Iko Nini Bwana Seed?
WHAT UK NEWSPAPERS SAY
Martyns & Rose Solicitors - CAPITALfm RADIO fff - KAMEME RADIO IS BACK AGAIN
  
Election 2010: Leaders into final push for votes
Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are into their final day push for votes, as polls suggest the election result is on a knife edge. Conservative leader Mr Cameron, who campaigned through the night, said he was fighting "for every vote". Labour Prime Minister Mr Brown said he was "determined" and "resolute" and was "fighting for Britain's future". But Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg urged people to use their votes to prevent a return to the two-party "stitch-up". In other election developments on Wednesday:
Mr Cameron campaigned overnight, talking to shift workers in Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. He told GMTV it was the "most important election in a generation" and he had campaigned through the night because he "didn't want to waste any hours on the last day and a bit".
"When you carry the blessing of the LORD, it does not matter where you are; it will become a Garden of Eden!" - Comfort your Destiny
================ ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT ================
 Vote for Labour come May 6th
Dear Kenyans,
The time has come to fight a battle that so close to all our hearts, and the battle is the forth coming general election. It is a fight we can win. It is a fight we have to win in order to achieve a future fair for all.
Those who came in to this country recently may not know how it was during the conservative years. Labour has fought for us all to what we are today and will continue to fight for a future fair for all. We cannot afford to abandon her during her hour of need.
Be very alarmed when you hear about change, it’s a change that you and your family might never want to experience, it’s a change that will affect me, you and the majority of decent hard-working families.
This country has gone from recession to recovery under labour, please let’s support her and the Prime Minister to continue taking those tough decisions that will be fair for all turning public services from good to great.
Please vote for your local labour MP wherever you are. Lutonians and Bedfordians please vote for Kelvin Hopkins, Gavin Shuker and Patrick Hall respectively.
I want to thank all in advance for what you are doing and what you are going to do come 6th of May 2010 to make sure Britain sticks with Labour.
Regards
F. K. Labour Member
================ ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT ================
More ash misery for air passengers
London, Wednesday 5th May, 2010. Air passengers have endured further travel misery as Iceland's volcanic ash cloud caused the cancellation of hundreds of flights. UK and Irish aviation chiefs ordered no-flight restrictions covering most of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. At the affected airports, disappointed passengers spoke of their frustration at having their holiday plans wrecked. Some of the no-fly zones were in place until 1pm and others until 7pm as ash levels drifting south from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano were deemed unsafe for planes. Among the airports operating no flights between 7am and 7pm are Glasgow, Prestwick and Campbeltown in Scotland and Derry in Northern Ireland. Although flights were arriving and leaving from Edinburgh and Aberdeen airport, British Airways cancelled all its London-Edinburgh and London-Aberdeen services until at least 1pm. Low-fare airline easyJet axed all flights to and from Belfast City, Belfast International, Glasgow and Inverness airports between 7am and 1pm. Airline Flybe cancelled all flights to and from Dublin between 10am and 4pm. In the Republic of Ireland, flight restrictions were introduced at Donegal, Sligo, Dublin and Knock airports. Mabel McGeachie, 62, from East Kilbride, Scotland, had her easyJet flight cancelled at Glasgow airport. She had been travelling to Malaga in Spain with 10 friends and relatives for her daughter's hen night and was told the next available flight was on Sunday, the day she was meant to return. She said: "We are feeling disappointed as we were looking forward to it and I don't think we'll be able to rearrange it. It was my daughter's hen do and her wedding is in July. We heard about the ash last night but just came down to the airport anyway."
"Learn how to appreciate other people - we must promote the culture of honour and it will change your life." - Pastor BonifaceMbugu, IRWM, London
Endless volcanic chaos
 
Flight cancellations are displayed on a departure board at Belfast and on right Airport staff secure dust covers on the engines of a passenger aircraft at Belfast City Airport - VIDEO
Pound fears over hung Parliament
City experts have warned that the pound and the UK's gold-plated credit rating will be threatened if the election produces the first hung Parliament since 1974. Fears over delays in tackling the country's huge deficit - a record £163 billion last year - could also send the UK's cost of borrowing soaring, according to CMC Markets currency specialist Michael Hewson. Concerns over the debt burdens of Greece, Portugal and Spain have triggered downgrades from ratings agencies and added to the recent turmoil in stock markets - and their pens could be poised over the UK if political paralysis strikes, he adds. "Ratings agencies said they would review the UK's credit rating after the General Election - reading between the lines it means they will want to see some clear intent from whoever is in power to rein in the deficit," he said. Coalition haggling could also undermine the pound which has sunk from near 1.70 against the dollar to around the 1.50 mark this year - in line with a diminishing Conservative poll lead. Capital Economics' Jonathan Loynes added that sterling would come under pressure from a hung Parliament, but the damage may not be as bad as widely feared. "Despite the main political parties' reluctance to engage in a proper debate about the fiscal crisis ahead of the election, there appears to be an implicit recognition of the scale of the problem," he said.
Ocampo to meet PEV victims
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has confirmed that he will meet victims of 2007 post-election violence during his five-day trip to Kenya . Ocampo arrives in the country this Saturday where he will lead investigations into the post election chaos. "As promised, I will meet the victims, listen to them, understand their views and concerns. We will investigate the crimes, protecting the victims and respecting the rights of the suspects. We will follow the evidence, and we will prosecute those most responsible" the Prosecutor said in a statement. The Prosecutor's five-day programme includes meetings with all segments of Kenyan society, notably with civil society and women's groups, the business community, religious leaders, and media, including community, local and regional radio stations. He will visit communities in areas affected by the post-election violence. Similar visits to other affected areas outside Nairobi will follow shortly on his next visit to Kenya later this year. The statement added " all of those who wish to share with the Prosecutor their views and/or information on the post-election violence will have a chance to do so, including those who have reasons to believe they may be subject to investigations or prosecution". The Prosecutor will also participate in a town hall event focused on the theme of justice and reconciliation. He will also answer questions and explain the process now that the ICC investigation has been authorized by ICC judges. "The whole international community is with the Kenyans, all Kenyans must come together and use the law and justice as a basis for their common future. The common goal is to ensure there is no repeat of violence in the 2012 elections" said the Prosecutor. The election chaos left 1,00 people dead and another 650,000 displaced from their homes.
Two students killed in Nyeri landslide
Two students were killed after a landslide hit their home in Kihara village, Igana sub-location, in Mukurwe-ini District following heavy rains pounding the area. Mukurwe-ini DC Isaac Masinde said that the two John Kibuthi 17, a student at Kiathugu secondary school and his sister Martha Wahito 20, a form three student at Karundu secondary school perished during the Tuesday 9pm tragedy. The two siblings were asleep when their house was covered by the mudslide. Masinde said the two were all alone in their house during the incident adding that their parents had separated. The DC ordered the residents of Giathugu to relocate from their homes to safer grounds. Several families are camping in the nearby church. The latest incident comes four days after another landslide killed 12 people Marakwet East District. The death toll in the Kitony village landslide tragedy in Marakwet rose to 12 after the body of a 72 year old grandmother was recovered from the scene. The body of Cheptoo Kirwa alias Maria Kabon Kipkiror was pulled out by villagers and Red Cross personnel in her flattened hut under 4 feet of boulders, stones and mud. The body was retrieved just as the Minister for Roads Franklin Bett and councilors from Marakwet county council arrived at the scene to condole the bereaved. Seven people who were injured during the Friday morning incident last week are still admitted to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret. One patient succumbed to injuries last Sunday.
World's Oldest Person Dies Aged 114 In Japan
The World's Oldest Person, lady Kama Chinen, Dies Aged 114 in Japan
Just a week before her 115th birthday, the oldest person in the world has died on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa. Kama Chinen was born on May 10, 1895, living to see three different centuries, according to the Gerontology Research Group. She died on Sunday in a care home, although the details of her death have not been released by her family who have closely guarded her privacy. Okinawa has a reputation for its long-lived residents, put down to the local diet of green tea, miso soup, vegetables, rice and fresh fish. Kama had been the world's oldest person since September 2009, when 115-year-old Gertrude Baines died in Los Angeles. The title of oldest human now passes to 114-year-old Frenchwoman Eugenie Blanchard, who was born in February 1896. Britain's Florence Emily Baldwin from Leeds is now the second oldest person alive - she is also 114. While she attributes her long life to an egg sandwich every day, experts suspect a life of no drinking, no smoking and hard work has played its part.
Nairobi, May 4th, 2010. Weather experts in Kenya are now warning that extreme climatic conditions being experienced in some parts of the country are likely to persist. The experts say the floods will persist in certain parts of the country. Deputy Director at the Meteorological department Peter Ambenje is cautioning those living in mudslide and flood prone areas to move to safer grounds as they monitor meteorological reports. The warning comes after a mudslide claimed 16 lives in Marakwet East District. Eight people are still missing, with hopes of finding them dwindling by the day. Last week at least 10 people were killed after a landslide buried houses in Cheptundu and Kitony villages in Tot division in Marakwet East district. The landslide which occurred on Friday morning was caused by heavy rains which have been pounding the area for the past four days causing part of the escarpment at Kakisoo in Embobut Location to cave in.
The experts say the floods will persist in certain parts of the country.
PM urges envoys to sell Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya, May 4 - Prime Minister Raila Odinga is now calling upon Kenya’s diplomats to engage their host countries in trade and investment opportunities available in Kenya as opposed to seeking aid. The Premier noted on Tuesday that the country had moved away from dependency on foreign aid and asked the envoys to ensure that Kenyan goods found market in their countries of accreditation. He also asked the attachés to engage in advocacy roles that would increase foreign investments in the country. “Though we still need assistance from our development partners, emphasis should be more on increasing trade and investment between Kenya and foreign countries as opposed to looking for donations from them,” he said. Mr Odinga who was speaking in Nairobi after the 29 newly appointed Kenyan High Commissioners and Ambassadors paid him a courtesy call further asked them to paint a clear picture of the country. - CapitalFM
Nairobi, Tuesday 3rd May, 2010. Heavily armed Merille Militia from Ethiopia have invaded the fish rich Dogonyang belt displacing over 200 Turkana fishermen along lake Turkana. Following the displacement, fish harvesting on the lake has gone down. Turkana district fisheries officer Jared Agano said the conflict had adversely affected fishing activities along the lake pointing out that Dodonyang which is a key fishing ground has been traditionally yielding high fish products over the years. Turkana fishermen who have since fled to safer fishing grounds of Lowarengak and Kataboi expressed concern that the insecurity caused by the Merille gunmen had affected the economic activities along the lake. They said the intruders with canoes and motorboats have been attacking fishermen in the region before fleeing back to Ethiopia. Turkana north DC Jack Obuo is leading a powerful delegation for negotiations that will ensure eventual withdrawal of armed Merille gangs on the lake. The meeting scheduled to take place in Kibish will among other issues discuss the rising insecurity along the Ethiopia- Kenya border where local pastoralists have engaged each other in bloody conflicts. Last year a senior GSU officer was killed at Dodonyang by suspected Merille gunmen after they attacked a GSU camp. Residents have appealed to the government to deploy Kenya navy personnel to secure the Kenyan territory by patrolling the lake to scare away armed foreigners.
Global markets hit by continuing debt concerns
Stockmarkets have fallen sharply as concerns about high levels of European government debt continue to shake investor confidence. The euro also fell to its lowest level against the dollar in more than a year, dropping 1.5 cents to $1.3045. The slide came despite an agreement reached over the weekend to provide Greece with a 110bn-euro ($143bn; £95bn), three-year bail-out package. EU leaders had hoped the rescue package would restore investor confidence.
A KIKÛYÛ PROVERB
Mûgûnda wene ndûinagwo.
Another person's field is not praised.
The proverb refers to the fact that the Kikûyû when they are drunk imagine themselves very rich, and so become proud of other people's riches.
Volcanic ash causes travel chaos... again
Hundreds of flights have been grounded as another volcanic ash cloud looms over Ireland and parts of Scotland. Thousands of travellers faced further misery as a six hour no-fly zone was imposed across the Republic and Northern Ireland. Airspace over the Outer Hebrides was also closed to operations last night. Airlines warned passengers not to travel to airports without checking on-line that their flight is departing. Flights from continental Europe will not be impacted by the plume of ash from Iceland's volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which caused travel chaos when it forced the closure of much of Europe's airspace for almost a week last month. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are monitoring the latest situation after it was predicted ash concentrations would exceed acceptable engine manufacturer tolerance levels. Irish airspace will reopen at midday.
- VIDEO
A LUO PROVERB
Kik iyany nyang' ka pod in ei pi.
Don't insult or abuse a crocodile while you are still in the water.
Don't boast of success while you are still not quite through with the work or still alive on this eath
Pride comes before a fall.
Vote wisely, vote for labour party
If former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi was living in the UK he could be busy at this time telling fellow Kenyans "Labour ni Baba na Mama" - Vote for Labour. He could not be far from right as you all know that he was a professor for politics.
"The reason why we seek to behave in a good manner is that it's from good behaviour that good fruits are derived." - The Little Book of Wisdom, Dalai Lama
Kibaki jets back from China
President Kibaki's visit climaxed with the holding of fruitful bilateral talks with his host President Hu Jintao
President Mwai Kibaki Tuesday jetted back into the country from Shanghai, China after a successful five-day state visit to the country. The plane carrying President Kibaki and his entourage touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly before 6.00 am. At the Airport to receive the President were Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura, Chief of General Staff Gen. Jeremiah Kianga and other senior government officials. On arrival President Kibaki inspected a guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the Kenya Army and was later entertained by troupes of traditional dancers. President Kibaki's visit climaxed with the holding of fruitful bilateral talks with his host President Hu Jintao. The President attended the grand opening of the Shanghai World Expo. Over 192 countries participated in the expo which accorded Kenyans an opportunity to display and promote their products and services in the vast Chinese and Asian markets.
Bilateral talks
At the bilateral talks President Hu Jintao announced the extension of a Ksh. 1.2 billion grant towards Kenya's development projects. President Kibaki and the Chinese President discussed the construction of Lamu port where the two leaders agreed that the port had the potential to open up vast parts of Northern Kenya and benefit regional economies of Southern Sudan and Ethiopia. The two nations agreed to prioritize the construction of the Lamu Port as a key pillar project towards the attainment of Kenya's development blue print, the Vision 2030. In this regard, it was agreed that appropriate modalities on financing arrangements be made to avoid any financial gaps due to the huge financial resources that will be required. The deliberations attest to the fact that Kenya has edged closer to the development of the second port at Lamu. The Kenya government has already commissioned feasibility studies on the port and accompanying infrastructure which include a railway line from Lamu. The Chinese President termed President Kibaki a true and old friend of China and had redefined relations between the two countries, giving impetus to overall China Africa relations. President Jintao said President Kibaki's leadership had set Kenya on the growth path to drive the economies of countries in the East and Central Africa region. President Kibaki said China had proved to be a genuine development partner and critical ally in Kenya's economic revival that has led to major infrastructural development in the country. The Head of State noted with appreciation that China remained one of the leading bilateral donors to Kenya with an accumulative official development assistance totalling ksh. 42 billion.
Stability
The President assured China of the government's determination and commitment to boost the existing cordial relations through exchange visits at all levels for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. With regard to implementation of Vision 2030 the President affirmed the government has adopted a pragmatic approach that would transform the country into a middle income economy. On stability in the horn of Africa, the Head of State expressed the government's full support for the peace processes in both Sudan and Somalia. President Hu Jintao thanked the government and people of Kenya for being at the forefront in peace initiatives in both Sudan and Somalia. The Chinese leader committed to encouraging investors to open up businesses in Kenya. He will also encourage more tourists to visit the Kenya's world renowned and preferred destinations. President Jintao at the same time announced new areas of development cooperation with Kenya including health and education where more scholarships will be given for Kenyans to study in China.
Potential investors
During the visit President Kibaki also met and held discussions with officials from various Chinese companies and businesses interested in investing in Kenya. The President assured potential investors that the government had created an enabling environment to do business in the country. The Head of State held talks with officials of China-Africa Development (CAD) Fund led by the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Chi Jian Xin. Mr. Chi Jian Xin briefed the President on the company's willingness to partner with private/public companies in supporting projects that can be funded through the official bilateral framework between Kenya and China. The Head of State also met with the Head of Hydro-China Guiyang Corporation Pan Jilu. The company, a Hydropower and wind power generation, transmission and distribution Company, has been involved in various hydro and wind power generation projects. The Head of State directed the ministries of Energy, Finance and Regional Authorities to organize consultative meetings with companies interested in Kenya's development needs and work out modalities of implementing identified projects without delay. During the visit President Kibaki was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, cabinet Ministers Moses wetangula, Amos Kimunya, Fred Gumo, John Munyes, Assistant Ministers Nderitu Muriithi, Mohammed Abu Chiaba, Joseph Nkaissery and the MP for Kisauni Hassan Joho among other senior government officials.
A MAASAI PROVERB
Minuar enkaji natisisina olopeny.
Do not desire the house made by its owner.
(The "made" in this proverb does not mean the actual building of the house, but the making of a good family.)
John 1:11-15
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Aviation authorities in the Irish Republic say flights in and out of the country will be banned because of possible risks from volcanic ash. The new ban will apply from 0700 to 1300 (0600-1200 GMT) on Tuesday. Ash levels from a volcano in Iceland were predicted to exceed acceptable levels for jet engines, the Irish Aviation Authority said on Monday. Flights over Europe were banned for six days last month because of fears of the effect of volcanic ash on jet engines. The IAA (Irish Aviation Authority) said over-flights from the UK and continental Europe would not be affected. The decision was made after the Volcanic Ash Advice Centre (VAAC) said a plume of ash from a volcano in Iceland was drifting towards Ireland. But IAA Chief Executive Eamon Brennan said he was hopeful the flight restrictions could be eased later on Tuesday. "We are quite optimistic that it will dissipate and we are quite optimistic for Dublin and for Shannon tomorrow afternoon but we will make a reassessment for that in the morning." Britain's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said closed airspace over Scotland's Outer Hebrides from 1800 local time on Monday. This means that flights to and from Barra and Benbecula are unable to operate. The CAA added there would be no other restrictions over UK airspace before at least 0700 BST Tuesday and that the situation would be reviewed during the night. Hundreds of flights have been affected, including:
- All Aer Lingus flights to and from Ireland's main airports to the UK and Europe scheduled before 1300 have been cancelled
- All Ryanair flights into and out of the Irish Republic and Belfast in Northern Ireland until 1400 have been cancelled.
Which came first - The Word or Song?
 
If Gospel Singer Ben Githae was asked the question in the church, he would get it right - which comes first the Word or the Song? - But after electrocuting the church congregation with his songs on Saturday night 24th April, 2010 in Coventry, Ben Githae headed for a dinner in a Coventry Restaurant where he was given a question to answer before being allowed into the resturant - Which came first, the chicked or the chilli? Did he get it right - was he allowed in or not? Ask Pastor Kinuthia Muiruri the father of King Solomon in Coventry - he knows the answer.
Six members of the same family perishes in an accident in Kenya
Jeff and Martha Watta of Ealing, London has lost six family members in a car crash in Kenya. It is with profound sorrow that we have to announce the untimely death of Kenneth Watta, Christine Watta (Kenneth’s wife), Wycliffe Okwanyo (brother-in-law), Sophie Achola (wife to Gordon Achola, Kenneths's sister) Sophie’s daughter Hellen Achola, and Gideon Watta Jnr (Kennetth's nephew popularly known as smally). They all died in a tragic road accident in Kenya last Saturday, 1st May 2010 at around 1pm near Kaplong trading centre on Kericho - Kisii road. There only survivor, a baby boy, aged 18 months, miraculously came out with a broken leg. The family was travelling to Migori when this terrible accident occurred. Kenneth Watta lived in the UK for many years before he decided to return to Kenya to contribute to the country’s development. Jeff Watta, Kenneth’s elder brother, is kindly requesting you to help him cater for the funeral expenses of all the six family members. This is surely a big tragedy no family can manage to handle alone. Aware of how expensive funerals are in Kenya, let’s all join hands and help Jeff award his departed family members a dignified send off. In addition to the financial support, we are also requesting for your prayers. We are meeting every evening at Jeff’s house in Ealing (see the address below): Funeral dates will be announced later. You and your friends are most welcome to the fundraising to be held on Saturday, 8th May 2010 as from 3pm at: Greenman Community Centre, Greenman Lane, West Ealing, London W13 0SN, Tel: 020 8354 4233, Mobile: 07860 548 127, Email: sodhialo@yahoo.co.uk. If you cannot make it to the fundraising, kindly make your donations to: Martha Nimba, HSBC Bank, Sort code: 40-42-28, Ac no. 51210599.
 
