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JANUARY 2004 - PART ONE

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Welcome to ONE Kenya

ONE Kenya. That is the official car for the Kenya Commissioner in the UK, Mr. Joseph Muchemi. The official driver of the car is Mr. Mutinda but Mr. Chege Kihiko a member of the embassy is currently taking charge as Mr. Mutinda who arrived in London recently  learns to negotiate London roads. Mr. William Chege Kihiko is well accustomed with the London Streets as came in the UK in 1989.

A member of the Kenya High Commission staff Mr. Chege Kihiko posing the ONE Kenya

Chatting with the Kenya High Commissioner Mr. Joseph Muchemi (right) at  The Kenya Society dinner on Tuesday 27th January, 2004 is Mr. Kute the European region director of Kenya Airways

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Kenyan living in Ireland makes modelling history

Currently she is studying modelling in Ireland

During World Travel Exhibition at Excel, East London on 12th November, 2003 a young girl insisted to her mother that she wants to pose with Nancy. The mother had not option but to call Nancy

From left is Miss Tourism 2002 Miss Barney Hassan currently living in Milton Keyes, Sam Ochieng of Kenya Community Support Network and Nancy at the World Travel Market in November, 2003

Nancy "Ajuma" Nasenyana from Turkana District made modelling history on Tuesday night 20/01/04 when she became the first black model ever to win a modelling contract in an international competition.  Ajuma represented Kenya in the world's most prestigious model search – The Ford Models Supermodel of the World Search in New York, which culminated in a glittering finale featuring contestants from 39 countries at The New York Public Library. She emerged 4th runner-up and won a $50,000 contract. Having already done a couple of shows and editorials in Paris and Ireland, Ajuma had the advantage of some experience outside Kenya and had a decent portfolio to show the agents on Monday. She secured representation in Australia, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Panama, Portugal, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain and Sweden, and the room was abuzz with talk about her.  From the time Nasenyana arrived in New York, she has become the darling of the press, the agents, the organisers and even her fellow competitors, all of whom were captivated by her charisma and natural charm. During Tuesday's show, her arrival on the catwalk caused a stir in the celebrity-filled audience and she was clearly the crowd's favourite. Why then did she not win, or at least come second? With the top two contracts worth $250,000 and $150,000 respectively? 

After posing with different people at the Exhibition in London, Nancy came closer to Mr. Seed and said "Can I have a photo with Mr. Seed?"

Recently at the world travel exhibition in held in London, Nasenyana  held talks with Kamau Wainaina Director, African Youth League of her possible participation at the International Youth Summer Camp to be held in Mombasa, Kenya in August, 2004.

"The judges have to seriously consider a model's earning power and, regrettably, a black model is still unlikely to be used in major money-making campaigns – at least not in the first year of her career," explains her agent and sponsor, Lyndsey McIntyre of Surazuri Modelling Agency. Most of the big campaigns are for hair and make-up, she continues, which means that blue-eyed, blonde model will still be favourite. Nasenyana is likely to spend at least the first couple of years doing fashion shows and editorials for major magazines, work that is considered merely prestigious and, therefore, poorer paying in comparison. But McIntyre, remains optimistic. It is likely that Ajuma will get a major campaign soon. She is perfect for a brand such as Benetton or a designer fashion house. She takes people's breath away with her statuesque beauty and grace, then when they talk to her, they cannot believe that her inner beauty is just as powerful."  Nasenyana has been asked to stay in New York for the February haute couture seasonal shows. From there she travels to London, Milan and Paris for more shows. This is an opportunity that most models only dream about not just because of the experience, but also because it gets one noticed by potential clients.

