Iko Nini Bwana Seed?

WHAT UK NEWSPAPERS SAY

Martyns & Rose Solicitors - CAPITALfm RADIO fff - KAMEME RADIO IS BACK AGAIN

Kadhis courts declared illegal in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya, May 24 - A constitutional court on Monday declared the inclusion of Kadhis courts in current Constitution illegal and discriminatory. The landmark ruling was made by Justices Joseph Nyamu, Mathew Emukule and Roselyne Wendoh following a case that was filed in 2004. The judges said the inclusion of the courts contravenes the principle of the separation of State and Religion and as such should not form part of the Judiciary in the Constitution. In an unanimous decision, the judges ruled that the entrenchment of the Kadhis courts in the Constitution “elevates and uplifts the Islamic religion over and above other religions in Kenya.” This, the Bench held, is inconsistent with section 78 and 82 of the current Constitution and discriminatory in its effects against Kenyans of other faiths. The judges said this while delivering a verdict on a constitutional application filed in 2004 by 26 applicants led by Very Right Reverend Jesse Kamau (Presbyterian Church of East Africa), Bishop Silas Yego of the Africa Inland Church, Reverend David Githii, Bishop Arthur Kitonga, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus Is Alive Ministries and Bishop Boniface Adoyo of the Nairobi Pentecostal Church challenging the inclusion of the Kadhis courts in the Constitution. The religious leaders had filed the suit against the Attorney General and the defunct Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC). The Bench also ruled that financial maintenance and support of the Kadhis courts from public coffers amounts to segregation, is sectarian, discriminatory and unjust against the applicants. “This amounts to separate development of one religion and religious practice contrary to the principle of separation of State and Religion and is therefore contrary to the universal norms and principles of liberty and freedom.'' In reference to the enactment and application of the Kadhis courts to areas beyond the 10-mile Coastal strip, the judges said: “We find and hold that the purported extension of the Kadhis courts through the enactment of the Kadhis Courts Act beyond the former protectorate areas contravenes Section 64(4) and Section 4(2) (b) of the Constitution and is unconstitutional and therefore null and void.” The three-judge Bench said the decision has been handed down on the basis that the role of the court is to interpret and declare the law. The court however declined to expunge section 66 of the Constitution which introduces and entrenches Kadhis courts in the Constitution saying the doctrine of separation of powers prevents it from amending the law or enactment of a new Constitution including its contents as that role is vested in the people of Kenya.
 

Passengers ride atop overloaded carriages of a commuter train in Kenya's capital Nairobi, January 5, 2010. Public transport in Kenya's main cities was paralyzed for days following a strike by matatu (minibus) drivers and conductors on allegations of extortion and corruption by police. (REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

What are the chances of that! Son, father and grandfather all born on same day

Harry his son Lee and Lee's baby son Benjamin who all share the same birthday - May 8. Bookmakers calculated the odds of it happening as 272,910 to one

A family has defied the odds to have a son, father and grandfather all born on the same day. When Benjamin Fox arrived in the world on May 8 he shared the same birthday as not only his father Lee but also his grandfather Harry. Bookmakers have worked out the odds of three generations of the same family all having boys born on the same day as 272,910 to one. David Williams a spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "It's an incredibly rare thing to happen. If the family had put a bet on it before Benjamin was born they would be very rich now."  Benjamin's proud dad Lee, 35, a insulation engineer from Romford, Essex, said he was stunned when a midwife revealed at three months that his baby was expected to be born on his birthday of May 8. He said: "When they did the scan and the measurements and worked out the baby would be born on May 8 I just said 'No way, that's my birthday and my dad's too'. "We were told first babies rarely arrive on their due day, they can be early and late so we never thought for a moment that the baby would be born on mine and my dad's birthday."  His 33-year-old partner Lisa Baker, who works for a city bank, was rushed into King George's Hospital in Ilford was in labour for 36 hours before baby Benjamin arrived weighing in at a health 7lb 2oz. She said: "I was in labour for 36 hours, we joked that he was holding on so he could be born on May 8. "The staff were all brilliant and were so pleased for us."  Lee added: "We didn't know we were having a boy so it was such a lovely surprise and it was even more special that he shares mine and my dad's birthday too. "He really was the best birthday present ever. When Benjamin get's older I think it will be worth having a bet that he will have a son born on May 8."  Benajamin's dad Lee was born on May 8 1975 weighing 7lb 12oz and his grandfather was born on May 8 1949 weighing 7lb 2oz. Proud grandfather Harry Fox, 61, a retired contractor who lives with his wife Janet, 65, added: "The odds of one family having boys all born on the same day must be very long. "It was lovely when Lee was born on my birthday. I thought that was a coincidence but I was on the golf course when I was told out Benjamin had been born on my birthday too, it's absolutely incredible. "We are going to have some brilliant birthday parties in the future."

Nearly 160 people are feared dead after a passenger jet crashed on landing in the southern Indian city of Mangalore. Air India Express said there were seven survivors among the 160 passengers and six crew on board its Boeing 737 arriving from Dubai. The plane overshot the hilltop runway as it tried to land and burst into flames in a forested valley beyond. Survivors said they thought they heard what sounded like a tyre bursting just before the crash. Speaking to Indian TV from his hospital bed, survivor Umer Farooq said he heard a loud thud as the plane touched down. "Then the plane veered off toward some trees on the side and then the cabin filled with smoke. I got caught in some cables but managed to scramble out," he said. Mr Farooq was being treated for burns to his arms, legs, and face. All the passengers on the flight were Indian nationals, with many returning from jobs in the Gulf to visit their families, says the BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi. There were up to 20 children on board, our correspondent adds. The airline said the plane overshot the runway as it came into land at about 0600 (0030 GMT) and crashed into a wooded valley. A light, pre-monsoon rain was reported to be falling at the time. Mangalore airport is located at the top of a hill with a forested valley at the end of the runway. Analysts say it presents challenges for pilots. TV pictures showed rescue workers and local villagers scrambling on steep hillsides to search the smoking wreckage. A Mangalore police official told the BBC that smoke from the crash site had made it difficult for rescue workers to gain access to the plane. Air India Express is a budget airline and a subsidiary of the national carrier Air India. This is the first crash in its relatively short history. The plane was no more than three years old. Air India Express mainly caters to the southern Indian states of Kerala and Karnataka, where this plane crashed, with flights to and from the Gulf, where a large number of Indian nationals work. India has a relatively good air safety record but in the past decade there has been a rapid growth in the aviation industry - a number of new airlines have been launched. This has led to a shortage of some experienced crew. All of these are things the investigating teams will start looking into when they have completed the rescue operation.

"As far as the information available with us is concerned, eight persons were rescued and shifted to local hospitals in Mangalore for treatment," Air India official Anup Shrivasta told reporters. He said one of the survivors had died on the way to hospital. A police official described the casualty as a seven-year-old boy, AFP news agency reported. Of the seven survivors, one had already been discharged, two or three were being treated for minor injuries and another three had serious injuries, the airline said. Another Mangalore police official told the BBC that 120 bodies had been recovered, some burned beyond recognition. One of the survivors, KP Manikutty, said the landing had at first appeared to be smooth and then the plane had crashed with no warning. "Immediately on touching the ground, the aircraft jerked and in a few moments hit something," he said. "Then it split in the middle and caught fire. I just jumped from the gap," he added. Local media named the pilot as Serbian Zlatko Glusica. He was said to have 10,000 hours of flying time, including experience of Mangalore's airport. AFP news agency said Mr Glusica also had British citizenship. It is not known what caused the crash. The pilot gave no distress call to the control tower, said VP Agarwal, the head of the Airport Authority of India. He also said visibility was not a problem. "The visibility was six kilometres (four miles) when the aircraft approached the runway which was more than sufficient," Mr Agarwal said. Air India Express began operations about five years ago as an offshoot of the state-run Air India. Its Boeing 737-800 was less than three years old. India's air safety record has been good in the past decade, despite a rapid increase in the number of private airlines and air travel in the country. The last major crash happened in the city of Patna in July 2000, killing at least 50 people.

BISHOP JOHN AND MARGARET GICHIRI
     IN USA KANSAS CITY

Pastor Ben and Monica of GOSPEL OUTREACH CENTER Welcome you for a miracle Sunday service on 23rd May. Bishop and John and Margaret Gichiri of Victory Revival Christian Centre (www.fdmvrcc.org), will be ministering to us.

Bishop John Gichiri is a remarkable and anointed man of God who believes “God’s word is real and it works.” Come and experience God of Impossibilities and where your need will be met. As you come, bring the needy and the sick. All things are possible in Christ Jesus.

Also come and experience at time of Worship and Praise as Esther Wanja, a Gospel Singer who will be presenting and worship the Lord as Bishop Gichiri Minister.

VENUE: Gospel Outreach Center

1851 Merriam Ln
Kansas City, KS 66106
Pastor Ben Kang'ethe
www.gospeloutreachcenter.org

Tel: (913) 677-1737

Baby zenkey

Cross a donkey mummy with a zebra daddy and what do you get? This male baby zenkey, that's what! Nasu Safari Park in Japan is the home of this stripey phenomenon, believed to be the world's only living zenkey when he was papped here snuggling up to his mum in 2003.
 

Read all the way through, please... 

Pastor Removal from Television

Removal of 20, including Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah and other pastors from the airwaves. 

An organization has been granted a Federal Hearing on the same subject by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington , D.C. Their petition, Number 2493, would ultimately pave the way to stop the reading of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, on the airwaves of America . They got 287,000 signatures to back their stand! If this attempt is successful, all Sunday worship services being broadcast on the radio or by television will be stopped.. 
This group is also campaigning to remove all Christmas programs and Christmas carols from public schools! You, as a Christian, can help!

We are praying for at least 1 million signatures. This would defeat their effort and show that there are many Christians alive, well and concerned about our country.. As Christians, we must unite on this.

Please don't take this lightly. We ignored one lady once and lost prayer in our schools and in offices across the nation. Please stand up for your religious freedom and let your voice be heard. Together we can make a difference in our country while creating an opportunity for the lost to know the Lord.

Please, if you don't wish to participate, return this email to whoever sent it to you so they can at least keep this email going or forward it to someone you know who will wish to participate. Dr. Dobson is going on CNBC to urge every Christian to get involved. I hope you will sign and forward to all your family and friends.. Please press forward, CLEAN UP THE MESSAGE, and forward this to everyone you think should read this.....

Now, please sign your name at the bottom (you can only add your name after you have pressed 'Forward' or you have copied and pasted the text).
Don't delete any other names, just go to the next number and type your name. Please do not sign jointly, such as Mr. & Mrs., each person should sign his/her own name. Please defeat this organization and keep the light of our freedom of religion.

When you get to 1,000 please e-mail back to: Lisa Norman email address is:

electricyello@hotmail.com 

Olympic pigs

They're pigs, but not just any pigs… they're midget pigs swimming in China's Pig Olympics! They may not have a patch on Manuka in the cuteness stakes, but this midget species from Thailand showed off a mean breast stroke in Shanghai in 2005.
 

Texas schools to get controversial syllabus. Education officials in the US state of Texas have adopted new guidelines to the school curriculum which critics say will politicise teaching. The changes include teaching that the United Nations could be a threat to American freedom, and that the Founding Fathers may not have intended a complete separation of church and state. Critics say the changes are ideological and distort history, but proponents argue they are redressing a long-standing liberal bias in education. Analysts say Texas, with five million schoolchildren, wields substantial influence on school curriculums across the US. The BBC's Rajesh Mirchandani in Los Angeles says publishers of texbooks used nationally often print what Texas wants to teach. Students in Texas will now be taught the benefits of US free-market economics and how government taxation can harm economic progress. They will study how American ideals benefit the world bu organisations like the UN could be a threat to personal freedom. And Thomas Jefferson has been dropped from the syllabus, despite being one of the Founding Fathers who is credited with developing the idea that church and state should be separate. The doctrine has become a cornerstone of US government, but some religious groups and some members of the Texas Education Board disagree, our correspondent says. The board, which is dominated by Christian conservatives, voted nine-to-five in favour of adopting the new curriculum for both primary and secondary schools. But during the discussions some of the most controversial ideas were dropped - including a proposal to refer to the slave trade as the "Atlantic triangular trade". Opponents of the changes worry that textbooks sold in other states will be written to comply with the new Texas standards, meaning that the alterations could have an impact on curriculums nationwide.

Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga coming to the UK on 28th May, 2010

DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN IN UK?

HE IS PASTOR CHRIS CHEGE OF VRCC NOTTINGHAM - SEE BELOW

This is a well known man in the UK on his mitaa days. Today he has changed and he is now far much younger. What happened to him. Do you know him? Where does he live and what does he do? The answer coming up on Monday 17th May, 2010 together with his NEW look. See below:

A Rastaman becomes a pastor

Pastor Chris Chege of Victory Revival Christian Church Nottingham today

Brought up by a single mother in the Nairobi slums of Kangemi and due to environmental influence he could not avoid to adopt the crime life. By the age of 11 years he had engaged in a series of crime (thuggery), drugs etc. This lead to often arrests and imprisonments and by the age of 16yrs and 17yrs he had survived 2 mob justices after he was caught stealing. Both times beaten beyond recognition (even his own mother could not recognise him) and before they could lit up the kerosene on his body there was God's divine intervention because there was a destiny waiting upon his life. He left Kenya for Britain in 1995 and before giving his life to Jesus Christ in 2004, he lived a life full of drugs addiction (cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, cigarette), alcohol addiction and lived for over 10 years as a Rastaman and many more to come in his book due out later this year. He is now happily married to a powerful woman of God Prophetess Joan Wanjiru Chege and they are blessed with a daughter Juanita Chege. God is using them mightily in this last days in the city of Nottingham where they have seen God healing and delivering people from all kind of diseases and demonic attacks through their 3am prayers. Pastor Chege's testimony is changing people's lives and especially to reach out the youth in Jesus name. You can contact him on 07877165753/07846491181/facebook/email -pastorchrischege@yahoo.co.uk/email-chirujoan@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you and may God bless you and your entire family.