A Kenyan, Peter Kinyanjui Thuo passes away in UK
A Kenya has passed away in the UK. The late Mr. Peter Kinyanjui Thuo passed away in UK on Wednesday 28th April, 2010 due to a heart attack while visiting the United Kingdom in Suffolk, UK. He is a former employee of Kenya Airways. He is survived by his wife Annah Nyambura Kinyanjui. Father to Sarah Wathuku, Walies Kinyanjui, Monica Wambui and Beatrice Waithira. He was a brother-in-law to Teresia Kahuki of Kettering, Northamptonshire, UK. He hailed from Kagundu-ini, Kandara, Murang'a District. Family and friends are requesting for well wishers to donate whatever they can to meet the cost of transporting his remains back to Kenya. Donations can be made to the following bank. Halifax Bank, Account No. 00264447, Sort Code: 11-03-45, Account name: Mrs. Teresia Kahuki. For further information please contact Mrs. Theresia Kahuki of Kettering Northamptonshire, UK on 0753 997 093, Mrs. Annah Nyambura Kinyanjui of Nairobi, Kenya on +254 721327208 or Mr. Harun Kamau of Luton, UK on 7944 352 147.
The late Peter Kinyanjui Thuo is from Kagundu-ini, Kandara, Murang'a
Spring has officially started in the UK - VIDEO
RARE OPPORTUNITY!!!
OWN A PLOT IN ONGATA RONGAI/ NKOROI AREA
AND
BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!!!
1/4 ACRE RESIDENTIAL PLOTS
SECURE STONE WALLED COMMUNITY OF 20 PLOTS
WATER, ELECTRICITY, AND ALL WEATHER ROADS
(ADVANCED PLANS TO TARMAC MATASIA-KAREN BY-PASS)
BREATH-TAKING VIEW OF KAREN, LANGATA, J.K.I.A.,
NGONG HILLS, MT. KENYA, AND OLOLUA FOREST
KSHS. 1.8M ONLY
FIRST FIVE BUYERS WILL ENJOY A SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Contact details : Zenda Irungu – 07904069280/07889733660 or email zendah_irungu@hotmail.com
Nine perish in Thika accident
Nine people lost their lives Monday afternoon following a grisly road accident along the Thika- Murang'a road as road carnage continue to take its toll on Kenyan roads. The accident is said to have occurred after the driver of a public service vehicle (matatu) traveling from Nairobi to Murang'a lost control and hit a tree near Blue Post Hotel in Thika. The driver of the ill-fated matatu who was said to have been driving recklessly took off immediately after the accident. The accident comes a day after six members of the same family lost their lives along the Keroka-Nyansiongo road in Borabu district after their vehicle collided with a bus in heavy downpour. Six of the injured were rushed to Thika District Hospital in critical condition. Central Province Administration Police Commander, Joseph Keitany said the vehicle which was headed to Murang'a from Nairobi appeared to have been speeding when the accident occurred. He said the matatu rolled several times killing the victims who included 3 women, one child and 4 men. He said the vehicle hit a tree before rolling severally. Keitany who was on his way back to Nyeri where he operates called for reinforcement from the local police station including Thika OCPD, Patrick Mwakio who rushed to the scene and helped in rescuing the survivors from the mangled wreck of the matatu. Accidents along Kenyan roads claim thousands of lives each year with most of them attributed to the public service sector which at most operates as if it were a law unto itself. Efforts to tame the drivers of the matatus have for the most part failed except during a short spell starting in 2003 when the then transport minister John Michuki introduced stringent safety measures including speed governors in a bid to lower fatalities on the roads. However most of the drivers have since gone back to their wayward ways with Kenyans pointing an accusing finger at Michuki's replacement at the ministry Chirau Ali Mwakwere for failing to enforce the laws. And as the blame game between the ministry and police officers over who should enforce the laws continued, Kenyans continued to perish along the roads.
South Africa - race revisited
I watched a nuanced, entertaining production of Othello the other night, put on by students at Johannesburg's Wits University and directed by the legendary South African actor, John Kani. As you might expect, the cast and audience were a cosmopolitan mixture of races and attitudes. Shakespeare's tragedy invariably provokes discussions about race - a particularly sensitive topic in this country at the moment. "This play," John Kani writes in the programme notes, "gives us the opportunity to examine how much our attitudes have changed (or not)." - MORE
Ocampo to meet Hague suspects
Key suspects wanted by the International Criminal Court over the post-election violence will have a chance to meet prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo when he visits on Saturday. Mr Moreno-Ocampo says he will give a hearing, and interview, any of the prominent people who believe they are among the 20 whose names he has presented to the judges at the ICC. His itinerary will also include trips to various parts of the country, with a particular emphasis on hot spots of the violence in Rift Valley Province. The prosecutor has asked the government for logistical support to tour the areas hit hard by the chaos in which 1,133 Kenyans were killed and more than 600,000 uprooted from their homes. The prosecutor wrote two confidential letters last month — one to inform the Kenyan Government about his visit to start investigations and the second to remind it of its obligations as a signatory to the Rome Statute that established the ICC. A top government official said: “I am aware of the letters he wrote; we have met and discussed the facilitation of the visit.” In the letter to the government dated April 19, 2010, the prosecutor expressed his intent to begin his week-long visit to launch investigations on the strength of the ruling by the Pre-Trial Chamber delivered on March 31.
Gulf oil spill could be unprecedented disaster - Obama
US President Barack Obama has described a sprawling oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico as a "potentially unprecedented" environmental disaster. Speaking in Louisiana, Mr Obama said his government would do whatever it takes to clean up the oil, adding that BP was responsible and must pay. He said the focus was now on preventing any further damage to the Gulf coast. BP says it will be at least a week before temporary measures to stem the leak are in place. But it could take up to three months to drill relief wells that could fully contain the spillage, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar warned on Sunday.
Kani's Othello worth a watch.
Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello, now playing at the Wits Theatre, has its interesting moments, but these are unfortunately marred by some noticeable weaknesses. Directed by the great John Kani, the cast comprises drama students from the School of Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand. With jealousy and racial tension at the heart of the story, the mixed race cast explores whether attitudes have changed. - MORE
Safaricom calls on CCK to review regulations
Listed Telecoms Company Safaricom has expressed dissatisfaction over the Government's introduction of competition regulations allegedly designed to manage a single entity. In a press statement signed by Safaricom Chief Executive Officer, Michael Joseph Monday, the company said that it was unfortunate that "the fair competition and equality of treatment regulations in particular are deliberately targeted at the market leader." Mr. Joseph said that the rules themselves had material deviations from international best practice on competition management. "This particular regulation seeks to punish the mere existence of a dominant player without compelling the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) to undertake a market evaluation of whether the dominant player has acted in an anti-competitive manner within its market segment," said he. The Safaricom boss said such a move would result in the CCK punishing operators who are more successful and innovative than their competitors adding that the Global best practice on competition management provides that the regulatory focus should be regulating the act of abusing a dominant position as opposed to condemning the mere existence of a state of dominance. The five regulations; Kenya Information and Communications (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2010, Kenya Information and Communications (Tariff) Regulations 2010, Kenya Information and Communications (Compliance Monitoring, Inspections and Enforcement) Regulations 2010, Kenya Information and Communications (Interconnection and Provision of Fixed Links, Access and Facilities) Regulations 2010 and the Kenya Information and Communications ( Fair Competition and Equality of Treatment ) Regulations 2010 were gazetted by Information and Communications Minister Samuel Poghisio on March 30, this year. Joseph said with the four vibrant mobile service providers all competing to win increased market share it was self-evident that the telecommunications market is the most competitive industry in the country. "It therefore goes against the grain of overarching Government economic policy to now seek to introduce retail price controls for telecommunication services," he added. Mr. Joseph urged the CCK to apply the new regulations to equalize the market akin by becoming a player in the market as opposed to a neutral referee. "It is our view that the Government has a responsibility to ensure that its laws have equal application and are designed to facilitate growth of the economy by increasing investor confidence in the objectivity of our legal processes," he said. He at the same time called on the government to urgently review these regulations in the interest of maintaining a fair and transparent competitive environment.CCK also seeks to introduce price controls in which consumers will be able to retain their user numbers whenever they decide to change service providers. Industry players see the move as a major victory for service providers such as Yu, Telkom Kenya's Orange and Zain, who have been pressing the regulator to shift the dynamics of competition by making it easier for consumers to move across networks. Safaricom controls 78 per cent of Kenya's mobile telephone market.
Q&A: What is a hung parliament?
Recent opinion polls have suggested a growing possibility of there being a hung parliament after the general election.If it is to be avoided, either Labour will have to improve significantly on their current showing in polls, or the Conservatives will have to achieve one of the biggest electoral swings ever seen. But since World War II, there has only been one exception to the rule that in the UK we do not elect hung parliaments. What are they and why do we not have them very often? MORE
An M-PESA agent on Monday 3rd May 2010 pleaded not guilty to electronic fraud. In a case that is bound to send shivers down the spines of mobile money transfer customers, John Gitonga appeared in court accused of defrauding his clients of thousands of shillings. It is alleged that Gitonga fraudulently altered information in an M-PESA transaction that caused Paul Maina to lose 29,950 shillings. Gitonga faced four other similar charges of conning other clients of over 63,000 shillings. The court heard that Gitonga absconded court in Nyeri where he faces similar charges. Chief magistrate Gilbert Mutembei ordered that Gitonga be remanded at Central Police Station awaiting subsequent transfer to Nyeri to face the earlier charges. The case will be mentioned on Wednesday. The M-PESA service, the first of its kind in the world, was launched in March 2007 to serve the millions of unbanked Kenyans. The service does not require users to have a bank account and clients can put cash into their M-PESA account funds at an M-PESA agent and send it to any other mobile phone user in the country, who can then redeem it at any M-PESA agent. M-PESA customers can hold up to Kshs 50,000 in their accounts at any one time, and can do transactions of up to Kshs 70,000 in a day. Meanwhile, a bodyguard attached to ODM nominated MP Rachel Shebesh was Monday morning charged with stealing over 300 000 shillings from his employer. It is alleged that Robert Okwiri was given the money in August last year to deposit at the Eco Bank but he disappeared. He was later arrested in Western province and brought to Nairobi last week to face the charges. Okwiri who did not apply for cash bail was remanded until May 17 when his case will come up for mention.
"When you enter a town and you are welcomed, eat what is set before you...if a man of peace is there your peace will rest on him. At thhis time, Kenyans should think Labour and vote for Labour" - Sent by Mr. Waweru, Nottingham, UK
Losing three family members this year
  
Lost three family members this year from left is the father the late Francis Njuguna Maina,
sister the late Phyllis Njeri Njuguna and the lateMrs. Jane Wanyua Njuguna
Sad news for a Kenyan family in UK. It has been difficult year for a the family of Joyce Njihia (Mama Christine) of London, Benson Mukiri (Baba Njuguna) of Nottingham and Irene (Mama Sam) of Coventry who have lost three members of their family this year. Their father the late Francis Njuguna Maina passed away in January, their sister the late Phyllis Njeri Njuguna passed away in March and now their mother Mrs. Jane Wanyua Njuguna passed away on Saturday 1st May, 2010. They need your prayer as well as financial support. Friends and well wishers in London are meeting every evening starting promptly from 6 p.m. at Inter-denominational World Revival Ministry (IWRM), 500 High Street North, Manor Park, London E12 6QN. Those in Coventry are meeting at Irene (Mama Sam’s) Residence in Coventry-182 Shakespeare Street, Stoke Heath, Coventry CV2 4NF. The mother will be laid to Kenya on Tuesday the 12th May 2010 in Githunguri, Kenya. For more information please call: Joyce (Mama Christine) 07951243462, Benson Mukiri (Baba Njuguna), 07853551132, Irene (Mama Sam), 07882418587, Baba Christine 07958497460, Brian (Baba Angel) 07529411379, Kui (Mama Shiku) 07939607844.
Psalms 84: 8-11
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Lucy wa Ngunjiri wins the Broadcaster of the Year Award
Lucy wa Ngunjiri has won this year’s Radio Broadcaster of the Year 2010 in Kenya. She was presented with the prestigious award on Friday 30th April, 2010 at KICC, Nairobi. After being presented the award, Lucy explained that it was not her award but the award belongs to all of her listeners because it is the listeners who had made reach where she is. The gospel presenter at Kameme FM. Lucy hosts "itaha ria muoyo" show on Sunday morning 6:00am to 9:00am. This is an inspirational show that starts with welcome prayers at 6am, followed by your reason to smile no matter what you are going through. She captivates you with gospel music that takes you close to God. After 7:00am news, follows the intercessory prayers that relieves millions of Kenyans both local and international and through this testimonies have been received from many who experience miracles. Inspirational stories follow in the same hour and comical happenings within churches. This will leave you wanting even more. Lucy brings all denominations together by honoring heads of each denomination. She calls them for live prayers and usually organize prayer meetings in their churches.
The World’s biggest Carrier
United Airlines and Continental Airlines have confirmed they are to merge, creating the world's biggest carrier. Both boards of directors have unanimously approved the $3bn (£1.97bn) deal, but it must still be approved by shareholders and industry regulators. Under the agreement, United shareholders will own approximately 55% of the equity of the combined company and Continental shareholders will own approximately 45%. The companies said the new airline would keep the United name, but planes would feature Continental's livery, logo and colours. Describing the venture as a "merger of equals", United and Continental said the move would benefit customers, employees and investors. More routes will be available to customers, the financially stronger company will bring stability for workers and shareholders could expect sustainable value, they claimed.
 
Rapist lynched in Kenyan village
Nairobi, May 3, 2010 - A 30-year-old man was lynched on Monday by members of the public at Magumu trading centre in Kinagop district after he allegedly defiled and raped a girl and his mother. According to Nyandarua Divisional police boss Jaspher Ombati, the suspect allegedly broke into the house of the victims as they slept and defiled the 13-year-old minor before turning to her mother of 38. Mr Ombati said that the suspect was armed with a knife when he committed the offence at around 4am. Speaking to the press in his office, the OCPD noted that the deceased used the razor-sharp knife to threaten the helpless victims not to raised alarm. However, the teenager managed to escape through the door un-noticed after the man identified as a habitual rapist turned to her mother. The brave child raised a distress call that attracted members of the public who caught the attacker in the act. Mr Ombati said the irate mob rained blows and kicks while also using other crude weapons on the criminal to his death. The body of the deceased was moved to Naivasha district mortuary while the victims were taken to the nearby dispensary where they were treated and discharged. However, the police boss condemned the killings saying the suspect should have been given time to reveal more information over his acts in order to accord him justice. He urged the residents not to take the law into their own hands and instead should present such suspects to the police for action. Election: Vote battle intensifies for final three days
Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are into the final three days of election campaigning. The Tories are ahead in the polls but not by enough to get a majority - Mr Cameron says they will campaign through the night in a final push from Tuesday. Mr Brown said he would fight "every inch" and said "judgement and wisdom" were needed after the financial crisis. Mr Clegg told supporters in south-east London "the sky's the limit" and they had "three days to change Britain". The three leaders are spending the bank holiday visiting numerous seats they hope to win on 6 May. Three days before the closest election since 1992, an ICM/Guardian poll puts the Conservatives on 33%, Labour and the Lib Dems on 28% while a YouGov poll for the Sun puts the Tories on 34%, Lib Dems on 29% and Labour on 28% - which continue to point to a hung parliament.
New York City police have defused an improvised car bomb parked in Times Square, one of the city's busiest tourist areas.
They say propane tanks, fireworks, petrol and a clock device were removed from a parked sports utility vehicle. So far, there is no evidence that it was more than a "one-off event", the US homeland security chief said. Forensic evidence including fingerprints had been recovered, Janet Napolitano told NBC television. "We're treating it as if it could be a potential terrorist attack," she said. Early on Sunday the vehicle was towed to a forensic lab in the city's Queens district and Times Square was reopened. Part of the district - where many theatres are sited - had been sealed off on Saturday night after the bomb alert. Both US President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised the quick response by the New York Police Department. "We are very lucky," Mr Bloomberg told reporters. "Thanks to alert New Yorkers and professional police officers, we avoided what could have been a very deadly event." He said the bomb "looked amateurish" but could have exploded, adding that the incident was a "reminder of the dangers that we face". Correspondents say the New York City Police Department is on constant alert after a series of alleged terror plots in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. "The NYPD bomb squad has rendered safe an improvised car bomb," said New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
"I think the intent was to cause a significant ball of fire," he added. The alert was triggered when a street vendor saw smoke coming from a Nissan Pathfinder parked on 45th Street and Seventh Avenue at about 1830 (2230 GMT) on Saturday. The vehicle had its engine running and hazard lights flashing, officials said. Police shut down several blocks of Times Square, as well as subway lines, while a robotic arm broke windows of the vehicle. "There were explosive elements, including powder, gasoline, propane and some kind of electrical wires attached to a clock," police spokesman Paul Browne told reporters early on Sunday. "No motive has been identified," he added. A metal box resembling a gun locker was also recovered, police say. Security footage is being reviewed after reports that a person had been seen running away from the vehicle. Police have established that the car's registration plates do not match up with the Nissan. They belonged to a car owner in the state of Connecticut, who told officers he had sent the plates to a junkyard. Jerry Brown, one of the tourists evacuated from the nearby Marriott Marquis hotel, told the BBC: "Guests are sitting on the street and there is considerable chaos... There is talk about moving us to another hotel but I am not sure how this is going to happen." FBI agents joined NYPD investigators at the scene. The White House said President Obama was being kept up to date on the investigation. On everyone's mind is the city's darkest day, the 2001 attack on the Twin Towers just a few miles away, says the BBC's Barbara Plett in New York. The most recent terror alert in New York City involved a plot to set off suicide bombs in the subway system. Earlier this year an Afghan immigrant, Najibullah Zazi, and an associate, Zarein Ahmedzay, both pleaded guilty in connection with the attempt. Last year four New Yorkers went on trial accused of plotting to bomb synagogues in the city and fire missiles at military aircraft.
IT IS DECISION TIME
"Labour ni Mama na Baba"
Mr. Daniel Munyambu (A Labour Party Member) (far right) with UK’s State Minister Angela Smith who is seeking for re-election as MP for Basildon & Thurrock. They are campaigning together with Mr. Allan Davies who is Labour candidate in Basildon and Billericay. Mr. Munyambu is requesting Kenyans in UK to Vote Labour as it’s the only political party that believe in protecting frontline spending on childcare, schools, the NHS and policing. Labour also believes in rebuilding the economy in new ways with more high tech business, fairer rewards and responsibility. It’s also protecting the things people value & demanding rights and responsibilities. He continued to say that Labour is the only party offering help for parents in balancing work and family life by giving a `Father`s Month` flexible paid leave. He concluded by saying that Conservative Party has vowed to remove all failed asylum seekers from UK. Lets say No to Tory through the power of our votes. Finally he is requesting those who reside within Thurrock area to vote Angela Smith and to those from Basildon to vote Allan Davies. - Mr Munyambu - successmu74@yahoo.co.uk.
Beckham trails in sport rich list
Despite boasting an estimated worth of £125 million, Beckham trails behind Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan - who qualifies as a former Blackburn Rovers player. Third place goes to another unlikely figure. Former racing driver Johnny Dumfries is worth an estimated £110m, though virtually none of his vast wealth comes from his sporting endeavours - he is the 7th Marquess of Bute, Earl of Dumfries and a Scottish Peer. Formula One drivers Eddie Irvine, Jody Scheckter, David Coulthard, Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button all feature in the top 10. With his wealth estimated at £43m, Button also tops the young sport rich list, for sports stars aged 30 or under. Lewis Hamilton also makes it into the top five, with an estimated wealth of £35m despite the former world champion only being 25-years-old. Manchester United duo Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney come in at second and fourth respectively while Chelsea's John Terry, Joe Cole, Petr Cech and Michael Essien also make it into the top 10. Two Grand Slam final appearances have helped world number five Andy Murray amass a wealth of £15m by the age of 22 and earn him a place at sixth on the list. And rounding out the list is NBA star Luol Deng, who has collected a cool £13m in his six-year stint at the Chicago Bulls.
THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORT RICH LIST TOP 10
1 Dave Whelan (Football) £190m
2 David Beckham (Football) £125m
3 Johnny Dumfries (Motor racing) £110m
4 Lennox Lewis (Boxing) £95m
5 Eddie Irvine (Motor racing) £80m
6 Jody Scheckter (Motor racing) £60m
7 Dave Richards (Motor racing) £58m
8= David Coulthard (Motor racing) £50m
8= Nigel Mansell (Motor racing) £50m
10 Jenson Button (Motor racing) £43m
YOUNG SPORT RICH LIST TOP 10 - Aged 30 and under
1 Jenson Button (Motor racing) £43m
2 Michael Owen (Football) £40m
3 Lewis Hamilton (Motor racing) £35m
4 Wayne Rooney (Football) £33m
5 John Terry (Football) £20m
6 Andy Murray (Tennis) £15m
7 Joe Cole (Football) £14m
8. Petr Cech Football £13m
9. Luol Deng Basketball £13m
10. Michael Essien Football £13m
.
Four perish in morning crash
Four people perished Saturday morning 1st May, 2010 after their vehicle veered off the road, plunging into the Railway bridge along Jogoo road in Nairobi. The four are alleged to be university students. The accident comes just days after acting transport Minister Amos Kimunya reintroduced the use of Alcoblow to tame drunken driving along Kenyan roads. Meanwhile, a university student was Friday evening shot dead when armed gangsters opened fire at a public service vehicle (matatu) she was travelling in along the Nyahururu-Rumuruti road. Mary Wangechi Kamau a second year student at Moi University's Chepkoilel Campus in Eldoret died on the spot after one of the bullets fired by the gang that had waylaid the matatu hit her as she sat next to the driver The matatu whose windows were shattered stalled a short distance from the scene as terrified passengers scampered for safety in nearby farms leaving the student bleeding profusely. And now matatu operators plying the route have grounded their vehicles protesting against the incident which came barely a week after a matatu driver was killed by the gangsters. They called on authorities to intensify security patrols along the road and the transfer of security personnel at Nyahururu and Maili Saba areas. Police in riot gear blocked the Maili Saba-Nyahururu road as the operators planned to hold a demonstration to Nyahururu town. However there appeared to be confusion as to the jurisdiction of Kianugu area where the shootings took place with Nyandarua OCPD Jasper Ombati saying it fell under the Laikipia West Police Division. However the Laikipia West police division says it has a police post at Maili Saba which does not cover Kianugu area.
Meet Professor George Karani
A down to earth man
Dr. George Karani (left) was spotted by Mr. Seed at Gospel Conference where Ben Githae a Kenyan artist was performing in Coventry on 25th April, 2010. In the midist of other Kenyans he is such a humble and down to earth person. Dr. Karani, a professor at a Cardiff University likes socialising with Kenyans. Seen charting above with Dr. Karani is Rev. Peter Wangaruro a teacher in London who runs Family Rebuilders Ministry in London. Dr. George Karani is Professor of Environmental Health at the Cardiff School of Health Sciences. He has authored several papers and book chapters on Pollution and Health. He is actively engaged in research and knowledge transfer projects in the UK, Finland, Holland, Spain, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, and has instigated a homework club for the Somali pupils in Cardiff. As part of an EU Trans-European funded project, Professor Karani has been working with Government, the voluntary sector and european partners to develop policy that addresses racism and discrimination in the labour market. He is member of the Environmental Protection Advisory Committee Wales (EPAC), Vale Health Board and the All Wales Review Panel on Continuing Care and elected Chair of the Board of Trustees for All Wales Ethinic Minority Association (AWEMA). Previously, he was consultant for the World Health Organisation and the World Bank
INTERDENOMINATIONAL WORLD REVIVAL MINISTRIES (IWRM)
INVITES YOU TO TWO GREAT EVENTS THIS WEEKEND.
OUR MONTHLY PRAYER NIGHT WILL BE ON
FRIDAY, 30TH APRIL 2010 FROM 8.00PM TO 6.00AM AND ALSO
THE GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA ON SUNDAY 2ND MAY 2010
FROM 6.00PM TO 9.00PM. DON'T MISS THIS EVENT
AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED ABUNDANTLY.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL INFORMATION
Explosive devices kill two in Nyahururu
A man and his a seven-year-old daughter died on the spot when an explosive device they were trying to detonate exploded in Nyahururu town. The man's wife and a relative were rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and Nyahururu district hospital respectively where they are admitted with serious injuries. According to an eye witness the victims were trying to detonate seven bomb-like devices that they had found in the field using a charcoal stove when they exploded. "We only heard a loud bang that forced us to rush to scene, when we arrived we were shocked to see the two bodies burnt beyond recognition," the witness said. Area DC Lucy Mulili who visited the scene said that the seven devices burst into flames inflicting serious burns on the victims. Mulili said police were still investigating to establish what the devices were and how they got to the area. "We have not yet established what the explosives were and if they were bombs. We wonder why they had been placed in the area," she told KBC. Mulili said that the two at the hospital were helping police piece together information that could shed light on the matter. "They sustained serious burns as a result of the flames from the devices. Doctors have confirmed that they are responding well to treatment," she said.
Are you living in Nottingham?
  
