking for a sleeper or an assassin hiding in the midst. "This could be thousands of people. It's any public location he may go to, like a hotel - but low-level criminal activity would not usually be a problem." The intelligence effort is extensive, even involving CIA stations around the world looking for any information related to the UK. The president and his wife Michelle arrived at Stansted Airport on Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747, on Monday night, a day earlier than planned due to the drifting ash cloud from Iceland.
The Obamas had been due to travel by Marine One helicopter (above) to central London and land in the garden of Buckingham Palace, but instead were taken by car to the US ambassador's house. The VH-3D helicopters are flown by US Marine Corps pilots and always fly in groups of identical helicopters, with as many as four decoys. They are transported overseas with all the presidential vehicles in a military transport carrier, thought to be a C-5 Galaxy. These choppers are capable of firing flares to divert heat-seeking missiles, have twin engines and are equipped to deal with surface-to-air and air-to-air attacks. The UK is responsible for clearing the air space. The size of the motorcade will vary according to the risks of the visit, but there could be dozens of vehicles, including decoys. British police cars and motorbikes lead the way, alongside US agents, to secure the route, followed by secret service vehicles, support cars and emergency medical vehicles. A three to four-vehicle group will hold the president and senior officials, and at its centre is the armoured limousine. Nicknamed "The Beast", this modified Cadillac has been described as the safest vehicle on the planet, assembled at a cost of $300,000 (£186,000).
It has 20cm (eight inch) armour-plated doors and tyres that still work after being shot through. But no anti-ramp technology, it appears - the limo came a cropper in Dublin when it became beached leaving the US Embassy. A Secret Service spokesman later said "it was a spare limo". There is also a counter-assault car in the convoy, which has the job of attacking any hostile threat. Officials would have identified vulnerable spots along the route, says Mr Burton, who is vice-president of global intelligence firm Stratfor. "These are called choke points, and they have to try and take them away from the bad guys by physically taking control of them and occupying them." A commonly used phrase is that where the president goes, America travels with him. A team of chefs prepare all his food - apart from that served at the official functions - both for convenience and security. And a personal medical team accompanies the president, equipped with a supply of his blood type AB. The UK will also have a trauma team and ambulance standing by. It's a remarkable choreography of logistics, says Mr Burton, and the strict control imposed by the US team usually ruffles a few feathers of the host.
MRS. SEED VISITS THE BIGGEST MALL IN US
While in the State Minnesota, USA, Mrs. Seed visited the biggest mall in America. The mall is so big that she could not visit a quarter of the mall. - MORE Oklahoma City struck as tornadoes sweep US Mid-West
Tornadoes sweeping the US Mid-West have struck near Oklahoma City, hitting vehicles on a section of motorway west of the Oklahoma state capital. Officials said at least five people had been killed and many others injured. The new storms come as rescue workers search for hundreds of people missing in Joplin, Missouri, about 200 miles (320km) to the north-east. At least 122 people were killed there on Sunday by a powerful tornado that cut a wide swathe through the city. The Oklahoma tornadoes hit rural areas to the west and south of Oklahoma City, officials said. State officials said at least five people had been killed. The emergency director for Canadian County, Jerry Smith, said two people in his county had been killed, but he had no details on how they died. He said a number of people were reported to have been injured after a powerful tornado struck a section of the highway in Canadian County, throwing cars off the road. A regional medical official said three children in the town of Piedmont, north-west of Oklahoma City, were badly injured. At least one gas explosion was reported in the town of El Reno. The tornadoes formed from storm systems that began in western Oklahoma state and began travelling north-east in the afternoon. A weather-monitoring site in El Reno recorded winds of 151mph (243km/h). As the storms built up, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin warned people to take shelter. "This is a very dangerous time right now," she told CNN. Television reports showed tornadoes forming and striking the ground. Two more people are reported to have died in Kansas in storms there on Tuesday. The storms were forecast to move over Joplin, Missouri, bringing the possibility of more tornadoes for the badly-damaged city. Rescue workers were combing through the wide path of debris Sunday's twister left, hoping to find some of the hundreds of people still unaccounted for. The huge tornado cut a path some six miles (10km) long and at least half a mile wide through Joplin. Much of the south side of Joplin is reported to have been levelled, with churches, schools, businesses and homes reduced to rubble. US President Barack Obama said he would visit tornado-hit Missouri on Sunday, immediately after he returned from a six-day tour of Europe. He called the Joplin tornado "devastating and heartbreaking" and promised the government would "do absolutely everything we can" to help victims recover and rebuild. Flying the Akorino Turban in London
While in London, the young Kenyan Gospel Artist Allan Aaron all the way from Elburgon, Nakuru, Kenya joined other Kenyans at the Evangelist Teresa Wairimu book launching in Central London on Tuesday 24th May, 2011. On his way home he posed for a photo at London Eye before taking a Jubilee Line underground train where he was taken a photo crossing under Thames River from Westminster to Waterloo which is 600 feet below the ground. Asked about his experience on his first visit to London the gospel artist explained: "This is the doing of the Lord." he gave a number under the soil. - CLICK HERE FOR THE NUMBER
Deadly US tornadoes
Obama makes light of toast hiccup at Queen banquet
President Obama has joked that a musical mistake during his toast to the Queen was "like a soundtrack" to his speech. The US president lightheartedly told Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg that he thought it added a film-like crescendo to his words. The string orchestra of the Scots Guard mistakenly began playing the British national anthem before the president had finished his address during a banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night. Mr Obama carried on talking over the start of God Save The Queen and raised his glass to the Queen before the music had finished. However, the Queen did not appear to be offended and thanked the leader for his "very kind" words. - VIDEO WIND HAIRSTYLE FOR MRS. OBAMA
Strong winds catch the hair of the first lady Michelle Obama as she arrives at Dublin airport.
N.Z. truckie 'blew up like balloon' in freak accident New Zealand truck driver who inflated "like a balloon" when he fell buttocks-first onto a compressed air nozzle was described as lucky to be alive Wednesday. Steven McCormack was working on his truck at Opotiki on the North Island on Saturday when he slipped between the cab and the trailer, dislodging the compressed air hose that feeds the brakes, the Whakatane Beacon reported. It said the brass fitting that the hose had been attached to pierced McCormack's left buttock in the fall, sending compressed air rushing into his body. The 48-year-old said he felt as if he was going to explode and began to scream as his neck, feet and hands swelled up. "I was blowing up like a football... it felt like I had the bends, like in diving. I had no choice but just to lay there, blowing up like a balloon," he told the newspaper. Workmates rushed to McCormack's aid, turning off the compressed air and packing ice around his swollen neck. Ambulance officers removed the brass nozzle from his buttock and rushed him to Whakatane Hospital, where a surgeon treated the injury and drained one of his lungs, which had filled with fluid during the ordeal. McCormack said doctors later told him that the air separated fat from muscle and they were surprised his skin did not burst. Now recuperating in Whakatane Hospital, he told the Beacon his skin felt "like a pork roast", hard and crackly on the outside but soft underneath. A hospital spokeswoman confirmed details of the freak accident, which she said could have killed McCormack. "It's fair to say he's lucky to be alive, it was a potentially life-threatening situation," she told AFP on Wednesday.
GROUP PERFORMANCE IN LUTON
A great multitude came out on Sunday to worship together in Luton led by five gospel artists. Hellenah Kitheka, Rachel Njeri, Aron Allan,Joyce Muturi and Esther Wanja......more updates to follow soon
President Obama hails 'special relationship' at banquet
US President Barack Obama has hailed his country's "special relationship" with the UK in a speech delivered at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. He thanked the UK for its solidarity since 9/11 and in tackling the security threats that have followed. He also paid tribute to the UK's military forces for "standing shoulder to shoulder with the US for decades". The banquet was hosted by the Queen and attended by royalty, politicians and film stars. It came at the end of a packed first day of the president's state visit. The banquet was attended by all three main political leaders, Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Miliband, as well as former prime ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and Sir John Major.
Other famous names seated around the horseshoe-shaped table included former athlete and politician Lord Coe, actors Tom Hanks and Kevin Spacey, actress Helena Bonham Carter, entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and London Mayor Boris Johnson. The 170 or so guests dined on new season lamb, roast potatoes and a vanilla charlotte, accompanied by vintage champagne. The Queen opened proceedings by telling Mr Obama and his wife Michelle that she was "so glad" they were visiting the UK again. She said: "I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that, when the US and the UK stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the world will be more secure and can become more prosperous." She proposed a toast to "celebrate the tried, tested - and, yes, special relationship between our two countries".
The president then told the guests: "As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I'm particular grateful for the solidarity that the United Kingdom has shown to America over the past decade. "From that day to this you have been our closest partner in the struggle to protect our people from terrorism attacks and violent extremism from around the world despite very heavy sacrifices here." To conclude, the president proposed a toast to the Queen, but there appeared to be a mistake as the band played the opening bars to God Save the Queen before he had finished. The Obamas arrived in London on Monday night from the Republic of Ireland, a day ahead of schedule because of the threat of disruption from the volcanic ash cloud.
On Tuesday, the president and his wife joined the Queen at Buckingham Palace where they briefly met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before moving to the palace gardens for a ceremonial welcome, including a 41-gun salute. The presidential pair's visit to Westminster Abbey included an impromptu meeting with choirboys, when Mr Obama was teased by his wife for his lack of singing talent. Mr Obama briefly met the prime minister in Downing Street ahead of talks on Wednesday. They then left together for a surprise visit to the Globe Academy in Southwark, south London, where they teamed up for a table tennis match against schoolboys. The leaders' talks on Wednesday are likely to focus on the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Libya. The day's itinerary will also include a barbecue at Number 10 with British and American military veterans and a speech about US foreign policy to MPs before a return banquet at Winfield House, where the Queen will formally say farewell.
Thousands face volcanic ash cloud flight cancellations
It claimed the "red zone" over Scottish airspace where ash has been classified "high-density" was a misguided invention by the Met Office and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Meanwhile, the UK's emergency response committee, Cobra, will meet at 1530 BST to discuss the knock-on effects of the ash cloud. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, who will lead the talks, said although there would be widespread disruption for Scottish airports, it was unlikely to last long. He told the BBC he expected Edinburgh and Glasgow airports to be clear by afternoon on Tuesday, and northern Scottish airports by Wednesday morning. Thousands of passengers face UK flight cancellations because of drifting ash from an Icelandic volcanic eruption. Airports likely to be affected from 1300 to 1900 BST include Londonderry, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Prestwick, Durham Tees Valley, Newcastle and Carlisle, air traffic services company Nats said. European air traffic controllers said 252 flights had been cancelled so far. Ryanair said it had carried out a test flight over Scotland and challenged a ruling some flights should be grounded. The carrier said its one-hour flight at 41,000ft showed there was no visible volcanic ash cloud or evidence of ash on the airframe, wings or engines. It claimed the "red zone" over Scottish airspace where ash has been classified "high-density" was a misguided invention by the Met Office and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Meanwhile, the UK's emergency response committee, Cobra, will meet at 1530 BST to discuss the knock-on effects of the ash cloud. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, who will lead the talks, said although there would be widespread disruption for Scottish airports, it was unlikely to last long. He told the BBC he expected Edinburgh and Glasgow airports to be clear by afternoon on Tuesday, and northern Scottish airports by Wednesday morning.
Major UK immigrations rules shake-up coming soon.
OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "With money you can buy anything in Kenya, even in the courts, with money, nothing is impossible - wambie wanishike sasa" - Makadara MP, Sonko Mbuvi. Obama Mania In Ireland
A woman puts her hands on Barack Obama's face after he spoke at College Green in Dublin and on right Ireland was Mr Obama's first stop on a week-long European tour.
The Bull fighter Ikolomani MP back to the House
Immediate former Ikolomani MP Bonnie reclaimed the Ikolomani seat Monday night after garnering 13, 208 votes. His nearest competitor ODM's Bernard Shinali managed to get 10,702 votes and Ford People's Collins Matemba came in third with a distant 293 votes. After casting his vote Monday morning, Khalwale said this by-election would mark the defining moment in his political career. This he said was due to the fact that this would have been the last time he contends for a Parliamentary seat as he intends to stand for a more prestigious seat in the 2012 general elections. Khalwale added that the Ikolomani by-elections would also be a superiority contest between him and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as the result would give a clue as to who will shape the 2012 polls. And Khalwale's side seems to have taken the day with Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa being rightfully present to celebrate the win against Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi's side. Khalwale's path to success Once referred to as the Joseph Mc Carthy of Kenyan politics, Khalwale could well pass for the maverick who leaves nothing to chance. Perhaps more than any other politician in the Tenth Parliament, Dr Khalwale is a politician who has captured the psyche of the nation the most, telling it as it is as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. The committee has acted as the official opposition in the absence of a real one following the formation of the coalition government. He has now managed to faces the toughest battle of his political life with the electorate in Ikolomani voting him in one more time. Khalwale was on the trail once more after his election in 2007 was nullified by Justice Isaac Lenaola at the High Court in Kakamega. The most enduring image Kenyans have of the Khalwale came when he moved a motion to censure former Finance minister Amos Kimunya over the controversial sale of the Grand Regency Hotel, renamed Laico Regency. His fight against graft in Parliament has rendered him a political enigma which to some seems like garlanded deep-seated personal ambitions. Yet others wonder whether he is really the reformist he has packaged himself to be, or a political mercenary, a champion of the people you might say, or just a rebel without a cause. Although he often stated that that he has the interest of the common man at heart, this position seems to be contradicted by the fact that Khalwale is a staunch opponent of taxation of MPs' salaries. Khalwale loves bullfighting and watching soccer and boxing among other activities.
UK’s Minister for Africa visits Kenya
Kenya is determined to pursue the national reforms agenda despite the few challenges facing the process particularly in the implementation of the new Constitution, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said. Mr. Musyoka assured that everything possible will be done to ensure success in the implementation of the new constitution. "We are all keen in having judicial officials in their respective offices to pave way for other reform issues in the judiciary, when we have credible judicial system we know the rest of the world will have confidence in us and even consider our request for deferral of the Kenya case at the ICC,' he said. He said parliament was dealing with hiccups impeding the House committee on legal affairs to enable it resume business as soon as possible," The Vice President was speaking at his Jogoo House Office on Monday when he met with the British Minister for Africa, Mr. Henry Bellingham, who paid him courtesy call. Mr. Musyoka hailed the existing cordial relationship existing between Kenya and the Britain terming it historical. He, however, said there is need to further strengthen the bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade and investment. "Britain is one of Kenya's leading partners in trade and development, last year we were able to export to Britain goods worth close to Kshs. 40billion and imported about Kshs. 37billion worth of goods," VP noted. The British Minister said his country is interested in Kenya's reform process and was keenly following the happenings in the country. Mr. Bellingham assured that Britain will not in any way interfere with Kenya's reforms agenda but added that with effective institutions of good governance in place the country will reclaim investor confidence. High Commissioner joins Kenya in NI to celebrate Madaraka
Kenya High Commissioner Mr Ephraim Ngare addressing Kenyans in North Ireland on Saturday 21st May 2011 Kenyans in Northern Ireland were the first to celebrate Madaraka Day 2011, since the promulgation of new constitution. The occasion was graced by a high powered delegation from the Kenya High Commission to the UK which included The High Commissioner, Mr Ephraim Ngare, the immigration attaché, Mr Abraham Mwaura, Mr Kaume Laibutah and Mr Limo. Also in attendance were local representatives and friends of Kenya who have invested there in different ways including business, education, charity, and missionary work.
Kenyans in Northern Ireland posing with the High Commissioner (seated in white) In His speech the High Commissioner updated the Kenyans on development matters in Kenya and encouraged them to continue investing fearlessly back home. He also thanked the Kenyans in NI for standing as a united well organised community yet well integrated into the host community. He also noted the need for setting up a consular office in Belfast to serve the needs of the population here considering the great distance away from the High Commission in London. The Chairperson Mr Ferdinand Odero pleaded with the commission to hasten the process of installing a point of contact near us. The coordinator Mr Peter Gitari stated that this visit is the best thing that ever happened to the Kenyan community in Northern Ireland.
Immigration attache Mr. Abraham Mwaura talking to Kenyans in NI The occasion was held at the Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast. Other matters of national importance were discussed, which included enhancing the bilateral relations between Kenya and Northern Ireland. Individuals with Issues regarding immigration were seen to on a one to one basis afterwards. The master of ceremony Miss Lillian Maina concluded the celebrations with the words, “We feel really honoured”.
Mr Ferdinard Odero (left photo) giving the High Commissioner a present and right photo from Left to right Mr Peter Gitari-KANI Co-ordinator, Mr and Mrs Mukiri, Mr Weru, Mr Kaume Laibuta, Kenya High Commission, Wangui, His Excellency Ephrain Ngare, UK High commissioner, Mr Mwaura, Immigration attaché, Uk High Commission, Doreen Muli, Mr Limo UK High Commission. Beards and Moustaches World Championship 2011
SONKO GOING FOR PRESIDENT?
Here is his profile - VIDEO
Obama reaffirms US-Irish ties during visit
Barack Obama, the US president, has reaffirmed his country’s ties to Ireland, saying the centuries-old relationship is bound in history, friendship and shared values. Tens of thousands of people gathered to hear Obama speak in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, on Monday. His speech followed a much-publicised visit to Moneygall, a small Irish village where an ancestor on Obama’s Kansas-born mother’s side once lived and worked as a shoemaker. “My name is Barack Obama of the Moneygall Obamas,” the president told the cheering crowd of about 30,000 people in Dublin. Much of Obama’s speech was devoted to pride at Irish contributions to American history and culture rather than overt politics. “There’s always been a little green behind the red, white and blue,” he said to cheers. But he also struck a serious note, marking the adversity of Ireland’s history and current economic crisis. He held up Ireland as a model for the world by describing its move from violent divisions to what he called a lasting peace in the country. Obama has struggled publicly in recent days with his role trying to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
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IN MINNESOTA, HOSTED BY REV. KAMAU
The photo was taken last week in Minnesota, USA few miles from Canada at Rev Michael Ngeru Kamau's Church, Kenyan Christian Outreach Fellowship where Pastor Jane Njiiri was preaching. From left to right is Mr. Njau husband of the Gospel Artist Mrs. Mary Njau, Rev Michael Ngeru Kamau and Pastor Jane and Mary Njau on far right while the photo on right is Pastor Jane Njiiri preaching
Flights cancelled as ash cloud heads towards UK Flights in and out of Scotland have been cancelled as a volcanic ash cloud from Iceland heads towards the UK. BA, KLM, Easyjet, Flybe, Loganair and Eastern Airways have cancelled services on Tuesday, as ministers said some flights over the Atlantic were delayed. The threat of further disruption led US President Barack Obama to fly out of the Republic of Ireland a day early to get to London for a state visit. Ash from another Icelandic volcano led to huge disruption in Europe last year. Air Force OneMr Obama had been due to fly to the UK on Tuesday morning. But White House deputy press secretary Josh Earnest said: "Due to a recent change in the trajectory in the plume of volcanic ash, Air Force One will depart Ireland for London tonight. The schedule for tomorrow will proceed as planned." The Met Office forecasts the ash cloud will reach northern and western Scotland overnight, and will clip northern parts of Northern Ireland early on Tuesday. None of England is likely to be affected. A Met Office spokesman said it was difficult to forecast the cloud's direction beyond that because weather systems were changing so rapidly. A number of airlines are choosing not to fly through Scottish airspace on Tuesday:
Andrew Haines, chief executive of the Civil Aviation Authority, said he hoped to avoid a repeat of last year's travel chaos, but he admitted it was still unclear how badly flights would be affected. "We know so much more about the volcanoes. We have an improved model. "We have better measuring equipment and we have better relationships with airlines so it should be much better but we're still at the hands of both the weather and the volcano; those are the two uncertainties." Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said there had already been "modest delays" to flights, particularly those crossing the Atlantic, and there could be further disruption later in the week.
UK flight disruption cannot be ruled out - CAA
Disruption to UK flights cannot be ruled out, the Civil Aviation Authority says, as volcanic ash is set to reach parts of the UK by Monday evening 23rd May, 2011. The ash cloud from Iceland's Grimsvotn volcano is expected by analysts to reach Scotland and Northern Ireland first. It did not necessarily mean airspace would be closed, the Met Office said. The event comes a year after ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano spread across Europe, causing huge disruption. Andrew Haines, chief executive of the CAA, said: "Our number one priority is to ensure the safety of people both onboard aircraft and on the ground. "We can't rule out disruption, but the new arrangements that have been put in place since last year's ash cloud mean the aviation sector is better prepared and will help to reduce any disruption in the event that volcanic ash affects UK airspace." Loganair is cancelling almost all its flights in Scotland on Thursday because of expected disruption caused by the ash cloud. Only inter-island routes in Orkney are unaffected. A Loganair spokesman said Met Office forecasts indicated that a high density of ash would be present in large parts of Scottish airspace throughout Tuesday, clearing into Wednesday morning. The UK's air traffic control service, Nats, said volcanic ash was forecast to affect parts of Scotland between 1800 BST and midnight on Monday. Services may be affected from Barra, Benbecula and Tiree. The Met Office, which runs Europe's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, earlier said there was a possibility of ash moving across the UK towards the end of the week. But a spokesman said the weather was much more changeable than at the time of last year's eruption and there was a lot more uncertainty. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Nats said they were monitoring the situation closely. The CAA said ash levels would be graded as low, medium or high, and airlines would be notified if levels reached medium or high. Airlines would then consider whether to fly, according to risk assessments already carried out, the CAA added.
KENYAN GOSPEL ARTIST ALLAN AARON STORMS SWAHILI SERVICE
It was everyone for himself and God for us all at the CCBC Swahili Service Church London on Sunday 22nd May 2011 as young and old joined young Kenya Gospel Artist Allan Aaron for as he performed at the service. Many young people were able to identify themselves his beat and body movement. Later he joined other artists at Luton for a concern in Luton. His contact in UK is 07550621578.
EVA. TERESA WAIRIMU BOOK LAUNCHING IN LONDON ON TUESDAY 24TH MAY 2011
Evangelist Teresa Wairimu of Faith Evangelistic Ministries Kenya and UK will be launching her new book entitled "A Cactus in the Desert" in London on Tuesday 24th May, 2011. The ceremony takes place at Emmanuel Centre, Central London, 9-23 Marsham Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3DW as from 6.30 p.m. For more information please contact 0208 2913850. MORE
Tornado kills at least 89 in Joplin, Missouri
(Reuters) - At least 89 people have died in a monster tornado that left a path of destruction nearly a mile wide through the heart of Joplin, Missouri, and directly hit the small Midwestern city's main hospital, local officials said on Monday. U.S. weather officials said the tornado that hit at dinnertime on Sunday it may have been the single deadliest in the country since 1953. Rescue crews from throughout the region worked all night and into Monday morning in the town of about 50,000 people, searching for anyone still alive in the rubble. An unknown number of people were injured and officials said they expected to find more bodies as they dig through collapsed homes and businesses. The tornado blew the roof off St. John's hospital where about 180 patients cowered, and some 2,000 homes and other buildings were destroyed. It flattened whole neighborhoods, splintered trees, flipped cars and trucks upside down and into each other. A number of bodies were found along the city's "restaurant row," and a local nursing home took a direct hit, Newton County Coroner Mark Bridges said. "It is a significant tragedy," said Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. "We're working on all cylinders. We've got to get an active and complete search ... to make sure if there is anyone still alive in the rubble that we get them out." The city's residents were given about 20 minutes notice when 25 warning sirens sounded throughout the southwest Missouri town around 6 p.m. CDT, said Jasper County Emergency Management Director Keith Stammers. But the governor said many people likely were unable to get to shelter in time. "The bottom line was the storm was so loud you probably couldn't hear the sirens going off." He declared a state of emergency and called out the Missouri National Guard to help. "The loss of life is incredible," said Joplin Mayor Mike Woolston. "We're still trying to find people. The outlook is pretty bleak." Two refrigerated trucks were brought in to serve as a make-shift morgue at a local university and more were being brought in to handle the additional bodies expected, the coroner said. Joplin City Councilwoman Melodee Colbert-Kean, who serves as vice mayor, said the town was in a state of "chaos." "It is just utter devastation anywhere you look to the south and the east -- businesses, apartment complexes, houses, cars, trees, schools, you name it, it is leveled, leveled," she said. President Barack Obama called the governor Sunday evening to "extend his condolences" to the families of Joplin. White House spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said Federal Emergency Management Agency head Craig Fugate was on his way to Joplin to help with recovery. The tornado in Joplin was the latest in a string of powerful twisters that has wreaked death and devastation in recent weeks. Twisters killed more than 300 people and did more than $2 billion in damages to the U.S. South last month, killing more than 200 in Alabama alone. On Saturday night, a tornado ripped through Reading, Kansas, killing one and damaging 200 homes and businesses. Another person was killed in a tornado in Minneapolis on Sunday.
