Latest News
JANUARY 2003 - PART ONE
==================
A Kenyan jailed in UK
A Kenyan man living in Reading, UK who tried to throttle a student before carrying out a terrifying sex attack was jailed for four years after a judge heard the victim only escaped after jabbing her fingers in the man's eyes. Peter Kahuki, of Gower Street, pounced on his Swedish victim from behind as she walked alone in Vastern Road early on May 4, gripping her round the neck with his arm. The 20-year-old woman drifted in and out of consciousness during her ordeal. And later she told police she was sure he was going to kill her because the pressure on her neck left her unable to breathe. Kenyan-born Kahuki, 21, dragged her backwards and pushed her to the ground before trying to rip her trousers off. The woman, who was walking home after working at a Reading bar, managed to escape by pushing her fingers into Kahuki's eyes as he knelt over her.
The shock of her actions brought him to his senses and he apologised, at one point holding her wrists and kneeling down while pleading with her to forgive him. John Price, prosecuting, said: "His victim suffered haemorrhages around her ears, consistent with an arm being placed across her neck obstructing her ability to breath. "According to DNA tests there was a one in one million chance of the tissue found under Kahuki's fingernails belonging to anyone but the victim. "She now feels apprehension and fear particularly at night and often feels uncomfortable in male company." Kahuki admitted indecent assault but Charles Judge, defending, said his client was of previous good character and the attack happened on the spur of the moment when he left a bar. Kahuki, wearing a blue Reebok sweatshirt and shirt, stared at the floor as Judge Josh Lait passed sentence and told him he will be deported to Kenya after his release. Judge Lait said: "Because of the difficulty she was having in breathing she thought you were indeed going to kill her. "She also believed you were going to rape her. " For some time after the attack she was even apprehensive about going out alone in daylight."
The late Sophia's Kamau family during her burial in Kenya
The late Sophia's body arrived in Kenya on Tuesday 14th January, 2003 via Swiss Air, her family cleared her body and immediately took her to Githunguri - Mukoe M Home. They held the burial on Saturday the 18th January 2003. They actually don't know how to thank Mr. Seed and all those who helped for their wonderful support and your valuable time you have given us plus your financial help. They are so grateful and may God bless you all the more. The late Sophia now rests at Githunguri - Kiaria coz of your help. (The family took some photos and sent them over to Mr. Seed).
 The First picture is the family holding the flowers, This is Ngugi (in a suit), Lilian (white skirt), Esther the small one with the picture, Joyce former Kijabe Girls Student (both in red). |
The late Sophia's family at the graveside after the burial |
==================
Is slavery coming back to Kenya?
Hard way to learn Quran: Some of the chained Muslim youths rescued by police in Nairobi’s Estleigh estate.
Police officers on Monday 27th January, 2003 rescued more than 10 muslim youths who had been chained and kept under house arrest for more than one year in Nairobi’s Estleigh estate. Nairobi Provincial Police boss Stephen Kimenchu said the youths aged between 15 to 19 years had been chained so as to be taught islam. The youths said they had been tricked into Khajija Islamic Institute of Discipline Education Centre situated in Eastleigh’s 7th street by their parents where they were kept in chains and mistreated by their instructors. Kimenchu said one of the victims had complained to his instructor that he was not feeling well and wanted to seek medication. The instructor then took the youth to Menlik Hospital where the youth informed the doctor that he had been in chains for the last eight months. The youth informed the doctor that he wanted be helped to be set free. The doctor then called the police and informed them of the whole scenario which is similar to slavery.
The police then invaded the school but were not allowed in prompting them to use force to get access to the centre. Kimenchu said his officers found ten other youths in chains and on probation, they said they had been kept under the same situation for several months adding that his officers found instructor who were planning to flee from the place. The youths said those brought to the centre by their parents were spared the chains. But according to a reliable source, those who were chained were born out of wedlock. “We sleep in this chains so as not to run and we are taught islam and read Koran by force. Once we are in chain we have no alternative by just to comply,” said one of the victims, Abdi Kalak. Abdi said after completing his O levels, his father brought him to Nairobi telling him that he was being taken to college only to take him to the school. “He told me it was a college, only to be locked up in this chains,” he said. Some of the youths found chained were from Britain, Ethiopia, Somali, Sudan and Kenya. Kimenchu said 8 suspects have been arrested and are helping police with investigations. As police whisked the suspects into a police van, Somali’s pelted police officers with stones forcing them to fire in the air several times to scare them.- KBC, Nairobi.