In November, McIntyre accompanied Nasenyana to Ireland and London for the Irish Supermodel Finals to enable the model to meet the Ford family and agents in London. This led to her representation in Ireland, London, Italy and Paris, where she is already signed with Ford. "I have been trying for years to get black African models a breakthrough on the international market and some have been moderately successful. No Kenyan has made it big since Khadija, but that was over a decade ago. Ajuma is an incredible ambassador for her country and I know that she will never forget where she comes from," says McIntyre.  Hopefully, Nasenyana's success will garner more local support for future contestants. "I did not get any local sponsorship this year and took a tremendous gamble with Ajuma. Luckily, it looks like my perserverance has paid off, but I would really like to be able to offer this opportunity to more Kenyans by scouting countrywide in the coming year. I need the media and local companies to work with me in this effort," says McIntyre - Daily Nation.

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It is Omino’s final journey

President Kibaki pays his last respect to the departed Asst. Minister Job Omino at Uhuru Park Nairobi

Emotions reigned high as the body of the late Assistant Minister for foreign Affairs; Job Omino arrived in Kisumu Moi Stadium. The huge crowd that jammed the stadium broke in tears when the Minister for Roads and public Works, Raila Odinga accompanied by the Deputy Speaker David Musila led poll bearers to place the body at an enclosure for viewing. An interdenominational assembly led by the Anglican Bishop for Maseno West Diocese, Rev. Joseph Wasonga led in prayers. Luo Elders led by a former Assistant minister for local government Oselu Nyalik ran around the stadium performing traditional mourning rites as demanded by Luo customs. Meanwhile, thousands of wananchi among them President Mwai Kibaki Thursday thronged Nairobi's Uhuru park to pay their last respect to the late Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Joab Henry Omino. Speaking at the Park where mourners attended the funeral service of the late Assistant Minister, President Kibaki said the late Omino was a principled man who stood by his word. Said the President, "Joab always spoke what was in his mind, he will say his opinion even if he knew you did not like it but you will later come to thank him for that opinion."

Noting that the late Omino started making a mark in the country when he was a civil servant in the early 1960s, President Kibaki credited him with politically sensitizing the then upcoming politicians in the country based on his knowledge of the Government He said the late Omino was an indefatigable person who always went an extra mile for national good. " Even with his failing health he did not show any sign of illness as he pursued and accomplished task after task," the President eulogized. As a legislator, the President said the late Omino distinguished himself as a brave and eloquent parliamentarian whose contributions to debates in the House will be greatly missed. President Kibaki said his friendship with the late Omino began during their days at Makerere University when he, the President was a lecturer and the late Omino a student. A friendship he added, that has lasted until the late Omino's demise. He said the late Omino had left a legacy worthy emulating. The service was presided over by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bishop of Bondo the Rt. Rev. Joahnes Otieno Angela. Among those who attended the Service were Vice-President Moody Awori, cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and wananchi from all walks of life. The body of the later Omino was flown to the lakeside city of Kisumu Friday morning after an overnight stay at his Muthaiga residence.  The body of the late Omino will be laid to rest Saturday at his Maseno farm.

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Gold Award for Equator Security

They scored one of the twelve awards countrywide

A Kenyan security company based in London have been awarded a Gold Award. The security company which has been supplying guards and patrols for warehouses and building sites are celebrating after satisfied customers put them forward for a Gold Award. Equator Security Services, who are based in Ballards Road, Dagenham, Essex, UK have been given the top honour by the Quality Management Systems after their customers responded in glowing terms to a survey about the company. Dedan Gichuhi, Managing Director of Equator, said "We have always been proud of the services we offer our clients and now with the Gold Benchmark Certificate this has been confirmed by outside experts who are used to judging services on a daily basis in a number of industries." Mr. Gichuhi from Kenya (second left), is pictured receiving the certificate from David Lloyd, of Quality Management Systems, and with Equator employees Jo Hughes, Carl Huet, Mercy Mirithu and Paul Pickering.