Bishop Mark Kariuki of Deliverance Church is coming to the UK in the month of June 2010

World Cup 2010: Will you be watching?

The 2010 World Cup finals kick off in South Africa on 11 June. Will you be following your team at home or at the tournament? The one-month long competition is the biggest sporting event ever to be hosted on African soil. Up to three million people are expected to watch the 32 teams competing in South Africa, with billions watching on television worldwide.

WHO IS THE BOSS?

This jackal was reminded of his place in nature's pecking order when he got a nasty nip on the nose after trying to snatch a hungry vulture's scrap of meat. The pair came to blows after setting their sights on the same tasty snack. Although the meat was closely guarded by the bird the jackal thought he'd try his luck - but he obviously hadn't bargained for a fight. Determined to hold on to his dinner, the feisty bird stood its ground as the hungry creature advanced on his meal. And when the jackal finally plucked up the courage to pounce the vulture struck back with his beak. These incredible pictures were snapped by husband and wife Lizet and Johann Grobbelaar at Giant's Castle Nature Reserve in the Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. The bird-watching couple, from Pretoria, often travel there to photograph the large raptors, which gather there to feast on carcasses dumped by the reserve staff. But, despite their frequent visits, this is the first time the delighted pair had witnessed such a fight between vulture and jackal. Mr Grobbelaar, 40, said: 'Interaction between jackals and the vultures have been witnessed by others but this was a first for us. 'We were anticipating that something was going to happen so the adrenalin was pumping. 'It all started when the jackal appeared over the ridge. The vulture immediately noticed it and seemed irritated and not intimidated at all. 'There was a small piece of meat to the right of the bird and it stood its ground. 'The jackal would slowly approach and then back off again repeatedly with the vulture just standing still. 'Then, after about 10 minutes of this, the jackal decided it was then or never and approached right up to the bird. 'It lunged toward the vulture but the the bird replied by zapping it on the nose. 'The jackal immediately backed off. He tried again a little later but this time it gave up much sooner without any physical contact.'It was very exciting. We were very surprised to see that the vulture actually got hold of the jackal's nose.'

No children for me, please

Chances are that you would like her almost instantly when you meet her. She has this bubbly personality that is infectious, and is the kind of person that you would not hesitate to leave your children with because, to use a cliché, you’re sure that they would get along like a house on fire. In fact, she is god-mother to one of her friend’s children and even taught Sunday school at her church for a several years. That is why most people are taken aback when they learn that Dorothy Ooko is not keen on having children of her own. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with her, if you’re wondering. In fact, she is happily married, is well-educated and has an enviable job that has her globe-trotting often. She also has a healthy social life and boasts of friendships that go back to her childhood. She has four nieces and two nephews who she loves to spoil and all her friends’ children call her auntie. But she doesn’t want children of her own. Why’s that? - MORE

Salva Kiir sworn in as Southern Sudan president

Salva Kiir, the leader of south Sudan's former rebel group the SPLM, has been sworn in as the first elected president of the semi-autonomous southern region. It follows his landslide victory in April's elections, part of the peace deal that ended a 21-year civil war between north and south. Next year, the people of Southern Sudan will vote on possible independence. A BBC correspondent in Juba says it is widely believed that, given a free poll, they will vote in favour. Most of Sudan's lucrative oil is in the south, and the exact boundary with the north still has to be defined. The BBC's James Copnall in Juba says Mr Kiir is more of an old soldier than a natural politician. But in becoming south Sudan's first elected president Mr Kiir faces huge political challenges, he says. The region is one of the least developed on Earth - one of the reasons for long civil war that ended in 2005. At his swearing-in ceremony, Mr Kiir did not advocate directly for either independence or continued unity. But he did say the battle for unity has almost been lost - a heavy hint about which way he thinks southerners will vote.

Ghanaians ordered to be patriotic ahead of World Cup

The authorities in Ghana have urged people to wear the national colours of red, gold and green ahead of June's football World Cup in South Africa. Ghana is one of 32 teams competing in the tournament. Ghana's information ministry issued a statement asking companies to encourage staff to wear the team's Black Star football shirts to work every Friday. People have been told to fly the national flag from their homes, offices and cars. "The little we can all do as Ghanaians is to wake up to the call and paint Ghana red, gold, green every Friday between now and the end of the World Cup," the statement published on the website Ghana Web. "This certainly will be a major boost for the morale of our senior national football team," it said. The BBC's David Amanor in the capital, Accra, says on the first Friday since the call, very few people had followed the advice.

A Kenyan lady has passed away in the UK. Miss Mercylin A. Nyaji passed away at Bradford Royal Infirmary, Yorkshire, UK on Monday 17th May 2010. Mercylin was the daughter of Mr Simeon Nyaji Ousa and Mrs Prisca Nyaji of Uyoma Naya, Luanda Kotieno Beach, Siaya District. She was sister to Salome Nyaji (Kenya), Julius Nyaji (Kenya) cousin to John Omondi Oyamo (USA), Thomas Oyamo Oludhe (USA), Maureen Oyombe (USA), David Owiti (USA), Christine Oyamo (USA) , Pascal Oyamo (USA), Joseph Ogutu Ochar (Ireland), Betty Ondigo (Swindon, UK) and Ruth Deacon (Bradford, UK). Sister-in-law to Joshua Ondigo (Swindon, UK) and Thomas Deacon (Braddford, UK). Mercylin was a student at Bradford College, Yorkshire, UK and arrived in the UK on 24th January 2010 to start her studies and went to hospital after attending class for only three weeks. Family and friends are requesting for well-wishers to kindly donate whatever they can to meet the cost of transporting her remains back to Kenya. Donations can be made to the following bank: Halifax Bank, Account No. 01650075, Sort Code: 110772, Account Name; Ruth Deacon. There will be fundraising and prayers meeting on Saturday 22/5/2010 from 2pm in Swindon and Bradford. In Bradford, 4 Palmer Road, Bradford, BD3 0AS - Tel: 07960464579 and in Swindon 23 Muirfield, Redhouse, Swindon, SN25 2DD0 - Tel: 07974133921.

The Late Miss Mercylin A. Nyaji

OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "Atîrîrî Mr. Seed, nîûî mûndû ûroka kuma mûciî Kenya andehere ndawa ya ngunguni. Gûkû gwitu kwîna ngunguni nyingî mûno na kanjo nîtaeremetwo." - "Mr. Seed, do you know someone coming from Kenya to UK. I want him to bring some bed bug killer. Our house is full of this bed bug and the council seem to be unable to treat it." - A Kenyan living in UK

Woman gives birth to sextuplets (6) in Oxford. A woman has given birth to sextuplets 14 weeks early at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Vicky Lamb, 31, gave birth to four girls and two boys, ranging in weight from 1lb 5oz (0.6kg) to 1lb 15oz (0.9kg). Mrs Lamb, of Oxford, who had fertility treatment, is said to be recovering well following the birth on 14 May. The babies are in intensive care and doctors have said the next few days will be "critical". Publicist Max Clifford, who is representing the family, said Mrs Lamb became pregnant after taking the same fertility drug she used before the birth of her first child, Gracie, now aged five. "They are just incredibly grateful for the John Radcliffe Hospital, the doctors and the nurses," he said. Talking about when Mrs Lamb and her husband Andy might be able to take their babies home, Mr Clifford said: "It is a long way off. "They are fighting for their lives, they are still critical." The hospital said sextuplets were born once in every 4.5 million pregnancies. Last year a woman gave birth to six babies at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast. Before that the last surviving sextuplets in the UK were born in 1993, according to the Multiple Births Foundation charity. The John Radcliffe Hospital said: "Staff... feel privileged to play their part in such an unusual birth. "A large team of doctors and nurses were present at the delivery or involved with the immediate management of the babies. "There were several weeks of planning the delivery prior to the birth." Consultant neonatologist Dr Kenny McCormick said: "Babies that are born this early need a lot of specialist care. "They are receiving round-the-clock intensive care and specialist nursing at the moment and their condition is constantly monitored." Keith Reed, chief executive of the Twins and Multiple Births Association, said it was "truly amazing news". He added: "We waited for decades for the birth of sextuplets in the UK and now two sets have now been born within the space of the year. "Families in this situation face a rollercoaster of emotions and we all wish the whole Lamb family well."

Naked woman in 'yoga protest' at Parliament

A naked woman stopped traffic near the Houses of Parliament yesterday Thursday 20th May, 2010, by clambering on to a black cab for a five-minute ‘yoga protest’ She yelled ‘Troops out of Afghanistan’, as the cabbie tried to shift her and tourists looked on.   Police finally managed to move the woman. Witness Carl Backland, 50, said: ‘She jumped on the cab when it stopped at the lights – the driver wasn’t very pleased.’

Former Kenyan MP Kennedy Kiliku dies

Renowned politician and former Changamwe Member of Parliament Kennedy Kiliku is dead. According to his wife, Elizabeth Kiliku, Mr Kiliku started complaining of chest pains on Thursday night at around 9 p.m. He was rushed to Mombasa Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The veteran politician was also until 2008 the secretary general of the giant Dock Workers Union.  At the time of his death, Mr Kiliku was chairman of the National Labour Party of Kenya (NLP). Kiliku was the MP for Changamwe constituency for three consecutive terms (1983-1992). He was ousted by incumbent MP Ramadhan Kajembe in 1997. He leaves behind five children and a grandson.

A Kenyan student has passed away at Bradford College in UK. The lady 21, arrived in UK in January 2010 and she  fell sick shortly afterwards. She passed away on Monday 17th May, 2010. More later.

KENYAN RUGBY SEVENS AFTER PARTY 2010 @ THE O2 ARENA

Come and enjoy East African cuisine (Nyama choma, sukuma, Tilapia, Ugali, Matumbo etc) at a reasonable price with chef Josda (Joe K Gatonye). At theKenyan Rugby Sevens after party 2010 which will be at THE O2 (The American sports lounge) on the 22nd May 2010.

(We also do outside catering for birthday, graduation, weddings or any other party, call us  on 07508018091for a menu tailored to your needs, we’ll look after you!).

City fears of 'Great Depression Mark II'

Leading City experts have started raising the prospect of "Great Depression II" amid worries that the European economic crisis could trigger a deeper bout of chaos. Markets on both sides of the Atlantic dipped to fresh lows as fears surrounding the fate of the euro project transmuted into worries about the wider global economic system. Bill Gross of bond fund Pimco said that hedge funds were starting to liquidate their positions in a bid to preserve their capital a worrying "mini relapse" towards 2008 territory. Andrew Roberts, head of European rates strategy at RBS (LSE: RBS.L - news) , said "Great Depression II" could now be approaching, adding: "It now has potential to speed toward its conclusion; a European $1trn package which does little and political panic tells you we are about to reach the end of the road. The world should be discussing deflation, not inflation." The FTSE 100 flirted briefly with the 5,000 point mark, eventually finishing the day down 84.95, or 1.7pc, at 5073.13, while the French CAC 40 index was 2.3pc lower and Germany's Dax (Xetra: news) dropped 2pc. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones (news) index both suffered their sharpest one-day falls in more than a year. The S&P fell 3.9pc to 1071.59, while the Dow closed 3.6pc lower at 10,068.01. The falls in share prices coincided with increases in the price of government bonds in Germany, the US and much of the developed world as investors sought a safe haven. German 10-year bund yields consequently hit a record low, while in the UK gilt yields dropped to the lowest level since early last December. Although the rush to safety stems originally from the euro's difficulties this week and German efforts to ban short-selling on its banks , fears that the episode may evolve into a deeper economic crisis were bolstered by fresh data. The European Commission produced "flash" data showing consumer confidence falling from a 23-month high of -15 in April to a seven-month low of -17.5 in May. Howard Archer, of INS Global Insight, said: "This is clear evidence that the deepening and spreading eurozone debt crisis... is now weighing down appreciably on consumer confidence. This is a very worrying if hardly surprising development." In the US there was a surprise 25,000 increase in jobless claims to 471,000 in the week ending May 15. The deterioration in the employment picture, coming hard on the heels of Wednesday's drop in inflation, underlined worries that the US is exposed to a possible global double-dip recession. Mr Gross said investors were now being frightened off by worldwide "fiscal tightening momentum", adding that markets were facing "a mini-relapse of a flight to liquidity as hedge funds and other leveraged positions are liquidated to preserve capital". One worry is that European leaders are not sufficiently behind the $1 trillion bail-out fund they announced, in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund, last week. A second fear is that other indebted countries could soon be exposed. One rumour abounding on Thursday was that a major rating agency will soon have to downgrade Japan's credit score, potentially bringing the world's second-biggest economy into the spotlight.

Crows on cigarette break stun tourists

A British couple on holiday could not believe their eyes when they spotted a crow flying past carrying a packet of cigarettes. Tony and Judie Ellis, from Crowborough, (we're not joking) Sussex, watched in amazement as the crow landed on the roof of a water villa next to theirs and calmly began extracting the cigarettes from the packet. As Judie, 53, rushed to get her camera to record the scene on the Maldives two more crows arrived for a fag break and picked up the cigarettes in their beaks. Judie said: 'The crow which flew past with the cigarettes seemed to be dishing them out to the others. 'It was taking the cigarettes out of the packet and putting them on the roo of the water villa. Then the other crows were picking them up. It was amazing that they seemed to have them in their beaks the right way round.' The couple, who work as toy inventors, were told after the incident that crows can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance on the islands. They were told that another holidaymaker had a sandwich stolen by a cheeky crow. Judie said: 'We have been to the Maldives four times before but never seen any sort of crow behaviour like that. I was lucky to be able to record this on my camera.'