==================
Bringing Kambas community together worldwide
It was a big day for Kambas worldwide in London on Saturday when a large number of Kamba Community turned up for the launching of the THE WORLD OF AKAMBA ASSOCIATION (WAA). The colourful occasion which took place at the famous Kenyan joint in London, Pigeons Hotel, 120 Romford Road, London on Saturday 25th January, 2003. The aim and the objectives of the association is to unite, help, assist and guide the Kamba Community Worldwide to promote their cultural heritage. The aim is to remind them of their historical origin including their language and their traditional rites which they believe that it will strengthen the communities standing point both economically and socially. At the meeting they elected their governing committee where Mr. Henry Ngei was elected the chairman, Michael Kimondiu was elected the secretary, Nzilani Ngewa was elected the treasurer while Muna Ndeti was elected the vice-chairman. The association covers all the Kamba community world wide. For more information contact waambaitu@aol.com, MasakuWaNgei@oal.com or 07951777013.
 Mr. Henry Ngei (fourth left) was elected the chairman |
 It was a colourful well attended launching |
==================
Winter coming to a close
London, Sunday 26th January, 2003 at exactly 5.00 p.m. Mr. Seed could not help to take this photo of London's sky which was quite a colourful view. Many Londoners could be seen outside viewing the colourful sky. This could be signifying the end of the winter season.
==================
Mother visits the graveside to lay the flower
The mother of the late Sarah Wanjiku Craig Mrs. Grace Wambui arrived in London on Saturday 25th January 2003. She was suppose to have arrived in London on Tuesday 21st January, 2003 for the burial of her late daughter but due to the delay in the issuing of the visa in Nairobi she could not make it. On Sunday 22nd January 2003 the mother visited Manor Park Cemetery to lay the flowers at her late daughters grave. The Mrs. Grace Wambui was accompanied to the grave by his son-in-law Mr. Peter Craig, the late Sarah Craig daughter Melaine Craig, the late Sarah's two brothers Steve and Moses Thande.
|
The late Sarah Craig's mother Mrs. Grace Wambui (centre) being helped to lay flowers at the grave of her late daughter |
Accompanying Mrs. Grace Wambui was from right his two sons Steve and Moses, son-in-law Peter Craig (fourth) grand-daughter Melaine Craig and daughter-in-law Mrs. Steve Mbuthi |
==================
The late Sarah Wanjiku Craig laid to rest in London
The late Sarah Wanjiku Craig was laid to rest in London on Tuesday 21st January, 2003 at Manor Park Cemetery, London. The memorial service started at 2.00 p.m. at Manor Park Methodist Church, London and proceeded later to the graveside. The church service which was conducted by Pastor Gitau Gakuo from Oxford was well attended by people from all walks of UK with some people coming as far as Glasgow and Kenya. The mother of the deceased from Kenya did not make it for the burial ceremony as there were some delays getting the visa of which she got on Tuesday the burial day. However, the brother to the deceased Mr. Moses Thande arrived in London on Tuesday morning and made it for the burial. The family of the late Sarah's husband Mr. Craig from Scotland who has been around throughout the week also attended the moving ceremony. The late Sarah Wanjiku Craig passed away in London on Wednesday 8th January 2003 after a short illness. Having left the dishes in the sink to come back and wash them, the late Sarah Wanjiku drove herself to Whips Cross Hospital on Monday 6th January 2003 after feeling unwell and she passed away two days later on Wednesday. To send your condolences use phmcraig@aol.com
 The undertakers taking the body of the late Sarah Wanjiku Craig into the church for the memorial service |
 The family of the late Sarah Craig at the church service. From right is Craig's brother, Craig, mother Frances, the late Sarah's two brother Steve and Moses Thande |
 People from all walks of life attended the memorial. Notably was a well dressed pastor Isaac T. Ndugire (left) |
The preacher of the day was Pastor Gitao Gakuo from Oxford |
 It was tears all over as Kenyans took a chance to view the body |
 Mr. Peter Craig gave his final goodbye to his late wife by a kiss |
 Craig's mother Frances from Scotland throwing sand at the grave |
 Final farewell as the family gather around the gave after laying their flowers. Mr. Craig holding their daughter Melaine Craig |
"Some people tell those who have lost their relative that they will heal by time, that is not so - it is God who heals people by time" - Pastor Gitau Gakuo, London.