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A London secretary who stole 4.5 million from her boss

Accused ... Joyti De-Laurey

Charged ... mother Dr Schahhou and husband Anthony

HQ ... Goldman Sachs bank

A secretary at investment bank Goldman Sachs stole £4.5million from three bosses’ accounts in a 22-month fraud, a court heard on Tuesday 20th January, 2004. Joyti De-Laurey, 34, forged cheques and money transfers to siphon thousands of pounds at a time, it was alleged. She was said to have blown the cash on a life of luxury. Prosecutor Stuart Trimmer said De-Laurey paid £750,000 for a magnificent home — the Villa Almas — on Cyprus. To go with the villa she allegedly ordered a £150,000 Jeanneau Prestige powerboat plus a Range Rover. She was said to have spent £300,000 in one go on Cartier jewellery, cleared mortgages, and bought property for members of her family. The lawyer said she ordered a £175,000 Aston Martin Vanquish and bought a fleet of other cars, including a Saab 93 for her husband and a Chrysler Grand Voyager for her mother. More money went on hotels and travel.

What she spent the money on

Jeannau Prestige power- boat worth thousands

£175,000 Aston Martin Vanquish was on order

Cartier jewellery worth £300,000 was purchased (Ksh.4 billion)

Magnificent Villa Almas in Cyprus cost £750,000

Mr Trimmer said the swindle was only uncovered when a managing director at Goldman Sachs tried to make a donation to charity — and found his account had been plundered. De-Laurey was arrested with husband Anthony, 49, and mother, Dr Devi Schahhou, 67, who were charged with laundering the money. The secretary started as a temp in the London offices of Goldman Sachs in 1998. She was soon promoted to full time, £28,000-a-year personal assistant to Jennifer Moses and her company partner, husband Ron Beller. Mr Trimmer said the two women became friends and De-Laurey was regarded as highly trustworthy and given access to her bosses’ personal cheque books. The barrister claimed that after forging a signature to pay a bill for Mr Beller in the summer of 2000, De-Laurey realised how easy it would be to steal a fortune. She began by paying a cheque for £4,000 into her own account, said Mr Trimmer. Over the next year she was alleged to have forged more than 70 more cheques and wired cash from her bosses’ New York account into their spending account so she could rifle it. She netted £1.2million — but at one stage paid back £175,000 to avoid raising suspicion, the jury heard at Southwark Crown Court, South London. The money was stashed in an account set up in Paphos, Cyprus. The account was shared by her husband — who was a chauffeur — and her mother, a GP. Ms Moses and Mr Beller had no idea that anything was amiss — and even negotiated bonuses for Indian-born De-Laurey, taking her salary to an equivalent of £42,000. When she claimed she had cancer the couple gave her a £40,000 interest-free loan which she eventually paid back — with stolen cash.

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Driving test fraudster jailed in London

Sorhaindo was caught by a suspicious test inspector

A man who used a variety of disguises to sit about 150 driving tests for others has been jailed for nine months.  Adolphus Sorhaindo, 63, from Maida Vale, north London, made about £50,000 from the scam, a court heard.  He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obtain property by deception on the basis of seven theory tests and 15 practical tests.  But police say he sat at least 99 practical tests and as many as 143 theory tests over three years.  Kingston Crown Court heard the grandfather's clients could opt for a so-called "total package" with both theory and practical tests for a fixed price of £550 all-in. Sorhaindo paid £5,995 to the Driving Standards Agency with his own credit card before his activities were finally uncovered by a suspicious driving examiner.  Before changes to the system of provisional licences were brought in, Sorhaindo simply sat theory tests on behalf of others carrying a photograph of himself signed on the reverse to back up his claim to be his customer. This enabled to him to sit the practical test with the necessary documentation. Following the introduction of photographic provisional licences he simply took his chances posing as his customer - but limiting himself only to black males. The court was told he even donned a false moustache and often pretended to be people half his age.

Licences found

The service continued uninterrupted for three years until senior driving examiner Steve Aris thought he recognised Sorhaindo. Mr Aris personally toured three test centres in and around London filming the former bus driver in action. He was finally arrested in January 2003 at which time officers found a number of photographs of Sorhaindo which were certified as being of other people. They also found 26 provisional licences at his home. Following the case, Chief Inspector Mike Harper, said: "All the officers who worked on this case were horrified at the ease with which Sorhaindo was able to impersonate so many others. "Although seemingly harmless the potential dangers of putting unqualified drivers on public roads could be catastrophic."