ALLAN AARON AT AFTERPARTY RUGBY SEVENS
Kenyan Gospel Artist currently in the UK Allan Aaron performing at the Kenya Rugby Seven Afterparty at Oasis, Barking, London on Saturday 21st May, 2011. Before the performance Allan joined other Kenyans at Twickenham to watch the Kenyan Rugby team playing. Church insists Mutunga must take stud off As the names of three top judicial officers await parliament approval, debate over the moral purity of Chief Justice nominee Willy Mutunga continue to elicit debate. While a section of politicians and youthful leaders endorse him due to his impeccable education credentials, the church on Sunday stood its ground that he should remove the ear stud so as to fit in the society. Mutunga has been on record saying the ear ring is a connection between him and his ancestors and should not be used to assassinate his character. The search for a new Chief Justice has not been without controversy ever since Evans Gicheru retired. Mutunga's involvement in championing the rights of the less fortunate as well as democracy positions him as a neutral with no political alignments. Eldoret North MP William Ruto has been his fiercest critic saying he will not support his candidature when the name is presented in parliament. A section of MPs and leaders however say such a move will derail the implementation of the constitution urging the public to focus on more pressing issues. Bishop Samuel Njiriri says the church does not doubt Mutunga's qualifications but says the Judicial Service Commission should have presented three names to the two principals instead of one. The onus now lies with parliament who will have to vet the nominees after the two coalition principals assented to Willy Mutunga nomination as Chief Justice and Nancy Baraza as the new deputy Chief Justice and nominated Keriako Tobiko as the director of public prosecution. Difficult moments, seek God Why all alcohol sellers in Kenya have to register afresh
Your favourite bar or nightclub could be shut down in three weeks time unless it is licensed afresh, following the constitution of the District Alcohol Drink Regulation Committees that are to direct enforcement of the law on brewing and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The notice alerting the public on the setting up of the committees was published in the Kenya Gazette, and gives manufacturers and distributors of alcoholic beverages 21 days to apply for new licences or face closure. The committees will issue licences to alcohol traders at district level. Each district will have four members of which two or more are women, in line with the constitutional requirement on gender parity for all public appointments, said Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti, adding that women are less susceptible to corruption compared to men. The new development will also give opportunity to persons who want to produce chang’aa and busaa to do so, but under stringent regulations issued by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs), on distillation. National Campaign against Drug Abuse Authority (Nacada) chairman Dr Frank Njenga said n Sunday a sizeable proportion of Kenyans who have anxiously been waiting for the commencement of licensing of alcohol selling outlets can now do so. He also clarified that there are over 13 different licences to choose from, each with its own set of regulations, especially on location, operating times and fee payable. "Most of the operators currently run their bars and restaurants on the strength of the old licences. This stops in the next few weeks because anyone caught operating businesses without the right license will be breaking the law," said Dr Njenga at the Nacada offices. This means the estimated 30,000 bars in the country are at liberty to apply for any of the licences of their choice, depending on what type of alcohol business they wish to run. It also means that the issue of restricting operating times does not arise as earlier thought by Kenyans. Clubs for example will be allowed to operate for twenty-four hours but will face additional restrictions on location, while bars in the estates will be forced to open after 5:00pm and close at 11:00pm. Hotels catering to tourists will also be allowed to operate twenty-four hours, but must fulfill certain conditions to which are yet to be revealed. Number of outlets Dr Njenga said Nacada is developing the formula to be used to determine the number of outlets to be licensed per locality, which will be shared with the District Committees once it is advertised. "Our Standards Technical Team has met severally and came up with a list of Information which manufactures are required to provide Nacada concerning their products," said Njenga. Nacada CEO Aggrey Busena said the organization, Kebs and the twin Health ministries developed standards for brewing and packaging Chang’aa, which were then subjected to public review, and will be gazetted by the Internal security Minister. "All other alcohol drinks standards which were in place before the Act have been adopted for the purpose of the new Act. All manufacturers of alcoholic drinks in the country will be required to adhere to the set standards," said Busena. The law on alcohol, which was dubbed as the "Mututho laws" after its originator, Naivasha MP John Mututho was prompted by the escalating numbers of deaths caused by consumption of illicit brews. "The good form of chang’aa brewed under good conditions with the right chemicals is not poisonous and people can consume it and will experience no health problems," Mututho said. The Act spells doom for alcohol promotions since brewers would be required to follow stringent rules if they want to advertise. For example, the Act prohibits promotions of an alcoholic drink that are misleading or deceptive, or that are likely to create an erroneous impression about characteristics, health effects, health hazards or social effects of an alcoholic drink. This also touches on promotions that link consumption of that drink to social, sporting and sexual success. "Guidelines to regulate advertising and promotion of alcohol drinks were drafted and discussed by stakeholders. Review of the draft guidelines is ongoing among the relevant stakeholders," he added. Methanol concentration The Act was signed into law by President Kibaki on August 13 last year, but came into operation on November 22, 2010 after it was gazetted. Dr Njenga in Sunday said feedback from rural areas on the law was positive and the Act is not meant to punish legal businesses, but to regulate the production, sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks. A recent survey by the Government Chemist, Kenyatta National Hospital and the Kenya Medical Training College showed that from 85 per cent of 20 legal brands of commercial alcohol sold in Nairobi, do not meet the required measure of safe methanol concentration for human use. "The move was to protect Kenyans from the harms occasioned by alcohol abuse. Our country was slowly turning into a drinking nation. We are aware of the unscrupulous merchants who want to sell alcohol to children," said Dr Njenga. Some of the successes of the law are that cases of people drinking in the morning or daytime have gone down. Reduced accessibility of alcohol to children and other vulnerable people was also recorded. "We are seeing our rural agricultural labour force back in the shambas. There are also fewer youths idling at market centers and posing a security threat, since they are now positively engaged," dais Njenga. However, there were still people who have perfected the art of evading law enforcers, and continue drinking past the stipulated timelines. They include bar owners who lock in revellers beyond the specified hours to sell more alcohol. - The Standard.
ALLAN AARON IN GRAYS ON SATATURDAY 28TH MAY
Pastors Muchiris in UK have lost their brother in Kenya We regret to announce the death of Kenneth Mbugua Muchiri of Gathiga, Lower Kabete, Kiambu County who was promoted to glory on 17/5/2011 after a long battle with cancer. He was a brother to Pastor Leonard Muchiri of Dagenham Essex, Pastor Moses of Coventry and Pastor Alice of Oxford. Family and friends are meeting in 107 Exeter Road, Dagenham, Essex RM10 8TP, contact 07984282749. 163 Jardine Crescent Tile Hill Coventry, CV4 9NX contact 07576533665 and 50 Lambourn Road Oxford, contact 01865701129 or 07775213261. The burial takes place on Tuesday 24 May 2011 at Gathiga Village, Lower Kabete, Kiambu County, So prayers in all the addresses will continue until Monday 23rd May, 2011.
Chelsea sack Ancelotti after last-day defeat
Iceland volcano: Grimsvotn eruption hits flights
London, Sunday 22nd May, 2011 - Iceland has closed its main international airport and cancelled domestic flights after its most active volcano, Grimsvotn, began erupting. A plume of smoke has risen 20km (12 miles) into the sky from the volcano. But Iceland's Meteorological Office says the eruption should not cause widespread disruption to air traffic. Last year, ash clouds from another Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajokul, led to the closure of a large section of European airspace. Governments feared that ash particles could cause aircraft engines to fail, and the closure caused chaos to air travellers. Hjordis Gudmundsdottir, a spokeswoman for the Isavia civil aviation authority said: "We have closed the area until we know better what effect the ash will have." The authority said Keflavik airport, the country's main hub, would remain shut for the rest of Sunday. But officials say the eruption is unlikely to have the same impact as Eyjafjallajokul in 2010. University of Iceland geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson said this was Grimsvotn's largest eruption for 100 years, "much bigger and more intensive than Eyjafjallajokull". He added: "There is a very large area in south-east Iceland where there is almost total darkness and heavy fall of ash. But it is not spreading nearly as much. The winds are not as strong as they were in Eyjafjallajokull." He said this ash was coarser than last year's eruption, falling to the ground more quickly instead of floating long distances. Europe's air traffic control organisation said on Sunday: "There is currently no impact on European or trans-Atlantic flights and the situation is expected to remain so for the next 24 hours. "Aircraft operators are constantly being kept informed of the evolving situation." Grimsvotn lies under the the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull in south-east Iceland. When it last erupted in 2004, transatlantic flights had to be re-routed south of Iceland, but no airports were closed. Last year's outpouring of ash from Eyjafjallajokull led to the largest closure of European airspace since World War II. About 10 million travellers were affected and some questioned whether the shutdown was an over-reaction. However, a scientific study published last month said the safety concerns had been well founded. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Iceland said ash particles from the early part of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption were especially abrasive, posing a possible threat to aircraft engines. - VIDEO
Hundreds of Kenyans at Rugby Sevens, Twickenham
Kenyans in UK came in a big number to cheer their Kenyan team at the Rugby Sevens, Twickenham, London on Saturday 21st May 2011. Although the Kenyan team lost the two games the Kenyan fans did not lose on their pockets as half of the Kenyans entered without paying the £15 tickets to enter.Most of them entered the stadium without paying. After entering the gate, the gatekeepers were not taking the tickets and after being allowed in the fence was clear enough to hand over the ticket from inside and the same ticket enters with another person as the circle continued. One ticket entered with several people. Kenyans were not alone as white man outside the gate was selling the tickets for £10 instead of £15. England's chances of lifting their first World Series title suffered a setback at the London Sevens at Twickenham on Saturday.The hosts failed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time this season after a defeat by France and a draw to Argentina in the group stages. World Cup Sevens champions Wales qualified for Sunday's last-eight matches but Scotland were knocked out. Series leaders New Zealand won all three of their matches. The All Blacks will play Argentina for a place in the semi-finals, while Australia play South Africa, Wales face France and Fiji take on Samoa in Sunday's matches. After beating USA 31-21 in their opening Group B match, England suffered a surprise 21-14 loss to France when Mathieu Acebes touched down a decisive try in the final minute. That meant Ben Gollings' team needed to beat Argentina in their final match of the group stages, but could only manage a 12-12 draw, a result which meant they were eliminated from the tournament in front of a 54,357 spectators. Wales qualified as Group A runners-up with victories over Spain and Kenya, but they were soundly beaten 31-12 by New Zealand, who lead the world series with 134 points, 13 more than England. Scotland finished bottom of Group C after defeats by Western Samoa, Australia and Canada. Fake money netted in Kenya
Police in Ngong have arrested three suspects in connection with a fake money-minting racket and recovered over 130 million shillings in fake currency. The loot was seized in a house within Ngong’s Muthaiga estate during a raid led by Ngong OCPD Farah Mohamed. The three were arrested in the wee hours of the morning following a tip off by members of public. Mohamed says this is the biggest fake money heist in recent times adding that a part of the loot is already in circulation. Security agents say the three are part of a syndicate involved in money laundering in the region. Also recovered in the home was bizarre paraphernalia raising questions on their faith.The kitchen, which seemed to be the laundering operation room, was awash with printing papers, chemicals, different coloured clothes, dirty knives and scissors. One of the bedrooms was turned into a worship room complete with a pulpit. The fake notes in 100 and 1000 shillings denominations were found stuck in two boxes together with printing papers and chemicals. Two wooden coffins with red soil were also recovered and these were carefully covered with a red cloth and crosses and candles of varied colours on top. In spite of its prestigious location, the house which doubles up as a church was unkempt in sharp contrast to the well manicured lawns outside. Police are now trying to crack the chain of supply, saying the suspects will be interrogated for more information. Police have cautioned members of public to be wary of suspected middle men spreading the fake money and to assist police in investigations. Hair expert stylist from Kenya finally arrives in town!
Yes you heard it right, hair expert stylist from Kenya is in London to bring back glowing elegance, beauty and satisfaction of Kenyan styles back to you ladies in London. If you are travelling home, attending a special occasion or just want to look cute and feel good, you need not worry any more, just call this number: 07425677870 or 07769313675 and talk to Vicky for appointment. We are Flexible in certain areas like NW London and as such do offer services of visiting you in the comfort of your house in special circumstances. Services: Weave-on, Ghana braid, single plait, pick and drop, twist ,cornrow , relaxing, curly perm and many more. Promotional sale is on now!! Book now to enjoy massive discounts and to own bragging rights of being among the first ones to experience kenyan styles! Book your appointment by calling 07425677870 or 07950639037 and talk to Vicky Kenya refuses to send corruption suspects to Jersey The Kenyan government is refusing to extradite two of its citizens accused of stealing millions of pounds on the island of Jersey. Samuel Gichuru, former head of Kenya's power company, and former Energy Minister Chris Okemo are accused of taking kickbacks from multinationals. The Jersey authorities have issued arrest warrants. The Kenyan newspaper, the Star, broke the news and has called on the government to hand over the two men. Bailiff Sir Philip Bailhache, the top legal official on the island of Jersey, has accused Mr Gichuru and Mr Okemo, now an MP in Kenya, of 53 economic crimes. One concerns a deal with a Finnish firm to construct a power station 10 years ago near Mombasa, Kenya's second largest city. At the time Mr Gichuru was the head of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). He is accused of working with Mr Okemo to bank more than £3m ($5m) from the deal. The two are accused of taking millions more in kickbacks from British, Norwegian and German engineering firms, as well as a US communications giant. But the Kenyan government has told the BBC it will not hand the men over for now. The director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, PLO Lumumba, says other politicians are also implicated in the deals. Corruption should be declared a national disaster in Kenya, Mr Lumumba added. This is not the first time Mr Gichuru has been in the anti-corruption spotlight. In 2003, a leaked report of an investigation by the Kenyan government said he had plundered the state-owned electricity corporation for several years - an allegation his lawyer denied. That report, like several other anti-corruption investigations, was shelved. THE SCRUMDOWN RUGBY AFTERPARTY 2011 ON SAT. 21ST MAY 2011
After performing at the Oasis, in Barking on Saturday 21st May, 2011 P-Unit and Kidum will be leaving for Kenya immediately but Allan Aaron will hold in UK for a while. This is your chance to meet them.
Kenyan woman dies after collapsing at work in Texas
The Late Veronica Njeri Mwangi As the Kenyan community in Lynchburg Virginia continue to mourn the death of the two Liberty University students who died in a fire Sunday morning, another tragedy has hit the Kenyan community in Dallas Texas as Veronicah Njeri Mwangi (Mama Shish) collapsed at her place of work and later died on May 17th 2011. She was the daughter to the late Joseph and Joyce Mbaa Waikuru; wife to John Mwangi Gatimu of Dallas Texas. She was mother to Idah Wanjiru Mwangi (Shish) of Quest Diagnostics in Dallas Texas, the late Francis Gatimu Mwangi (Phanky), Joyce Nyambura Mwangi (Joy) of USIU and Joseph Mbaa Mwangi of Chania High School. The deceased was a daughter in-law to the late William Gatimu and Julianna Wamuhu Gatimu, Sister to Jane Wanjiru, Florence Muthoni, Grace Mugure, David Mwangi, the late Andrew Njoroge and the late Alice Njoki. Sister In Law to Lawson Njoroge, Alice Wanjiru, Florence Nyawira and Baba Jack. Prayer meetings are being held daily at her residence at Davenport Apartments, 14500 Dallas Pkwy apt #139 Dallas Texas 75254, from 7pm to 9pm. Meetings are also taking place at her Ruiru residence in Kenya. For those who would like to make contributions towards Virginia Njeri’s funeral expenses, you can make deposits through: Account Name: Idah Mwangi, Bank name: Chase Bank Routing Number: 111000614, Account no. 961077674. A memorial service and fundraising will be held on Sunday May 22nd 2011 at 3pm at St Matthews Anglican Church located at Plymouth Park Baptist Church 1714 N .Story Rd Irving Texas 75061. The late Mama Shish will be laid to rest back home in Kenya near Sagana in Kirinyaga District on a date to be announced later. Contacts in Dallas: Rev John Mugo 817 323-9493, Idah ‘Shish’ Mwangi 720 435-6681, Michael Muturi 214 676-5833, Jacinta Mburu 720 338-1101, Peter Matere 469-685-2994, Eluid Mwatha 4692585391 or Alex Karenju 972-8363014. Contacts in Kenya: Lawson Njoroge(Baba Njeri ) 0723260000, Jane Wanjiru (Mama Njeri ) 0723558222, Rosemary Gitonga(Mama Lucy) 0722992253 or Joyce Nyambura(Joy) 0728822256. - Source: Diasporamessenger.
Police seize 10 cars stolen from Japan
Nation A traffic police officer in Mombasa directs cars on Nyali Bridge on May 20, 2011 during a search for vehicles stolen abroad. The operation was conducted in conjunction with Interpol. Ten vehicles stolen from Japan were have been recovered in an operation conducted by the Kenya police and Interpol in Mombasa. Mombasa police boss Kipkemoi Rop said there was a long list of vehicles stolen from the Asian country that detectives were looking for in Kenya. The team started their operation on Thursday by stopping vehicles on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway along Kibarani crossing, comparing their details with those on their lists without any success. But a massive search along the busy Nyali Bridge and Likoni crossing led to the recovery of the 10 stolen vehicles from Japan. “The operation was conducted following the sharing of intelligence between Interpol and the Kenya police on the rampant cases of vehicle theft in Japan. So far we have netted 10 vehicles and we are looking for more,” Mr Rop told the Nation. He said the cars held at Urban and Central police stations needed further scrutinizing before the police can decide what to do. On Wednesday, 17 luxury cars stolen from Europe were seized on Kenyan roads. Interpol has raised the red flag over a surge in motor vehicle theft worldwide, saying that every 10 seconds a vehicle is stolen. According to the global security agency, more than three million vehicles disappear each year, with the criminals raking in an annual profit of about $19 billion (Sh1.6 trillion).
Interpol singled out the Democratic Republic of Congo as being the most notorious destination for vehicles stolen from other parts of the world, most of which pass through the port of Mombasa. The organisation says that after the cars have been cleared from the port and cross the border they are sold to unsuspecting buyers who end up being held by police once the vehicles are traced. The Interpol office has an inventory of all vehicles stolen across the world and at the click of a button they are able to tell whether a car was stolen or not. Kenyans wishing to import vehicles have been urged to consult the regional Interpol office in Nairobi to make sure they are not buying stolen cars. Last September, a similar search was conducted in Tanzania and 51 vehicles impounded. Self-driven hired cars are increasingly becoming targets of an international car theft syndicate in Kenya. Car thieves have taken to hiring self-drive vehicles for an extended period, then driving them across the border. The cartel has been stealing an average of 10 vehicles from major towns every month. They use blank logbooks when smuggling vehicles across the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Malawi via Tanzania and Uganda. – Daily Nation. A Day With A Witchdoctor A Day With A Witchdoctor Part 1 - CLICK HERE A Day With A Witchdoctor Part 2 - CLICK HERE A Day With A Witchdoctor Part 3 - CLICK HERE A Day With A Witchdoctor Part 4 - CLICK HERE A Day With A Witchdoctor Part 5 - CLICK HERE In Happy moments, praise God
Paralysed Man Walks After Special Implant A man who was completely paralysed below the chest has been fitted with an implant that allows him to stand, and even walk on a treadmill. Electrodes placed next to Rob Summers' spinal chord also gave him voluntary control of his hips, knees, ankles and toes. American Mr Summers, 25, broke his back in a hit-and-run accident in 2006 and was unable to move muscles below the injury, though he retained some feeling. Scientists at the Kentucky Spinal Cord Research Centre surgically implanted 16 electrodes next to his spinal cord. The electrodes fired tiny electronic pulses that mimicked the signals the brain normally transmits to initiate movement - a process called epidural stimulation. After several months of training, Mr Summers was able to stand, taking his own weight, for up to four minutes. By using a harness for support, he could take repeated steps on a treadmill. The researchers say the technique needs to be tested on more paraplegic patients to confirm it works. Mr Summers said: "This procedure has completely changed my life. "For someone who for four years was unable to even move a toe, to have the freedom and ability to stand on my own is the most amazing feeling. "I believe epidural stimulation will get me out of this (wheel) chair." The scientists believe Mr Summers' spinal cord combined the electronic pulses with balance signals returning from the legs. Together these have helped to direct the muscle and joint movements needed to stand and step. Researcher Professor Reggie Edgerton said the spinal cord is "smart". "There's evidence that what the brain does when we want to walk is give the general instruction to the spinal cord to walk and lets the spinal cord take care of the details," he said. "So if those details are built into the circuitry of the spinal cord, then we need to provide the signal to tell the spinal cord to walk." The scientists hailed their experiments, which are published in The Lancet medical journal, as a "breakthrough". The research was part funded by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Superman actor Christopher Reeve was paralysed in a horse-riding accident in 1995 and died in 2004. Susan Howley of the foundation said: "It's an exciting development. Where it leads to from here is fundamentally a matter of time and money." - VIDEO NEW KENYAN RESTAURANT IN GLASGOW SCOTLAND
THE CALABASH IS A NEW KENYAN RESTAURANT OPENING IN GLASGOW CITY CENTRE NEXT TO THE CENTRAL STATION. IT OPENS THE DOORS TO CUSTOMERS ON FRIDAY THE 27th OF MAY 2011. VENUE: 57 UNION STREET, G1 3RB. (Official opening Bash to be announced later). KARIBUNI NYOTE FOR NYAMA CHOMA, FRY, KUKU CHOMA, SAMAKI, UGALI NA KADHALIKA. TO BOOK FOR ALL TYPES OF PARTIES, CONFERENCES OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION. CALL 07901681594, 01412212711 Email;info@thecalabash.co.uk Kenyans to pay for identity card replacement
Kenya's Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang has said that Kenyans will pay 300 shillings to replace a lost identification card. The measures the minister said are for deterring those fond of carelessly handling their identification cards. Kajwang said it is costly to produce an Identity card and the government is paying one thousand shillings for production of a single identity card and the new rates takes effect tomorow. He said even though having an Id is a guaranteed right for every Kenyan it is an expensive right and hence the citizesn must safeguard their document once they are registered. The minister also said to ease registration of births a pilot project will commence in Kitui next month where teachers would be appointed as registration agents to assist in cutting the backlog of delays in availability of birth certificates for pupils seeking to register for the national examinations. He said if successful the exercise will be replicated in all counties and by six years the problem of Kenyans queuing for birth certificates would be wiped out. Kajwang was responding to a question by Emuhaya MP Wilber Otichilo who had sought to know when registration centers would be opened in Emuhaya to ease the burden of his constituent travelling over 30 kilometers to Vihiga to get the service. Elsewhere, Mosop MP David Koech is seeking a ministerial statement from the ministry of medical services over the abrupt removal of the Eldoret based Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Chief Executive. Koech wants to know the circumstances that led to his removal and what became of the advertisement that was done in 2010 for the said post. He is also seeking a report on the interviews done and minutes of the interviewing panel tabled in parliament including the final list of all candidates interviewed. Koech is questioning the rational of the new advertisement. The minister is expected to respond to this request on Thursday. And Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat is seeking a ministerial statement from the ministry of education on the planned upgrading of 30 schools to national status. Langat wants to know the policy that informed the upgrading and how the 30 schools were identified. Koech wants parliament furnished with names of schools earmarked for upgrading and if various stakeholders in the education sector were involved in arriving at the names. Meanwhile, Parliament was Thursday adjourned early for lack of business to transact. Amendments to the price control essential goods bill was shelved including other motions as they were not ready for debate. Including bills shelved were the price control essential goods bill, and three motions from several departmental committees. Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta was not available making it difficult to continue with debate on the bill. Uhuru has requested parliament to shelve business directed to his ministry owing to a demanding diary associated with the budget making process. All business directed to his ministry will now be dealt with after the budget making process. The price control bill seeks to introduce caps on prices of essential commodities which include fuel, maize, maize flour etc Meanwhile the independent electoral and boundaries commission bill and the salaries remuneration commission bill will be scrutinized next week. Deputy leader of government business Amos Kimunya while highlighting business for next week said the bills are among four others that will be considered for amendments at the committee stage. The bills are part of reforms provided for in the constitution.
High court blocks Kamukunji by- election
The High Court has temporarily blocked Monday's by-election in Kamukunji constituency. This follows a case filed by businessman Waweru Mwangi of the National Vision Party seeking to stop the by-election on grounds that he was unfairly blocked by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) from handing in his nomination papers. Justice Daniel Musinga ruled that the nomination process was flawed and the court must discharge its constitutional mandate in promoting the rule of law. He added that the IIEC through its Returning Officer violated the petitioner's fundamental rights to be a candidate for Kamukunji by-election which he describing it as violation of the rule of law. The court ruled that by law, the Returning officer was required to receive the petitioner's papers, scrutinize them and if anomalies were found he would have returned them to the petitioner and that would leave no room for speculation. Through his lawyer Kibe Mungai, Waweru told the court he was duly issued with a certificate of nomination by his party as required by the IIEC but claims the electoral body refused to allocate time for him to present his papers. The order will remain in force until the case is heard and determined. Meanwhile, Legal experts say that the IIEC has no option but to reschedule the Kamukunji by-election following the order by the High Court. Constitutional Lawyer Paul Muite says the ruling has immense legal implications adding that IIEC has no time to appeal since the polls were set for Monday. Speaking to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation on phone, Muite said political parties will have to hold fresh nominations. Elsewhere, the Orange Democratic Party-ODM has expressesed shock and disbelief at the last minute decision by the High Court to stop the highly anticipated Kamukunji by-Election. ODM Executive Director Ms. Janet Ong'era says the court has again has been used to rob ODM of resounding victory. "It is a fact that the ruling has come at a time when our candidate Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed was geared for victory in next week's Monday by-election. It is high time Kenyans fought impunity at all costs including state sponsored impunity that is perpetuated by our Courts."
For more information please contact 07958570104 or 07534011800.
