MISTERSEED CLASSIFIED Habari

Kenyan press was blocked from an international press in London on Friday 30th April 2004 where two Kenya cabinet giants were addressing a press conference. Two giant cabinet ministers from Kenya held an international press conference in London on Friday 30th April, 2004. Constitutional affairs Minister Kiraitu Murungi and John Githongo permanent secretary of governance and ethics in Kenya held a international press conference at the Hilton Hotel at Portland Place, London. It was a surprise as the Kenya High Commissioner in the UK Mr. Joseph Muchemi told the Kenya press to hold outside. Some of the pressmen had travelled all the way from Manchester to their disappointment. "This is worse than Kanu regime, I have never seen this during Nancy Kirui's time", furious Gitau wa Njenga explained. The Kenyan press waited for two hours as the British press including the BBC were ushered into the conference room. After the press conference the a number of Kenyans followed Mr. John Githongo and the minister to their Inter-Continental Hotel where they spent most of the afternoons charting with the Kenyans. Most of these Kenyans has been schooling with them while others were old friends. The minister and Mr. Githongo were informed about the blocked of the Kenyan press at the press conference and they were shocked to hear what happened. After carefully listening how the Kenyans press was treated the Permanent Secretary Mr. John Githongo apologised on behalf of the Kenya government and assure the Kenyans that they look at that matter. "We are in a new era where we should be seen to be transparent in all ways", Mr. Githongo concluded. Before blocking the Kenyan press to the conference the high commissioner was seen conferring with long time Kenya Public Relation Officer in the UK Mr. Patrick Orr of which the Kenyan press were speculating to have originated with the idea. The PS and the minister leaves London for Nairobi on Friday night 30th April, 2004.

Eight former African heads of state convene in London

"We are not spent cartridges - we have a lot to offer - there were so many issues which you could not have reviewed when you are president but you can now review freely" - Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, Republic of Ghana

Eight former African presidents met in London yesterday for a historic summit at Boston University Kensington campus to strengthen multi-lateral relations. The former State men lead closed-door deliberations on facilitating capital flows to Africa in a post-Madrid and 9/11 environment. The eight former heads of state who attended a 12 hour Roundtable Talks included Nicéphore Dieudonné Soglo, Republic of Benin,Sir Q. Ketumile J. Masire, Republic of Botswana, António Mascarenhas Monteiro, Republic of Cape Verde, Aristides Maria Pereira, Republic of Cape Verde. Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, Republic of Ghana, Karl Auguste Offmann, Republic of Mauritius,Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Republic of Mauritius and Ali Hassan Mwinyi, United Republic of Tanzania. Dr. Kenneth David. Kaunda, former Zambian president sent apologies. Responding to enquiries by East African Standar, why former Kenyan president, Daniel Arap Moi was not included on the consultative talks, Sir Masire, former president of Botswana said that invitations were extended to Mr Moi but ‘it was up to the individual presidents to commit themselves’ Later the former presidents addressed an international Press Conference at Boston University- London Campus, Harrington Gardens, Kesington which was translated in French. A joint press statement was read by Sir Masire on behalf of his colleagues. It was also addressed by the conveyer of the talks Ambassador, Charles Stith, Director of African Presidential Archives and Research Centre (APARC) at Boston University in United States. In addition to the former heads of state, other distinguished invitees to the closed-door deliberations included Ambassadors, High Commissioners, key members of the British government, U.S. and global business leaders, political leaders and policy makers. The African Presidential Roundtable 2004 is the second such initiative organized by the African Presidential Archives and Research Center at Boston University. Later in the evening, the former head of states attended a lavish reception at Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington, hosted in their honour by APRRC and Boston University Trustees, Prof Nasser Khalili and Tory MP, Sir Brian Mawhinney.

Saturday night 10th April, 2004 saw the launch of The Camp Safari- an international summer camp to be held in Mombasa this August(22-29). The part was aboard a luxurious boat called the Royal Princess. With an international rota of top DJ's including Kenyan born DJ Pinye, providing a taste of Camp Safari sounds. This is just a small sample of what can be expected when camp safari touches down in Mombasa, August 2004. Crowds of people descended on Westminster Pier on Saturday night, desperate the fact that tickets for the exclusive party had sold out in advance. Unable to take more people, the boat left Westminster Pier at around 9 pm, unfortunately leaving many people on the Pier. Those lucky enough to get on board were treated to 6 hours of banging music and entertainment by top London DJs including DJ Bigz, DJ Doc and DJ Dub-wise, whilst the boat cruised up and down the Thames River. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold particularly when the cruise went past the white wash lit London millennium dome. Sir Prestige hyped the crowd on the dance floor whilst there was a sound clash between DJ Pinye and Nigerian born DJ Sosa. Those exhausted from dancing rested in the plush seating area and chatted with the team from thecampsafari.com about what they can expect in Mombasa this August. With all the interest so far places for the camp in Mombasa are being snapped up. For those of you who missed out, visit thecampsafari/africansafaricamp.com for further details. Contact 07903502936 or 02085933222.

