At least 27 vehicles crashed on the northbound carriageway of the M5 near Taunton, causing several explosions. Police confirmed that "some" people had "tragically lost their lives" amid fears up to 10 people had killed in the "horrific" accident. On Friday night, at least 40 people were receiving medical treatment and ten had suffered life threatening injuries in the smash, described as one of the “worst traffic accidents” in recent memory. Witnesses said heavy fog and wet weather had caused “horrendous” driving conditions, prior to the accident just before 8.30pm. At least 20 cars and six heavy goods lorries were involved in the crash, described as “more like a scene from Afghanistan”,near the exit to Junction 25, police said. Several were engulfed in flames.

A love struck couple who are expecting their first child have discovered they are brother and sister. The pair was told after their parents met face-to face to discuss their engagement and realised the awful truth. The couple have now ended their five-year relationship and are now wondering how to break the news to their unborn child. They had been separated as children and raised independently after their mother and father went through a bitter divorce in 1983. The pair grew up 80km (50miles) apart in separate towns in South Africa’s eastern Mpumalanga province. By chance, they met again at university in 2007 and the woman said it was ‘love at first sight’. She added: ‘All we wanted to do was just to have a family and many kids. So you can imagine how shocked we were when they broke the news. We are going to have a child together. ‘We do not know what we will tell him when he grows up.’ The truth emerged when the man’s relatives met with her family to discuss the ‘lobola’, or traditional price they would pay the bride’s family. ‘We can’t think straight at the moment,’ he said.

"I am thankful to all those who said NO to me. It's because of them I did it myself." - Albert Einstein

It is with great sadness and loss that we announce the sudden demise of our Beloved father Mr. Samuel Kangethe Kimani on the 2nd November 2011. Loving husband to Beth Wanjiru Kimani and father to James Kimani (Kenya), Lydia Okoth (London), Isaac Gathuru Kangethe (Kenya), Grace Deegan (Dublin), George Ndungu Kangethe (London), and Esther Kangethe (London). Brother to Mary Ngahu, George Ndungu, John Thangwa and David Njau. Grandfather to Daniel, Liz, Samuel, Evelyn, Sylvester, Peter, Keith, Alex, Sammy, Brian, Cassie, Marvin and Edith. Great grandfather to Faith. Uncle to Lydia Mwangi (London) and many others. The late Samuel Kangethe Kimani will be laid to rest at his home in Kwamaiko, Githunguri in Kiambu District on the 10th November 2011. Prayer meetings are being held at 20 Peartree Close, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3QP from 6pm daily.
Contacts: Lydia Okoth 07903668533, George Ndungu 07903978711, Lydia Mwangi 07984437019, Julie 07403384064, Isaac Gathuru +254726344794, May the almighty Lord rest your soul in eternal peace...

A past session of Parliament. Prime Minister Raila Odinga has told the House no money set aside for Kazi kwa Vijana project has been lost November 2, 2011.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga weathered a political storm in Parliament on Wednesday as he answered questions over alleged loss of money in the Kazi kwa Vijana programme. (Read: PM office denies money loss claim). Addressing MPs during the Prime Minister’s Question Time, Mr Odinga said no money had been lost and accused MPs of attempting to create a scandal where there’s none.

“Which scandal? As far as I am concerned there’s none,” Mr Odinga told Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale. But he said audit questions had been raised on the use of Sh308 million in the first phase”. “I do not condone any kind of corruption or misuse of funds. It is, however, completely far-fetched to conclude that KKV I was a total failure on the basis of matters affecting just 4.08 per cent of the total,” the Prime Minister said. Mr Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti), who had sought the statement from the PM, was interrupted repeatedly by MPs supporting or accusing Mr Odinga of impropriety.

Mr Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i) and Lands Minister James Orengo accused the Saboti MP of pursuing the matter for political gain.

But Youth Affairs assistant minister Kabando wa Kabando warned some backbenchers were overstepping their mandate in defence of the PM. “Is it in order for a member of the backbench, who has no responsibility in government, to arise and interrogate another backbencher, who is interrogating the Prime Minister? I think we need to rein in sycophancy that is derailing the debate, the sycophants are known and they are standing,” he said. This sparked uproar and House Speaker Kenneth Marende asked Mr Kabando to withdraw the word ‘sycophants’, which the MP promptly substituted with “exceedingly and excessively loyal to the extent of being blind”.

In a rare fit of anger, Mr Marende told MPs that “they had no right to dictate the way things run in Parliament and if you persist, I will not be your Speaker”. Top officials of the Office of the Prime Minister, among them permanent secretary Mohammed Isahakia, Chief of Staff Caroli Omondi, the deputy chief economist John Musale and KKV project coordinator Rachel Gesami, were mentioned adversely in the disappearance of Sh171.2 million from the programme. “Can you account for it, and if you can’t, you have to take political responsibility,” said Dr Khalwale, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee. The Ikolomani MP meets World Bank and Auditor General officials over the scandal today. He asked the PM to explain why Ms Gesami ‘had paid herself Sh5.2 million’, and demanded that she refunds the cash. But Mr Odinga said a Treasury audit had not implicated his office in any loss of money, adding that his staff only supervised and coordinated the work of ministries and did not implement projects. “The line ministries have accounting officers. They are responsible and they are accountable,” Mr Odinga said.

Dr Julius Kones (Konoin) said the PM was fixated with percentages, when more than Sh300 million was missing. “Give me Sh300 million and I will run my constituency for the next term without requesting for CDF,” Dr Kones said. Ms Millie Odhiambo, (Nominated, ODM) said she had no “apologies for being the Prime Minister’s sycophant”. She said the audit raised questions on ‘ineligible expenditure’, which ‘was not corruption.’ But Dr Khalwale fought back saying: “Ineligible expenditure is expenditure that was not planned for; was not voted for and it is therefore misappropriation and thus corruption.”

He questioned why Dr Isahakia wrote to line ministries on July 18 advising them to ask the youth to open bank accounts with a specific institution at ShSh300 each. This, Dr Khalwale said, enabled the bank to get 200,000 accounts, when under normal circumstances the opening of accounts in that bank was usually free. The PM said the Sh300 charge was to show that the youth were serious. He said the controversy over ineligible expenditure was a case of accounting vis-à-vis the World Bank spending policies.

“It is a misunderstanding and we have agreed to refund the World Bank. The ineligible expenditure ought to be paid using the GoK funds. It is not a loss, it is confusion in terms of accounting and we’ll address it by making internal controls,” Mr Odinga said.

He accused Dr Khalwale of selectively reading names of the 47 officers named in the audit report

The Kenya High Commission, London in partnership with Kenya Overseas Business Alliance (KOBA) invites you to the KENYA DIASPORA CONFERENCE & INVESTMENT EXPO 2011 to be held at the Old Town Hall, Stratford, London from 25-27th November 2011.

A number of exhibitors, mainly from Kenya and the UK, and distiguished speakers are expected to attend the EXPO. This year's event is sponsored by both private and Kenya government institutions, including Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Development and Vision 2030, ICT Board, Nation Media Group, Kingsgate Development, Oceanic Sports Management & Hospitality, FairICT among others. The speakers from various ministries will discuss issues related to investment opportunities and how the Diaspora can leverage its investment capabilities for Kenya Vision 2030.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Mandu (Kenya High Commission) - Tel: +44 (0) 207 6362371 ext 202 or Shiru Mwangi (KOBA) - Tel: +44 7561 171747
e-mail: events@koba-uk.com
website: http://www.koba-uk.com/kenya-diaspora-investment-expo-2011

2011 UKAA nomination closes at midnight on Sunday the 6th. Nominate today!
For those who would like extra mileage on the night, limited rooms are available at 135 pounds per room including full English breakfast and VAT. For more information Please call Ken on 07565918860.

It is with great sadness our family announces the passing away of our mother Monicah Gathoni Kanguru in Kenya on the 29th October 2011 after a short illness. She was wife to Mr Douglas Kanguru Gichumbi (formerly Nairobi Hospital) and mother to Pastor Peter Kanguru ( Nottingham), James Mwangi Kanguru (late), Mrs Keziah Wangui Kimani-Kiharu, Mrs (Pastor) Grace Ndegwa -Mai-Mahiu, Mrs Jane Wanjiru Kanyua-Kiharu, Mrs Abijah Wangari Mwangi-Nairobi, Ms Phyllis N.Kanguru-Nairobi, Mrs Emily Ndegwa-Nairobi, Mrs Ruth Warige- Mathioya, Ms Florence Njeri-Nairobi, Mr. Patrick Nguya Kanguru- Juba, and Samuel R. Kanguru-India.

Family, friends and well wishers are meeting daily for prayers and support from 6:00p.m @ House No. 97 Bobbers Mill Road, Nottingham, NG7 5JS

Contacts; Pastor Peter Kanguru 07588430305 or Mr & Mrs Nash Gichuru; 07934409116/07940077072

Mr Pete Kanguru NatWest; A/c no.38115255.Sort/code 605009 or Nationwide A/C 01017043 sort code 074456

PHOTO/FAISWAL KASIRYE /DAILY MONITOR The Kiira EV model developed by Makerere University Students.

The car is ready,” said the Project Manager Paul Isaac Musasizi of the Vehicle Design Mission at Makerere University which has produced Uganda’s first electric car. It was tested for road and drive performance, ability to climb steep areas, ability to pick up speed among other parameters. “The vehicle can pick speed very fast the motor stands strong, the reverse is perfect, it properly climbed a 55 degrees incline the performance is good,” Mr Musasizi said after driving the vehicle. More adjustments however still need to be done when the car is gaining speed as it tends to jerk, more power needs to be added to the steering wheel and a car horn installed. The making of Kiira EV started in August 2009 with a handful of students at the College of Engineering Art and Design formerly the faculty of technology.

“It was not easy, all we had was faith and no money but luckily President Museveni gave us a grant and we immediately started the work but getting people onto the project was not easy either,” Said Mr Musasizi. Bureaucracy to procure certain parts of the vehicle was another challenge the students had to battle with and delayed the making of the vehicle. The success of this car draws a lot of lessons both for the University and country said the principal Investigator or the Project Prof Sandy Tickodri-Togboa. “Because the entire staff of a faculty is not often involved in such projects, it would help if all academicians got involved. ‘‘This will improve methods of training at the University so that we are able to produce high calibre graduates,” Prof Tickodri-Togboa said. Kiira EV is a two-seater electric vehicle. Its battery system consists of Lithium-ion batteries, its speed maximum speed is 200km/hr. It will need a recharge after running 80 km. Although some components of the car like the steering wheel and other minor accessories were imported from manufacturers outside Uganda, most parts of the car including the core body and combustion system were designed and built locally.

Financial markets have suffered heavy falls after the Greek prime minister announced he would hold a referendum on the EU bailout package. Stock and bond markets opened up down following George Papandreou's decision - and on closing, it did not look much better. The FTSE 100 Index closed more than 2% lower. European stocks were also hit with Italy down 7% and Germany's DAX and France's CAC both sliding at least 5%. In Greece, the markets shed more than 6%, while US stocks were also affected with the Dow Jones closing down 2.5%. Speaking on Jeff Randall Live, Constantine Michalos, the head of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, said Mr Papandreou's idea was a 'suicidal move' that had sent the markets "completely in the doldrums". "He came out of the blue with this referendum idea, which he hadn't communicated even to his closest cabinet ministers … or with the major leaders of the European Union," he said. "And we've all seen the results of this flippancy - of this suicidal political move. We've seen the financial markets completely in the doldrums. "The euro has been threatened. And of course the credibility factor concerning Greece - which has been a problematic issue for months now as a result of the debt crisis - has worsened even more."

The Treasury is returning donor money stolen from the free primary education kitty, the Nation has learnt. About Sh164 million was paid to Britain’s Department for International Development (DfID) on Monday, topping up the Sh14 million refunded in July. The Canadians are also expecting a refund of Sh52 million. “Treasury has made the decision to refund the money on behalf of the government,” Education permanent secretary James ole Kiyiapi said on Tuesday without elaborating. DfID spokesperson Rose Brown said the money will be ploughed back to the education sector through non-governmental organisations. “It is right for the UK government to be fully reimbursed for our share of funds that have been stolen as we have an obligation to our taxpayers to ensure that their money is used for the intended purpose. “We want to grow programmes such as scholarships for needy students and distribution of textbooks to schools, besides improving accountability in the sector,” Ms Brown said. She said that 2.6 million textbooks for more than 320,000 school children in slums have since been bought and distributed through NGOs.

House for sale in Karen 37.5 million - owner is Pastor Joseph Kamau contact +254720905859

Kenyans should brace themselves for higher interest rate following Central Bank’s decision to surprise the market with a 5.5 percentage point hike on its benchmark rate. Last month it raised the CBR by 4 percentage point to 11 per cent forcing banks to increase their minimum interest rate to between 19 and 20 per cent. Announcing decision on Tuesday, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)—the policy decision making arm of CBK said raising the CBR to 16.5 per cent is expected to stem inflation that shot to 18.91 per cent in October. If the banks maintain the same spread of 9 percentage points, between CBR and the minimum lending rate, it means that commercial banks are likely to charge their best paying customers over 25 per cent, with those taking personal loans expected to pay over 30 per cent.

The possible role of Eritrea in supporting Al Shabaab insurgents has come into sharp focus after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) confirmed that two aircraft landed in Baidoa with a consignment of arms for the rebels. Although KDF did not name the origin of the aircraft, chatter on many Somali Internet sites, quoting Al Shabaab, said they were Eritrean. Kenya’s military now plans to strike Baidoa and has advised anyone with relatives and friends in the town to warn them of the imminent attack. Hitting Baidoa and taking over the airstrip would cut off one of the key supply routes, apart from Kismayu port, for weapons to the militants. On Tuesday, The Standard exclusively reported that aircraft suspected to be from Eritrea were spotted on Baidoa’s airstrip on Saturday under tight security from Al Shabaab. Eritrea has been accused of pouring flames on the conflict in Somalia by flying in weapons and explosives to the militants using the airstrip in Baidoa, a town controlled by the militants.

"God does not take away trials or carry us over them, but strengthens us through them." Pusey

Eurozone debt crisis: Markets dive on Greek referendum

European markets have fallen following Monday's announcement of a Greek referendum on the latest aid package to solve its debt crisis. Eurozone leaders agreed a 50% debt write-off for Greece last week as well as strengthening Europe's bailout fund. But the announcement of a referendum has cast doubt on whether the deal will be able to go ahead. The FTSE 100 in London traded 2.1% lower, the Dax in Frankfurt fell 3.5% and the Cac-40 in Paris dropped 3.2%. Earlier, the Nikkei in Tokyo closed down 1.7% and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong closed down 2.5%.

Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron (C), chairs a cabinet meeting. Photo/FILE

The United Kingdom has announced new measures to cut aid to Commonwealth countries at the forefront of the anti-gay campaign.

UK officials on Monday said that the decision by Prime Minister David Cameron to withdraw the general budgetary support targeted nations engaged in the abuse of homosexuals and Kenya was not one of them. A spokesperson in the UK’s Department for International Development said the Cameron administration would use the budget support to ensure that human rights abuses against homosexuals come to an end. “The UK will withhold general budget support (direct aid) to governments if we are not satisfied that they share our commitments to respect human rights. Kenya does not currently receive any general budget,” a statement from the British High Commission in Nairobi said, quoting the spokesperson.

“British aid should have more strings attached. This is an issue where we are pushing for movement, we are prepared to put some money behind what we believe. But I’m afraid that you can’t expect countries to change overnight,” he said in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation after attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth, Australia.

The change of policy by Britain is likely to affect more than 40 out of 54 Commonwealth countries whose laws outlaw homosexuality and carry punitive penalties for offenders. Mr Cameron hinted that Malawi, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana could be the first victims of the policy change. Ironically, the targeted countries inherited the punitive laws from Britain, which has now changed its policies to embrace homosexuality.Two weeks ago, Mr Cameron announced that gay marriages in the UK would be legalised. In July, the UK suspended Sh2.9 billion (£19 million) to Malawi after the government jailed two men for 14 years and hard labour for being homosexuals.

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Summer-born children are less likely to do well in tests and less likely to attend Russell Group universities, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Photo: PA

The youngest children lag behind older classmates by the age of seven and struggle to properly catch up throughout compulsory education, it was revealed. Despite being given additional help by parents, those born in August are 20 per cent more likely to take vocational qualifications at college and a fifth less likely to attend an elite Russell Group university than those with September birthdays. The study – published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies – also lays bare the extent to which a child’s date of birth influences their self-perception, social and emotional development and chances of being bullied at school. It comes amid a continuing debate over the best way to educate summer-born children. The Government insist parents should be given greater control over when children are enrolled in primary education – starting them part-time or later in the reception year to make sure they are “school ready”.

In today’s report, the IFS said further research was needed into the area but suggested children may also need to sit tests at different ages or have their scores “age-adjusted” to address the imbalance.

Ellen Greaves, IFS research economist and the report’s author, said: "It is clear that the consequences of the month in which you were born extend beyond educational attainment. “We find evidence that, particularly at younger ages, summer-born children are more likely to report being unhappy at school and to have experienced bullying than autumn-born children.

“In light of this, the Government should be concerned about the wider educational experience of summer-born children, who appear to be at a disadvantage in terms of their well-being as well as their test scores." The report – funded by the Nuffield Foundation – was based on an analysis of three major studies that track children from birth through their education and into early adulthood. It compared children born in September – at the start of the academic year – to those with birthdays in August to gauge the effect that this had on a range of issues relating to education and personal wellbeing.