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Doused in paraffin for being barren

Coalition on Violence Against Women officials Mary Gichuru (right) and councillor Joyce Muchena comfort Mrs Monicah Kadogo who is admitted at Mwingi district hospital after her husband doused her in paraffin and set her ablaze for allegedly being barren. - The Standard.

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22 year-old man jumps into the lion's pen

A man is recovering from minor injuries after jumping into the lion pen at an Argentine zoo and taunting the animals. Lucas Tomas, 22, was said to have held his jacket like a bullfighter's cape at one of Buenos Aires zoo's two lions. The lion, Quique, reacted by pouncing on him and repeatedly biting at him. TV footage showed the animal on top of him, visibly biting him at least once.  Hospital officials said Mr Tomas was being treated for wounds to arms and face as well as psychological problems. The zoo's chief veterinarian, Miguel Rivolta, described how Mr Tomas entered the enclosure on Sunday and tried to goad one of the lions. "He jumped into the lion's pen, and when the lions didn't react, he took off his jacket and egged them on," said Mr Rivolta. "It was an act of madness." He said the lions initially took no notice of their unexpected visitor - being used to the zookeepers - but the man persisted in teasing them. Zoo officials eventually managed to tranquilise Quique, and Mr Tomas climbed out and was taken to hospital. Fernandez Hospital's chief medic, Juan Carlos Ramares, said the patient told the authorities he had been ordered by "voices from God" to enter the lion's den.

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Poor Esther Njeri Mchango

The baby was rescued by neighbours from a pit latrine

Story sent by Mrs. Ann Chege of New Hope Children's Centre in Kenya. Mrs. Chege

takes care of 62 orphan children in her home, feeding, clothing and educating them

Greetings to all of you, in the name of the Lord. Just to acquaint you with the latest developments:

On 31^st December 2003 I was invited to a function, not so far from our orphanage. Afterwards someone took me to a make-shift shelter in a nearby slum. Inside the hut lay 37yrs-old Rosemary, a mother of 4 kids. Lying next to her was two of her youngest kids: 4yrs-old Amos and 1.5yr-old Esther. Rosemary was sickly, and made mention of the fact shat they had not had a meal for quite some time. When I held both kids in my arms, I realized that they needed urgent help – if at all they were to survive. Rosemary is epileptic, and bears a big wound on her left leg – most likely by reason of an epileptic bout. I took her to our orphanage, to enable us to attend to her and her two kids. Amos Kinyanjui, the 4yr-old, weighs 7.2Kgs (15.87 pounds); Esther Njeri is the youngest girl, 1yr 5 months, and weighs 4.8 Kgs (10.58 pounds). We took all of them to hospital in New Years day. They were given medication, and a special diet was recommended.

According to the neighbours, the youngest child, Esther Njeri Muchango was removed from the latrine by the neighbours. When she was born, the mother threw the baby into the pit latrine. A neighbour heard the baby crying and they rescued the baby. After contributing the money to take the baby to the hospital, the good neighbours agreed to name the baby "mchango" implying that mchango was done to take the baby to the hospital. The hospital record recorded her as Esther Njeri Mchango.

Amos is trying to walk, while Esther can’t even sit down. Our earnest prayer is that these babies will survive – especially baby Esther who is in a bad state. Rosemary’s eldest sons, aged 10 and 15 years, are under the care of their grandfather in the slum, who is jobless. You may view some of the photos (five, attached with this mail) that we took on 31-12-2003 when they arrived at the Home. We may not have enough space in the orphanage yet, but under the circumstances, I think that was the best I could do.

Bye for now.