Irate members of the public stoned to death an ex-convict after he allegedly hacked his expectant wife and a 10-year-old daughter to death. The incident occurred at Gikambura village in Kikuyu, Kiambu district Tuesday night. The man identified as Gatei Warema allegedly locked his expectant wife Josephine Njoki Waweru and his ten year old daughter in the house and slashed them to death at around 8.00 p.m. A caretaker, a Mr. Mohammed Ali said he was attracted by screams from Gatei’s wife calling for help and when he rushed to the house, he found it locked from inside. Mohammed alerted neighbours who broke the house only to find the wife and the daughter lying in a pool of blood, Gatei wanted to commit suicide but he was removed out of the house and stoned to death. Gatei went missing from his home fifteen years ago only for it to emerge that he had been convicted to jail Police sources say Gatei was among prisoners from Presidential clemency last year.

Irked and grief-stricken Gikambura villagers in Kikambu district assemble at the home of an ex-convict who murdered his wife and daughter Wednesday; the man was stoned to death by a mob.

Marathon world record holder Paul Tergat is running London Marathon 2004 on Sunday 18th April, 2004. A number of the Kenyans team participating on Sunday have already arrived in London. Margaret Okayo the reigning New York Marathon champion, and Joyce Chepchumba, twice-London Marathon winner, arrived at the weekend in London and went for sightseeing at Tower Bridge ahead of the London Marathon, April 13, 2004. The two Kenyans are due to compete in the London Marathon. Kenyans in the UK are teaming up to cheer up their Kenyan team at the finishing line (The Mall) where a big Kenyan flag will be on display. The participants will have some photos with the Kenyans at the finish line as the large number of Kenyans is expected to come and cheer up their team. Other Kenyans who will not make to the finishing line at The Mall will be gathering around Tower Bridge.

Kenya's Margaret Okayo (L), the reigning New York Marathon champion, and Joyce Chepchumba, twice-London Marathon winner, stand in front of Tower Bridge ahead of the London Marathon, April 13, 2004. The two Kenyans are due to compete in the London Marathon on Sunday . REUTERS/Peter Macdiarmid - Click here for more

This April, Kenyan motorists will be rushing to sell off their reconditioned 'Dubais' and talking seriously to their bank managers and company car-loan-scheme managers. Why ? Because, for the first time in decades, a range of trendy, brand new cars is finally within the reach of the 'working classes', as Marshalls East Africa gets together with KIA Motor Corporation of Korea to launch five top-of-the-range models. Of these, the Rio 1300cc hits the road at Shs 990,000/-. The first time this class of car is being sold in Kenya at under a million shillings! And it's not your basic no-frills box on wheels that starts shaking itself apart at 80 kph and acquires a new dent every time you lean your elbow on it. This is the real thing, with the latest comforts and safety features. KIA, already the seventh largest carmaker in the world, has two basic philosophies: • KIA makes cars people can afford, and • KIA is Cool. With tennis star Andre Agassi serving as the Face of KIA, the company targets young, energetic and sporty buyers, the so-called Generation Y.

A 12-bedroom mansion in west London has been sold for a record £70m - making it the most expensive house in the world. Multi-billionaire steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal is the new owner of the property in Kensington Palace Gardens. The mansion was formerly owned by the Formula One racing boss Bernie Eccleston and extensively renovated in the 1990s. Many of the floors and pillars are said to be made of marble imported from the quarry used to construct the Taj Mahal. The mansion is made up of a former Egyptian Embassy and a one-time annexe of the Russian Embassy knocked together. It was extensively renovated in the 1990s by Iranian-born art collector and financier David Khalili. Inside it has Turkish baths, a ballroom, an oak-panelled picture gallery and an jewelled basement pool and security is controlled by 65 state-of-the-art CCTV cameras. Mittal, who owns LMN, the world's second-biggest steel producer, is thought to be worth £3.5bn. He already owns a £9m house on Bishops Avenue in Highgate, north London. A property which sold for £62.7m in Hong Kong in 1997, previously held the Guinness Book of Records title for the world's most expensive house.