"Consider good reputation and good Character than material things" - Pastor Gitau Gakuo, London.
"It is good to please God than to please people" - Pastor Gitau Gakuo, London.
==================
Mobiles get a sense of touch
|
Immersion's Jeffrey Eid sends a virtual kiss vibration |
The prototypes use gamepad technology
|
Within a year you could be able to "touch" someone over your mobile phone. A US company called Immersion has adapted the sensory technology used in gamepads and joysticks to send physical sensations via a mobile. "We're thinking in terms of virtual touch," Immersion's Jeffrey Eid told BBC News Online. "Today you can't really physically touch someone across the phone. With this technology you can." The company has been talking to mobile manufacturers to build in touch into future phones.
Good vibrations
The system developed by Immersion is based on the force feedback technology commonly found in video game controllers. The company has miniaturised the technology so that it fits inside a mobile. The technology works by making the phone vibrate in a number of ways. The vibration in today's mobiles is of a single strength and frequency. With Immersion's system, the strength and pitch of the vibrations can be controlled and varied. "The vibration in mobile phones today all feels the same," explained Mr Eid. "It is like a single note on a piano." "What we can do is play multiple notes or combine the notes to make them feel like chords."
Play time
The company has developed a prototype which it was demonstrating at the Consumer Electronics Show recently held in Las Vegas. It showed how the technology could be used to bring games on mobiles to life. On a driving game, you could feel the engine vibrations, as well as the feeling of the car changing gears. On a shooting game, the phone provided different sensations when you were firing and reloading. "It delivers a much more compelling and fun experience," said Mr Eid, who is Vice-President of Consumer Markets at Immersion. "But we don't look at it as just a toy; it can do some things to enhance the interactivity of the phone itself."
Say it with feeling
Immersion has developed what it calls vibe-tones which are similar to ringtones. But instead of a tune, the phone would play a range of vibrations which can be linked to a specific caller. It has also produced a series of vibrations designed to express emotion, which could be sent with a text message. A slap delivers a short, sharp buzz to the hand, while a high five is gentler and longer. Immersion said the technology would add about a dollar to the cost of manufacturing a phone and could, in the future, be adapted for handheld computers. Mr Eid was reluctant to say which phone manufacturers are interested, but said phones with touch technology could be in the shops within a year.
==================
President Kibaki as a young man
The year is: 1971
From our picture, it appears, the old adage that says "behind every successful man, there is a woman,’’ is quite appropriate. Here, President Mwai Kibaki, then Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, with clenched right hand, confidently marches in a procession, with his eyes permanently fixed on the horizon, and holding his wife Lucy with his left hand. Next to them is the late Kitili Mwendwa (wearing hat), who was then Chief Justice. On Kitili’s right is his wife Nyiva, who is now back in Parliament on a Narc ticket - From The Standard files, Nairobi.
==================
Portable player unlocks internet
radio
|
The player has a range of 300 metres |
Controls are similar to a normal radio |
An innovative radio that lets you listen to internet stations anywhere in the home has been showcased at the world's largest consumer technology event in Las Vegas. The GlobalTuner InTune200 is a small portable radio that connects to a computer wirelessly, providing access to any music on the PC or to thousands of internet radio stations. The radio is likely to be bundled by BT with its broadband service as part of a promotional drive in the UK. PDT, the Manchester-based company that developed the portable player, says it could be just the thing to persuade more people to sign up for high-speed internet services. "The idea of internet radio is great, but not the idea of sitting next to the computer to listen to the radio," PDT Managing Director David Holder told BBC News Online. "With the InTune you avoid having to sit at the PC to listen to MP3 music files or radio."
No wires
The player is small and light, so that you can carry it around the house and listen to internet radio even if you are in the garden or the bathroom. It comes with a base unit that plugs into the USB socket on a computer. This unit uses a two-way wireless data link to send music and information from the computer to the radio. If the PC is connected to the internet, you can listen to one of the thousands of internet radio stations. Or you could simply play back any songs on the computer's hard drive. The InTune can also just be used as a FM radio set and has been deliberately designed to look and feel like a normal radio. "We wanted something that looked familiar to people and that they would be comfortable using," said Mr Holder.