God bless you

Ann Chege -

New Hope Children's Centre (Uplands) - email - newhopechildren@mail.com - Tel: 00254 733765871, 00254 722601195.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

37-year-old poor Rosemary (right) with Mrs. Ann Chege and the children	Mrs. Ann Chege holding the children
The poor children	A close look of one of the child's back
The poor woman with her children	A close look at her wounded leg

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Kenyan athletes team in the UK

Top Kenyan athletes competed in the Newcastle Cross Country race in the UK on Saturday 3rd January, 2004. The top athletes included the World Cross Country Champion Paul Target and the five times Houston Marathon winner Mr. Stephen Ndung'u. Most of the athletes are still hanging around and some of them have left the country. Among those around is Mr. Ndungu who is hanging around for some time before going back to Kenyan then to States later next month. Mr. Ndungu a former student of Kiriti Secondary School, Nyeri comes from Ihua Village, Tetu, Nyeri. He is currently in London and his contact is stephen_ndungu2000@yahoo.com or Tel: 07951067973.  The team reviewed that Kenya is losing athletes at a high rate to other foreign countries. Kuwait has recently taken over several Kenyan athletes and other Arab countries follows suite. A large Kenyan team is coming back on April 2004 for the London Marathon on 18th April. They request Kenyans in the UK to turn up in large numbers to cheer them up as other countries do. "We have a far bigger team than Ethiopia but they look bigger than us because of the large number of funs turning up to cheer them" said Mr. Ndungu. ON APRIL 18 KENYANS IN THE UK WILL BE MEETING AT TOWER BRIDGE AT 10.00 A.M. TO CHEER UP THE KENYA TEAM.

Mr. Ndungu the five time marathon winner

Ndungu has come from far starting it all from school. Above seen competition at central province school competition

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An impressing advert at the Lincolns

An impressing advertisement at the Lincolns. A photo of animals in the forest enjoying food including the tall giraffe. At Lincolns you enjoy all types of food including the famous Nyama Choma, Kuku choma, matumbo, sukuma wiki, kienyeji, fish and traditional Kenyan soup.  When the animals are full they head out to the wells for quench their thirst. Nice advert at the club which is located 566 High School, Leytonstone, Tel: 02085393552.

A advert at the Lincolns of animals enjoying themselves in the forest

After the food the animals head to the well for a drink

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Divorcing 12 hours after marriage

Joke going too far?

Pop babe Britney Spears wed her childhood sweetheart in a drunken prank — and 12 hours later wanted the marriage axed. Wearing torn jeans and a baseball cap, she tied the knot with Jason Alexander in Las Vegas at 5am. But the Oops I Did It Again star panicked when she later realised what she had done and told her lawyers to get Saturday’s quickie marriage annulled. A close pal of Britney, 22, said last night: “She had been partying for two days straight and was definitely still in a party mood when they decided to do it. “But then it turned into, 'Oh my God, what have I done!” The hung-over star last night admitted her shock marriage was a joke that went too far — telling pals: “It seemed like a funny idea at the time.” The singer and childhood sweetheart Jason, also 22, were said to be “laughing and giggling” as they wed in a 15-minute quickie wedding early on Saturday. But when Britney started to sober up the prank no longer seemed so funny. She rang her lawyers in a panic, ordering them to get the marriage annulled as soon as possible — using any method necessary.  And last night a friend of the singer said: “It was just a drunken lark. Britney and Jason had been partying for two days straight when they decided to do it.
 

Drunken prank ... Britney

Mr Britney ... Jason Alexander, 22

“She said something like, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if we got married — oh let’s just go and do it!’ But then it turned into ‘Oh my God, what have I done!’ Suddenly it was a joke that just went too far.” The friend told how Britney gradually became more and more horrified by the prank as the effects of the booze wore off. The pal added: “She thought it was funny all Saturday morning. But by about 5pm on Saturday she realised what she had done and what a terrible mistake it had been. “Not least among her worries was what her mother Lynne would say — she didn’t know anything about the wedding. She has brought Britney up to respect the sanctity of marriage — and Britney knew she would be very angry. “After all, it was not a case of a whirlwind romance leading to true love. It was just a stupid, crazy spur-of-the-moment idea.” Last night sources close to Britney said she and her advisers had already met with Jason to sign the legal papers that will begin the annulment process. The documents will be presented to a judge today. If he grants the annulment Jason will not be entitled to any of his former wife’s huge earnings — because legally it will be as if the marriage never took place. The wedding fiasco has added to concerns that Britney is on the edge of a breakdown. During a recent TV interview she sobbed over ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake and revealed she was desperate for a new lover. On Sunday a Hollywood divorce lawyer said: “For Britney to do what she did is suicidal. She is worth $100million plus — so to wed without a pre-nuptial agreement is financial madness.