'Artificial life' breakthrough announced by scientists. Scientists in the US have succeeded in developing the first synthetic living cell. The researchers constructed a bacterium's "genetic software" and transplanted it into a host cell. The resulting microbe then looked and behaved like the species "dictated" by the synthetic DNA. The advance, published in Science, has been hailed as a scientific landmark, but critics say there are dangers posed by synthetic organisms. The researchers hope eventually to design bacterial cells that will produce medicines and fuels and even absorb greenhouse gases. The team was led by Dr Craig Venter of the J Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Maryland and California. He and his colleagues had previously made a synthetic bacterial genome, and transplanted the genome of one bacterium into another. Now, the scientists have put both methods together, to create what they call a "synthetic cell", although only its genome is truly synthetic. Dr Venter likened the advance to making new software for the cell. The researchers copied an existing bacterial genome. They sequenced its genetic code and then used "synthesis machines" to chemically construct a copy. Dr Venter told BBC News: "We've now been able to take our synthetic chromosome and transplant it into a recipient cell - a different organism. "As soon as this new software goes into the cell, the cell reads [it] and converts into the species specified in that genetic code." The new bacteria replicated over a billion times, producing copies that contained and were controlled by the constructed, synthetic DNA. "This is the first time any synthetic DNA has been in complete control of a cell," said Dr Venter.  "I think they're going to potentially create a new industrial revolution," he said. "If we can really get cells to do the production that we want, they could help wean us off oil and reverse some of the damage to the environment by capturing carbon dioxide."

The synthetic cell looks identical to the 'wild type'

Dr Venter and his colleagues are already collaborating with pharmaceutical and fuel companies to design and develop chromosomes for bacteria that would produce useful fuels and new vaccines. But critics say that the potential benefits of synthetic organisms have been overstated. Dr Helen Wallace from Genewatch UK, an organisation that monitors developments in genetic technologies, told BBC News that synthetic bacteria could be dangerous. "If you release new organisms into the environment, you can do more harm than good," she said. "By releasing them into areas of pollution, [with the aim of cleaning it up], you're actually releasing a new kind of pollution. "We don't know how these organisms will behave in the environment." Dr Wallace accused Dr Venter of playing down the potential drawbacks. "He isn't God," she said, "he's actually being very human; trying to get money invested in his technology and avoid regulation that would restrict its use." But Dr Venter said that he was "driving the discussions" about the regulations governing this relatively new scientific field and about the ethical implications of the work. He said: "In 2003, when we made the first synthetic virus, it underwent an extensive ethical review that went all the way up to the level of the White House. "And there have been extensive reviews including from the National Academy of Sciences, which has done a comprehensive report on this new field. "We think these are important issues and we urge continued discussion that we want to take part in." Dr Gos Micklem, a geneticist from the University of Cambridge, said that the advance was "undoubtedly a landmark" study. But, he said, "there is already a wealth of simple, cheap, powerful and mature techniques for genetically engineering a range of organisms. Therefore, for the time being, this approach is unlikely to supplant existing methods for genetic engineering". The ethical discussions surrounding the creation of synthetic or artificial life are set to continue. Professor Julian Savulescu, from the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford, said the potential of this science was "in the far future, but real and significant". "But the risks are also unparalleled," he continued. "We need new standards of safety evaluation for this kind of radical research and protections from military or terrorist misuse and abuse. "These could be used in the future to make the most powerful bioweapons imaginable. The challenge is to eat the fruit without the worm." The advance did not pose a danger in the form of bio-terrorism, Dr Venter said. "That was reviewed extensively in the US in a report from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Washington defence think tank, indicating that there were very small new dangers from this. "Most people are in agreement that there is a slight increase in the potential for harm. But there's an exponential increase in the potential benefit to society," he told BBC's Newsnight. "The flu vaccine you'll get next year could be developed by these processes," he added.

All Kenyans and friends Councillor E. Kangethe

Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe with her Personal Assistant Lucy (right)

As part of congratulations to our new councillor Kangethe, friends and well wishers are organising a thanksgiving cerebrations party on the 29th May 2010.If you  like to participate in any way, you are invited to the planning committee meeting to be held on Sunday 23rd May at 6pm. Venue is 500 High street North Manor Park.

Let us learn to cerebrate our own. There are similar plans in US, Sweden and homeland Kenya. To find out more please call 07949441470, 7918837214 or 07539645714.

First Kenyan event at O2

Due to unavoidable circumstances, the RUGBY SEVENS AFTER PARTY scheduled to take place at The Luxurious Royal Regency Lounge scheduled for Saturday 22nd May, 2010 has now been MOVED to O2 (Millennium Dome). It is the first time a Kenyan event is to be performed at the O2. O2 is the largest entertainment house in the world. When Kenyan Gospel Artist visited London last month, he posed for a photo at the O2 and explained that it is his next venue and it seems his dream has come true as here we come O2. All the roads leads to O2 Arena this weekend where top Kenyan Artist are expected to perform among them Nameless and Redson. Top Kenya DJs in UK and from Kenya including several from CapitalFM Radio will be in action. The Kenya team arrives with Kenya Airways on Friday morning 21st May, 2010. Kenya Airways are the sponsors of this event. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Mystery of Sh164bn smuggled into Kenya

A massive Sh164 billion in hard currency has found its way into the Kenyan economy — and the government is unable to explain its source. The $2.1 billion inflow has left government statisticians and donors scratching their heads for answers, fuelling concerns that Kenya may be turning into a money laundering destination by Somali pirates. The large foreign currency injections are captured in the latest balance of payments statistics published by the Central Bank of Kenya. It is all happening against a backdrop of intense speculation that millions of dollars in ransom money paid to Somalia-based pirates end up in Kenya. Profits from smuggling and other suspect foreign funds in the economy of the lawless state may be another source of the money. In addition, the large Somali Diaspora around the world could be remitting the money, which ends up in the property sectors of Nairobi and other major towns in Kenya. In January this year, the matter prompted the Office of the President to order investigations into trends in property purchases in Nairobi.

On paper, the massive figure is reflected in the books of the government as ‘errors and omissions’ on the capital and financial accounts. But in reality, this huge figure is the total of the large foreign currency inflows, whose sources the Central Bank of Kenya cannot explain. Even more intriguing is the fact that there has been a massive increase within one year of foreign exchange whose sources cannot be traced. The statistics show that as at January last year, the figure for ‘errors and omissions’ in the country’s balance of payments accounts was at $1.1 billion. Having risen to $2.1 billion, the current level represents a massive 100 per cent increase within a year. The mysterious billions are over and above the combined last year’s export earnings from coffee, tea and horticulture. As a matter of fact, the line ‘errors and omissions’ has grown into the single largest item in the economy’s balance of payments statistics.  The riddle of the mysterious billions has quickly become a major talking point within both Nairobi’s financial community and donor circles. Central Bank of Kenya governor Njuguna Ndung’u conceded that the strange inflows had become a big worry. He said the cash was “artificially driving the country’s balance of payments surplus”. “We do not know where this money is from,” he added, promising that the Central Bank was designing new systems to trace the sources of such funds. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which keeps close tabs on international capital flows, has already initiated discussions on the issue with the government, Central Bank of Kenya and some of the large commercial banks and foreign currency dealers.

According to IMF senior resident representative W. Scott Rogers, part of the billions flowing into the economy may be coming from Somali pirates, but he stressed that the situation was not wholly attributable to such activity. He told the Daily Nation that difficulties in capturing foreign exchange inflows by expatriates, the donor community and international NGOs had clearly aggravated the situation. He also disclosed that the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics had commissioned a survey on all foreign exchange inflows not captured in official reporting channels. Prof Ndung’u maintained that since Central Bank was already receiving returns on Diaspora remittances from banks every month, it will now ask all commercial banks to provide it with returns on official donor flows coming through the banking systems and non-governmental organisations. “We strongly believe that this is what is missing and giving us a large ‘errors and omissions’ figure we cannot explain”, he added, promising to make public the findings of CBK inquiries. Since last year, Kenya has not been exporting enough, causing dwindling export revenues and a situation where imports far exceed exports. As at the year ending December 2009, the external current account, which reflects performance of the country’s exports and imports, had worsened considerably, recording a deficit of $2.2 billion compared to a deficit of $2.1 billion in 2008. – Daily Nation.

‘Do you know what is coming Friday the 21st May?’

By GAKURU MACHARIA

‘Yes’ I replied ‘ It’s the day that I will be one year since I had a kidney transplant’. I replied with a smile.

Mumbi was not having that. She came running towards me as I was seating on the settee tears on her eyes.

‘What is it mami’, I asked ‘ I thought it’s a good thing that happened to me. I am well – very well’, I replied,  not very surprised by her tears. I exactly knew what her tears meant.

Meanwhile Jeremy (JJ) my nephew came to the room wanting talk to me and play with Mumbi but I did not want  him to see Mumbi’s tears. They meant a lot to me and they were very special. I picked her up and shielded her from the sight of JJ, took her to the bedroom and locked the door. She boost into more tears and I also felt like crying but I had to be strong for her.

Yes – 2008 May 21rd  I was in the hospital diagnosed with kidney failure and my life has never been the same again. From here I was to have dialysis three times a week and each time spending 4 hours on a dialysis machine – that was one long year yet full of hope. In 2009 May 21 my sister Njoki donated her dear kidney to me and now  this May 21 2010, I have a reason to say yes! - LG - God life is good. It is worth living. If you have it enjoy it yet more importantly remember this life does not belong to you. It is only a privilege to live. Do not boast with it but give thanks to Ngai, God, Allah,  Nyasai, Mungu whatever name you use to call the supreme being with  power that rules over us – that power that is invisible God.

I was walking down the corridors of QE Hospital and there I bumped to one of the patient who we used to dialyze together. His name is Ambasanjo (not his real name).

‘Hi Gakuru’, he greeted ‘you look great’ he exclaimed in surprise

‘Well its God’, I replied ‘There is a saying in my native Language that says ‘Ngai gutiri thome atoii’ ( God knows every gate or entrance to  every homestead) ‘Your kidney is on the way’ I replied.

I looked at Ambasanjo and remembered his story. He has been dialyzing for the last 20 years. He had a kidney transplant in his late twenties but it failed after five years due to a kidney condition. This set me back a bit in my brain that despite the transplant I am not really out of woods yet. Once a kidney patient – always a kidney patient. Its clear from the doctors  ‘U might be luck – your kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure. It may last you a lifetime but  kidney transplants  may last for a day,  a month, twenty years or even a life time. We cannot tell. Take care of it as God takes care of you’

That’s why today I take a day at a time. I am not in a hurry. Unlike before I could run from east to west in a day. I couls struggle with issues for hours, days and months – now it’s a day at a time. Enjoying every moment of my life if I can. I lay my burden as I walk along and talk my heart out not bothering myself as I don’t want any thoughts in my heart to ‘sleep overnight’. I now worry and careless. I pass it all to God.

This has given such a rear opportunity in life. An insight to the future that nothing lasts forever and it has become more relevant to me that its not how much I gather for myself – though it is very important but how much  I will help others to overcome their difficulties and make their life’s easier and enjoyable. Life is vanity. Its like chasing the wind. Interestingly this would be argued by some that ‘Macharia ni siasa - just leave him alone. Maybe it is his kidney failure and subsequently walking away from the grave that gives him his new mindset. He was a social capitalist’.  That would be possibly true. I will tell you now that I feel more fulfilled than the days I run around  London looking for the latest stories in London. Now my communal commitments are more fulfilling.

Let me bring this issue into perspective. Before I became ill I did not know much about  health though I worked part time as medical engineer but now its more real.

This brings me to what I have done since I was diagnosed with the kidney failure. I am very happy to let you all know that my dream of helping Kenya solve the kidney problems has already taken shape. Kikuyu Hospital Dialysis unit is now a reality. Being that I cannot reverse what has happened to me and I would not wish any of you what I have gone through - It was worth my being ill. If this unit will give life to many in Kenya who would have died then my life is now worth living.

This week again I had a privilege to visit my old renal unit at QE Hospital to see people who we were dialysis together. In a unit that did 30 dialysis a day five of the former patients have passes on, three have had a kidney transplant  and more patients have joined the unit. Its not easy. I looked at a few patients and realized that their health was deteriorating and others stood in hope that their help was on the way. My visit was uplifting and to some a sign of hope that one day they will walk out of dialysis unit and live an almost normal  life again.

This is what I want to give to my country Kenya kidney patients and others who may be ill - if nothing else. Hope!. If I walk into a renal unit in Kenya, example Kenyatta hospital  and tell the patients ‘my fellow kidney patients in Kenya  I have seen, experienced, passed through and overcame the same problem you are undergoing. I am here to give you hope  that tomorrow you will be okey as I am. You will live a normal life again’.

I know it might be late for your father, mother,  relatives or friends but now you know that there is hope. The hope is that we have PCEA Kikuyu dialysis unit but this is half the story. Kikuyu dialysis unit is just starting but I have a rear privilege of knowing where we are going with this unit.  I thank  God for the Moderator of the Presbyterian church, the leadership and the management of Kikuyu hospital for embracing this project. We are geared towards having kidney transplant done in Kenya in conjunction with Kings college, Guys and St Thomas and we are working on this. This September if things go to plan me and a group of consultants and an international medical company will be travelling to Kenya to see how this kidney transplant procedures can be set up.  Do you want to be apart of the team? Get in touch.

This is why we all need to pull together. If you don’t have the expertise you can provide your money – if not your money your prayers if not your prayers then spread the word. I want in my life time apart from other things that we are doing with the church to be in that theater  where the transplant will happen ad because I did not see my own transplant in person I want to see someone else walk into theatre have an affordable  kidney transplant – not in India, or South Africa or anywhere in Europe or America  but in Kenya.