Emotive about radio
He believes the radio could be just what the UK needs to persuade more people to get broadband. "Getting to one million broadband users was not difficult. Now BT is aiming for five million," he said. "But you need to give people a reason to get broadband." "Most people don't care about speed or always-on, but people care about radio," he said. "It is a very emotive subject." He believes having easy access to the wealth of radio stations offered by the internet could be enough to convince people to get broadband. The InTune is scheduled to be released in the UK in April. The recommended retail price is £179. But Mr Holder said it would cost much less if it is offered as part of a promotional broadband campaign by BT. During their time at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which has just ended, PDT were trying to interest a large US retailer or broadband provider in the radio. - BBC, London.
==================
Backlash against ID card scheme
The government consultation closes at the end of the month
Mounting opposition to the idea of compulsory ID cards in the UK has dealt a blow to government conviction that the public supported the idea. A consultation into the issue, launched in July and due to conclude at the end of January, had shown that a 2-1 majority of citizens favoured the idea of compulsory ID cards. But these government figures, drawn from the 1,500 responses it has so far received from the public, have been brought into serious question by alternative figures from campaign groups Privacy International and Stand.org.uk. An email campaign launched last week has already had 2,500 responses, nearly all in opposition to a compulsory ID card.
Vote against government
Privacy International has also launched an ID card hotline, allowing members of the public to vote either in favour or against the idea by phone. The messages will be converted to audio files and forwarded to the Home Office consultation team, which has agreed that the files will count as legitimate responses. "This is an unequivocal vote against the government," said Privacy International's Director Simon Davies. "People are learning at the eleventh hour why this proposal is so dangerous. Public support for the ID card is dropping by more than one percent per hour," he added. Mr Davies has also questioned how well the government uses technology to engage in debate with citizens. "Our system had as many responses in 24 hours as the government has achieved in six months," he said. "The government could learn valuable lessons about how to have a meaningful consultation and really reach out to the people," he added. The Home Office is happy that its consultation was thorough and said that it had drawn more responses than many recent exercises.
"We have had media briefings, liased with education groups and businesses and tried to engage local communities in the consultation," said a Home Office spokesperson. "We welcome all responses to this consultation, included those from Privacy International," she added. Anyone wishing to comment on the idea of ID cards can e-mail the government at entitlementcardsunit@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or via the stand.org.uk website. Alternatively they can phone their responses - in favour 0845 330 7245 and against 0845 330 7246.
==================
High tech on display
|
Player fits into the palm of the hand
|
Is it a mouse or a radio?
|
Type in the dark
|
Video to go
Digital music players are evolving into all-round multimedia jukeboxes that fit into the palm of your hand. The AV340 from French company Archos can hold thousands of music or video files on its 40 gigabyte hard drive. But what sets it apart is the 3.8 inch screen that lets you watch movies on the go. You can also plug in a digital camera or a camcorder into the side and see the results on the LCD display. The jukebox will go on sale within the next three months worldwide and is expected to cost $700.
Mouse that roared
Feel like listening to your favourite FM station on your computer? Just plug in the Mousecaster. Developed by US-Israeli company Smartec, it comes with a built-in FM radio, with the mouse cord acting as the antenna. It took the company two years to work out how to combine a mouse with a radio and make sure that both worked perfectly and were easy to use. "We haven't taken a new idea," said a spokesman, "we've just combined two ideas. Nobody had thought to do this before." The Mousecaster is available in the US for $35.
Seeing the light
The days of fumbling around in the dark on your computer could be over. US company Auravision has been showing off a luminescent keyboard at CES that lets you type, even when you cannot see the keys. The technology was originally developed for the US Army, which needed a keyboard soldiers could use at any time of the day or night. A spokesman said the Eluminx keyboard could benefit anybody who needs to type in low lighting, from DJs to video editors to gamers. The device uses electro luminescence technology and draws its power from the computer. The Eluminx should be in US shops in a couple of months and cost $99.
|
Be untethered from the phone
|
The screens are designed to look like part of the console and are powered from the machine. |
Gaming on the go with the attached display
|
Look, no hands
More and more people could be working around, seemingly talking to themselves, is a small gadget takes off. A light, wireless earpiece developed by US company Jabra uses Bluetooth technology to cut the cord between ear and mobile. Called FreeSpeak, the headset is light and comes with an adapter for mobiles that do not have the short-range wireless Bluetooth technology built in. "You don't have to be physically tethered to your mobile," said a Jabra spokesman. "I could be up to 30 feet away." And you do not have to worry about someone else listening in to your call, as each phone and headset is uniquely pared. The FreeSpeak costs $100 for Bluetooth-ready phones and $180 for ones that need an adapter.