“Her lawyers must have had heart attacks when they heard. Luckily for her if it is annulled Jason is entitled to nothing.” Britney and Jason made the snap decision to marry after spending two days knocking back drinks at Las Vegas’s plush Palms Hotel. The singer checked into the £6,000-a-night Real World suite using the name Alotta Warmheart. One onlooker said: “They were in high spirits — it was definitely a party atmosphere.” Britney and Jason, who is from her home town of Kentwood, Louisiana, took a limo from the hotel to the Little White Wedding Chapel, where Demi Moore and Bruce Willis tied the knot. The couple were accompanied by security guards from the hotel, which is owned by her former boyfriend George Maloof. But Britney, wearing jeans and a baseball cap, and Jason were told by chapel staff they needed a licence before they could marry. So they bundled back into the limo and drove to the nearby Las Vegas Marriage Bureau which is open 24 hours. They queued up with other couples to pay the £30 licence fee and fill in forms giving names, ages and addresses. Deputy Marriage Commissioner Joyce Singer revealed: “Britney was accompanied by a very nice gentleman. My colleague served them at the counter. It was over very quickly. They were probably in there about half an hour.” Mrs Singer insisted Britney showed no signs of being drunk. She added: “She was sober. We are not allowed by law to give a licence to anyone who is under the influence. “But Britney and Jason were both fine and therefore we gave them the licence.”

Lynda Wells, who served Britney and Jason, claimed they seemed “deadly serious” about marrying.
After getting the licence the couple were driven back to the chapel. There, they opted for the budget-price service — which took about another 15 minutes. Britney was escorted down the aisle by a barman from the Palms hotel. The ceremony was witnessed by just a handful of people, including chapel staff. A cameraman videotaped it for Britney, charging her £75. The chapel owners gave Britney and Justin a heart-shaped card containing the recipe for a successful marriage. It read: “Take two hearts full of love, two cups of friendship and four armfuls of gentleness.” The couple were then taken back to Palms where they celebrated in Britney’s suite with more drinks and champagne — and giggled while they watched the video. Britney and Jason had gone to the hotel to celebrate the New Year — and immediately began hitting the booze. Las Vegas columnist Norm Clarke said she was spotted behaving outrageously. He added: “Britney was in a VIP booth and had the crowd buzzing about her behaviour. “She was spotted kissing one of her female dancers — smooches that made her infamous recent kiss with Madonna at the MTV Awards look tame.” Hotel insiders said Britney had to be carried out of its nightclub on the first night after drinking too much.

Mr Maloof admitted Britney had needed help leaving the club but claimed it was because she was tired after a long flight. She was back the next night partying again with Jason — before apparently deciding on the spur of the moment to get hitched. Some cynical sources claimed the marriage was a stunt to promote Britney’s new album In The Zone. She has embarked on a series of outrageous stunts in recent months including the famous Madonna snog at the MTV music awards in New York. But a Britney insider said: “Getting married just to sell records is a bit drastic — even for her.” Under Las Vegas law the marriage could be scrapped within two weeks. There are numerous grounds on which Britney could apply for annulment, including “intoxication, or substance abuse, causing lack of consent by either party”. She could also claim the marriage was never consummated or that either party “misrepresented” their willingness to live together as man or wife after the marriage. Or because either party had acted on “mistake, accident or impulse”. Britney could also claim it was not valid because “one person misrepresented that she/he was in love with the other party prior to the marriage”. She might also claim one of them went through with the marriage “to secure access to the other party’s money or property”. If the annulment has been agreed by both parties a joint application will go before a county court judge. He will decide whether scrapping the marriage is justified. If Jason were to contest the annulment, Britney could have a harder fight. She would have to provide substantial evidence that her reasons for wanting the marriage annulled were valid. If she couldn’t she would be forced to consider divorcing Jason which might end up costing her millions. - The Sun, London.