Relative to peers with September birthdays, the study found that children born in August were:

It also found that August-born children were – on average – given a “richer home learning environment” than other pupils as parents seek to compensate for disadvantages their children face at school. The IFS said further research would be published next year about how to address the imbalance at school level. It suggested this may have “implications for the admissions policies that local authorities choose to follow” or may result in the need to test children at different stages or “age-adjust their scores in some way”.

William Oeri | NATION Kenyan troops heading to Amuma border entry point to flush out al Shabaab militants.

A Kenyan air raid at the weekend that struck a camp hosting thousands of displaced Somalis has killed five people, after two victims succumbed to their injuries, an aid official said Monday. A bomb on Sunday hit the camp, in the southern town of Jilib, where some 9,000 internally displaced children have sought refuge. The Kenyan military denied it had killed civilians, but Gautam Chapperjee, who heads Doctors Without Borders (MSF-Holland) Somalia mission, told AFP that the latest death toll was five.

"The total death death is five now, according to figures we have. That would be three children, one woman and a man," he said.

A woman died while on her way for surgery in a hospital on the capital Mogadishu, while another patient died at a local clinic in the area, Chapperjee said. Forty-four people were being treated at an MSF-run clinic in southern Somalia, the aid official said. Kenyan military spokesman Emmanuel Chirchir said Sunday they bombed a camp of the extremist al Shabaab militia, against whom they launched an offensive two weeks ago. He could not confirm the civilian deaths. Kenyan troops are battling the Al-Qaeda-inspired al Shabaab, accusing them of attacks and kidnappings of foreigners on its territory. The al Shabaab have denied the charges and warned Nairobi of reprisals. Chapperjee said the insecurity has forced them to halt some operations. "We had to pull out our team from Jilib yesterday because of this insecurity," he said. "So today the nutrition clinic and cholera centre are closed." "We will re-open as soon as things are a bit safer for our staff there."

Coalition chiefs are pledging to create 37,000 new jobs - as Prime Minister david Cameron says he is on an "all-out mision" to get the economy going. Nearly a billion pounds of public money will go on projects around the country including two new power stations in the north of England - to involve around 1,000 construction jobs. And the PM has also welcomed news BT will complete its roll-out of superfast broadband by 2014 - generating work for 500 more engineers. The developments are among a series of big infrastructure plans expected to be given the go-ahead next week. It will coincide with the first estimate of economic growth between July and August, which is expected to be just 0.3%.

The efforts to accelerate a number of both privately and publicly funded infrastructure projects follow claims the coalition is too focused on cutbacks. The schemes also provide a response to criticism suggesting the government is not trying hard enough to create jobs. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "What we're doing is investing in success, building jobs that last in areas which for too long were simply over reliant on the beck and call of Whitehall. "Of course there's a lot of bad news around, but let's not talk Britain down. These are world-beating industries and I think it's very important that government gets behind things that work." Power stations already in the pipeline are finally being gien the green light, but no investment is actually being brought forward, Chuka Umunna MP, shadow business secretary, said.

Last month, Mr Clegg said he wanted to speed up planning permission for 40 big infrastructure projects to help stimulate the economy.

His list of projects for "new special priority status" included road and rail projects, improvements in the efficiency of the national grid and expansion of the high speed broadband network. Chuka Umunna MP, Labour's shadow business secretary, dismissed the measures set out by Mr Cameron in the Financial Times. "This out of touch Prime Minister still doesn't understand the scale of the jobs and growth crisis Britain faces," he said. "Power stations already in the pipeline are finally being given the green light, but no investment is actually being brought forward. "And the long-delayed funding for projects through the regional growth fund is actually a two-thirds cut on what went before."

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt told Sky News: "We want to have at least 90% of the country with a 24mb connection because people's need for broadband is growing all the time. "We want to see shovels out on the roads. We want to see telegraph poles going up and fibre-optic cable being strung into remote communities. "But while infrastructure has a role, confidence that the Government is managing our national finances is also very, very important. "The problem in the eurozone is because people don't have that confidence."

Mr Widner (left) was an 'enforcer' for some of America's most notorious racist groups, and (centre) he had 25 operations over 16 months to remove his facial tattoo. Mr Widner (right) had considered using acid to hide his extensive tattoos

Bryon Widner, for years an "enforcer" for some of America's most notorious racist groups, shunned his beliefs after marrying but struggled to get a job due to his appearance. He was so desperate to hide his tattoos he even contemplated using acid to disfigure himself but eventually found a sponsor for expensive laser treatment.

The process, which cost $32,400 (£20,233), was so painful that he had to be put under general anaesthetic each time and it took 25 operations over 16 months before it was complete. Now his face is completely clear and scar-free and his hair has grown back.

His arms and torso are still extensively tattooed but he is inking over the "political" designs such as Nazi lightning bolts. The former racist, a founder of the Vinlanders gang of skinheads in Ohio, used to have swastikas branded on his scalp as well as HATE stamped across his knuckles, "Blood & Honour" on his neck and "Thug Reich" on his stomach. A black arrow, pointing upwards, was also etched onto his forehead as a symbol of his willingness to die for his race.

He and his wife Julie, a former member of the National Alliance, started to question their beliefs after they married in 2006 and were raising Mrs Widner's three children and a baby of their own. Mr Widner sent his "patch" back to his skinhead group and threw all his other belongings denoting his former life onto a bonfire but the couple struggled to find a solution for his facial tattoos. They scoured the internet but the surgery was so complicated and expensive that they started to investigate homemade possibilities.

He said: "I was totally prepared to douse my face in acid." Eventually, they were put in touch with the Southern Poverty Law Centre who became convinced the couple were genuine and found a sponsor to pay for the treatment. The donor said: "For him to have any chance in life and do good, I knew those tattoos had to come off." Dr Bruce Shack, of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville, used a laser pen to trace the tattoos and burned them off Mr Widner's face.

After a couple of sessions, he realised his patient was in too much pain and that he would have to be given a general anaesthetic each time. Mr Widner now suffers frequent migraines and has to stay out the sun because of the treatment but he says: "It's a small price to pay for being human again."

Voters on the queue wait to cast their votes. Photo/LABAN WALLOGA

Majority of Kenyans prefer to have the general elections held on August 2012 according to the latest survey conducted by Ipsos-Synovate. The survey, which was released on Monday, indicates that 53 per cent of Kenyans chose the month of August as their preferred election date compared to 38 per cent who prefer the month of December. “This is most likely an indication by Kenyans for their wish that what is spelt out in the new Constitution be respected.” says Ipsos-Synovate in a press statement. Nairobi province had 66 per cent of respondents supporting elections be held in August while 30 per cent prefer December. In Eastern province, 61 per cent also prefer the month of August compared to 25 per cent for December. Central province had 54 per cent preference for August against 40 per cent for December. In the Rift Valley province, 50 per cent of respondents prefer August while 44 per cent are in favour of December. Nyanza, Western and North Eastern provinces are slightly divided on the election date with 47 per cent in Nyanza prefer August while 45 per cent in favour of December. In Western, 44 per cent favour both August and December while in North Eastern 44 per cent favour August compared to 29 per cent who prefer December. “What is important to note is that in almost all regions, the general feeling is that the general election should be held in August,” says Ipsos-Synovate. The Constitution requires that the next election date be held on the second Tuesday of August. However, the Cabinet on September 13, 2011 proposed holding the national elections on December 2012. Daily Nation

Three million women a year experience violence in Britain, a significant proportion of them domestic abuse and men too!.

Half of all women who are victims of domestic violence will no longer qualify for legal aid under government proposals, leaving hundreds of thousands at greater risk of abuse, according to charities. Ben Jamal, chief executive of the charity Domestic Violence Intervention Project, said analysis of their case files indicated that 50% of women victims would lose out. Despite David Cameron's identification of the issue as a priority, experts say the government's proposed legal reforms run contrary to its pledges to tackle domestic violence. The Home Office action plan to end violence against women promises to "provide adequate support where violence does occur" and "take action to reduce the risk to women and girls who are victims.".

Three million women a year experience violence in Britain, a significant proportion of them domestic abuse, according to the government. Yet a coalition of specialists and women's rights groups say that proposals in the legal aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders bill, which has a third reading in the Commons this week, will seriously undermine its strategy on reducing violence against women. Emma Scott, of campaign group Rights of Women, said the planned reforms to save £350m a year in legal aid would have a "devastating and disproportionate impact" on women. She added: "In his press conference announcing the legal aid bill David Cameron said that he wanted families to feel safe in their own homes, yet it will leave many at greater risk of violence and abuse, trapped in violent and abusive relationships and at greater risk of post separation violence." "The reforms demonstrate a total lack of awareness and understanding of the dynamics and nature of domestic violence and the experiences of women affected by it." Officially the government's position is that legal aid will be available to victims of domestic violence. But groups point to the government's decision to effectively change the definition of domestic violence by upping the type of evidence required to substantiate allegations, making it harder to qualify for legal representation.

Under the proposals "only women who can prove a high risk of violence" such as having secured a conviction against their perpetrator or have been referred for a risk assessment will be eligible for legal aid. "They will put legal aid for family cases out of scope for the majority of women who have experienced violence and abuse," said Scott. Jamal added: "Officially the government says one thing, but in reality they have drawn down the definition so narrowly that significant numbers of women are no longer eligible."Experts argue that other evidence including GP records, 999 call outs, social services and information from housing agencies should also be allowed.

Jamal also warned that alleged perpetrators will lose legal aid, raising the possibility that victims of domestic violence abuse will be cross-examined in court by their alleged attackers.

As Kenyan continue to achieve globally, the UK- Kenyan Achievers Awards continues to recognise and celebrate Kenyans in the UK achieving at the highest level. The third UKAA (UK Kenyan Achievers Awards) presented by 2009 winner of most innovative Kenyan in the UK and UKAA ambassador Pauline Long is set to take place on Friday 18th November at the luxurious central London hotel Holiday Inn Bloomsbury.

The prestigious award ceremony will be attended by high profile Kenyan and non-Kenyan guests celebrating positive Kenyan achievements. Among the special guests on the night are: Hon Richard Onyonka (Ass minister for foreign affairs) H.E Ephraim Ngare (Kenya high commissioner UK), Lord Paul Johnson (Universal music) and many other dignitaries.

Entertainment on the night will be provided by the international top Kenyan comedian Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill), superstar Jimmy Gait (Huratiti). an exclusive fashion show and complete with a delicious Kenyan buffet. This year's award ceremony is very special as it will be donating proceeds to East Africa Famine Appeal by the charity Nile Africa Development (www.nileafrica.org)

Previous winners of UKAA include misterseed.com; a forum that provides news, information and brings together the East African community in UK & in the Diaspora, Ann Wafula-Strike; a remarkable author and Paralympics’ medallist who overcame disability to go on and become a world champion athlete representing Kenya. Janet Wainaina of African Acts TV and more.

Previous winner and an all round achiever and managing director of SACOMA Mr Sam Ochieng said, “recognising what people have worked very hard for in the Diaspora is absolutely amazing and I can only encourage more and more Kenyans to come forward and appreciate and support each other through ”.

UKAA 2011 nominee councillor/deputy mayor of Barking Miss Elizabeth Kangethe said, "This is something that boost the morale as a nominees without sitting in your own comfort zone. There is a lot of pressure to get to where you want to be and you have to fight for it, UKAA is a unique awards ceremony that serves as a motivator and helps others realise their full potential. It's a fantastic way of encouraging people to keep achieving and it also boosts morale for people to know that it can be done and it must be done. I like it especially because it recognises unsung heroes achieving in different fields not just academics".

UKAA ambassador Pauline Long admit, “Being appreciated by my community and being honoured with a UKAA award in 2009 opened so many doors for me. It gave me lots of encouragement to do more for my community as a result I founded BEFFTA awards, which is the premier prestigious red carpet award ceremony that recognises and promotes achievements of black and ethnic personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts in UK, US and Africa”.

Do you know a Kenyan achieving highly in the UK or inspiring, young or old...it could be your friend, colleague, neighbour, boss, please send nominations to admin@london2gether.com with contact details of the person nominated. For full nomination categories visit www.london2gether.com

For more information on how to purchase your ticket to this award ceremony giving back to East Africa Famine appeal please contact:
Ken on: 07565918860, Mercy: 07898134675, Josh: 07933505880

On 6 April 2011, the Immigration Rules were amended to introduce a salary requirement for settlement applications made by work permit holders and migrants under Tier 2 of the points-based system. Their applications must now include written confirmation from their employer or sponsor that they are being paid at or above the appropriate rate for their job as set out in the Tier 2 codes of practice.

From 31 October 2011, there will be further changes to the Immigration Rules. Work permit holders and Tier 2 migrants will need to provide specified documents to confirm that they are being paid at or above the appropriate rate for their job. This is in addition to the employer's confirmation.

From 31 October, any settlement application by a Tier 2 migrant or a work permit holder must include:

If they do not provide this evidence, their application may be refused. Before we amended the Immigration Rules in April to incorporate an income requirement for settlement, we conducted an equality impact assessment. You can find this in our Impact assessments section. The 31 October changes to the Rules are considered to be relatively minor and do not change that assessment. We will continue to have regard to the equality considerations of these changes, and will work to limit or mitigate, where possible, any adverse impact that is identified.

There is no legal requirement that a couple has to exchange rings for their marriage to be valid, but the centuries old tradition continues to be observed as part of modern wedding rituals.

It is one of the focal pints of a modern day wedding ceremony; a circular piece of shiny metal that is one of the most enduring symbols of marriage. Regarded as more than just an ornament, it marks the joining of two individuals into a married couple. And as December, one of the traditional wedding months in Kenya, draws near, many engaged couples are working on the finer details of their wedding ceremonies. Among the items being readied are the must-have wedding bands to be exchanged during the ceremony. There are designs to be chosen and fittings to be done to ensure the ring, usually golden, glides on smoothly as the lovebirds declare: With this ring I thee wed. There is no legal requirement that a couple has to exchange rings for their marriage to be valid, but the centuries old tradition continues to be observed as part of modern wedding rituals. But is the ring still a significant symbol of marriage? Or is it just a meaningless but costly symbol that can be done away with? Rose, who has been married for four years now, hardly ever notices the ring on her finger, except when admiring the look of it against a freshly done manicure. But she would not give it up, even though it does not work quite as well as it used to, to get people to accord her the respect due to married women. “The ring is such an integral part of me that it fades into my finger and becomes one with it. The only time I had to remove it was when I was pregnant two years ago and my swollen fingers made it uncomfortable to wear,” she says.

Single ladies also support the continuation of the tradition. Eleanor, a 25-year-old single nurse believes that wedding bands still have a place in society. “How else can you identify and distinguish between the married and the unmarried if you take away the rings?” she poses. But apart from identifying marital status, the ring seems to have lost its other “abilities”. Like how it used to stir respect for the boundaries of married people. Women say that the ring that once earned them total respect as married women is no longer taken with the same solemnity of the past. It used to be that a ring on the fourth finger of the left hand was a glaring sign that the wearer was unavailable. Daily Nation.

Our character is not revealed just by our actions, but by our reactions. Actions can be planned, but reactions are spontaneous. They give us a glimpse of what's really in our heart. At that point we can look at it and deal with it. Who among us would readily admit that at times we're greedy, lustful, controlling or insecure? Or resentful of the blessing of God that's evident in the lives of others? When the Psalmist prayed, 'Try me, and know my thoughts', he was inviting God to create the circumstances that would bring to the surface in him all the 'junk' at the bottom of the lake of his subconscious, hidden from view - not only from the eyes of other people but also from his own eyes. Paul writes to the believers in Galatia and says, 'My dear children! I feel as if I'm going through labour pains for you... and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives' (Galatians 4:19 NLT). Note the words 'until Christ is fully developed in your lives'. That calls for a resensitised conscience and a redirected will. During the reign of Oliver Cromwell the English government ran low on the silver it needed to make coins. So Cromwell sent his men into the cathedrals to search for some. They reported back that the only silver they could find was in the statues of the saints standing in the corners. Cromwell sent back word, 'Good; let's melt down the saints and put them into circulation.' That's what we need, isn't it? To be melted by God, filled with His Spirit, and put into circulation.

Kenyan troops on Thursday killed nine Al-Shabaab fighters and injured several others in a fierce exchange of fire after they were ambushed by the militants in Southern Somalia. The Kenyan troops were ambushed by an estimated 45 Al-Shabaab fighters as they moved from the town of Tabda to Beles Qooqani in central Jubaland to reinforce their compatriots. “Today, at around 11.30am, Kenyan troops came under Al-Shabaab attack, which marks the first engagement with the militia force. Al-Shabaab strength at the time of attack is estimated at 45 militants,” said Kenya Defence Forces spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir in a statement. Two Kenyan soldiers were injured, one critically during the fire exchange and were airlifted to the Advanced Dressing Station in Garissa for treatment. It was the first time the Kenyan troops were encountering resistance from the militants since they started Operation Linda Nchi 10 days ago. Meanwhile, Somali Islamist militants called for 'mujahideen trained by Osama'. The call-to-arms came as the Kenyan government warned that it planned to "destroy in the shortest time possible" Somalia's al-Qaeda-linked insurgents, al-Shabaab. "The Kenyan mujahideen who were trained by Osama in Afghanistan, stop throwing grenades at buses," he told a rally south of Mogadishu, the Somali capital, on Thursday. "We need a huge blow against Kenya. Hand grenades hurled can harm them but we want huge blasts. "The time to ask Kenya to stop war has passed. The only option is to fight them. Kenya, you have started the war and so you have to face the consequences." Kenya sent its army over the border into its anarchic neighbour apparently to hunt down al-Shabaab cells it blames for the kidnapping of four European women from northern Kenya in the last six weeks.