Game on
The days of children hogging the television playing video games could be over. US firm Gemini Industries has designed a set of screens that attach to the Xbox, the PlayStation2 and the GameCube. The screens are designed to look like part of the console and are powered from the machine. Gemini also supply an adapter so that a console can be plugged into the cigarette lighter in a car. "Everyone is moving towards portability," said a Gemini spokeswoman. "This is great for kids on a long road trip." The add-on screens cost between $140 and $190 and are due to go on sale in the US in the spring.
==================
Immigration set to soar in UK
Britain is facing crisis
after the number of immigrants soared FIVE-FOLD in a decade.
Almost 200,000 foreigners officially settled here in 2001. And that does not
include the estimated 50,000 arriving illegally, many from East Europe. Experts
are predicting chaos if immigration continues at the same rate and two million
more come to Britain within ten years. Fewer than 40,000 came in 1992. Sir
Andrew Green, boss of independent think-tank MigrationwatchUK, said: “The rate
of increase should be ringing alarm bells throughout Whitehall.
“If this flow continues — and it shows every sign of rising further — it will
cause severe difficulties. “We are already highly congested in the south of
England and it will pile pressure on housing, hospitals and schools.” The
rocketing scale of immigration is revealed in a study of Home Office figures. In
2001 the number arriving from non-EU countries outstripped those leaving by
196,600. More than half came from Africa, the Indian sub-continent and the
Middle East. Home Office statistics originally put the figure at 178,100. But
that did not include around 20,000 dependants of asylum-seekers who have since
been added. Records for last year show more than 175,000 work permits were
dished out, compared with just 30,000 before Labour won power.
Campaigners also claim the influx will intensify when Britain opens its borders
to millions in former Iron Curtain countries. Ten new states — Poland, Hungary,
Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus and
Malta — are set to join the EU next year. And Tony Blair has ruled their people
will all be entitled to live and work here. France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal,
Austria, Spain and Luxembourg have all refused to accept them. The new nations
all have dole queues in millions. The number of EU immigrants is roughly
balanced by Britons leaving to work in Europe. But UK citizens are less likely
to go to Estonia, Latvia or Slovenia. Sir Andrew wants Home Secretary David
Blunkett to stop Britain being a magnet to immigrants. He said: “The
Government’s claim to be managing migration is simply not credible.” Shadow Home
Secretary Oliver Letwin added: “We live in a small and crowded island. There’s a
limit to what our schools, NHS and welfare system can withstand.”
==================
Protesting against the war - naked
P E A C E
Anti-war activists went naked for their latest protest - in winter making the word PEACE. Some snow can be seen on the ground
==================
Two-week siege in London could cost £1m
Eli Hall died in the siege
The cost of the police operation at the 15-day siege in east London is estimated at £1m. The stand-off, which ended in the death of gunman Eli Hall, caused massive disruption in Hackney, with the closure of four streets and the deployment of specialist armed officers in a round-the-clock operation. Residents are attempting to return to normal life, after being forced either to stay indoors or stay away from their homes since Boxing Day. Mr Hall, 32, used petrol to set fire to the building after vowing he would never be taken alive. His charred remains, wrapped in a body bag, were wheeled out of the wreckage on a trolley on Friday night and driven away. Pathologists now have the task of establishing whether he shot himself, or died in the fire. The Metropolitan Police has admitted could take some time. Police have admitted their decision to play a waiting game and not storm the building had been partially dictated by the Human Rights Act.
==================
Wife jailed for knife attack
Wedding day ... the Butlers
A bride was jailed yesterday for stabbing her husband with a carving knife they received as a wedding gift. Shaun Butler, 22, was attacked by wife Natalie just ten weeks after they got married. The 20-year-old barmaid came home from a night out with pals and woke her hubby. They rowed as she boasted of sleeping with his best friend. Natalie then fetched the knife — a gift from his aunt — and returned to the bedroom. Delivery driver Shaun told Cardiff Crown Court: “She caught me in the chest, then stabbed me in the right leg, then on my arm. “She was shouting, ‘Look what you made me do’.” Dad-of-one Mr Butler, of Talbot Green, South Wales, needed surgery. His wife got eight months for wounding. Peter Davies, defending, said the marriage appeared over. - The Sun, London.