Peckish Paul Wilton emptied a packet of Marks & Spencer stir fry veg into a wok to cook tea — and a live FROG jumped out. Paul, 35, watched stunned as the tiny brown amphibian with bright red feet hopped round his kitchen. The computer programmer managed to catch it in a jar and rang the store where he bought the meal, which was pre-packed in Kenya. Paul said: “I was shocked. I’d bought the veg earlier and when I got home from work I opened it, put it in the wok and started stirring. “Then, all of a sudden this tiny little frog jumped out on to the kitchen top. “I couldn’t believe what I had seen. But I managed to catch it and rang Marks & Spencer. I think they thought it was a joke at first.” The store offered Paul, of Huntingdon, Cambs, a refund — but only if he posted them the frog first. Paul, who was preparing supper for girlfriend Becky Smith, said: “We were not very happy about posting a frog so we called a vet and they contacted the environmental health office. It’s in their hands now. “We were worried as some frogs sweat poisonous substances and we’d eaten one of the leaves before we realised. “It put us off our meal, to say the least. I had to go and buy a lasagne instead.” Paul added: “I find it amusing now. The idea of the frog leaping out is funny.” Health chiefs passed the frog to Cambridge City Council, as the food was bought at a Cambridge store. A council spokeswoman said: “We are liaising with the retailer in order to prevent a recurrence.” Marks & Spencer has launched a probe. A spokesman said: “We’re perplexed.” Source: The Sun Newspaper - UK

A newly born white Zebra stands next to its mother at the Nairobi National Park April 7, 2004. Kenya Wildlife Service officials said on Thursday they were struggling to understand how a baby zebra in the game park was born without black and white stripes. The wildlife experts will carry out further studies to determine the reason it was born white. Picture taken April 7, 2004. Editorial use only REUTERS/Charles O'Ooro-Kenya Wildlife Service. Source: Reuters

Digital TV channel BBC Three is to broadcast what it says is the first televised sperm race later this month. The race, to be shown as part of the educational Lab Rats series, will pit the sperm of presenters Dr Mike Leahy and Zeron Gibson against each other. It will be filmed inside two tiny glass tubes by a microscope and relayed to a crowd watching a pub's big screen. BBC Three controller Stuart Murphy said it was being done for an audience that usually "balks at educational shows". It was a "creative risk" but Lab Rats tackled "difficult but important subjects", he added. Dr Leahy, a scientist, and Gibson, a comedian, say they will adopt different "training routines" to find out how different lifestyle choices affect reproductive abilities. They will then have their sperm measured and tested by fertility expert Allan Pacey from the University of Sheffield, who will predict which man is likely to win. The programme will be shown on 15 April at 2330 BST and is one of a four-part Lab Rats series. In other shows, Dr Leahy will go 60 hours without sleep to show the effects of sleep deprivation and the pair will ride a centrifugal machine to nine times the force of gravity.

Proposals for ID cards should be published within a month, David Blunkett has told BBC Radio 5 Live. The home secretary said an agreement had been hammered out among top Labour politicians despite some "misgivings". On Sunday Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt said there had to be evidence that making ID cards compulsory had "additional benefits". "We are going to publish a draft bill, hopefully, in the next four weeks," Mr Blunkett said. He added: "It would be very surprising if there were not misgivings."

Last week Tony Blair said at his monthly news conference that identity cards would be introduced "more quickly than even we anticipated". He said that the government had won over those who opposed the controversial measure for civil liberties reasons. Practical issues and logistics were the only things stopping the introduction of ID cards, he said. His official spokesman later expanded on the comments saying Mr Blair recognised there was an issue here "which we are addressing and do need to address in the light of outrages such as Madrid and the threat posed to this country". He added: "That is why the issue was placed on the agenda in November and is being addressed in the way it is." Labour backbencher Austin Mitchell said ID cards were "not going to be an answer to terrorism" adding there was "a lot of discontent" on the government benches over the issue.