LATE HEZEKIEL WANYUMU NGARE
14.01.26 TO 25.10.11

We the family of Timothy Githugu Wanyumu (baba Njambi) of Coventry regret to announce the death of our dad Hezekiel Wanyumu Ngare of Nyeri on 25.10.11 after a short illness (two Months). He was the husband of the late Monica Njambi Wanyumu, father of Mary Kagure Wanyumu(Nairobi), late George Maina Wanyumu, late Jane Wangui Kariuki, Irene Wanjiru Thongoro(Nairobi), James Muchiri Wanyumu(Nairobi), Timothy Githugu Wanyumu, Loise Njugu Wanyumu(Meru) and Daniel Gathima Wanyumu(Garissa). He was father-in-law of engineer Lawrence Thongoro Kuria, Mary Wachera, Jane Wanjiku, Alice Njeri Githugu (mama Njambi Coventry) and Virginia Wanja Gathima. He was grandfather to 18 grandchildren among them Patrick W. Kagure (Kengen, Nairobi), Patrick W. Muchiri (Dubai), Sylvia and Sarah (Coventry) among others. He was great grandfather of 2 children.

Family and friends are meeting daily between 6pm to 8pm at 115 Humber Road, Coventry, CV3 1NU until Saturday 29.10.11 as family will be travelling for funeral which will be held on Tuesday 1.11.11 at Ruringu, Nyeri.

For further information please contact 07882514326 or 07846796620. For those willing to donate can contribute through the following account: S.N.Githugu, Barclays bank, account no.33333876 sort code 20-23-55.

It is with great sadness that the family of Nyagah Muringi announce the passing away of the daughter Nancy Gichugu Nyagah (born in 1969) on the 25th/10/11 at the Aga Khan hospital,Nairobi. She was the mother to Geoffrey and Collins,both in Kenya. She was sister to David Muriithi(Mjomba) of East London, Majorie Nyagah (mwari wa Nyagah),of Chigwell Essex, Peter Ndwiga of North Carolina,USA,Evanson Murani ( Baite) of Watford, Madeline Kiarie of Thika Kenya, Joseph Kariuki Nyagah of Ilford, East London, Nelson Mutegi, Muringi Nyagah, Njue Nyagah and Gichuku Kibuti of Kenya. Friends and family are meeting on Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and 30th October 2011 at 524, Limes Avenue, Chigwell, Essex.IG 7 5NF, for prayers and support. Meeting Times : 6:30pm. For those willing to donate, they can do it through Acct No 03197581 Sort Code 20-91-79 Barclays bank, Name EM Bedan. For queries, please contact Marjorie wa Nyagah -07725982003, David Muriithi (Mjomba) - 07957658095,Evanson Murani ( Baite)-07816764939, Joseph Kariuki-07947909130. Thank you for your support.

Europe banks told to find extra €106bn as protection against Greek losses

European bank shares leaped in the wake of the eurozone debt deal even though some of the continent's biggest banks were ordered to find an extra €106bn (£93bn)to cushion themselves against potential losses in Greece and other troubled countries. The capital shortfall was smaller than had been feared and analysts calculated that many banks would be able to fill the gaps by reducing their loans, halting dividends and bonuses and selling off businesses – rather than turning to taxpayers for a bailout – by the June 2012 deadline. Analysts at Credit Suisse calculated that such action might eventually reduce the capital shortfall to just €20bn. Banks in Greece will need to find €30bn, already earmarked from the country's bailout package. Spanish banks – including Santander which has a presence on the UK's high streets and needs €15bn – will need €26bn. Britain's banks were given a clean bill of health and the tripartite authorities (the Treasury, Bank of England and Financial Services Authority) said the strength of the UK's banks "reflects the actions taken to improve the resilience of the UK banking system since the financial crisis began".

The friends of Elshaddai wish to invite you to a thanksgiving and mini-fundraising service on 30th October 2011 starting from 10.30AM to 1PM at the IWRM church in Manor Park.

With your generous support and help we have almost paid for a piece of land and a house for these orphans. The cost of the land and building was 3.8 million/about 4 million including legal costs. We however have a balance of about £5,000 to clear.

Please spare whatever little you can and be a blessing to these orphans.Come and together we shall clear the balance. These children have no parents but they have you and us and together we can make a difference.

Join us for the prayers on the day so that in thanksgiving we may make our requests known to Jehovah.

For more information please contact 07944701204 or 07536436061 - email brian@alismu.co.uk

Red Devils fans must be hoping this terrible week ends quickly as supporters from across the world take it in turns to ridicule the Premier League champions. It started with a few light-hearted word-play jokes like 'Six in The City' and 'The Only Way is Ess6- 1' but now it has moved onto our supermarket shelves, as fans play a game of one-upmanship with each other. Some United fans got particularly uppity over the picture when it first appeared on Twitter, suggesting the entire Tesco corporation had taken sides against the Old Trafford club. However, it soon emerged that it was one rogue employee - although that still hasn't stopped the picture being passed around on email chains and social networking sites around the globe already.

Zimbabwean man claims prostitute turned to donkey

A Zimbabwean man has told a court that he hired a prostitute who during the night transformed into a donkey, and that he is now "seriously in love" with the animal, according to state media. "I think I am also a donkey. I do not know what happened when I left the bar, but I am seriously in love with (the) donkey," Sunday Moyo told the court, according to The Herald newspaper. Moyo, 28, was arrested in the town of Zvishavane, about 185 miles south of the capital Harare on Sunday. He said he had paid $25 for a prostitute, and was surprised Sunday morning when he heard people accusing him of having sex with a donkey. Moyo has been charged with bestiality and remanded in custody. The court has ordered him to undergo a mental examination, The Herald said.

Big nite out for all ravers and party people... Bring your flags, Bring your whistles come and rep your country... AfroParties Brings U A Nite Of Diverse Music.
HITLIST :Genge, Afro Beats, Zouk, Kwaito, Naija, Club Bangers, Ragga & the very best of Club Classics.
DJZ: DJ DOUBLE T (Lutons Finest), TONY BRO (Ex Bachhus Lounge & Live @ the BBQ), GUEST DJZ: DigitalDream DJZ
Doors Open @ 10pm - 5Am, £5 before Midnite, £ 7 thereafter. Nyama Choma availableCome celebrate your Birthday Parties, Wedding after parties with us.

Accommodation: Book Premier Inn on the day for £39 double room, do not drink & drive, it’s going to be a heavy 1 peeps. Lets make this the nite to remember, for more info call 07916273050, 07405373920, 07891108747 or visit www.djdoublet.co.uk

Eurozone rescue plan hits new hitch

There has been another hiccup in the eurozone's plans to announce a final rescue deal in Brussels to try to end the turmoil in the euro area. The Polish presidency of the EU has confirmed to the BBC that key meetings have been postponed. The EU's 27 finance ministers and the 17-nation Eurogroup will not now meet on Wednesday, although a full emergency heads-of-government summit will happen. This could mean a delay to final announcements on solutions. The hitch could stall agreement about how to enlarge the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) rescue fund and secure larger write-offs of Greek debt, although there is no confirmation of this. However, the BBC's Chris Morris in Brussels says the cancellation is being seen as largely procedural, since the full EU summit meant there was no need for the finance ministers to meet. Meetings of economy and finance ministers - known as Ecofin - are traditionally held to to prepare measures for consideration by heads of state and government at a summit.

France to support Kenya's incursion into Somalia

France will give logistical support to Kenyan forces pursuing Islamist militants across the border in Somalia, a French military spokesman says. Col Thierry Burkhard said French planes would transport military equipment to Kenyan soldiers near the Somali border. But he denied Kenyan military claims that a French warship had shelled a Somali town on Saturday. Meanwhile, some Somalis have protested against their president for opposing the incursion which began last week. The several hundred protesters waved Kenyan flags and burnt pictures of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, the Reuters news agency reports. The demonstrations took place in the border town of Dhobley and two other locations that Kenyan troops have passed through, Tabto and Qooqaani. In Dhobley, protesters chanted "Down with Sheikh Sharif" and accused him of failing to understand the suffering caused by the militant Islamist group, al-Shabab, witnesses told the BBC's Somali Service.

Crowded world awaits 7 billionth person to be born on Monday

On Monday night, a woman will give birth to a most significant child to the country and maybe even to the whole world. Where the child is born — whether Kibera, Dadaab or Runda — will greatly determine its future and whether it survives, thrives or dies in misery. This significant child could also be born in a rich town in Denmark but most likely it will be in a poor village in populous India. All these children are remarkable, because any of them could be the seventh billion human being on earth. The UN Population Fund will on Wednesday release the State of World Population Report 2011: People and Possibilities in a World of 7 billion

Two-thirds of UK parents asked in a survey had failed to make a will, prompting concerns about financial planning. But only parents in Canada, out of 17 countries, were more likely to have written one, the HSBC poll on retirement suggested. The study surveyed 17,000 people around the world, including 1,000 in the UK. It claimed UK adults with children were less likely to have cash set aside for their retirement than childless adults. Some 84% of parents across the 17 countries surveyed did not have a will. The study also claimed that UK and US adults were least likely to want to live with their children in later life. Some 48% of couples with children in the UK did not have any life insurance. "The fact that such large numbers of households are not planning ahead is leaving families greatly exposed to unforeseen events," said Christine Foyster of HSBC.

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in. - The Bible, Phillipians 4:11 (NASB)

At least one person was killed Monday evening and 13 others injured in a second explosion to hit Nairobi in 24 hours. The 8pm explosion was believed to have been a grenade hurled at a moving matatu near a crowded terminus between Race Course and Landhies roads in Nairobi. The injured were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment as security officers drawn from the General Service Unit and the police cordoned off the scene opposite the former Jack and Jill Supermarket. The covered body of the dead person was still at the scene when the Nation team arrived. Witnesses said the grenade was thrown at a matatu full of passengers, but bounced off its window and exploded in a crowd of people rushing to board buses. A police officer, who sought anonymity, said they had collected the remains of the explosive device, which they identified as a hand grenade. The Kaka matatu terminus serves the Kiambu, Githunguri and Ndumberi routes and is close to St Peter Claver’s Church, the Salvation Army Church and is only a few metres from the normally crowded OTC stage, which serves matatus to Nairobi’s Eastlands.

Kenyan Offensive Is Not Welcome, Somalia’s President Says

Somalia’s president on Monday criticized Kenya’s military offensive into his nation to root out Islamist rebels, raising questions about how bilateral the military action is. “There are things we see as inappropriate,” President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed said during a tour of a Mogadishu neighborhood, “such as Kenyan troops crossing the border into Somalia.” Kenya sent hundreds of soldiers, backed by tanks and aircraft, into Somalia this month to fight the Shabab, ruthless Islamists who control parts of the country. Kenya has said the purpose of the operation is to support Somalia’s government, which has been battling the Shabab with limited success for years, and that it plans to stay in Somalia until the threat of the insurgents has been “reduced.”

Leaders of the G7 political grouping have called on Prime Minister Raila Odinga to resign after a World Bank report implicated officials at his office for misusing funds meant for the Kaji kwa Vijana project. Led by Eldoret North MP William Ruto, the legislators said the PM should take political responsibility as the funds were under his direct watch. Mr Ruto, who was accompanied by Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and his Turkana Central colleague Ekwee Ethuro, said there should be no scared cows during investigations into the scandal. “He must take political responsibility by stepping aside to allow for investigations,” said Mr Wamalwa. The Saboti MP said he would raise the issue in Parliament and demand the names of those who misappropriated the cash. - Daily nation

Parts of Britain will be hit by more heavy rain today after a day which saw homeowners and businesses braced for flooding. Flood warnings are in place for Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and also for Bridlington, East Yorkshire. The Environment Agency has also issued flood alerts for rivers and coastal areas in Cornwall and Devon, as well as parts of Wales. A spokesman for MeteoGroup said: "The heavy rain we had in the South and the South West yesterday has pushed north-eastwards across England and Wales into southern Scotland overnight. "Any lingering rain across England and Wales will clear this morning, but across northern and eastern Scotland it will linger for much of the day. There will be some heavy and prolonged outbursts there.

Nobody ever mastered any skill except through intensive persistent and intelligent practice - Norman Vincent Peale.

Fourteen people were rushed to hospital after what police say is a grenade was lobbed into a bar in Nairobi around 1am on Monday. Anti-terrorism police have sealed off the bar - Mwaura's club - following the blast that comes soon after Kenya's recent offensive into neighbouring Somalia in pursuit of the al Shabaab militia. Witnesses said two of those removed from the bar after the blast appeared dead, but police told Nation.co.ke they could not confirm any deaths. Nairobi police boss Antony Kibuchi said he cannot confirm any deaths at this moment. The injured were rushed to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Police linked the attack with recent threats made by Somali al Shabaab insurgents. "Yes, we are linking the grenade attack to the threats that have been issued by Shabaab and that is why I am appealing to city residents to be vigilant and cooperate with our officers," Mr Kibuchi said. Security in key towns in Kenya has been put on a high alert following Kenya's military operations in Somalia which sparked threats from the al Shabaab group that it will retaliate deep in Kenya.

Kenya, Somali troops close in on key rebel town

Kenyan and Somali government troops edged closer on Sunday to a town in southern Somalia where al Qaeda-inspired rebels have grouped, hoping to strike a quick blow against them. The al Shabaab rebels, blamed for several kidnappings of foreigners on Kenyan soil have reinforced their defences in the town of Afmadow, a strategic transit point for goods trafficked illegally through the rebel-controlled Kismayu port, al Shabaab's nerve centre for operations. Somalia's Western-backed troops say the aim of the operation is to rid Kismayu of the militants, which if achieved, would wipe out their base for logistics and recruitment. "We have so far captured Qoqani, just 120 km (75 miles) west of Kismayu, where we are heading to," said General Yusuf Hussen Dhumal, commander of Somali government troops near Afmadow. "Our troops in Taabto and Hayo have also moved near Afmadow and are just 7 km away. We wish in the coming two days to reach Afmadow ... Kenyan convoys are also with us," he told Reuters. On Saturday, the Kenyan military said it had moved beyond Oddo and had launched an air strike on Munarani, 10 km away from Oddo, hitting an al Shabaab command centre. Residents said convoys of armoured vehicles and trucks carrying weaponry, food supplies and tents were seen leaving four military camps in Isiolo in northern Kenya on Friday and heading towards the border. Kenya says it has not encountered any resistance from the rebels and that the militants are on the run and getting weaker, but any attempt to take Afmadow, where the rebels have massed and dug trenches, could result in a significant ground battle.

I will go for presidency, declares Kalonzo

Vice President Kalonzo has declared that he is in next year's presidential race to win and would go for nothing short of the presidency. "I am in the race to win and I am going for nothing short of a win", Mr. Musyoka stated during a rally cum fundraiser at Kipsaramani, in Baringo North Constituency. Next general elections being transitional, he added, and the fact that the new government would be charged with the implementation of the new constitution, it would be unwise for the country to put its leadership in the hands of untested or unreliable people. "I have the experience in politics and the management of public affairs. I also come from an ordinary background like most Kenyans and therefore I am well positioned to steer this country to achieve the aspirations of all Kenyans", Mr. Musyoka noted, adding that the country needed his peace-negotiation skills to unite. Mr. Musyoka asked Kenyans to reject selfish leaders who plan to use money to confuse them into voting them. The VP said Kenyans can not afford to gamble with their lives and urged them to choose a nationalistic leader who has the ability to unite this country across ethnic divides. He said Kenyans should protect the country's sovereignty which he said had been tarnished by the post-election violence and the subsequent International Criminal Court trial at the Hague.

US embassy warns on Kenya attack

The US embassy in Nairobi warned on Saturday of an "imminent threat" of attacks possibly targeting foreigners, one week after Kenyan forces crossed into Somalia to hunt down al Shabaab fighters. The embassy cited "credible information of an imminent threat of terrorist attacks directed at prominent Kenyan facilities and areas where foreigners are known to congregate, such as malls and night clubs." "The embassy has taken measures to limit official US government travel to Kenya and US citizens should take this information into account when planning travel and consider deferring travel at this time," the embassy added, in a statement provided by a State Department spokesman in Washington. The statement did not specify who might carry out such attacks. The State Department issued a travel warning for Kenya in December that remains current and warns of "continuing threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime."

David Cameron: euro crisis has 'chilling effect' on British economy

He arrived at an EU summit in Brussels insisting the issue had to be tackled once and for all - and it involved all member states and not just those in the single currency club. "The crisis in the eurozone is having an effect on all our economies, Britain included." the Prime Minister insisted. "It's having a chilling effect. We need to deal with this issue and so it's right to have a European council (summit) and for the European council to discuss this issue here in Brussels today." EU leaders were taking their turn on the third day of talks designed to forge an economic crisis response which will calm market fears and deliver reassurance that the eurozone has a credible package of measures to withstand current and future economic shocks. Today's summit was meant to result in a final plan for dealing with the region's debt crisis, which has caused turmoil in financial markets since early summer, but the deadline was put off until Wedensday after discussions between France and Germany became deadlocked last week.