CHAPATIS (CHAPOS), GITHERI AND MUKINO
Contact Mama Chapo on 07404470559.
Arrangements to delivery in your house can be made.
Construction of Lamu Port top priority says Kibaki
Kenya and China on Saturday agreed to prioritize the construction of Lamu Port as a key pillar project under Kenya's Vision 2030. In this regard, it was agreed that appropriate modalities be made to avoid any financial gaps due to the huge financial resources that will be required. During bilateral talks between President Mwai Kibaki and China's President Hu Jintao, the two leaders agreed that the port had the potential to open up vast parts of Northern Kenya and benefit regional economies of Southern Sudan and Ethiopia. The announcement brings Kenya closer to the development of the second port at Lamu. The Kenyan government has already commissioned viability studies on the port and accompanying infrastructure which includes a railway line from Lamu. The bilateral talks were a climax to President Kibaki's State Visit to China where he also attended the Shanghai World Expo that opened its doors on Friday. At the talks President Hu Jintao announced the extension of a Ksh 1.2 billion grant towards Kenya's development projects. The Chinese President termed President Kibaki a true and old friend of China who had redefined relations between the two countries, giving impetus to overall China Africa relations. President Jintao said President Kibaki's leadership had set Kenya on the growth path to drive the economies of the East and Central Africa region. President Kibaki said China had proved to be a genuine development partner and critical ally in Kenya's economic revival with involvement in major infrastructural development in the country. China remains one of the leading bilateral donors to Kenya with an accumulative official development assistance totaling Ksh 42 billion. Kenya's development cooperation with China is currently anchored on the Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Action Plan adopted during the fourth Ministerial Conference held in Sharm-El-Shiekh, Egypt last year which lays out plans for China-Africa cooperation in all fields.
Cordial relations
President Kibaki assured China of the government's determination and commitment to enhance the existing cordial relations through exchange visits at all levels for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. "My visit today, the third one within a period of five years underscores the close relations between Kenya and China. These relationships continue to flourish characterized with mutual beneficial partnerships in various sectors including Infrastructure, Agriculture, Health, Education, Trade and Tourism", the President said. With regard to implementation of Vision 2030, Kenya's development blue print, the President affirmed that the government had adopted a pragmatic approach that would transform the country into a middle income economy. President Kibaki conveyed deepest his condolences and sympathies to the President and people of China following the disastrous Chinese earthquake last month that claimed over 700 lives, impaired thousands and caused massive destruction of property. President Hu Jintao thanked the government and people of Kenya for being at the forefront in peace initiatives in both Sudan and Somalia. The Chinese leader committed himself to encouraging investors to open up businesses in Kenya and also encourage more tourists to visit the country following Kenya's attainment of preferred destination status. President Jintao at the same time announced new areas of development cooperation with Kenya including health and education where more scholarships will be given to Kenyans to study in China. The talks were attended by Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, cabinet Ministers Moses Wetangula, Fred Gumo, John Munyes, Assistant Ministers Nderitu Murithi, Mohamed Abu Chiaba and Joseph Nkaisseri among other senior government officials.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses workers at Uhuru Park, Nairobi during celebrations to mark Labour Day where he announced a 10pct increase in minimum wages
NEP residents want boundary re-drawn
North Eastern Province residents now want the boundary between the province and the Coast Province re-drawn. The residents termed the three mile coastal strip boundary dividing North Eastern and Coast Provinces as retrogressive and called for it to be abolished. The residents are also proposing that Garissa district gets 2 more constituencies in order to bring government services closer to the people. The residents were presenting their views to the Interim Independent Boundary Review Commission that was taking submissions when the emotive issue of the three mile coastal strip boundary came up. They said the boundary was retrogressive as the demarcation was introduced at the height of the shifta uprising ostensibly to deny North Eastern province residents access to the waters of Tana River. Led by Lagdera MP and Deputy speaker Farah Maalim, leaders in the area asked the interim independent boundary review commission to abolish the boundary saying it has been a leading cause of conflicts in the region. The leaders urged IIBRC to ensure new districts and constituencies are carved out in a manner that reflects national diversity and curbs tribalism.
Somali journalist: 'I saw my boss shot dead'
Somali journalist Ahmed-Tajir Omar Hashi was walking in Mogadishu's Bakara market with his boss, the head of one of the country's leading broadcasters, Radio Shabelle, recently when he heard the crack of gunfire."I was hit in the left hand and the bullet passed into my left side above the kidney. It felt as if I was hit with a little stone. I did not know what it was because I had never been shot before," says Mr Hashi who is recovering from his injuries in hospital. "When I looked back, I saw Muktar Mohamed Hirabe lying on the ground and a man with a hand-gun standing above him. Then, I realised that I was in trouble and ran for my life. Mr Hirabe became the fifth journalist to be killed this year in Somalia, which has become one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists to work. Somali journalist Ahmed-Tajir Omar Hashi was walking in Mogadishu's Bakara market with his boss, the head of one of the country's leading broadcasters, Radio Shabelle, recently when he heard the crack of gunfire. "I was hit in the left hand and the bullet passed into my left side above the kidney. It felt as if I was hit with a little stone. I did not know what it was because I had never been shot before," says Mr Hashi who is recovering from his injuries in hospital. "When I looked back, I saw Muktar Mohamed Hirabe lying on the ground and a man with a hand-gun standing above him. Then, I realised that I was in trouble and ran for my life.
Mr Hirabe became the fifth journalist to be killed this year in Somalia, which has become one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists to work. "I touched my left side which was wet with blood. I felt a twinge in my stomach, probably where the bullet came out and when I ran my hand over it, one of my fingers went into the bullet hole," says Mr Hashi. "I was running fast but I glanced back and I saw the young gunman shooting my colleague in the head again. He then fired a shot in my direction. I went into a building to escape." Many journalists have received anonymous phone calls from people asking them to massage facts to work for what they say is "the defence of the country". Sources told the BBC that in the week he was killed, Mr Hirabe also received these calls. He was asked to give money to help what was described as the work of the "mujahideen" (holy warriors) in Somalia. He refused and contacted leaders from the hardline Islamist group al-Shabab to check with them whether their people had made the threats. Al-Shabab asked to see the phone numbers so they could check them out, but before he could do that he was killed in broad daylight in a Mogadishu street controlled by al-Shabab. To show their respects, most media organisations stopped broadcasting and 14 of the best known Somali journalists said they would stop working until security improved. They said that threats and assassinations made it impossible for them to work. The editor of Radio Voice of Peace, Abdu-Aziz Mohamud Guled, said most of the journalists had been murdered in insurgent strongholds and seemed to be operating with impunity.
In pictures: Oil spill threatens US coastal wildlife
 
The US oil slick could become an environmental disaster if it engulfs major breeding and nesting grounds - such as the Breton National Wildlife Refuge off Louisiana and on right several species of sea turtles are at the peak of their nesting season and may become coated in oil as they pass through the Gulf to nest on Alabama beaches.
Kenya's low income earners get 10pct wage increase
Nairobi, Saturday 1st May, 2010. Kenya's low income earners get 10pct wage increase.The government has announced a 10 percent increase in minimum wages for its workers. Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced the minimum salary adjustment for low cadre workers Saturday at Uhuru Park where he led this year's Labour Day celebrations. The announcement came as the country is still recovering from the effects of the worst global economic crisis that saw prices of all commodities skyrocket beyond the reach of many. While hailing the the zeal of the Kenyan workers the Prime Minister urged them to work for greater prosperity for the country. However the PM turned the celebrations into a platform to drum up support for the draft constitution, accusing those opposed to it as having no convincing reasons. Raila lashed out at the clergy for orchestrating a move to have the proposed constitution defeated based on unfounded facts. Saying the constitution was an idea whose time had come Raila accused the clergy of misleading their flock by not telling them the truth. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli told those opposed to the draft to read the signs of the time and called on the president and the prime minister to tame the dissenting voices on the draft constitution. Workers who had gathered at Uhuru Park for the celebrations rallied to Raila's call and endorsed the proposed constitution with the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) officially launching its ‘Yes' campaign. The workers carried placards that read ‘COTU is Yes', in support of the proposed constitution while Atwoli dismissed parliamentarians who are against the document saying that they had their chance at parliament and during the Naivasha talks. He said COTU had, since last October, held 20 rallies countrywide that were aimed at sensitizing workers and the public on Agenda Four issues with emphasis on the constitutional review. "The salient feature has been the constitutional review process which is now on its final stages awaiting the referendum. I am sure the outcome will be yes,''Atwoli said. "Irrespective of Government support, COTU is committed to sensitizing workers on the proposed constitution until the referendum," he added. This year's Labour Day theme is "For Peace and Stability, Agenda IV is the answer" and according to Atwoli, the theme was chosen in recognition of the importance COTU attached to the implementation of the country's reform agenda.
US authorities have told BP it has to do more to prevent a huge oil slick causing an ecological disaster along the coast of Louisiana. Up to 5,000 barrels of oil a day are spewing into the Gulf of Mexico from a leaking BP well, which was ruptured after the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank. US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the British oil giant had not committed enough resources to the clean-up operation. "We continue it urge BP to leverage additional assets to help lead the response in this effort," she said. "We will continue to push BP to engage in the strongest possible response." The US Air Force has been given the go-ahead to dump chemicals on the spill. The Pentagon said it had approved the operation to break up the slick using chemicals dropped by two C-130 Hercules cargo planes. The planes are on standby and awaiting orders. Each plane is capable of covering up to 250 acres in a single flight, and could fly three missions in a day. Experts warn that a major environmental disaster is looming. A state of emergency was declared in Florida today and Louisiana this week after the slick began washing ashore. Experts said it could be very difficult to clean up the slick from the fragile marshland at the edge of the Mississippi Delta. "It is of grave concern," said David Kennedy, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "I am frightened. This is a very, very big thing. And the efforts that are going to be required to do anything about it, especially if it continues on, are just mind-boggling."
 
The US Coast Guard told the Reuters news agency that a second rig - a "mobile drilling unit" - had overturned in a navigational channel near Morgan City, Louisiana. The floating shallow-water rig has a 20,000-gallon diesel fuel capacity but officials said there was no fuel leaking and no one had been injured. Sky's US correspondent Greg Milam said the latest efforts to stop the oil slick from the first rig have involved rounding up some of the oil and lighting it with flares. "The stakes could not be higher. In the past, burns like this have had some success, as it did off Canada 17 years ago," he said. "Fumes are an obvious problem, but they may be the lesser of two evils."However, the burn-off attempt in one of the thickest parts of the slick was suspended because of heavy winds. President Barack Obama pledged to "use every single available resource" including the National Guard to help prevent an environmental disaster. Members of his cabinet including his homeland security, environment and interior chiefs have been sent to conduct an aerial survey of the area off the Gulf Coast.A White House official has also announced there would be no new offshore oil drilling until a Deepwater Horizon investigation was completed. Senior adviser David Axelrod told broadcaster ABC: "No additional drilling has been authorised and none will until we find out what happened here and whether there was something unique and preventable." Louisiana's Governor declared the state of emergency and warned the slick "threatens the state's natural resources". Bobby Jindal asked the defence department for funds to deploy up to 6,000 troops to help with the clean-up. But many of those who depend on the region's fisheries and nature reserves have already given up on efforts to stave off an environmental disaster.
Jesus flag banned for 'advertising Christianity'
Vicar Mark Binney has been banned from flying a flag of Jesus Christ outside his church because council officials reckon it advertises Christianity. Rev Binney was threatened with a £1,000 fine as he did not receive planning permission to fly the pink flag at St Andrew's Church in Evesham, Worcestershire. The 52-year-old had hoisted it up a 30ft pole outside the church to celebrate Holy Week at Easter, prompting a complaint from the public which led the council to take action. He told reporters he reckons the "appalling" move is part of a gradual erosion of Christianity in the UK. "You see blatant advertising everywhere, especially at election time, where lots of people are completely flouting the law," the vicar added. "But we can't display a flag for one week – the most holy week of the Christian year."
Granny, 72, Having A Baby With Her Grandson
A grandmother has shocked her friends and family after revealing she is having a baby with her own grandson.Pearl Carter, 72, says she has never been happier after beginning an incestuous relationship with her 26-year-old grandchild Phil Bailey. The pensioner, from Indiana, US, is using her pension to pay a surrogate mother so they can have a child, reports New Zealand's New Idea magazine. She said: "I'm not interested in anyone else's opinion. I am in love with Phil and he's in love with me. "Soon I'll be holding my son or daughter in my arms and Phil will be the proud dad." Her lover is the son of Pearl's daughter Lynette Bailey - who she put up for adoption when she was 18-years-old. When his mother passed away, Phil tracked down his long lost grandmother and they quickly fell in love. Pearl told New Idea magazine: "From the first moment that I saw him, I knew we would never have a grandmother-grandson relationship. "For the first time in years I felt sexually alive." It was during their second week together, after dinner and wine, that Pearl made her move. "I called Phil into my bedroom, sat him on the bed, and then I leant over and kissed him," she added. "I expected rejection but instead he kissed me back." Phil revealed: "I wanted to kiss her there and then. My feelings were overwhelming. "I love Pearl with all my heart. I've always been attracted to older women and I think Pearl is gorgeous. Now I'm going to be a dad and I can't wait. "Yes, we get laughed at and bullied when we go out and kiss in public but we don't care. You can't help who you fall for."The pair paid $54,000 (£35,000) to find a surrogate mother and buy a donor egg to inseminate with Phil's sperm. They placed an advert asking for an open-minded surrogate, and Roxanne Campbell applied. "Initially I was shocked," says Roxanne, 30. "But they're a brilliant pair and I saw how much they loved each other. I know the baby will be loved too." Pearl said: "I am finally going to be a mum and not forced to give up my child. Phil's going to be a great dad. "I never in a million years thought at 72 I'd be 'pregnant' and in love with my grandson. "I make no apologies and I believe God's given me a second chance."
Nairobi, Friday 30th April, 2010. Public Works Assistant Minister, Dick Wathika has lost his Makadara parliamentary seat. High Court Judge, Kalpana Rawal delivered the judgment Friday in a petition filed by former area MP, Reuben Ndolo who sought to have the election nullified - citing massive irregularities during the 2007 election. Through his lawyer, Ndolo asked the judge to nullify the election alleging officials of the now defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) colluded to rig the polls by orchestrating the arrest of Mr Ndolo on December 28, 2007. He said a returning officer, Ms Jerusha Chepsat signed and issued a winner certificate to Mr Wathika before declaring the results. Ms Chepsat issued the certificate on December 28, 2007 and announced the results on the night of December 29-30, 2007. Wathika has however maintained that the allegations have not been proven. Wathika now joins four other MPs who have lost their seats through successful petitions. Former Transport Minister Chirau Mwakwere (Matuga, PNU), immediate assistant minister Omingo Magara (South Mugirango, ODM), and Chief Whip George Thuo (Juja PNU) are out in the cold and are waiting to defend their seats in by-elections. Former assistant Minister Joel Onyancha (Bomachoge PNU) was the first to lose his seat after a petition that led to his defeat in a by-election. Housing Assistant Minister, Margaret Wanjiru's fate also hangs in the balance after former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda defeated her in a vote recount in an ongoing case. The court is yet to give its verdict on the petition. There are also four election petitions pending in court. Wathika is a first time MP and a staunch Party of National Unity member. An accountant by training, Wathika served as Nairobi Mayor for two terms between 2004 and 2007.
Dick Wathika has lost the Makadara parliamentary seat after the High Court nullified his election. Delivering judgment Friday morning, Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal said the electoral process was marred by irregularities.
Why take our fingerprints at JKIA
Hallo Mr. Seed,
We travelled to Kenya on a Swiss Air arriving in Jomo Kenyatta international Airport, Nairobi on the 9th April 2010. A family of six, with British passports. Normally when we get to the airport we take our one month's visa's. This time it is changed, all travellers regardless of nationality both young and old, who had not gotten their Kenyan visas from their country of residence, had to get their finger prints taken..! wow I couldn't believe it, so they took our fingerprints - all of us regardless of race. When we enquired they said, it is because they wanted to update their computers - "kwa sababu ya katiba".. So for anyone with new generation ID’s - please mujichunge...
Thanx
Caro – 30th April 2010
Obama breaks down in tears at funeral of 'Godmother' of
American civil rights movement Dorothy Height
 