We cannot do this on our own we need you. I was so touched as I get a lot of emails people asking for help or information when a Kenyan  dialysis nurse called me, ‘Macharia I want to go to Kenya and help my people. I want to be apart of the renal failure solution rather than watching and seeing the pain of my fellow Kenyans.’

This weekend I will be celebrating my one year by visiting kidney patients and other people suffering other illnesses.  I believe that next year I will be more settled and mentally fully prepared to handle what I want to do for Kidney patients in Kenya. Please walk with us. We will not solve all the problems but we will do what we can humanly do – do our best.

Finally I will never forget the sacrifice by my sister Njoki, who changed my life,  the unconditional love by my daughters Mumbi and Wanjiru and Lucy’s care. I will never forget the support  of friends and members of  the PCEA UK outreach.  All that has been achieved  is for you. I am still working on  my –kidney –dialysis-transplant-book . Its not easy but with all people and specialists that we are working together its coming up well. My brothers and sisters whatever you do not get a kidney failure. Look after yourself. If you are in Europe and America go for MOT  - well annual medical check especially if you are about or over 40 years. If things are not working in whatever you are trying to do just leave it. To be honest life is greener the other side and probably you don’t have to struggle as much.  I leave you with a Christian comment: I look to the hills where cometh my help, and my help cometh form the Lord. who is like thee, Oh Lord. No one. The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. He is my Provider, I have all that I need He is my Rock, where I am safe, He is Refuge and Strength, and ever present help in trouble He is my Peace, a peace which passes all understanding He is my Strength, when I am weak He is my Banner, he goes before me in battle He is my Friend, and friend to the end. Who is like thee, Oh Lord NO ONE!.

http://www.pceakikuyuhospital.org/donations.php

Detention of children in Dungavel ends

Home Office, 19 May 2010

Children of failed asylum seekers will no longer be detained overnight at Dungavel immigration removal centre, the Home Office has announced today. Families detained in Scotland may undergo initial health and welfare screening at the facility but will then be moved to Yarl's Wood centre in Bedfordshire which has specialist facilities and support services. Immigration minister Damian Green said that many groups in Scotland had been calling for this change in policy, and called the move a 'positive outcome'. He said:

'We are committed to ending the detention of all children for immigration purposes. I hope that we can have plans agreed within the next few months.

'I have already announced the launch of a comprehensive review of alternatives to child detention, including opening a dialogue with relevant stakeholders, organisations and experts.

'This work has now started, because it is in all our interests, including those children currently in detention, to do it quickly, but to also do it well and safely."

A wide range of stakeholder groups, organisations and experts will be invited to participate in the review of alternatives to child detention.

Bus Driver Nearly Hits Baby Sitting In Road

A bus driver has told how he narrowly avoided plowing into a baby girl as she sat half-naked in the middle of a busy road. Mike Hubbard was on his usual San Antonio bus route just after midnight when he saw a creature in the road ahead of him. Thinking it was a dog he sounded his horn but then, to his horror, he realised it was a baby in a nappy. He slammed on the brakes, stopping just inches from the infant. The incident would almost be unbelievable had it not been caught on a CCTV camera on the front of the bus. "I was definitely in shock,' Mr Hubbard told local Texas news station WOAI-TV. "From a distance I can't tell exactly what it is. It looks like a dog, something moving around, I can't really tell what it was. "I started slowing down and then I noticed it's a baby in the middle of the street." He continued: "To me he looked like he was eight months old with a pamper, just sitting there. "I couldn't tell if he was eating something or not. But, his eyes got real big when he saw the big old bus in front of him." In another strange twist, as the shaken driver rushed out to check the baby, its father appeared and simply grabbed her and ran off without even thanking Mr Hubbard for his quick action. The infant has since been identified as Destiny Flores, a young girl who, as a result of the near miss, is now the subject of a custody battle. The bus company VIA reported the incident, last May, to Texas child protection services who have yet to decide whether Destiny and her two sisters can stay with their parents. Destiny's mother Catherine Gonzalez, 25, and her husband are fighting to keep their children, claiming it was just an unfortunate accident. Mrs Gonzalez said the youngsters were in the living room watching TV and she had no idea Destiny had escaped until she heard a horn and a screeching sound as the bus braked.  "We had the door open, but there's a screen door. I had the lock on it, but I don't know, maybe I didn't put it all the way and she just snuck out. I really can't even tell you," she told WOAI-TV. "It was just an accident, that's all it was. It's not like we weren't paying attention, you know. I could have swore all my kids were in the back watching TV and they were doing fine. It was just the biggest accident and it hurts me." - VIDEO

Man Fights For Life After Slug-Eating Stunt

An Australian man has been left in a critical condition after eating a slug for a dare. The 21-year-old from Sydney contracted a disease called rat lungworm which is a rare form of meningitis, according to Australian national broadcaster ABC. The incident has led to health officials warning of the dangers of eating raw gastropods, or slugs and snails, which carry the parasitic worm. The disease causes the brain and spinal cord to swell and can be fatal. However, Dr Jeremy McAnulty from New South Wales Health said most people recover from the illness because the body's immune system can get rid of it. It cannot be transferred from person to person. The larvae of the parasite is only found in rodents' faeces, which many snails and slugs eat and then become infected. Dr McAnulty advised anyone planning to eat the slippery creatures to wash them thoroughly first. The rat lungworm is mainly found in Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Worried Girl Asks Michelle Obama if Her Mother Be DeportedWill

Michelle Obama fielded an awkward question on the immigration debate on Wednesday. It came from a worried young girl who seemed to say that her mother is an illegal immigrant. The encounter, caught on video, came during a visit by the first lady and Margarita Zavala, the wife of Mexican President Felipe Calderón to a second-grade class in Silver Spring, Md. When the two visitors took questions from the children, one little girl said, “My mom said, I think, she says that Barack Obama’s taking everybody away that doesn’t has papers.” After Mrs. Obama replied, “Yeah, well, that’s something we have to work on, right, to make sure that people can be here with the right kind of papers, right?” the girl said “But my mom doesn’t have [papers].” The girl’s final word is difficult to hear on video, because a boy next to her asked “How do you make papers?” at the same moment, but Mrs. Obama seemed to acknowledge that there was a problem, telling the girl, “Well, we have to work on that. We have to fix that. Everybody’s got to work together on that in Congress to make sure that happens.” Deepak Bhargava, executive director of the Center for Community Change, which has been critical of the Obama administration told Jonathan Weisman of the Wall Street Journal.

The little girl was right. The truth is that more mothers and fathers were deported in Obama’s first year as president than were deported in the last year under Bush. Mr. Obama, who so eloquently spoke of the pain and anguish caused by tearing families apart as a candidate, as president has only ramped up that pain and anguish.

Security agents in Malindi district, Kenya have recovered a cache of lethal weapons believed to have been thrown into the deep sea by suspected pirates arrested last week in the town. The officers recovered five AK 47 rifles, 442 rounds of ammunition, one Bazooka, four rocket launchers and a Cesca Pistol loaded with eight bullets in the sea off the Malindi National Marine Park. The weapons were hidden inside a gunny bag believed to have been thrown into the sea by the suspects last Monday when they spotted the security officers. A combined force of Kenya Wildlife Service officers, police officers and Immigration officers led by Malindi Police Station Commander (OCS) Fredrick Njiru, took more than four hours to retrieve the cache. Malindi Deputy Officer Commanding Police Division Willy Simba said the officers were alerted by a fisherman identified as Jackson Karisa Kahindi about the presence of the dangerous weapons in the deep sea. He said the fisherman saw a strange floater in the sea and became curious. He dived into the sea and found the dangerous weapons. The fisherman immediately left the sea without informing fellow fishermen and went to the police station to report the incident, forcing officers, led by the OCS, to swing into action hence the recovery," said Simba. He however did not confirm whether the weapons belonged to the six suspected pirates arrested last week but promised to launch thorough investigations into the matter. Ballistic experts told journalists that the Bazooka and the rocket launcher had the capacity of attacking and destroying ships whose crew refused to heed orders to stop by the pirates. Fear has gripped area residents following the recovery of the weapons cache. Last week's suspects were charged with being in the country illegally. Six men thought to be of Somali origin were arrested in a boat off Malindi, on May 10 and were charged with being in Kenya illegally. The captain of the boat was also charged with possessing a firearm illegally.

The RUGBY SEVENS AFTER PARTY scheduled to take place at The Luxurious Royal Regency Lounge on Saturday 22nd May, 2010 has now been MOVED to O2 (Millennium Doom) due to an avoidable circumstances. More information later.

"I want a photo with you Mr. Policeman"

When he met two policemen along the Thames River at Woolwich, Kenyan Gospel Artist Mr. Ben Githae asked them politely "you look smart, can I have a photo with you?" the policemen agreed but not before asking him where he comes from. Later in the day he took a photo outside the mayor of London offices at Tower Bridge where he asked "is this ball for the Olympics or for the World Cup?"

Mum of four caught working illegally at care home is jailed

We share this sad event with the family and for matter we are not carrying the photo

A Kenyan woman who used forged papers to get a job in a care home so she could provide for her four children has been jailed for six months. Mary Nyaga, 53, started working as a cleaner at Heaton Lodge care home in Heaton Chapel, Stockport, but then became a carer for residents who have serious mental health conditions. Colleagues say she was a reliable and conscientious worker who was very popular with the residents – several of whom still ask for her. Nyaga, of Conway Towers, Blackberry Lane, Brinnington, Manchester, UK had a husband and four children in Nairobi and sent them around £600 – half of her wages – every month. But she was caught out after a probe by immigration officials. Managers cooperated with the officials and although she was suspended they decided not to sack her until the result of the court case. In recognition of her hard work, her manager Chad Steadman arranged for officers to come to the home when no other staff would be there to save her embarrassment. Her arrest and imprisonment has stunned and devastated staff and residents at the care home where she worked for the last two years. Mr Steadman said: “She was a good worker and well liked by the residents, some of them still ask what has happened to her. “The night shift is a hard job but it suited her. “It is very sad to hear she has gone to jail because she worked hard and just wanted to provide for her family. “We have to work with the authorities and we were shocked when they told us she was working illegally. “In this industry there are a lot of illegal workers but the paperwork she showed us all looked fine.” Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard Nyaga entered the country legally in 2004 but obtained a fake Home Office letter saying she could work here. She used it to get shifts as a cleaner at a care home but as she was such a conscientious and reliable worker she had a trial as a carer. Her visa expired in 2005. Nyaga knew she would have been unable to get work as she had no legal status, so resorted to using the false letter, as well as her passport and National Insurance document to get work. She admitted using a forged document to get work and the court heard she had planned to return to Kenya to visit her family in November and knew it was unlikely she would be able to return to the UK. Sentencing Nyaga, Judge Jonathan Geake told her: "This is a sad and moving story in many ways. You are not a regular criminal, but unfortunately you are here illegally, and I have no option but to impose the standard custodial sentence for this type of offence." Mark Kellett prosecuting said she was found out after officers of the UK Border Agency investigated potential illegal workers in the area. Steven McHugh, defending, said; "She has been an extremely industrious worker, doing a job that frankly some people would not do, and she was paying her way."
 

Diane Abbott enters Labour leadership contest

First black woman MP Diane Abbott has entered the Labour leadership race. Backbench MP Diane Abbott has joined the race for the Labour leadership. The Londoner told the BBC her bid was "serious", saying there was little between the other candidates, who "all look the same". The 57-year-old Cambridge graduate, who became the UK's first black woman MP in 1987, said she was getting support from female and left-leaning colleagues. She is the sixth person to enter the race after David and Ed Miliband, John McDonnell, Ed Balls and Andy Burnham. Contenders have until Thursday 27 May to gather the backing of 33 Labour MPs - a timetable some have said is too tight, particularly for less high-profile candidates

BA strike: Ban lifted by High Court

Fresh BA strikes look set to go ahead after a panel of senior judges, including the Lord Chief Justice, overturned a ban on industrial action. BA was granted an injunction on Monday after the High Court ruled that the Unite union had not reported results of its strike ballot correctly to members. But the panel ruled 2-1 in favour of overturning the injunction. "We shouldn't have been in this process," said Unite's Derek Simpson. BA was "disappointed" with the ruling. Strikes are now free to go ahead, possibly from as early as next week. The two sides have been involved in a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and working conditions.

Masai warriors from Kenya visit Swindon

If you see some Masai warriors walking around Swindon in their colourful clothes, your eyes aren't deceiving you because they are here to spread a message. The Kenyan group are in the town for a few weeks to teach people about their culture through dance, music and workshops. They'll be performing at the Drove Centre on Saturday 22 May, and then in the Brunel Centre on Saturday 5 June. One of the warriors visiting Swindon told BBC Wiltshire: "Our tribe is found in East Africa, in Kenya. "We occupy the Southern part of Kenya and Northern Tanzania and move from one place to another in search of pastures." Their life is basically a nomadic life but over time it has changed, slightly, with most nowadays owning some sort of permanent structure. When asked what they thought of Swindon, the group said: "Swindon is nice, but sometimes a bit cold! "The people here are just wonderful, very good, and this place is lovely so we shall come back here. We want to interact more because we are learning a lot from the English people." Twenty-three-year-old Masai Warrior Sabina said: "There is a big difference between Swindon and where we're from as the people here in the UK don't like to work so they use machines. "Back home we use our hands, to wash clothes and utensils. "People over here also eat a lot, they drive, they don't walk, but we always climb mountains and hills!" Another big difference in the way the Masai Warriors live compared to people in the UK, is the stages of life they go through. One of the male warriors explained: "There are different stages that we have to pass, from childhood to adulthood, through circumcision. "After circumcision, there is a period of healing. Then you will be shaved and you will become a 'moran'. When you do that for about five years, then you can graduate. "You kill a lion to prove you can bear the load of becoming an elder." Whilst in the UK, the Masai Warriors will also be travelling to other places including London and Oxford to perform and talk about their culture.