The registry of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will soon roll out a public information campaign to explain the ICC court process in a move which will be seen as an effort to ease tensions ahead of the judges’ decision. Court registrar Silvana Arbia says her department was already informing the public about the cases in The Hague and that this would be strengthened in the months to come. “As international criminal processes are sometimes complex, there is a need to continuously reinforce messages and clarify misperceptions arising from the process,” she told the Sunday Nation. “The Court is in the process of establishing direct dialogue with grassroots in remote communities to listen and respond to their questions, concerns and views about the Court’s processes. In this way, the Court intends to get closer to local authorities, civil society and communities most affected by the crimes committed during the post-election violence, which is the subject of the ICC’s investigation in Kenya.” There has been concern in some quarters that failure to fully understand the ICC process and conspiracy theories about the cases, could serve as a trigger for violence as the cases enter a decisive phase. MPs William Ruto, Henry Kosgey and journalist Joshua arap Sang face accusations of inciting and financing attacks against civilian populations in the Rift Valley following the last elections.

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Turkey, causing buildings to collapse and causing deaths and injuries, officials said. The quake hit just north-east of the city of Van, where Anatolia news agency said at least 50 people were injured. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said there had been damage and deaths in Van but gave no firm figure. Turkey is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it sits on major geological fault lines. Two earthquakes in 1999 with a magnitude of more than 7 killed almost 20,000 people in densely populated parts of the north-west of the country.

All US troops will be pulled out of Iraq by the end of the year, President Barack Obama has announced. He ordered a complete withdrawal from the country, nearly nine years after the invasion under President George W Bush. About 39,000 US troops remain in Iraq, down from a peak of 165,000 in 2008. The US and Iraq were in "full agreement" on how to move forward, Mr Obama said, adding: "The US leaves Iraq with our heads held high." "That is how America's military efforts in Iraq will end."

Key towns fall in match to Kismayu

Kenya Defence Forces and Somalia’s Transition Federal Government (TFG) soldiers have secured two towns held by Al Shabaab, as Operation Linda Nchi entered day six. The troops secured the border town of Kolbio and captured Oddo, north of Ras Kamboni, in their march towards the Al Shabaab stronghold of Kismayu. Friday, the local administration in Ras Kamboni – which was taken by Kenyan soldiers on Thursday – organised its first administrative meeting since the Kenyan army moved in. Military spokesman Major Emanuel Chirchir said in a statement that the troops secured Oddo without much resistance from the terror gang. As the gains were being made yesterday, Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces General Julius Karangi and Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula flew to Addis Ababa for a round table meeting with the TFG ministers, Ethiopian Chief of the Defence Forces and Amison officials. - The Standard

British firms urged to 'pack suitcases' in rush for Libya business

The starting pistol for British firms to pursue contracts in Libya has been fired by the new defence secretary, Philip Hammond, who urged companies to "pack their suitcases" and head there to secure reconstruction contracts. As Nato announced that it plans to wind up operations in Libya, Hammond said that great care had been taken during the campaign to avoid destroying critical infrastructure. "Libya is a relatively wealthy country with oil reserves, and I expect there will be opportunities for British and other companies to get involved in the reconstruction of Libya," he told the BBC in an interview. "I would expect British companies, even British sales directors, [to be] packing their suitcases and looking to get out to Libya and take part in the reconstruction of that country as soon as they can," said Hammond, who replaced Liam Fox as defence secretary a week ago. He added that after a "hugely successful" British mission in Libya, Britain now needed "to support the Libyans to turn the liberation of their country into a successful stabilisation so that Libya can be a beacon of prosperity and democracy in north Africa going forward."

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give - Norman MacEwan.

£1 in every £10 is now spent online

Internet retail sales now account for almost £1 in every £10 spent in the UK, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Internet retail sales in September reached £539.4 million, approximately 9.6% of total retail sales (excluding automotive fuel), compared with £415.9m in September 2010. Overall retail sales rose by 5.4% in September compared with a year earlier. However, the volume of goods sold increased by just 0.6% in the same period, reflecting the effect of higher inflation on retail prices: the amount being bought by volume has increased far more slowly than the amount being spent on those goods.

Mobiles Don't Cause Cancer, Study Finds

Using a mobile phone does not increase the risk of brain tumours, according to the largest scientific study into the issue. A report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has concluded that there is no link between the devices and cancer, after detailed research in Denmark. More than 350,000 people were monitored over 18 years by the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology (ICE) in Copenhagen as part of the study. Focusing on people over the age of 30, data on mobile phone subscriptions and the incidence of brain tumours were compared. In total, 10,729 tumours of the central nervous system were diagnosed from 1990 to 2007, but the research found little difference in the rate between non-subscribers and mobile phone users. Tumours were not related to the number of years mobile phones were used or the location where the handset is usually held to the head, the report said.

Did you know? World’s largest family with 181 members live in 100-room, four-storey house in India

Ziona's family is the largest in the world and the 4 storey house they live in (Pic: Reuters)

Ziona Chana is head of the world’s largest family, which has 181 members – him, 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters-in-law and 33 grandkids. The youngest child is 5 years and first wife, Zathiangi is 71

Although the construction worker, whose youngest child is five, certainly has his hands full – and, in one of our pictures, his head in his hands – he insists he is blessed. Ziona, 67 said: “I consider myself a lucky man to be the husband of 39 women and head of the world’s largest family.”

Life at the family’s 100-room, four-storey house in Baktwang, India, is run with military precision, with first wife Zathiangi, 71, organising all the others when it comes to domestic chores.

She said: “I am the eldest and have been married to Ziona the longest. Everyone in the family respects me.”

There is also a rota system when it comes to who shares Ziona’s double bed – the other 38 wives have to make do with the communal dormitories.

The Government will provide adequate security in all parts of the country and defend her territorial integrity by all means, President Mwai Kibaki has avowed. Confirming that Kenya's security forces had begun operations within and outside the borders against militants who have threatened the country's peace and stability, President Kibaki assured that the government was working closely with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, IGAD and the African Union in the ongoing operation. Commending the security forces for being ready to defend the country's sovereignty, the President urged Kenyans to pray for the personal safety of the armed forces as they embarked on the operation of securing national security. President Kibaki made the remarks Thursday in his address to the nation during celebrations to mark the second Mashujaa Day at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Libya's Col Muammar Gaddafi was killed in crossfire in an assault on his birthplace of Sirte, officials say. Acting Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril said he had been shot in the head in an exchange between Gaddafi loyalists and National Transitional Council fighters. He confirmed that Col Gaddafi had been taken alive, but had died before reaching hospital. Nato's governing body, meeting in the coming hours, is expected to declare an end to its Libyan bombing campaign. Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that with the death of Col Gaddafi "that moment has now moved much closer". "After 42 years, Col Gaddafi's rule of fear has finally come to an end," he said. "I call on all Libyans to put aside their differences and work together to build a brighter future."

EU leaders are to hold another summit by Wednesday, because they will not be able to agree a rescue plan for the euro on Sunday. French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a crisis strategy would be discussed on Sunday and adopted at the next meeting. EU leaders need to agree a second bailout for Greece, how to recapitalise banks and a stronger bailout fund. President Sarkozy also called for talks with the private sector. The private sector talks would be "to find an agreement allowing to strengthen the sustainability" of Greek debt. Previous disagreements between France and Germany about the bailout plans have centred on how much the private sector would have to contribute to any package.

Kenyan jets were on Wednesday pounding al Shabaab positions in Somalia as ground forces prepared a fresh assault against the militia group. The airstrikes were carried out in areas between Kismayu and the border with Kenya. On the fourth day of the operation code-named Operation Linda Nchi (Kiswahili for ‘Operation Protect the Nation’), Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula launched a diplomatic drive to win support for Kenya’s offensive against the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab terror group. In Nairobi, the army spokesman, Major Emmanuel Chirchir, said Kenyan fighter planes have been hitting al Shabaab positions as Kenyan-backed Somali government ground troops moved in to drive out the rebels. “Our forces are in good shape to fight this battle to the end,” Maj Chirchir said. – Daily Nation

A 'mother of all operations' will be conducted in Nairobi's Eastleigh estate to flush out any suspected Al Shabaab members as the war against the militant group intensifies. All flights and buses headed to and from regions bordering Somalia will also be screened to ensure that Kenyans are safe from any terrorist threats that may be posed by the Al Qaeda-linked group. Internal Security Assistant Minister Orwa Ojodeh told Parliament that the war against the militant group is like fighting "a big animal with its main network in Kenya and only a fraction of it extending into Somalia". "This is a big animal with its head in Eastleigh, Nairobi and the tail in Somalia," said Ojodeh, eliciting protests from MPs of Somali origin. Eastleigh is a sprawling business and residential hub in eastern part of Nairobi, predominantly occupied by Somalis. "We will do a massive operation to get rid of Al Shabaab and Al Qaeda here in Nairobi and I request that the police be supported so that Kenyans are safe," said Ojodeh. "I know Kenyans might be uncomfortable with this, but after two weeks, things will be okay." Wajir West MP Adan Keynan and Nominated MP Mohammed Affey, accused Ojodeh of trivialising the issue yet it was a matter of national security. But the minister accused them of not supporting the Government’s initiative to fight the militant group.

The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them. George Bernard Shaw

It is with great sadness we announce that Margaret Njeri Thuku D.O.B 22/9/1974 died in Germany, Berlin on the 11th October 2011 from Cervical Cancer. She was a mother to two children, Vanessa and Donnell. Vanessa is currently sitting her final KCSE Exams so is yet to be told and also the burial will need to be delayed until Vanessa finishes her exams. The burial is likely to be held on week commencing 14th November after the exams. As the body will be in the mortuary until mid-November, the costs will be high not to mention the flight costs for transporting her home. Maggie will be laid to rest in Kiambu, Kenya. Your prayers as well as any financial assistance will be highly appreciated. People can get in touch with Rose Thuku-Kamau on 07878766431 or John Kamau on 07737670148. Rose's Bank details are: Lloyds TSB, Welyn Garden City, Sort Code: 30-99-31 and Account number: 14020468. Every little counts. Help this family.

John 20:25-27 reads: 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” New Christians aren't the only ones who struggle with doubt; sometimes seasoned believers do too. One Christian author calls them 'doubt-storms...turbulent days when the enemy's too big, the task too great, the future too bleak...and the answers too few. Thomas said, 'Unless I... put my finger where the nails were...I will not believe...' [Jesus] said...'Reach out your hand ...Stop doubting and believe.' Thomas asks the question we all ask when we're struggling, 'If God is so good, why do I feel so bad? If His message is so clear, why am I confused? If He's in control, why do good people wrestle with gut-wrenching problems?'...You'd rather be a cynic than a hypocrite, so you...pray with one eye open and wonder...about starving children...the power of prayer...the depth of grace...Christians in cancer wards...and who you are to ask such questions anyway.' Elisabeth Elliot said, 'True faith only goes into operation when there are no answers.' God says, 'My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways' (Isaiah 55:8 NKJV). The truth is, God doesn't think like us. He sees the big picture and works toward a specific end. In a conversation with His disciples Jesus said, 'I have many more things to say...but they are too much for you now' (John 16:12 NCV). When you find yourself doubting and questioning God, pray: 'Lord, believing isn't easy when I'm hurt and confused, and You are silent. Like Thomas, I want proof that You love me. Help me see beyond my desire for peace and comfort, beyond my doubts and unanswered questions, and grasp the truth of Your unfailing love and grace.'

NOTE: I am off for Holiday for the next few week and GOING TONIGHT! Be back soon.

I take this opportunity to invite you in our pray Conference Prayer every Morning from 6-7a.m. call this local number in UK Tel 02030042084 pin No.67299# and you will be able to join us for prayers. It is a free number with landline in UK.

It was the ultimate statement of the UK property boom. A sprawling mansion of 103 rooms, with grounds larger than Buckingham Palace's and everything an oligarch or oil baron could desire. But Updown Court — which developers spent at least £50 million on — just didn't sell. Not at the height of the housing boom and certainly not as the property market fell apart. In fact, it's taken six-and-a-half years and a massive £35 million knocked off the asking price before anyone was prepared to part with cash for what was billed as "the first 21st century stately home in Britain". If you think back to the world as it was in 2005, you can see why developers thought they were on to a winner. UK house prices rose to record highs on a weekly basis. Mortgages of the entire value of a home were seemingly available to anyone willing to 'self-certify' their earnings. People on 'Property Ladder' made a terrible hash of their developments as Sarah Beeny looked on in horror, then made tens of thousands in profit as buyers lapped up their creations regardless of what they'd done. What's more, London was becoming a Mecca for Russian oligarchs, Indian business moguls and oil-rich Middle Eastern sheiks. And it was in this world that property developer Leslie Allen-Vercoe launched Updown Court. Developers spent £20 million on the site, then three years and another £30 million turning it into what was described as "a spectacular mansion of unparalleled scale and luxury" when it went on the market in early 2005.

But despite a slick marketing campaign and coverage across the national press, no one bought it. For more than six years billionaires turned their noses up at the opulence, the 27 bathrooms, underground squash court, bowling alley and private cinema. With the maintenance costs of the 12 acres of landscape gardens, 46 acres of private woodland, five heated swimming pools and more running at a reported £60,000 a month, the mortgage lenders finally stepped in and took it from Allen-Vercoe's hands in August this year. In a symbol of how much the world had changed since the easy-credit days of the property boom, the people who ended up first owning Updown Court were the Irish taxpayers rather than a foreign billionaire. Irish Nationwide had provided funding totalling as much as £63 million as part of the project, and when that lender went bust, it was nationalised by the Irish government and Updown Court became part of Nama (National Asset Management Agency) — the newly-created 'bad bank' designed to get as much money as it could from investments unwisely taken on by banks at the heyday of the credit boom. Nama slashed the price from its initial £70 million to £35 million, and has now reportedly sold the property to an Indian businessman. And in a rare bit of good news for the troubled property, even at that reduced rate it is believed that the Irish government has made a profit on the deal, something that has very slightly lightened the burden on the Irish taxpayer.

A former taxi driver has become the first person for 3,000 years to be mummified in the same way as the pharaohs. TV viewers will see Alan Billis turned into a mummy over the space of a few months as his body is preserved using the techniques which the ancient Egyptians used on Tutankhamun. Mr Billis had been terminally ill with cancer when he volunteered to undergo the procedure which a scientist has been working to recreate for many years. The 61-year-old from Torquay in Devon had the backing of his wife Jan, who said: "I'm the only woman in the country who's got a mummy for a husband." The process is revealed in a new Channel 4 documentary Mummifying Alan: Egypt's Last Secret to be screened on Monday October 24. Dr Stephen Buckley, a chemist and research fellow at York University, has spent 19 years trying to uncover the preservation techniques which the Egyptians used during the 18th dynasty. Alongside archaeologist Dr Jo Fletcher, Dr Buckley has studied mummified bodies, analysing tissue samples and finally putting his findings into practice by putting them to the test on Mr Billis's body at Sheffield's Medico-Legal Centre. "It's turned current understanding, including my own, completely on its head," said Dr Buckley. Mr Billis had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer when he heard about the search for a body donor. "I was reading the paper and there was a piece that said 'volunteer wanted with a terminal illness to donate their body to be mummified'," he told the documentary team. "People have been leaving their bodies to science for years and if people don't volunteer for anything nothing gets found out." Mummifying Alan: Egypt's Last Secret will be screened on Channel 4 on Monday October 24 at 9pm.

A man who died when he fell from a high-speed Eurostar train was an Albanian national who had been refused entry to the UK. The 22-year-old was returning voluntarily when he fell from a London to Brussels service in Cheriton, Kent, at about 5.50pm on Monday. British Transport Police (BTP) said the incident was being treated as "non-suspicious". There were long delays to the Eurostar service as police launched an investigation. Paramedics declared the man dead at the scene. A BTP spokesman said the man is believed to have entered the UK earlier in the day from Brussels and was returning voluntarily after being refused entry. "The man's body has been recovered to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent," he said. "The train was taken out of service and the line handed back at 10.09pm." Richard Ashworth, MEP for South East England and Conservative spokesman on agriculture and rural affairs, was one of the passengers on the train. He said: "The understanding was that an illegal migrant being deported somehow got off it and was killed, so they stopped for police to be brought on. "It defies logic how you get a door open on a train at high speed."

While many of us set long-term goals in regards to our health and fitness, there are many things you can do right now to boost your health each day. To improve your wellbeing and start feeling better, check out these 10 healthy changes to make to your day.

Plan to be healthy

Like most things worth having, a healthy lifestyle sadly won’t fall into your lap without any effort. To make healthy lifestyle choices a regular part of your day it is important to make a plan and schedule them in, at least until they become second nature. Rather than making vague plans to “eat more healthily” or “do some exercise”, make a menu for the day ahead detailing exactly what you will eat, or schedule in a date for exercise, establishing an exact time, activity and location. Whatever your health intentions, set your purpose for the day ahead and factor in some time to make it happen.

Ditch your alarm clock

Few of us would class the alarm clock as our favourite household appliance. However, if you find yourself waking up feeling sluggish and miserable and repeatedly pressing snooze, it may be worth investing in a gentler wake-up call. Ideally, our bodies our wired to wake up to natural light; however it is not always possible to do so. Instead, try purchasing a wake-up light which will wake you up gently as it gradually brightens, helping to regulate sleeping patterns and boost your mood and energy levels for the rest of the day.

Don’t overdo your morning workout

While a daily workout is great for your health, research suggests that it may be best to leave your exercise session until later in the day. A study by a researcher from Brunel University, Middlesex, found that heavy training sessions early in the morning compromise the immune system and put athletes at increased risk of infection from bacteria and viruses. While a morning jog or gentle exercise session is unlikely to put you at great risk, try to save heavier workouts for later in the day.