Tears streaming down his cheeks, grief overcame Barack Obama today as he attended the funeral of the woman he called the 'Godmother' of the American civil rights movement. The U.S. president was weeping openly as he watched the service for Dorothy Height in Washington today. He delivered the eulogy for Dr Height, whose activisim stretched from the New Deal right up until Mr Obama's election as the first African American president of the United States. Dr Height died last week at 98 after a long illness. She was a pioneering voice of the civil rights movement who remained active and outspoken well into her 90s. She often received rousing ovations at events around Washington, where she was easily recognisable in the bright, colourful hats she almost always wore. Dr Height led the National Council of Negro Women for decades and marched with the Rev Martin Luther King Jr. She was honoured by Mr Obama during the service at Washington National Cathedral for her leadership on the front lines fighting for equality, education and to ease racial tension. Changing the course of history: Dr Dorothy Height, left, in one of her characteristically colourful outfits, with her comrade-at-arms Rosa Parks. - MORE
Kenyan man dies in Dallas
A Kenyan man Bernard Meta Kinyanjui has passed away at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas. (More details and picture soon. In the meantime, relatives and friends are meeting daily at his home located at 4308 Leatherwood Lane, Garland, TX 75042 daily from 7pm.
A Kenyan has passed away in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roy Nganga Kuria after a short illness. Roy Nganga Kuria was the son of John W. Kuria and the late Teresa W. Kuria, brother to Carolyne Kuria, Rita Kuria and Denis Kuria. A memorial will be held in Birmingham, Alabama and the details will be announced soon. In the event you will not be able to make it for the memorial, contributions will be greatly appreciated. Please send contributions to Chase Bank, Rita Kuria, Routing Number- 322271627, Account Number- 3122640598. For more information please contact Rita Kuria # 909-964-1356, Carolyne Kuria# 0722609950 (Kenya) or Denis Kuria # 612-623-94315(Australia).
The late Roy Nganga Kuria
 KTN LIVE TV KENYA
Leaders in last TV debate appeals
Gordon Brown urges voters not to "risk" a different government while David Cameron and Nick Clegg both put the case for change in the final UK prime ministerial TV debate. Polls published immediately after the third and final leaders' debate before the General Election suggest David Cameron is the winner. YouGov puts the Tory leader on 41%, followed by Nick Clegg on 32% and Gordon Brown on 25%. ComRes had Mr Cameron two points ahead of Mr Clegg on 35% with Mr Brown trailing in third on 26%. And Angus Reid put the Tory leader on 37%, eight points ahead of Mr Clegg on 29% and 14 points ahead of Mr Brown on 23%. However, a Populus poll for the Times put Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg level-pegging on 38% with Mr Brown on 25%. And an ICM poll for the Guardian has Mr Brown in second place on 29% following Mr Cameron on 35% with Mr Clegg on 27%. It means Sky News' Instant Poll of Polls puts the Tory leader on 38%, the Lib Dem leader on 32% and the PM on 26%.
IWRM Ladies Retreat
To all ladies. I.W.R.M church would like to invite all ladies to a ladies retreat starting from 1st June to 3rd June 2010 (2nights). (A retreast is temporarily removing oneself from one's usual environment in order to become immersed in a particular subject matter) There will be interactive activities and guest speakers will include Pastor Majorie Esomowei of Wisdom For Women International and Pastor Pauline Kamau of Emanuel Celebration Centre, Slough. The Venue will be at the luxurious Christian retreat centre, THE OAST HOUSES, EWHURST LANE, NORTHIAM, EAST SUSSEX, TN13 6HL. Registration is ongoing @ £117 for accommodation and meals (£25 hotel booking fee is non refundable) Guests will enjoy facilities at the venue including indoor swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, large country gardens and more. To book a place call 07534492826, 07944951907 or 07985673032. PLEASE CALL NOW AS SPACES ARE LIMITED!! -
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
A Kenyan man Bernard Meta Kinyanjui has passed away in Dallas. More later.
Gospel musician Ben Githae is back to Kenya
 
Gospel musician from Kenya Mr. Ben Githae left for Kenya on Tuesday 27th April, 2010 after a successful tour of the UK. To concluded his tour he performed at Glory Restoration Church in Coventry on Sunday 25th April, 2010 where a large number of guests attended. Githae (left) performing at the church and caught in church was Mr. Juma and his wife with their daughters from Milton Keynes.
The story below sounds like white lies
Man 'Survives Without Food' For 70 Years
Indian doctors are studying a remarkable 83-year-old holy man who claims to have spent the last seven decades without food and water. Military medics hope the experiments on Prahlad Jani can help soldiers develop their survival strategies. The long-haired and bearded yogi is under 24-hour observation by a team of 30 doctors during three weeks of tests at a hospital in the western city of Ahmedabad. Two cameras have been set up in his room, while a mobile camera films him when he goes outside, guaranteeing round-the-clock observation. His body will be scanned and his brain and heart activity measured with electrodes. "The observation from this study may throw light on human survival without food and water," said Dr G. Ilavazahagan, who is directing the research. "This may help in working out strategies for survival during natural calamities, extreme stressful conditions and extra-terrestrial explorations like future missions to the Moon and Mars by the human race." Since the experiment began on April 22, Jani has neither eaten nor drunk and has not been to the toilet. "The exercise of taking this yogi under the medical scanner is to understand what energy supports his existence," Dr Ilavazahagan added. "Jani says he meditates to get energy. Our soldiers will not be able to meditate, but we would still like to find out more about the man and his body." Jani, who dresses in red and wears a nose ring, grew up in Charod village in the Mehsana district in Gujarat. He claims to have been blessed by a goddess when he was aged eight, which has enabled him to survive without sustenance.
Obama: 'There may not be an appetite' to tackle immigration this year
President Obama said late Wednesday that "there may not be an appetite" to overhaul the nation's immigration laws this year, even though he believes there is a pressing need to do so. "It's a matter of political will," Obama said during a rare visit to the press section of his presidential plane. He added, "This is a difficult issue. It generates a lot of emotions. . . . I need some help on the Republican side." Obama has called repeatedly for comprehensive immigration reform, saying he wants to tighten control of the nation's borders but also chart a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants who are in this country illegally. Sen. Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) said last week that he wanted to push forward with legislation regardless of whether lawmakers can forge a bipartisan compromise. But he later backed off that pledge, and Obama told reporters on the plane that he is willing to wait in order to work with Republican senators. On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that Reid and Democratic Sens. Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.) and Robert Menendez (N.J.) are forging a proposal that would call for more border security measures before expanding citizenship options. In his remarks to reporters, Obama cited the bruising battle over health care and the current debate on financial regulatory reform and an energy bill, as well as November's midterm congressional elections, as reasons an immigration bill might have to wait. "We've gone through a tough year, and I've been working Congress pretty hard," the president said. "So I know there may not be an appetite immediately to dive into another controversial issue." Obama applauded negotiations on immigration legislation between Schumer and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and said he would like to see a working group of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle craft "serious legislation that solves the border problem and solves the wide range of issues that we face under immigration reform in a way that can garner the support of the American people."
One by one from the land of our Bradas
 
The 13th All-Nigeria Ram-Fighting Championships in Lagos consists of six weeks of horn-to-horn battles between the country's angriest sheep and on right animal rights activists oppose ram-fighting, but its supporters say the animals are just expressing their natural instinct to compete with other males for mates.
A new iPhone application has been launched
A new iPhone application has been launched, allowing users to check how likely it is that their next door neighbours will have an Anti-Social Behavioural Order (Asbo). So not only can you use your iPhone to do your weekly shop and pay your bills, you can now also research just what sort of neighbourhood you might be moving into. The Asborometer uses data from the Home Office on where and when Asbos are issued. As a result, you can check just how many Asbos were issued in your town in the quarter. Excitingly, you can even get information on just how many crack houses were closed in the local area. The application can then rank the towns based on how many locals believe anti-social behaviour is a problem in that area.
MADARAKA DA DAY CELEBRATIONS 2010!
 
The Kenya Nurses Association cordially invites all Kenyans and friends of Kenya to a commemoration event to mark the 47th Kenyan Independence Day which will be held on the 5th June 2010 at the Wood Green Social Club, 3rd Stuart Crescent, White Hart Lane, London N22 5NJ starting13.00 to 22.00.
Come one, come all! Ready to enjoy a Kenya Day with a variety of cultural entertainments including a Kenyan cuisine, music with Kenyan flavour and generally mingling well with other Kenyans.
Entrance fee £15 per person.
Children under 12 years accompanying parents are free.
For further details please contact: Anne Kamau- 07957353712 or Joseph Wagura-07984062861.
This event has been organised by the Kenya Nurses Association (UK)
THE KENYA NURSES ASSOCIATION (UK)
Kenya Nurses Association (UK) is a professional body comprising of Nurses of Kenyan origin, those trained abroad and locally. Membership is also open to Student Nurses of Kenyan origin. The Association exists to foster high standards of the practice of nursing, to encourage professional growth and development, and to support the welfare of all its members.
Members hold quarterly meetings and deliberate on the progress towards achieving set goals.
All eligible members from the Kenyan Nursing fraternity are invited to register as members and to participate in the development of the Association.
One of the key themes of our Association is to maintain our cultural identity as Kenyans and therefore we do hold an annual event to celebrate our Kenyan rich cultural heritage which we would like to pass on to our children especially those who have not had a chance to live in our great nation of Kenya. The annual event coincides with the Kenya National Madaraka Day, this being the Kenyan Independence Day, usually celebrated in Kenya on the 1st of June, however, for our case the day is always commemorated on the first Saturday of June.
MADARAKA DA DAY CELEBRATIONS 2010!
 
Secret appointments
When last October Government posted diplomats to missions abroad, there was uproar because most of them were either relatives of senior politicians or election losers. State officials are at it again and the secrecy this time round is higher than before and style of appointment and induction of the lucky few more questionable. For a start, our enquiries found out, only about five senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could be privy to what is going on, the full list, as well as destination of the lucky lot and fate of those recalled. It turned out Government is training 14 people who will soon be posted to embassies abroad, through an arrangement with a local university that hosts an institute of diplomacy. - FULL STORY
Former Local Authorities PS Sammy Kirui (Left) handcuffed to businessman Maina Chege in court when cemetery land trials started. - The Standard.
Nairobi, Thursday 29th April, 2010. Property of an unknown value was reduced to ashes after a fire razed down over 400 houses at KCC village in Naivasha. The fire was started by a middle aged man who allegedly committed suicide by setting himself ablaze after he discovered he was HIV positive. The man who was burnt beyond recognition doused himself with petrol before setting himself on fire. Confirming the incident, Naivasha Officer Commanding Police Division, Mr. Ernest Oponyo, said close to 500 one-roomed timber houses were destroyed by the Wednesday 11.00pm fire. No one was injured in the inferno. The provincial administration and the Red Cross visited the scene Thursday morning to console the victims and ascertain their immediate basic needs. The Red Cross personnel also distributed some food stuffs, blankets and utensils to the affected families. Majority of the affected were flower farm workers who could not hold back tears and wailed after realizing that they had lost all their personal effects. According to neighbors, the deceased who was a carpenter in the area had allegedly fallen out with his girlfriend whom he had threatened to kill. According to a victim Ms Teresia Moraa, the deceased had gone to hospital where he learnt of his HIV status. Moraa who lost all her household belongings told how the middle aged man set himself ablaze at around 11pm saying that he could not live with the disease. The mother of six said that the fire from the wooden house spread fast and caught many of the residents by surprise as they were fast asleep. The families are now appealing for more help from well-wishers, adding all their belongings were razed down in the inferno.
A Kenya man has passed away in Norfolk, UK. The man was found dead in the morning at the site where he was working as a security guard. More later.
Anglican Church rejects draft law in Kenya
The Anglican Church of Kenya has finally declared its position on the draft constitution. The church which had earlier reserved its position pending further interrogation of the draft has now joined majority of other churches under the umbrella of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), in calling for the rejection of the draft if amendments on the contentious clauses are not made. The church had been silent on which side it supports after a section of its Bishops and retired head David Gitari publicly declared support for the draft. "We therefore say No to the proposed constitution as it is unless amendments are effected before the referendum," read a statement by the bishops after day-long deliberations on Thursday at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi. Citing inclusion of the Kadhi courts and the abortion clause, the church's head, Archbishop Eliud Wabukala asked President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to stop their yes campaigns and provide a neutral ground for a fair contest. "In our view, the President and the Prime Minister should not be taking sides for Yes or No but should be spearheading national healing and reconciliation" said the bishops. The select committee representing the church in the talks between it and the government had earlier moved to set the record straight that it had terminated all negotiations with the government. On Tuesday, the cabinet ruled out any amendments to the proposed draft constitution ending any hopes of striking a deal with the church ahead of the referendum. Wabukala said " we are appalled by the decision and declaration by the cabinet that no amendments can and will be made prior to the referendum. The declaration are therefore in our opinion misplaced, unconstitutional and an attempt to dictate on the outcome of the referendum". The church is now geared to launching its NO campaigns next week.
London, Thursday 29th April, 2010. Labour is not treating immigration as "off limits" a minister says after Gordon Brown called a pensioner who raised the issue "bigoted". Ahead of the final TV debate, Labour's Alan Johnson said it was "perfectly legitimate" to raise the topic. Mr Brown was under a lot of pressure and made a "dreadful mistake", he said. Mr Brown has apologised. He will face David Cameron and Nick Clegg for a debate focused on the economy in Birmingham from 2030 BST. The BBC's Nick Robinson said he expected a feisty performance from Mr Brown, who would be fighting not just for himself but also for the future of the Labour Party, amid fears the gaffe will sap morale and persuade people not to bother to vote. Home Secretary Mr Johnson said pensioner Gillian Duffy had not been bigoted to raise the topic of immigration from eastern Europe and he was "really pleased Gordon made that clear". He said Mr Brown was "under a great deal of pressure" - from dealing with the demands of the campaign as well as being PM - and had made a "dreadful mistake". "No-one can suggest that this wasn't damaging, I think we have to look at how Gordon responded. People will have sympathy for the fact that sometimes you say things you wish you hadn't said." He said Mr Brown was "not insensitive to 65-year-old pensioners from Rochdale" and "would not have wanted to have hurt Mrs Duffy's feelings". "We must discuss these issues and Mrs Duffy's comments are shared by many and they are perfectly legitimate." He added: "Mrs Duffy isn't bigoted, Gordon isn't a monster and the issue of immigration isn't off limits."
Mr Brown has apologised to Mrs Duffy, who said she had only gone out to buy a loaf of bread when she saw the the Labour leader and challenged him on a variety of topics - including immigration from eastern Europe. In comments caught on a microphone afterwards, Mr Brown was heard to tell an aide that the meeting "was a disaster" and call Mrs Duffy a "bigoted woman". He later went to the pensioner's house to apologise in person and emerged to say that he had made a mistake and "misunderstood" some of the words she had used and apologised to Labour activists in an e-mail. Anticipating the debate, he said: "You have seen me in one context on the TV. I hope you see once more someone not just proud to be your leader but also someone who understands the economic challenges we face." He has already been out campaigning in Wolverhampton, ahead of the debate, which will focus on the economy and is being screened on BBC One at 2030 BST.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, out campaigning in Birmingham, told reporters the fact that the focus was not on him ahead of the debate brought a "mixed sense of relief" but said "what happened yesterday with Gordon Brown happened" - the PM had apologised and explained himself and he did not want to comment further. Mr Clegg said he would be highlighting the fact that Labour and the Tories had been in "complete denial" about the problems with the banks and the "overheated housing market". Conservative leader David Cameron is to visit a hospital and discuss his party's plans to create a £200m cancer drugs fund. BBC political correspondent Carole Walker said he did not want to talk about Mr Brown's gaffe but Conservative sources had suggested Mr Brown had not met many ordinary voters during the campaign. Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy told Sky News he suspected the gaffe would not be directly raised by either Mr Cameron or Mr Clegg but added: "It will be the elephant in the room for Gordon Brown and millions of people watching it on TV."
On Wednesday the Scottish National Party failed in a legal bid to stop the debate being broadcast in Scotland, if they were not represented. SNP leader Alex Salmond told the BBC it was "unfair to the SNP" and "unfair for Scotland". Mrs Duffy has not made any public comment since Mr Brown's 40-minute visit to her home although it is reported she is being advised by a public relations firm. When she was first told about Mr Brown's comments, Mrs Duffy said she was "very upset" as she had only asked questions which "anyone would ask". The opposition parties have refrained from commenting on the episode in detail, the Conservatives saying it spoke for itself and the Lib Dems saying Mr Brown had been right to apologise. The latest polls - carried out before Wednesday's encounter - continue to suggest a hung Parliament remains a possibility. A Comres poll for the Independent/ITV News put the Conservatives up three points on 36%, Labour unchanged on 29% and the Lib Dems down three at 26%. A YouGov poll for the Sun, meanwhile, puts the Tories up a point on 34%, the Lib Dems up three points on 31% and Labour down two points.
 