I am Wanjiru’s real father, claims building designer
The late Sammy Wanjiru (left) and Mr Elijah Kipng’etich Chebon (right) who claims to be his biological father A man who says he has been making frantic efforts to reach out to the “biological son” he sired in 1986 at Naromoru village near Nanyuki emerged on Thursday. Mr Elijah Kipng’etich Chebon, 50, of Baringo North, who claims to be the father of fallen Olympic marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru, made his claim as the world mourned the super star’s death last Monday. We visited Mr Chebon — a building and construction designer — at his Baringo county council hall office in Kabarnet Town. Soft spoken and confident, Mr Chebon narrated to the Nation his life with Wanjiru’s mother, saying he met her between 1985 and early 1986. “I met Hannah in December 1985 outside William Woods Conservancy near Mount Safari Club as I took a walk after work one evening. She lived at the then sprawling Kwambusi village which was mainly occupied by squatters,” said the tall and lithe Mr Chebon. He says he and Hannah eventually engaged in a relationship. There were no easy means of communication then but they could keep in touch — thanks to a telephone booth outside William Woods gate. “She would come to the booth to call me,” said Mr Chebon, who comes from Pemwai village in Baringo North. He clearly recalls the call box number as 22978. After a few months, he says, he went for four months’ training in Isiolo and later returned to Nanyuki due to poor health. But before this, Chebon says, he sensed that Hannah was expectant. “This is where I lost touch with her,” said the former runner. It was only after Wanjiru won the Beijing Olympics – 22 years later – that Chebon found a lead to getting in contact with Hannah. He said all efforts to meet the boy were, however, in vain. “I then began to look for Wanjiru’s cellphone number and eventually got it,” Mr Chebon said. “I told him that I am his biological father. Thereafter I started to send him SMSs to which he did not respond,” he said. – Daily Nation Mrs. Seed off to Massachusetts, USA
Pastor Jane Njiiri (left) currently in USA is heading to Massachusetts this weekend. From Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd she will be ministering at Rev. Dr. Joseph Kimatu (right), Tumaini Community Church, 700 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01118404-384-1729 - Friday, May 20, 2011: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Venue: The Church - Saturday, May 21, 2011: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Venue.... Forest Park - Sunday, May 22, 2011: 10 a.m. to 1.p.m. Venue....The Church. On Sunday 29th May, she will be preaching at Rev Samuel Kimohu, Saint Stephen Anglican Church, 279 West 6th Street, Lowell, MA 01850. The following week she will be going to Seattle, Washington. Her number in USA is 001-3142697456. More later. Allan Aaron for CCBC Swahili Church
Popular Kenyan Gospel Artist Allan Aaron will be performing at CCBC Swahili Church on Sunday 22nd May, 2011 as from 9.30 a.m. Venue: Greatfields Hall, King Edwards Road, Barking IG11 7TR. Later he will be at Luton in the afternoon as from 3 p.m. His contact in UK is 07550621578 - VIDEO
THE SCRUMDOWN RUGBY AFTERPARTY 2011 THE SCRUMDOWN RUGBY AFTERPARTY 2011 THE SCRUMDOWN RUGBY AFTERPARTY 2011 ALL THE PERFORMING ARTISTES HAVE NOW ARRIVED IN LONDON! KIDUM
He is one of the most sought after musicians in East Africa, and with the success of his current album Haturudi Nyuma, he promises to give a memorable performance. Being multilingual, Kidum sings in the languages and styles, including mugithi and ohangla.
ALLAN AARON
Allan Aaron is the current Gospel music sensation and will be on for the first time in the UK. He became popular with songs such as Wi Mutheru and Kiriro while keeping his style of Mukorino.He also promises to give his fans what they are anticipating, and that a big show full of surprises! P- UNIT
P-Unit, an award winning group of three very talented young men, who have a huge following of youth have also landed in the UK. They recently released their debut album Wagenge Hao that includes the hit songs Kare, Uskondee and many more. They have bagged awards from “Chaguo La Teenies”, “Kisima Awards and have had nominations at “MTV Africa Music Awards”. The Scrumdown promises to be the biggest event in the UK for the East African community and it's friends for years and is one not to be missed! Tickets are selling out fast, so to avoid disappointment, book your in advance at www.ticketweb.co.uk (search for rugby sevens) and it will direct you to the booking page. THE LIMITED £15 TICKET OFFER IS COMING TO AN END,MORE AT THE DOOR. Showtime starts at 11pm sharp! Details for the venue and how to get to the event are as follows:
The Oasis (NEWLY OPENED) 6 Thames Road (off River Road) Barking, IG11 0HZ A13 BARKING / THAMES VIEW ESTATE EXIT(ON THE FLYOVER) UNLIMITED PARKING
FOOD AVAILABLE: NYAMA CHOMA,SAMOSAS,KUKU CHOMA & MORE ROOM CAPACITY 2000+
Getting to Barking by public transport Barking Tube Station Getting to the Oasis from Barking Station: Bus 387 from opposite Barking station goes straight to the Oasis on Thames Road.
Please note that there are no cash points /cash machines near the venue, so please come sufficiently loaded for the night.
Do you jiggers affects thousands in Kenya?
Millions of rural dwellers are living with jiggers in their bodies. they are unable to walk or even work and this results in trauma, isolation which leads to low self-esteem. This is a problem that has been overshadowed by other plights. It is time we said goodbye to this pest. Ahadi Kenya Trust has opened jigger help and counselling centers in Kenya and neighbouring countries. Tunga penetrans is known as the chigger, jigger, chigoe, bicho do pé or sand flea. The head is angular, it has no comb of spines, and the thoracic segments are narrow at the top.The female feeds by burrowing into the skin of its host. The abdomen becomes enormously enlarged between the second and third segments so that the flea forms a round sac with the shape and size of a pea. The impregnated female Tunga embeds itself in the skin under the toenails and fingernails of man - where the resultant sores may fill with pus and become infected. Others victims can be dogs, cats, rats, pigs, cattle and sheep. - MORE
President Kibaki welcomes incoming envoys
President Mwai Kibaki today received credentials from the incoming United States envoy Amb. Scott Gration, at State House Nairobi. Gration was among four other incoming envoys who presented their credentials to President Kibaki including Amb. Kim Chan-woo of the Republic of Korea , Amb. Paola Imperiale of Italy, Amb. Alexander Makarenko of the Russian Federation and Amb. Kamal Ismail Saeed of Sudan. Addressing the incoming ambassadors, President Kibaki urged them to always work towards ensuring that the existing development cooperation between Kenya and their respective countries is boosted. In this regard, the Head of State encouraged the envoys to travel freely in all parts of the country and interact with Kenyans in order to succeed in their assignments during their tour of duty in the country. Speaking during the occasion, the incoming U.S. Ambassador noted that for more than five decades, Kenya has been one of his country's most reliable partners in Africa. "The Obama administration values this long standing bilateral relationship and views Kenya not only as an ally, but as a leader in East Africa," the new U.S. Ambassador to Kenya said. Amb. Gration, therefore, assured President Kibaki that during his tour of duty in the country he will endeavour to further promote the existing cordial relations between Kenya and the U.S.
T-shirts are £15, hats-£6.00, bracelets - £1.50-3.00, scarves - £6.00, table flag - £3.50 and many more. Contact Miriam-07557536684.
Price wars cut Safaricom profit
Mr Bob Collymore responds to a question during a past interview. Safaricom braved the vicious price wars in the mobile phone sector to grow its revenues 13 per cent to Sh95 billion. However, the firm saw its net profits fall 13 per cent to Sh13 billion on account of increased costs. "Our strategy of diversifying away from the voice has delivered very strong growth in the non-voice revenues driven by a significant in the number of Data and M-pesa customers coupled with customers focused offerings," said Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore in a statement. M-pesa revenue grew by 56 per cent to Sh11.8 billion as customer base grew by 8.8 per cent to 17.1 million in the year under review. Unusual customs from around the world Every culture has customs and traditions that are considered normal by locals because they're used to it, but some of them seem ridiculous to outsiders. From having your babies spat at in the street to hiding from your new husband on your wedding day, here are some practices (not all of them common) that are likely to surprise tourists… BIRTH Spitting in Greece Sweet shower in Iran Baby bouncing in India MARRIAGE Coin shoes in Sweden Booze bribes in Poland 'Kidnapping' brides in Germany Blackening the bride in Scotland DEATH Feed the vultures in India In pictures: RIBA awards 2011
Eye-catching sports venues among the 97 shortlisted buildings include the Olympic Park Velodrome in east London (top) and the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (bottom). The former is applauded for its "aura of elegance and simplicity", while the latter is praised for its "organic" form.
Buying a house is throwing your money down the drain The statistics surrounding home ownership are worrying. A new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has reported that just one in four couples will be able to afford to buy a home in the future. It warns that Britain is turning into a "rotten borough", where an entire generation will be locked out of buying their own homes. I am increasingly concerned that I might be in this group. In my late 20s, and with a reasonable salary, the huge deposit required and lack of first-time buyer mortgages available are just two of the barriers blocking any journey into home ownership. The next generation of homeowners According to the BBC, the average property price in the UK is a terrifying £233,000 — even with the current economic situation . In fact, the average property is eight times the average salary, and mortgage lending has fallen to its lowest level in nine years. Many first-time buyers are struggling to get onto the property ladder without financial assistance. This financial assistance, also known as "the bank of mum and dad", could also mean that home ownership will increasingly become a privilege for the children of the better off. With high property prices, the removal of the cap on university fees and a desperate employment market, it is hard to see how the next generation is ever going to conjure up a deposit. Actually, never mind the next generation, how am I ever going to conjure up a deposit?
The Scrumdown Artistes arrive in the UK The team arrives for the biggest Kenyan event in UK
This is the biggest Kenyan event in UK. Kenya Rugby 7'S After Party on Saturday 21st March, 2011. All roads leads to the venue where the Kenya Rugby team will join other Kenyans after their game. The artist teams from Kenya to attain guests at the venue arrived on Wednesday morning. The team (above) include the popular artist Kidumu who is in UK for few days before flying to Rwanda the popular young Gospel Artist Allan Aron who has hit the Kenyan youth with his Reggie gospel music and in the team is the popular P. Unity. Food and drinks in plenty (see below). The event takes place at The Oasis, 6 Thames Road, (Off River Road, Barking, Essex), IG11 0ZH. Newly opened venue to accommodate all. Time. 8.00 p.m. 5.00 a.m. the following day.
P. Unity a team of 3 arrived at Heathrow Airport for the 7'S with style Tickets are selling out fast, so to avoid disappointment, book your in advance at (search for rugby sevens) and it will direct you to the booking page. THE LIMITED £15 TICKET OFFER IS COMING TO AN END,MORE AT THE DOOR.
May 2011 our month of Supernatural Grace. Welcome to this 2 Sunday's before end May. 22nd and 29th May 2011 Miraculous Sundays From 1.30pm-4pm.COME AND RECEIVE YOUR MIRACLE. MARRIED COUPLES BELIEVING GOD FOR THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB COME AND RECEIVE YOUR MIRACLE IN JESUS NAME, YOUR STORY MUST CHARGE AT -ONE LOVE CENTRE,1 BISHOP AVENUE, OFF PLASHET ROAD, PLAISTOW, LONDON ,E13 0RB. - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
Dr. Stanley Kamau of Ahadi for UK Award Dr Stanley Kamau CEO Ahadi Kenya Trust and Jigger Champion in East Africa receiving a flag and a booklet from Nancy Kimonye CEO Brand Kenya at Intercontinental hotel this morning. He receives an African achievers award in Hilton Hotel Bradford, UK on Friday 27 May 2011.Kenyans are proud of him eradicating the jigger menace, for more visit http://www.nileafrica.org/apps/calendar/showEvent?calID=2591080&eventID=114572742&next=showMonth%3fcalID%3d2591080%26year%3d2011%26month%3d4 or if you want to know more visit
Wanjiru's mother halts burial arrangements
The mystery surrounding the death of celebrated marathoner Samuel Wanjiru deepened today after the late’s mother Ann Wanjiru declared that her son will not be buried until investigations to unearth the cause of his death are finalized. This development came even as it emerged that the closed circuit television fitted in Wanjiru’s home might not have been working during the fateful night. Ann Wanjiru has now stopped all burial arrangements saying the cause of her son’s death remains mysterious and should be handled first. Wanjiru’s wife Triza Njeri has termed claims that he was murdered by those seeking his wealth as malicious maintaining her husband died after jumping from the balcony of their house. Njeri says she had left the house at 5pm for supper at a friend’s house and when Wanjiru failed to pick her up she went to the house and found him in the company of another lady. Wanjiru’s alleged female companion is yet to be identified after police claimed that she recorded a statement and was later released. It is a mysterious death that even the latest of technology might not crack with details emerging that detectives investigating the death failed to access information contained in a CCTV camera gadget installed at the home of the athlete. Unconfirmed reports allege that the cameras were deactivated at the time of the fatal crash, a report that will be authenticated tomorrow after an expert who fixed the CCTV visits the home to study its final images.
A fruit (and a veggie) a day keep the blues at bay
Doctors have prescribed it, nutritionists advised it and mothers insisted on it. Eat your fruits and vegetables and you will live longer. That a generous serving of fruits and vegetables is healthy for you is not just another one of those contestable mothers’ tales, but a fact of nature that will save you a lot of suffering and some pretty penny in later life. Even though many frown at the prospect of loading their diets with veggies and fruits, experience and research have shown that the benefits of taking even a small serving of these will greatly boost your health, especially if you live a sedentary lifestyle. And, if you want to get the best out of your bowl of fruits, eat them as foods, not as supplementary diets to your pizza or french fry lunches. This is because fruits and vegetables are low in fat, salt and sugar; and provide a good source of dietary fibre. They have been known to reduce obesity and maintain a healthy weight by lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, thereby keeping diseases like Type 2 diabetes and stroke at bay. Let’s go green and colourful today and show you what a bit of nature’s best on your plate will do for you: click here
House proposes Sh2,000 handout for poor elderly Parliament wants the poor elderly to be given a monthly handout to help them through retirement, under a proposed State-funded social welfare scheme. MPs debated a Motion that could see the country’s estimated 1.8 million aged over 60 years receive Sh2,000 monthly starting July 1, next year. The Government would be required to set aside Sh3.6 billion every month to roll out the scheme, if the Motion sponsored by Gwassi MP John Mbadi is approved. Currently, it has allocated Sh530 million for a pilot cash transfer project in which those over 65 years in 44 selected districts receive Sh1,500 every month. MPs concluded debate but a vote for it to pass the second reading was postponed to next week when Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta would give the Government’s response. MPs questioned the criteria used to identify the benefiting regions in the pilot scheme. But Gender Minister Naomi Shaban defended the programme, citing inadequate funds. "We have asked that Treasury in the next financial year doubles the amount from Sh530 million to slightly more than Sh1 billion to improve coverage," said Dr Shaban. Mr Mbadi said majority of about 1.8 million people aged over 60 are poor and cannot support themselves and the monthly handout would enable them to live in "dignity and respect." The scheme, however, would not benefit those either in receipt of a pension or benefit from any organisation or State agency. The Constitution, he added, requires that the elderly receive reasonable care and assistance from their family and State. Seconding the motion Lari MP David Njuguna said the high cost of living had put food, healthcare and shelter beyond many households and forced some elderly to beg on the streets. Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu said the motion targets those who did not have formal employment and hence had no savings to fall back on in old age. Defence Minister Yusuf Hajji said the high cost of living had killed the African tradition to look after the vulnerable in society. Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba said: "The HIV/Aids scourge has forced a majority of grand parents to look after orphaned children. The high cost of living is a burden to such households." Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo challenged the implementation committee to ensure the executive implements motions passed by the House. Forestry Minister Noah Wekesa, Assistant Minister Margaret Kamar, Kandara MP Maina Kamau and nominated MP Maishomo Leshomo supported the motion. - The Standard. cAPITAL tALK wITH jEFF kOINANGE Ungwana and Ushenzi wewe ni gani kati hizi?
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WINE AND SPIRIT EXHIBITION AT EXCEL
Mr. Robinson Njoka a Kenyan businessman is in London. Mr. Njoka arrived in London early this week for a Wines and Spirits Exhibition in Excel, London which is taking place as from Tuesday 17h May, to Thursday 19th May, 2011. Posing at the French stand are from left to right Mrs. Nelly Mwangi, Miss Jennifer Njeri Njoka a student at Birmingham University, Mr. Njoka, Mr. Isaac Mwangi and far right is saleslady at the desk. The song was the same in every stand - "oja kidogo" and for those who are wine lovers, they couldn't finish the race. Later Mr. & Mrs. Mwangi took their guest and his daughter for a dinner in a Docklands restaurant. Mr. Njoka's contact in UK is 07930213059.
OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "Most Kenyans belongs to the group I call "uchenzi group" where no one respects the law and the community is left to decay without any help." - Capital Talk
In Happy moments, praise God Mrs. Seed visits the Gateway Arch in St. Louis
Downtown St. Louis photo taken from the top of the Gateway Arch 192 metres in the sky While in USA Pastor Jane Njiiri toured the Gateway Arch in St. Louis (seen at the bottom of the Arch with Mrs. Mary Njau). London eye is a baby compared to the Gateway Arch, St. Louis, USA. London eye is 135 metres high and the Gateway is 192 metres high. The design for London eye is far much better as you can be able to view the entire London throughout your 30 minutes journey. You cannot see outside while travelling to the top on the Gateway Arch. It takes about 4 minutes (it travels at a rate of 240 feet per minute) to travel from the bottom of the Gateway Arch to the top where there are small widows to view the surroundings. You can see up to 30 miles on a clear day. A view of downtown St. Louis. Looking East, you can see the Mississippi River and Illinois. The St. Louis Gateway Arch is an elegant monument to westward expansion in the USA. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri, the 630-foot tall (192 m) stainless steel arch rises above the city skyline. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse.
You may want to learn a bit more about its fascinating history of Gateway Arch, St. Louis, USA.
Karomo and Wangari Pre-Wedding Party in London
The pre-wedding Party of Mr Nick Karomo Kinyanjui and Serah Wangari Karomo will be held on 2nd of July, 2011 in London at Global Bar, 333 High Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1TE as from 6.00 p.m. The wedding takes place on Saturday 6th August, 2011. Church venue to be confirmed but the reception will be at The Pavillion Baqueting Suite, 324 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 9PX. For more information contact 0786 9505 481 or 07903658458.
METHALI YA KISWAHILI KIMYA KILIMALIZA MITI PORINI Silence finished Trees in the Forest First habitable planet discovered
A planet 20 light years away is the first outside our solar system to be declared ‘habitable’ by scientists. The rocky ‘exoplanet’ Gliese 581d meets key requirements for sustaining Earth-like life, including rainfall and possibly even watery oceans. The planet orbits a red-dwarf star similarly called Gliese 581, on its outer fringes called the ‘Goldilocks zone’, where the temperature is not so hot that water boils away, nor so cold that water is perpetually frozen. But even though it may be technically habitable, the Gliese 581d would not make a comfortable dwelling for humans. Gravity is twice what is on Earth, doubling the weight of anyone standing on the surface, and the atmosphere is dense with carbon dioxide. With a mass of at least 5.6 times that of Earth, Gliese 581d is classified as a ‘super-Earth’. The discovery caught scientists by surprise because the planet was previously ruled out as a habitable country. But a new computer model with the capacity to simulate extraterrestrial climates has confirmed that Gliese 581d really could harbour life, showing the prior assumption to be wrong.
We Do Not Know What the Future Holds, But!, We Know Who Holds the Future Married Couple Conference in Dallas, USA in November, 2011
First ever conference for all Married Couple in the USA, Canada and Europe. We are anticipating hundreds if not thousands of attendees and we would like to extend this invitation to the faithful readers of your site. The organizers are great and reputable leaders drawn from different professional fields as you can see from the flier attached. The conference will take place on Thanksgiving Holiday November 24th to 27th here in Dallas, Texas and is open to all the married couples (as biblically defined). The cost is $320.00 per couple for the entire duration of the conference inclusive of meals and accommodation and we have limited spots available. People can register online via www.marrieddynamicsnationalforum.org
UK inflation rate rises to 4.5% in April
The UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual rate of inflation rose to 4.5% in April, up from 4% in March. The rise was due to a jump in transport costs, particularly Easter rises in air and sea fares, and alcohol and tobacco. However, the Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation - which includes mortgage interest payments - fell slightly to 5.2% from 5.3% in March. The rise in CPI was bigger than analysts had forecast and follows a surprise fall in the index last month. CPI is now at its highest level since October 2008. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said "by far the largest upward effect" on prices came from air transport, where fares rose by 29% between March and April. Sea fares rose by 22.3%. It said the fact that Easter fell much earlier last year and did not affect April 2010 CPI partly explained the jump in prices. Alcoholic drinks and tobacco rose by a record 5.3% in April. These price rises more than offset a 1.3% fall in clothing and footwear prices. The Governor of the Bank of England Mervyn King was forced to write a letter to Chancellor George Osborne explaining why the inflation rate was more than 1% above the Bank's target rate of 2%. He reiterated his view that high inflation was due to the "increase in VAT to 20% in January, higher energy prices and increases in import prices". April was the 17th month in a row that the inflation rate was at least one percentage point above target, and the governor has to write to the chancellor every three months while it remains so. In March, inflation had fallen to 4% from 4.4% in February. The return of accelerating price rises after March's respite will put further pressure on the Bank of England to raise rates sooner rather than later. "April's rise in CPI inflation confirms that March's drop was just a temporary reprieve - inflation will probably get to 5% or above over the coming months," said Vicky Redwood at Capital Economics. Last week, the Bank of England said it expected inflation to hit 5% later this year, largely due to higher utility bills.
Marathon star’s ‘widows’ united in mourning
Two women, who claim to be Olympic champion Samuel Kamau Wanjiru’s wives, on Monday joined his widow Triza Njeri in mourning his death at his Nyahururu home. Ms Judy Wambui and international athlete Mary Wacera entered the home at 3 pm accompanied by Wanjiru’s mother Ann after holding an hour-long meeting at another home Kamau built for his mother at Muthaiga estate. Ms Wambui, who resides in Nakuru, could not hold her back her tears as she entered the home moments later followed by Ms Wacera who lives near Wanjiru’s mother. Ms Wacera, has a seven-month-old child named after Wanjiru’s mother expressed sadness at the loss. “I am bitter that I lost a loving husband who provided for me and my daughter. I have visited my mother-in-law and has urged her to be strong especially at this trying time,” she said. Relatives continued to flock the athlete’s mother’s house where a condolence book was opened. A meeting to make burial arrangements continued as athletes also joined hands to plan for the transfer of the body to a mortuary in Nakuru. Ms Wambui, 25, who claims to be Wanjiru’s second wife, was distraught as she narrated her last moments with the athlete. The woman, who is five months pregnant, said Wanjiru passed by her house at Kiti estate on the Nakuru Nyahururu road at 8 pm on Sunday night — less than five hours to his death. She said Wanjiru had called her on Saturday evening from Eldoret where he was practising. The athlete, according to Ms Wambui was to attend to an emergency in his Nyahururu home. “He was supposed to be at the training camp for a month without taking a break but he told me that he was needed in Nyahururu urgently,” she said. Ms Wambui said Wanjiru seemed happy and settled when he passed by the house and promised to go back to her after solving the issue at his Nyahururu home. “He was here for about an hour and I could not escort him to the car because it was drizzling,” she said. “I was still waiting for him when his cousin called me at 3 am to inform me about the death. “I was shocked because there were no signs whatsoever that he was going to take away his life. “He was happy as usual, there were no indications of depression,” said a tearful Ms Wambui. She said her attempt to deter Wanjiru from traveling to Nyahururu that late were fruitless as he said that he as required back at camp on Monday. “He told me it would only be fair that he dealt with the matter on Sunday night, sleeps here before commencing his journey back to Eldoret today (Monday) in the morning,” she said. Ms Wambui claimed Wanjiru was training for an event in September but she as not sure about its title. - Daily Nation. 'Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up"
Radical reform is under way, says Immigration Minister Home Office, 17 May 2011 Immigration Minister Damian Green has today responded to a House of Commons report, saying that it highlights exactly why the government is making radical changes to the immigration system. The Public Accounts Committee report into the government's points-based system looked at how the UK Border Agency keeps track of migrants, and whether the different visa routes into the UK work sufficiently. It also examined the intra-company transfer (ICT) visa route under Tier 2 of the points-based system, which allows multinational businesses to fill temporary skills gaps by bringing their existing foreign staff to the UK. Since the committee's investigation last year, the new government has overhauled the system, with tough enforcement against rule-breakers and a shake-up of the work and student routes into the country. Damian Green said: 'This report demonstrates why the immigration system needs radical reform. 'This government has already introduced an annual limit on economic migrants, including a significant tightening of the ICT rules, and sweeping changes to the student visa system. Later this year we will propose a shake-up of the family and settlement route. 'I want enforcement and compliance to be the cornerstone of our immigration system, and we are making it more difficult for people to live in the UK illegally by taking action against employers that flout our rules. 'Any employers found to be abusing our immigration system risk losing their license to sponsor any migrant workers.'
In pictures: The Queen visits Ireland
During one demonstration in north Dublin, protesters pushed a burning rubbish bin towards riot police Live terrapins found in passenger’s bags at airport Six live terrapins have been discovered by UK Border Agency officers at Cardiff Airport after a passenger tried to smuggle them into the country in her baggage. On Thursday, 5 May, a 54-year-old woman from Tonypandy in Rhondda was stopped when she returned from China on a flight via Amsterdam. A search of her bags was carried out and 4 adult terrapins were found in her hand luggage. Two more baby terrapins were found loose in her suitcase, without food or water. The woman told officers that she had intended to bring the creatures into the country as a gift for her niece. The terrapins were seized and the woman was issued with a warning by officers. After being given water, the animals - later confirmed as red eared terrapins (trachemys scripta elegans) - were handed into the care of a local animal sanctuary.