You are invited to take part in a pilot research of the Kenyan diaspora in the UK.

1.      What is IOM doing?

IOM is currently carrying out a pilot research of the Kenyan diaspora in the UK. This initiative is part of a larger programme of assisting the Kenyan Government to establish a Labour Migration Unit in Kenya. The unit will be tasked with coordinating the labour migration process for the outward flow of Kenyan migrants. The unit will also provide information on local employment opportunities to the Kenyan diaspora seeking to return home, as well as maintaining a skills inventory to determine local skills gaps. It is within this framework a pilot research of the Kenyan diaspora in the UK will be carried out. The research will aim to establish what skills the diaspora in the UK has and what their needs are. The research will be conducted through the undertaking of a questionnaire, and two focus group discussions with the Kenyan diaspora. The findings from these will help the Government and the High Commission to assess the needs of the diaspora and improve the services provided.

2. Why have I been invited and what will I be required to do?

You have been invited to take part in one of the Focus Group Discussions and provide your experience as a member of the Kenyan diaspora in the UK. The discussion will cover topics including the location and skills of the diaspora, how they regard services being provided by the Kenyan authorities, and potential to invest and return to Kenya. The discussion will be kept anonymous and no personal details will be revealed in the report.  

3. Where will this take place?

International Organization for Migration (IOM)-UK

2 Westminster Palace Gardens

Artillery Row

London SW1P 1RR

4. When?

Friday 21/05/2010 

Time: 5:30

5. How long is the whole Focus group likely to last?

The Focus Group Discussion will likely to last for about 1 hour.

NB. Drinks and bites will be provide.

Hassan resigns as KNCHR Vice Chair

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Vice Chairman Hassan Omar has resigned.  Hassan however said he will continue serving as a commissioner. Mr Omar said the vice chairmanship role is largely administrative and he wanted to free himself so as to serve Kenyans in a wider role. The KNCHR has been embroiled in wrangles pitting chairperson Florence Simbiri- Jaoko and Mr Omar centred on an alleged leak of vital witness protection information by a commissioner. The witness is believed to be among those who have come forward to give their accounts on Kenya's post election violence that followed a disputed election in 2007. Commissioner Hassan Omar Hassan holds a Bachelors of Law degree (LLB) from Moi University, Kenya. He has vast experience in the field of human rights having been involved with several human rights initiatives and organizations.  He was actively involved in human rights advocacy and training under the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) and the Kenya National Students Union (KENASU) where he served as Chairman. He  received training on governance and democracy from the Les Aspin Centre for Government, Washington DC, USA. Commissioner Hassan was founder and board member of both the Muslim Consultative Council (MCC)-a human rights and constitutional change lobby group and National Coordinator of the Muungano wa Mageuzi (Movement for Change) lobby group which advocated for the expansion of democratic space in Kenya in the period leading to the 2002 General Election.  He has worked in the private sector in the field of publishing and communications. He briefly served in the Kenya Armed Forces, was the Secretary General of the East Africa Youth Council (EAYCO)-Kenya Chapter, a committee member of the National Constitutional Education Facilitative Committee (NACEFCO) and is former Chairman of Moi University Students Organization (MUSO) and the Council for University Students of East Africa (CUSEA).

THE SYMPTOMS OF SICK MARRIAGE

And the signs of an unhealthy family

"When you allow your family and friends to dictates to you on how to run your home"

Identity cards in UK will be scrapped under plans announced by the new Conservative and Lib Dem coalition government, new Home Secretary Theresa May has said. Their abolition is among measures the parties have agreed to reverse what they say was "the substantial erosion" of civil liberties in recent years. Other proposals include reforms to the DNA database, tighter regulation of CCTV and a review of libel laws. Labour claims ID cards help tackle benefit fraud and identity theft. The Tories and Lib Dems have both opposed ID cards from the outset, arguing they are expensive, intrusive and have done little to tackle the most serious threats to society such as terrorism and organised crime. In a statement, the Home Office said it would announce "in due course" how the process of rescinding ID cards and the accompanying National Identity Register would move forward. Until Parliament passes legislation banning them, ID cards remain valid and people can still apply for them. Migrant workers from outside the EU and thousands of British citizens in the North-West of England, where the scheme was being piloted, have already been issued with cards. Home Office officials said they would advise anyone thinking of applying to wait for further announcements. Compulsory ID cards were introduced for foreign nationals in 2008. However, attempts to require certain workers in sensitive roles, such as airport workers, to have them ran into trouble.

UK nationals have been able to apply for an ID card, on a voluntary basis, since last autumn with the application process being rolled out across the country. The new government is also proposing to scrap all future biometric passports and the Contact Point Database as part of a new so-called "Freedom or Great Repeal Bill". It wants to "roll back" powers it says were taken by the state under Labour and has pledged to defend trial by jury, restore rights to non-violent protest, end the storage of internet and email records without good reason, introduce safeguards against the "misuse" of anti-terrorism legislation. The new government also wants extra safeguards over the retention of people's DNA by the police. During the election campaign, the Lib Dems argued the DNA of innocent people should be removed from the national database and not be stored there in future while the Conservatives called for new safeguards to protect privacy. Labour have strongly argued that the DNA database is an invaluable crime-fighting tool. Home Secretary Theresa May said: "We will be scrapping ID cards but also introducing an annual cap on the number of migrants coming into the UK from outside the European union." She said there was a "process to be gone through" to decide the annual limit. The coalition government was committed to introducing elected police commissioners and cutting police paperwork to "give the police more time on the streets," she added. On the DNA database, she said: "We are absolutely clear we need to make some changes in relation to the DNA database. For example one of the first things we will do is to ensure that all the people who have actually been convicted of a crime and are not present on it are actually on the DNA database. "The last government did not do that. It focused on retaining the DNA data of people who were innocent. Let's actually make sure that those who have been found guilty are actually on that database." There is no mention in the parties' policy document of Conservative plans - included in their manifesto - for a British Bill of Rights to supersede the Human Rights Act. The Lib Dems support a Bill of Rights but have said overriding the Human Rights Act would be "shameful".

This the photo of the Kenyan who passed away at the detention

Mr. Eliud Nguli Nyenze who passed away at Oakington detention camp near Cambridge, UK on Wednesday 14th April, 2010. Sources say it is  thought to have had a heart attack, had asked for Panadol repeatedly and was seen "crawling around the floor in pain" before he died. The source claimed the man's pleas for help were refused by staff at the centre. The body is still with the coroners and that is why it has taken time to take the body back to Kenya. Family and friends are organising  a harambee to take the body of  the  late Eliud Nyenze's "Mike"  home. He was the son of the late Philip Nyenze and Ruth Mawia. Husband to Phoebe Ndwalye Nguli , father to Philip Nyenze and Ruth Mawia. The venue of the harambee will be held on the 29-May-2010. At Apex house  Sutton Road  Wembley  HA9 0TF  NEAR WEMBLEY RETAIL PARK. Right opposite Wembley Central station. One can take the  following buses  297, 83 or 182 .Time of the fund raising will be from 4-6p.m.All well wishers  can deposit the money in the following account .Barclays trust A/C  Mr M. N.   Nyenze SORT CODE  209561 ACCOUNT NUMBER 13856453.Your contributions will be highly appreciated. You can contact the brother on this number 07960260786. Or  Flora Mutoka "Manzi"  on 07508539311.

BEAUTIES OF AFRICA

Equity Bank and Safaricom have launched a unique banking service that enables individuals to withdraw money from their bank accounts via their mobile phone handsets. The service also allows Equity customers to deposit money into their accounts through Safaricom’s M-Pesa agents. The new account dubbed M-Kesho has been designed to mainly tap into the huge number of Kenyans — especially from poor areas — who own mobile phones but lack access to bank accounts. With a deposit of as little as Sh100, individuals will be able to credit and withdraw money from the account using the M-Pesa money transfer service. The account holders will neither be required to pay monthly fees nor have a minimum balance. The cash deposited will raise an annual interest depending on the amount an individual has, among other considerations. The new service was unveiled in Nairobi on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Cabinet ministers. The President and the PM welcomed the product, saying it was a good example of lowering barriers for the poor to access financial markets and encouraging them to save and access credit at the same time.

President Kibaki flanked by Equity Bank chief executive James Mwangi and Safaricom chief executive Michael Joseph launches the M-Kesho Mpesa Equity Account at the KICC in Nairobi on Tuesday

Such access would help the poor build their assets through savings and affordable credit, the President said, adding: “Unfortunately, a significant proportion of Kenyans still remain outside the realm of formal financial services.”  Safaricom chief executive Michael Joseph said the new venture would drive customers to save money in their bank accounts and enjoy the benefits of having the added value services of both M-Pesa and an Equity Bank account. The National Financial Access Survey done last year found 32 per cent of Kenya’s bankable population is excluded from formal and informal financial services. About 27 per cent access only informal financial services, while the formal banking sector serves 23 per cent of the bankable population. The M-Kesho account launch will initially benefit the more than 4.5 million Equity Bank account holders and 10 million M-Pesa customers. Equity Bank boss James Mwangi said the partnership would propel financial services to the “last mile”. “When all the 10 million M-Pesa accounts are changed into bank accounts, Kenya will top the list of the most banked developing country in the world,” he said. Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta and his Information and Communications counterpart Samuel Poghisio said the initiative was a revolutionary step in demystifying banking and making it easy for every Kenyan to keep their money in a secure place. - Daily Nation

Luxury apocalypse bunker now taking reservations

If you're starting to get nervous about the prospect of impending doomsday, good news! You can now book your place in a luxury nuclear bomb-proof bunker under the Mojave Desert. Bunker-monger Robert Vicino, who runs a company called Vivos, is already taking reservations for the bunker in Barstow, California, in the Mojave.  He says the 13,000-square-foot underground structure will include an atrium, gym and - just in case you were worried about your fellow apocalypse-dodgers going rogue - a jail. Experts say the demand for bunkers is growing because of strong earthquakes, terrorism and 'predictions' that the world will end in 2012 when the ancient Mayan calendar ends.  The bunker's promotional website suggests that: 'Millions of people believe that we are living in the “end times”. Many are looking for a viable solution to survive potential future Earth devastating events.'  Among the potential world-ending scenarios they invisage are 'a pole shift, super volcano eruptions, solar flares, earthquakes, asteroids, tsunamis, nuclear attack, bio terrorism, chemical warfare and even widespread social anarchy.'  If you're in the market for a bunker spot, it'll set you back $50,000 (about £34,600) to reserve your place in Vicino's facility. He says half of the 132 spaces planned in the bunker have already been reserved, and he's still taking deposits of $5,000 for adults and $2,500 for children. Pets, you'll be delighted to know, are allowed in free.

A man claiming to have spoken to God on Tuesday slaughtered his first born child as a sacrifice in Kitale. The man, a staunch follower of Ingrafted Fellowship Church, killed his 5-year-old son at Sikhendu and surrendered himself at the local police station fearing the wrath of the public. The man is said to have made several attempts to kill the boy before he finally did it on Tuesday.  The suspect told the Nation that God spoke to him before he picked up a kitchen knife, held a short prayer and slaughtered the boy like a chicken. “God spoke to me to give him something that I love most and because I love my son I decided to offer him as sacrifice,” he said. He said his wife was away when he committed the crime and only returned home shortly after. The suspect confessed that he had been a member of the church for only one and half month. Area police boss Karisa Mwaringa said they were questioning the suspect. Mr Mwaringa said the suspect would be taken for psychiatric test.  The doctor’s report would determine the charges the man would face. He is currently being held at Kitale police station to assist officers with investigations while the body of the boy was taken to Kitale District Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination on Wednesday or Thursday. - Daily Nation.

The egg is believed to be the heaviest in the world

The 135g (5oz) beauty, laid by Oscar in Southport, Merseyside, is thought to be Britain’s biggest ever.

Rev./Dr. Elizabeth Wahome publishes a book

Rev./Dr. Elizabeth Wahome book cover on left and the Seeds with the Wahomes in 2008 when Mrs. Wahome was presented with an honorary degree in Nairobi

Rev./Dr. Elizabeth Wahome has published a book entitled "The Dream Came True". The book covers the dreams of Dr. Wahome from childhood. The Dream is a compelling, simple and powerful story of Rev./Dr. Elizabeth Wahome as she narrates her dream as a young girl, the challenges she faced as she tried to accomplish her dream and how her dream became a reality. Elizabeth doe snot enjoy the fruit of her dream alone, it also shows how she has spread her wings to the poor and the needy in the society. It is a book filled with admiration. You can identify with Elizabeth as you turn the pages of the book, which makes the book relevant to you. The scenes are real and it's all about her life. Her moving story of her life as a single mother until the age of 38 when she declared enough is enough and through faith she started tithing in the church for her and her husband to be. After two years of tithing she asked God to give her the name of the husband so that she will be using the name in the envelope when tithing. The name was given as "Baba John". As many of us would think, it was very difficult the day she met Baba John because it was not the kind of a husband she was expecting - going the extent of questioning herself whether she heard the voice of God correctly. The man was very very poor and not of her type according to her eyes and thinking. Little did she know it is God who was in control. Today they are one of the riches couples in the city of Nairobi where they own a big supermarket in Zimmerman and large hardware - New Aberdare's Hardware. Today, Mr. & Mrs. Wahome have helped many spiritually and in physical world. You can order your book in UK or in USA through misterseed@hotmail.co.uk or Tel: 07951220695 or in Kenya through Rev./Dr. Wahome on elwakenya@yahoo.com - Tel: 0722844732.