AG to publish draft May 6
Its now official, the proposed draft constitution will be published on the 6th of next month. Attorney General Amos Wako said Thursday the publication of the draft law in both English and Kiswahili will herald the referendum in August. After the publication, the IIEC will have 90 days from the publication date to announce a referendum on the document.The publication will also set the stage for thirty days of a national civic education program to be spearheaded by the Committee of Experts. The announcement comes barely a day after the collapse of consensus building negotiations between the church and the State signaling the possibility of a hotly contested referendum. On Tuesday cabinet ruled out any amendments to the proposed draft constitution ending any hopes of striking a deal with the church ahead of the referendum.
Show Goes On After Killer Whale Attack
SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida has resumed its killer whale shows, just days after an orca killed a trainer in front of onlookers. SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida has resumed its killer whale shows, just days after an orca killed a trainer in front of onlookers.
House price inflation hits 10.5%, says the Nationwide
The annual rate of UK house price inflation has hit double figures for the first time since June 2007, according to the Nationwide. The building society said that house prices in the UK had risen by 10.5% in the year to the end of April. Prices rose by 1% in April to push the cost of the average home to £167,802. However, the Nationwide predicted that the past year's surge in prices would tail off later this year, with sellers starting to outnumber buyers. "There has recently been evidence of a slight shift in the supply-demand balance," said Martin Gahbauer, the Nationwide's chief economist. "While the recovery in new buyer enquiries at estate agent offices appears to have petered out, the last few months have seen an increase in the level of new instructions from sellers. "All else equal, this should lead to a gradual flattening out of the recent upward price momentum," he said.
ELSHADDAI ORPHAN CHILDREN HOPE CENTRE
FUNDRAISING ON 1ST MAY 2010 IN LONDON
The Organising Committee for the fundraising in support of
Eshaddai Children Hope Center
cordially Invite you
To a fundraising harambee ceremony to be held on Saturday the 1st of May 2010
at 500 High Street North, Manor Park, London E12 6QN.
The Guests of Honour will be:
Among others YOU and ME.
Your Presence, Support, Contribution and prayers will be received and highly appreciated.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and
widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
RSVP:
Mr. Alex Kamau -07944701204, Mr. & Mrs. Mukiri 07529411379, Pastor Mwaura on 07723076569,
Mary Wangui 07939607844 and Mr. Gathecha from –Swidon on 07946277004.
www.ehopecentre.org
WORST ENVIRONMENTAL OIL DISASTER
 
New investigations have found that a huge oil spill threatening environmentally sensitive areas along the southern coast of the United States is getting worse and on right efforts are under way to stem the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank last week off the coast of Louisiana.
Nairobi, Wednesday 28th April, 2010. An investigative report released Wednesday blamed pilot error for the 2007 crash of Kenya Airways flight in Cameroon that killed all 114 people on board. The pilot of the Kenya Airways flight didn't notice the plane was banking right and when he did he turned farther right, triggering a downward spiral, the report found. The crash of the Boeing 737-800 on May 5, 2007, occurred during a thunderstorm less than two minutes after take-off, but the report said weather did not likely cause the crash. Instead it blamed "spatial disorientation" by the pilot. The report was posted early Wednesday on the website of the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority. Some of the investigation was conducted by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing experts in the United States. Executives with Kenya Airways were expected to comment on the report later Wednesday. The report said the pilot didn't adhere to standard operating procedures, had poor situational awareness and "reacted inappropriately in the face of an abnormal situation." No instrument scanning was done by the crew during the initial roll, and because it was night, the pilot had no visual references to correct the situation, the report said.
About 90 seconds into the flight, after the pilot notices the rightward drift, he says "we are crashing." Seconds later a young first officer mistakenly tells the pilot to turn right, before correcting himself and saying "left, left, left." The plane crashed nine seconds later, a minute and 42 seconds into the flight. The 114 people on board came from 26 nations, including an American AIDS expert who worked at Harvard University; businesspeople from China, India and South Africa; Cameroonian merchants; a U.N. refugee worker from Togo; and Briton Anthony Mitchell, a Nairobi-based correspondent for The Associated Press. The investigation into the crash has been a long and difficult process. The plane went down in a mangrove swamp less than four miles (6.5 kilometers) from the runway, but it took officials 40 hours to find the plane. It took officials weeks to identify remains and there was a further delay before Cameroonian authorities released them to next of kin. The wreckage indicated the plane flew nose-first into the ground. It was found buried deep in a crater of reddish-brown muck with only tiny bits of the rear fuselage and wings left above ground. Investigators at the time of the crash said the dive indicated that a violent gust of wind may have flipped the airliner over. But the investigation found that the pilot turned the plane to the right and into the fatal dive. The report said that:
- The behavior of the flight crew demonstrated "a lack of rigor in piloting."
- At one point the captain turned the wheel to the right and the first officer countered by turning to the left.
- The captain didn't adhere to standard operating procedures and the plane took off without authorization from air traffic control.
The report noted that the pilot was 52 but that the first officer was only 23. Before takeoff the pilot admonished his first officer to turn on the plane's windshield wipers, and the report speculated that the first officer, already a shy person, did not speak up to tell the pilot about the flight's problems when he should have because of their relationship. The report said that Chicago-based Boeing, the plane's manufacturer, doesn't sufficiently explain rudder trim modifications due to temperature variations during climb and descent. But it added that the amount the plane was pulling to the right should have been easily correctable by the pilot.
Mr. Seed Money Transfer
NOW DOING BOTH REVERSE TRANSFER
AND FROM UK TO KENYA TRANSFER
KSHS TO £
FROM UK TO KENYA TRANSFER
£ TO KSHS.
OVER £500 FREE TRANSFER
A FEE APPLIES FOR LESS THAN £500
WE CAN NOW DEPOSIT THE MONEY TO ANY BANK IN KENYA
PESA KUBWA KUBWA
Uko na Pesa (Hella) huko nyumbani Kenya unataka kuzileta hapa Uingereza?
Kulipa shule, hapa UK directly
Pesa za matumizi ya watoto
Na hata kununua bithaa hapa UK.
Tunaweza kukupatia pesa hapa, kukulipia shule au bithaa hapa mbila shinda yeyote.
Unapatiana pesa ofisi yetu ya Nairobi.
Pigia Mr. Seed simu 07951220695 or Richard (Wahu Foods) on 07903819608.
 
"I don't know the name of this fruit"
"This is the most expensive fruit in this shop, I don't know it's name and I have never eaten nor do I know where it comes from." - A London shopkeeper selling a paw paw fruit to Mr. Seed
They claim that Noah's Ark has been discovered
The remains of Noah's Ark have been discovered 13,000ft up a Turkish mountain, it has been claimed. A group of Chinese and Turkish evangelical explorers say they have found wooden remains on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey. They claim carbon dating proves the relics are 4,800 years old — around the same time the ark was said to be afloat. Yeung Wing-Cheung, from the Noah's Ark Ministries International research team, said: "It's not 100 per cent that it is Noah's Ark, but we think it is 99.9 per cent that this is it." He said the structure contained several compartments, some with wooden beams, that they believe were used to house animals. The group of evangelical archaeologists ruled out an established human settlement on the grounds none have ever been found above 11,000ft in the vicinity, Yeung said. Local Turkish officials will ask the central government in Ankara to apply for UNESCO World Heritage status so the site can be protected while a major archaeological dig is conducted. The biblical story says that God decided to flood the Earth after seeing how corrupt it was. He then told Noah to build an ark and fill it with two of every animal species. After the flood waters receded, the Bible says, the ark came to rest on a mountain. Many believe that Mount Ararat, the highest point in the region, is where the ark and her inhabitants ran aground.
Greece crisis: Euro markets hit again
European markets have continued to fall heavily amid speculation over the future of the Greek economy. Stocks in both Paris and Frankfurt were down by more than 2% on Wednesday morning, following the downgrading of Greece's debt to "junk" status. Spain's leading index is down 3.3%, while in Portugal - which also had its credit rating cut - shares fell 4%. Meanwhile the euro fell to a fresh one-year low against the dollar before recovering slightly. Overnight Japan's leading share index, the Nikkei 225, closed down more than 2.5% after steep falls in European stocks on Tuesday. Greece's stock market regulators have also been forced to impose a ban on short-selling, amid concerns that Greek bank shares are being undermined by speculators.
Kirui, Gakuo arrested over cemetery fraud
Written By: Graham Kirwa , Posted: Wed, April 28, 2010
Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Local Government Sammy Kirui, Former Nairobi town clerk John Gakuo and eight others have been arrested in connection with the 280 million shillings Mavoko cemetery land scandal. The 10 were arrested by the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission-KACC- Wednesday and are being held in police custody. According to KACC the 10 will be arraigned in court on Thursday to face several counts of corruption and abuse of office. The Commission said it was continuing with investigations which should be concluded within 30 days. Upon conclusion a report will be prepared and forwarded to the Attorney General with appropriate recommendations in regards to other suspects. Kirui was among four permanent secretaries interdicted by the president pending investigations over allegations of corruption. Others who were suspended at the time included Senior Deputy Secretary Reuben Rotich, Director of Procurement Boniface Misero and Chief Financial Officer Herman Chevera. At City Hall which was the centre of the fraud officers interdicted included Deputy Town Clerk Geoffrey Katsolleh, Director of Legal Affairs Mary Ng'ethe and the Director of Procurement Kanyi Nyambura.
Others were Deputy Director of Legal Affairs Karisa Iha, Deputy Director Procurement Alexander Musee, Medical Officer of Health Daniel Nguku and Chief Internal Auditor I N. Ngacha. The President also directed that the monies overpaid, amounting to Ksh. 259 million, be recovered from the beneficiaries. President Kibaki said the officers and other collaborators including lawyers and agents, should be prosecuted for the serious fraud which he said was committed against the Kenyan public. The scandal came to the limelight after it emerged that the Nairobi City Council had grossly overpaid for the land which was meant to be used for a cemetery. It also transpired that the land was unsuitable for the intended use. Local government minister Musalia Mudavadi under whose docket the Nairobi City Council lies was also put on the spot though he vehemently defended himself claiming the move was political. Meanwhile three police officers were Wednesday morning arrested at Athi River for allegedly receiving bribes. KACC said its officers pounced on the officers attached to the Axel Load Enforcement Unit of the Highway Traffic at Athi River area as they received bribes from drivers of sand ferrying trucks as they sought to avoid being weighed at the Mlolongo Weighbridge. By the time of their arrest, the team which comprises of a senior sergeant, a corporal and a police constable who is the driver had collected Ksh 86,650. "The Commission established that the suspects are usually paid Ksh 1,000 per truck per trip to avoid being weighed and paying the charges for over loading which range from Ksh 100,000 to 400,000," KACC said. The suspects are being held by police in Athi River and will be arraigned at Anti-Corruption Courts in Embu on Friday April 30.
 
A Buddhist monk at an anti-government march in Bangkok to demand the dissolution of parliament within 24 hours and on right a sea of red-shirted protesters took part in what organisers hoped would be a "million-man" march.
London, Wednesday 28th April, 2010. Greece's sovereign debt has been downgraded to junk status, sending stock markets tumbling across the world. It is the first time a eurozone member has seen its government debt downgraded to junk level and is a massive blow for Athens. The decision, by credit ratings agency Standard & Poor's, implies there is a growing lack of confidence in the government's ability to pay off the debt. The country's economy is now rated in the same bracket as Colombia, Romania and Azerbaijan. The junk status means it is considered risky to invest in the country. Greece's finance ministry said in a statement that the downgrade "does not correspond with the real data of the Greek economy." Portugal's debt was also lowered on fears the trouble could spread. World stock markets slid as expectations rose that Europe could be hit by a major debt crisis that could threaten the euro. The Dow Jones closed down 200 points while in London FTSE 100 Index of blue chip stocks tumbled 2.6%. Both the euro and the pound slid against the dollar. Greece has been paralysed by strikes as the Government battles to cut the deficit through spending cuts. Greece wants £34bn from eurozone governments and the IMF to shore up its finances. The details of the package have yet to be finalised. But Germany says it "will not let Greece fall". More strikes and demonstrations are expected on Wednesday.
Gored Bullfighter Battles For His Life
 
One of Spain's top matadors is fighting for his life after being gored in the groin during a bullfight in Mexico. Jose Tomas received a 17-pint blood transfusion after the half-tonne bull plunged one of its horns 10cm into the fighter's left thigh, puncturing a vein and an artery. Tomas had bled so profusely that bullring officials even appealed to the crowd to come forward for transfusions if they matched his relatively rare A- blood type. Doctors later spent three hours trying to repair a femoral artery perforated in the fight in the city of Aguascalientes. The director of the Miguel Hidalgo hospital, Geronimo Aguayo, said Tomas had shown "slight improvement" but remains in a grave condition. Mexican television footage showed the acclaimed fighter being caught out by a quick turn from the animal during the bout, which was being held amid celebrations for an important national festival.
Cabinet rules out constitution amendments
The cabinet on Tuesday 27th April, 2010 ruled out the possibility of amending the Constitution of Kenya or Constitution Review Act in order to accommodate concerns expressed by Christian Church leaders and others. According to a statement from the presidential Press Service, the Cabinet consequently agreed to support the draft constitution in its current form. "However it was also agreed that the government will continue engaging leaders of the Christian Churches with a view to agreeing on an act of parliament that would accommodate the concerns of the Christian Churches on the issue of abortion and right to life, " the cabinet said. In making its decision, the cabinet said it had reviewed preparations being made on the upcoming referendum on the constitution and efforts being made to develop a consensus. "In this regard the Cabinet scrutinized the time table leading to the referendum as set out in the Constitution Review Act 2008 and the Constitution of Kenya," it said. On Monday, the second round of talks between government and church officials to build consensus on the proposed constitution failed yet gain after the two groups maintained their hard-line positions. Speaking on Monday after a closed door meeting at Harambee house, the church leaders insisted on a ‘NO' campaign but maintained that there was still room for dialogue before the referendum is held later in June. Bishop Gerry Kibarabara said that the church is still opposed to clauses on abortion and the inclusion of Kadhi courts.
"We as church leaders still insist on the removal of Kadhis court and the clause on abortion" said Kibarabara. The government side was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, and cabinet ministers Mutula Kilonzo, James Orengo, Moses Wetangula, Amazon Kingi, Beth Mugo Mohammed Elmi and Attorney General Amos Wako. The church side was represented by Bishop Gerry Kibarabara of the Gospel Assemblies of Kenya, Bishop Philip Sulumeti, Antony Muheria, Bishop Jackson Kosgei, Bishop Winnie Owiti, Bishop Stephen Kanyaru and Bishop Barija Kironga. The two groups were scheduled to meet again on Wednesday. Tuesday's cabinet meeting also approved the program for the revival of the Pan Paper Mills. Meeting under the Chairmanship of President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi, the Cabinet further directed the Minister in charge of registration of persons and the Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs to expedite and expand the acquisition of identity cards and registration of voters. The Cabinet further approved ratification of the East African Community Common Market Protocol that is set to come into force later in the year. The protocol allows for the free movement of labour, capital, goods and services within the five member states. The ministers also underscored the need for the Kenyan public to be educated on the implications and benefits of the Common Market Protocol. For the farmers and traders as Cabinet approved the development of the Nairobi Fresh Produce Wholesale Market at Kasarani. Also approved at are key policy reforms meant to give a major boost to the livestock industry. These are veterinarian Surgeons and Para-professionals Bill 2009; Poultry Industry policy reforms; Dairy Industry development policy and Bee - keeping Industry development policy. The Cabinet also approved the Extradition Treaty with the Republic of Rwanda.
Suspected pirates handed over to Kenyan authorities
Six more suspected Somalia pirates have been handed over to the Kenyan authorities by British naval forces as security agents step up the fight against piracy along the gulf of Aden. The six who were arrested as they attempted to hijack a Panama registered cargo ship will appear in court on Wednesday 28th April, 2010. Security agents along the gulf of Aden have been working extra hard to secure the east African waters from Somali pirates who have in the recent past converted the sea route into a cash cow. According to coast provincial police boss Leo Nyongesa, the six engaged the British marines in a crossfire before they were finally overpowered. Their boat was confiscated by the marines while 5 AK-47 riffles were recovered. The latest development comes despite the government's earlier threats to deny custody to pirates arrested by foreign marines. The government had cited lack of goodwill by other nations signatory to the law of the sea who had agreed to cooperate with Kenya in receiving and commencing legal proceedings against Somali pirates. Over 100 pirates are currently being held in Kenya awaiting determination of their cases with only two pirates having been found guilty and sentenced to 7 and 20 years in prison. Enhanced patrols along the Somali coastline by international naval forces have led to a decrease in the threats posed by the pirates. Currently, 15 vessels and 326 sailors are being held by Somali pirates.
Kenyan Minister contradicts police over Devani
Nairobi, Kenya, April 27 - Police have finally freed a man who was arrested after names on his passport matched those of runaway Triton Oil scandal prime suspect Yagnesh Devani, despite insistence by the Immigration Ministry that he was indeed the one. The man was released early on Tuesday barely hours after Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang told Radio Citizen in an interview that his officers had ascertained that the held suspect was Mr Devani. “I asked my officers who looked at his passport... looked at his thumb prints and compared them with the data we have and confirmed he is the one. I don’t want to say more because the people who should be confirming that are my officers,” Mr Kajwang’ said. But when asked to clarify the contradictory statement from the Immigration department and the police at a later press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Minister laughed and left saying the issue was not related to the subject of his press briefing. “You are asking about Devani... that is not related to this meeting,” he told journalists. Earlier, reports from police headquarters had indicated that the detained man was to face charges for possessing multiple passports but not the Sh7.6billion oil scandal. “He is a free man; he was set free this morning and he is no longer in our custody,” sources privy to the investigation told Capital News. “Any further details should come from police headquarters, get in touch with the Spokesman,” the source added. Police Spokesman Erick Kiraithe had told Capital News on Tuesday morning: “Our investigation has shown that the suspect is not Devani but we are investigating him on some other issues.” That was before news of the release filtered to newsrooms. On Monday, Mr Kiraithe told Capital News that fingerprint samples taken from the suspect did not match those of Mr Devani.
The suspect held since Friday was arrested soon after landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after officers thought he was the runaway billionaire businessman. The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) categorically stated it was not involved [in any way] in the investigations of the man in question, although the commission is seeking Mr Devani on the oil scandal charges. “The position is that our officers are not involved in this investigation; we have not been involved [by the police] and we are just reading about it on newspapers,” KACC Spokesman Mr Nicholas Simani told Capital News. Briefs given to the police from the Interpol showed that Mr Devani was in London last week from where he left via India and later to Nairobi. His Lawyer Katwa Kigen has equally denied his client is in Kenya and had even spoken to him on telephone. He told reporters in Eldoret at the weekend that he had spoken to his client who assured him that he was not in the country or in anybody’s custody. The government sought Interpol’s help to have Mr Devani, together with other directors of his Triton Petroleum Company arrested over the scandal in January last year after accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers was contracted to carry out a forensic audit on the scope of the fraud that affected the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and the Kenya Pipeline Company. - CapitalFM
Nairobi, Tuesday 27, April, 2010. President Mwai Kibaki will on Wednesday travel to Shanghai, China for a State visit. President Kibaki will also attend the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, where Kenya is showcasing itself as the central entry point for investors in the East and Central Africa region. During his State Visit, President Kibaki is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his host His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China. China is currently one of Kenya's leading development partners especially in the area of infrastructure development. President Kibaki has given priority to infrastructure development which has triggered economic growth and massive job creation across the country. During his last State Visit to China in 2005, President Kibaki requested for the Chinese government to partner in the construction of by-passes in the city of Nairobi, the rehabilitation and expansion of the JKIA to Gigiri road, construction of a major hospital in Eastlands area and the modernization of the National Youth Service. All these projects have already been launched. The Eastern and Northern by-passes are under construction, the JKIA to Gigiri road is nearing completion, a 300 bed hospital is under construction in the Eastlands while equipment and machinery worth Ksh 4.3 billion has already been delivered for the NYS modernization program. During his visit this week President Kibaki will follow-up on new development projects that the government has formally requested the Chinese government to partner with Kenya. The flagship projects are instrumental to the attainment of Vision 2030.
These projects include:
1. Development of a Railway Network from Lamu through the Northern parts of Kenya to Southern Sudan and Ethiopia.
2. Development of the first three Berths and associated infrastructure of the second port of Lamu.
3. Construction of Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Malaba.
4. Mass transit light rail system for the Nairobi Metropolitan.
While in Shanghai, President Kibaki will also open the Kenya Stand at the African Pavilion at the World Expo-2010. The theme of the world expo is "Better City - Better Life". Shanghai Expo runs from May 1st to October 31st. Kenya whose participation theme is "Cities of Discoveries and Harmony" is among more than 192 countries participating in the Shanghai Expo 2010. The country intends to utilize the window of opportunity provided by the exposition to showcase and market the country as a preferred destination for trade, investment and tourism. Besides focusing on the importance of sustainability and development of varied cultures, geographical diversity, planning and development of future cities, Kenya will showcase the priority accorded to eco-tourism as part of the country's strategy for developing tourism. Kenya's participation in the expo also aims at increasing exports of tea, coffee, cut flowers and pyrethrum as well as to promote joint ventures between Kenyan and Chinese companies to enhance the country's brand and positive image. World expositions are galleries of human inspirations and thoughts which have attained increasing prominence as grand events for economic, scientific, technological and cultural exchanges. They also serve as platforms for displaying historical experiences and exchanging innovative ideas for sustainable development. President Kibaki is among only four African Heads of State invited for the official opening ceremony. Others are Malawi, Congo Brazzaville and Mali. The presidential entourage is expected to depart for Shanghai aboard a scheduled Kenya Airways flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly after 10.30 P.M.
Dr.William Odongo Omamo is dead
Veteran politician and former long serving Cabinet minister Dr William Odongo Omamo has died, aged 82.
Sources close to the family say he died on Tuesday morning. The 82-year-old politician will be remembered for his rib-tickling humour and eloquence in the 1980s. Kaliech (elephant) as he was fondly referred to in Bondo, has been ailing for a long time. The late Omamo, born in Sakwa, Bondo has held long-standing political hide-and-seek with the Odinga family. Mr Omamo began his political career in 1969 when he quit as principal of Egerton College to contest the Bondo parliamentary seat. He won the seat previously held by doyen of Kenyan politics, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Mr Omamo took sides with Jomo Kenyatta and spurned Mr Odinga's leftist politics. He became a confidant of Mr Kenyatta and was appointed Minister for Environment in 1975.
The UK's worst broadband provider
Orange has been voted the UK’s worst broadband provider while O2, a relatively new entrant to the market, was rated the best provider, in a new survey. uSwitch.com’s 2010 Broadband Customer Satisfaction Report found that despite broadband bills being lower than last year, and speeds faster, broadband firms are failing to deliver when it comes to customer service. Just six out of 10 consumers told uSwitch.com they were happy with their provider’s customer service and there is a widening gap between the best and worst provider. O2 came out on top in the survey, winning 10 out of 11 categories including best value for money, best customer service, best technical support and best quality of connection. Some 92% of O2 customers say they were satisfied with the service. It scored 93% in the value-for-money category, the highest score in the survey. Plusnet and Sky came in second and third places respectively. Meanwhile, Orange was ranked bottom in eight categories, with just 44% of its customers happy with its customer service. AOL and BT also fared badly for overall customer satisfaction, with almost one million dissatisfied customers rating BT worst for value for money. The survey found that broadband is cheaper than last year, with the average annual bill down to £167 from £175. Meanwhile, the average speed received by customers has increased from 4.2Mb to 5.7Mb. Matthew Wheeler, communications expert at uSwitch.com, says: "This is not rocket science. The continued success of O2 shows that an excellent service does not have to cost the earth. Its broadband service is one of the cheapest on.
 