Start your day on a positive note

Many of us start the day with a morning newspaper or by listening to the news. However, while it’s good to stay informed of what is happening in the world, it can also start the day off on a negative note. If you find yourself struggling to get in a positive frame of mind, try following your morning news update with some motivational reading, an inspirational quote or an email from a friend. Not only will starting your day with a more positive outlook help to boost your mood and productivity, but studies have shown that positive people are less likely to die of heart disease or stroke.

Don’t eat at your desk

Having a busy day? Try not to give in to the temptation to skip your lunch break and eat at your desk. Refusing to take a break is not only bad for your mental health, but eating while distracted may mean you are more likely to overeat. On top of this, spending your lunch hour at your desk can compromise your health by lengthening the time you are physically inactive and exposing you to bacteria. According to a study by the University of Arizona, your work station contains nearly 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat, making it a less than ideal place for dining.

Get more active, more often

According to a number of research studies, sitting for long periods of time puts you at risk of dangerous illnesses such as heart disease – regardless of whether you are otherwise physically active. To safeguard your health while in the office, make an effort to move more often throughout the day in any way you can. Set up an alert or write a post-it note reminding you to get up and stretch, take more trips to the water cooler, or organise your workspace so that things are out of reach. Even the smallest activities done regularly can make a difference to your health.

Listen to music

Whether you’re travelling to work, sat at your desk or having a workout, listening to your favourite music could do wonders for your health. Not only can playing music help you relax and boost your mood, research has also shown that listening to music you enjoy can promote good heart health, help manage pain and boost the immune system too. Furthermore, research by Brunel University found that listening to music while working out can boost exercise endurance by as much as 15 per cent.

Watch some comedy

While in an ideal world we would all opt to shun the TV in favour of going for a run or doing something productive, if you simply can’t resist the lure of an evening in front of the box, you can still look after your health by being selective about what you watch. According to research by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, comedies are the way to go, with research findings suggesting that watching a funny movie or show is beneficial for your heart, while watching horror or war movies can cause mental stress.

Stop mindless snacking

Many people find themselves snacking during the day or evening out of boredom or habit. However, not only is this an easy way to pile on the pounds, but often we may not even enjoy what we’re eating. According to researchers from the University of Southern California, once people have established an eating habit they will continue eating that food whether or not it tastes good and regardless of whether they are hungry. To help stay trim, try being more aware of your eating habits and ask yourself why you are eating; whether it’s through hunger, boredom or simply out of habit.

Keep a diary

If you can’t remember the last time you poured out your heart into the pages of a diary, it may be time to get back into the habit. Research has shown that regularly writing in a diary can boost the immune system, ease stress and depression and help you recover more successfully from traumatic events. Furthermore, reflecting on the good things in your life can help you to think more positively. Try to take a few minutes at the end of each evening to reflect on your day, taking time to count your blessings as well as reflecting on the things from which you can learn.

The Kenyan military forces with the help of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia forces have taken control of a third Al Shabaab controlled town of Afmadow. The town was taken over Tuesday morning on day three of an offensive that aims to flash out the militia group that has recently started raiding Kenya. Military Spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir told KBC on phone that the operation was going on well despite the heavy down pour which has slowed it down. Chirchir said they have information on the location where the two Spanish aid workers seized by gunmen from Dadaab refugee camp are being held. He said the military will be moving to the area later in the day. Afmadow resident Hussein Osman Roble said warplanes were swooping low in the skies above the rebel stronghold . "Most residents have been fleeing since yesterday towards Dhobley," Roble told Reuters by telephone from inside Afmadow, referring to the border area now cleared of militants . "Jets have flown low over Afmadow, terrifying the residents, while al Shabaab is digging trenches and tunnels for defense inside and around Afmadow," Roble said. On Monday, heavily armed Kenyan forces were concentrating their offensive at Qoqani region, about 100 kilometres from the border. Last month, a British woman and a Frenchwoman were abducted by suspected Al Shabaab militia from beach resorts at the Coast in two separate incidents.

A Bill seeking to control the interest charged by banks on loans has been published and is ready for debate in Parliament. The Bill by Rangwe MP, Mr Martin Ogindo, seeks to amend the Banking Act to prohibit banks and other financial institutions from charging interest at more than four per cent above the rate set by the Monetary Policy Committee. If the Banking (Amendment) Bill is passed by Parliament, banks will also be required to pay interest on deposits at a rate of at least 70 per cent of the base rate set by the committee. The MPC last month increased its key lending rending by 4 per cent to 11 per cent, meaning that if the amendment was to be effected immediately, the highest lending rate to customers would be 15 per cent. Any person who defies the provisions of the Banking Act is liable to a fine of up to Sh100,000 or to imprisonment of for a term not exceeding two years, or both. However it may be too late given that commercial banks have already increased their minimum lending rates to as high as 20 per cent. The Bill is reminiscent of the Finance (Amendment) Act 2001, introduced by former Gem MP Joe Donde and it also aimed at capping the interest rates charged on loans by the banks. Progress on the Donde Bill came to a dead end after the then President Daniel arap Moi declined to assent to it.

The Bill had been passed by Parliament and was at the time seen as a decent effort to reduce the interest rates charged by commercial banks. It had sought to address the high cost of lending by pegging maximum lending and lowest deposit rates on Treasury Bill rates and narrow the gap between the lending and deposit rate. The bill by Mr Ogindo would be a welcome relief for Kenyans, who pay high interest rates for loans yet get very little on their deposits with the same banks. However, the banking industry says such a move is against a free market economy. “You cannot legislate on how much banks can increase their lending rates because that will be against a free market economy,” said Mr Habil Olaka, Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) chief executive officer. KBA speaks on behalf of commercial banks. “Banks also do not have a uniform lending rate from where to increase or reduce,” Mr Olaka said. The CBK has also asked commercial banks to hold down lending rates. However, more than eight banks have already raised their minimum lending rates in the last one month to as high as 20 per cent, from an industry average of 13 per cent at the beginning of the year. Bankers have said the increases are meant to cushion their profit margins which have come under pressure as depositors demanded higher returns on their savings. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya hiked the rate from 15.5 per cent to 16.5 per cent last month. Bank of India increased their rates from 13.5 per cent to 14.75 per cent whereas Victoria Commercial Bank and Development Bank adjusted their rates to 16 per cent. I&M Bank also raised it lending rate to 15.75 per cent. – Daily Nation.

UNITY, RECONCILLIATION, HEALING AND RE-FOCUSING IN: SPIRITUAL,SOCIAL,ECONOMIC & POLITICAL ASPECTS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND NATION

WITH INVITATION FROM THOSE ON THE GROUND (MERCIFUL GOD MINISTRIES), WE WILL BRING THE SAME MESSAGE TO THOSE IN SHEFFIELD AND THE NEIGHBOURING TOWNS. DURING THIS EVENT, WE WILL JOIN HEARTS AND MINDS IN LIFTING OUR NATION BEFORE GOD. PLEASE PRAY, PUBLICISE AND PLAN TO ATTEND.

NEXT CITY AFTER SHEFFIELD IS BRISTOL -12/11/12, FOLLOWED BY COVENTRY ON 19/11/12.

The British team hoping to drive a car faster than 1,000mph has unveiled a full-scale model of the vehicle. The 1:1 replica of the 12.8m-long (42ft) Bloodhound SuperSonic Car (SSC) is the result of three years of aerodynamic study. The model is a star turn at this year's Farnborough International Air Show. The team has announced that aerospace manufacturer Hampson Industries will begin building the rear of the real vehicle in the first quarter of 2011. Another deal to construct the front end with a second company is very close. "We now have a route to manufacture for the whole car," said chief engineer Mark Chapman. "We would hope to be able to shake down the vehicle on a runway in the UK either at the end of 2011 or at the beginning of 2012," he told BBC News. Assuming no major issues arise from those runway tests, Bloodhound will be shipped straight to a dried up lakebed known as Hakskeen Pan, in the Northern Cape of South Africa, to begin its assault on the world land speed record.

Multi drop drivers urgently needed in Coventry, Loughbourough and Nottingham area with own van preferably LWB. Good drivers provided with van. SMS name, van size and age plus area to 07950700268.

Kenyan troops were by Monday evening moving quickly to secure the town of Afmadow in Somalia, 100 kilometres from the border. It comes just two days after the Kenyan armed forces captured another key town, Qoqani, following two days of heavy aerial and ground bombardment. Afmadow is the town where two Kenyan soldiers, Evan Mutoro and Jonathan Kangogo, captured by Al-Shabaab militia on July 24, were detained before being taken by their captors to the coastal town of Kismayu. The two soldiers are still unaccounted for. "The Kenyan troops supported by tanks and other military vehicles have taken up positions near Qoqani," Saleban Mohamed, an elder in a nearby village, told AFP news agency. "I saw around 32 trucks and tanks, with hundreds of troops," he added. "The Kenyan soldiers are heavily armed and they have started digging trenches near Qoqani," Abdulahi Sayid Adam, another witness said. But there was some sad news after a military helicopter exploded seconds after take off from Liboi Airstrip in Garissa, killing five soldiers including the pilot. Department of Defence officials blamed the crash on a technical fault. The soldiers, a major, a sergeant, two privates and a technician were killed when their China-made Dolphine helicopter crashed and caught fire, military sources told The Standard. "It crashed while taking off and caught fire, all the five soldiers on board died. It was not brought down," said Military Spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir. - The Standard.

Rev. Teresa Wairimu of Faith Evangelistic Ministries in Kenya and UK will becoming to the UK at the end of this month for the End of the Year Conference which takes place in London as from 3rd to 6th November, 2011. (See flyer below). Make sure you catch up with her last conference this year. Have a look at her interview with Jeff Koinange.

All is set for this year's Kenya Secondary Certificate Examinations (KCSE). The national exams council will Monday carry out rehearsals countrywide ahead of the Tuesday's examination kick off. This year's exams will be carried out two days earlier against the country's national examinations status quo, under stringent measures to guard against examination malpractices. Invigilators and security officers will be barred from entering examination rooms with their phones. The headteachers will also be barred from accessing surplus question papers and perhaps do so after the exams. In seeking to implement the KNEC guidelines, some schools have already banned visits to their schools during the examination period. The exams will come to an end on 14th November this year.

Meanwhile, the government has no intention of scrapping of national examination in favor of continuous assessment tests, Prime Minister Raila Odinga has confirmed. Mr. Odinga maintained that the Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations (KCSE) will still be used to assess students, ruling out any policy change on the way the examinations are conducted. The PM was reacting to a recent assertion by Education Permanent Secretary Prof. James ole Kiyiapi that the government would scrap National examinations in favor of continuous assessment test. Mr. Odinga pointed out that such a move required a major government policy change which can only be done by policy makers and not technocrats. "We need to re-evaluate the way students are assessed in exams but we must take into consideration continuous assessment tests beside the national examinations," he stressed. The PM speaking in Bondo said that the government is committed to training manpower that is consistent with vision 2030 adding that graduates of Kenya's education system should be capable to work anywhere in the world. He pointed out that the country's training needs are based on market demands to ensure the needed workforce in the global market was competitive. He advised students to put a lot of emphasis on science subjects in order for the country to improve in technological fields and achieve sustainable development. Mr. Odinga asked schools' management boards, parents and teachers across the country to ensure that their schools were well equipped to meet the demands of modern education. The Prime Minister wished all students sitting for this year's National examinations good luck and advised them to remain composed as they tackle the examinations.

Dan Wheldon killed in horrible IndyCar crash at Las Vegas

The father of British racing driver Dan Wheldon, who was killed in a high-speed crash in America on Sunday, has paid tribute to his son, describing him as a "true champion" and a "gentleman on and off the track". Wheldon died after a 15-vehicle pile-up while competing in the Las Vegas Indy 300 when his car was sent flying over another and burst into flames. The 33-year-old, who was competing for a five million US dollar prize, was taken to hospital by helicopter but died of his injuries. His father Clive, speaking outside the family home in Emberton, Buckinghamshire, said: "The family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming outpouring of sympathy. Daniel was born to be a racer and yesterday left us doing what he loved to do. He was a true champion and a gentleman on and off the track." - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

The Executive Board of the Kenya Community Association in Liverpool, UK has the pleasure of extending an invitation to you, your family and friends to an Exhibition and Gala Night on 28 October 2011 to raise funds for the East Africa Drought Appeal. Plus Dane Group in partnership with Riverside Housing, Kenya Community Association together with other organisations are hosting the function which costs £10 per individuals. Details are as per attachment.

We can deliver food, letters, parcels - name it from Nairobi to your residence abroad within

A new Mercedes Car was stolen in Stratford on Wednesday 28th September, 2011. The make is Mercedes Sports E350 Iridium Silver Reg. LC09EUW. An attractive Reward will be given. Fore more information please contact 07702334545 or your nearest police station.

For your wedding, birthday, graduation, Christmas parties or any other special occasions, contact Joe on 07508018091. For a quote tailored to suit your needs. We also do Chapos and Mandazis for your household or any other occasion.

Nairobi, Monday 17th October, 2011. A military chopper crashed at the Kenya Somalia border on Sunday, killing five Kenyan military personnel. However, the Department of Defence quickly denied speculation that it may have been brought down by an enemy fire. Officials said initial investigations show that the plane went down after a mechanical malfunction or pilot error. "It crashed while taking off and caught fire, all the five soldiers on board died. It was not brought down," Military Operations Information Officer Major Emmanuel Chirchir said. Witnesses said two helicopters landed at an operation base near Liboi primary school but during lift off, one of them crashed and caught fire. The helicopter crew had landed at the base established by the Kenyan military near the border with Somalia. It was not immediately clear what caused the accident.He said the crash occurred near Liboi during lift-off on Sunday evening. Maj Chirchir also confirmed that the chopper was part of a contingent of military personnel that has been deployed to pursue Al Shabaab militia into Somalia following insecurity on the Kenya-Somalia border. Witnesses said the chopper crashed soon after take off and went up in flames. Heavily armed contingents of military officers are in the Somalia side fighting off Al Shabaab militants who have been blamed for recent kidnappings of four European women and several other kidnappings since 2009. Kenyan troops and tanks crossed the border into war-torn Somalia Sunday to attack Islamist Shabaab rebels accused of kidnapping foreigners, who in turn warned Kenya that its soldiers faced the "pain of bullets." - The Standard.

THE ROCKET MANAGEMENT INVITES ALL ITS ESTEEMED CUSTOMERS TO COME AND JOIN KENYANS WHO WILL BE CELEBRATING THEIR 48TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE INDEPENDENCE WITH CHEERS, AND FIREWORKS WHICH WILL FILL UP THE PUB.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for local government Musalia Mudavadi has said he is ready to contest for presidency on Orange Democratic (ODM) Party ticket. He said his presidential ambition can only be realised by being in a strong political party which has support all over the country that can mount effective campaign. "I will go through ODM nominations process to compete against other candidates and once I win expect them to support me and vice versa to nurture fair competition within our party", he said. Mudavadi was speaking on Saturday during the burial ceremony of the late Rosalia Maende Omwanda, grandmother to Benjamin Washiali, MP for Mumias at Shitoto village in Kakamega County. He said the new constitutional dispensation has changed the ground of political game. "Politics in Kenya is not the usual game where anybody can go rounds in the country claiming he wants to be president while belonging to a party with only two members. For one to be president he must belong to a strong political party with majority MPs in Parliament" he said. For one to be declared the president he or she must garner 50-plus one of the total votes cast and 25% votes cast in 24 counties out of the 47 counties.

The DPM urged the people to support him, prepare for the next general elections by registering to vote and remain united in ODM saying the party is still the strongest with supporters across the country. Mudavadi advised the locals to ignore some of the politicians campaigning to be president saying they are part of wider scheme to divide their votes and dilute the chances of achieving their ambition. "In the G7 some from this region are being derided behind their backs as a nuisance yet they think they are in good company", he cautioned. The DPM also urged Kenyans to stop obsession with positions of governors and senators and failing to give attention to several other important positions in the County provided by the constitution. He gave examples of county speaker, County cabinet and other county public services which need qualified individuals to fill but have not received attention from Kenyans. Musalia added Kenyans must elect leaders with integrity and skills to ensure faster development in the counties saying the county government draws power from the constitution to manage its affairs. The DPM assured Kenyans that the government will put in place policies to curb the sprawling inflation and save ordinary Kenyans from the high cost of living. "I cannot stand here and condemn the government for the high cost of living but appreciate the problem Kenyans are facing. I want to be part of the team to put in place policies to salvage the situation", he said.

Members of Parliament have resolved to pass a bill to pave way for the establishment of the National Planning Authority. The proposed Authority will be responsible for planning and implementation of development programmes for both national and county governments in line with the constitution. Speaking at a Mombasa hotel over the weekend during a Parliamentary forum on the Draft National Planning Authority Bill 2011, MPs promised to pass the Bill to facilitate the formation of the authority to spearhead planning of the country's development programmes and national resources. "MPs do hereby resolve to support the establishment of the proposed National Planning Authority (NPA) for provision of proper coordination of development planning processes between the national government and devolved levels", read the resolutions in part read by Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro. The 80 MPs who attended the forum were unanimous that the authority was long overdue to ensure the country's development blue print-Vision 2030 is achieved. They termed the proposed authority as a panacea for the country's development woes saying that haphazard planning was to blame for the poor development. Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto and his Kisumu Town East counterpart Shakeel Shabbir said the Authority will reduce bureaucracy and ensure proper planning and monitoring of development projects in the country.

The memorial service of the late Martha Wangari Gacero of Nakuru sister to Rose wa Kim of London is today Monday 17th October, 2011 at Revival house Church, 500 High Street North, Manor Park, London E12 6QN as from 6.00 p.m.