Wanjiru's mother claims son was murdered The death of renowned marathon athlete Samuel Wanjiru, has taken a new twist after his mother Ann Wanjiru claimed he was murdered. Mother to the Kenyan hero Ann Wanjiru has rubbished reports that her son committed suicide claiming he was murdered by people who wants to inherit his wealth. She says her son did not jump from the balcony as alleged but was killed in the bedroom and his body planted outside. She claims there was blood in the bedroom and that Wanjiru was alone in the house at the time of the incident. She has also disowned Wanjiru's wife Triza Njeri, saying Mary Wacera a fellow international athlete who has a nine-month-old child is her son's legal wife. Njeri has however termed the remarks as malicious and unfortunate. The late Wanjiru captured the world's attention through his unassailable performances in athletics but charges of infidelity and his love for alcohol have now threatened to overshadow his illustrious career. His controversial marital life has now subjected fellow young athletes to scrutiny as Psychologists argue that wealth and fame at such an early age can be self-destructive. And the death of the renowned marathoner Wanjiru as well as many other deaths associated with domestic violence is now generating interest in Parliament. Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo wants Kenyans let in on the truth about what transpired on the fateful night and the likely cause of Wanjiru's death. She further requested for the release of the number of domestic violence cases documented in the country since January 2010. Millie is also seeking to know what program has been put in places to assist those languishing in domestic violence and the victims left after deaths of their spouses and the status of the marriage bill.
LONDON RUGBY SEVENS MUGiTHI AFTERPARTY with SALIM JUNIOR and JEFF MWANGEMI MAY 21ST!!
Mugithi in London back by public demand!!FOR THOSE THAT MISSED THE LAST ONE...WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU...LONDON RUGBY SEVENS MUGiTHI AFTERPARTY..with none other than one of the first Reggae Selectors on RADIO!!JEFF MWANGEMI formally of KBC before fm stations were started plus his very own protege DJ STANO of Metro FM..Its ONNN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qshx9u8nlZc&feature=share
• Original Sizzling East African Cuisine Available at the venue including Nyama Choma, Ugali, Kachumbari and many more • • Original Sizzling East African Cuisine Available at the venue including Nyama Choma, Ugali, Kachumbari and many more • • Original Sizzling East African Cuisine Available at the venue including Nyama Choma, Ugali, Kachumbari and many more • | ❒ Time: From 8:30PM-5:30AM
ALLKENYANUK EDINBURGH RUGBY SEVENS AFTERPARTY | SUNDAY 29TH MAY 2011 Big Surprise coming to Edinburgh this year. For the first time international acts all the way from Nairobi Kenya live in Scotland. Keep locked for more details to come!!!!!
Kibaki, Raila approve judicial nominees
Nairobi, Tuesday 17th May, 2011 - President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have picked Keriako Tobiko to retain the post of Director of Public Prosecutions, and approved the two nominees for the positions of Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice. A statement from the Office of the President read "On recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission and after consultations with the Rt. Hon Prime Minister Raila Odinga, His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki has today nominated for approval by the National Assembly Dr. Willy Mutunga for the post of Chief Justice and Nancy Baraza for the post of Deputy Chief Justice." The two Principals further nominated for approval Keriako Tobiko for the post of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) following the recommendation of the interviewing panel for the post. These developments came to light following Tuesday's morning meeting at Harambee House between the Kibaki and Raila. Keriako Tobiko is the current DPP having held the position for the past five years. The special task force that interviewed interested candidates which was formed following the rejection of President Kibaki's nomination list earlier this year, on Monday forwarded three names to the Principles for consideration to take up the post of DPP. The other two nominees were Tobiko's assistant at the state law office Dorcas Oduor and lawyer Patrick Kiage. The Constitution clearly states that after the nomination of the DPP, who cannot serve for more than eight years, he or she is approved by Parliament before being formally appointed by the President. If Parliament clears the three nominees, their names will be forwarded back President Kibaki to formally announce the new face of the judiciary.
Beards and Moustaches World Championship 2011
Overall winner, Germany's Elmar Weisser poses with this X-mas based creation during the Beards and Moustaches World Championship 2011 in the northern city of Trondheim in Norway ends on May 15, 2011. Hairdresser Elmar Weisser, 47, beat 160 hopefuls from 15 countries to take first prize in the World Beard and Moustache Championship, held this year in Trondheim. and on right Rooty Lundvall of the US sticks out his tongue after he competes in the Full Beard Natural category during The Beards and Moustaches World Championship 2011 in the northern city of Trondheim on May 15, 2011. 163 contestants from 15 different countries competed in a range of categories at the competition in Norway.
Jonathan Scott: a wild life in Africa
Jonathan Scott's unique style brings an emotional warmth and depth to the portrayal of African wildlife that has created some of TV's best-loved animal characters. Born in Berkshire, England, Jonathan has spent most of his adult life living and working in Africa, following an overland adventure that changed his life. Since the early 1980s he has shared his deep love and knowledge of African wildlife with a captivated TV audience, most notably in the long-running series Big Cat Diary. This collection pulls together some of the highlights of a career touched by some memorable animals. - VIDEO
EVA. TERESA WAIRIMU BOOK LAUNCHING IN LONDON ON TUESDAY 24TH MAY 2011
Two Kenyans killed in a house fire in Lynchburg Virginia
Victor Kwatemba on the left and Philemon Abayo on the right Lynchburg, Virginia-Tragedy struck the Kenyan community in Lynchburg Virginia as two Kenyans died in a house fire early Sunday morning May 15th 2011. Philemon Abayo and Victor Kwatemba died inside a basement that caught fire on Valleydale Drive. The two were students of Liberty University living outside the campus. According to eye witness, neighbours were woken up at 5.30 am by fire truck siren racing towards the duplex where the two lived. Three people who were upstairs and one person in the basement got out uninjured. All that remains of the house is burned walls, boarded windows, and the haunting memory of the fire that took two Kenyans lives. Victor Kwatemba came to the US in January 2011 and joined Liberty University where he was studying for the last 4 months while Philemon Abayo Onyango has been with the University for more than 2 years. The cause of the fire is still under police investigation. Reports from Kenyans who live in the area and study at Liberty University, a predominantly Christian institution says that the two dead Kenyans had earlier in the evening joined other Kenyans in a graduation party for other Kenyans who graduated from Liberty University. The party was held few miles away from the house where the victims died. Victor and Philemon lived in a rented basement room of a stand-alone 3-bedroom house. The main house was occupied by a couple with their son and dog. The couple that occupied the main house (upstairs) explained that they were awakened by their barking dog, and they realized that smoke was belching into the house. The police and paramedic arrived, only to find that Victor and Philemon were dead in the basement room. Kenyans are saddened by this horrendous tragedy as they await the outcome of the police investigation. According to Dr. Ben Chepkoit, who has been liaising with the University officials, the university will provide detail report as soon as police investigation is received, which is expected by Tuesday, May 17th 2011. Upon receipt of police clearance, the next of kin and family, and the Kenyans at Liberty University, will organize for memorial service, which will be announced by Wednesday this week. For more information, you can contact Reuben and Elizabeth Karare 301 254 5635 Or Dr.Ben Chepkoit -240 344 4694. - Source: Diasporamessenger
Chinese girls born in single body with 2 heads
A hospital in southwestern China says conjoined twin girls with a single body and two heads have been born at its facility. A staffer surnamed Wang at Suining City Central Hospital in Sichuan province says the girls were born Thursday. Wang said Tuesday the parents, who are farmers, did not want to have the babies at first, fearing they could not afford to keep them alive. She said they transferred the twins to a hospital in the nearby metropolis of Chongqing to be examined by experts. The local Huaxi Metropolis Daily reported the twins weighed 9 pounds (4 kilograms) and measured 20 inches (51 centimeters). They have two spines and two esophaguses and share other organs. Doctors were quoted as saying it would be nearly impossible to separate them.
"Where is Stamford Bridge?"
Mr. Sammy Gathenya Mwangi lives in Kansas City, US with his family but he has one dream in his mind - to visit Stamford Bridge stadium in London because he is a die hard supporter of Chelsea football club. When he arrived at Heathrow Airport, London for a two-day visit on Friday morning 13th May, 2011 on his way to Kenya he asked: "Where is Stamford Bridge? That is my first stop while in London." While at the stadium he took several snaps with his favourite team. He tried to out do his favourite player Frank Lampard but at last he asked where is All Kolau? Unfortunately for him, Mr. Seed who is his uncle knows very little about Chelsea players.
30 secondary schools elevated to national status
The Ministry of Education has made good its promise and increased the number of national schools by 30 from just 18. Education PS Prof James Ole Kiyiapi says the elevation of the schools to national status is an intervention aimed at addressing key policy priorities envisaged in the Education Act. He added that it is also aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the Millennium Development Goals' and the Vision 2030 in terms of human resource development. "For a start, thirty schools will be considered this year and to prepare them in readiness for the new status that will also involve scaling up enrolment in order to allocate each region a reasonable number of those to be admitted to the respective institutions, the ministry will contribute towards facilitating the institutions in infrastructural developments." Prof Kiyiapi says the aim of the new move to elevate 30 schools drawn from all the eight provinces to national status is to improve access, ensure equity, relevance and reduce wastage within the education sector. "As you are aware, some of the policy issues that the government is placing great emphasis on include improving on access, retention, transition, completion, equity, relevance, quality, and overall efficiency while at the same time reducing wastage within the entire Education sector." He said. The PS said the move is also aimed at implementing a presidential directive of promoting brotherly relations among young people and enabling those from diverse socio-cultural and economic backgrounds to interact in pursuit for academic excellence. "It is expected that on our part as a ministry, the establishment of more national schools to add to the eighteen already in existence will go along way towards enabling young Kenyans from diverse, socio-cultural and even economic backgrounds to interact in pursuit of academic excellence." He added. He said that in addition to enhancing access, this will as well ease the heavy pressure on demand for form one places in the limited national schools as witnessed at the beginning of every year. "More national schools will also significantly stimulate academic excellence, improve education standards and promote equity in all parts of the county especially when the long-term goal of the ministry, that of establishing at least two national schools in every county is progressively realized." Among the schools that have been elevated are: Kagumo High School, Muranga High and Karima Girls' in Central Province, Pangani Girls in Nairobi, Moi Girls' Isinya, St.Brigid's Kiminini Girls, St Patrick Iten, Kapsabet Boys and Kipsigis Girls in Rift Valley. Tartar Girls in West Pokot, the others are Machakos Boys, Muthale Girls', Moi High School - Mbiruri, Meru school and Makueni Boys in Eastern. Lugulu Girls, FS. Kamusinga, Kakamega High School and Bunyore Girls in Western Province. Others are Kenyatta Mwatate, Mama Ngina Girls, Bura Girls and Ribe Boys all four are in Coast Province, while North Eastern got Garissa High. Maranda High, Nyabururu Girls, Kisii High and Asumbi Girls have been elevated in Nyanza Province. Prof. Kiyiapi says the implementation of the programme will be in phases while at the same time giving regard to the set criteria of identifying the institutions to elevate at every stage. "It is expected that with the implementation of this phase of the thirty schools, the ministry will have created a total of 6000 new places in the national schools. Of these, 3,240 will be boys and there will be additional places for 2,760 girls. Once fully implemented in all the counties as envisaged, a total of 18,000 additional places will have been created bringing a total of 22,500 form one places when considered together with the existing vacancies in national schools in the country. This will bring the number of students in national school to about 90,000 from the current 15,638."
Wanjiru was also mine, woman claims
A fresh twist has emerged on the late marathoner Samuel Wanjiru's love life, after a 25-year-old woman in Nakuru came out to claim that she was his second wife. Judy Wambui who says she is five months pregnant with the athlete's baby told journalists on Monday that Wanjiru passed by her home at White House area on the Nakuru-Nyahururu road at about 8pm on Sunday night. He passed by her house on his way from Eldoret, where he was undergoing training. "He was supposed to be at the training camp for a month without taking a break but he told me that he was needed in Nyahururu urgently," she said. Amid periodical tearful breakdowns, Ms Wambui narrated how Wanjiru, who seemed happy and settled had promised to return and spend the night with her after solving "the pressing issues at his Nyahururu home." "He was here for about an hour and I could not escort him to the car because it was drizzling. He stood on the verandah and told me... let me go, we will talk when I come back," she said. - The Standard.
A KIKUYU PROVERB Ûgwîthirima mûtino You smear yourself with misfortune. The proverb is told as an advice to people who are in the point of doing something which sooner or later will become a cause of misfortune.
The late Benjamin Owuor Ochuodho in USA
Dear ALL, OR 2. Margaret A. Owuor (ATTN: BENJAMIN OCHUODHO FUNERAL FUND)
Bank of America, Account number: 3340 1988 3339 3. For Well-wishers in Kenya and the UK, please send donations prefferebly by MPESA to Rose Owaga on cell number: 0722582264 or 0737929745. A major Fund raising will be held on Saturday the 21st of May 2011 at 3PM at: 4465 Northside Parkway , Atlanta, GA . 30327; At the Clubhouse.
Please feel free to contract the following people with any questions:
Herold Oluoch - 678-779-7488 Elly Okello - 770--653-3221 Evans Obino - 678-886-2355 Alingo - 678-768-0641
Besigye said to be placed under house arrest Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been allegedly placed under house arrest after heavily-armed security officers surrounded his compound and prevented him from going to work. The opposition leader’s Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) deputy Foreign Secretary Anne Mugisha told the Press in Kampala that Dr Besigye was unable to leave his house in the city’s suburbs. According to Ms Mugisha, the FDC leader Besigye tried to explain to Uganda People’s Defence Force soldiers that he was going to the city to buy essential household items but they refused to let him go. Test tells if you are ageing too fast Measures DNA to determine biological age
A blood test which can help predict how long you will live is expected to go on sale in the UK later this year. The £435 test works by measuring the length of a person's telomeres, stretches of DNA located at the end of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres in people have been linked to - among others - a greater risk of heart disease, infectious diseases and shorter lifespans. When the body's cells divide, telomeres get shorter until they eventually become worn away and unable to protect the chromosome, and the cell dies. Because of this, telomere length is thought to be an accurate indicator of biological, rather than chronological ageing. Although it cannot predict exactly how many years and months someone will have left to live, the scientists behind the test say it can give an accurate indication of the speed at which a person is ageing. Someone with shorter than average telomeres for their chronological age may use the results of the test to adopt a healthier lifestyle, for example. However the downside of all this is that insurance companies may use test results to increase premiums or, in some cases, refuse life insurance cover altogether. "Knowing whether our telomeres are a normal length or not for a given chronological age will give us an indication of our health status and of our physiological 'age' even before diseases appear," said Dr Maria Blasco of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, whose research provided the basis for the blood test. The company behind the test - Life Length - is currently in negotiations to market and sell the blood test throughout Europe.
You don’t love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her.
METHALI YA KISWAHILI Want to send a parcel or letter from UK to Kenya Urgently? Uneek Freight Services Ltd, Amberley Way, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6BH. Tel: +44 (0) 208 569 4949, Fax: +44 (0) 208 569 510 Email: info@uneekfreight.com or Uneek Forwarding Ltd, Units 1 & 2 Renwick Industrial Estate, Renwick Road, Barking, Essex IG11 0SD, Tel: +44 (0) 208 984 0425, Fax: +44 (0)208 595 4843 - Email: info@uneekforwarding.co.uk
Mayor of Bedford to lead in honouring Sammy Wanjiru
The Mayor of Bedford, UK will lead the Bedford community in paying tribute for Sammy Wanjiru at the Bedford Athletic Stadium at 5pm on Thursday 19th May, 2011. There will be local institutions especially the ones the athletes visited and the session will last 15 minutes with a two minute silence in honour of Sammy. Please bring your children and if possible wear black. The Bedford Athletic Stadium is flying its flag half mast in honour of Sammy Wanjiru.
"It is possible to have pardon without forgiveness--a murderer can be pardoned by the governor, but that does not mean the victim's family has forgiven him. And there can be forgiveness without pardon. In 1986, Michael Saward, a well-known Anglican evangelical, answered the door of his London vicarage. The three men who stood in his doorway pounded Saward over the head with a cricket bat, fracturing his skull. Then they broke into the vicarage, raped Saward's daughter, and beat up her boyfriend. The three were quickly arrested, and in a television interview shortly afterward, a badly battered Saward touched the British nation by publicly forgiving his assailants. But when the men were sentenced to prison terms of three to five years, Saward frankly criticized the sentences as too lenient." - Robert D. Enright et alia - Must a Christian Require Repentance Before Forgiving? [Luke 17:3] (article, Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 1990).
OFF TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA
PROHIBITED ARTICLES WHILE TRAVELLING IN AN AIRCRAFT Passengers are not permitted to carry the following articles into security restricted areas and on board an aircraft: * These articles are additionally prohibited from carriage in passenger’s hold baggage. Dangerous Goods
Bomb found on car during routine service
Mechanics at an American garage were alarmed to discover a pipe bomb attached to a car when it was dropped off for a routine service last week. Staff at F&F Tire World in Loves Park, Illinois, noticed the bomb strapped to the inside of the car's exhaust when they jacked it up to inspect the underside of the vehicle. Speaking to the 'Rockford Register Star', mechanic Andrew Mandujani said: "We put it on the lift and found a little pipe strapped to the exhaust." Workers then removed the bomb from the car and placed it in a bucket before calling the police. Local authorities closed off a whole block for several hours, evacuating homes and businesses, while specialist bomb squads went in to disarm the device and search the premises. Police analysed the bomb to determine exactly how it was made, before detonating it in a controlled environment. No one was harmed. Deputy Chief Rodney Scott of the Winnebago County Sherriff's Department said that no charges had been filed and no suspects had been arrested. The local police are continuing to investigate the events. World champion Samuel Wanjiru dies
World Marathon Champion and Olympic gold medalist Samuel Wanjiru is dead. Wanjiru died a few minutes past 1:00am Monday Morning after jumping from his two storey house in Nyahururu following what is believed to be a domestic quarrel. Police said they were trying to ascertain whether Wanjiru had deliberately killed himself. According to reliable sources, Wanjiru ,24, arrived at his home shortly after midnight and a quarrel ensured allegedly between him and his wife. It is further alleged that the incident might have aroused from a love affair after the deceased came home in the company of an un-identified female friend. The late marathon champion is said to have been drinking in Nakuru town in Sunday and he was escorted by a female friend to his house in Nyahururu where the wife protested and locked them inside the house after the midnight domestic quarrel. Later the deceased left the female partner in bed and jumped over the balcony of his two storey house. Nyandarua OCPD Jasper Ombati has confirmed the incident. The late Wanjiru is known for his 2008 victory after he became the first Kenyan to win a gold medal in Beijing in with an Olympic record performance of 2:06:32. His other marathon victories included Chicago in 2009 and 2010, Fukuoka in 2007, and London in 2009. Wanjiru was the World Marathon Majors points champion for the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons, and had a career best time of 2:05:10. He was also the former world record holder for the half-marathon with a 58:33 personal best. After winning last October's Bank of America Chicago Marathon in a thrilling sprint finish over Ethiopian Tesgaye Kebede, Wanjiru faced several difficulties. Last year, he was arrested at his home and charged with threatening his wife, striking a security guard, and possessing an illegal AK-47 rifle. Wanjiru was released on bail, and his wife later withdrew her charges against him, but he still faced the weapons charge, however. In January this year, Wanjiru was also involved in a car accident on the Nairobi-Nyahururu road, rolling his four wheel drive vehicle several times trying to avoid an oncoming truck. He avoided serious injury in the incident, but later withdrew from April's Virgin London Marathon with a knee problem.
Fuel pump prices rise in Kenya
The new pump prices for various fuel products took effect on Sunday morning (15th May 2011) across the country. In Kericho, petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and kerosene, were available but with the adjusted prices. At the Total-Town station, super petrol was retailing at Sh118, up from Sh113.80, while diesel was selling at Sh110.70, up from Sh108.10. Kerosene was being sold for Sh95.30, from Sh91.3. In Migori town, super was selling at Sh119 from Sh115, diesel Sh110 from Sh106 while kerosene at Sh95.5 up from Sh90. In Kisii town, regular and super sold at Sh118 from Sh114 while in Bomet, the pump prices in the three filling stations in town had been raised. In Nakuru a spot check by the Nation indicated that prices had risen by Sh4.20 for super with diesel going up by Sh3.90. Motorists were paying Sh116.40 for a litre of super, Sh109.10 for diesel and Sh93.69 for kerosene. In Mombasa, most petrol stations had adjusted their prices of petrol and diesel. In different fuel stations, diesel was being sold at between Sh104 and Sh104.70 compared to previous prices of Sh102.20. Super petrol went for between Sh111.9 to Sh112.5, up from Sh107.9 a litre. In Eldoret, prices of diesel shot to Sh110 from Sh108. The cost of a litre of super petrol rose to Sh117.50 from Sh115 while kerosene rose to Sh94. Prices of petrol in Nyeri were up by an average of Sh4-5, retailing at Sh116 per litre at filling stations across the town. Only National Oil was retailing at a slightly lower price of Sh115.90 a litre of super. The price of diesel also rose by an average of Sh3, with a litre retailing upwards of Sh109, from Sh106 the previous day. – Daily Nation.
Close-up: Brazil's 'pay what you weigh' restaurants
This BBC News series focuses on aspects of life in countries and cities around the world. What may seem ordinary and familiar to the people who live there can be surprising to those who do not. For many people living in one of the world's richest cities eating out has become a regular feature of life - but, as in other parts of the world, choosing just what to eat can be a problem. In recent years, a new kind of eating experience has thrived in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo - the self-service or "kilo" restaurant. Customers pick as much as they want from a wide range of dishes then weigh their plates to find out much they have to pay. The kilo concept has proved so popular that gourmet restaurants are beginning to adopt the idea. A hungry Paulo Cabral joined the crowds to find out more. - VIDEO
A blood test that can show how fast someone is ageing - and offers the possibility of estimating how long they have left to live - is to go on sale in Britain later this year, the Independent reports. On right millions of Britons have been hit by hayfever hell in one of the most intense and early pollen seasons in recent history, according to the Daily Express.
Premier League - Grant sacked after West Ham suffer relegation
West Ham have sacked manager Avram Grant after a 3-2 defeat at Wigan condemned the London club to relegation from the Premier League. Grant was given his marching orders within a couple of hours of an astonishing match at the DW Stadium that saw Wigan score three times in the second half to keep alive their own hopes of survival. Demba Ba scored two headers in the first period to give Grant's team a 2-0 lead at half-time, but their day began to unravel when Charles N'Zogbia hammered home a superb free-kick early in the second period. Substitute Conor Sammon scored his first goal for Wigan to level matters on 68 minutes before N'Zogbia added his second of the day deep into stoppage time as his shot somehow squirmed under visiting keeper Robert Green, who had made some splendid saves in a match that raged from end to end throughout a frantic afternoon.
Mississippi River flood: US to open Louisiana gates
US engineers are preparing to flood up to three million acres in southern Louisiana in a bid to protect large cities along the Mississippi River. The Army Corps of Engineers said it could open a floodway to divert water from the river this weekend. As many as 25,000 people are preparing to leave. Opening the Morganza Floodway would ease pressure on levees protecting the cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The Mississippi River has risen this year to levels not seen in decades. Fed by rainwater and the spring thaw, the river and its tributaries have caused massive flooding upstream, and officials have said the flooding in Louisiana is the worst since 1927. If, as expected, the Army Corps of Engineers this weekend opens the Morganza floodway for the first time in 38 years, it will unleash Mississippi River water through the Atchafalaya River basin, flooding parts of seven parishes in southern Louisiana near the Gulf of Mexico. Much of the water would end up in swamplands, bayous and backwater lakes but several thousand homes are at risk of flooding. "My message to our people is they don't need to be delaying," Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal said on Thursday. "Move their valuables. Think about where they would go." Earlier this week, the Mississippi River flooded parts of Memphis, Tennessee, the city famed as one of the birthplaces of rock and roll and blues music. Further upstream, the Army Corps of Engineers has opened floodways in Missouri to keep pressure off levees protecting the town of Cairo, Illinois. The US government has said farmers whose land has been flooded will be reimbursed for destroyed crops. Longest and Biggest Rivers The River Nile is the longest river in the world. It measures 6,695 kilometres from its source in Burundi, along the White Nile, to its delta on the Mediterranean Sea. Officially, the shortesr river is the D River, Oregan, USA, which is just 37 metres long. The biggest river in the world, measured by the amount of water that flows down it, is the Amazon. On average 120,000 cubic metres (about 20 swimming pools' worth) of water flows out of its mouth every second. The longest river of Europe is the River Volga. It flows primarily in a southerly direction through Russia into the Caspian Sea. The second longest is the Danube, flows west to east before entering the Black Sea.