==================
Condolences from Scotland
The family of Peter Craig (third left) arrived on Thursday evening (January 9, 2002) to comfort him after the death of his wife Mrs. Sarah Wanjiku Craig in London on Wednesday 8th January 2003 after a short illness. From right is Craig's sister Elizabeth, Steve Mbuthi - the late Sarah's brother, Mr. Peter Craig, the late Sarah's daughter Melaine Craig and Craig's mother Frances all the way from Glasgow, Scotland. Having left the dishes in the sink to come back and wash them, the late Sarah Wanjiku drove herself to Whips Cross Hospital on Monday 6th January 2003 after feeling unwell and she passed away two days later on Wednesday. To send your condolences use phmcraig@aol.com
==================
Mishap at Maasai Mara, Kenya
|
Wing and a prayer ...
pilot surveys the |
 Kenya fix it? ... pilot's bid to free plane |
A couple who went on safari escaped with their lives after two plane calamities. The light aircraft carrying Brits Ken and Carol Wood to a game reserve landed in a CRATER — and later SMASHED into a hut. Ken, 49, said last night: “We were expecting a safari adventure but all the excitement was on the plane. It was like Carry On Up The Jungle.” The catalogue of chaos unfolded as the couple and 18 other tourists flew to Masai Mara in Kenya on a rickety Czech-made Let 410 twin-propeller plane. The pilot taxied into a crater on the dirt runway. Passengers fried in the heat and vultures circled overhead as he tried to free the wheel with a machete and shovel. Then rangers tried to free the plane by rigging chicken wire to a Land Rover. Three hours later a tractor finally dragged it out.
The comic capers continued on the return journey. Tourists fled as hydraulic fluid gushed from the nose-wheel as the plane was about to take off. Ken said: “The pilot wasn’t worried at all. He told me it would only affect the brakes and he’d make sure we came down on a long landing strip. “To prove it was OK he started to taxi around, but the aircraft went out of control, and smashed into the wooden shelter where we had been stood. “It was smashed to smithereens. The plane stopped in front of an electrified elephant fence. “Another foot or so and it would have exploded.” Despite their ordeal, the retired catering boss and finance officer Carol, 53 — back home in Utley, West Yorks — can’t wait go on ANOTHER trip to Africa. Carol said: “We’ve never known such excitement.” - The Sun, London.
==================
London - the city under the snow
 Joseph Njiiri walking to his work place on Wednesday 8th January 2003 morning as the snow covers him from head to toe |
More snow could come in
off the North Sea |
Freezing conditions are persisting into Wednesday as Britain faces icy roads and potential travel chaos until the end of the week. Temperatures dropped as low as minus 15C in the Scottish Highlands overnight, and most populated areas stayed below freezing. The chill on Tuesday caused mayhem on the road and rail network, and there are likely to be further problems on Wednesday and until the weekend. The AA dealt with three times as many early morning breakdowns as usual on Tuesday and rail passengers in the South East suffered from frozen points. Wednesday will see cloud coming in from the North Sea threatening to bring snow to East Anglia and Essex at rush hour. But any snow will only reach London after rush hour, hopefully avoiding causing severe disruption. BBC forecaster Phil Avery said: "Towards the weekend it will get a bit milder, coming from the North West. "Motorists should watch out for icy patches on untreated roads. People in rural areas are going to have to watch out. " On Tuesday Railtrack's successor, Network Rail, admitted its points heating system had failed to cope, with multiple points failures on key commuter routes in south London and Kent.
==================
The body of the late Sophia Kamau leaves London for
Kenya on Sunday 12th January 2003
The coffin of the late Sophia Kamau at Funeral Directors, T. Cribb & Sons in London.