Cold winds, frost and even some snow are to hit Britain this week, signalling the end of the October heatwave. The mercury peaked at an unseasonably high 18.3C in Gravesend, Kent, on Saturday but temperatures are set to drop in the coming days. Andy Ratcliffe, a forecaster at MeteoGroup, said: "A cold front will start across Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday, giving some heavy outbursts of rain which will turn to snow over the mountains in Scotland. "The rain will spread further south into northern England and Wales by the end of the day." Winds of up to 65mph are expected across north-western England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the odd rumble of thunder is possible. "We will definitely feel a chill in the air," Mr Ratcliffe said. "The winds originate in the Arctic, but they get modified a lot as they arrive here." Although the south of the country will enjoy highs of up to 17C on Sunday and into Monday, , it will feel much cooler across the UK on Tuesday, with highs of 14C in the south and 10C in Scotland. On Wednesday night, temperatures will plunge to around 1C and could be as low as -1C in northern parts of the country. Mr Ratcliffe said: "It's going to be pretty cold everywhere across the UK on Wednesday night, with widespread ground frost expected in the whole of the UK and perhaps air frost in places too." However, by the end of the week conditions should be milder as a result of weather systems moving in from the Atlantic.

Relentless monsoon rains that began in late July have now affected two-thirds of Thailand and on right a boy holds aloft banknotes to keep them dry while he swims through the floodwater in Nonthaburi province.

Kenyan forces were on Sunday operating deep inside Somalia with orders to make sure there are no al Shabaab extremists within 100 kilometres of the border. Units from the Kenya Army are understood to have crossed into Somalia at Liboi and Mandera with orders to fight their way into the lawless country and create a buffer zone to ensure that insurgents do not launch attacks against Kenya. Kenya Air Force and the Navy will be sent out as the need arises, security sources told the Nation. Soldiers actually crossed into Somalia days before the announcement by Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and Defence Minister Yusuf Haji. (READ: Kenya declares war on Al Shabaab). Internal Security permanent secretary Francis Kimemia said security forces had drawn up strategies to defeat al Shabaab in their own land. “How it will be done, the number of troops involved and where they will strike remains a preserve of the military. We can’t give information that would be useful to the enemy,” he said. Witnesses have reported military trucks at border points and military choppers in the air. Foreign troops are already on the ground in Somalia, mainly from Uganda and Burundi, under the African Union. The Federal Transitional Government, the weak authority in Somalia backed by the international community, also has troops trained in Kenya and Uganda and paid for by western donors. - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO - Daily Nation.

Somalia's Al-Qaeda linked Shabaab rebels on Sunday warned Kenyan soldiers, as they crossed the frontier to attack insurgent strongholds, that they would feel the "pain of bullets." "Kenya violated the territorial rights of Somalia by entering our holy land, but I assure you that they will return disappointed, God willing," said Sheikh Hassan Turki, a senior Shabaab leader. "Mujahideen fighters will force them to test the pain of the bullets." Kenyan government spokesman Alfred Mutua said on Sunday that its troops had entered southern Somalia to fight the Shabaab, who it says are responsible for attacks on its territory, including the recent kidnapping four foreigners. In response, the Shabaab called on Somalis to rally and attack the Kenyan troops. (SEE IN PICTURES: Kenyan military off to war) "I call on all Somalis to stand united against this blood-thirsty enemy that has crossed into our territories and the apostate Somali militants helping them," Turki added. Kenya's assault comes a day after its Internal Security Minister George Saitoti branded the extremist Shabaab rebels "the enemy" and vowed to attack them "wherever they will be".

Six cheetah cubs give their mum the run-around at the Massai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

Kenya has sent troops into Somalia in a bid to pursue militants it suspects of carrying out a spate of kidnappings. Government spokesman Alfred Matua said troops were pursuing Somali al-Shabab militants across the border. Two Spanish aid workers were abducted from Kenya's sprawling Dadaab refugee camp on Thursday. A British woman and a French woman have been kidnapped from remote beach resorts over the past month, dealing a major blow to Kenya's tourism industry. An eyewitness told the BBC he had seen about 25 armoured vehicles full of Kenyan soldiers passing through the Somali town of Dhobley. Tanks were also seen. The BBC's Will Ross, in Nairobi, says there are reports that Kenyan military helicopters have been carrying out raids in Somalia. In response, al-Shabab - the radical Islamist insurgent group in Somalia - tried to raise the alarm in the areas it controls, the Associated Press news agency reports.

Residents in the town of Qoqani said militants were going into people's homes and forcibly recruiting new fighters, according to the AP. Abdirahman Omar Osman, spokesman for Somalia's UN-backed government, said Kenya is "providing logistical and moral support" but insisted that Somali forces are the ones "battling the Shabab on the ground". Kenyan Defence Minister Yusuf Mohammed Haji said: "If you are attacked by an enemy, you are allowed to pursue that enemy until where you get him. We will force them far away from our border." Our correspondent says some Kenyans fear their country could become a target for more al-Shabab attacks if it becomes more deeply embroiled in Somalia's conflict. Kenya's Internal Security Minister, George Saitoti, announced on Saturday that forces would be sent to fight al-Qaeda inside Somalia. The move comes days after the two aid workers with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), named as Blanca Thiebaut and Montserrat Serra, were taken from Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp. Just 80km (50 miles) from the Somali border, Dadaab currently houses nearly half a million refugees, most of whom are Somalis who have fled conflict and famine. A Kenyan driver working for the Care charity was abducted from Dadaab on 21 September. Last month, 56-year-old Briton Judith Tebbutt was kidnapped - and her husband David killed - by gunmen while the couple were on holiday in a remote Kenyan resort at Kiwayu. On 1 October, a 66-year-old French woman was seized by an armed gang on Kenya's northern resort island of Manda and taken to Somalia. The UK Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the Kenyan coast near the Somali border.

Kenyans have expressed outrage over the continued increase of fuel prices announced by Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) on Friday. Those who spoke to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation said the depreciating of the Kenyan shilling which is now exchanging at 106 against the American Dollar has made life more difficult for them. They said prices of almost all basic commodities have sky-rocketed making it difficult for them to afford. On Friday, ERC raised the prices of petrol by 2.75 shillings, diesel by 2.77 shillings while that of kerosene went up by 1.66 shillings per liter. ERC Director General Eng Kaburu Mwirichia said in a statement that the increase had been occasioned by the increase in the price of crude and the weakening of the shilling. Motorists in Mandera will pay more with Petrol retailing at 133.02 shillings, Diesel at 123.46 shillings while kerosene at 102.47 shillings. Mombasa residents will by less with petrol going for 117.22 shillings, diesel 107.6p shillings and kerosene at 87.14 shillings. In Nairobi, super petrol went by 2.75 shillings per litre to 120.50 shillings, diesel went up by 2.77 shillings to retail at 110.94 shillings per litre. Kerosene also went up by 1.66 shillings to 89.95 shillings a litre.

“You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying over the future.” - Yvonne O'Neill.

Left: Scientists from Chester Zoo, UK, have supplied the sanctuary with satellite tracking collars, which are fitted to cheetahs in order to track their movements. Scott Wilson, Chester Zoo's conservation officer, explained that killing big cats "often brings in more large predators from adjacent territories", making the problem worse. Right: The team is trying new ways to protect farms from these occasional predators, including the use of "guard donkeys". The idea is to introduce a pregnant donkey into the herd so its foal will grow up and "bond" with the calves. The mother donkey should then chase the predators.

Riot police have fought militant protesters in Rome as the biggest of a series of global rallies against banks and politicians tipped into violence. At least 70 people were injured, three of them seriously, as police fought masked rioters with tear gas, water cannon and batons. Other protesters tried to stop the rioters as they attacked cars and businesses, marring a peaceful rally. The day saw coordinated protests in cities worldwide, most of them small. Inspired by the Occupy Wall St movement and Spain's "Indignants", demonstrators turned out from Asia to Europe and back to New York for an event organisers said on their website was aimed at initiating "global change". "United in one voice, we will let politicians, and the financial elites they serve, know it is up to us, the people, to decide our future," they added. Tens of thousands of people had turned out to demonstrate peacefully in Rome. Television pictures from the city showed streets packed with protesters waving banners, close to the Colosseum. However militants dressed in black infiltrated the crowd and began attacking property. Offices belonging to the Italian defence ministry were set on fire, some cars were burnt including an armoured police vehicle, in addition to attacks on cash dispensers and bank and shop windows. The militants were challenged by other protesters, the BBC's David Willey reports from Rome. "No to violence!" they shouted and tried to restrain them. The injured included at least 30 police officers. There was a message of support for the global day of protest from the chief of the Bank of Italy, Mario Draghi, who is set to take over as head of the European Central Bank (ECB) next month.

The Kenya military has crossed more than 100km into Somalia but it is not clear whether they were pursuing the suspected Al Shabaab militants who kidnapped two Spaniard aid workers in Dadaab and shot a Kenyan. Informed sources within the military said the top command had expressed frustration that they learnt about the kidnap of the two aid workers two hours after the incident. This is not, however, the first time the Kenyan security forces, often accused of being bystanders during incursions by the terror group, is crossing into the war-torn country. Early this year, General Service Unit based in Liboi crossed the border into Somalia and killed several militants after their camp came under attack. The military has also previously crossed into Somalia through Mandera while pursuing attackers. The military has, however, persistently denied crossing into Somalia, with former military spokesman Bogita Ongeri saying Kenya respected its neighbour’s sovereignty. However, Somalis living on the villages with Kenya border have reported military presence or on transit into Somalia. Kenya continues to pay the cost of the war in Somalia, with raids by the Al Shabaab being a major security concern. - VIDEO - Sunday Standard.

It is with deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will that we regret to announce the death of Martha Wangari Gacero of Huruma, Eldoret on 11th October 2011. She was the wife of Kimunya Gacero and Daughter of the Late Ibrahim Thuku and the late Tabitha Wanjiku Thuku of Eldoret. She was the mother to late Tabby Gacero, Jimmy Gacero, Tabitha Wanjiku and Ephahim Thuku. She was a sister to Rose Kimani (Reliable Care services, London) John Thuku, late Bob Kabari, Wangari Gacheru (Nakuru), late Isaac Wainaina, Elizabeth Njogu (Turbo), late Ann Wairimu, Rahab Njoki, Eunice Wainaina (Githunguri), Mary Wanjiru and Esther Thuku and the late Milka Wanja Nganga. She was also an Aunt to Caroline Wainaina and Ziraba (London). Friends and relatives are meeting at 49 Calverley Crescent, Dagenham, RM10 7QU. The late Martha Wangari will be laid to rest on Tuesday the 18th of October in Nakuru Kenya. A memorial services will be held on Monday the 17th of October at 6pm at Revival house Church, 500 High Street North, Manor Park, London E12 6QN. Contact Rose Kimani 07411 152 264, Pastor Bonnie 07826 854 898, Caroline Wangui 07835 653 485 or Base (RELIABLE CARE SERVICES) 07939 270 369.

Defence minister Yusuf Mohammed Haji (left) with Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti during a press conference in Harambee House, Nairobi on October 15, 2011. Kenya has declared war on Somalia's Al-Shabab. Kenya's military will pursue Somali gunmen across the frontier who they say are responsible for a spate of kidnappings of foreigners, the internal security minister said Saturday. "Our territorial integrity is threatened with serious security threats of terrorism, we cannot allow this to happen at all," said Internal Security Minister George Saitoti, accusing Somali Islamist Al Shabaab rebels of the attacks. "It means we are now going to pursue the enemy, who are the Al Shabaab, to wherever they will be, even in their country," he told reporters. Two Spanish aid workers were seized Thursday by gunmen and are believed to have been taken across the border into war-torn Somalia, the third incident of foreigners being abducted in Kenya in just over a month. "If you are attacked by an enemy, you are allowed to pursue that enemy until where you get him," said Kenyan Defence Minister Yusuf Mohammed Haji, speaking alongside Saitoti. "We will force them far away from our border." - Sunday Nation.

Occupy Wall Street protesters arrested in New York A number of Wall Street protesters have been arrested in New York during scuffles with police as they marched towards the city's financial district. The confrontation came after activists averted a showdown with authorities who agreed not to move them from a park. Demonstrators said officials' plan to clean Zuccotti Park, where they have been based for weeks, had been a ploy to evict them. The protests against corporate greed have spread to other US cities. Several demonstrations are reportedly planned this weekend in Canada and Europe, as well as Asia and Africa.

Fourteen arrests were made on Friday in Lower Manhattan. In the Colorado city of Denver on Friday, around two dozen demonstrators were detained as police removed their tents in Lincoln Park near the state Capitol. And 10 Occupy Seattle protesters were held on Thursday when they ignored orders to leave their tents in the city's Westlake Park, said police. Earlier, New York deputy mayor Cas Holloway released a statement from Zuccotti Park's owners, Brookfield Properties. "They are postponing their scheduled cleaning of the park, and for the time being withdrawing their request from earlier in the week for police assistance during their cleaning operation," it said. The statement said Brookfield hoped to "work out an arrangement with the protesters that will ensure the park remains clean, safe [and] available for public use". An estimated 3,000 protesters streamed into the green space earlier. News of the authorities' climbdown prompted cheers. The BBC's Laura Trevelyan in New York says it may be that the authorities decided there were just too many people to move.

We regret to announce the death of our dear brother, Rev. Bernard “Ben” Kaimba. Rev. Kaimba was a resident of Providence, RI. He was the dearly beloved husband to Beatrice and father to Bright, Brilliant, Billy and Brenzil, all of Kakamega, Kenya. He was an associate minister at Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Providence where he will be dearly missed. His family wishes to have his remains transported to Kenya for burial but cannot afford the cost. Rev. Kaimba suffered a pulmonary embolism on October 8, 2011 which resulted in his death. May God rest his soul in eternal peace. Elder Bernard “Brother Ben” Kaimba age 52, died in his sleep on October 8, 2011. Born December 30, 1958, in Sabatia (Vihiga District), Kenya, to Beatrice Kasoha (Shisiali) and William Kaimba (Muhaya), he graduated from Musingu High School (Kenya) in 1978 and received his bachelor’s degree from Zion Bible College (Barrington Rhode Island (U.S.A.) in 1999. He was a very diligent and capable student who finished Zion Bible College’s 4-year program in 3 years. He was a student leader at Zion and was greatly respected and admired by the faculty and students for his faith The following events have been planned in connection with the loss of our dear brother. A Fundraising Harambee meeting for Saturday October 22, 2011 at 4.00pm at Holly Temple C.O.G.I.C, 68 Althea st, Providence RI 02907. A Memorial service to celebrate his life will be Sunday October 23rd 2011 at 4.00pm at Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C 68 Althea St, Providence RI 02907 Contributions should be sent directly to Ben Kaimba Kenya Fund C/o Citizens Bank,, Pawtuxet Branch, 2191 Broad Street, Cranston, RI 02905, (401) 784-8955, A/C #: 23074914. Contacts - Daniel Brown – 401 996-3017. - Diasporamessenger - CLICK HERE TO SEE WHERE THIS MAN WAS LIVING.

THE ACCOUNT OPENING AT THE CALABASH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. HOWEVER, YOU CAN STILL OPEN AN ACCOUNT BY SENDING YOUR DETAILS TO srhbnfc@yahoo.co.uk/07983950384 AND YOU WILL BE ADVISED HOW TO GO ABOUT IT. SARAH WISHES TO APOLOGISE SINCERELY TO ALL THOSE WHO WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO OPENING ACCOUNTS TOMORROW.

Central Bank of Kenya is to the opinion that most experts are of the view that interventions by top Government officials to arrest the freefall of the shilling are knee jerk political reactions to a crisis precipitated by deeply rooted problems afflicting the economy.

Are you feeling anxious today? Program your mind with these promises. Better yet, carry them with you and read them regularly: 1) Be strong and courageous. Be not afraid or dismayed ...for there is...with us...our God to help us' (2 Chronicles 32:7-8 AMP). 2) 'I will rescue you... declares the Lord; you will not be handed over to those you fear' (Jeremiah 39:17 NIV). 3) 'Fear not ...When you pass through the waters...they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned' (Isaiah 43:1-2 NKJV). 4) 'Be not afraid or dismayed...for the battle is not yours, but God's' (2 Chronicles 20:15 AMP). 5) 'In the world you have...distress and frustration; but...[take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]...I have...[deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you]' (John 16:33 AMP). 6) 'I will lie down in peace and sleep, for though I am alone...Lord, you will keep me safe' (Psalm 4:8 TLB). 7) 'The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles' (Psalm 34:17 NIV). 8) 'You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and...rest in safety' (Job 11:18 NIV). 9) 'They will fight against you, but...not prevail...for I am with you to save...and deliver you' (Jeremiah 15:20 NKJV). 10) 'Our fears for today...worries about tomorrow...even the powers of hell...nothing in all creation will...separate us from the love of God' (Romans 8:38-39 NLT). 11) 'Those who know your name will trust in you, for you...have never forsaken those who seek you' (Psalm 9:10 NIV). 12) 'The Lord...watches over you...stands beside you...keeps you from all harm...watches over your life...keeps watch...as you come and go' (Psalm 121:5-8 NLT). Bwana Mungu ndiye mchungaji wangu.