Mutunga, Baraza for CJ and deputy
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated Dr Willy Mutunga as the next Chief Justice of Kenya and Nancy Baraza as deputy Chief Justice. The announcement was made on Friday afternoon by JSC acting Chairperson Prof Christine Mango. "In these two candidates, the Commission has seen the attributes and the vision we were looking for when we started the interview process. They are a man and a woman we can trust the Judiciary with," she said. "We were looking for candidates who will lead by example the Judiciary as the third arm of government; Persons of great depth of legal and constitutional leaning, whose integrity is both impeccable and beyond reproach, who have a record of independence," said Prof Mango. Dr Mutunga, who holds a PhD in law, is a former chairman of the Law Society, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and once taught at the Kenya Law School. He is well known as a vocal champion for reforms in the country and was a leading light in the clamour for constitutional reforms. Ms Baraza who has practiced law for over 30 years is presently pursuing a PhD degree. "She is the Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Law Reform Commission and a former Chair of FIDA (Kenya)," said the JSC. The two names will be handed over to President Mwai Kibaki, who in consultation with Prime Minister Raila Odinga will then forward them to Parliament for approval. If cleared, the names will be taken back to the Head of State who will then announce the next Chief Justice and the deputy. According to Section 166 (1) of the Constitution, "The President shall appoint the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice, in accordance with the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, and subject to the approval of the National Assembly." The journey of recruiting the new Chief Justice will find its way to Kenya's history books because it is the first time that the position will be filled competitively through tough public interviews. The interviews became a reality after Parliament, the civil society and a section of the public opposed President Kibaki's nomination of Justice Alnashir Visram on January 28. The first dissenting voice had been that of Prime Minister Raila Odinga who had claimed that the President announced the nominees without conclusive consultations with him as required by law. The President had also nominated Prof Githu Muigai for Attorney General and lawyer Kioko Kilukumi as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). After a month-long political stand-off, President Kibaki withdrew the nominations and set the pace for the advertisement of the jobs by the Judicial Service Commission (for Chief Justice and Deputy) and a specially-constituted panel (for DPP). Twenty six persons applied for the position of Chief Justice and Deputy. Ten were shortlisted and interviewed for the CJ's post, while six were interviewed for the deputy's position. - CapitalFM
Stolen car returned after 36 years
A phone call from the police to say they've recovered your stolen car is usually good news - but imagine if that call comes 36 years after you reported it missing. That's exactly what happened to Janice Maffucci from New Jersey, USA. Her 1969 Chevrolet Camaro muscle car was stolen in July 1975 from outside the post office where her father worked. After 36 years she naturally assumed that it was gone for good. Amazingly, it was recovered after it was recently bought online by an eagle-eyed classic car enthusiast. Keith Williams bought the Camaro SS from eBay and discovered that certain things didn't quite add up when it arrived. Convinced that the Chevy was a fake, Keith contacted California police, who investigated and tracked the car back to a 1975 stolen vehicle report. They contacted the registered owner at the time, Ms Maffucci, and told her they'd found her car. She hung up, thinking it was a joke, but when the local police paid her a visit, she was convinced, and arranged to have the car delivered. Since the theft, the Camaro's original six-cylinder engine had been swapped for a more powerful V8. Mr Williams was able to recoup his investment in the car through buyer's insurance, and Ms Maffucci has been reunited with a car that is now worth significantly more than it was when stolen. The original thief is yet to be found, but police continue to investigate.
Reforms activist beats judges in race for CJ
Dr Willy Mutunga, the Judicial Service Commission nominee for the Chief Justice post, was arrested and imprisoned from 1982 to 1983 during his struggle for reforms. Seven months ago, Dr Willy Mutunga, wrote a piece in the Nation outlining the resume of the new Chief Justice. He said key reform institutions must be led by new hands committed to ideas of the new Constitution and called for appointment of the next Chief Justice from outside the Judiciary. The scholar warned against the recycling of names of the “usual suspects” for senior appointments. On Friday, the Judicial Service Commission accepted his application for nomination as Chief Justice alongside lawyer Nancy Baraza as Deputy Chief Justice. As early as three weeks ago, many commissioners had made a decision in support of Dr Mutunga because of his academic credentials and struggle in the reform movement as a member of the National Convention Executive Council. The fact that he had not served in the discredited Judiciary gave him an upper hand as the new broom to clean up the institution. Their decision was also driven to come up with a candidate who would be acceptable to both President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the international community. Opinion was particularly against sitting judges even before the interviews began. - Daily Nation
Plane hit by lightning caught on video
A man was lucky enough to capture this footage of two bolts of lightning striking an airplane minutes before it landed at Heathrow airport. All five hundred passengers on-board the Emirates Airbus A380 escaped unharmed after two powerful lightning bolts hit the aircraft in a thunderstorm. During the four-second-long video, the powerful lightning strikes can be seen touching the body of the aircraft from all sides. The awesome moment was captured by photographer Chris Dawson in south west London over the warm Easter weekend last month. The plane was left completely intact following the incident. “I saw the storm clouds gathering and I thought the conditions would be perfect for a lightning strike,” he told the Daily Mail. According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), if airplanes are not adequately protected from lightning strikes – extremely high voltages and currents can pass through the aircraft, which are capable of damaging component assemblies or destroying wiring and equipment. However, the body of a plane must be bonded with metal so it can act as a conductor, allowing electricity to pass through it in order to survive the jolts. Without the metallic bonding, lightning could cause a plane to explode on impact. The worst incident ever recorded involving a lightning strike occurred in 1976 when a lightning bolt hit the fuel tanks of a Boeing 707 flying over Maryland in the US, killing 81 people on-board.
Grilling Of Bin Laden's 'Hostile' Widows Osama bin Laden's three widows have been described as "hostile and unhelpful" during an interview with US officials. It was hoped the women might be able to build a picture of life in the Abbottabad compound where the al Qaeda mastermind and four others were killed last week. A US official told Fox News that this was the first "discussion" and they hope to establish a rapport with the widows, one of whom was shot in the leg during the Navy Seals mission. Intelligence officers did not expect the women to be immediately forthcoming, assuming they had been "coached for deception". It is also claimed a large stash of pornography was found by the US commandos who searched the building after his death. Kibaki holds talks with Somali President
President Mwai Kibaki Friday at his Harambee House met and held discussions with the President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. During the discussions President Sharif Ahmed briefed President Kibaki on the progress of political and security developments in Somalia. Thanking President Kibaki for the continued support in the normalization process of the war ravaged country, President Sharif affirmed that the Transitional Government has so far taken control of over 70 per cent of Mogadishu. He noted and appreciated that Kenya continued to host a very large number of Somali refugees who escaped hostilities in their country. Kenya currently hosts over 40,000 refugees from Somalia. The TFG President assured that local troops and those serving under AMISOM was making good progress in dealing with the insurgents. He pointed out that there was need for enhanced bilateral ties between the two countries and continued support under the UN and AMISOM framework. Noting that the Charter establishing the TFG was coming to an end in August this year, President Sharif supported extension of the Transitional Government by one year so as to address outstanding issues. On his part President Kibaki commended the TFG for their achievements and assured that Kenya would continue to support Somalia so as to achieve long lasting peace and stability even in the region. President Kibaki urged Transitional Government to hold an all inclusive process during the constitution making process so as to foster unity among stakeholders. The Head of State advised that even Somalia citizens in the Diaspora should be invited to participate in the constitution making process and in the entire process of restoring peace and stability in the country. In attendance were Defence Minister Yusuf Haji, Acting Foreign Affairs and Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti, Assistant Minister Foreign Affairs Richard Onyonka, Acting PS Foreign Affairs, Patrick Wamoto and other senior government officials. On his part President Sharif was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar, Information Minister Abdikarim Hassa Jama and other senior officials of the TFG.
A KENYAN MAN HAS PASSED AWAY IN DALLAS, USA
A Kenyan man has passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA. The late Mr. Isaiah Kiuna Kinyanjui formerly of Atlas Cop Co. Kenya Ltd passed away in Dallas Texas after a short illness. He passed away at the Presbyterian Hospital of Plano Texas on Wednesday 11th May, 2011 at 5:45 am. Mr. Kinyanjui is survived by his wife Philis Wambui Kiuna, his two sons Simon Kinyanjui Kiuna and Dan Mwangi Kiuna all from Dallas Texas. Also cousin to Allan Kiuna of Carrollton Texas. Funeral arrangements are currently ongoing and family and friends are meeting from 7pm daily at the Kinyanjui’s residence at: 18081 Midway Rd, Dallas TX 75287. There will be a Fundraiser/Memorial Service on Sunday May 15th 2011 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church (HPCC) located at 3821 University Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75205 starting at 3 pm. Mr. Kinyanjui’s wish was to be laid to rest back at home (Kenya) and the body is scheduled to leave for Kenya on Tuesday 05/17/2011. A bank account has been established and those who would like to make their contributions to help the family offset the funeral/transportation costs can do so at Bank: Chase Bank, Routing No. 111000614, Account No. 3123756592. For more information please contact Allan Kiuna: 214-876-5897 or 214-715-4925, Joseph Mbugua: 972-697-8956, Victor Maina: 972-824-4061, Lucy Kamau: 972-983-3522, Kanyuira Chege: 214-636-2002 or Kiragu Ngari: 214-995-8525.
Have you ever heard of Cisco Unified Computing System? The 21st technology by google where everything comes under one roof. What is the Unified Computing System?See how the Cisco Unified Computing System simplifies IT and boosts agility. Cisco UCS solves the challenge Cost of road to go up over fuel prices
A section of the Nairobi-Thika highway at Globe roundabout under construction. The cost of the road upgrade could go up due to escalating fuel prices. The escalating cost of fuel could increase the cost of completing the Nairobi-Thika highway. This could result in further delay to completion of the Sh27 billion highway, which is scheduled for February next year. Roads permanent secretary Michael Kamau said the government had a contingency plan to take care of such a predicament. “If this project is delayed and the fuel prices continue behaving the way they are doing, then we have serious challenges on the amount of money we are going to pay on the variation on price,” the PS said while inspecting the construction progress. He, however, said the project was nearly half-way done. “After we changed the contractors, who were doing the re-routing of the water services, the progress level is at six per cent per month,” Mr Kamau said. He said the contractors were working on the structural works — the underpasses and retaining walls — but had been set back by the current rains. – Daily Nation.
What is Cloud computing? Cloud computing is all the rage. "It's become the phrase du jour," says Gartner senior analyst Ben Pring, echoing many of his peers. The problem is that (as with Web 2.0) everyone seems to have a different definition. As a metaphor for the Internet, "the cloud" is a familiar cliché, but when combined with "computing," the meaning gets bigger and fuzzier. Some analysts and vendors define cloud computing narrowly as an updated version of utility computing: basically virtual servers available over the Internet. Others go very broad, arguing anything you consume outside the firewall is "in the cloud," including conventional outsourcing. [Get the no-nonsense explanations and advice you need to take real advantage of cloud computing in InfoWorld editors' 21-page Cloud Computing Deep Dive PDF special report, then go deeper in our Server Virtualization Deep Dive. | Stay up on the cloud with InfoWorld's Cloud Computing Report newsletter.] Cloud computing comes into focus only when you think about what IT always needs: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real time over the Internet, extends IT's existing capabilities. Cloud computing is at an early stage, with a motley crew of providers large and small delivering a slew of cloud-based services, from full-blown applications to storage services to spam filtering. Yes, utility-style infrastructure providers are part of the mix, but so are SaaS (software as a service) providers such as Salesforce.com. Today, for the most part, IT must plug into cloud-based services individually, but cloud computing aggregators and integrators are already emerging. InfoWorld talked to dozens of vendors, analysts, and IT customers to tease out the various components of cloud computing. Based on those discussions, here's a rough breakdown of what cloud computing is all about.
What is Grand Canyon Skywalk? The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a horseshoe shaped cantilever bridge and tourist attraction in Arizona near the Colorado River on the edge of a side canyon in the Grand Canyon West area in the main canyon. USGS topographic maps show the elevation at the Skywalk's location as 4,770 ft (1,450 m) and the elevation of the Colorado River in the base of the canyon as 1,160 ft (350 m), and they show that the height of the precisely vertical drop directly under the skywalk is between 500 ft (150 m) and 800 ft (240 m). - VIDEO Blurred lines in California's cannabis capital
The aroma of marijuana is rarely far away in the town of Garberville, in northern California's Humboldt County, but as a topic of conversation it remains taboo - at least for outsiders.It feels like a 1960s hippie town that never quite grew up. Garberville nestles in the thick of the mighty redwood forest to the north of San Francisco - but it isn't just the ancient tall trees that draw people to these parts. This is the marijuana heartland of the US. So I anticipated an openness among people when broaching the subject of weed. But I was mistaken. Locals I spoke to discreetly said they either worked as "farmers" or sold fertiliser, without elaborating much further.
Cash crop So I visited a newly established so-called Cannabis College nearby, where I assumed they would be happy to talk frankly about the sole subject they teach. On the way, I spotted three large gardening stores, one of many clues which suggested a lot of planting takes place here. You can smell marijuana in the air in these parts. The area has an ideal pot-growing climate, and under California laws it has been legal to grow and buy marijuana here for personal medical use since 1996 - as long as you have a permit. But the state law directly contravenes America's federal drugs law. Growing even a single marijuana plant is a federal crime. A person can serve five years in prison for cultivating 100 plants. That's longer than the average sentence for car theft or manslaughter. Those who want to relax the laws on cannabis claim that it's America's leading cash crop - worth more than wheat and corn put together. Others dispute those figures. Pearl Moon and Kellie Dodd are the two ebullient co-founders of Garberville's Cannabis College. Pearl is evidently passionate about the healing potential of pot. "We are not just smoking it any more. We are heating it, eating it, juicing it and rubbing it into our skin," she says.
Constant fear The college strives to bring together legal, scientific and horticultural cannabis experts. In a recent culinary class, students were taught how to make cannabis-infused pasta and butter. While this is an educational institute with real intentions to inform medical marijuana users, I found it hard to engage in a serious conversation on this lingering taboo topic. Weed remains entangled in international organised crime and illegal trade, in spite of its widely endorsed medical benefits - and few here want to talk about its alleged harmful effects on mental health. It became apparent very quickly that even those who grow pot with a permit live in constant fear of the Feds. Dedicated newspapers such as the West Coast Leaf report the minor changes to cannabis legislation with enthusiasm and local radio stations broadcast public service warnings if the cops are coming. Cannabis continues to stir caution in people. Pearl and Kellie mentioned obstacles they faced getting a licence under the name, Cannabis College. "The problem was with the word 'cannabis'. They thought we were going to distribute it," Pearl explained. Later, I went to a hemp store in Garberville. The goods on offer reflected the blurry line between holistic living and illicit activity that I sense all around this sleepy town. It was in a cafe that evening that a waitress echoed the one thing everyone seems to agree on here: "Without weed - this town would go down."
Museveni guests say better late than never
Dr Kizza Besigye waves at supporters on his way to Kampala from Entebbe Airport o May 12, 2011. Dr Besigye was welcomed by a large crowd in Uganda from Kenya on the day of President Museveni’s inauguration ceremony. Did Kenya’s President breach protocol on Thursday by arriving late for the inauguration of his host, President Yoweri Museveni, or does the Ugandan protocol demand that the guest arrives later? Perhaps, perhaps not. Either way, both President Kibaki and Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete arrived several minutes after their host during Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. The 67-year-old president, who is serving his fourth term — albeit with heightened opposition from his main challenger, Dr Kizza Besigye — was sworn in yesterday in Kampala. Dr Besigye missed the occasion as he was seemingly having a ball in Kenya — if the denials by both Kenya and Uganda that they barred the good doctor from boarding a Kenya Airways plane were anything to go by. The punctuality or otherwise, of African presidents invited to the function had some tongues wagging in Kenya, thanks to live coverage of the event. Social blunder A number of bloggers felt that a number of heads of state — including President Kibaki — committed a faux pas (social blunder) by arriving long after their host was seated and the inauguration ceremony was under way. President Kibaki arrived at least 10 minutes after his host Museveni was already seated. Presidents Jakaya Kikwete, Robert Mugabe and Sharif Ahmed of the transitional government of Somalia were also late. As a result, Museveni and the rest of his visitors, already seated on the dais, kept rising from their seats to welcome the latecomers. Thanks to the live coverage, the faux pas did not go unnoticed. “His Excellency arrived late because of the time zone differences between Kenya and Uganda,” said one blogger. In the marching and the fly-past, the Ugandans seem to be catching up with their Kenyan military counterparts. A lot in the military band looked more like the Kenya Army Band during a Kenyan national day, complete with white gloves and red uniform. The soldiers, who saluted every time a head of state arrived, appeared strikingly Kenyan — save for a few fidgeting ones who differed from their more frozen Kenyan counterparts. Then there was the fly-past. A month before the inauguration, the Ugandan military acquired six new jet fighters from the Russians at a cost of over one trillion Ugandan shillings (Sh37 billion). News of the budget came together with that of a three billion shilling (Sh111 million) budget for the inauguration. The thundering jets of the Kenyan air force during national days must have inspired Thursday’s fly-past in Kampala, complete with the mid-air tricks. – Daily Nation. Eastleigh to be upgraded into a modern business hub The government has finalized plans to upgrade Eastleigh estate into a modern city suburb at a cost of Ksh 5.2 billion, Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced. The PM informed residents that a technical committee constituted under the patronage of his office had completed the review and the redesigning of the infrastructure in the proposed modern business hub within the city The premier said the move was to ensure that the estate whose population had outstretched the basic amenities established during the colonial era for a residential estate met the demands of the new status. He said the government had factored Ksh 1.4 billion in the current budget and had almost completed rehabilitating the dilapidated drainage systems that had become an eyesore and a major health risk in the suburb. The restructuring of the estate which has lately evolved into a fast growing 24 hour business centre including the construction of roads, installation of street lights and expansion of sanitation facilities among other needs. Odinga unveiled the development plan when he led Orange Democratic Movement brigades to mobilize support for party's Kamkunji parliamentary candidate Ibrahim Ahmed ahead of the May 23rd by elections. Business came to a virtual halt for the better part of the day the as the campaign convoy snaked through the densely populated constituency where thousands of supporters chanting party slogans trailed the entourage on foot oblivious of the distance they covered. The Premier who was accompanied by at least 20 members of parliament made a series of roadside addresses at the Machakos Bus Terminus, Jua Kali sheds, Burma Market, Majengo and Eastliegh trading centre. He cautioned residents to be wary of leaders who were dangling the ethnic tag during the campaigns to divide the electorates along communal lines and urged them to elect their candidates on merit and policy issues. Speakers censored a section of political elites who they accused of opposing the enactment of the new constitution during the referendum of regrouping to undermine the implementation of the document to protect their selfish interest. Odinga said the saboteurs were scheming to hijack the legal affairs committee mandated with the task by demanding the replacement of the chairman Ababu Namwamba with one of the people who championed the rejection of the new laws. "How can we entrust someone who campaigned for red with the task of seeing the implementation of the very document he vehemently rejected during the constitutional referendum" he posed. The Premier later presided over the opening of the multimillion Grand Royal Hotel in Eastliegh before holding a session with the local business community to assert the government's commitment to address their concerns. High Profiled personalities in the campaign included cabinet Ministers James Orengo, Mohamed Elmi, Elizabeth Ongoro, MPs Fred Outa, Racheal Shebesh, Ababu Namwamba and Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi among others.
A LUO PROVERB Oyieyo kayi to kudhi. A rat would bite you and blow the air to sooth the wound. A person may pretend to be a good friend while he/she is actually a traitor.
MRS. SEED KICKS OFF HER US TOUR
Pastor Jane Njiiri well known as Mr. Seed.Mrs kicked off her US tour with a sermon in Christ Covenant Church in St. Louis where she shared the word at the Women's Day. She was hosted by Pastor Paul Macharia and his wife below:
Paul M. Macharia, Pastor, Tel: 314-839-0292 314-839-0292 - Email: christcovchurch@yahoo.com
A MAASAI PROVERB Oota tata o oota taisere. He who has today is not he who has tomorrow. Uganda's Besigye flies home
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye flew home Thursday 12th May, 2011, a day after being barred from making the journey. His return coincides with the swearing in ceremony of President Yoweri Museveni for a fourth term. Among the dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony include Kenya's President Kibaki, Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete, former president Moi and other regional leaders. The inauguration is being held at the Kololo Ceremonial Ground in Kampala. President Kibaki is also expected to attend a tripartite meeting of the leaders of Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda. He will also meet with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi. Dr Besigye arrived at Entebbe Airport amidst tight security and has left for Kampala. On Wednesday, the opposition leader missed a second flight home in unexplained circumstances. He was scheduled to leave on the 5.50pm flight, almost nine hours after he was first barred from boarding a Kenya Airways flight to Entebbe. – Daily Nation.
Spain earthquake: Thousands in Lorca sleep out in fear Thousands of people have spent the night outdoors in the southern Spanish town of Lorca after an earthquake which killed at least eight people. The magnitude-5.2 tremor toppled several buildings after striking at a depth of just 10km (six miles), 120km south-west of Alicante. Lines of cars lay crushed under tonnes of rubble after Spain's worst earthquake for 50 years. Wednesday evening's quake came about two hours after a 4.4-magnitude tremor. Regional officials on Thursday put the official death toll at eight, revising it down from 10. It is not clear how many people were injured, although Spanish media say there are dozens with some in a critical condition. Shocked residents and workers rushed out of buildings and gathered in squares, parks and open spaces after the quake struck at 1847 (1647 GMT) in the town in Murcia region. Spanish TV captured dramatic images of a church bell tower crashing to the ground, landing just metres from a cameraman. As night fell, many of Lorca's 90,000 residents were either unable or still too afraid to return to their homes. Mayor Francisco Jodar said as many as a third of the population slept out. The Red Cross had set up a temporary shelter with 800 beds on the edge of town, but many people preferred to "sleep outside" to be near their homes or for fear of aftershocks, spokeswoman Carla Vera said. Many people spent the night huddled under blankets in parks and other open spaces including an outdoor basketball court and playgrounds. "We know we live near a fault line but we never thought this would happen," Lorca resident Pepe Tomas, 56, said. TEARS AS PASTOR THUKU LEAVES
It was tears at CCBC Swahili Service Barking, London on Sunday 8th May, 2011 as Pastor Patrick Thuku the resident pastor broke the new that he was taking a break from the church. As church women presented a cake of love they had arranged for him and his family, many could not hold their tears. Asked by Mr. Seed whether he was leaving the church, Pastor Thuku explained that he is just taking a break from the church and he will wait upon God to give the next direction.
X Factor Gamu wins deportation case
Former X Factor hopeful Gamu Nhengu and her family have won their appeal against deportation, her lawyer has said. Gamu, 19, currently lives with her two brothers and mother Nokuthula Ngazana in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, but they feared they would be sent back to Zimbabwe after a court ruling. Earlier this year the teenager's relatives were refused leave to stay in the UK by the Home Office following a decision passed at the Immigration Court in Glasgow, but they have now heard an appeal against the decision has been successful. The Home Office now has five days to appeal against the decision, which was granted in accordance with their right to a private and family life as set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. The family's lawyer, Frances Farrell, said in a statement: "We are delighted to announce that the court has allowed Gamu, her brothers' and her mother's appeal. If the Home Office accepts the decision of the court, then my clients will be granted leave to remain in the UK. The Home Office have a five working day limit to appeal and we hope they do not exercise that right. "My clients are all delighted with the decision, it's the first great news they've had for months." Gamu shot to fame on last year's X Factor competition when she was controversially kicked off the show by judge Cheryl Cole during the boot-camp round. The move to deport her family came in February after allegations that her mother, a nurse, had wrongly claimed working tax credits. The family has always contested the allegation, which was successfully appealed against at a private hearing. MP Gordon Banks, who represents Ochil and South Perthshire where Gamu is a constituent, said: "This is really good news not only for the family, but also for the local community in which the family played such a vital role. It's particularly pleasing to see that common sense has prevailed and that we have the ability in the UK to take decisions which are morally right. "I hope the Home Office don't exercise their right to appeal this decision and that the family will be allowed to get on with their lives and continue to contribute to society." Family inherits millions, generations later
Millions of us dream of a long lost relative leaving a substantial sum to us in their will and solving all our financial problems, few think it would take almost 100 years to reach us. But that's exactly what's about to happen to 12 people — the descendents of Wellington Burt. Burt died 92 years ago, in 1919, but thanks to one of the oddest and most hotly contested wills ever written, the millions he made in life won't reach his descendents until this month. What happened Burt was one of America's richest men at the turn of the century, he had made his fortune from iron and timber, but it seems he was keen his family should not take the lion's share of his wealth after he died. Newspaper reports from the time suggest Burt's family fell out with him and each other. The businessman spent his final years living alone with his staff, but in life had had two wives and fathered six children. Burt, 87 at his death, gave modest allowances of between $1,000 and $5,000 a year to his children and grandchildren — as well as to his cook, driver, secretary, housekeeper and coachman. In today's prices that's between £13,000 and £40,000 a year. He did leave one of his sons $30,000 (about £230,000 in today's money) — but apart from that his inheritance was locked away until 21 years after his last grandchild died — which happened in 1989. "I'm pretty sure he didn't like his family back then," said Christina Cameron — Burt's great-great-great granddaughter and one of those set to benefit now. This meant his six children and seven grandchildren wouldn't inherit more than their allowances, while six of his great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren missed out by dying before the money was passed on. Is that legal? Legal battles raged for decades in the courts as those set to miss out or those who wanted the money sooner argued about these terms. In 1920 some $720,000 (worth £5 million in today's money) of Burt's wealth was passed among his children after a loophole was found in the will, while in 1961 another $700,000 (worth £3 million today) went to nine heirs and three other family members. But the problems don't end there — even after the final grandchild died the question of who would get the rest of the cash was left unsolved. It wasn't until April this year that a deal was struck on how to split the money, after 20 lawyers representing various heirs of the business mogul finally agreed on a settlement. Now, 92 years after he died and 94 after the will was written, Burt's three surviving great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren and two great-great-great grandchildren can take their shares of the £60 million fortune. The chief probate judge of Saginaw County — Burt's final resting place — described it as "one of the most complicated research projects" he had faced in his 12-year career. Not alone Of course, deciding who gets what when you're gone is a far from simple prospect, especially for the super rich and self-made millionaires Warren Buffet and Bill Gates — two of the richest people on the planet today — have both decided to give the vast majority of their billions to charity rather than spoil their children. Closer to home, Nigella Lawson announced she wouldn't leave a penny of her multi-million pound fortune to her children a few years ago. "I am determined that my children should have no financial security. It ruins people not having to earn money," she said in 2008.