Radio presenters apologise to Wanjiru in court
Two Kiss 100 radio presenters on Monday apologised in court for discussing the election petition filed against Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru while it was pending. Bishop Wanjiru, who is also Housing assistant minister, emotionally accepted the apology from Caroline Mutoko and Felix Odiwor, aka Mzee Jalang’o. The two had been summoned to court by Justice Kihara Kariuki after discussing the petition in their morning show on April 19. Mutoko also wrote an article on the same day, which made it appear as if Bishop Wanjiru had lost the petition. “Madam, I am really sorry. You know, I admire you and never meant to hurt you. It was not my intention to disparage your name,” said Mutoko. While reprimanding the two, Justice Kariuki said that in the spirit of forgiveness, he believed that Bishop Wanjiru accepted the apology. Mr Justice Kariuki agreed with Bishop Wanjiru that they “had crossed the line” and made his court appear theatrical. “I believe in the freedom of the press … but that freedom comes with a responsibility,” said the judge.
Millionairess Leaves Daughters 90p Each
A millionaire socialite has left her daughters less than a pound each because she believed they conspired in her mother's death. Australian Valmai Roche, who died last year aged 81, bequeathed her children and ex-husband $1.5 AUD "blood money" - worth 90p - from her estate, which is reported to be worth around £2.1m. But two of her daughters have claimed their mother was "delusional" and are challenging her will in the South Australian Supreme Court. The former mayoress of Adelaide left "30 pieces of silver of the lowest denomination of currency" to her family - which translates as 30 five cent coins each - claiming it was "blood money due to Judas". The rest of her fortune was left to the Catholic men's charity Southern Cross, according to Australian newspaper reports. Her mother Dorothy Maude Haber was cared for in a nursing home before her death, but documents do not say how or when she died. Ms Roche's daughters - Deborah Hamilton, Fiona Roche and Shauna Roche - can also claim equal shares in their mother's jewellery. However they must correctly answer questions about her personal diaries which were kept from January 1974 until October 1981, the date her will was written.
But Ms Hamilton has accused her mother of "fixed, false and incorrigible views" over the death of Ms Haber and alleges her "delusions" meant she was incapable of "making a reasonable and proper disposition of her estate". Along with her sisters she has taken the case to court claiming they should be "entitled to inherit" their mother's fortune. Ms Roche went as far as to "specifically exclude" her children and ex-husband "from any further benefits" claiming they "have been adequately provided for" during the later years of her life. Mr Roche, who was Adelaide City Council Lord Mayor from 1975 until 1977, was also excluded from further benefit due to the "irretrievable breakdown" of their marriage in 1983. Only one change was made to her will in 1987 to bequeath a French Empire style desk to her daughter Fiona, who now heads the family's Roche Group which is regularly listed among the top 200 rich companies in Australia. Court documents reveal Ms Roche enquired about changing her will in 2007, but no new will could be found. Lawyers for the family have refused to comment on the case, which returns to court next month.
'Black robber' unmasked as a white man
A prolific African-American bank robber has been unmasked as a white man wearing an elaborate disguise to make him look black, it has been reported. Police had put out an appeal for information on a black robber after six strikes on banks and pharmacies in the space of a month. After a tip-off police tracked down 30-year-old Conrad Zdierak - trouble was though he was white. The Springdale Police Department in the US claim he wore a silicon mask called The Player. He would also wear sunglasses to hide his blue eyes. Lieutenant Michael Mathis admitted police were completely taken in by the mask and said he had never seen anything like it. He told the Mail Online: "He wore what I'm calling a 'Hollywood quality' mask. These things cost $600 to $700." Zdzierak remains in custody on a £2m bond.
Lands ministry in Kenya goes electronic. The Ministry of Lands has launched a new electronic system that is expected to make land transactions easier and faster. The new system known as Integrated Landrent System (ILS) will replace the manual one that has been blamed for being too slow and thus delaying transactions at the ministry. Addressing the press at the ministry offices Monday, Land Commissioner Zablon Mabea said the new system will not only make transactions easier and faster but will also ensure flexibility and safety of documents. "Clearance certificates, demand notices and consent will be accurately available and easily processed," he said Mabea said the system is designed in a manner that will enable the public to access land status and all information on lands through a Short Message Service (SMS) and also be able to pay land rates through Safaricom's M-PESA. Mabea urged the public to put land into productive to avoid being taxed as spelled out in the draft constitution. The head of Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the ministry, Lynne Nyongesa said ILS will be more transparent and less cumbersome thus enhancing service delivery. "Retrieving records in the manual system was slow and it required a minimum of 144 days for certificate clearance unlike now where the same will be done in a maximum of three days," said Nyongesa. Nyongesa said this was the first automation programme at the ministry since independence and one of the major reforms and the system will be active May from this year.
State law office in Kenya rated the best performer
The Attorney General's office is the best performing Ministry according to 2008/2009 performance contract results released Monday. The Nyayo Tea Zones was named the best performing parastatal followed by the the University of Nairobi. The Kenya Literature Bureau was third. The Sports Stadia Management Board was the worst corporation followed by the Numerical Machining Complex and the Postal Corporation of Kenya. The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, headed by Dr Noah Wekesa, was rated the worst closely followed by that of Gender and Children Services.The Agriculture Ministry which was evaluated during William Ruto's tenure who is now the Minister for Higher Education scooped the second best followed by State House, the Provincial Administration and Planning Ministry. Also in the top 10 are Heritage and Culture ministry, the Public Service, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Roads and Information and Communication. The performance contracts evaluation results of public institutions were announced by President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kangundo town council emerged tops in the Local Authority category beating Nairobi City Council that was rated the best in the previous year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service Commission were not ranked since they did not sign the performance contracts. Releasing the results, Prime Minister Raila Odinga warned that the Government will continue to take strong actions to strengthen Ministries whose performance is rated poorly. "The names of poor performing ministries will continue to be published in the print media. A reprimand will be issued by the President and the Prime Minister. In addition, those ministries will be provided with further guidance by the Office of the Prime Minister" the PM said.The Premier said 33 per cent of the Ministries secured positions in the "Very Good" category, with the remainder, that is 62 per cent, in the "Good" category. He added that the share of Ministries in the "Very Good" category increased from 25 per cent in the previous results to 35 per cent this time, while the share of Ministries in the "Good" category fell from 75 per cent to 65 per cent.
EVALUATION RESULTS FOR TOP TEN MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS
1. State Law Office
2. Ministry of Agriculture
3. State House
4. Ministry of State for Provincial Administration & Internal Security
5. Ministry of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030
6. Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture
7. Ministry of State for Public Service
8. Ministry of Lands
9. Ministry of Roads
10. Ministry of Information and Communications
BOTTOM TEN MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS
1. Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife
2. Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs
3. Ministry of East African Community
4. Ministry of Regional Development Authorities
5. Ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan Development
6. Ministry of Youth and Sports
7. Ministry of Industrialization
8. Ministry of Fisheries Development
9. Ministry of Labour
10. Mministry of Livestock Development
11. Ministry of Foreign Affairs*(not evaluated because they did not sign Performance Contract).
12. Public Service Commission*(not evaluated because they did not sign Performance Contract).
TOP TEN STATE CORPORATIONS
1. Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation
2. University of Nairobi
3. Kenya Literature Bureau
4. Retirement Benefits Authority
5. Kenya National Assurance Company (2001) Ltd.
6. New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Ltd.
7. Nzoia Sugar Company
8. Kenya National Trading Corporation
9. Kenya Sugar Research Foundation
10. Lake Victoria North Water Services Board
BOTTOM TEN STATE CORPORATIONS
1. Sports Stadia Management Board
2. Numerical Machining Complex
3. Postal Corporation of Kenya
4. Pyrethrum Board of Kenya
5. Kenya Institute of Special Education
6. Jomo Kenyatta Foundation
7. Kenya Industrial Estates
8. Chemelil Sugar Company
9. School Equipment Production Unit
10. Multi-Media University College of Kenya |
TOP TEN LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Town Council of Kangundo
Town Council of Malava
Municipal Council of Mombasa
Town Council of
Rongo
County Council of Bungoma
Town Council of Malaba
Town Council of Narok
Town Council of Ugunja
County Council of Nzoia
County Council of Kitui
BOTTOM TEN LOCAL AUTHORITIES
1.Busia
2. Kutus
3. Mwingi
4. Matuu
5. Baringo
6. Ahero
7. Kirinyaga
8. Nyamarambe
9. Nyeri
10. Oyugis
TOP TEN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
1. Rift Valley Technical Training Institute
2. Murang'a College of Technology
3. Eldoret Polytechnic
4. Kisumu Polytechnic
5. N'kabune Technical Training Institute
6. Igoji Teachers Training College
7. Kitale Technical Training Institute
8. Michuki Technical Training Institute
9. Mombasa Polytechnic University College
10. North Eastern Province Technical Training Institute
BOTTOM TEN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
1. Nairobi Technical Training Institute
2. Bondo Teachers Training College
3. Shanzu Teachers Training College
4. Kenya Polytechnic University College
5. Migori Teachers Training College
6. Kericho Teachers Training College
7. Eregi Teachers Training College
8. Kiambu Institute of Science And Technology
9. Narok Teachers Training College (now Narok University College)
10. Sikrri Institute for the Deaf and Blind |
Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia Sunday won the London Marathon for the first time to end Kenya's six-year winning streak, leaving the second position to Emmanuel Mutai.Kebede, who finished second to Olympic gold medallist Samuel Wanjiru last year after a fierce battle over the final stages, was grouped with two other Kenyans Abel Kirui and Emmanuel Mutai at the 35 kms mark. Mutai dropped back and Kebede and Kirui then fought for the lead with Kebede eventually proving too strong for the world champion and running unchallenged for the final 10 kms of the race. Kibet adds dash of style Six Kenyan pacemakers spread themselves across the front of the field from the start in cool, damp weather at Greenwich Park, urged on by Wanjiru running in a black vest. The leading pack crossed Tower Bridge in just under an hour and passed the halfway mark in 63:06 with Kirui and Mutai at the front. Wanjiru, who had missed a month's speed training this year because of a back injury, faded at the 25 kms mark, Mutai dropped back and the race resolved into a final duel between Kirui and Kebede. In the women's race, Liliya Shobukhova led a Russian one-two, ahead of compatriot Inga Abitova. Liliya Shobukhova led a 1-2 Russian finish in the women's race. After leading for much of the race in wet conditions, Shobukhova broke away with about 1.25 miles to go to add to her victory in Chicago in October. Aselefech Mergia of Ethiopia was third.
Wanjiru, who had missed a month's speed training this year because of a back injury, faded at the 25 kms mark.
South Africa's Zuma reveals he is HIV-negative
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has revealed that he is HIV-negative. Launching a government programme of counselling and testing, he said he had decided to reveal his status so as to promote openness about Aids. Mr Zuma has been open in the past about being tested for Aids, but has never before revealed the results. Mr Zuma, who has three wives, was criticised for promiscuity after it was revealed he had sired a child out of wedlock. "After careful consideration, I have decided to share my test results with the South Africans," said Mr Zuma, 68. "My April results, like the three previous ones, registered a negative outcome for the HIV virus."
The Sunday Times Rich List 2010: of super-rich soar by a third
Lakshmi Mittal has doubled his billions in a year - Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal has topped the UK Rich List for the fifth year running. When he became the world's biggest steel-maker by merging his Dutch-based company Mittal Steel with Arcelor of Luxembourg in 2006, it capped a remarkable rise to riches. From modest beginnings in India, the 58-year-old's razor-sharp understanding of the steel market enabled him to create an empire that spanned the globe.
The richest people in Britain have seen a record boom in wealth over the past year. Their fortunes have soared by 30% even though much of the UK is struggling to recover from recession and the near-collapse of the banking system. It is the largest rise in wealth since the list was first published 21 years ago. Much of the increase is a result of the rebound in stock markets and property values after the government injected hundreds of billions of pounds into banks and the wider economy to stave off collapse. The 2010 Sunday Times Rich List, published today, reveals that the 1,000 richest people in the country increased their wealth by £77 billion last year, bringing their total wealth to £335.5 billion — equal to more than one-third of the national debt. The number of billionaires has risen from 43 to 53, with nine seeing their wealth rise by £1 billion or more during the past 12 months. Philip Beresford, compiler of the list, said: “The rich have come through the recession with flying colours. The stock market is up, the hedge funds are coining it. The rich are doing very nicely. “The rest of the country is going to have to face public spending cuts, but it has little effect on the rich because they don’t consume public services.”
Remarkable though the recovery is, the gains still leave the 1,000 richest short of the peak they reached in 2008. Then, there were 75 billionaires and the top 1,000 were worth £412 billion. Top of the pile again this year is Lakshmi Mittal, the steel tycoon. His fortune has doubled to £22 billion, thanks to the recovery in steel markets. A boom in commodity markets also drove up the fortunes of the mining magnates Alisher Usmanov, up 213% to £4.7 billion, and Anil Agarwal, up 583% to £4.1 billion. More controversially, a host of City bankers and financiers have seen their fortunes rise sharply after the financial system was rescued from meltdown by taxpayers. Louis Bacon, the hedge fund manager, is ranked 49th at £1.1 billion, up from £650m last year; Alan Howard, who co-founded Brevan Howard, Europe’s biggest hedge fund, is ranked 66th with £875m, up from £375m; and numerous other “hedgies” have seen their wealth jump by 50% or more. At the height of the financial crisis, one hedge fund manager, Richard Chenevix-Trench, is believed to have made £82m in one year. At least 170 people on the list made their fortunes primarily in finance and banking, compared with 246 through property and 229 through inheritance. The surge in fortunes comes as the Liberal Democrats have made City bonuses and inequality an election issue.
The Lib Dem manifesto claims that “the poorest fifth of the population pay a higher proportion of their income tax than the richest fifth”, and Nick Clegg, the party leader, has attacked the “obscene greed” of some City bankers. Several members of the Rich List are either leaving the country or threatening to do so to avoid the new 50% income tax rate on high earners. Paul Sykes, the Yorkshireman who has turned from property development, such as the Meadowhall shopping centre near Sheffield, to forestry, generating a fortune of £650m, is one of those who is hinting that he may relocate to New Zealand. However, entrepreneurs from overseas are still finding the UK an attractive base. Among new entries to the list are Joseph Lau, a Chinese property tycoon worth £3.8 billion who recently bought a £33m home in London; Helene and Marianne Odfjell, Norwegian sisters worth £875m who run their family shipping business from London; and Sergei Pugachev, worth £750m and known as the “Kremlin’s banker” for his ties to Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister. Beresford said: “Russians like the UK because it is safe, the level of corruption is low and they can get decent services.” He also noted that the wealthy elite of India find Britain a tempting base: “They live in an Anglophile society in the higher reaches of Dehli and Mumbai — apart from the heat and the curry it’s much the same in London. “Here there’s English spoken, a good legal system, their children can go to good schools and they are welcomed into the Establishment.”
The Sunday Times Rich List in tables
The richest 100 in the world
The richest 100 in Europe
The richest in music
The richest in football
The richest authors
The fastest-growing fortunes
The richest in hairdressing
The Goldman Sachs fortunes
Top 20 hedge fund managers
Millionaires in film and television
The richest in betting
The richest in fashion
The richest hoteliers
The richest husbands and wives
The top 25 online millionaires
The top political donors
The Sunday Times Giving List
Ireland's young rich
Agricultural land values per acre
A journey through tropical of Cancer - VIDEO
Contacting Aliens 'A Bad Idea', Warns Hawking
Aliens are very likely out there, according to eminent scientist Stephen Hawking - but we should keep quiet and hope they don't notice us. In a new documentary for the Discovery Channel, the theoretical physicist warns against making contact with any extra-terrestrials. Professor Hawking, who retired as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge last year, claims such space life would only abuse Earth's resources and move on. "We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet," he said. "I imagine they might exist in massive ships, having used up all the resources from their home planet. "Such advanced aliens would perhaps become nomads, looking to conquer and colonise whatever planets they can reach." "If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans." The documentary, which begins on May 9, explores the British scientist's vision of the universe. While most aliens were in all probability simple organisms such as microbes, Professor Hawking said it would only take a few intelligent ones to spell disaster for humans. "To my mathematical brain, the numbers alone make thinking about aliens perfectly rational," he explained "The real challenge is to work out what aliens might actually be like."
Sir Richard Branson was dressed as a butterfly and Princess Beatrice wore black with a green tutu Sir Richard Branson was dressed as a butterfly and Princess Beatrice wore black with a green tutu
London Marathon runners set new world records
Several world records for running in fancy dress have been broken as up to 36,000 people took part in this year's London Marathon. Princess Beatrice, the first royal to complete the race, was in a group of 34 who set a record for the highest number of interlinked runners to finish. Ethiopian athlete Tsegaye Kebede came first among the male elite runners, recording a time of 2:05:18. Russia's Liliya Shobukhova was the leading woman, clocking 2:21:59. Beatrice was part of a "human caterpillar" which was connected, two by two, by bungee cords. They crossed the line in 5:15:57. The 21-year-old's mother, the Duchess of York, said she was "so proud" of her daughter and vowed to take part in next year's marathon herself. "For so long I've been trying to get her fit and now she's showing me up today," the duchess told the BBC. "I've just decided that if she's such a good role model to me then next year I'm going to do it. I'm going to definitely commit myself." There were 41 record attempts in all. Emmerdale actor Tony Audenshaw said it meant "everything" to have become the fastest celebrity to finish the marathon this year and also the fastest ever as a baby. He crossed the line in three hours and 13 minutes saying: "You can forget about the 100m record; this is the record people are interested in - the world's fastest baby in a marathon." Account manager David Ross, 42, from Sutton became the fastest-ever cartoon character. He dressed as Fred Flintstone and carried an inflatable club during his run, which took three hours and seven minutes. "I got a bit tired saying 'Yabba Dabba Doo', but it's a very proud moment," he said. "It's been a good day." Police officer Jill Christie wore a Superwoman outfit and took the record for quickest female superhero. "I recommend dressing in a costume, even if you're not going for a record, because you get so much encouragement," said the 27-year-old from Brentford, west London. Financial analyst Ben Afforselles from Hamstreet, Kent, was fastest leprechaun, while Kevin Robins from Sevenoaks, also in Kent, became the quickest runner dressed as an animal, in a tiger outfit.
He said he was racing against a lobster who was also going for the record. "Coming up The Mall, I thought he was going to run past me," the 33-year-old said. The Icelandic ash cloud had threatened to disrupt the race and many of the elite athletes only arrived after boarding a specially chartered flight from Madrid on Thursday. Last year's runner-up, Britain's Mara Yamauchi, finished 10th. She said she had endured a "mental rollercoaster" after spending six days travelling to London from her training camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Meanwhile former Army Major Phil Packer, who sustained serious spinal cord injuries in 2008, is aiming to walk the route in 26 hours for 26 charities. The ex-serviceman, who last year took 14 days to complete the course, has raised a total of £1.3m for charity. Among the celebrities taking part was Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson, whose time was 5:02:24. He said he was "glad" he had participated and praised the "brilliant" crowd. Pop star Natalie Imbruglia agreed, saying: "When you're feeling tired and they start cheering, you just find all this energy." "My feet are killing me," she admitted. TV presenter Jenni Falconer completed the race but said she was "gutted" to have just missed her target of three-and-a-half hours. However chef Gordon Ramsay, running his 11th marathon in as many years, failed to complete the race. Comedian Russell Howard said he would "definitely not" run another marathon, after finishing in four hours and 15 minutes. "I had a running duel with a man dressed as a banana for 20 miles and eventually he beat me," he added.
Thousands of people in one county of southern China have been sterilized in just days as part of a crackdown on violations of the country’s controversial one-child policy. A 20-day campaign was begun on 7 April to sterilize 9,559 adults in Puning county, which with a population of 2.24 million is the most populous area of Guangdong Province. On 12 April local officials said they had already achieved about half their goal. Doctors have been working 20 hour days to complete the massive round of surgeries. MORE
UK airlines are seeking volunteers to give up return seats so passengers still stranded after the volcanic ash cloud disruption can return home. British Airways (BA) has asked customers who are booked on long-haul flights up to 2 May to make way for those who were stranded. And Virgin Atlantic says many such volunteers have contacted the airline. Earlier BA rejected suggestions it was prioritising new passengers over those stranded abroad. British airspace reopened on Tuesday following almost a week of grounded flights. Although more planes than usual are flying, tens of thousands of Britons are still stuck overseas. It is estimated that 10,000 are stranded in Egypt, 8,000 in India, 9,000 in Florida and 2,500 in Thailand, according to industry figures compiled by travel journalist Simon Calder. Airlines are adopting different strategies to get their customers home as soon as possible. BA is seeking volunteers who can delay their journey and give up their seat for a stranded passenger. The company says those volunteers can then re-book on later flights at no extra cost. BA said re-booked flights had to be at least 7 days after the original departure date. Some passengers have complained that BA appeared to be selling empty seats on earlier flights to new passengers. BA said its computer system forced empty seats to be made available for sale, but that the tickets had been significantly overpriced so they would remain unsold, allowing stranded passengers to be accommodated. Virgin Atlantic is also taking up offers from volunteers who can fly home at a later date.
EasyJet said it was setting up stand-by desks in airports to process waiting passengers, while Ryanair said it had already cleared its backlog. The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) said it aimed to have repatriated more than 100,000 British passengers by the end of the weekend. But chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "While most flights are back to normal, and most stranded British passengers will be back by the end of this weekend, there is still quite a high level of disruption in some destinations. "In some areas of the world, there is a significant lack of air capacity to enable British people to be returned quickly." Extra BA planes were despatched on Thursday and Friday to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Dubai, the Caribbean, and Sharm el-Sheikh. Britons stranded in Bangkok are said to be too scared to leave Suvarnabhumi Airport for fear of being caught up in anti-government protests taking place in the capital. Some passengers have described the situation as a "dog-eat-dog atmosphere" as fellow tourists scramble for flights home. Briton Tim Rutledge, who is awaiting a flight home, said not only was there trouble with the protests, but it was "brewing up" and "getting a bit nasty" inside the airline offices at the airport. Over the weekend BA also hopes to send out extra planes to repatriate customers from New York, Newark, the Maldives, Mumbai, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Most of these will fly out with freight, or completely empty, and will be used for stranded customers only. However, the number of extra flights is limited by the availability of empty planes, pilots and cabin crews. A spokesperson for Virgin said the worst affected areas were the Caribbean and Florida and that they were chartering extra flights from other airlines to return those stranded there. The spokesperson added that people who do not have a flight reservation should not turn up at airports.
Trumpet on as countdown for World Cup continues
 