Miss Lynette Mutuota from Swindon, has won in a music competition in Cardiff, Wales. The 15-years-old Lynette is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benson Mwangi of Swindon, UK took part in this year’s Open Mic UK competition and she has just gone through the regional finals at Cardiff. The soulful voice of Lynette Mutuota, pictured, wowed judges at the Open Mic UK event, in Cardiff, and made it through to the regional finals. Fifteen-year-old Lynette will now be performing at the live showcase of Open Mic UK on Saturday, at The Coal Exchange, in Cardiff. The St Joseph’s Catholic College student, who lives in the town centre, had the audience on their feet as she sang James Brown’s This Is A Man’s World to claim the junior section of the Swindon Talent competition this summer. She said: “I can’t remember when I started singing, I think it was probably in church. It is something I have always enjoyed doing but this is the first time I have ever performed on stage. I can’t say I have one idol, there are so many, but I love my soul music like Aretha Franklin, James Brown and I would love to do this as a profession if I get the chance.” Lynette will compete for a place in the National Final at The O2, in London, and the chance of a recording contract. . - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

"For me, one of the major reasons to move beyond just the planting of trees was that I have tendency to look at the causes of a problem. We often preoccupy ourselves with the symptoms, whereas if we went to the root cause of the problems, we would be able to overcome the problems once and for all. " - Wangari Maathai

The stock market has literally crashed, inflation soared to punishing levels while the shilling has weakened to its lowest since Independence — all adding more pain to consumers hard hit by the harsh economic environment. But even as Kenyans come to terms with these hard economic times, President Kibaki’s administration appears to have no answers to the prevailing market disorders with most of Treasury’s policy measures in the name of defending the shilling ending up fuelling the crisis that has made the cost of livelihood unbearable. Whereas key Government officials among them the President, Prime Minister and Treasury technocrats have attempted to fix the crisis it appears that their efforts are in vain. But the big question is where does the buck stop? Economic experts and stakeholders are raising issues with the way leaders in Government are handling the crisis of the weakening shilling and inflation.

On the spot are President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Central Bank Governor Ndun’gu Wainaina and Finance Permanent Secretary Joseph Kinyua. Most experts are of the view that interventions by top Government officials to arrest the freefall of the shilling are knee jerk political reactions to a crisis precipitated by deeply rooted problems afflicting the economy. There are claims the funneling of large sums of dollars from a commercial bank; acting on the instructions of its influential client to an overseas bank six months ago may have precipitated the crisis in the money markets. The chaos being witnessed in the money markets is a reflection of the Central Bank’s failure to reign in on commercial banks that have become powerful and untouchable. The Standard On Saturday has learnt that in May this year, a wealthy individual called and instructed his bank to convert deposits into dollars and send them to a bank in the Middle East. The directive, which sent panic among currency dealers in commercial banks, was carried out and since then, financial institutions have been in a race to stock up their reserves after interpreting the move as a signal of pent up future demand for the greenback.

The directive saw the shilling lose ground by four shillings to the dollar in a single day, as commercial banks, interpreting the development as preparations for some unforeseen economic risk underway, moved to build up their dollar reserves and held back from trading. The same development reportedly pushed the Central Bank of Kenya Governor in June to admit that five leading commercial banks were engaging in manipulating the shilling exchange rate through speculation and arbitrage practices but failed to take any action, exposing the regulator as toothless and impotent. CBK is also yet name the commercial banks three months after promising to do so. Nothing reflects the current situation worse than the revelation yesterday on the actions that could have heralded the spike in the free-fall of the shilling. To reflect the gravity of the situation in which Kenya is in, yesterday Kenya Power said it will raise the foreign exchange and fuel adjustment surcharges it levies on October electricity bills.

Kenya Power said the foreign exchange fluctuation adjustment cost rose to Sh2.74 per kilowatt hour (kWh) from September’s Sh1.48, an 85 per cent rise, in a legal notice published in the Kenya Gazette, a Government publication, Friday. To make matters worse, the Energy Regulatory Commission announced that consumers would pay Sh1.66 more for kerosene, Sh2.75 more for diesel and Sh2.77 more for petrol. Economists say that due to the lack of tight regulations in the banking sector, Kenya has become a hub for illicit money flight where businesses and individuals can arbitrary take huge amounts of cash out of the country whether legally or illegally, something that has played a significant role in depleting foreign exchange reserves. Estimates show that between 2000 and 2008, the country has lost $4 billion (Sh400 billion) in various forms of capital flight. But probably more scaring is the fact that in recent years, the country has been nurturing the underworld economy instead of the formal economy, meaning billions of foreign currency that cannot be traced in the formal banking system have been in circulation.

According Dr Charles Aburge, a Ghanaian economist and the director of UN Millennium Development Goals in charge of Africa, the collapse of the Kenyan shilling is a result of problems that have been building up in the country’s economy over a period of time. "The crisis is deeper than basically the collapse of the shilling and emanates from various factors affecting the economy," he said. On Friday, Yaw Nsarkoh, the Managing Director of Unilever said the weak shilling would hurt his firm’s revenues. Despite the glaring facts, Government officials continue to be hopeful that its interventions that include cutting down on expenditure, raising interest rates, reducing the limit on foreign exchange exposure for commercial banks, borrowing from the IMF among others should contain the depreciation and stabilize the local currency. The shilling has continuously depreciated against the US dollar, hitting historic lows of a mean rate of Sh107 this week, while the 12-month overall-inflation has risen from as low as 3.49 per cent in July 2010 to 17.32 per cent in September 2011. Friday, the shilling recovered to close at Sh101 to the dollar, a position many are skeptical whether it would hold in the coming days. – The Standard.

In what has become a monthly trend for close to a year now, fuel prices will go up today (Saturday), by almost Sh3 on average. A litre of petrol will retail at Sh120.50. In its monthly pricing guiding, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) increased the maximum retail prices oil firms would charge for petrol, diesel and kerosene to signal more trouble for consumers already hard hit by rising inflation and a deflated shilling. In Nairobi, the price of a litre of super petrol will go up by Sh2.75, while diesel climbs to Sh2.77 per litre and kerosene Sh1.66. Super petrol will retail at Sh120.50 a litre in Nairobi for the next one month beginning today, up from Sh117 witnessed in the last four weeks. Diesel will retail at Sh110,94, up from Sh108, while kerosene will sell at Sh89.95. Far flung towns will pay higher because of the distance between them and Mombasa. Residents of Lokichogio will pay the highest at Sh129 for a litre of petrol, Sh119.98 for diesel and Sh98 for kerosene. While demand for petrol is low in such towns, residents also rely heavily on kerosene for lighting and cooking and also have a lower spending power compared to urban areas. ERC attributed the increase to volatile crude oil prices in the international markets as well as a weak local currency. "There has been an erratic trend in the prices of crude and imported refined products in the international market coupled with volatile performance of key economies of the world," said Kaburu Mwirichia director general ERC in a statement Friday. "The local currency has depreciated relative to the US dollar and this has also impacted negatively in the local pump prices." He said the regulator had attempted to cushion kerosene consumers from the high cost of the fuel. "To cushion kerosene consumers from the impact of the rising international prices, the Commission has maintained a lower maximum allowed wholesale margin of kerosene at Sh4 per litre instead of Sh6," said the statement by Mwirichia. - The Standard.

A suspected burglar, dubbed 'Moss Man' after being arrested in a full-body camouflage suit, has gone into hiding. Gregory Liascos, who was allegedly found trying to break into a museum while dressed as a mound of moss, has failed to show up for his trial. Officers were called to a suspected burglary at Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Oregon in the US, and at first they did not see anything untoward apart from a bike and a backpack seemingly left abandoned in the grounds of the building. It was only when a police dog began biting at what looked like a heap of moss that officers found Liascos, dressed head-to-toe in a 'ghillie' suit - an outfit used by military snipers carrying out an operation in thick vegetation. Police allege the man had cut a hole in the wall of the museum in an attempt to break in. But Liascos claims that it was just a coincidence that he was lying outside the museum just before dawn dressed in the outfit - which he says was a Halloween costume from his children. He was due to answer charges of burglary and criminal mischief at an Oregon court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

ISIOLO, Kenya, Oct 14 – Seven people were killed in a dawn attack in Isiolo and dozens others wounded, the latest in a series of clashes in the region. Police said those killed were shot and others hacked by raiders believed to be from the neighbouring community. “There was an attack in Isiolo with the Boranas and Turkanas fighting overnight,” a senior police officer said. There were no immediate reports of any livestock stolen by Turkana raiders. “We suspect the killings have something to do with cattle rustling but there has also been animosity between the two communities lately over resouces,” he added. The perpetrators are believed to have been repulsed before they could steal any cattle. Irate area residents blocked the Isiolo- Marsabit road for the better part of Friday morning protesting insecurity. “This government in Nairobi has failed to protect us, they think we are not Kenyans!” shouted one of the demonstrators. - CapitalFM

Cry for Kenyans as Petrol prices goes up in Kenya as from Friday 14th October, 2011

Mrs. Eunice Kimaru is in London. Would you like to know how the local property is catching up in Kenya - Eunice can update you. The property expert from Kenya arrived in the UK a few days for several meetings before going back to Kenya. She specialises with Sales and Property Management, Real Estate Agents, Development and Renovations. She a good connection on properties on the lower end as well as middle group earners. If you are looking for an affordable plot or property in Kenya, you can contact her especially at this time when the property needs someone you can trust. She has helped many to buy properties in Kenya especially plots along Ruai and Kamulu area where the plots are still affordable. She will be in Oxford as from Saturday 15th October, 2011. For more information visit www.deusproperties.com. Her contact in the UK is 07552063241 or email eunice@deusproperties.com

A Nairobi businessman now faces up to seven years in jail after he was found guilty of stealing more than Sh11 million from a company he co-owns with his wife. Simon Mukunju Mwangi was convicted by a Nairobi magistrate of stealing the money from Richmond Company, which he started with his wife Lucy in 1987. The money was part-payment for supply of tents to the Department of Defence by the company in September and October 2006. And it emerged some of the money was channelled from Richmond into an account owned by the then Defence Minister Njenga Karume. Though Mwangi and his wife registered Richmond Company in 1987, the mistake they made was to admit international businessman Mervin Melville as the third director. Mwangi is said to have opened an account for the company without Melville’s knowledge. He deposited the final payment of Sh11,049,000 into that account and withdrew it. There was no resolution by the three directors to open the account.

Thereafter he removed Melville as director but it was too late. Melville complained to the police and Mwangi was charged under Section 282 of the Penal Code for theft by director. Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Paul Makonge, called 11 witnesses. An investigator, Maurice Muga, told the court he came across documents at the DoD bearing the name Joseph Karume Njenga and indicating that the minister’s account had received part of the proceeds from Richmond. Muga explained he did not record a statement from Karume because his boss warned him it would be impossible to summon the minister for interrogation. In his defence Mwangi claimed he never enjoined anyone else as director. He argued that Richmond Company was a distinct firm different from Richmond Park Company, which had been awarded the tender to supply tents. He claimed he diverted the Sh11 million to Family Bank because Melville was diverting the funds to the UK. He further argued he could not have stolen the money, as the company located on Tom Mboya Street Nairobi was his. Senior Principal Magistrate KA Bidali said he was amazed at the level of corruption in DoD. - The Standard.

Dr. Bishop Wilfred Lai of Jesus Celebration Centre, Kenya arrived in UK on Monday 10th October, 2011 for a one week conference in Milton Keynes. The climax of the conference will be on Sunday 16th October, 2011 when the bishop will be ordaining Pastor Al and his wife Susan Lyimo of JCCUK at 6.00 p.m. All are invited. Bishop Lai contact in UK is 07403464522. - CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Half of Kenyans would wish to see the elections take place in August 2012. This is according to a new poll released Friday by Infotrak Harris. The poll indicates that 37% prefer December date while 13% don't know. The proponents for the an August 2012 elections consist predominantly of the youth who are keen to see change happen quick and want the constitution respected. Infotrak CEO Ms Angela Ambitho says urbanites are more keen for the August date as opposed to their rural counterparts. She adds that those for the December 2012 elections are the aged who are used to voting during the December holidays and would wish to maintain the status quo. Nearly 9 in every 10 Kenyans ( 86%) expressed interest and intention to participate in the 2012 elections. Another 4% are still unsure whilst 7% indicated that they will not participate."The high intention to vote can be attributed to a yearning for change that will see a stronger economy, reduced inflation, increased employment and overall better living standards for all Kenyans" said Ms Ambitho.The poll conducted between September 20 and 23 rates Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the most preferred presidential candidate with 41 percent of Kenyans currently willing to vote for him. Deputy PM and Finance Minister Kenyatta comes second with 19 percent. But if this would be the outcome the two would faceoff in a run off . The new law stipulates that for one to be president he has to be elected by 50+1 percent of the voters countrywide. Gichugu MP Martha Karua is third with 11 per cent, then Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka (nine per cent), Eldoret North MP William Ruto (seven per cent) and Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth (five per cent). Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa has two percent support beating Water Minister Charity Ngilu, Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti and Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi who have one percent each. MPs Bonny Khalwale, Najib Balala and Paul Muite have 0.5 per cent support, while Danson Mungatana and Mutava Musyimi have 0.3 per cent and 0.2 per cent respectively. 1,500 respondents were interviewed in the poll.

To wide up of the summer holiday there will be Nyama Choma for all at CCBC Swahili Church on Saturday 15th October, 2011 as from 2.00 p.m. The venue is Greatfield Hall, Greatfields Road Barking IG11 7UA. Nyama ni free lakini ukitaka ugali unaweza mbeba. For more information please contact William on 077379668199.

Central Bank of Kenya has slashed the minimum foreign exchange limit for commercial banks from 20 to 10% with immediate effect. CBK says commercial banks are now prohibited to hold forex reserves in the excess of 10 percent in a move to stabilize the weak shilling. Addressing a news conference on Thursday, Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta further says Treasury has no plans of re-introducing forex controls abolished in the 90's. He said Treasury would act decisively to stem local currency volatility and that the shilling's weakness was not due to economic fundamentals, which he said were broadly sound. "We are ready to do more to ensure that stability is restored. In this respect the actions we are announcing today are aimed at ensuring that first and foremost, foreign exchange is available to meet genuine demand," Uhuru said. The Finance Minister said the government will commence discussions with the IMF for additional resources under the ongoing Extended Credit Facility arrangement. He also said the finance ministry had begun cutting unnecessary government spending and the central bank governor pledged to intensify the use repurchase agreements to deal with liquidity. "We are going to use repos to mop up so we actually deal with liquidity," Central Bank of Kenya Governor Njuguna Ndung'u said. The bank had sought to absorb 25 billion Kenyan shillings from the local market in the last two days through repurchase agreements, but had attracted just 2.25 billion. - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

In August 2012 Kenyans will go to the polls to choose their next president, the first presidential election under the new constitution that was passed during the 2010 referendum. Kingwa Kamencu, a 27-year-old student student at Oxford University in the UK, has already declared her candidacy. She told the BBC World Service that the deaths of two friends had inspired her to launch her campaign. She also said she was "peeved and angry about what is happening in Kenya". - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

It is with great sadness that we the family of John Kariuki Mungai and John Muya Mungai announce the passing away of our mother Rahab Muthoni Mungai of Nyahururu in Kenya on the 12th October 2011 after a short illness. She was wife to Amos Mungai Kariuki (late) and mother to Loise Wambui, Samuel Kariuki (Harlow), John Muya (Egeware, London), Eliezer Njuguna, Pauline Wanjiru, David Kamau, Catherine Wahu and Joseph Wanyoike (late). Mother in law to Jane Mungai (Ciru) and Carol Muya (Salome). Grandmother to Zoe Muthoni, Max Mungai, Chloe Wanjiru, Hans Mungai and Susan Wanjiku (wa Wanja). Auntie to Amos Mungai, Kanyagia (Rep. Of Ireland). Family, friends and well wishers are meeting daily in two places for prayers and support from 6:30pm IN HARLOW: 91 Cannons Brook, Harlow Esex, CM19 4QE. Contact Jane (Mama Hans) on 07796867505 or Kariuki on 07951076914. IN EDGWARE: 12 Parnell Close, Edgware, HA8 8YE. Contact Mama Zoe on 07940520225. For those willing to donate can contribute through the following accounts: A) J.W.G Mungai - HSBC bank -Acc no. 91647563 - Sort/c 40-23-10 or B) Mrs C.Muya -Halifax -Acc no. 00922459 -Sort/c 11-02-69.

Queues of Apple fans have begun forming outside stores across the UK before the new iPhone 4S goes on sale at 8am on Friday. Outside London's Regent Street branch, those hoping to be among the first to secure the £499 smartphone came kitted out with camping chairs and sleeping bags, while passers-by kept them supplied with food. The first potential customer waiting at the Covent Garden branch started queuing on October 4, about 12 hours before the official launch, which had been widely touted to introduce an entirely new iPhone 5.

Tremors in the ground beneath an Icelandic volcano could be the first warning signs of a long-awaited eruption that would have the potential to dwarf the chaos caused by Eyjafjallajokul last year, experts say. Katla, which has a much larger magma chamber and is more powerful than its neighbour, averages two large eruptions every century but the last was 93 years ago, making another long overdue. In recent weeks an increasing number of small earthquakes have been detected beneath the volcano – a sign that an eruption could be imminent – and last week one tremor reached magnitude four on the Richter scale, a level which would cause the ground to shake noticeably. Volcanologists said that although activity beneath the volcano had picked up significantly in recent weeks, it may not indicate an eruption and could soon settle back to normal. But if it were to erupt the consequences could be even worse than those of Eyjafjallajokul in 2010, which cost airlines more than £1 billion despite being described as a "small" volcanic event. Katla is named after an evil troll and its last major eruption, in 1918, lasted for more than a month, blocking out sunlight, killing livestock and melting an ice-sheet that flooded nearby farmlands.