Hellenah interviewed by BBC world service
While in UK , Kenyan gospel artist Hellenah had an opportunity to visit BBC World Service where she was invited for an interview. According to Hellenah, she was given a celebrity treatment and was amazed by the way she was welcomed. She attributes all these to God’s favour and not her own efforts. When will some Kenyan leaders stop telling lies in public
"Kenya Airways would like to confirm to its passengers, customers, investors and the public that Ugandan Opposition Leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is now scheduled to depart on KQ414/11th May departing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for Entebbe International Airport at 1750hrs," said KQ Group Managing Director and CEO Titus Naikuni. THREE HOURS LATER Day of drama as Besigye blocked from flying home Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye missed a second flight home in unexplained circumstances on Wednesday evening. He was scheduled to leave on the 5.50pm flight, almost nine hours after he was first barred from boarding a Kenya Airways flight to Entebbe. Sources said Dr Besigye would leave on Friday, a day after President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing in for the fourth term. - Daily Nation.
Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe of London invites all family and friends to their pre-wedding of her nephew Richard Kangethe and Yvonne Njeri (see below) Kangethe and Njeri Pre-wedding in London
Richard Kangethe & Yvonne Njeri & the organising committee of their Pre-Wedding cordially invite you to their Pre-Wedding party which will be held on the 14th of May 2011 at Revival House, 500 High Street North, Manor Park, E12 6QN. The function starts at 6:00pm till 11:30pm. Please come and support us and God will bless you. The Guests of Honour will be: Lucy Nganga (Wangash) Rose Kim (Reliable Care) Joseph Chege John Mburu among others.
R.S.V.P regrets only Yvonne Njeri 07961655514 Richard Kangethe 07949145430.
THIS MONTH OF MAY AT SHEKINAH GLORY TABERNACLE VENUE: ONE LOVE, 1 BISHOPS AVENUE NEWHAM, LONDON E13 0RB, OFF PLAISHET ROAD..TIME: 1:30PM
Alarm as Kenyan youths enlisted in al Shabaab killed
Ms Saum Mwachambuni (right), the mother of 27-year-old Suleiman Hassan, is consoled by a relative after she broke down in tears in Mombasa on May 10, 2011. Hassan died in Somalia as an al Shabaab fighter. These were his last words: “Everyone was born alone and whenever I die, I should be buried in accordance to Muslim rituals.” Suleiman Hassan, 27, spoke those words to his mother and then left home to go to Somali where he died fighting for the al Shabaab terrorists. Hassan, a devout Muslim who spent most of his time in mosques, was said to have left for Zanzibar for special religious teachings, only for his family to learn later that he was among dozens of youths recruited two years ago by the militia in South Coast. His mother Saum Mwachambuni is yet to come to terms with the death of her only son. “When I got news of his death, the words he told me the last day I saw him echoed in my mind. But I am not yet convinced that Hassan is dead. I hope one day I will see him coming back home smiling as he used to,” she said. The distressed mother said the caller from Somalia on April 5, described how his son was buried. – Daily Nation.
Aussie Rules player sent off for dangerous haircut
An Australian Rules Football player has been sent off for having a haircut deemed too dangerous by the referee. Nathan van Someren of the Simpson Tigers was given his marching orders by an umpire in the match against Otway Districts, who claimed that his Mohawk haircut could have poked another player in the eye. Team coach Leigh Walsh confirmed that match officials had dismissed Van Someren "because his hair was too dangerous". The player himself - who has played with his Mohawk for three years - was left stunned by the incident. "Before the game the umpire said that I could not play with my hair like that. He told me it was dangerous," he said. "We all thought that he was taking the mickey out of me. A few umpires have made jokes about my hair before, so I didn't think any more of it."
Uganda opposition leader Kizza Besigye 'allowed home' Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has told the BBC he has now been allowed to return home after saying hours earlier he had been barred. Initially he said he was prevented from boarding a flight from Nairobi to Uganda after receiving medical treatment in Kenya. The Ugandan government denied taking any action to block his return. President Yoweri Museveni, who defeated Dr Besigye in February's election, is to be sworn in on Thursday. Dr Besigye, who says the election was rigged, was violently arrested during a protest in Uganda two weeks ago and his eyesight was damaged by pepper spray. He had told the BBC from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta international airport: "The Ugandan government had told the Kenya Airways chief executive that if they board us the aircraft will not be allowed to land in Uganda and that we were not welcome and that therefore they had absolutely nothing to do if they wanted to fly to Uganda but offload us." Later he told the BBC that he had been given permission to return but could not say why the authorities had reversed their decision. He said his wife had been negotiating with staff at the Kenya Airways office in Nairobi. The BBC's Anne Mawathe at Nairobi airport says Dr Besigye is booked on a flight leaving at 1800 (1500 GMT). Museveni borrowed Moi's tactics
Nairobi, Wednesday 11th May, 2011. Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye is reportedly stuck at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after he was stopped from boarding a Kenya Airways flight to his home country Wednesday morning. Dr Besigye was reportedly stopped from boarding KQ flight following alleged threats by Ugandan authorities that the aircraft would not be cleared to land at the Entebbe International Airport. However, the Ugandan government is has reportedly denied issuing such threats. In parliament, Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo asked the Kenyan government to intervene in Bezzigye's predicament at the JKIA to ensure that he travels back safely to his country. Besigye is to lead a demo on Thursday as President Yoweri Museveni takes oath of office. The opposition leader has been receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital for multiple injuries sustained when security personnel attacked him on April 28 as he tried to drive into Kampala City. He is reportedly pitching camp at the JKIA departures lounge and is demanding an official and written explanation from Kenya Airways. Dr Besigye's walk-to-work protests against high fuel prices and the rising cost of living has seen him have four confrontations with the military police. Officials from his Forum for Democratic Change said he was not allowed to board a flight back to Uganda. Mr Besigye was President Yoweri Museveni's biggest opponent in February's election. Officials in Mr Besigye's party said he was about to board a flight to Entebbe, Uganda, from Nairobi when an official from Kenya Airways stopped him. The Ugandan authorities had apparently said the plane would not be allowed to land if Mr Besigye was on board, says the BBC's East Africa correspondent, Will Ross, in Entebbe. Pink spray Ugandan Internal Affairs Minister Kirunda Kivejinja said the government had no authority over who boarded Kenya Airways flights."If we managed to allow him to leave, how can we stop him from coming back?" he told Uganda's Daily Monitor. It had looked as though negotiations between the police and the opposition had reached an agreement on Mr Besigye's return home, says our correspondent. But the return of Mr Besigye in time for Mr Museveni's inauguration had presented an awkward scenario, our correspondent adds. Kizza Besigye's car was attacked during a demonstration in Kampala on 28 April. He was doused in pepper spray and suffered injuries to his eyes. In the last week, the opposition has stepped up its campaign over high prices, which has led to recent clashes between the police and protesters. On Tuesday, opposition demonstrators were doused in pink liquid by police as they tried to hold a banned rally in Kampala. President Museveni has said to curb riots he wants a new law to deny bail for six months to those arrested while protesting. Mr Museveni has been in power for 25 years and was re-elected to a fourth term in February in polls that Mr Besigye says were rigged. DUAL CITIZENSHIP - TIME FOR YOU TO CONTRIBUTE The Dual Citizenship law affects mostly those in the Diaspora than those in Kenya. The law affects you directly and for that matter you have been a chance to say or contribute something before the law is taken to parliament for the final stage. Read it and make your comment to the Task Force before they close down next week. (see below).
Republic of Kenya Office of The Vice-President Ministry of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons CONSULTATIONS WITH KENYAN DIASPORA PARTICIPATION ON CITIZENSHIP LAW UNDER THE NEW KENYA CONSTITUTION:
A Task Force on Citizenship and Related Provisions under the Kenya New Constitution was established and mandated to examine and identify gaps and challenges in the existing legislation dealing with Citizenship, Immigration, Registration of Persons, Registration of Births and Deaths and Refugee matters through public participation. The above Task Force has now finalised the National Public hearings and now wants to consult with Kenyans in the Diaspora. In this regard, therefore, all Kenyans in the diaspora are requested to download the Zero Draft on the Laws on Citizenship and Related Provisions from the Ministry of Immigration Website www.mirp.go.ke and give their valued feedback on the proposed laws as soon as possible – through the above website.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ZERO DRAFT IN PDF ANOTHER VERSION FOR THOSE WITHOUT PDF THE TASK FORCE WOULD LIKE YOUR COMMENTS Send your comments to the Kenya High Commission London on this email - KComm45@aol.com or To Mr. Seed on misterseeduk@gmail.com Again you can post your comments on the message board. - CLICK HERE
The Task Force would like your comments before the draft bill is made in law. Your comments are very important.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL FOR MARRIAGE WILL BE ABOLISHED FROM MONDAY 9TH MAY 2011 From Monday 9th May 2011 the Certificate of Approval for marriage will be abolished. The scheme which was introduced to stop sham marriages is being abolished as it was found by the courts to be incompatible with Article 14 & 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Couples who want to get married in the UK will no longer require obtaining permission from the Home Office to marry. They can now make direct application to the Registry. For more information contact MartynsRose solicitors, 0208 538 1397, 07931 116 124, www.martynsrosesolicitors.co.uk
Kibaki to witness Museveni's swearing-in
President Mwai Kibaki will Wednesday travel to Kampala, Uganda to attend the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of the President-elect of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The swearing-in and inauguration ceremony will be held at Kololo Ceremonial Ground in Kampala, on Thursday 12th May, 2011. The plane carrying the President and his entourage is expected to depart Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly before 4.00PM. During his trip the President is expected to attend a tripartite meeting of the leaders of Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda. Later at his hotel of residence the Head of State will also meet with the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia H.E. Meles Zenawi.
A Kenyan lady in Bristol produces an album
A Kenyan lady living in Bristol, UK has produced her first album. The album holds seven gospel songs. Talking to the lady from Bristol, the ready explained: “Serving the lord starts with a one step we all know FEAR OF GOD. Born and brought up in a Christian way of life, I have always desired to become a worshiper. It has been my prayers to understand why and how to worship the Lord in truth and in spirit. I have now learn that when we apply the fear of God and desire to worship Him in spirit and truth there will be no struggle whilst singing to our God. Although at times i have personally faced different challenges in life as we all do, he lord has been faithful to me and surely it is in trials that God gave me new songs. I now feel encouraged by God for what He is doing in my life and i have decided to serve Him no matter what comes on my way. The lord is reminding me Isaiah 43:19 that He is coming to do a new thing. I therefore believe that, coming this far, is the Lord doing a new thing to me. Glory and Honour back to God Almighty.” Concludes Esther Wanja (Mama Kathryn) of BRISTOL, UK To congratulate and order a copy of DVD to use Tel: 07780331937 or email: hadasa2009@live.com - VIDEO
Stella Mwangi in Semi Final Eurovision 2011 Düsseldorf Vote for Stella if you are in Europe and not in Norway
In Düsseldorf on 10 May 2011, Stella Mwangi is No. 2 out in the scene with her favourite song "Haba Haba". If she qualifies then she will perform in the final on 14 May 2011. To qualify she must get votes from other First semi final countries but not from her home country Norway. Therefore, the song must appeal to the rest of Europe and there is no doubt that it does. Norway is among the favourites to qualify further to finals in this group including Russia, Armenia and Turkey. The Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi has made arrangements for the semi final event to be streamed live on big screen in Nairobi. The family, friends and people of Kenya will have an opportunity to witness her perform. In the past week, Stella and other contesters have rehearsed in the Eurovision Esprit Arena where the competition will take place. Now, it is to keep our fingers crossed and hope that Stella reaches the final. - VIDEO
£100 fines for 'idiot' drivers: After years of speed cameras and penalties for ordinary motorists, ministers switch focus to aggressive boy racers Aggressive drivers are to face £100 on-the-spot fines in the biggest shake-up of road safety law for decades. ● New fixed penalty notices of between £80 and £100 for careless driving, which currently has to be prosecuted in court. ● An end to the right to request blood tests rather than breath tests for drink-driving. ● A re-test for disqualified offenders before they regain their licence. ● Police station drug-testing and a possible new offence for drivers who drive under the influence of drugs. ● The seizure of vehicles belonging to the most dangerous offenders to keep them off the road. ● A post-test qualification for new drivers to encourage lower insurance premiums. ● Educational courses offered in place of points on a licence for minor offences. Mr Hammond confirmed the Government was also considering raising the speed limit on motorways to 80mph, though he said no assessment had yet been done of the risks and benefits. A Kenyan pastor dies in Atlanta Georgia
The Kenyan community in Atlanta Georgia are mourning the death of Rev. Isaac Kairu Gitundu which occurred on May 5th 2011. It is with deep regrets that we announce the passing away of Rev. Isaac Kairu Gitundu of Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was a dear husband to Mrs. Lucy Gitundu and loving father to Sam, Leah, Njoki, Maryanne and Dan Kairu. As the Pastor of International Community Outreach Church (I.C.O.C) he has touched all of us in Metro Atlanta in one way or another through his tireless compassionate care. Rev. Gitundu was always a phone call away day or night. It is now our turn to show that we are humbled and appreciative of his tireless and dedicated services. We are kindly requesting your prayers, presence and financial support to help us move him to his final resting place and assist the family attend the burial. Please help us pass the word around. There will be a memorial service tomorrow Wednesday 5/11/2011 at Peachtree Corners Presbyterian Church, 5918 Spalding drive,Norcross GA 30092.Viewing of the body will be at 4.00pm and the service will be at 7.00 pm If unable to attend, you may deposit your highly appreciated contributions to: Lucy Gitundu’s Bank of America Account# 334033949942 and Routing# 061000052. You may also mail or deliver your contribution to 418 Savannah Rose Way Lawrenceville,GA 30045. May God's blessings be placed on the entire family during their time of bereavement. May his soul rest in peace. For more information or questions, please contact anyone of the following: 1. Sam Kairu (951-522-1626 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 951-522-1626 end_of_the_skype_highlighting), 2. Robbie Karume (404-421-3242 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 404-421-3242 end_of_the_skype_highlighting), 3. Mureithi Kabugua (404-803-3332 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 404-803-3332 end_of_the_skype_highlighting), 4. Chege Maina (678-449-8511 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 678-449-8511 end_of_the_skype_highlighting), 5. Patrick Kinyanjui (678-699-7565 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 678-699-7565 end_of_the_skype_highlighting) - Source: Diasporamessenger
"Four years abroad can make a difference"
Seen above is newly elected Kenyan councillor in UK, Councillor Daniel Munyambu signing the council book at the offices of Basildon Council as the chief CEO looks on. He arrived in the UK four years ago in 2006 from Kenya where he has been doing business. After arrival he started working as well as studying politics. He has always been interested in politics. Two years ago, he started participating in the local politics in his area in Basildon, Essex, UK where he became very popular with the locals. He joined the local labour team and at last, they nominated him to participate in the council elections last Thursday 5th May, 2011 where he was declared a winner with 52 per cent majority. Councillor Daniel Munyambu the man from Kairi, Gatundu, Kenya will be the only black man in the council chambers where he will be sharing with other 41 councillors. Talking to Mr. Seed the jovial councillor explained: "It is not about the time you have lived somewhere that makes the difference, but it is knowing who you are coupled by your determination and God's favour." Mr. Munyambu explained. His contact is 07551526956 or email daniel.munyambu@yahoo.com
Mississippi River breaks its 7o year record
A flooded residential area is seen in this aerial photograph Tuesday, May 10, 2011, in Memphis, Tenn. The Mississippi River crested in Memphis at nearly 48 feet on Tuesday, falling short of its all-time record but still soaking low-lying areas with enough water to require a massive cleanup. - VIDEO
Egyptian man named daughter 'Facebook' An Egyptian man in his early twenties has named his newborn daughter 'Facebook' following the 2011 Egyptian Revolution which was almost solely organized on the social-networking site Facebook. The father, Gamal Ibrahim, told the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram that he gave his child the name to "express his joy at the achievements made by the January 25 youth." The protests, which were largely organized on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, began on January 25 and led to the end of Hosni Mubarak's 30-year reign as president of Egypt. The Al-Ahram report stated that, "The girl's family, friends, and neighbors in the Ibrahimya region gathered around the new born to express their continuing support for the revolution that started on Facebook. 'Facebook' received many gifts from the youth who were overjoyed by her arrival and the new name. A name that shocked the entire world." The Egyptian spelling of 'Facebook' is ÝíÓ Èæß. Kibaki holds consultative meeting on Lake Turkana President Mwai Kibaki Monday chaired a top level Lake Turkana Security and Environmental Consultative meeting at Harambee House. The meeting that was attended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga was briefed on the steps being taken to ensure sustainable and fair use of the Lake Turkana. The meeting received a report of a technical government team that was dispatched to Ethiopia, following a complaint by local communities around Lake Turkana on receding water levels in the lake. The Kenya government has recommended that a joint management mechanism be developed between Kenya and Ethiopia to monitor the flow of water in river Omo, a major source of Lake Turkana water The joint management team should be in place before the Gibe III hydropower project being developed by the Ethiopian government begins generating electricity. The meeting was also briefed on security measures the government has taken following skirmishes in Todonyang area that led to several deaths. Security has been beefed up in the area while peace and reconciliation efforts are being undertaken between the Turkana and Dasenach Merille peoples of Ethiopia. The Ministry of Special Programmes has also distributed food items to the affected families to avoid movement along the common border. Security teams have been stationed at the actual border point to deter any revenge attacks between the two communities. A joint border Commissioners meeting will be held early this week to put in place strategies of ensuring the two communities live in peace. President Kibaki underscored the need for countries in the region to establish proper frameworks for the utilization of shared resources in the region. The President pointed out that both lakes Turkana and Victoria provided for great opportunities for the people in the region but their utilization should be done systematically and in a sustainable manner. The Head of State pointed out that the government would secure its borders and ensure that Kenyans living along or near the borders enjoy peace to enable residents undertake their daily economic and social activities. Prime Minister Raila Odinga noted the vast potential in both lakes and called for peaceful co-existence of communities living near the border and assured of government resolve in protecting Kenya's natural resources. The meeting was attended by among others cabinet Ministers Prof George Saitoti, Charity Ngilu, Kiraitu Murungi, Mohamed Elmi, and several permanent secretaries led by the Head of Public Service and secretary to Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura. PINNACLE PROJECTS NEW PROJECTS IN KENYA
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PROPERTY TO BUY? - CLICK HERE
Kathiani constituency rated best in use of CDF
Kathiani constituency area MP Prof. Wavinya Ndeti Funyula, Kisauni, Mukurweini and Kisumu town East constituencies are the worst performing in terms of utilizing the Constituency Development Funds - CDF. According to the National Taxpayers Association - NTA findings, the four constituencies have recorded wastage of the funds due to badly implemented projects, abandoned projects and unaccounted for money. The best performing Constituency is Kathiani which recorded a minimal wastage of the funds. In this constituency whose area MP is prof. Wavinya Ndeti, all the money is accounted for and no funds have been used on ineffective projects. Kathiani is followed by Likoni, Eldoret South, Eldoret East and Dagoretti constituencies in that order. NTA monitored utilization of CDF funds in the ten constituencies between 2008 and 2011. The association National chairman Peter Kubebea says utilization of CDF has improved compared to the past. - VIDEO
In pictures: Nasa images of Sun light up Preston
The images are being projected on to a large screen in Adelphi Street in Preston for about 30 minutes each night until 12 May, starting at 2045 BST. As well as being of scientific research interest, the pictures will be used as inspiration by digital artist Chris Meigh-Andrews, Professor of Electronic and Digital Art at UCLan. The colours change due to the different light filters used by the observatory. Prince William and Catherine on secret honeymoon
Prince William and his wife Catherine have gone on their honeymoon, St James's Palace said Tuesday, though the royal newlyweds' destination is a closely-guarded secret. The couple did not go on their honeymoon straight after their April 29 wedding, with William returning to work as a military helicopter pilot. The couple, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are hoping to keep their holiday private, in contrast to their fairytale wedding, watched by an estimated one million people on the London streets and two billion on television around the world. The palace has made clear that it will take action against media outlets if they pursue the royal couple. Following their wedding, the couple spent a private short break in Britain, having flown out of Buckingham Palace by helicopter the day after they tied the knot. The delayed honeymoon appeared to be an attempt at throwing the media off their trail amid fears that photographers would pursue the couple wherever they chose to spend their holiday. The prince openly admits to enjoying outwitting the media. Royal watchers say he has an inherent hatred of paparazzi following the death of his mother Diana, princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 as she was being pursued by photographers.
The two-week honeymoon now gives them plenty of time to get ready for their first official overseas tour. The couple are due to visit Canada from June 30 to July 8, followed by two days touring California. The Canada visit will include Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and the National Capital Region. In total, the couple will be away for 10 days -- an ambitious first tour for the duchess, who has previously only attended four one-day engagements with William. "They have left for their honeymoon," a spokesman for William's office told AFP, adding that they went "earlier this week". St James's Palace has previously said that the honeymoon was planned together by the couple and would be spent abroad. "We are not confirming and we are not commenting on speculation on where they may be going on their private honeymoon. We are just confirming that they have gone," the spokesman said. "The couple have asked that their privacy be respected during their honeymoon." William, second in line to the throne, has two weeks' leave from his job as a Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot on the island of Anglesey, northwest Wales, the palace added. Since returning to the helicopter controls, the 28-year-old flight lieutenant has been involved in rescues, including airlifting a judge who suffered a heart attack out of the Snowdonia mountains. Following their wedding, the couple spent a private short break in Britain, having flown out of Buckingham Palace by helicopter the day after they tied the knot.
A Kenyan man has passed away in Atlanta, USA
A Kenyan man has passed away in Atlanta, USA. The late Benjamin Owuor Ochuodho passed away on Thursday 5th May, 2011 after a long illness. Benjamin is the younger brother of Herold Oluoch, also of Atlanta, GA. He only arrived in the U.S. 2 years ago and was just settling down in a new job. Unfortunately, Benjamin was diagnosed with Leukemia last November and was in remission for 4 months before relapsing 5 weeks ago. He eventually lost the battle on 5th of May 2011 at 7:30 am, leaving behind his 25 year old wife and a 4 year old daughter. The tentative arrangement is to prepare to send Benjamin's remains back home to Kisumu. I would like to request all our friends and well-wishers to send their donations to this account to help in paying for the massive costs of the process will incur, as well as send out the word for any support that may be available from the larger Kenyan-American community: 1). Herold B. Oluoch (ATTN: BENJAMIN OCHUODHO FUNERAL FUND), Chase Bank: Routing Number: 061092387, Account Number: 3584346297, Zip Code: 30327 or 2) Margaret A. Owuor (ATTN: BENJAMIN OCHUODHO FUNERAL FUND), Bank of America, Account number: 3340 1988 3339. For Well-wishers in Kenya and the UK, please send donations preferably by MPESA to Rose Owaga on cell number: 0722582264 or 0737929745. A major Fund raising will be held on Saturday the 14th of May 2011 at 4PM at: Believers Celebration Center, where Pastor Mwawasi ministers, 1492 Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA. 30062. For more information contact Herold Oluoch - 678-779-7488, Elly Okello - 770--653-3221, Evans Obino - 678-886-2355 or Alingo - 678-768-0641. COUNCILLOR KANGETHE'S NIECE GRADUATES IN MS. IMMUNOLOGY
Family and friends of Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe of London held a graduation party for her niece graduation on Saturday 7th May, 2011. Miss Emily Waiyaya (right) graduated from Imperial College, London with MSc. Immunology - This course provides advanced academic, laboratory and research training in modern cellular and molecular immunology, with emphasis on the interface between the basic and clinical aspects of the subject. Her grandmother Mrs. Kangethe from Kenya also attended the ceremony. Emily was dressed by the family with a Maasai garment around her neck and presented her with several gifts. Her uncle Mr. Nick Karanja and his wife who had come all the way from Kenya for the occasion presented her with a very unique gift. What was the gift? The gift from her uncle was the photo above which shows a someone escorting some cows home. Her uncle explains: "This is a photo for everyone to learn from. In the old days brave person was a conqueror - he was recognised by the many cows he had escorted from a foreign land to their homestead. This days there are now cows or goats to take home from the foreign land, it is the degrees and wealth you have taken home." the uncle explained. Another guest explained in another version - "It shows the cows which will be given to the family for this educated lady." the joke continued. - CLICK HERE FOR THE ALL THE PHOTOS
In pictures: Mexico anti-drugs march
Thousands of Mexicans have taken part in a march against drug-related violence. The four-day march culminated with some 20,000 people walking on Mexico City's Zocalo Square. The demonstrators turned the water in a fountain blood red. Some 38,000 people have died in drug-related violence since Mexico's President Felipe Calderon launched a war on the drugs gangs in late 2006. The number of protesters - including some with make-up - swelled as the four-day march progressed from Cuernavaca, some 55 miles (90 km) south of Mexico City. Slain reporter laid to rest
Feature of the Day - "Mpango wa Kando"
Despite an ongoing campaign to discourage extra-marital affairs between older men and young girls, a spot check by KTN reveals that in Kenyan society the practice is largely acceptable. Boni Odinga interviewed a sociologist and also sought your views and now tells us that as long as polygamy remains an acceptable African practice, the concept of "Mpango wa Kando" too will remain. - VIDEO
In pictures: Nasa images of Sun light up Preston
The images are being projected on to a large screen in Adelphi Street in Preston for about 30 minutes each night until 12 May, starting at 2045 BST. As well as being of scientific research interest, the pictures will be used as inspiration by digital artist Chris Meigh-Andrews, Professor of Electronic and Digital Art at UCLan. The colours change due to the different light filters used by the observatory. TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT IN NAIROBI FOR YOUR HOLIDAY
A fully furnished and serviced apartment in near Wilson Airport available for short-term lease. Master bedroom with ensuite.