Rev. Doctor Elizabeth Wahome of Single Ladies International Ministry (SLIM) in Kenya was awarded an honorary degree in Nairobi on Saturday 29th November, 2008. She was honoured because of good work in helping Single Ladies in Kenya. The ceremony was conducted by Arch Bishop Arthur Kitonga of Redeemed Church, Kenya. The colourful ceremony took place at SLIM's headquarters in Zimmerman area, Nairobi. Rev./Dr. Elizabeth Wahome and her husband Mr. Wahome has been helping Single Ladies with their own money - training and teaching them how to be self sufficient and she has sacrificed the whole floor of her Home Depot offices in Zimmerman for the ministry. SLIM offers various vocational courses at the SLIM Centre - Zimmerman, Nairobi. Courses offered include, cookery, tailoring, embroidery, business skills and many more. - CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Mr. & Mrs. Wahome has also helped many Kenyan abroad through their Hardware shop. They have helped several people abroad to build their houses back in Kenya by supervising and undertaking the whole job of construction especially helping the supervision of materials which the biggest risk in construction. You pay them they do the job. If you are in need of building materials in Kenya you can contact them through on elwakenya@yahoo.com - Tel: 0722844732 and if you mention Mr. Seed they might give you free transport.

Kenya Treasury says Sh30 billion is idle at the Central Bank because ministries either do not apply for or lack capacity to absorb it.

CURRENT AND FORMER KENYAN DIPLOMATS TO GIVE

EVIDENCE IN MANCHESTER COURT CASE.

By Cris Boy, KOMANEWS

The breach of contract case brought by a lawyer in UK against the Kenya High Commission will require the cross examination of five senior diplomats currently serving or were attached to Kenya’s London embassy over the last 3 years. The four day trial is set for 6th of December 2010. The ruling was made by His Honour, Judge Stephen Davies in Manchester court on Tuesday 18th May, 2010 our correspondent exclusively, reports. The case which has been ongoing since May last year has seen the legal costs rise to £230,000 (Ksh 27 million) the original amount owed was £10,000 (Ksh 1,100,000).The hearing today covered a summary judgement application made by the UK lawyer Mr Ronald Onyango, represented by Barrister Tanvir Qureshi, Kenya High Commission was represented by Sebastian Clegg. The application was for a cheque that was issued to the claimant but was later countermanded by the mission’s accountant. In his submissions the Kenya’s barrister argued that the cheque was issued in the name of the claimant’s accountant, and therefore legally the claimant could not seek any redress on the matter. The judge upheld the argument and dismissed the application with cost to be borne by the claimant. The judge also asked Mr. Onyango to deposit £2,500 with the court after changing the case from summary to full hearing In a bid to speed up the process to a full trial, the judge warned both parties to avoid any unwarranted application that may delay the hearing. He also further instructed the parties to prepare the witnesses for cross examinations either physically or by video link. Most of the witnesses in this case have either retired and are back in Kenya or have been transferred. This case, if it comes to trial will be the first time sitting or former diplomats are called to give evidence in a UK High court. If this happens, both the Kenya High Commission and Mr Onyango will have to give a full disclosure of various documents some of which may be sensitive, the process may open the High Commission to scrutiny of its books and records dating back to the time before the case.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke, Irish orator, philosopher, & politician (1729 - 1797)

Private Jon Rooke, 28, from Wigan, takes his patients blood pressure during a consultation in the temporary medical clinic in the village of Mailui, in southern Kenya. The exercise, which is an annual event for the British Army Medical Services takes primary health care into the remote parts of Kenya. The British Army on Tuesday defended its soldiers’ stay in Laikipia and Samburu for the past 40 years.  The troops, said British Army Training Units in Kenya (BATUK) spokesman R.P. Sartain, brought Sh2 billion annually, which had boosted the region’s economy.  He was responding to complaints by ranchers, who, through the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, say the soldiers are a threat to the environment and wildlife. Early in the year, a Laikipia rancher questioned the presence of 6,000 BATUK personnel in a ranch at Rumuruti. He wanted an impact assessment study carried out to determine whether the British Army should stay or leave. - Daily Nation.

OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "Thirikari ti Cûgwo" (the government is not your grandmother) - A Health Officer, the late Mr. Gachau Njiiri when he found Mr. Seed had not cleaned their shop in Kinyona village in 1966.

Kenya gay demand recognition

Scores of Kenya homosexuals celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia in style Monday and demanded for more recognition. The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBIT) persons wined, sung and danced and for the first time allowed media coverage of their function to fight stigma and victimisation associated with their sexual orientation. “Ten years ago there was no public place that could have hosted such a function,” Kenya Human Rights Commission director Muthoni Wanyeki, whose lobby organised the event at the National Museums of Kenya, said. “Although the Committee of Experts did not allow same sex marriage in Kenya. The Proposed Constitution would enable all Kenyans access health and are free from discrimination and violence. The basic rights are for all Kenyans including people from the gay community.” Ms Wanyeki, however, said despite the government allowing the gay community to meet the battle against harassment of and violence against sexual minorities is still on.

Metropolitan Community Church Priest the Rev Michael Kimindu addresses a gathering of sexual minorities at the National Museum, Nairobi where they assembled to mark the International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, 2010. On his left is activist musician Kate Kamunde from Afra Kenya and Audrie Mbugua (right) from Transgender Kenya.

Activist Kate Kamunde, who sung lyrics urging the gay to unite and battle hate crime and homophobia, said the community was facing a lot of violence and that some parents stopped paying fees for their children after discovering they were engaged in same sex relationship. “People have to understand gay people are normal like anybody else only that they love differently. People think it is un-African or is a sickness. Spaces are, however, opening up to accommodate us which was not possible two years ago,” Ms Kamunde said. Ms Kamunde regretted that government officials gave the function a wide birth despite being invited. Mr Dennis Nzioka, a religious relationship assistant at Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (Galck), said experts put the population of homosexuals in the world at 6 percent, the same applied to Kenya and urged religious leaders to tolerate them. “We are born this way. We are created this way. We want to feel comfortable when we come to church. They should stop preaching discrimination against gay people. Just as I am proud to be African I am proud of being gay. There’s nothing wrong with what we are doing,” the 24 year old said. Mr Nzioka was happy that homosexuals could now be allowed to meet in the open and that his family also understands him. “If we had a family meeting, I usually went with my boyfriend but I am currently not dating,” he said, adding that there were already many gay marriages in Kenya “although we don’t expect licensing in near future". - Daily Nation

UK inflation accelerated again in April to hit its highest

London, Tuesday 18th May, 2010. UK inflation accelerated again in April to hit its highest rate in 17 months, official figures show. On the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure, inflation hit 3.7% - well above the target of 2% and the highest rate since November 2008. On the Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure, which includes housing costs, inflation was up to 5.3% - its highest rate in 19 years. The RPI measure is commonly used to decide pay rises or pension payments. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said food prices in particular had seen sharp rises. The cost of food rose by 2.6%, the ONS said, thanks largely to rising transport costs over the last 12 months. Fuel costs have increased by more than 25% in that time, the ONS said. Last month's disruption caused by volcanic ash had little impact on prices, however. Higher duty on alcohol and cigarettes introduced in April's Budget added to inflation in April, the ONS added, and clothes prices also rose. Bank of England governor Mervyn King has written a letter of explanation to the new Chancellor, George Osborne, as the official CPI measure remains more than one percentage point above the 2% target. Earlier this month, Mr King said he expected inflation to be higher in the coming months than previously forecast, but insisted that it would slow to below the 2% target before the end of the year. In his letter, the governor said inflation had accelerated significantly since September last year. He blamed rising fuel prices, the rise in VAT and the fall in the value of the pound for the rising trend. But he warned that these temporary factors were "masking the downward pressure on inflation from the substantial margin of spare capacity in the economy". "If the recovery continues as expected, that will gradually erode the slack in the economy, bringing inflation back to target," Mr King added. In his letter to Mr King, Mr Osborne said he noted that the Bank's view was that the "current elevated rate of inflation is expected to be temporary". "I am sure that you will remain vigilant towards any upside risks to inflation," he added. The Bank of England's key interest rate remains at a record low of 0.5%, and this rate is unlikely to rise soon according to economists. "We do not expect the Bank of England to increase interest rates this year in response to what is a short-term pick up in inflation," said Hetal Mehta, senior economic adviser to the Ernst & Young Item Club. Howard Archer, chief economist at IHS Global Insight, said he expected inflation to begin falling again immediately. "April's consumer price inflation rate of 3.7% should mark the peak," he said. "Inflation is expected to start heading down in the near term as temporary upward pressures start to unwind." Low interest rates are likely to continue to frustrate savers. "Savers have been having a rough ride thanks to a combination of ultra low rates and rising inflation," commented Andrew Hagger from Moneynet.co.uk. But he added that a small number of savings accounts offering interest rates of up to 5% were still available.

"It is very important to talk to God especially when you are in pain or hurting." - Rev./Dr. Elizabeth Wahome's book, "The Dream Came True"

Proverbs 3:25-27

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. 27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Thanks giving celebrations of Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe the newly elected Councillor in London will be held on Saturday 29th May, 2010. Full information soon.

A Royal Navy warship on Nato anti-piracy operations has destroyed two pirate boats in the Somali Basin, Nato has said. HMS Chatham's helicopter spotted a larger vessel towing the two attack boats in the Somali Basin, about 150 miles off Tanzania, on 14 May, it said. After monitoring the vessels overnight, a Royal Marine team launched a "well-planned operation" at dawn, it said. Ten Somalis surrendered and the two smaller boats were destroyed. Commander Simon Huntington, commanding officer of Devonport-based HMS Chatham, said he was "extremely pleased" the warship had "successfully disrupted a pirate attack group operating in the Somali Basin and prevented them from mounting attacks against merchant shipping". He said: "This clearly demonstrates Nato's determination and commitment to continue the fight against piracy in the region." Nato said prior to boarding the boats, the suspected pirates had been observed throwing items, including their weapons and other piracy related equipment, into the sea. When the Royal Marine team boarded the larger craft, 10 Somalis and a large amount of fuel were found on board. The two smaller boats had been fitted with powerful outboard engines and also contained a considerable amount of fuel. Once separated from the larger craft by the Royal Marines team, the warship and its Lynx helicopter destroyed the smaller craft so the suspected pirates could not continue with their mission. Nato said the 10 Somalis were left with only enough fuel in the larger vessel to return to Somalia. The search was coordinated with a EU Naval Force Maritime Patrol Aircraft, operating out of the Seychelles.

LESSONS OF LIFE: "Life isn't fair, but it's still good."  - Regina Brett, 90 years old

A Kenyan woman has passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA

A Kenyan woman has passed away in Dallas, TX after a long illness bravely borne. Mrs Jennie Sainah passed away on Wednesday May 12, 2010. Jennie bravely fought two very rare neuromuscular diseases, POEMS and ALS since September 2005 when she was first diagnosed with the ailments. She has been bed ridden, and in and out of hospital since November 2006.  Jennie suffered a massive cardiac arrest on April 15, 2010 that resulted in extensive damage to her brain. She eventually succumbed to the illnesses on Wednesday May 12 2010. Jennie hailed from Eldoret, Kenya. She settled in Denton Texas in 1992. She was the wife Joseph Sainah of Denton, TX, mother to Jeffrey, Jessie, and Jerry. She was the daughter of Lawrence and Felicitas Korir of Ngechek Village in Nandi, Kenya. She was the sister to Julie Bore, Jossie, Jackie, John, Janet and Paul. She was a sister-in-law to Sam Bore of Grand Prairie, TX. With the numerous hospitalizations and extensive treatments spanning over four years, the family has accumulated insurmountable medical bills. A fundraiser to offset the medical bills and funeral expenses will be held on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 7:00pm at Upendo Baptist Church, on 916 N Jupiter Road, Garland, TX 75042. Donations can also be deposited directly to: Account name:  Jennie Sainah Foundation, Bank name: Bank of America, Account # : 488025619496, Routing # 111000025. You can also make your donations through PayPal. The PayPal ID email is talaigaa@msn.com. Your donation will be greatly appreciated. Family and friends will be meeting DAILY from 7pm-9pm for prayers and encouragement at Sam & Julie’s residence at 304 Brookhaven Grand Prairie, TX 75052. On Wednesday, May 19 2010, the prayers will be held at Joseph and Jennie’s residence at 217 Pear Tree Pl Denton, TX 76207. Jennie will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 22

OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "Mr. Seed ati ni watu sita tu walienda demonstration huko kwa High Commission, London Jumamosi?. Ai, hata mimi na bibi yangu na watoto tumepita hao. Kazi gani hii." - A Kenyan living in Oxford

Zeituni Onyango, 58, has an immune disorder and has been fighting to stay in the United States for years.

After a decade-long bid, President Barack Obama's Kenyan aunt has been allowed to stay in the United States, her lawyers said today.  The ruling in favor of Zeituni Onyango -- the 58-year-old half sister of Obama's father, Barack Obama Sr. - was made Friday by an immigration judge in Boston. Margaret Wong, Onyango's attorney, cited her client's poor health, as well as the likelihood that Onyango would be targeted in tribal violence if she returned to her native Kenya as the reasons she sought asylum. Onyango suffers from the autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome, her lawyers said, and two doctors testified on her behalf before Judge Leonard I. Shapiro. After moving to Boston from Kenya in 2000, Onyango made several requests to remain in the country, but they were rejected by two immigration judges. She was ordered to leave the country in 2003 and 2004, but continued living a Boston public housing project, The Boston Globe reported. During the 2008 presidential election, Onyango's defiance of the court order became national news. Then-candidate Obama said he was unaware his aunt was living in the country illegally.  Onyango is featured in the president's memoir "Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance" in a section in which Obama visits Kenya. The White House says that it played no role in any of Onyango's legal proceedings.

THE SYMPTOMS OF SICK MARRIAGE

And the signs of an unhealthy family

" When you use sex as weapon" (Heal the bed and you heal the marriage) - Marriage Councillor, Pastor Favour Peters

Message to new minister: ‘There’s no money – good luck!’