A British tourist has drowned at the Indian ocean in Malindi. Confirming the Incident Malindi OCPD Willington Choka said the man aged 58 is believed to have gone for a swimming expedition when the incident occurred. The tragedy comes as the coastal region experiences heavy downpour making the shores dangerous during high tides. The body of the Briton, Michael Hipchins, was found floating along the shores of the Indian Ocean in Malindi half an hour after he left his hotel room at Turtle Bay Beach Club. The victim and his wife are said to have been guests at the malindi hotel starting early this month. His wife, Jane Hipchins had remained in the hotel room when the incident occurred. The police boss said investigations had been launched to establish the exact cause of the death. Residents said huge sea waves have been experienced in the area in the past four days following strong winds predicted by the Meteorological Department last week. The Meteorological department director, Dr Joseph Mukabana cautioned communities living along the coastline to be cautious while venturing into the sea. The advisory issued last week indicated that heavy rains will prevail from Saturday October 8 to Tuesday October 11. The Kenya Red Cross society has now urged residents at the coast to avoid the ocean shores especially during high tides.

24-Hour Economy Part 1-3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPmdVhUilys&feature=related

Too many hospitals in England are falling short in the most basic care they are giving elderly patients, inspectors say. The Care Quality Commission carried out unannounced visits at 100 hospitals to assess dignity and nutrition standards. It identified concerns in 55 cases, describing the findings as "alarming". Common areas of concern included a lack of support for those who needed help eating, poor hygiene and curtains not being closed properly. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he would encourage whistle-blowers to highlight any concerns they had about the standard of hospital care for the elderly. He said: "We expect that staff across the NHS, if they see examples of poor care they blow the whistle on that, which is precisely why we have introduced changes to the staff contract." The inspections were ordered by Mr Lansley after several highly critical reports by campaigners, including the Patients Association. The 100 sites inspected - representing more than a third of the total number in England - were chosen through a combination of random selection and because previous research had flagged up concerns about standards.

That's a lot of pumpkin seeds. A Canadian farmer has won a contest in California with a pumpkin that weighs more than 1,500 pounds. Jake van Kooten of British Columbia collected more than $9,000 in prize money Saturday at the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin and Harvest Festival. Festival spokesman Steve Capps says the entry set a new California record - by just 1 pound.

US President Barack Obama has raised $70m (£45m) towards his re-election bid in the third quarter of 2011, campaign officials say. The amount is less than his fundraising total for the previous quarter but higher than his $55m goal. Some Obama fundraisers were cancelled during the summer debt ceiling crisis. He leads his Republican rivals in fundraising by tens of millions of dollars, and will not have to expend money on a primary opponent. During the same quarter, Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, topped the Republican field in fundraising, with $17m. The fundraising totals do not include money being raised by independent organisations, known as political action committees (PACs), for their preferred nominee. Mr Perry and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney have at least one so-called "super PAC" supporting their candidacies. Another is backing Obama's re-election bid.

A week after returning from The Hague, one of the key witnesses at the ICC has been suspended from his work and now says that his life is in danger. Peter Otieno Ombude who was a witness for former Police Commissioner Brigadier Mohammed Ali was suspended for alleged incompetence. Otieno who was the Kenya Plantations and Agriculture Workers Union (KPAWU) branch secretary Naivasha attributed his tribulations to his appearance at tha international court to defend the former police boss. Addressing the press in Naivasha, he said that the senior union officers had even tried to incite workers against him. He denied that he went to The Hague to represent the workers body saying that he only gave his personal experience during the post election violence. A deeply disturbed Otieno said that his life was in danger following threats by the unionist adding that he had reported the matter to Kongoni police station. He questioned the move by some union officers to hold a press conference in Nakuru on the day he arrived from The Hague. According to him, he had never been given an opportunity to defend himself and was served with a suspension letter and told to keep off the office. Naivasha MP John Mututho who flanked Otieno called on the ICC prosecutor to intervene and have the case fully investigated. He wondered why Police Commissioner had not taken up the matter and lashed out at the union officials for suspending Otieno. He expressed his concern that despite warning by ICC judge against interfering with the case some people had gone against the order and called for the matter to be fully addressed. In the letter dated 11th October 2011, Otieno is accused of unavailability in the union office to serve members. "Following a meeting held to discuss your misdeeds, it was unanimously decided to suspend you from your official duties as Branch secretary," reads the letter in part.

Joyce Chege from Kenya was on 12th October 2011 awarded the Ernst & Young Chairman's Value Award 2011 representing Africa. The function was held at the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel, which hosted by the EMEIA Leader Mark Otty and other executive area leadership, which included the sub area partners. She was visiting London for the first time to receive the award which is awarded to people who demonstrate integrity, respect, and teaming. People with energy, enthusiasm and courage to lead. People who build relationships based on doing the right thing. She joined the firm nine years ago as a PA then moved on to head Administration department and is currently in Business Development in Ernst & Young Eastern region. The African area leader Mr Ajen Sita had this to say on his congratulatory note to Joyce "It is gratifying when one is recognised by ones peers - the very people that you deal with on a day to day basis. This makes your nomination an authentic - and excellent - achievement. The Ernst and Young CEO Kenya and Eastern Region Mr Gitahi Gachahi had this to say about Joyce's nomination, her leadership skills are functional not positional, "the place does not make the person, nor the sceptre the King, greatness is from within". Joyce is very grateful to her colleagues who nominated her for this prestigious award and the entire Ernest & Young partnership for the leadership.

This gives tremendous hope for those who had lost faith with Africa that there are still people who have values and strive to hold on to what is good. This as if was not enough for Joyce somebody told her she had a famous village mate Mr. Seed and when they started chatting they talked about the entire village and the chicken not forgetting what had brought her to England THE ERNST & YOUNG CHAIRMAN'S VALUE AWARD 2011. This was an exciting and humbling experience for Joyce as she emotionally related to Mr Seed during this interview. She is grateful to her children Isabel, Isabella and Maria, her mum, brothers, sisters family and friends who are always supportive. Above all as a Christian She thanks God for being so faithful in her journey which sometimes has not been easy but she pegs all her hope on God. Mr. Seed also took time to congratulate Joyce and had this say: Come on girl, congratulations – you have made mark – yes, don't forget that we come from a village of achievers. Do you know that our location has achieved the best this year. They are the highest paid tea farmers in the world. Our home region is getting Kshs. 5.3 billion for tea bonus this month. Let's keep achieving.." Mr. Seed concluded. She a former student at Kibutha High school where she used to school with Miss Mary Macharia of London. Her host in London is Mr. Isaac Mwangi and his wife Mrs. Nelly Mwangi of Watford. Her contact in UK is 07961004216 or email jwchege@yahoo.com

Tea farmers get record Sh30.5b bonus from KTDA

Tea farmers in Kinyona village where the region has become the highest payed tea farmers in the world with

a KShs. 5.3 billion this month. The highest paid farmer in the area is receiving over Kshs. 2.5 million

Tea farmers will next month (November 2011) laugh all the way to the bank following the issuance of a record Sh30.5 billion in bonus payment for the 2010/2011 financial year on the back of a weak shilling and stable tea prices in the global markets. This is nine per cent increase or Sh2.5 billion addition to the Sh28 billion paid as bonus to farmers the previous financial year. Farmers delivering tea to the Kenya Tea Development Agencies (KTDA) managed factories will receive an average bonus payment of Sh36.40 per kg of green tea, up from Sh31.52 during the 2009/2010 financial year. This will be in addition to Sh12 per kg that the farmers are paid every month for delivering of tea, bringing the total earnings for the farmers to Sh48.40 per kg, up from Sh43.76 during the 2009/2010 period. Total payment to farmers will stand at Sh40.5 billion up from Sh38.2 billion earned in the 2009/2010 financial year, making it the third year in a row of impressive performance. During the 2008/2009 financial year, the payout was Sh25.4 billion. Lerionka Tiampati, the chief executive KTDA, said the earnings were due to stable tea prices, favourable exchange rates, efficient management of factory processes, and effective cost management through the ongoing automation of field and factory operations. "The rise in earnings has come despite a sharp rise in the cost of electricity, fuel and imported inputs, such as fertiliser and machinery, which has caused anxiety among farmers," said Tiampati, adding that factories have recorded a six per cent increase in total revenue. KTDA’s payment is considerably higher than that of other buyers. Imenti tea factory in Meru was the highest paid tea factory in Kenya. Meanwhile all the business and building in all tea growing areas are full as many people have immigrated to the area for the tea bonuses. You cannot get a room to rent. The areas administrations have already warned people and especially men to be careful. Most affected places are Kiaini-ini in Muranga, Kanyenye-ini, Kangari and Karatina in Nyeri. - The Standard.

I WISH TO SINCERELY THANK ALL THOSE WHO ATTENDED DINNER TO SUPPORT NEW HOPE ORPHANS CHILDREN'S CENTRE. I WILL LEAVE THE UK ON WEDNESDAY THIS WEEK, BUT THE EXERCISE OF RECRUITING NEW HOPE REGULAR SUPPORTERS CONTINUES. YOU MAY FILL IN A DIRECT DEBIT FOR £ 5, 10, 15-----. FOR MORE DETAILS REGARDING REGULAR SUPPORT, PLEASE CONTACT; MR LEONARD NJENGA, TEL 07950329878, MR JOHN NJAU 07402796966.

Central Bank Governors from the East African Community (EAC) converged in Nairobi on Wednesday 12th October, 2011 to discuss modalities of calming exchange rate volatility and inflationary pressures, which have plunged the region into economic turmoil. In a statement on Wednesday, the banking regulators resolved to coordinate in tightening monetary policy, stemming volatility in the foreign exchange markets, and curbing currency speculation activities. The Governors observed that the region is facing very high inflation originating primarily from high food and fuel prices but also from demand pressures. They also observed that the region is facing pressures on the currencies to weaken and exchange rate volatility. The pressures for the currencies to weaken result mainly from the widening of the current account deficit originating from rapid expansion of the oil import bill and imports for infrastructure development.

In addition, the exchange rate volatility has been due to the effects of the Euro sovereign debt crisis and currency speculation activities. Those in attendance were Njuguna Ndung’u of Kenya, Benno Ndulu of Tanzania, Tumusiime Mutebile of Uganda and Claver Gatete of Rwanda. During their deliberations, the Governors were in consultation with Gaspard Sindayigaya, the Governor, Banque de la Republique du Burundi. The Kenya shilling has been on a downward trend occasioned by factors, some of which appear to be beyond the control of the central bank. Rising import bill (food and fuel), inflationary expectations, Government’s fiscal policy position, and uncertainties over the impending general elections and worries in the global economic environment as key threats to the stability of the Kenyan currency. A surge in oil imports to about 25 per cent of Kenyan’s total imports has created an increased demand for the US dollars. The African Development Bank has cut the expected economic growth rate for Kenya in 2011 to 3.5-4.5 per cent from an earlier forecast of 4.5-5 per cent, citing high inflation and a volatile shilling exchange rate. World Bank revised its economic growth forecast for Kenya to 4.8 per cent from its earlier projection of 5.3 per cent. The region has the weakest currencies this year with Uganda’s and Kenya’s topping the list. - The Standard.

Philippians 4:6 reads: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We all face times when we must choose between faith and anxiety. A woman trapped in an abusive relationship must choose between getting help, getting out or staying stuck. A young person being pressured to do drugs can choose to give in, or say, 'no' and walk away. A person anxious about death can read God's Word, talk to a friend or counsellor, or continue to be anxious. The Bible says: 'The righteous are bold as a lion' (Proverbs 28:1). You say, 'Right now I don't feel too bold.' Courage doesn't eliminate anxiety, it rises above it! David said, 'Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart' (Psalm 27:14). When your cause is right and you're committed to God, He gives you the courage needed to act. But you must learn to face the thing you fear. This can mean standing up for what you believe, making a phone call you've been putting off, expressing your opinion, acknowledging some character flaw and asking God to help you change. What you must remember is, doing always comes before the feeling of increased confidence. Each time you confront your anxieties you take a step forward. But when you allow anxiety to control you, you retreat into your 'safe zone' and start seeing yourself as somebody who can't handle life. Here's some great advice for living: analyse the situation fearlessly, figure out the worst that can happen. Once you've accepted that, you experience a release of energy and you can begin doing something about it, even if all you can do is - leave it in the capable and loving hands of God.

Our Guest Singer today is Daniel Ole Toninio from Maasailand, Kenya - CLICK HERE

Banning foreign spouses aged between 18 and 21 from entering the UK is not a lawful way of dealing with the problem of forced marriages, the Supreme Court has ruled. By a four to one majority, the highest court in the land rejected an appeal by Home Secretary Theresa May against a Court of Appeal decision which outlawed the ban as "arbitrary and disruptive". The ruling upholding the appeal judges is a victory for two couples - Diego and Amber Aguilar, and Shakira Bibi and Suhyal Mohammed - who had fallen victim to changes to the immigration rules that prevented non-European under 21s from obtaining visas to join their British partners in the UK. Four Supreme Court justices - Lord Phillips, Lady Hale, Lord Clarke and Lord Wilson - have agreed the ban could not stand as it infringed the right of the couples to family and private life, as protected by Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The fifth justice, Lord Brown, disagreed and said he would have allowed the Home Secretary's appeal. He said it was "unwise" for the courts "yet again to frustrate Government policy" through the use of Article 8.

But Lord Wilson robustly upheld the appeal court ruling."The Secretary of State has failed to establish that interference with the rights of such couples under Article 8 is justified," he said. The sole question was whether the restriction was "necessary in a democratic society", and whether it was "a proportionate response to a pressing social need". Lady Hale said: "As Lord Wilson has shown, there are many reasons to conclude that it was not. "First and foremost, although nobody knows the figures, it is clear that the rule will interfere with many more entirely voluntary marriages than it will prevent, deter or delay forced marriages. The scale and severity of the impact upon these unforced marriages has scarcely been considered." Secondly, it was also entirely unclear whether the rule did prevent or deter forced marriages. Consequently, she said, if the rule was not effective in preventing a forced marriage, it might do a great deal more harm than good. "A young woman may be sent abroad and forced to marry against her will and kept there until she can sponsor her husband to come here," said Lady Hale. "During this time she may be raped many times, bear children she does not want to have, and be deprived of the education and life which she would otherwise have had here."

"But when you have bad governance, of course, these resources are destroyed: The forests are deforested, there is illegal logging, there is soil erosion. I got pulled deeper and deeper and saw how these issues become linked to governance, to corruption, to dictatorship. " - Wangari Maathai

Many people in our community do not like talking about it. Whether you talk about or not it is there and is a problem within our community. We will start bringing some awareness information about drugs on this site.

* How would you react if you found out that a friend of yours was dealing with drugs?

*If you are a parent, how would you react if you found something that you thought was drugs in your child's pocket or bag?

Research shows that frequently people don't have enough information, or have the wrong information about drugs.

Knowing the facts makes it easier to talk about drugs in an open and informed way.

All this this information and facts regarding this common myths will be published time to time in this site. Welcome.

THE MEANING AND PROMISE OF MARRIAGE: Marriage is a relationship where two people must listen, compromise and respect...and a union in which two people learn from mistakes, accept faults, and willingly adjust behaviours that need to be changed....

M5 crash: several dead in 'worst ever' smash in Somerset

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Eurozone debt crisis: Markets dive on Greek referendum

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Voters on the queue wait to cast their votes. Photo/LABAN WALLOGA

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France to support Kenya's incursion into Somalia

Crowded world awaits 7 billionth person to be born on Monday

Kenyan Offensive Is Not Welcome, Somalia’s President Says

Nobody ever mastered any skill except through intensive persistent and intelligent practice - Norman Vincent Peale.

Kenya, Somali troops close in on key rebel town

I will go for presidency, declares Kalonzo

US embassy warns on Kenya attack

David Cameron: euro crisis has 'chilling effect' on British economy

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give - Norman MacEwan.

Dan Wheldon killed in horrible IndyCar crash at Las Vegas

24-Hour Economy Part 1-3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPmdVhUilys&feature=related

Tea farmers get record Sh30.5b bonus from KTDA

M5 crash: several dead in 'worst ever' smash in Somerset

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Eurozone debt crisis: Markets dive on Greek referendum

SERENGETI FREIGHT FORWARDERS WAZEE WA KAZI

Voters on the queue wait to cast their votes. Photo/LABAN WALLOGA

LATE HEZEKIEL WANYUMU NGARE 14.01.26 TO 25.10.11

Europe banks told to find extra €106bn as protection against Greek losses

Zimbabwean man claims prostitute turned to donkey

Eurozone rescue plan hits new hitch

France to support Kenya's incursion into Somalia

Crowded world awaits 7 billionth person to be born on Monday

Kenyan Offensive Is Not Welcome, Somalia’s President Says

Nobody ever mastered any skill except through intensive persistent and intelligent practice - Norman Vincent Peale.

Kenya, Somali troops close in on key rebel town

I will go for presidency, declares Kalonzo

US embassy warns on Kenya attack

David Cameron: euro crisis has 'chilling effect' on British economy

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give - Norman MacEwan.

Dan Wheldon killed in horrible IndyCar crash at Las Vegas

24-Hour Economy Part 1-3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPmdVhUilys&feature=related

Tea farmers get record Sh30.5b bonus from KTDA

SERENGETI FREIGHT FORWARDERS
WAZEE WA KAZI

LATE HEZEKIEL WANYUMU NGARE
14.01.26 TO 25.10.11