"I don't think the practical side has been really thought through ... the devil is in the detail, not in the principle," he told BBC Radio 4's World at One programme. Last week Britain's top police officer backed calls for the quick introduction of ID cards and criticised Ms Hewitt for saying it will take "many years" to introduce ID cards, branding her "wrong". In his interview Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens said: "Up to a year and a half ago I would have been against identification cards because we had no certainty that the documentation used for identification cards could actually prove with certainty the identification of someone. "Biometrics, the use of eyes, the use of fingerprints is now a certainty in a way that never was before so therefore identification either whether it be on border controls or whether we have to deal with stop and search in the street, anti-terrorism kind of activity or even along the normal way that police officers work would give a certainty we need." On Ms Hewitt's remarks about ID cards he said he "disagreed totally" with the trade secretary, adding that the sooner the legislation was passed the better.

Ms Lillian Naisenya (centre) winner of the Miss World 2004 Rift Valley chapter with second runner-up Joan Terer and first runner-up Loise Muiruri. The pageant is sponsored by Fair and Lovely in conjunction with Standard Newspapers and KTN.

The Healthy Living Day was an event organised by the Newham Chinese Association on 30th March 2004,promoting healthy living lifestyle, filled with happiness and energy. Chinese traditional dances, martial arts demonstrations and Chinese traditional medicine were all on show. Various organisations were also invited, including SACOMA.

A Chinese team presenting a number	Guests of honour was Civic Ambasaddor Councillor Joy Luganda
Sacoma team at the Chinese Healthy Living Day - From left is Mr. Keya, Freda Obado, Frank, Mr. Kamau and Freda Mutegi	A Chinese acrobatic in action at the functions

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Who the cap fits, let them wear it!
Robert Nesta Marley

1945-1981.

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British anti-HIV gel could save millions in Africa
Jo Revill, health editor
Sunday March 28 2004
The Observer

Clinical trials in Africa of two gels designed to combat the Aids virus are being planned by British scientists. Millions of people around the world could soon protect themselves against HIV with microbicides, if they prove successful during the large-scale trials. International Development Secretary Hillary Benn said yesterday that women could be the main beneficiaries, as they would be able to protect themselves without relying on men to use a condom. Laboratory trials of the drugs have proved successful and researchers will tell a conference in London today that clinical tests involving 12,000 women will now take place over three years in South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Cameroon. If the results are positive, the products could be on the market before the end of the decade. One expert has estimated that they could save up to two-and-a-half million lives in just three years.

The microbicides were developed through a government-backed study by the Medical Research Council and London's Imperial College and could provide a barrier to the transmission of HIV during sex. Benn said: 'Women are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. They are 20 per cent more likely than men to be infected in sub-Saharan Africa. 'The face of HIV is in fact the face of a young woman. What microbicides would do is put the power to protect themselves in the hands of women.' The gels or creams are applied internally - before sex - in order to stop the virus from entering the body. The microbicides work in one of three ways. They can kill the virus before it enters the body, prevent it from taking hold once inside the body, or create a barrier to stop it from entering the body in the first place. The only major clinical trial of a microbicide so far, of an ingredient used in spermicides known as nonoxynol-9, was unsuccessful. Researchers relied on the fact that it acted like a detergent, which meant that it successfully damaged HIV. However, the chemical also disrupted the layers of fat in the skin cells it was being applied to, and the trials were halted because of concern that this could increase the risk of HIV transmission - Copyright Guardian Newspapers Limited.

Sahara Communities Abroad (SACOMA) has won an award for CHAMPIONS OF LEARNING AWARDS 2004 LSC-West as EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR-small. The awards ceremony was held at the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel . SACOMA scooped the employer of the year award for small businesses. Finalist joined key figures in the from the business, training, education, public and voluntary sectors. The winners announced by Peter Pledger, Executive Director of Learning & Skills Council London West. The guest speaker was Steve Moon. The awards were open to employers, education and training organizations in the London West area. The Winners received prestigious LSC.West trophy and certificates to commemorate their success. Amongst the contestants were American airlines, BAA Heathrow ~Airport, West London Mental Health Trust, Thames Valley University, Sobell Rhodes, Northern London ITEc, Novotel London.