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An ‘Unbwogable’ visa queue

On their way home from London on Thursday evening Gidi Gidi Maji Maji were escorted by a group of funs and well wishers at Heathrow Airport. From right is Maji Maji, Club Meantime manager, Mr. Njindo, Gidi Gidi and DJ Frank

The ‘Unbwogable’ Gidi Gidi and Maji Maji met their match recently in the likeness of the British High Commission. The rap musicians had gone there to get visas to travel to the UK for two shows. To beat the infamous visa queue, they had to leave their house in Donholm estate, Nairobi, at about 2 am. "We got there at about three in the morning," they say, "but got the visas at one o’clock the next morning." They insist that artistes should get special treatment. "The visa should be given to artistes without stringent and unnecessary rules," says Gidi Gidi. The duo is in Thailand, hosting shows there. They started their journey in South Africa, where they performed at the Channel O Reel Music Video awards early last month and shot videos for their next album, before they went to Britain. And while they had problems getting their British visa, they say the South African one had been issued without any hitches.

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Kenyan hero Billy Konchellah studying in the UK

Billy Konchellah the Kenyan athletic hero is in the UK. Billy who lives in Finland is in the UK to study before going back to Finland where he lives together with his Finnish wife and two year old son. He well known to Kenyans as he won several medals during his time. In 1987 he won a Gold 800m, 1991 Gold 800m, 1993 bronze 800m. His contact is waliac@coventry.ac.uk

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Mike Rua did an excellent performance at Luton

New Year's celebration was done in all Kenyan joints in the UK.  All the venues were like beehives as Kenyans and friends joined together to celebrate the New Year. At Duke of Five, Katherine Road guests celebrated until the morning. A number of guests was recorded at Lincolns, Leytonstone. At Pigeons Club guests enjoyed the New Year with their local DJ to the early morning hours of Thursday morning. Luton had its share this year with  Mike Rua the popular Kenyan naughty boy attracting a large number of guests at The Somerset Tavern, Luton. Rua, did an excellent performance there. He joined the platform just before midnight going on non-stop to 3.00 a.m. His rhythm which is quite popular with the Kenyans moved the guests to display their talents around the club. The musician who quite energetic and knows what to give at what time attracted an estimated crowd of 500 guests.

AT PIGEONS CLUB

"Come on mate...do it the African way... step by step as there is no hurry in Africa"	Kenyans enjoying themselves at Pigeons Club
Kibe (left) and his friends all the way from Southampton	Dancing to celebrate the New Year

AT CLUB MEANTIME IT WAS LIKE BEEHIVE

The venue was small Gidi Gidi popularity - no parking no space

It was a day for Gidi Gidi Maji Maji to remember at  Club Meantime. New Year's Eve was their day. They sold everything they brought with them for sale including bandana, T-shirts and scarves. They came in big numbers and the club, which was occupying two floors became small. With charges of £15 Kenyans turned up to celebrate the new year with the Kenyan musicians. They joined the platform at about midnight. With the new generation following and catching with their rhythm the team did well to the satisfaction of the guests. Old and young could be seen displaying their talents. A number of guests joined the musician at the platform. There was no parking space and many guests turned away disappointed. Cars parked everywhere including the pavement and flower beds of Millennium Way. Others packed at the motorway. Some guests blocking the exit. Some guests left 6.30 a.m. on  New Year Day when the compound was cleared by the guests. Gidi Gidi Maji Maji left London for Kenya on Thursday 1st January, 2004 with Kenya Airways through Heathrow Airport. Their trip in the UK is something for them to remember for quite some time.