Ending the detention of children for immigration purposes

Home Office, 15 May 2010

The government is committed to ending the detention of children for immigration purposes. We can announce that Immigration Minister Damian Green will be leading a wide-ranging review to achieve this, setting out plans in the coming months. The review - which starts now - will include talking to a range of experts, charities and organisations which represent the interest of children, to create viable long-term solutions. This review is about protecting the welfare of children, while still ensuring the removal of those who have no legal right to be in this country. It would be wrong to prejudge the outcome of this review, but the government is committed to looking at this issue afresh; the government will not rule any proposal in or out at this stage. Immigration removal centres which currently hold children with their families are Yarl's Wood in Bedfordshire, and Dungavel in Scotland and Tinsley House in West Sussex, where they are held only for 72 and 24 hours respectively. Immigration Minister Damian Green said:

'Our coalition government is committed to ending the detention of children for immigration purposes, we think this is the right thing to do. I hope that we can have plans agreed within the next few months.

'I am launching a comprehensive review of alternatives to child detention, including opening a dialogue with relevant stakeholders, organisations and experts.

'This work has already started, because it is in all our interests, including those children currently in detention, to do it quickly, but to also do it well and safely.

'While keeping children's welfare at the heart of what we do, our government is committed to returning those with no right to stay in the UK.'

Euro falls as investors fear intervention not enough

Nairobi City Council currently has accumulated debt of over KShs. 28 billion

THANK YOU SO MUCH

I am writing in to thank each one of you for taking your time to attend our fundraising in aid of Elshaddai Orphans. The organising committee felt humbled by your kindness and contributions and we managed to raise nearly £19,000.

This is testimony to your selflessness and generosity and your every effort is greatly appreciated and it wasn’t in vain.

I want you to belief that whatever you gave towards helping these children has been recorded by Jehovah as a debt and he will repay you at his own time.

We are indebted to each one of you and please accept this message as our deepest and sincere appreciation.

Please keep in touch as this is merely the start. Plans are underway to acquire land to fulfil the promise we made-to settle these children in a permanent place.

The committee continue to encourage you to volunteer and sponsor a child from the home. If you gave £30 every month to this home, it would pay the education of a child at the home. Please this is just £1 a day…yet Jehovah has given you and will give you even more.

He is asking for less than a point zero one of what he has given you anyway…and the life of a helpless orphan will be transformed…. Be guided by the words of the gospel of Matthew chapter 25:31- 40 as you reflect on this decision. Please…..

Please get in touch and we shall give you the details of how to sponsor a child.

May Jehovah, our God continue to bless you and as he bless you….also help you to learn how to give.

Alex.

On behalf of the committee

Meeting the first ladies of Africa

Thandiwe Banda (L), Zambia's first lady, tells the BBC's Veronique Edwards about her private life with her husband - FULL STORY

BA wins High Court ban on cabin crew strikes

British Airways has won a High Court injunction to stop the latest strikes by its cabin staff. The decision was based on a technicality and whether the Unite union followed rules in contacting its members with strike result details. The first of four five-day walkouts had been due to begin at midnight, but will not go ahead following Mr Justice McCombe's decision. The union said it would appeal against the injunction decision. BA said it was delighted that the "extreme and unjustified" strike could not go ahead. But it apologised to some customers who are due to travel during the early days of the union's planned industrial action and will see flights affected. It had already announced a rearranged Heathrow schedule to give customers as much notice as possible about changes to their travel plans necessitated by the strike call, it said. "Ash disruption permitting, we will aim to restore a full flying programme at Heathrow by the weekend. We will also offer a full programme at Gatwick and London City, as planned," it said. BBC business editor Robert Peston said the decision created more uncertainty for passengers, and for employees. "Although the company may regard it as a victory, it doesn't appear to have solved what is a very serious industrial relations problem," he said.

Britain’s leading universities are calling for a rise in student tuition fees, despite claims it will saddle graduates with mortgage-style debts of up to £40,000.

NDUME WAWILI

A heterosexual Austrian couple have embarked on a court battle to have their relationship legally recognised as a "registered partnership" - a new form of civil union for same-sex couples. Helga Ratzenboeck and Martin Seydl say they don't want a traditional marriage and insist that the law should be blind to gender and sexuality.  Meanwhile, the kind of pared-down marriage they want is proving a huge hit with straight couples in France, where 95% of couples taking up the pacte civil de solidarite (Pacs) in 2009 were heterosexual.  As the number of straight French couples opting for Pacs has grown, the number of marriages has shrunk, to the point that there are now two couples entering into a Pacs for every three getting married.

Passengers using Britain's busiest airports face major disruption after the return to UK airspace of the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano. Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports resumed limited flights after being completely closed until 0700 BST. But flights remain grounded in Northern Ireland and much of Scotland and Wales. Passengers are being urged to check with their airlines before travelling. Restrictions are expected in parts of the UK until Tuesday. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam's Schiphol, Rotterdam and Groningen airports are closed until 1400 local time (1300 BST). Flights in and out of Dublin, in the Irish Republic, are also grounded until at least noon. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond told the BBC the government and airline industry were working together to allow more flights to operate while there was ash in the atmosphere. Safety fears are based on the threat of ash being turned into molten glass as it hits the heat of aircraft engines, thereby crippling the plane. A spokesman for air traffic authority Nats said Gatwick was due to be closed to arrivals until 1300 BST and departures would be subject to restrictions. "One side of the airport is clear and the other side, where the final approach track is, actually has a cloud of ash which goes right across final approach," said Nats director Ian Hall. "So, very frustratingly for everyone, we can't get the aircraft into Gatwick but we can get them out." Eurocontrol, the European air safety body, said Heathrow arrivals would be limited to 30 an hour initially - down from the usual 42 - and it warned of significant delays. Knock-on disruption was likely to continue throughout Monday, a Heathrow spokesman said. Other developments across the UK include:

• All flights in and out of Northern Ireland's three main airports have been cancelled until lunchtime. The Irish Aviation Authority has temporarily closed airports in Dublin, Sligo and Donegal.

• In Scotland no flights are arriving at or departing from Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Prestwick airports. Inverness, Dundee, Wick and Campbeltown airports are also closed until lunchtime.

• In Wales flights in and out of Cardiff airport have been cancelled until early afternoon.

The Department of Transport has warned restrictions are likely across different parts of the UK until at least Tuesday. Meanwhile Network Rail pledged to do everything possible to help stranded travellers make journeys by train. Virgin Trains said 7,000 extra seats would be made available on Monday, mainly on routes between Birmingham and Glasgow and Edinburgh, and between London Euston and Glasgow. Eurostar is also laying on extra services through the Channel Tunnel. The latest dense patch of ash has already disrupted the travel plans of tens of thousands of people over the weekend, mainly in northern parts of the UK. Airspace over Northern Ireland was the first to close on Saturday, before the cloud moved south and grounded flights in many parts of the UK on Sunday. Ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano has led to thousands of flights being delayed or cancelled across Europe since April. Restrictions are based on the density of ash in airspace, and the threshold level that forces a ban was raised by the CAA following six days of airport closures last month. But after the latest airport closures this weekend, airlines have criticised the amended regulations. On Sunday, Virgin Atlantic president Sir Richard Branson called the closure of Manchester airport "beyond a joke". "All the test flights by airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers have shown no evidence that airlines could not continue to fly completely safely," he said. British Airways said airlines should be able to decide whether it was safe to fly, as the current approach was "overly restrictive". But Mr Hammond said: "The threshold at which air is considered unsafe to fly through has already increased 10-fold from a 200-microgram limit to a 2,000-microgram limit, and that was agreed with the airlines after the last period of closure. "Work is ongoing with the airlines, with the aircraft manufacturers, with the engine manufacturers, to see if a safe operating regime could be introduced at a yet higher threshold of ash, with enhanced, more regular engine inspections." He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We are not there yet but we are optimistic that progress will be made and that, of course, would have a very significant impact on the level of disruption that the continuing volcanic eruption is having on UK airspace." CAA chief executive Andrew Haines said: "It's the CAA's job to ensure the public is kept safe by ensuring safety decisions are based on scientific and engineering evidence; we will not listen to those who effectively say, 'Let's suck it and see.'"

A KIKÛYÛ PROVERB

Wakîrimû wîtirimagia na mugî

A wise man uses a foolish man to accomplish his mission

Its Green or Red, declares IIEC

Kenyans voting in the forthcoming referendum set for August 4th have two colours to choose from. The YES will be represented by Green color whereas the NO camp will be represented by Red colour. The Interim Independent Electoral Commission agreed on the symbols Monday afternoon after deliberations by top IIEC officials.The officials said they had received many suggestions submitted to them by the public.

"Maya nîmo mabataro makwa"

These are my needs Lord

Caught at Glory Restoration Mininistry in Coventry last month. Mrs. Gitu and on right is Wanjiru and her mother Mrs. Mary Warui (second rom right) mother of Bishop Joseph Warui of HODSIM ministry in UK. They joined the Kenyan Gospel Artist Ben Githae concert in Coventry. Mrs. Gitu is a sister of Mrs. Phillis Maina wife of Pastor Maina of Victory Revival Christian Ministry, UK.

ONLY SIX PEOPLE ATTENDED THE DEMONSTRATION AT THE KENYA HIGH COMMISSION

It was a total failure of the demonstration which had been organised by some Kenyans in the UK against the Kenya embassy in London. The demonstration was for Saturday 15th May, 2010 outside the Kenya High Commission offices in London. The demonstrators claimed to be demonstrating against the corruption at the Kenya High Commission. The demonstration had been communicated through several websites and word of mouth. According to reliable sources at the demonstration only six people attended the demonstration. The offices were closed as it was the weekend. - CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

Revd. Dr. Joyce Muiruri of Reading loses her mother

Dear  beloved ones, the beloved mother to Revd. Dr. Joyce Muiruri (the wife of Revd. Julius Muiruri, the General Overseer ECCI/GECCI) has passed on to glory  in Kenya. We covet your prayers and support at this time of need. The family and organising committee invite you for daily prayers to seek God's comfort and provision for hospital bill which has gone to over ten thousand pounds. The meetings are from 18.00-21.00 hrs  at 45 Lea close RG30 3NB.every evening. Your support will be highly appreciated. A Fundraising, aimed at offsetting this hospital bill has been planned  on Sunday 23rd May, 2010 from 1700hrs to 21.00 hrs at at Wycliffe Baptist Church, Warehouse, 233 Kings Road, Reading, RG1 4LS.You may also send your donation through Barclays Bank, 60110248, Sort Code 207106, Account name: J.K. Muiruri. Your donations still welcome as they have a big balance to clear yet in the hospital bill.

The exchange rate goes down to the lowest of the year in London as the Kenya Shillings exchange goes to KShs. 108 against the pound

Euro falls to four-year low against dollar

The euro has fallen to a four-year low against the dollar, after being hit by renewed fears over the strength of the eurozone economy. The euro fell to $1.2237, while one pound was worth 1.1702 euros. Despite the huge sums of money pledged in support for eurozone countries, severe austerity measures are needed to cut budget deficits and debt. This is affecting the value of the euro as analysts worry the cuts will hold back economic growth in the eurozone. John Kyriakopoulos, from the National Australia Bank in Sydney, said: "Concerns that severe fiscal austerity in the eurozone will crush growth in the region continues to weigh (on the euro)." Earlier this month, the European Union and International Monetary Fund agreed a package worth 750bn euros to try to prevent the Greek crisis from spreading to other weak eurozone economies. But despite the initial euphoria that greeted that announcement, fears have returned and shares and the euro have begun falling again. On Friday, there were sharp falls in European stock markets, with Spain's stock market dropping 6.6% and France main share index down 4.6%.

Tiger Woods’ wife seeks Sh27bn in divorce

London, Sunday 16th May, 2010. Tiger Woods’ wife Elin has hired a top London lawyer to investigate her husband’s finances as she fights for a £240 million divorce deal (Sh27 billion). As her battle with the cheating golfer becomes increasingly acrimonious Elin, 30, has turned to Walter Jnr, an expert at tracking down hidden assets. Elin was introduced to Mr White by her twin sister Josefin who works with him at McGuire Woods law firm. The firm, which specialises in multi-million-pound financial transactions, has been hired in addition to Elin’s divorce lawyer in Florida. Last night a friend close to Elin said: “She said from the beginning that she didn’t want to fight over money, but at the same time she wants to know exactly how much money Tiger really has. “The figure she’s after is very fair. It’s around £240 million — about a third of what he’s supposedly got. My guess is he’s got much, much more and it’s going to get ugly. "Tiger is starting to play hard ball because there’s no hope of reconciliation.” Meanwhile, Woods’ former swing coach confirmed in a TV interview that the besmirched golfer underwent counselling for sex addiction during his competitive absence but offered a strong refutation to any suggestion that Woods has used performance-enhancing drugs. Mr Hank Haney, in his first prolonged interview since Monday’s decision to leave Woods’ employ, made the disclosures in a segment on the Golf Channel. Asked what the world’s Number Onegolfer had been treated for during his six-week stay of inpatient counselling, Haney hesitated briefly before saying: “The only thing that I knew about was his issue with the sex addiction.” Published reports have linked Woods with more than a dozen mistresses, ranging from a New York events planner to a reality-show participant to a restaurant waitress to at least two porn stars. Haney also said he was present for four of Woods five blood-spinning sessions with the controversial Dr Anthony Galea, who is under federal investigation for providing performance-enhancing drugs to athletes. (Agencies)