SACOMA was awarded for providing best service to its clients. SACOMA involved staff in and volunteers in developing its business plan and training strategy and implemented a programme of continuous targeted training achieving Investors In People quality standard, ISO 9000, Matrix standard for Information advice and Guidance and the Community Legal Service quality standard. SACOMA has also gained accreditation for its community development training programme in East London and West London covering journalism IT, Skills and employability. As a result it has motivated and well trained workforce that delivers a real competitive edge and high levels of customer satisfaction. Sahara Communities Abroad (SACOMA), is barely 3 years old but through astute management skills, the organization is now in a position where it can compete with other well-established organizations and the hallmark of excellence in the voluntary sector. SACOMA, has achieved several awards in the voluntary sector and was nominated to receive one of the most prestigious accolades to be awarded within the charity sector at the Charity Awards 2003. The charity, (which works to meet the needs of Kiswahili Speaking people through training, volunteering, cultural events and Information, advice and Guidance services), was short listed in the (Social Care and Welfare category)- Charity Awards 2003 June The Charity Awards are the major awards scheme to recognise excellence in the management of charities, acknowledging the outstanding work and achievements of all charities, big or small, from across the UK and the tireless commitment of the people behind them. This is the fourth year that the awards have taken place and SACOMA now sits in illustrious company on the shortlist alongside Comic Relief, Terrence Higgins Trust, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Leonard Cheshire.

SACOMA was also the winner for Excellence in the Voluntary and Community Sector category of ‘Moving Forward with People Awards’ 2002 orgaised by Learning + Skills Council London East. SACOMA’s Director (Perez Ochieng) was also awarded the National Volunteer fundraiser of the year by the Institute of Fundraising Awards 2002 SACOMA has done well to achieve its existing profile, in a short time. We need to continue and build on this to become recognized as an important and competent instrument of social change for the Kiswahili-speaking community. At SACOMA we believe that to deliver effective services, a new style of management is needed: one that stirs up a vision and encourages innovation. Leadership that is associated with higher levels of organisational performance and positive outcomes. We have a transformational leadership based on a vision, with leaders able to excite and inspire others to achieve through key characteristics such as: vision, inspiration, creative thinking, communication, ethical behavior, empowering others (coaching and mentoring), challenging the tradition and bureaucracy. We at SACOMA are proud of the achievements and strongly believe that SACOMA has become a hall mark of excellence. Sahara Communities Abroad, SACOMA, 108 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4LZ - Tel: 0208 554 9444, Fax: 0208 554 3336 - Email; sacoma@btinternet.com

It was a big day for Dedan Kamau on Thursday 18th March, 2004 when he was awarded an award by the mayor of Redbridge for his outstanding promotion of African art and culture in London. Ten residents from all walks of life received plaques from Mayor Councillor Vanessa Cole in a ceremony at Redbridge Town Hall. Dedan Kamau received the culture and the arts award for his work in promoting African art and culture in Redbridge alongside his support for the African refugee community. Kamau did all his promotions through Sahara Communities Abroad (Sacoma).

Dedan Kamau receives his award from the Mayor Councillor Vanessa Cole for his work in promoting African art and culture

Majimaji married? After a long silence, Jahd Adonija, popularly known as Majimaji, has spoken on his love life. He says contrary to the popular belief, especially by the Press, that he is dating, he is actually married. "I want to put things straight today. She is not my girlfriend but my wife. She does great things for me and I love her very much," he says. Question is, when will the rest of us see her?

"Can you still shoot after years of presidency....Gitau wa Njenga caught by the camera talking to former Ghana president Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings	Former presidents mingling with the guests during tea break
Former Tanzanian president Ali Hassan Mwinyi entering the conference room	The former African Presidents at the press conference - from right is Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania, Karl Auguste Offmann, Republic of Mauritius, Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, Republic of Ghana, Aristides Maria Pereira, Republic of Cape Verde and Masire, Republic of Botswana

Wanakula mali yao....from left is Goldylox, DJ Pinye and Christine at far right	Dressed to kill ... London crew get down.....
Essex ladies in the boat as they prepare themselves for Mombasa	Njindo (right) from Club Meantime with friends at the party
What's up.....promoter Digg (left), Christine (centre) camp safari representative all the way from Sweden and DJ Pinye	Some Jamhurians at the boat party

The winner Evans Rutto 10 metres from the finishing line. He was one minute ahead of his Kenyan runner-up - photo Mr. Seed	Smiles of the winner - Rutto after hitting the finishing line
Margaret Okayo is cheered on her way to the finish by two pearly queens and a fundraiser	Kenya's Margaret Okayo re-gains the lead at 20 miles from Dita to hold on and win comfortably
Kenya High Commissioner (left) and his son David Kariuki at the finishing to cheer the Kenyan team - photo Mr. Seed	Sammy Korir the second runner-up negotiating the last corner at Buckingham Palace 20 metres from the finishing line - photo Mr. Seed
Champions Margaret Okayo and Evans Rutto celebrate a double victory for Kenya in the 2004 London marathon	Tingiza kidore tingiza - Pre-race favourite Evans Rutto of Kenya crosses the line to win his first London Marathon title