Sam Ochieng (left) and Dick Oneko (centre) at the Club Meantime	All talents had to be displayed at Club Meantime New Year Celebrations
Kenyans at the club	Maji Maji took congregation for a surprise
Ladies getting a leaf from Gidi Gidi at Club Meantime	Guests went wild to catch with Maji Maji

Joining the new year with Gidi Gidi Maji Maji	Dressing for the year at the Club Meantime
Everyone for himself God for us all	Doing it with hands and legs to welcome the new year
Chege (second left) and Monica were there for celebrations	When going gets tough you can remove your shoes

Ciru (left) and friends at the celebrations

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Hard-hitting smoking ad launched

A television advert showing fat being squeezed from a smoker's artery aims to boost numbers giving up the habit in the New Year.  Long-term smokers are at greater risk of heart disease caused by clogged arteries. The government is funding the ad - made by the British Heart Foundation - in order to help meet its target of 1.5 million fewer smokers by 2010. Currently, 28% of men and 26% of women in the UK smoke regularly. The advert shows a pub scene with a group of friends lighting up over the drink. However, instead of ash gathering at the ends of their cigarettes, the viewer sees liquid fat oozing from the tips. The advert then shows an artery taken from a regular smoker, which is almost entirely clogged with fat. Smoking related heart disease happens when, over time, the habit damages the arteries so that they harden, narrow and clog more easily. Professor Sir Charles George, Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, said that the advert could help people who are considering a New Year's resolution to give up smoking. He said: "It's quite clear that although smoking rates have come down, they are plateauing - it needs an extra effort to take us down further." The charity has been given £7.5m by the government to run healthy living campaigns over the next few years. Health Minister Melanie Johnson backed the New Year message, saying: "It's a hard-hitting campaign and that's good, because it's a big threat with a lot of lives at risk. "I'd like to see 1.5 million fewer smokers by 2010 - it's a fairly ambitious target but it's one we're desperate to achieve." There are thought to be approximately 120,000 smoking-related deaths in the UK each year. As well as heart disease, smoking is responsible for most lung cancers and can kill by causing emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

The ad shows fat oozing from the tips of cigarettes

Deconstructing the advert

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Kenya takes the first position at an international exhibition in London

Kenya took the first position. It was International Day at Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church on Saturday 27th December, 2003 where different countries displayed their cultural dances and goods. The event which takes place once a year on 27th December was characterised with very impressive dancers especially from Uganda  and Ghanian teams. Well decorated from head to toe the teams fought a close battle with Kenya taking the first position, Uganda took second position and Nigeria third position. The Kenyan team well dressed with the popular Maasai attire did a beautiful performance. They came well prepared with Kenyan goods including curious, carvings and food stuffs. Notably at the exhibition was Zimbabwe's dish - a plate of worms. The Zimbabwean team explained it is a popular dish. The winning teams were presented with trophies by the head pastor of the church Rev. Francis Sarpong which they will keep until next year's competition.

Uganda table with "matoke" on display	Kenya had the biggest team which was well organised
A team of young girls from Ghanian team performed exceedingly well	A team of the judges
Kenyan team being presented with a trophy	On display was a T-shirt of a Zebra with "hakuna matata" writings
Mrs. Jane Kambo leading a Kenyan dance at the exhibition	Notably at the exhibition was Zimbabwe's dish - worms

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Kenya Commissioner goes shopping at the Kenyan shop

A man with a difference. The new Kenya Commissioner Mr. Joseph Muchemi is a man with difference. He is ready to go a step further to reach the common Kenyans around. On Saturday 27th December, 2003 he toured the Kenyan shop at 374 Lea Bridge Road, Leyton. At the shop he was welcomed by the patron of the shop Mr. George Githunguri. The high commissioner, who was quite impressed by the shop's display bought a lot of goods at the shop including Roiko Muchuzi Mix. He explained at the venue that he will be visiting Kenyan local activities to promote the unity among Kenyans.

Mr. George Githunguri explaining the prices of goods to the high commissioner and his wife Mrs. Muchemi

Among the items at the shop are some Bata slippers all the way from the land of "hakuna matata".

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