Reasons for DROPPING Mpango wa Kando? - MORE
Kenya is home to one of the world’s harshest HIV and AIDS epidemics Kenya is home to one of the world’s harshest HIV and AIDS epidemics. An estimated 1.5 million people are living with HIV; around 1.2 million children have been orphaned by AIDS; and in 2009 80,000 people died from AIDS related illnesses.1 Kenya’s HIV prevalence peaked during 2000 and, according to the latest figures, has dramatically reduced to around 6.3 percent.2 This decline is thought to be partially due to an increase in education and awareness, and high death rates.3 Many people in Kenya are still not being reached with HIV prevention and treatment services. Only 1 in 3 children needing treatment are receiving it.4 This demonstrates Kenya still has a long way to go in providing universal access to HIV treatment, prevention and care.
Gûtirî ngware nyinyi mahuria-inî
10 natural wonders of the world Here are ten breathtakingly beautiful spots from around the world... Image credit: Tourism Australia Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia
Victoria Falls, Zambia/ Zimbabwe, Africa
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Northern Brazil
Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Paricutin Volcano, Michoacán, Mexico
Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), Alaska
Mount Everest, Himalayas
Plastics Design & Moulding Exhibition in Excel, London - 18-19 May, 2011 The annual Plastics Design & Moulding Exhibition and Conference is taking place next week at London's ExCel. pdm11 is the must-visit event for all those involved in the plastics design and moulding sector. - MORE
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Residents of Navotas, near Manila, enjoy the large waves slamming into the seawall as tropical storm Aere brings heavy seas and much rain to the Philippines.
Can you live without money?
We've all had to cut down on spending since the giant global recession hit in back in 2008. But in this age of austerity and belt-tightening, is it possible to not only curb your spending but actually live WITHOUT money at all? Mark Boyle thinks it is, and he should know; he's been doing just that for more than two years. Mark was the manager for organic food business when he decided to bite the bullet and live 'off-grid', initially for a year. He got a caravan, which he was allowed to park on an organic farm in exchange for some manual labour, and begun his cash-free existence. For food he foraged, grew his own or bartered with neighbours. To get around he got a second-hand bike with a trailer and to go to the toilet… he used a compost heap. Despite the challenges he enjoyed the experience so much he made the lifestyle choice a permanent one. He told Yahoo! Finance: "Since I gave up money I haven't been happier or healthier and fitter to be honest. I could have gone back to using money at any moment, but I've chosen not to." It was environmental concerns — and a fairly hardcore anti-capitalistic attitude — that made Mark forgo cash. "I think we're slightly misguided in this country these days about what will make us happy. We think consuming more and more and more will make us happy, that we'll suddenly find happiness at the end of that rainbow. "I happened to start this around the exact time of the credit crunch back in 2008 and I think that event shook people's faith in the whole economic system and made them realise that security isn't necessary guaranteed in notes and coins and electronic numbers. Security is relationships with people in your local community." What we can learn While not everyone will share Mark's world view or want to live his extreme lifestyle, we could all reconsider our relationship with cash. "I think everyone can make a transition towards being less dependent on money," Mark said. "For most people living completely moneyless is unrealistic, unless they are totally committed. But I think everyone wants to save money and have less of an environmental impact and have some fun in the process. It doesn't have to be a big sacrifice." With this in mind, Mark spilled the (ethically sourced) beans on how he's managed to nab holidays, accommodation, garden tools… and a place to live, all for absolutely nothing. How to get... a house …well, a caravan at least. Mark picked his up at freecycle, an online community of millions of likeminded money savers. It works like this: If you've got a toaster that you don't want, you can post a message on the site saying "I've got a toaster" with your post code. You can also post wanted messages like "I need a new toaster". Then if someone does they'll email you back, saying "I have one, pick it up at so-and-so-time". Mark says: "It's very simple, you can send out an email and in 15 minutes you'll usually have what you're looking for. I've got everything from mobile phones to tents to my caravan. This woman got in contact and said she had one that she couldn't be bothered to fix-up so I just took it off her hands. It was worth £500 and in really good condition." How to get... Legal advice and lawnmowers One thing us Brits are getting worse at, it seems, it talking to our neighbours. That's where sites like's like Freeconomy (which Mark helps run) come in. Essentially it's online community where people can share their skills, knowledge and tools - all for free. Mark says: "The superficial thing about Freeconomy is sharing tools and what have you, but actually it's about just getting people to know their neighbours again. "Why does everyone in a street need a lawnmower or a certain kind of drill? Why can't people pool their resources? That's what the site does, if a lawyer borrows a lawnmower, he can give some legal advice in return, all for free. It's a win-win-win situation." How to get... a place to stay in Paris Want to go on holiday but can't afford hotel or B&B prices? Amazingly, you might not have to pay for these either. Couch surfing is becoming more and more popular, with sites like, er, http://www.couchsurfing.org/ giving you access to thousands of potential holiday homes. Not only is it free, but you'll get invaluable insider knowledge on the city you're staying in from your hosts. Mark says: "If you're going to Paris for weekend, you just send an email to members at somewhere like Couch-surfers and you'll get loads of replies. "I'm a host and I have used it before to stay in places like Portugal, France and Greece. Everyone takes it in really good spirits, plus there's a fantastic verification system, so it's really safe." [See also: Free ways to get entertainment] How to get... a free holiday on a farm Don't fancy staying on a stranger's couch? There's another way to get free holiday accommodation, as long as you don't mind getting your hands dirty. WWOOF is a worldwide scheme where people can go and stay on an organic farm totally for free in exchange for working 15-25 hours a week. Mark says: "It's a great chance to go and learn loads of skills about growing food and living amongst nature. "The farms are usually beautiful and lovely places to stay and you get food and accommodation on top of that. It's about having a good time but also helping out these farms which don't really make any money. "People can get a break from city life and it won't cost them a penny. I've done it in New Zealand and Australia and I've done a bit here as well. I've met so many amazing incredible people doing it." How to get... free grub Unless you want to go rummaging through supermarket bins, nabbing yourself some free grub is going to take a little effort and imagination. However even busy folk with jobs and families can still cut down on the grocery bills without too much fuss (or buying an allotment). Mark's first tip is to buy a ready grown fruit tree from somewhere like here. Mark says: "He's a guy in Devon who grows his own fruit trees and you buy them one or two years already grown. Then you simply plant them and in another year or so you start getting fruit. And there's almost no effort. "As long as you plant them in the right place you have almost unlimited fruit for up to 25 years. It's ideal for people with no time or space." Foraging is another way of getting free food that's become trendy in recent years thanks to TV shows like Roadkill Cafe and the success of the Noma, the world's top-rated restaurant which made its name with foraged ingredients like 'radishes in edible soil'. According to Mark it's worth swatting up before hitting the hedgerows yourself at sites like ReaditSwapit, or even doing a day course (http://www.wildmanwildfood.com/) . It's worth the effort though. "It's a really fun way to spend a day," he said "The UK is amazing for foraging between June and October. You just need to bring yourself along a little book and see how many plants you can find and how much food you can get for free. It's a really good way of connecting people with their local plants."
Gospel Artist Hellenah Ken in Luton
It was a great time of praise and worship at Jesus Celebration Ministries, Luton with Hellenah Ken (Kitheka). Some people could not hold back the worship fire and they had to join Hellenah at the platform. Other young upcoming artists like Shamila, Daisy and Tatiana shocked the congregation with their performances. The host Pastor, Steve Maluki warned the church to be aware of some media programmes that are out to deceive the flock. He reminded the congregation that they can choose what to hear, challenge what they hear and change what they hear (The 3C). Hellenah’s remaining schedule is as follows: Northolt - 22/05/11 : 10.30am at Jesus Restoration Centre (JRC), Northolt Grange Community Centre, Rushdene Crescent. UB5 6NF. AND FINALLY At Triple M, Luton on 22/05/11 3pm to 8pm Performing live with Allan Aron among other gospel artists.
HOLIDAY ROOM TO LET- NAIROBI WEST Servant Quarter in a beautiful, quiet and secure Estate. Near Carnivore and Shopping Centre. Room Self Contained and Furnished. Very private, own gate, Security 24/7 and Parking available. For details Tel.+44 07940482521.
Oil firm warns of Sh5.90 jump in fuel prices The high fuel costs that have gripped the country since January do not appear likely to let up anytime soon with KenolKobil warning of a Sh5.90 jump in pump prices during the May adjustment expected this week. The estimated jump will push prices to a new all time high of Sh116 for a litre of super petrol from the current Sh111, when the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) releases new price caps on May 14. In a statement, KenolKobil Managing Director David Ohana said crude oil was trading at $120.70 per barrel in April, an increase of $8.15 over the price in March. With no let up to the turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, Mr Ohana does not expect pump prices to come down.
IMMIGRATION: OVERSTAYERS/PENDING APPLICATIONS Have you been in the UK for the last 5 years and: 1. You have been an overstayer with no application at the Home Office 2. You have an application which has been pending at the Home Office for years If so kindly seek legal advice from your representative immediately or for more information contact us on: ~Appointments only please. Tel: 0208 538 1397, 07931116124 Email: info-h@martynsrosesolicitors.co.uk, martynsrosesolicitors@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.martynsrosesolicitors.co.uk
JOE CATERING SERVICES (EXCELLENCE & TASTE) Have it your way!!
DO YOU KNOW? Tourism is Kenya’s number two foreign exchange earner after tea, while construction was the fastest growing sector in East Africa’s biggest economy in 2010
Tragedy as four boys are killed in bomb blast
Four children were killed on Sunday and another seriously hurt when an explosive device they were playing with went off. The children, aged between six and nine, were taking care of cows at a grazing field in Ole Maroroi Village, Ewaso Kedong, about 25 kilometres north of Ngong Town, when they found the device. Oblivious of the danger, the children started playing with the device, with tragic consequences. There was some panic after residents learnt that another group of children had found a similar device and taken it home, some two kilometres from the site of the explosion. The device, which police described as an anti-personnel bomb — the round fired from a mortar — was almost certainly an unexploded munition from the nearby Ngong Range, used for training by the military and police. Bomb experts were sent to the scene and once they confirmed that the explosion had been caused by a bomb, a team was immediately sent to secure the one that the other group of children had taken home. Mr John Salash, who lost two of his sons in the explosion said Stephen Letuya, aged seven, and five-year-old Joel Sintamei, left the house after lunch to graze calves. “Thirty minutes later, I heard an explosion and on checking, I saw dust rising,” he said. - Daily Nation.
The Co-op Bank Manager leaves for Kenya
Mrs. Jane Kimani (above left) a manager with Co-operative Bank of Kenya left London for Kenya on Sunday evening 8th May, 2011. Mrs. Kimani opened banks accounts for hundreds if not thousands of banks accounts during her one week in London. There were queuing whenever she went with some venues staying until very late. She left Luton venue at about 3.00 a.m. on Friday and she left Thatched House again at 3.00 a.m. on Saturday where she found a big queue waiting for her as she arrived at the venue on Saturday 7th May, 2011. All the people who opened the bank account will be sent further details on how to access their accounts via internet soon. This will enable you to transfer your money from your account abroad to Co-operative Bank Account inform of pounds or dollars or Kenya Shillings. You can also transfer your money in the account to other banks as well as sending money to your account through Mpesa. It was a record when she opened so many accounts than any other bank has ever opened in UK. She explained that this is the beginning of it all she will be back soon to opened the accounts in other cities in UK and later she will be going to US at a later date. For further enquiries contact Diaspora Banking, Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Tel: 0729277600 or Jane Kimani, Branch Manager, Tel: 0722819884 email: jkimani@co-opbank.co.ke. Above right Mrs. Jane Kimani and Councillor Kangethe as the councillor went to open an account.
Cow fighting in Switzerland 8 May 2011
Herders react as the cows lock horns. Each year when taken to the alpine pastures, the cows test their strength and fight for the herd's leadership. The competition continues until a new queen has forced all the other cows to retreat. Two cows fight in the annual Battle of the Queens fight in Aproz, Switzerland. The country has been holding officially organised fights since 1923. The Super-Rich: Britain's Top Ten RichestThe rich are getting richer, with the combined wealth of Britain's richest 1,000 up 18% in the past year to £396bn. The BBC takes a look at the ten billionaires topping this year's Sunday Times Rich List. LAKSHMI MITTAL AND FAMILY
Mr Mittal owns a stake in Queens Park Rangers football club Steel (Worth £17,514m; Down £4,936bn) A familiar face on the Sunday Times Rich List, steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal has topped the rankings for seven consecutive years. The Indian businessman is the highest faller in this year's list in terms of total wealth, because of the plunging share price of his business AcelorMittal. Mr Mittal has not been afraid to enjoy his riches. He bought his main house in West London for £57m from Bernie Ecclestone. He owns a 20% stake in Queens Park Rangers football club, and has offered to stump up most of the £22m cost for a 377-ft twisting tower in time for the 2012 Olympic Games. His daughter, Vanisha Mittal, meanwhile made headlines after holding one of the most expensive weddings in history when she married Amit Bhatia in 2005, racking up a bill of some £60m. Speaking to Tatler recently, Mr Mittal's wife, Usha, said the attention did not bother her. "We are what we are and we live a normal life," she said. ALISHER USMANOVSteel (Worth £12,400m; Up £7.7bn )
Mr Usmanov has moved from sixth position to second on the list Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov - who owns a large stake in iron and steel firm Metalloinvest - has had a good year. He moved from sixth position up the list to get the second spot after adding £7.7bn to his fortune, which is now worth £12.4bn. A football fan, Mr Usmanov holds a 27% stake in Arsenal, declaring his love for the club as "like that of a man for a woman" - however his bid to control the club was thwarted by rival US investor Stan Kroenke last month. He has resolved to retain his stake, worth around £198m. The 57-year-old became rich through steel and iron ore mines before diversifying into timber, telecoms, and eventually the internet. He is also a philanthropist, reportedly giving £78m to charity over the past year. ROMAN ABRAMOVICHOil and industry (Worth £10,300m; up £2.9bn) Russian Roman Abramovich soared to fame in the UK when he bought Chelsea football team. Orphaned as a toddler, the 44-year-old grew up in a bleak industrial town south of the Arctic Circle with his uncle.
Mr Abramovich is best known in the UK as the owner of Chelsea football club His road to fortune began in the early 1990s, selling Russian oil products. He later teamed up with Boris Beresovsky, one of Russia's biggest oligarchs, who is now exiled in the UK, to found an oil firm called Sibneft. Sibneft then merged with Yukos Oil in a deal that created Russia's biggest oil producer, although it was later sold to Gazprom. Since becoming wealthy, he has amassed a selection of yachts, including the world's largest - the 536-foot Eclipse, which is reported to have cost over £300m. His property portfolio is also expansive. He has seven properties in the UK, two in the US, three in France and four in Russia. In London (in Chelsea, of course), his next-door neighbour is Sir Mick Jagger. He also has stakes in Russian steel group Evraz and mining group Highland Gold. THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTERProperty (Worth £7,000m; up £250m) The Duke of Westminster might be up £250m this year, but it has not stopped him from falling out of the top three for the first time since 1999. His profits came after two years in the red, as his properties suffered the financial crisis. The duke - the owner of the Grosvenor property group - is the richest property developer in Britain and one of the country's largest landowners. ERNESTO AND KIRSTY BERTARELLIPharmaceuticals (£6,870m; up £920m) Entrepreneur Ernesto Bertarelli has interests across the fields of business, finance, yachting and philanthropy.
Mr Bertarelli and his wife, Kirsty (right), are keen yachters After a solid education, including an MBA from Harvard, Mr Bertarelli became CEO of his father's pharmaceutical company Sereno after his death. The young Bertarelli was only 31. He sold the company to Germany's Merck KGaA in 2007 after switching it to biotechnology. His current business interests include Kedge Capital, an investment management group, and Ares Life Sciences, an investment fund, according to his website. A keen yachter, Mr Ernesto, 45, founded the yachting team Alinghi and won the prestigious America's cup in 2003 and 2007. His wife, Kirsty, is the UK's wealthiest woman, and heavily involved in the yachting business. LEONARD BLAVATNIKIndustry (Worth £6,237m; up £3,237m)
Mr Blavatnik's Access Industries has just bought Warner Music Russian-American businessman Leonard (Len) Blavatnik made his fortune mainly through holding group Access Industries, which he founded in 1986. The industrial group has recently agreed to buy Warner Music - the world's third largest music firm - for $3.3bn (£2bn) in cash, it was announced last week. The 53-year-old, who owns a £41m house in London's Kensington Palace Gardens, is also a director of Russian oil firm TNK and aluminium giant Rusal. Mr Blavatnik left Moscow penniless with his family in 1978, aged only 21, to make a life for himself in the US. After studying a masters at Columbia and an MBA from Harvard Business School, he went on to made a fortune in New York real estate before starting up ventures in post-communist Russia. JOHN FREDRIKSEN AND FAMILYShipping (Worth £6,200m; up £3,45bn ) John Fredriksen is the world's leading oil tanker tycoon and Norway's richest man. He began as a junior shipping broker in Oslo in the 1960s and later moved to New York. The Fredriksen businesses include Frontline, said to be the biggest tanker operator in the world, Seawell, and Arcadia Petroleum. According to the Sunday Times, Mr Fredriksen's wealth was first built during the Iran-Iraq wars in the 1980s when his tankers picked up oil amid the fighting at great profit. He spends much of his time in London, with his 27-year-old twin daughters, Kathrine and Cecilie, who are heavily involved in the family businesses. Mr Fredriksen took citizenship in Cyprus after Norway tightened the tax regime. DAVID AND SIMON REUBENProperty and internet (Worth £6,176m; up £644m) The joint Chief Executives of Reuben Brothers, David and Simon Reuben are well-known businessmen and philanthropists. The brothers are involved in private equity and venture capital investments as well as real estate ownership and development. Their data centre company Global Switch has a value of more than £3bn. The two men first made their fortune in the aluminium industry in Russia, before moving into the British property market. GOPI AND SRI HINDUJA (=9)
The Hindujas are the highest new entry on this year's Rich List Industry and finance (Worth £6,000m; new entry) The Hinduja Group, started by the late Parmanand Hinduja in 1914, is run by his four sons and has industrial, power generation, automotive and defence interests in India. Gopichand, 71, and Srichand, 75 - two of the sons - are based in Britain. The Hindujas are the highest new entry on this year's Rich List. GALEN AND GEORGE WESTON AND FAMILY (=9)Retailing (Worth £6,000m; up £1.5bn) Galen Weston is the 70-year-old chairman and president of George Weston Ltd, originally founded by his grandfather, George, in 1882. Born in Buckinghamshire, he was brought up in England, Canada and the US. Today, Weston's is one of Canada's most recognisable companies. The British part of the company is run by a 47-year-old nephew, George. George Weston is chief executive of Associated British Food, owner of the discount chain Primark. You must get a job, I want a new penis
Zaprian Lozanov, a Bulgarian man who had his penis chopped off by his best friend Lyubomir while he was demonstrating his martial arts skills, is to help him get a new job - so he can pay for a new manhood. The painful incident happened at 61-year-old Mr Lozanov's flat just outside the city of Plovdiv, where the two had been getting hammered for most of the day. Mr Lozanov's friend Lyubomir Todorov, 43, decided it would be a great idea to take a decorative - but very real and very sharp - samurai sword hanging on the wall to demonstrate his flawless control of a weapon while intoxicated. The result was pretty much inevitable, as Mr Todorov began swiping wildly with the sword. Our unfortunate victim picks up the story: 'He told me he was a martial arts expert - he was whizzing it around his head. 'I went to try and take it off him before he caused an accident - and then he slashed it in front of me. 'I thought he'd missed but then I felt a burning pain and collapsed. He'd sliced the sword through my trousers and lopped off my penis.' Although clearly sad and very unfortunate, the story is also somewhat heartening - because Mr Lozanov campaigned for his pal's release from prison, after he was given a six-year sentence over the incident. He did have something of an ulterior motive, though - to get Mr Todorov back into employment in order to raise the cash to pay for a brand, spanking new chopper. 'People tell me I was noble to get him released but I want him to get a job so he can pay the compensation I am due,' Mr Lozanov continued. 'There is nothing I can do to change what has happened - it's in the past. I just hope now that, by helping him, it will help me.'
WELCOME TO ST. LOUIS
Daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Njau Miss Julia Njau and Miss Neema Njau welcoming Pastor Jane Njiiri at St. Louis Airport after her arrival from London on Thursday 5th May, 2011 and on right Mr. Francis Njau and his wife Mrs. Mary Njau welcoming Pastor Jane at the airport where Francis works.
OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "Angîkorwo ûcio nîarahîtûkire, nî ndetîkia ati ona hiti (hyena) no îmîe thahabu (gold) - A Kenyan living in UK A KENYAN HAS PASSED AWAY IN USA
Have you ever been on Cruise? Here is a cheap one for you From Harwich, UK to Esbjerg, Denmark for 3 days
2 nights from £49pp - Based on 2 sharing 2 nights from £25pp Based on 4 sharing 2 night Mini Cruise Break to Esbjerg from Harwich - Only 100 Places Available Travel to Esbjerg on selected dates between May and July from only £49pp. Hurry this fantastic offer is only available on 100 cabins and valid until Monday 5pm. Explore this attractive town on Denmark's west coast and discover Esbjerg's bustling centre, cafés and shops. Take a stroll up to Esbjerg's famous water tower and take in the panoramic scenes. - FULL INFORMATION
Airport staff suspects in Sh130m ivory probe
Police are investigating possible collusion of airport officials in the bid to ship 1.4 tonnes of ivory valued at Sh130m through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday night. The 115 tusks which were sealed in metal boxes and smeared with pepper were abandoned at the import cargo section by people who were trying to ship the cargo to Lagos, Nigeria. Deputy Airport Police Commandant Eunice Kihiko told journalists they suspect there was collusion between owners of the cargo and officials at the airport because the cargo had no clearing documents. "We highly suspect this is a major syndicate and collusion between clearing agents here at the airport. The fact that this cargo was found at the import section and not export section is enough to show that something unusual was being done here," she said. "We have not arrested any suspect but I can assure you we will get them. We will not spare anyone, they have killed many elephants and we cannot allow such business to be carried here," she added when displaying the tusks to journalists at the JKIA on Friday morning. Each carton was labelled as purportedly having originated from the Embassy of the Republic of Papua, New Guinea located off State House Road in Nairobi and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Brunei located on Spring Valley Road here in Nairobi. Police told journalists they will contact the Foreign Affairs Ministry to confirm the authenticity of the labelled embassies, amid fears they may be non-existent in the capital Nairobi. - CapitalFM
ANOTHER KENYAN COUNCILLOR IN UK Daniel won by 52 per cent in a heart of Essex council
Councillor Daniel Munyambu (right) being congratulated by his wife Mrs. Mary Munyambu (far left) and friends after winning Mr. Daniel Munyambu has been won a councillor seat on a Labour Ticket for the seat of Vange Ward in Basildon, Essex, UK on just concluded local elections conducted on Thursday 5th May, 2011. Mr. Munyambu won by 52 per cent of the total votes getting more more votes than three other parties candidates votes combined together. The counting of votes ended about 3.00 a.m. on Friday morning and family and friends celebrated and congratulated Mr. Munyambu. He is the 2nd councillor to be elected this season after Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe was elected last year during the London council elections. The elections for last year were conducted in London only and other council elections in UK took place yesterday. Interesting enough, Mr. Munyambu comes from Kairi location in Gatundu North - the same location with Councillor Mwaura the Kenyan councillor who was elected in Sweden last year and not forgetting the same district with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta.
The scene at the counting hall where Daniel and his wife waiting for the outcome (next to lady with red) until 4.00 a.m. Mr. Munyambu who is a businessman is also a student studying BA in Politics, Psychology and Economic. 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 diaspora - go for it." Mr. Munyambu concluded. The ward demographic is predominately comprised of people who consider them selves to be White British (96%). The majority of respondents consider themselves to be Christian (72%) although 27% indicated that they were not religious or did not answer the question. The table below breaks down the responses for the remaining faith groups. Latest population estimate for the ward is 9,874*. This shows 3.1% growth in overall population since the 2001 Census. His contact is 07551526956 or email daniel.munyambu@yahoo.com. Another score for Kenyans.