South Africa has been continuing its countdown to the World Cup. On Wednesday, the country marked 50 days to go.
Tanzania anger at teacher caning
Tanzania’s teaching union says it will sue the government after four teachers were publicly caned by a local militia. The punishment had “dehumanised” the teachers, one of whom was pregnant, said union official Ezekiah Uluoch. He told the BBC that the official Sungusungu militia had caned the teachers after they were late for a meeting in the northern Shinyanga area. Last year, a local Tanzanian official was sacked for ordering police to whip teachers for being late for school. “We are condemning the behaviour of the militia group and we hope the people will be taken to a court of law,” Mr Uluoch told the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme. He said that as the Sungusungu militia was part of the state security structure, the Tanzania Teachers’ Union was holding the government responsible.
One of the biggest babies ever to be born in Britain
One of the biggest babies ever to be born in Britain has weighed in at an eye-watering 13lbs and 15oz. Sharon Needham, 35, gave birth to Harry by caesarian section at Doncaster Royal Infirmary because he was too big for a natural birth. Coming into the world weighing just one ounce under a full stone, he is the largest baby to be delivered at the hospital since computer records began in 1994. Harry is so big, his parents are already dressing him in clothes designed for three to six-month-olds. Ms Needham and her partner Paul Crossland were stunned when nurses handed them their new baby. The mother of five said: "When the nurses popped him over the curtain we were both speechless. I thought they'd given me someone else's baby." She added that there is no history of big babies in the family. Britain's heaviest newborn to date is Guy Warwick Carr, delivered in Cumbria in 1992 weighing 15lb 8oz. The heaviest baby surviving birth was a boy born weighing 22lb and 8oz in Aversa, Italy, in 1955.
"Life has no duplicate as you all know." - A Nigerian slum worker
Duke of Edinburgh hurts ankle in Windsor as ponies bolt
The Duke of Edinburgh has suffered a "minor injury" to his ankle while carriage driving at the Windsor estate, Buckingham Palace has said. Prince Philip, 88, was with a female groom when their ponies ran away and the carriage hit a tree stump. He suffered bruising and did not need to go to hospital but the groom was treated for an elbow injury. Earlier this month, his daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cornwall, fractured her leg while hill-walking in Scotland. A spokeswoman said: "The duke has a minor injury to his ankle and did not need hospital treatment. He has been out and about as normal this afternoon." It is not known which ankle is affected. She added the ponies involved were all recovered unharmed. The duke is a competitive carriage driver, having taken up the sport in 1971.
Canadian-based Somali rapper K'naan celebrated a double win at the Juno Awards in St John's, Newfoundland, on Sunday
The Prime Ministerial Debates in UK on Thursday 22nd April, 2010 - VIDEO
Illegal banana gin 'kills 80' in Uganda
Some 80 people have died in Uganda after drinking illegal home-made banana gin laced with methanol, a health official says. Patrick Tusiime said so many people had died because relatives did not want to admit that people had been drinking the gin, known as waragi. The deaths have occurred over the past three weeks in the south-western Kabale district, he told Reuters news agency. He said the authorities were conducting house-to-house searches for the gin.
India's Train Hospital - VIDEO
Uganda: Oyo Takes Full Charge of Toro Kingdom
The Kiong is an Arsenal supporter
 
The Jay-Z loving, Arsenal-supporting King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV succeeded to the crown on turning 18. He was three when his father died of a heart attack.
Kampala — President Yoweri Museveni has asked cultural leaders to champion national unity and warned them against sowing discord among people of Uganda. He said this during the 15th coronation anniversary, locally known as Empango, celebrations of the Toro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru yesterday in Fort Portal. Cultural institutions, he said, were restored in Uganda for the purpose of uniting people in Uganda and the integration of the African continent. Museveni reminded the big gathering which included cultural leaders from different parts of Uganda and Africa people that there was resistance to restore the kingdoms in 1993. Kingdoms were constitutionally abolished in 1967 by then Uganda People's Congress government infringing on the people's right to culture. To reverse it the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government restored the cultural institutions and leaders. The President recalled that despite the debate over the restoration of the cultural leaders he personally supported it with a view of cultural leaders fostering unity by emphasising the commonalities which link the various communities. He, however, expressed regret that some cultural leaders had gone against the original purpose of restoring the kingdoms and were promoting differences amongst the communities. Museveni warned that government would not allow any cultural leader who messes up this vision. "To support you (traditional leaders), was not (intended) to prove how separate we are; but what we share in common," Museveni said. "Traditional institutions should not impede this integration." He said that integration of African countries at regional and continental levels is important for the creation of wider markets for goods and services produced by African countries.
He cited the regional cooperation existing amongst East African Community member states, which if politically federated under a single political structure, can boost trade and the region's power to negotiate in international trade. King Oyo who ascended the throne at 3 also marked his 18th birthday, and now comes of age to administer the kingdom on his own. During the occasion he also ceremonially received the instruments of power to enable him administer his kingdom. As a gift President Museveni gave King Oyo a car. The Queen Mother Best Kemigisa also gave the king a brand new Mercedes Benz 2009 model M-Class. A series of activities were held for two days in the run up to the celebrations which climaxed yesterday. Some of the activities included tree planting, princesses' exhibition, clan soccer tournament, town cleaning and an all-night music concert organised by Uganda Telecom. The Empango ceremony began with a church service led by the retired bishops of Rwenzori Diocese Eustace Kamanyire and Benezeri Kisembo and the official opening of the refurbished Karuziika (palace), feasting that involved singing and dancing to the tunes of the Amakondere, a luncheon and sharing the birthday cake, and giving gifts to the youthful king. Also, during the ceremonial rituals to hand over power, the King was presented with the royal regalia that included a number of spears onto which he rested his hands on at a time. He was also presented a number of royal drums and he sounded each of them nine times. In attendance were several African cultural leaders from Mali, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Mauritania, South Africa, DR Congo, Nigeria, Libya, Kenya, including guests from the USA. Other guests included diplomats, the king's Batoro subjects, government officials who included ministers, civil servants, as well as Members of Parliament. Buganda Queen Sylvia Nagginda and Omukama Iguru Gafabusa led delegations from Buganda and Bunyoro respectively.
Malawi's President marries
Many of southern Africa's leaders were in Lilongwe for the wedding of Malawi's President Bingu Wa Mutharika to his ex-Tourism Minister Callista Chimombo, 16 years his junior
Friday 23rd April, 2010. 12 killed in highway accidents. Twelve people died and 45 others seriously injured in two separate accidents along the Maai-mahiu-Naivasha and Naivasha -Nakuru highways Friday morning. In the first incident, 10 passengers died on the spot and 45 others were seriously injured when a bus they were traveling in collided with an on-coming trailer at Muniu area, two kilometers from Maai-mahiu centre. The new Naivasha OCPD, Ernest Oponyo said the bus christened ‘Vanga' collided with a trailer at about 3:00am as it tried to overtake a canter lorry that had stalled on the road. He said the canter had broken down on the road and as the bus tried to overtake it, it collided with the trailer which was coming from Maai-mahiu, killing 10 people on the spot. "We think one of the two vehicles involved in the accident might have miscalculated before over-taking and we are still investigating the matter", the OCPD said. The bus was headed to Nairobi from Busia and had on board 60 passengers. The driver of the trailer which was headed to Uganda was trapped inside the cabin and police had to smash the door and windows to rescue him. The injured were moved to Kijabe Mission hospital, Naivasha District Hospital and other hospitals in Naivasha. At Naivasha District Hospital, doctors made frantic efforts to save the lives of over 20 people admitted there as many of the patients groaned in pain at the emergency ward. Doctors said the injured suffered soft tissue injuries, head injuries and broken limbs but described their conditions as stable. The mangled wreckages of the two vehicles were moved to Maai-mahiu police station pending further investigations into the accident, while the bodies of the dead were moved to Naivasha District hospital mortuary. In another accident, two people died when a canter lorry they were traveling in collided with a trailer near St. Mary's Hospital along the Naivasha- Nakuru highway Thursday night. Mr. Oponyo said the driver of the canter and his conductor died on the spot during the 8:30 pm accident while the occupants of the trailer which was headed to Uganda escaped unhurt. The canter lorry was headed to Nairobi from Kisumu. The bodies were moved to Gilgil hospital mortuary.
TV Debate: Clegg And Cameron Neck And Neck
Nick Clegg and David Cameron have emerged as the joint winners of the second Leaders' Debate in Sky News' poll of polls. Two of four surveys conducted immediately after the 90-minute debate hosted by Sky had Mr Clegg as the victor. The other two put the Tory leader first. A fifth poll then suggested Mr Clegg had come top, with Mr Cameron and Gordon Brown tied in second. Averaged out, the polls put Mr Clegg and Mr Cameron on 33% and Mr Brown on 27%. A YouGov poll for The Sun had Mr Cameron on 36%, last week's winner Mr Clegg on 32% and the Prime Minister on 29%. By contrast, a ComRes poll for ITV put the Lib Dem leader on 33% and his rivals both on 30%. An Angus Reid poll confirmed the standings, putting Mr Clegg on 33%, Mr Cameron on 32% and Mr Brown trailing a long way behind on 23%. A Times/Populus poll then had Mr Cameron on 37%, Mr Clegg on 36% and Mr Brown on 26%.
Personal Injury Solicitor - No Win, No Fee
Balinda & Co.
No Win, No Fee – Accident, illness and injury compensation specialists providing an unparalleled level of service to victims of accidents, medical negligence and personal injury. Help with car accident claims, accidents at work, slip and trip accidents and more. Call free on 0800 321 3287. 100% compensation, guaranteed. www.balindaandco.com
Balinda and Co – London based personal injury solicitors’ website provides a range of useful information for victims of accidents, illness or injury including a guide to ‘How much is my claim worth?’. Free downloads include a Car Accident Compensation Guide and a Special Report providing advice on how to choose a personal injury solicitor to handle your claim.
Asiimwe Balinda
Personal Injury Solicitor
Balinda & Co.
Berkley Business Centre, 246 -250 Romford Road, Stratford, London, E7 9HZ.
Tel: 0208 221 4541 | Fax: 0208 221 4503 | Email: asiimwe@balindaandco.co
www.balindaandco.com
 
The Kenya government has assured Kenyans working in Dubai that they will not be repatriated back to Kenya as both governments would solve an emerging visa row issue amicably. Foreign affairs minister Moses Wetangula said that Kenyan and Dubai governments were committed to solving the crisis in the shortest time possible so as to enhance the relationship between the two countries. The minister said that he would meet with the Dubai foreign affairs minister to discuss the issue. "We will not let this condition spiral into a fit of anxiety especially for Kenyans who are traveling for business purposes" he said adding that the renewal of Dubai bound visas for Kenyans was still going on. The new policy requires Kenyans traveling for business or employment to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other parts of UAE to have degree certificates. Wetangula clarified that the action taken by the Dubai government against Kenyans was not as a result of a conflict between the two countries but was a diplomatic issue which could be solved amicably. He said that Kenyans who work in Dubai are under no threat of losing their jobs and they were safe to travel in and out of Dubai. The new requirement is thought to be a retaliatory move by the United Arab Emirates after Kenyan authorities arrested and deported four of its citizens on suspicions of being terrorists. There were reports that some of the suspects arrested were from a royal family in the UAE. It is estimated that over 36,000 Kenyans work in Dubai in the hospitality and construction industries Saying that both countries have benefited from a trade volume of 1.3 million dollars while income from tourists arriving in Kenya from Dubai was up by 36% the minister called on the Dubai government to remove the degree requirement as the move was likely to affect business between the two countries. Wetangula was speaking at a Nairobi hotel during the launch of the Kenya-Djibouti Permanent Joint Corporative Commission. Wetangula and his Djibouti counterpart Mahmoud Ali Youssouf signed the MOU.
LAST WEEKEND FOR GITHAE IN UK
 
While in the UK, Kenyan Gospel Artist Mr. Ben Githae visited Mr. Seed and family in London. After enjoying a dinner in a hotel along River Thames (above photo) the gospel musician insisted to visit The O2 - Millennium Doom now the biggest entertainment house in the world. After watching the O2 from a distance Githae explained that he want to pursue the dream of his song ... TIMIZI MAONO YAKO ... who knows one day I might come and perform at the O2. For that matter I have come to survey it's location so that next time I come, I won't struggle to know where it is." Seen above right is Mr. Seed's wife Pastor Jane Njiiri with Beth Githae at the hotel - TIMIZA MAONO YAKO - VIDEO
This weekend he will be in performing throughout in Coventry where his hosts Glory Restoration Ministries is holding a 3-day conference. Revival meeting on Friday 23rd April, 2010 will be held at United Reformed Church, 363 Woodway Lane, Potters Green, CV2 2AP as from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. On Saturday 24th April, Ben Githae will be performing his final show at Hargard Community, Rememberance Road, CV3 3AN as from 10.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. There will be a Farewell Party for Ben Githae on Sunday 25th April, 2010 at Willenhall, Coventry, CV3 2AN as from 3.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. All are invited. Githae's contact in the UK is 07553676185 - CLICK HERE FOR MORE
 
Mr. Ben Githae's tour in UK could not have been complete with visiting Buckingham Palace where he wanted to present his "mabata" ... Maya nimo mabata makwa... (these are my requests) but unfortunately it was the Union Jack that was flying at the Palace - that means the Queen was not at the Palace. To kill two birds with one stone, he decided to perform the number in front of the Palace. Later he took a London bus tour before boarding a boat for a River Thames Boat tour.
On London bus tour from Buckingham Palace he passed the House of Parliament, down through Battersea Bridge, Waterloo, Westminster Bridge, back to Parliament Square stopping at No. 10 Downing Street the house of the UK Prime Minister where he took a photo with the policemen. He continued through Trafalgar Square where the tour guide showed him the statue of King Charles and he explained to him that UK distance is measured from that point. If you are in Nottingham City which is 135 kilometres from London – the distance is measured from that point. He continued to the City of London where he saw the Royal Court of Justice where the Mau Mau Veterans had taken their case. He came across St. Paul Cathedral which took 35 years to build and it is 2nd biggest Cathedral after St. Basilica Rome. He was shown the Bank of England where it was explained to him that the bank building does not have windows on the ground area because of the security reasons. He crossed the Thames River through London Bridge coming to London Bridge Station, Crown Court, Mayor of London building before coming to Tower Bridge. It was explained to him by the tour guide that the bridge was built in 1886. Construction started in 1886 and took eight years with five major contractors – Two massive piers, containing over 70,000 tons of concrete were sunk into the riverbed to support the construction. Over 11,000 tons of steel provided the framework for the towers and walkways. The total cost of construction was £1,184, (£100 million as of 2010). The bridge opens to allow ships to pass by. Across the bridge he came to Tower of London before going back to Westminster Pier for a boat ride.
 