Several Kenyans met on Thursday 26th December, 2002 at Pigeons Hotel, 120 Romford Road, London to discuss ways and means of taking the body of the late Sophia Kamau back to Kenya. The chairman of the day Mr. Sam Ochieng explained to those present the importance of taking the body home because of the late Sophia children and he further explained that the children have not been able to collect the body of financial difficulties. Although the turn-up was very poor those present collected a substantial amount of money and Mr. Ochieng explained that it will be added together with those collected in other areas. It was agreed at the meeting that the deadline of giving in the money is on 31st December, 2002. Those in different areas should hand in their money to Mr. Duncan Ndegwa of Pigeons Hotel 07930243398, Mr. Sam Ochieng 07956408655 or Mr. Seed 07951220695. Mr. Seed explained that the coroners who are holding the body of the late Sophia Kamau have given a deadline of 3rd January 2002 and if the body of the late Sophia Kamau is not collected by 3rd January 2002 it will be buried on 6th January 2002 at Wigam, Manchester, UK. It was agreed that Kenyan pastors with churches in UK to collected money from congregation on Sunday in order to help the committee to finalise the arrangements. Two months after her death in Manchester, UK, the body of the late Sophia Kamau is rotting in Manchester. The coroners have contacted Mr. Seed that they have not heard anything from the family nor from Kenyans in UK about the plans of how to bury Sophia. If no step is taken the coroners will go ahead and bury the body as there is a time limit. The late Mrs. Kamau was the only breadwinner in her family of five children. The last born is 10 year. The children are financially NOT able to come. Mr. Seed has asked the coroners to hold on to see what Kenyans in UK will do about the case. For that matter Mr. Seed has decided to contact all Kenyans in UK to take on the burden as a team.
==================
Human parts in a bin bag: Suspect is arrested
Snapped ... CCTV film shows
Hardy waiting |
 Hunt ... Hardy with beard |
 Missing ... Kelly Nicol, 24 |
The prime suspect in the
Ripper murders of two women was held Thursday night 2nd January, 2003. Police
seized Tony Hardy near Great Ormond Street children’s hospital in London. The
arrest came after Hardy, 53, was named by cops and captured on CCTV cameras in
the casualty department of University College Hospital on New Year’s Day. The
time was 5.57pm — less than three hours after detectives probing the grisly
Ripper-style killings of two women had issued his name and photo in a blaze of
publicity. Hardy was arrested close to Great Ormond Street hospital in
Clerkenwell, London, last night after being spotted by a member of the public.
Cops raced to the scene and held him without a struggle. He was taken to
Colindale police station in North London. Hardy was due to be seen by police
doctors to confirm that he was fit enough to be interviewed. Earlier, it emerged
that cops had already visited University College Hospital’s psychiatric unit
because Hardy is an outpatient there.
The diabetic — who sported a beard in the police picture — had shaved before
going to the casualty department to get some tablets. But incredibly he gave his
real name as he queued to see a doctor. Hardy, 53 — who was also seen at the
Royal Free Hospital in North London yesterday morning — spent four hours at UCH.
Scotland Yard’s Commander Andy Baker said last night: “Hardy was at UCH
until 10pm. He used his real name and went there because of his medical
condition. “Hospital staff became worried because it appeared he may be living
on the street and appeared to have been drinking. “When they questioned him to
try to get him some kind of accommodation, he panicked and left.” Loner Hardy
needs drugs for psychosis, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy — a condition
found in diabetics who drink alcohol. Commander Baker said: “He left without
receiving any medication.” The hospital last night defended its failure to spot
Hardy. A spokesman said: “It is a public place and it’s impossible to monitor
every single patient.” Hardy is wanted over the murders of two women whose
bodies had been cut up and stuffed into plastic sacks. Neither has been
identified but both are thought to be hookers. Police have received a number of
names for the victims and were close to identifying them last night. A tramp had
found body-parts in a wheelie bin near Hardy’s home in Camden, North London.
Cops later discovered a woman’s torso at Hardy’s flat. Last night there were
growing fears that a third woman may have been murdered. Kelly Anne Nicol, 24,
has not been seen since she was spotted on Boxing Day outside an Argos store in
Camden — with Hardy. Kelly, from Falkirk, Scotland, has a heart tattooed on the
left side of her chest and a plant tattooed on her right thigh. But they do not
match any of the body-parts found so far. Commander Baker said: “She was
last seen in the company of Tony Hardy. “She uses several addresses round the
London area but hasn’t been seen since. We are very concerned for her safety.”
Hardy was born in the Midlands and later moved to Australia, where he lived with
his wife and four children. His ex-wife Judith now runs a shop in Bury St
Edmunds, Suffolk.
Hardy lived alone in a ground floor flat in Camden. Last January the body
of 38-year-old prostitute Rose White was found in his bedroom. But no charges
were brought because a post-mortem showed she had died from a heart attack. Cops
returned to the flat on New Year’s Eve and found the bagged-up torso. An
electric saw was discovered nearby. The flat is covered with crosses and gaudy
murals and a woman’s stiletto was used as an ornament. Forensics experts were
last night still searching the property — and divers were checking a nearby
canal for body-parts. The heads and hands of the dead women have not yet been
found. Divers later recovered what looked like a gun. Meanwhile, neighbours said
they heard drilling apparently coming from Hardy’s flat after Christmas. Film
worker Sebastian Boys, 21, said: “On Friday and Saturday there was a lot of
drilling from the floor below at all hours. “We are not directly above Hardy’s
flat — but the people below are normally very quiet so it couldn’t have been
them.” - The Sun, London.