12-lane highway takes shape in Nairobi

Thika Road will be a motorway soon

Kenya’s first 12-lane highway has begun to take shape, well on course to be ready for use in 12 months.  The widest section of the Nairobi-Thika highway, between Muthaiga roundabout and Roysambu, just beyond the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, consists of four express lanes on either side as well as two-lane service roads on each side. Construction on the 50km highway has been going on day and night and the three Chinese contractors are within schedule, according to a senior engineer at the Roads ministry. The highway, which was mainly necessitated by perennial traffic snarl-ups, has six projects within it that are being worked on simultaneously. Multiple interviews with engineers at the Ministry of Roads and the contractor, but who are not allowed to give official statements on behalf of the project, also revealed the highway could drive “ordinary matatus” out of the road. “It is a road that will not accommodate the chaos and traffic indiscipline exhibited by matatu operators,” said the government engineer. Already, Saturday Nation learnt, a plan is being worked out on how matatus on the highway routes could be phased out and allowed to form a public transport company that will use buses. Such buses will be at various stages (bus bays) at an interval of five to 10 minutes. “The owners, who will be shareholders, will be paid as per the kilometre travelled and not number of trips,” says the highly placed engineer. However, he added, this could take several months after the highway is opened. Matatus on routes 44, 45, 145, 17B, 25 and 237 will most likely be affected by the changes. - Daily Nation

For more information please contact Esther 07929520461

London, Sunday 16th May, 2010. A volcanic ash cloud from Iceland has forced part of Britain's skies to close again, sparking another dreaded round of flight disruptions. A no-fly zone will be imposed over Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland, northern England and the Midlands this afternoon after "high density" ash plumes threatened British airspace. UK air traffic body Nats said that the no-fly zone has been put in place between one and seven pm today. The restricted zone covers an area stretching from Prestwick on the west coast to Humberside on the east coast and south to a line just north of Birmingham. Airports which fall within the no-fly zone include all those in Northern Ireland Ronaldsway, Prestwick, Carlisle, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Doncaster, Humberside and East Midlands and some Scottish island airports including Campbeltown, Islay and Barra. London airports are currently unaffected and will remain open between one and seven pm today. The Irish Authorities confirmed Dublin airport will close from seven pm tonight until at least nine am on Monday morning.  The Department of Transport has warned more planes could be grounded, with restrictions potentially stretching as far as Tuesday morning. Sir Richard Branson blasted the latest restrictions as being "beyond a joke" and called for the latest disruptions to air travel to be stopped immediately. "Over a thousand flights took off from France last week in similar conditions to that which exist in Manchester today without encountering any problems or showing any levels of ash concentration." "We need strong leadership to intervene to avoid doing further unnecessary damage to the UK economy and lives of travellers." British Airways said it plans to run all flights but had been advised there may be disruption from 6pm.

A car drives through ash from Icelands Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Eyjafjoll May 13, 2010. Europe has been dogged for weeks by repeated shutdowns of air traffic since an erupting volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland started spewing ash in April 201 and a vehicle moves past Icelands Eyjafjallajokull volcano May 15, 2010. Britain and Ireland were on alert for more possible flight disruption due to a fresh cloud of ash from the Icelandic volcano. - Reuters

The airline is facing strike action from Tuesday, which is likely to add to any travel problems, despite hopes last-ditch talks could avert the walkout. Conciliation service Acas confirmed airline executives will negotiate with leaders of the Unite union on Monday after the Government pledged to intervene in the dispute. Some of Britain's busiest airports in the South East, such as Heathrow and Gatwick, are braced for the worst though. Meanwhile, passengers can get an indication of likely weather delays from the Met Office, which has begun publishing five-day ash forecasts. The charts predict the movement of the Icelandic clouds, which have blighted air travel over the past two months. An update will be made available every six hours, but forecasts are "always liable to change", according to the new Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. "Nats - the UK's air traffic services provider - will advise of any airspace closures as and when they become necessary," he said. "I urge passengers to check with their airlines before taking any action." Meanwhile train operator Eurostar is putting on an extra four trains between London and Paris to deal with a surge in demand for seats as travellers seek alternative travel arrangements. There is still good capacity on London to Brussels trains. Virgin trains has made available 7,000 extra seats on routes between north England, parts of Wales, Scotland and the Midlands that have been affected by flight cancellations or delays.  A Met Office spokeswoman said the ash plume was currently reaching heights of up to 25,000ft. Winds blowing from the North West mean there is a risk of the ash, from the erupting Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull, being blown into UK airspace, she added. The wind direction is expected to change in the middle of next week and will blow from the South West, taking ash away from the UK. Visit a web cam to see live pictures of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

Ash from Icelands Eyjafjallajokull volcano covers cars in Eyjafjoll May 13, 2010. Europe has been dogged for weeks by repeated shutdowns of air traffic since an erupting volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland started spewing ash in April 2010 and on right girls play in ash from Icelands Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Eyjafjoll May 13, 2010. Europe has been dogged for weeks by repeated shutdowns of air traffic since an erupting volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland started spewing ash in April. - Reuters

Farmer Loses Hundreds Of Sheep To Rustlers

Police are investigating after 271 sheep worth over £20,000 vanished from a field in Lancashire. Thieves are believed to have herded the flock into a large vehicle, making several trips, sometime between May 10 and 13. Farmer William Holden, 50, told Sky News: "The flock of Texel sheep, including ewes with lambs, are reportedly worth around £90 each at auction." The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said sheep rustling is on the increase in the north of England as the price of lamb meat is rising dramatically. In 2009, lamb meat sold for £2.70 per kg, but this rose sharply to £4.40 in 2010. Carl Hudspith, from the NFU, told Sky News: "Over the past year, we've seen several sheep being taken but nothing on this scale. "The thieves must plan to use the black market as sheep must be tagged and accompanied by official paperwork in order to be sold legitimately at auction." Police believe the thieves had a knowledge of animal husbandry and knew how to handle the animals. Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Floods displace thousands in Kenya

Thousands of families have been displaced by floods that have continued to wreak havoc in various parts of the country. The Kenya Red Cross society is now warning those living in flood prone areas to vacate their homes immediately when they are alerted and move to higher grounds to avert further fatalities.  In Samburu, the bodies of seven people who were swept way after seiya river burst its banks have been recovered.  OCPD  Charles Munyoli called on the area residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers.  He said the floods have rendered the maralal - rumuruti road impassable after sections of the road were swept off by raging floods leaving thirty lorries stuck in the mud.   And three people had to be airlifted by a helicopter after River Tana burst its banks near the Kindaruma hydro dam in Mbeere South district Saturday evening causing massive flooding. The victims had to cling on trees for several hours after heavy rains in the upper stream caused the river to swell marooning their plots at Riachina village. According to Mutuovare chief Mr. Julius Njiru, the three had gone to cultivate in some small islands formed near the river but water increased rapidly and covered the entire land. He said that the nearby Kindaruma hydro dam was spilling a lot of water after Friday's alert that the main reservoir for the hydro dams at Masinga was full. "There is a lot of water flowing in the river and around these dams making it risky for any activity and we warn people to be alert," he said. Amilitary chopper came to the rescue of the stranded victims and were air lifted to safe grounds by 5 pm.

Njiru said that the fate of one victim who refused to board the helicopter was still unknown as he was said to have been left behind during the rescue operation. Last week Ken Gen issued a flood alert to those living past the Kiambeere dam which is the last on the hydro cascades to move to higher grounds due to increased water in the River Tana. In Rachuonyo North district, over 100 families have been displaced as a result of the raging floods following heavy down. The Kenya Red Cross Western Kenya Regional Manager Emmanuel Owako said that the floods have not only displaced the residents but also damaged property worth thousands of shillings. "Property and food crops have been washed away by the floods with several text book destroyed at a local school" he said. Owako disclosed that Red Cross is providing basic necessities to the victims including food, blankets and tents. Residents from the affected areas in the District have been moved to Nyakweri shopping centre for safety, as the situation is monitored. The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned again that the western part of the country and the central highlands are set to continue experiencing heavy rainfall in the coming week. A statement sent by the Deputy Director of Meteorological Services Peter Ambenje to media houses indicates that the already swollen rivers Nzoia and Yala are consequently likely to sustain their current high levels. "Rainfall totals of more than 100mm are likely to occur around Mt. Elgon and the Cherengani Hills," he said. 144 people have died since January with the death toll due to floods since March now topping 86.

Chaos, as varsity body SONU is dissolved

The University of Nairobi Students Association SONU has been dissolved. This follows the union's elections which ended in disarray on Friday night, due to claims of attempted rigging and political interference. According to the students, armed gang brought the tallying exercise to a stop following allegations of rigging. The incident occurred when alleged goons armed with crude weapons arrived at the university Mamlaka hall and took away ballot boxes before counting. The irate students took to the streets on Sunday to protest the move destroying university property and  blamed the university administration for interfereing with the elections. The decision to ban SONU was arrived at by the University of Nairobi senate which comprises among other senior officials the Vice Chancellor. There have also been claims of political interference, in the students' body, which the vice chancellor blames for the elections mayhem.  But the students have accused the VC of doctoring results so as to impose his preferred candidates. SONU elections have in the past been marred by chaos. However the last SONU election in 2009, were quite peaceful as the outgoing chairman David Osiany enjoyed the support of many students.

Parts of the UK's airspace are at risk of closure from Sunday 16th May, 2010 because of volcanic activity in Iceland, the Department for Transport has said.  Disruption could hit airports in south-east England until Tuesday, it warned. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said the situation was "fluid" but that passenger safety was the top priority. British Airways will discuss the likely impact with air traffic control body, Nats. Airport operator BAA said the situation would be clearer by Sunday. Ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano has caused disruption to thousands of flights since April.Meanwhile, Italy has fined Irish low-cost airline Ryanair 3m euros (£2.5m) for failing to help some passengers after cancelling their flights during the crisis. Ministers agreed on Saturday that five-day ash prediction charts would be made available on the Met Office website. "Within this timeframe, different parts of UK airspace - including airspace in the south east - are likely to be closed at different times," the Department for Transport said in a statement. Previous forecasts were only given for the following 18 hours. Transport Secretary Mr Hammond said the five-day forecasts would ensure "airlines, other transport providers and the public [had] the best possible information". But he stressed the situation "remained fluid" and the forecasts - based on assumptions about future volcanic activity and prevailing weather conditions - were "always liable to change". "Nats - the UK's air traffic services provider - will advise of any airspace closures as and when they become necessary and I urge passengers to check with their airlines before taking any action," he added.

A spokesman for BAA, which operates Heathrow, Stansted and Southampton airports in the south of England and Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports in Scotland, welcomed the new five-day forecasts. "It's good to have information in advance but we are acutely aware that things can change quickly," he said. "Over the next 24 hours we'll have a much clearer idea how it will affect southern England," he added. A British Airways spokesman said: "There is a possibility of some disruption of airspace but we can't give any firm details yet," he said. "The public will understand if there are some disruptions. It is out of our hands." BA is facing strike action in the coming days, potentially adding to travel disruption. Dr Dougal Jerram, a volcanologist from Durham University, warned the last big eruption of Eyjafjallajokull - in the 1820s - went on for around two years, and its current eruption could last "several months". But he said the continued eruptions would not necessarily cause problems to air travel, as a number of factors - explosive eruptions, a concentrated plume and certain weather patterns - needed to be in place at the same time to create "the perfect storm". "During the last phase, where it was more explosive, the weather patterns weren't so bad and it wasn't as disruptive as it could be. "A volcano can be erupting for several years and not cause any problems," he said. In April, airspace across Europe was shut down for five days following concerns that ash could turn to molten glass in high temperatures, crippling plane engines. Scientists and engineers have since revised the safe-to-fly threshold, but clouds of volcanic ash have continued to drift over Europe, causing airport closures, flight delays and cancellations. But in the past week, several airports in southern Europe have been forced to close and flights have been re-routed. Italy's civil aviation authority fine on Ryanair comes after it said it knew of 178 cases of passengers who did not receive mandatory assistance, such as food - required under EU regulations - between 17 and 22 April. Ryanair, which initially insisted it would only refund the cost of passengers' tickets, but later agreed to fully implement European regulations and pay all "reasonable expenses", was not immediately available for comment.

The volcano has become more active again in recent weeks

A wedding celebration in a village in Garissa turned tragic after a man was stabbed several times for cuckolding a newly married groom. After what was a colourful wedding ceremony, family members, friends and relatives joined the couple at a reception to wine, dine and dance the day away. With nightfall approaching, the crowd petered out as people left for their homes. The groom took the bride to his house and left her alone to walk his best man home. On his return, however, the man was shocked to find his sweetheart missing. Armed with a flashlight, he searched for her in the surrounding homes only to find her having sex with a local goat herder, who had been spotted at the reception earlier. Villagers reported the man was momentarily speechless before crying out, "How can this sex pest break the virginity of my queen who cost my entire life savings of 20 cows and scores of goats?" According to Garissa OCPD Richard Bitonga, the enraged groom whipped out a knife and stabbed the cheat in the head, left upper arm and back, wounding him seriously. The bride narrowly escaped his wrath and fled into the bush only to resurface the following morning. - The Standard.

BIG HOME COMING PARTY FOR COUNCILLOR KANGETHE BEING ARRANGED

Karamu mulwa yatalishwa

A big home coming party for the newly elected Councillor Elizabeth Wanjiru Kangethe plans are in advance stage. Family and friends of Councillor Kangethe are meeting on Sunday 16th May, 2010 at IWRM Church, 500 High Street North, Manor Park, London E12 6QN as from 6.00 p.m. to kick start the plans. You are all invited to help in the preparations. Many people from UK and outside UK have contacted the councillor congratulating and explaining their desire to be a part of the celebrations. Above Councillor Kangethe feeding her sisters with a cake after she was declared a winner during the just concluded council elections in Barking and Dagenham - all are her sisters in UK less two. If you would like to give out your contributions in one way or other you can contact her personal assistant Lucy on 07949441470.

ANNOUNCMENT!

NEW BRISTOL OFFICE LOCATION

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IKO NINI BWANA SEED ARCHIVE

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