At No. 10 Downing Street (left) and at Royal Court of Justice (right)
Seen above passing the London Eye from Westminster Pier, down Waterloo Bridge, Blackfairs Bridge, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Docklands and finally Greenwich. He ended his tour with the board at the Greenwich the home of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) where where he wanted to adjust his watch. Unfortunately he had forgotten his watch at Coventry. He was so impressed by the architectural designs along River Thames and he explained that "Mungu akinisaidia, labda siku moja nitanunua kamoja." Gathae concluded smiling. At Greenwich he took the Light Docklands Train – he had heard that there is a train in London without a driver – this is the train. He passed through the financial heart of London Docklands where over 400, 000 people works. He was excited when he saw the train coming across 4th floor of a building as the train approached East Indian Docklands station. Passing through the tall building in Docklands, Canary Wharf, headquarters of Barclays Bank building, HSCB Bank, Swiss Bank and Citi Bank headquarters. He train ended up in Stratford the house of the Olympics where he saw several Olympic statiums coming including the Olympic Village. Later he visited Woolwich Ferry where he took a ferry to Woolwich before coming back through Woolwich Foot Tunnel which passes under the Thames River. After passing through the tunnel Ben Githae had this to say: “Tûmûndû tûtû Mr. Seed nitûgî mûno – Tunnel ya magurû rungu rwa maî? Ûgwîciiria tûmûndû twa tene na twarîu twao nî tûrîkû tûgî? Kaî MPs aitû matokaga gûkû makona maûndû maya? (this people are very clever – don’t our MPs come here to see all this developments?). I will made another date to come and see more, Mr. Gitahe concluded.
Premier League - United named world's most valuable club
Manchester United are the world's most valuable sports club, according to a report by Forbes. The American wealth magazine put the Red Devils at the top of their latest list of the world's richest football clubs, with an estimated value of £1.2 billion. And that leaves United flying high at the top of the sporting tree, ahead of the NFL's top team the Dallas Cowboys (£1.072 billion), and baseball's number one club the New York Yankees (£1.040 billion). Spanish giants Real Madrid are second on the list of top football clubs at £859m, with Arsenal third on £767m. European and Spanish champions Barcelona are fourth on £650m, but are the only debt-free side in a top six that is rounded out by Bayern Munich and Liverpool. Chelsea have slipped behind Juventus to ninth on the list after posting losses of nearly £50 million - the worst financial performance of any club in the top 20 - while Newcastle cling on to their place in the top 20 despite their relegation at the end of last season.
Two-headed bobtail lizard found in Australia
The two-headed bobtail (a type of skink native to Australia, also known as the Shingleback) was rescued in Coogee, New South Wales, by workers from a reptile park. Now housed at the reptile park in Henley Brook, Perth, it's doing well - despite the fact that two-headed lizards tend to not have very long life expectancies. The lizard - which doesn't just have two heads, but has a set of forelegs on either side of each head - is even able to eat with both mouths. The major downside of having two heads is that it makes moving around quite difficult, and the larger of the two heads has a tendency to try and attack the smaller head. The bobtail's brother, who has just the one head, is also housed at the park.
Welcome to Lagos - Episode two
 
While the nation (or 9.4 million of us, anyway) was glued to the Great Debate on Thursday night, a real beauty, Welcome to Lagos, was blushing unseen on BBC2. In Nigeria's biggest city (population 16 million and rising by 600,000 a year) the film-maker Gavin Searle took his camera into the most god-forsaken, rat-infested, polymorphously revolting territory you can imagine – the vast Olusosun rubbish dump, about the size of Slough – and discovered within it a miniature model society. The 1,000-odd inhabitants scavenge directly from the back of refuse lorries, sorting through the reeking cascade of rubbish with fearsome metal hooks. They're all experts at spotting the morsels of brass or rubber, wire or plastic that can be parlayed into a few Nigerian pennies, and you'd naturally expect them to be rivalrous thugs, forever at each other's throats. Nothing of the sort. The dump is a mini-city, with its own bars, restaurants, shops, a mosque, even a barber's shop. Sometimes a thief is caught pinching another man's meagre trove of debris, whereupon he's tied up and a bald overseer called Ericho, with the grave implacability of Solomon, decides on his fate. - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
PM to lead tree planting in Mau
The second phase of tree planting in Mau Forest complex begins Thursday with Prime Minister Raila Odinga leading the exercise alongside US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger. The event is part of the commemoration for the 2010 World Earth Day, set aside to help promote environmental issues. The exercise will take place at Songi Kabiyet in Eastern Mau. The PM was last in Mau in January where he initiated the first phase of reclaiming the Mau. Politicians from the Rift Valley province, mainly from the ODM affiliated to Eldoret North MP William Ruto boycotted the exercise claiming that the evections from the forest were not done in a human manner. They also demanded that those with genuine title deeds be compensated first before they leave the forest. Raila is returning to the Mau at a time the proposed draft constitution has opened a new battlefront between him and higher education minister William Ruto's group both going different directions. The tree planting exercise is part of efforts to rehabilitate the country's largest water tower that has witnessed wanton destruction by decades of human encroachment. More than 20,000 seedlings are expected to be planted.
Chinese farmer Wu Yulu's homemade robots set to go global
 
A Chinese farmer who has devoted his life to making his own robots is set to see his fame go international - and says he wants to being his creation to the UK. 49-year-old farmer Wu Yulu, from the outskirts of Beijing, has already achieved fame in China for his home-brewed automata, which he makes from scrap materials including wire and screws. Wu says that since he began building robots in 1986, he has invented over 47 robots which can walk, pour tea, offer smokers a light, give massages and even paint pictures. Already a star in the Chinese media, he's set to gain further renown when he appears at this year's Shanghai World Expo, which runs from May to October. Wu - who was only educated to primary school level - admits that his robot-building obsession has been hard on his family. His wife threatened to divorce him after he spent all his money financing the robots, and on one occasion, he managed to burn the family house down. But he's looking forward to the extra attention the Expo will bring to his robots - which he refers to as his 'children. 'I am a little famous now,' Wu told Reuters. 'I have been doing this for over than twenty years but I feel that each year more people discover my inventions. 'At the Expo I can receive everyone's recognition. I am representative of all farmers, this is something very glorious.' Wu began his inventing career making devices to make his farming more efficient, such as changing his bicycle into a seeding machine. But that quickly blossomed into the creation of automata to carry out numerous small tasks - his latest project being a robot that can give massages. 'I want to make more useful robots to help humans, I've also designed a robot which can help chop the meat when cooking,' he said. And he hopes that Britain will be able to see his robots for themselves in the future. 'It is possible I am able to visit the UK soon,' Wu said, adding that no date has been fixed, but it was in the pipeline.
This rubbish dump in Lagos has shops, bars,
Fifty years ago, Nigeria's capital, Lagos, was a city the size of today's Bradford, with a population of a little less than 300,000 people. Everyone said it was lovely. Now 16 million people live there: it is one of a new breed of megacities in a world that is abandoning the countryside. And it grows by 600,000 a year. That's like chucking in Glasgow every 12 months. It's a monster, force-fed to morbid obesity, but with the bone structure of a baby. It can't function properly, just lies there growing, groaning, and threatening to burst. No one says Lagos is lovely any more. It is extraordinary, though, as is this documentary, Welcome to Lagos (BBC2), which zooms in on a handful of those 16 million. Bottom of the pile, literally, are the scavengers at the Olusosun rubbish dump, human vultures who pick through the stinking detritus with metal claws, looking for stuff that can be recycled and sold: tins, plastic, copper wire, rubber, clothes, anything. In the dry season, fires often break out, adding toxic smoke and mortal danger to a day's work. And in the rainy season, the place turns into a slimy netherworld. Up the road, the Oluwainshola cattle market and slaughter yard is a different kind of hell. Here the smell is not of rot, but of death, and of the fear that precedes death. Once a price has been agreed, animals are dragged off to a pit where they are brought to their knees and executed. Ladies then take the heads – sometimes two at a time – away in plastic basins balanced on their own heads. It's a strange sight, a woman with a woman's head but then with two cows' heads on top, four horns in all, walking around, like something Odysseus might have come up against. The animals' hooves are hacked off, the carcasses flayed, the innards scooped out, and carted away in plastic basins. Even the contents of the stomach are saved for fertiliser. And underfoot, spilled blood and faeces mix into the mud. Mmmm. Amazingly, and refreshingly, this is not a misery film, though. It's surprisingly upbeat, a study of ingenuity and how people adapt to survive in places they shouldn't really be able to function in at all. The characters are remarkably unperturbed by their lot. At the dump, Eric, a young musician, sifts through the rubbish to make enough money to record his album. He's a bit of a lad, to be honest, but he always has a smile on his face. People live on the dump as well as work – there are shops, bars, restaurants, a barber. It has its own system of law enforcement. A lack of infrastructure doesn't mean that society can't exist.
Proverbs 22: 1-5
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Kenya Airways resumed its flights to Europe on Tuesday night as it emerged that the horticulture sector had lost more than Sh1 billion. A statement from the airline’s CEO, Mr Titus Naikuni, indicated that the airline would make two trips from Nairobi and three from Europe. London’s Heathrow Airport has also been reopened after five days of closure due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. According to BBC, the UK has reopened its airports, while some flights have left Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt, but airspace in Germany remains restricted. Airports in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway and Switzerland have also been reopened. The volcanic eruption caused more than 95,000 flights to be cancelled across Europe in the past week. Officials in Kenya’s horticultural sector said flight cancellations had cost it more than Sh1 billion (US$ 13.5 million) in losses. The Kenya Flower Council and the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya estimated daily losses at over $3 million. “It is bad. We have lost upwards of $3 million daily since eruptions began,” Mr Stephen Mbithi, the Fresh Produce Exporters Association boss, told Xinhua on Tuesday. Kenya Flower Council chief executive Jane Ngige put daily losses at upwards of $1.5 million, and warned of further losses since the quality of cut flowers went down after long storage periods. “The stored flowers will fetch less in the markets,” Ms Ngige said. Mr Mbithi says the country exports 1,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables every day at this time of the year, but only about 100 tonnes were airlifted to Spain on Monday. The florists added that 3,000 tonnes of cut flowers had been disposed of so far. The EU takes in an estimated 95 per cent of all Kenyan flower exports. The horticultural sector is Kenya’s leading hard currency earner after tourism, accounting for up to 20 per cent of the country’s earnings. – Daily Nation.
Ruto moved as Raila cracks whip in ODM
  
Eldoret North MP William Ruto was on Wednesday removed from the prestigious Ministry of Agriculture in a mini-reshuffle. Mr Ruto, a political rival of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, swapped places with Dr Sally Kosgei and now becomes the minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology. One of his key allies, Mr Charles Keter appears to have been sacked as assistant minister for Energy and replaced with Kipkelion MP Magerer Lang’at, a strong ally of Mr Odinga, and the ODM deputy chief whip. In shuffling Mr Ruto, who has been an outspoken critic of the PM, Mr Odinga, who is understood to have wanted Mr Ruto out of the key ministry for a time, is being seen as having had his way and asserted his authority. The reshuffle comes after months of hints by Mr Odinga that a strong storm was on the way to sweep all “undesirable elements” into the ocean. The changes might also be seen as a move by Mr Odinga to rearrange his political cards in the Rift Valley by rewarding his allies in a region that was crucial to his election in 2007. Mr Amos Kimunya, the minister for Trade, will act as Transport minister, the position left vacant by Mr Chirau Mwakwere who was removed in an election petition. Office of the President sources told the Nation that Mr Odinga and President Kibaki met at the President’s Harambee House office in the morning and agreed on the reshuffle. - Daily Nation.
Photos of Queen as baby released to mark 84th birthday
Photographs from the Queen's first portrait sitting have been released to mark her 84th birthday. The images are of Princess Elizabeth, aged seven months, posing for cameraman Marcus Adams in 1926. Some of the prints will be displayed at an exhibition at Windsor Castle from Saturday until February next year. The Queen will be spending the day at the castle for her birthday and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will provide a 41-gun salute in London. In the photographs Her Majesty is pictured barefoot in a white dress and separately with her parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, later George VI and Queen Elizabeth, on 2 December 1926. Two of the images became prized possessions of the Queen Mother and were kept in a double-frame leather picture case.
GOING FOR THE FINAL TOUCHES
 
Ms Muthoni Kangethe (left) and Mrs. Muthaka busy doing the final touches for the Labour Party campaign as they head to drop some leaflets for Miss Elizabeth Kangethe a labour party candidate for Parsloes Ward in Barking and Dagenham, Essex. She is going for a council seat. On right the area MP Mrs. Margaret HOdge leads the team in the campaign
Marathon office swings into action as runners arrive
By Derek Otieno
After a day of uncertainty, a sigh of relief was witnessed at the Virgin London Marathon when news that the first arrivals for this Sunday’s marathon along Tower Hamlets streets trickeld to The Tower Hotel, the nerve-centre of the 26-mile odyssey. Immediately, the organisers heard that Japan based Mara Yamauchi, the 2009 women’s runner-up was in the United Kingdom, they scrambled a plane to fly her into London and turn the gloom that was the hotel lobby and communication centre to a cheery place to be. It was indeed! But, they have been waiting for the prize-arrival of the defending champion in the men’s event Samuel Wanjiru, who, in a departure from tradition had not arrived by the scheduled Monday date. Occasionally, the defending champions’ arrival marks the start of the marathon week that brings with it a flurry of interviews, profiles and media build-up that the organisers have not been able to milk this year.
Instead, the publicity has come from a totally different reason, being the ash cloud hovering over the European airspace that literally brought to a standstill, all airports in Europe, forced teams to use unusual modes of transport and above all, called in the greatest peace time evacuation in years. A blame-game has already started over the reasons to isolate the English airspace after the eruption of an active volcano in distant Iceland last week. Authorities in Europe are being accused for over-reacting in an issue and further on, for failing to carry out assessment on the dangers that the planes were exposed to. The flying ban was however lifted after intense pressure from airline industry players who have lost an estimated £1 billion (Sh 100 billion) in the interceding period. Sammy Wanjiru, and a clutch of Kenyan runners challenging him for the Sh 4 million top-prize are expected Thursday morning (logistics permitting) and already analysts and pundits are questioning the Olympic and World champion’s form after a journey that will have seen him go through six countries and eight time zones.
Like the men’s favourite, Britain's Mara Yamauchi was the first 2010 Virgin London Marathon elite athlete to arrive for the race when she touched down at Shoreham airport outside Brighton in Sussex this afternoon at the end of a marathon six-day journey from her training base in New Mexico. Yamauchi, the 2009 London Marathon runner-up, had moved from her home in Tokyo to train at altitude in Albuquerque. She and her husband, Shigetoshi, left there last Thursday and travelled to Denver, Colorado, only to find there were no flights to London because of the cloud of volcanic ash which forced the closure of airspace around northern Europe for almost six days. They then travelled to New Jersey and tried to get a flight to Shannon airport in Ireland before eventually flying from New Jersey to Lisbon, Portugal, from where they rented a taxi which drove for six hours to Madrid.
When they discovered there were no seats available on ferries from Spain to Portsmouth, the Yamauchis rented a car and drove for two days to Paris before taking a taxi to Le Touquet near the French coast where the London Marathon organisers hired a private Piston propeller plane to fly them to Shoreham.
Yamauchi arrived at the Virgin London Marathon headquarters in London late on Wednesday afternoon saying she was "tired but relieved". "It's been an interesting journey to say the least and hardly the best way to prepare for the race," she said. "I am tired but most of all just happy to be here. Now at least I have time to relax and begin to focus my mind on the race. I am confident I will be fully recovered and ready to run by Sunday morning." The real impact of the champion’s winding journey has put a lot into the perspective and many, including athletics purists are concerned about the jetlag and the recovery period that the runner will have before the Sunday race that is expected to London Marathon organisers are however confident that their star attendants will make it on time and give their very best, though the London 2012 Organising Committee fear that they might not milk the publicity with these late arrivals, considering that he was scheduled to meet the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and other leading personalities at London Olympic office.
 
London, Wednesday 21st April, 2010 - Airlines face a "huge logistical operation" as tens of thousands of Britons try to get home after a six-day shutdown because of volcanic ash. The first flights began landing in the UK on Tuesday night after safety tests showed plane engines could cope in areas of low density ash. Passengers have been warned of further delays because of the backlog and planes not being in the right place. More than 95,000 flights were cancelled across Europe over the past week. BAA, which operates many of the UK's airports, said people should contact their airlines before travelling to an airport for a flightHeathrow would normally handle about 1,250 flights on an average Wednesday but the departures and arrivals boards at the west London airport were full of cancellations. There were no departures until 0806BST when an Alitalia flight left for Rome. There had only been 26 arrivals, including 22 British Airways flights, by 0830BST. Frances Tuke, spokeswoman for travel body Abta, said the return to normality would be slow and there was also a risk the ash cloud could return. "The thing to remember is that aircraft and crew are going to be in the wrong place," she said."I know for example that some of our tour operators have decided to cancel their programmes going out of the UK in order to reposition their aircraft and crew. It's a huge logistical operation." British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said it would take weeks to get back to normal levels of operation. "We're now at British Airways going to start the difficult task of getting our stranded customers back home. I think this is an airlift that is unprecedented but we will make every effort to get our people back home," he said.
The decision to close UK airspace and the government's response to the ensuing chaos has sparked a political row. Transport Secretary Lord Adonis denied the UK authorities had been slow to get planes flying again, saying the ban was lifted after a "robust safety assessment" based on observational data and test flights. "The whole of Europe has been in the same position, acting according to the same aviation safety rules," he said. "European safety regulators have been working to properly understand the impact of the ash cloud which has come from Iceland." Lord Adonis also denied the decision to reopen the airspace was the result of pressure from the airline industry, which has been losing millions of pounds during the shutdown. But shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said Labour's "misjudgement and mismanagement" had "badly let down" the travelling public. Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrats' transport spokesman, called for an inquiry but said the government was not responsible for a volcano in Iceland. "I do think it's important to remember that the government has had to listen to professional advice on this, and I think it's pretty reprehensible for the Conservatives to be almost gleeful about the chaos that there has been," he said.
As airlines try to organise their schedules, contingency plans to get Britons home by other means are still in place. BBC News correspondent Jonny Dymond in Madrid says the UK government's plans to charter 150 coaches for citizens flying in to the Spanish capital from long-haul destinations were going ahead. Ministers planned to use Madrid as a hub to get people back to the UK. He said Foreign Office advice to people stranded in Europe remained to attempt to reach French Channel ports. After the lifting of the flight restrictions, the first plane to land at Heathrow Terminal Five was a BA flight from Vancouver at 2140 BST. The first passenger off the flight was Neil Rogers, from Little London, near Reading, who said the atmosphere on board was "great". Asked about the volcanic ash, he said: "It's one of those things you can't do anything about. "As we were coming into land I was quite concerned as we were coming through the cloud."An estimated 150,000 Britons have been stranded abroad during the six-day shutdown and people have been struggling to leave the UK, with only a handful of flights taking off from airports in the past six days. English football teams Liverpool and Fulham are en route to Europa League semi-final ties in Europe on Thursday, having started their journeys by coach before the restrictions were lifted. The restrictions were lifted after the Civil Aviation Authority said its safety tests showed plane engines had "increased tolerance levels in low ash density areas". It has set down requirements for airlines such as conducting risk assessments and inspecting aircraft for ash damage before and after each flight.Flights have been grounded across the UK and much of Europe since Thursday following the eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull. The eruption sent vast amounts of ash into the atmosphere which poses a threat to aircraft jet engines. Anyone concerned about the safety of a British national who is still stranded abroad can call a Foreign Office helpline on 020 7008 0000, or visit its website. Stranded Britons should contact their local embassy, high commission or consulate.
Kenya Airways passenger flight from Nairobi is leaving Nairobi tonight Wednesday 21st April 2010 arriving London on Thursday morning and the second one leaving in the mornign arriving London in the evening
Volcano Air Chaos
: Latest Travel Information
British airspace has reopened but other areas still remain 'no fly zones' due to the volcanic ash cloud. All British airports are now reopening and Transport Secretary Lord Adonis has said he expects them to remain open. Anyone planning to go to an airport should contact their airline before starting their journey as some flights are delayed and others cancelled. BAA have said that passengers with cars in airport carparks will not be charged any excess for delays caused by the ash plume.
UK unemployment increases to 2.5m
The number of people unemployed in the UK rose by 43,000 to 2.5 million during the three months to February, official figures have shown. The jobless total is now at its highest since 1994. The rate of unemployment now stands at 8% - the highest since 1996 - the Office for National Statistics said. However, the total number of people claiming unemployment benefit fell in March by 32,900 to 1,54 million - a much sharper fall than expected. The ONS figures showed youth unemployment rising, with 929,000 16 to 24-year-olds out of work in the December to February period - a rise of 4,000 on the previous three months. Unemployment among the over-50s rose by 7,000 to 396,000.
BEN GITHAE FOR A CITY OF LONDON TOUR
 
"Maya nîmo mabatara makwa...." (these are my requests). After several performances last weekend at Swindon, UK, Kenyan Gospel Artist Ben Githae took a time off to visit the City of London. He visited several city tourists attraction including Buckingham Palace where he wanted to see the Queen to present his requests in UK..."Maya nîmo mabatara makwa...." but he was informed that he need an appointment to see the Queen. He took time with the Queen's Guard trying to explain that he is from Kenya and when growing up in Kenya he used to sing a poem that "...I have been to London to see the Queen." Later he visited Tower Bridge where he wanted to see the bridge opening but before it opened he was caught by the Mayor of London building where he posed for a photo. Later he toured the House of Parliament where he took time to have a snap with statue of Churchill the British Premier who helped the British win the second world war. What else did he see? More later.
 
Notice for holders of expired visas whose travel plans have been disrupted by the volcanic ash
Home Office, 17 April 2010
The UK Border Agency would like to reassure travellers who have been unable to leave the UK and whose visas have now expired. We appreciate that this is due to exceptional circumstances beyond your control. Please ensure that you retain proof of planned travel that would have enabled you to leave the UK before your visa expired. Please only contact the agency for further advice in exceptional circumstances. We will update this advice as the situation develops.
When things get out of hand women in Kenya show women power - CLICK HERE
ANALYSIS
The question the airline industry is asking is why did it take six days for the Civil Aviation Authority to change its policy, and what does it know now that it did not know a week ago. Part of the problem faced by the regulator is that there is a limited evidence base with which to make an accurate risk assessment. Such occurrences are rare so the policy seems to have been one of safety first. But as the flight ban wore on, with increasing numbers of passengers stranded and the cost to the airline industry rising, the CAA was forced to reassess its policy. It consulted extensively with jet engine manufacturers and gathered new evidence from test flights through the volcanic ash. This process led the regulator to conclude on Tuesday night that planes would not stall if they flew through low concentrations of the ash, and passengers faced a greater risk by remaining stranded for several days.
ANNOUNCMENT!
NEW BRISTOL OFFICE LOCATION
Kesom Freight International Limited are pleased to announce the opening of their OWN office in Bristol.
Kesom Freight International Ltd,
Next to Beauty Queen Cosmetics
229-231 Stapleton Road
Bristol
BS5 0PG
Office Tel: 0117 951 6161
Mobile: 07930508058/07932450835'
This office can offer a full Freight forwarding service, including Imports, Exports by air & sea worldwide plus receiving & handling of cargo for our KENYAN consolidation service
www.kesomfreight.com
IKO NINI BWANA SEED ARCHIVE
[1]
|