==================
Isle islands crushed by cyclone
Wiped out ... islanders' wooden homes lie shredded
Two South Pacific islands have been left devastated by a 225mph cyclone. Cameraman Geoff Mackley was the first person to report the destruction after flying over Tikopia in the Solomon Islands on Wednesday 1st January, 2003. No contact had been made with Tikopia or neighbouring Anuta — which have 1,300 inhabitants — since the storm hit on Sunday. Geoff said: “Every tree is shredded and almost every building damaged.” Around 20 people waved but Geoff could not land as there is no airstrip.
==================
Celebrating New Year with Style
|
Whoosh ... Auckland display |
Jocks away ... Edinburgh bash |
|
Empty celebrations ... lone cop in London's Trafalgar Square |
Wonderful
blizzard of Oz ... |
A massive fireworks display blasted off the New Year in Sydney as Aussies were first to celebrate. The sky lit up over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as 700,000 partied. Midnight came at 1pm our time yesterday because of the 11-hour time difference. But the New Year had a low-key entrance in LONDON, where the traditional revellers’ target, Trafalgar Square, was closed for road works. Around 60,000 people flocked into the city despite most clubs, pubs and restaurants being ticket-only. As midnight approached thousands walked to Parliament Square to watch Big Ben as it chimed midnight. Many climbed on to monuments to get a better view. But London mayor Ken Livingstone was blasted over the lack of official celebrations. Leading Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes said: “It is extraordinary that one of the great capitals of the world still cannot organise a party.” Reveller Roy Baker, 30, of Maidstone, Kent, said: “I’m so disappointed. They haven’t put anything on for the people — there’s no light show, no music, no nothing.”
A one-year-old was recovering in hospital after being hit by a bottle thrown by a reveller during New Year celebrations in central London. Millions hoping to hear Big Ben’s chimes missed out — a technical hitch meant they were blanked out on all BBC radio stations. British revellers looking for a knees-up had to head north and west. Up to 100,000 people were at a New Year party on the NEWCASTLE or Gateshead sides of the River Tyne. Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson counted in 2003 and started a big fireworks display. In EDINBURGH, just over 100,000 from around the world took to the pubs, clubs and streets. Among the musical performers were 80s chart-toppers Culture Club and hip-hop sensation Ms Dynamite. Thousands wore kilts despite the freezing temperature. Aussie Belinda Gwillin, 25, said: “I love men in kilts and I’m not disappointed.”
In CARDIFF children took part in an arctic-themed lantern parade through the streets, ending in fireworks at Cardiff castle. The rest of the globe followed their lead — also amid unprecedented security. Street parties and spectacular midnight fireworks displays were also organised in PARIS, BERLIN and NEW YORK. In the Big Apple, 500,000 revellers headed for Times Square — but had to pass through metal detectors while being watched by thousands of extra cops.
==================
Human remains found in bin bags
|
Police sealed off the area
where the remains were found |
Police are sifting through hundreds of bin bags
|
The remains of a woman and a teenage girl dumped in bin bags in north London were found by a tramp, police have revealed. Parts of two legs of a woman were found by a tramp foraging in a rubbish bin at the back of the College Arms pub in Royal College Street, Camden on Monday morning. The area has been cordoned off and a search conducted. A second bin bag which contained a torso of a girl who may have been as young as 14 was discovered nearby. A pathologist who conducted a post mortem at St Pancras mortuary on Monday evening concluded that the leg belonged to a white woman, possibly in her 30s. The post mortem was unable to establish a cause of death and further tests are awaited. Police believe both victims, who may have been mother and daughter, were killed during the last week. Detectives believe the last bin collection from the area was last Friday and some of the body parts could have already been collected. Bin collections have been stopped until all the bags have been searched.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Cook said: "There is an extensive search going to try to find the remainder of the bodies as well as extensive house-to-house to identify the victims." More than 40 officers are working on the case and inquiries are being carried out on a large housing estate near the pub. Police have already searched databases of missing people but have so far found no lead, Mr Cook said. Detectives are appealing for anyone who has any information or who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact them.
==================