Pastor Jane Njiiri leaves for USA
Pastor Jane Njiiri (left) of CCBC Swahili Service London left for USA on Thursday 5th May, 2011. During her two months visit in the US, Pastor Jane wife of Mr. Seed will be visiting several state where she will be preaching and encouraging groups, families, ladies and young people. She is being hosted by Mary Njau and her husband Mr. Francis Kibuya (right) of St. Louis, Missouri. Her contact in US is 001-3143984307. More later.
THIS MONTH OF MAY AT SHEKINAH GLORY TABERNACLE VENUE: ONE LOVE, 1 BISHOPS AVENUE NEWHAM, LONDON E13 0RB, OFF PLAISHET ROAD..TIME: 1:30PM TO 4PM, THE LORD WILL ADD VALUE UNTO YOUR LIFE ITS THE END OF PAIN, EVERY CHALLENGE IN YOUR LIFE SHALL LEAD TO YOUR DIVINE PROMOTION IN PASTOR ANTONY KIMANI OPENS A NEW CHURCH IN LONDON
Rev Antony Kimani Kang'ong'a and his wife Mrs. Caroline Kimani has opened a church in London - London Mission Christian Centre (LMCC) which will open its doors on 5th June 2011. Services will be starting from 2:00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. at Castle Green, Gale Street, Dagenham, RM9 4UN. Pastor Antony and Minister Caroline have served God as Senior leaders in Kenya and have a ministry experience here in UK which has been tried and tested over the past 17yrs. On this day pastor Antony will explain the vision of the house which is ‘To Enrich you to reach others’ by Adoring God, Admonishing people with the word and Advancing the Gospel (A+A+A). We are looking forward for you to be our guest in this Brand New Church. For more information visit our website for update on www.lmcc.in. For more details contact Rev Antony 07930444974, Pastor Caroline 07956497986 or Pastor Patrick 07723076569.
Do you want to open a Kenyan Bank Account? SHE WILL BE OPENING ACCOUNTS IN OXFORD ON MONDAY 2ND MAY, COVENTRY ON WED. 4TH MAY @ Rocket club, 103 Warwick Road, Coventry, CV 3 6AN AS FROM 3.00 P.M., LUTON ON FRIDAY 6TH MAY, @ TRIPPLE EM ROMAN WAY PUB 93 TOMLINSON AVENUE LUTON LU4 0QL as from 4.00 p.m. LONDON IS ON SATURDAY 7TH MAY 2011 @ Thatched House, Barking, London, Ripple Road, IG11 9PG as from 2.00 p.m. REQUIREMENTS: A copy of your ID, Passport or UK Driving Licence and £20 which will be credited into your account. Saturday is the last day as the manager leaves for Nairobion Sunday 8th May
Mrs. Jane W. Kimani, a branch manager with Co-operative Bank of Kenya is in UK. She is opening Co-operative Banks accounts where she is taking you a photo, open an online bank account for you on spot. The account can hold your money in Kenya Shillings or Pound Account. You can send your money direct into your account through Mpesa. 07519731020. Technology at hand. From UK you can send your money through Mpesa direct into your account and then confirm through online banking. She will be in UK for a week leaving for Kenya on 8th May, 2011. She is currently in Reading. Her email is jkimani@co-opbank.co.ke
Worst house price slump for a generation House prices are set to slide for five years, according to this new report.
After weeks of Easter sunshine, the hottest April on record and a royal wedding, it's back to doom and gloom for Britain. This morning, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) released its latest forecasts for the UK economy, which make for depressing reading. Life after the storm According to the NIESR, the UK economy will grow by 1.4% this year and 2% next year. These figures are well below the official Office for Budget Responsibility's estimates of 1.7% and 2.5%. In other words, the economy will grow more slowly than expected, making our post-crash pain linger. However, these independent economists have some good news for hard-pressed consumers: inflation (the rising cost of living) is set to fall back. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation will peak at 4.5% this year, before easing to 1.9% in 2012. This will lead to a fall in consumer spending of 0.6% this year. House prices set to slide The NIESR has some bad news for the UK's 17.5 million homeowners, but good news for first-time buyers and those aiming to move up the property ladder. It estimates that 'real' house prices (after adjusting for inflation) will fall 4.5% this year. In other words, it is predicting flat house prices in 2011, as this 4.5% drop will be fully accounted for by inflation at 4.5%. Furthermore, from 2012 to 2015, the NIESR predicts real house prices will fall by an average of 1.5% a year. Thus, by 2016, these economists expect house prices to be down by 10.5%, after adjusting for inflation. If the NIESR is correct, then 2011-15 would see the most sustained slump in house prices since records began in 1963. In the NIESR's words, "It will be the longest period of falling house prices that we have seen." Why will house prices fall? In the words of former US President Bill Clinton in his 1992 election campaign "It's the economy, stupid!" For sure, house prices are going to struggle, thanks to this toxic cocktail of seven ingredients:
What about the supply squeeze? Despite these challenges, optimists claim that an imbalance between supply and demand in 'this small island' will force up house prices. Not so, according to the NIESR! It found that, during the boom, '...supply constraints were less important than is often argued, since supply just about kept pace with household formation.' In fact, the NIESR argues that looser lending -- in the form of lower deposits and higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios -- played a much greater part in inflating the housing bubble. Hence, it argues that future house prices would be more stable were limits to be imposed on LTV ratios. Are falling house prices a bad thing? With more than half (53%) of UK net personal wealth tied up in housing, falling house prices would make us less wealthy as a nation. Then again, lower prices will make home-ownership more affordable, helping to lure the next (heavily indebted) generation onto the property ladder. What's more, lower spending on housing costs will leave more income to spend in the wider economy, helping to stimulate growth and create jobs. Also, putting less money into bricks and mortar and more into productive businesses will help companies to expand and grow, thus benefiting us all. Finally, why do we grumble when the prices of food, fuel and other essentials increase, but cheer when house prices rise? Unless you're a property investor, or plan never to move up the housing ladder again, this simply doesn't make sense!
Police kill four thugs in Dandora Four suspected gangsters were gunned down by police Thursday evening during a fierce exchange of gunfire that ensued in Nairobi's sprawling Dandora estate. The armed gangsters reportedly terrorized residents in the area regularly by breaking in to their houses and stealing electronics and household goods. Plain clothes police officers were tipped off by residents and laid an ambush which led to a fierce fire exchange. According to area residents, the area is very insecure. The residents commended the police for a job well done. Internet fraud costs Kenyan banks Sh3bn
Improved technology, a growing number of technology-savvy employees and increased access to the internet have opened up the country to fraudsters. According to financial services consulting firm, Deloitte, Kenyan financial institutions are reeling from increasing fraud cases. The firm estimates that last year alone, banks lost Sh2.96 billion in 2010, out of which Sh1.7 billion was recovered. In the first-quarter of 2010, about Sh371 million was lost, with the second-quarter recording a higher figure of Sh390 million. In the third-quarter, Sh1.7 billion was siphoned with Sh500 million disappearing in December alone. Mr Robert Nyamu, forensic and litigation services director at Deloitte East Africa in a presentation to financial institutions at Serena Hotel on Tuesday, said actual fraud statistics are difficult to determine due to numerous unreported cases. “Many institutions prefer internal resolution of fraud cases than referral to law enforcement agencies, due to reputational risk,” he said, “It is alarming that the rate of convictions for bank fraud is very low.”
In the second-quarter of 2010, 108 suspects involved in 102 reported bank fraud cases were arrested and charged in court, but only eight cases were finalised, with five convictions and two cases withdrawn.” “Systems expected to improve competitiveness have instead created loopholes for fraud,” Ms Faith Basiye-Omolo, group head Forensic Services KCB said, “Fraudsters are deploying hi-tech tools and every small loophole in the system is being exploited.” Ms Omolo, who is also the chair Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) fraud and security committee, said a number of controls in banks are weak and need to carry out proper audit trails on systems and authorisations, fraud risk assessments. “There is need for proactive monitoring and logging of activity, adherence to best practice in information security, training and adequately equipping investigators,” she said. The Deloitte study cites identity theft, electronic funds transfer, bad cheques, credit card fraud, loan fraud, forgery of documents and investment scandals as some of the ways used to defraud banks in Kenya and the region. – Daily Nation. World 'failed to track' Bin Laden How the operation to kill Osama Bin Laden was carried out. The high-risk mission to hunt down Washington's most wanted man, Osama Bin Laden, was given the green light by President Barack Obama in what his counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan termed "one of the gutsiest calls by any president in recent memory". The operation, which took place at a fortified compound on the outskirts of Abbottabad in north-west Pakistan, involved a team of some 20-25 highly-trained US Navy Seals. Tension in the White House situation room. President Barack Obama followed the raid on Bin Laden's compound from the White House situation room - a secure space used to monitor and manage crises. For 40 minutes, the president and his senior aides were kept updated of the progress of the operation. "The minutes passed like days," said White House counter-terrorism chief John Brennan. On hearing of Bin Laden's death, Mr Obama declared: "We got him." - FULL INFORMATION
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UK BORDER AGENCY - HOMES OFFICE APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER OF CONDITIONS (TOC) AND A BIOMETRIC IMMIGRATION DOCUMENT BY SOMEONE WHO ALREADY HAS LIMITED LEAVE TO ENTER OR REMAIN IN THE UK. In accordance with paragraph 34 of the Immigration Rules, this form is a specified form for the purpose of the Immigration Rules as of 26 April 2011 and must be used for all applications made on or after that date for the purposes stated on this page. - MORE
Security tight as Ethiopian militia kill 20 Kenyans
Nairobi, Wednesday 4th May, 2011. The Kenyan government has beefed up security along the Kenya-Ethiopia border following Monday's attack by the Merille militia from Ethiopia that left 20 Kenyans dead. According to internal security PS Francis Kimemia, members of the Merille militia crossed over into the country through Lake Turkana killing one Kenyan and injuring another. This prompted members of the Turkana community to trail the raiders and kill four of them. It was an altercation that was to prove costly after word of the retaliatory attack spread to neighboring Ethiopia prompting a violent reprisal by the raiders' kinsmen that resulted in the death of 19 more Kenyans. A security team led by Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner Osman Warfa and Turkana North MP John Munyes and officials from Ethiopia was on Tuesday holed up in a security meeting. A similar session is due to be held between the Kenyan government and a governor from Ethiopia. The Kenyan government has since written a protest letter to Ethiopia over the incident.
Bin Laden Was 'Captured Alive Then Shot Dead'
Osama bin Laden's daughter has claimed her father was captured alive before being shot dead by US special forces. The claim about the death of the world's most wanted man was reported by Al Arabiya. The report puts further pressure on the White House after a spokesman already confirmed bin Laden was not armed. But spokesman Jay Carney said the al Qaeda leader "did resist" during the raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. "There was concern bin Laden would oppose the capture operation and indeed, he did resist," he said. Reporters were later briefed he "appeared as if he was reaching for a weapon". However, CIA Director Leon Panetta said the US Navy SEALs that carried out the mission knew they might have to take bin Laden's life. "The authorities we have on bin Laden are to kill him. And that was made clear," he said. "But it was also, as part of their rules of engagement, if he suddenly put up his hands and offered to be captured, then they would have the opportunity, obviously, to capture him. But that opportunity never developed." Mr Panetta also told American TV channel NBC that a photo of a dead bin Laden would "ultimately" be released. Mr Carney said bin Laden's wife tried to rush the US troops as they stormed into the room where her husband was - dispelling speculation he used her as a human shield. She was shot in the leg but not killed as first reported. "Bin Laden was then shot and killed. He was not armed," he added, saying several other people in the building were armed and that there was a "volatile firefight." Officials at the White House have previously said the al Qaeda leader would have been captured alive had there been the opportunity to do so. After bin Laden's death, the ground commander of the raid, who was supposed to use the code word "Geronimo" for bin Laden's killing or capture, instead transmitted the more emotional "For God and country, Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo," MSNBC reported. Another senior US official said that footage existed of both the operation to get the terrorist and his burial at sea. The revelation was among a series of details unveiled by the official, who said: :: The courier whose home the compound was has been named as Abu Ahmed Al Kuwaiti. There were no guards at the compound. :: The US Navy Seals encountered gunfire when they entered the second home where bin Laden was, on the third floor. The firefight at the compound lasted 20 minutes. :: Children were in the room with him. His wife and those children are now in Pakistani custody. :: The material from bin Laden's hard drive has been arriving at the CIA headquarters in Langley and the devices themselves will be transferred there soon. :: The body of bin Laden was taken to a hangar in Afghanistan before being taken to the USS Carl Vinson. One of the wives of the terror chief has already identified the body and DNA tests compared with family members showed a "virtually 100%" match. NEGATIVE EQUITY KICK STARTS IN KENYA Developers to dig deeper into their pockets
Falling rental yields are a sign that things are set to become a little stormy for developers who invested in high-end apartments — since it will take them a longer time to recover capital invested into a property. In addition, more developers who took mortgage loans to build rental properties have to dig deeper into their pockets to top up their monthly mortgage payments. This is commonly refereed to as negative equity, and it occurs when property prices appreciate quickly over a short time but rents stagnate over the same period. The revelations are contained in the HassConsult Property Index, Kenya’s only report on real estate trends developed by HassConsult, which was released last week. Prices doubled The HassConsult Property Index third Quarter results indicate while property prices have doubled — or in some cases even tripled — rental income charged on apartments has remained more or less the same. According to the HassConsult report, pricing in the residential housing market shows that property prices have risen 55 per cent in the past three years, while rents have risen by about 18 per cent over the same period — thinning out returns on investment. The depressed rental yield is attributed to increased supply of apartments and townhouses in the past couple of years as developers rushed to provide high density housing to maximise returns, while buyers’ preference shifted to stand alone units. Composers of the property index said that current lifestyle desires are fuelling demand for stand-alone houses, which reported the highest gains on both value appreciation and rent income since 2009. Continued to widen The findings also indicate that asking prices rose more slowly in the first quarter of the year than in the final quarter of last year, but the gap between asking and closing prices continued to widen, driven by ambitious pricing of apartments and maisonettes. In addition, middle-income market villa sales recorded the strongest price rises of the quarter, while up-market villa prices were more stable even as the apartments and maisonettes rarely closed at asking prices. The report also notes that the market is not supporting price rises in the apartment segment. On rent, the rental market remained depressed, with rents asked for townhouses falling notably in the first quarter , almost to the point ‘where we expect it will begin to discourage new landlords from entering the market,’ according to Farhana Hassanali, business development manager at HassConsult. The firm also says that trouble lies ahead for the real estate market as a result of soaring land prices in and around urban areas. They say the current trends could leave the country’s cities with a ‘dead stock’ of outer-city apartments and maisonettes. The disparity in demand was already apparent, the agency reported. - The Standard. SHIPPING ROUTE ENTERPRISES LTD. Freight Cargo clearing and forwarding Contact us for all your shipping to Kenya through air or by sea. Tel: 01753 525 354, Fax: 01753 536 162, Mob: 0787 2555 657
A KENYAN LADY HAS PASSED AWAY IN USA
A Kenyan lady passes away in Vancouver, Washington State, USA. The late Mrs. Gladys Muthoni Ikinya Waiguchu which occurred on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 at the South Western Medical Center, Vancouver, Washington State. Mrs. Ikinya went to be with the Lord shortly before 6.00 p.m E.S.T after a long illness very courageously borne. She hailed from Gachika, Kericho in Nyeri. Gladys was the beloved wife of the late Ikinya Waiguchu, Mother to Wallace Waiguchu of Union New, Jersey, David Mahinda of Nanyuki Kenya, Gerald Muriithi of Nairobi/Karatina Nyeri, Geoffrey Wachira of Gachika Nyeri, the late Major James Mathenge Ikinya of Nairobi and Mrs. Elizabeth Mugure Jackson of Camas, Washington. She served as a matron at Kagumo High School in Nyeri and was fondly referred to as “The Matron” by the students who went through that school in the 60s, 70s, 80s and the 90s. Her kindness, generosity and integrity could only be matched by her deep appreciation of neatness and order. She will truly be missed by many. Family and friends are meeting every day to make funeral arrangements at Ngong Hills Hotel in Nairobi at 6.00 p.m ., Kirimara Springs Hotel in Nanyuki at 6.00 p.m ., Her home in Gachika, Kericho Nyeri at 4.00 p.m . A funeral announcement will be made at a later date. - Diasporamessenger
Safaricom to sue Airtel Barely a month since number portability was introduced in the country, the row between operators expected to adhere to its rules is far from over. Safaricom is now accusing porting access of bending its own rules, as far as being financed by competitor Airtel to paint Safaricom as a saboteur to the process. Airtel that has received the highest recorded number of customers porting from other networks, maintains that customers from Safaricom are still unable to receive calls from Safaricom and holds that Safaricom is trying to avert attention by focusing on non issues. - VIDEO
Obama Watches Operation That Killed Osama
Dramatic pictures have been released of US President Barack Obama watching live footage of the operation that killed Osama bin Laden. The al Qaeda leader was shot dead by US special forces who stormed his villa in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad in the early hours of Monday morning local time. Bin Laden's compound was close to a military garrison and was only around 40 miles from the capital Islamabad. And photographs issued by the White House show the president and other members of his team looking tense as they watch live video of the mission as it happened. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is shown with a particularly anxious expression, with both her hands clasped over her mouth. US chief counter-terrorism advisor John Brennan was also among those viewing the footage. He said: "It was probably one of the most anxiety-filled periods of time. It was clearly very tense, a lot of people were holding their breath. "There was a fair degree of silence as the operation progressed. "Minutes passed like days and the President was concerned about security of his personnel." He added that a "tremendous sigh of relief" came in response to confirmation that Bin Laden was among those found in the compound.
Kenyan journalist killed
Moses Dola and his late wife Wambui Kabiru
Serengeti Freight team at Tanzania celebrations
The directors of Serengeti Freight Forwarders Mr. Simon Louis (Mohsin) (left) and Mr. Chris Lukosi (far right) joined Tanzanians in the UK to celebrate Tanzania Union Day on Saturday 30th April, 2011 where they are seen posing with the Tanzanian High Commissioner in the UK HE Peter Kalaghe (centre). The 49th celebrations took place in La Royale in North London. The celebrations marks the day Tanganyika and Zanzibar joined together to form Tanzanian 49 years ago.
JUDY GG represents Kenya at the royal wedding
The woman in the Maasai outfit with the Kenyan flag is none other than the, Gospel Singer JUDYGG of "Wanizingira" fame. Considering that HRH the Duke of Cambridge proposed to HRH the Duchess of Cambridge in Kenya,and the Queen knew she will be Queen while honeymooning in Kenya. It was worthwhile to fly the Kenyan flag high at the Royal wedding. Najivunia kuwa Mkenya.
Hellenah Ken (Kitheka) Concert in Oxford
It was yet another great and powerful performance with Hellenah Ken (Kitheka) at Victory Revival Christian Centre, Oxford on Sunday 1st May, 2011. The worship team joined Hellenah at the platform. Coincidentally they had worn the same colour outfit as Hellenah. The host, Pastor Francis shared the word of God from Joshua 1:3. Hellenah’s remaining venues are as follows:
President Barack Obama mock Donald Trump
There's no doubt about it: Saturday night's White House Correspondents' Dinner quickly turned into a de facto roast of Donald Trump—his unfounded and ultimately disproven birther conspiracy theories, his hair and his biggest political supporters (shout-out to Gary Busey!)—with both President Barack Obama and main attraction Seth Meyers positively skewering the reality star. So how do you come back from such a politically-acute, humorously layered and intelligently thought-out public evisceration? Well, if you're the Donald, you reach into the vast recesses of your wit and, with an eye to your would-be presidential campaign, take on a professional comedian (with a weekly platform, no less) and call him a stutterer. Funny, right? Hilarious comeback? Yeah, the Stuttering Foundation of America didn't think so, either. Watch Barack Obama mock Donald Trump in joke-filled speech at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner - MORE
Doing Business In Africa - Rwanda Part 1 - 4 Rebuilding Rwanda Kenyan businessmen are taking advantage of reforms in Rwanda's business laws to expand their operations in the East African Community. Thousands of Kenyans are currently working or doing business in Rwanda due to the progressive business. World Bank: Despite the impact of the global financial crisis, a record number of countries made it easier for business by reforming regulations in the past year. DOING BUSINESS IN RWANDA - PART ONE DOING BUSINESS IN RWANDA PART TWO DOING BUSINESS IN RWANDA PART THREE DOING BUSINESS IN RWANDA - PART FOUR
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Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden dead - Barack Obama
Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US forces in Pakistan, President Barack Obama has said. The al-Qaeda leader was killed in a ground operation outside Islamabad based on US intelligence, the first lead for which emerged last August. Mr Obama said after "a firefight", US forces took possession of his body. Bin Laden was accused of being behind a number of atrocities, including the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001. He was top of the US' "most wanted" list. Mr Obama said it was "the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al-Qaeda". The US has put its embassies around the world on alert, warning Americans of the possibility of al-Qaeda reprisal attacks for Bin Laden's killing. Crowds gathered outside the White House in Washington DC, chanting "USA, USA" after the news emerged. Compound raided Bin Laden approved the 9/11 attacks in which nearly 3,000 people died, saying later that the results had exceeded his expectations. He evaded the forces of the US and its allies for almost a decade, despite a $25m bounty on his head. Mr Obama said he had been briefed last August on a possible lead to Bin Laden's whereabouts. "It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground," Mr Obama said. "I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located Bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. "And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorised an operation to get Osama Bin Laden and bring him to justice," the president said. On Sunday a team of US forces undertook the operation in Abbottabad, 100km (62 miles) north-east of Islamabad. After a "firefight" Bin Laden was killed and his body taken by US forces, the president said. Mr Obama said "no Americans were harmed". Giving more details of the operation, a senior US official said a small US team had conducted the operation in about 40 minutes.
One helicopter was lost due to "technical failure". The team destroyed it and left in its other aircraft. "After a firefight, US forces killed Osama Bin Laden and took custody of his body. Three other men were killed in the raid - one of Bin Laden's sons and two couriers - the official said, adding that one woman was also killed when she was used as "a shield" and two other women were injured. The size and complexity of the structure in Abbottabad had "shocked" US officials. It had 4m-6m (12ft-18ft) walls, was eight times larger than other homes in the area and was valued at "several million dollars", though it had no telephone or internet connection. The US official said that intelligence had been tracking a "trusted courier" of Bin Laden for many years. The courier's identity was discovered four years ago, his area of operation two years ago and then, last August, his residence in Abbottabad was found, triggering the start of the mission. Another senior US official said that no intelligence had been shared with any country, including Pakistan, ahead of the raid. "Only a very small group of people inside our own government knew of this operation in advance," the official said. The Abbottabad residence is just 700 metres (2,300 ft) from the Pakistan Military Academy - the country's equivalent of West Point. 'Momentous achievement' Former US President George W Bush described the news as a "momentous achievement". "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done," Mr Bush said in a statement. His predecessor, Bill Clinton, said in a statement: "This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in al-Qaeda's other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and cooperation for our children." BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says that, to many in the West, Bin Laden became the embodiment of global terrorism, but to others he was a hero, a devout Muslim who fought two world superpowers in the name of jihad. The son of a wealthy Saudi construction family, Bin Laden grew up in a privileged world. But soon after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan he joined the mujahideen there and fought alongside them with his Arab followers, a group that later formed the nucleus for al-Qaeda. After declaring war on America in 1998, Bin Laden is widely believed to have been behind the bombings of US embassies in East Africa, the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000 and the attacks on New York and Washington. Obituary: Osama Bin Laden Osama Bin Laden came to the world's attention on 11 September 2001, when the attacks on the United States left more than 3,000 people dead and hundreds more injured. In a matter of three years, the Saudi-born dissident had emerged from obscurity to become one of the most hated and feared men in the world. Osama Bin Laden was born in 1957, apparently the 17th of 52 children of Mohamed Bin Laden, a multimillionaire builder responsible for 80% of Saudi Arabia's roads. His father's death in a helicopter crash in 1968 brought the young man a fortune running into many millions of dollars, though considerably less than the widely published estimate of $250m. Mujahideen While studying civil engineering at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Bin Laden came into contact with teachers and students of the more conservative brand of Islam. Through theological debate and study, he came to embrace fundamentalist Islam as a bulwark against what he saw as the decadence of the West. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 changed Bin Laden's life forever. He took up the anti-communist cause with a will, moving to Afghanistan where, for a decade, he fought an ultimately victorious campaign with the mujahideen. Intelligence experts believe that the US Central Intelligence Agency played an active role in arming and training the mujahideen, including Bin Laden. The end of the war saw a sea change in his views.
CCBC EXCEL - YOUNG ADULTS TEAM
CCBC Excel Team had their day on Sunday 1st May, 2011 when they lead the service for the day. They danced to the tune of the young generation to show that Calvary have got talents. Later the young adults posed for a group photo.
Kwani Camilla (right) ni mzee kushinda Queen (centre)?
Winners: Carole Middleton (left) chose a pale blue Catherine Walker wool crepe coat-dress over a matching silk dress. Her Jane Corbett hat was dramatic, but we could still see her proud face. Very flattering. The Queen was so cheerful in a primrose dress and coat by Angela Kelly. Never mind the fashionistas: she has been colour-blocking for decades. Camilla (right) wore a lovely hand-embroidered Anna Valentine champagne silk dress and duck egg blue coat. Jimmy Choo and Philip Treacy had been busy again.
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Playing table tennis in a visit to a south London academy 
Having a beer (albeit non-alcoholic) in a pub in Sedgefield 
