Latest News
NOVEMBER 2002 - PART ONE
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Mombasa dancer just before her bomb death
A tourist video captures Kenyan dancers welcoming new arrivals at the doomed Paradise Hotel — minutes before these two performers were killed by suicide bombers. The smiling girls were among 16 people who died when suspected al-Qa’ida terrorists struck near the resort of Mombasa. An Israeli family — referred to last night as the Shapiras — shot the footage of the gaily-dressed dancers soon after checking into the hotel. The recording began with fellow holidaymakers milling about and admiring the rhythmic beat of the greeters’ show. Then the Shapira video — screened around the world last night — highlighted their room and its view. Suddenly, everything turned black as the bombers carried out their murderous attack. Seconds later more pictures appeared — a pyramid of orange flames rising above the hotel. An Israeli man was heard calling: “I can’t believe it! It’s a disaster.”
Later, in the horrific aftermath, it was revealed the remains of the two dancers were found among the ashes. Police probing the atrocity were last night quizzing six Pakistanis, four Somalis, a Spaniard and an American woman. The group was also questioned about the firing of two surface-to-air missiles which came within three feet of downing a Boeing 757. The plane was carrying 261 Israeli tourists home from holiday in Kenya. The dozen suspects were held shortly before Thursday’s rocket attack and hotel bombing for illegally entering the country. The fact that ten were from two countries where militant Muslims thrive could help confirm links between the outrages and Osama bin Laden’s al-Qa’ida terror network. The blast at the Israeli-owned hotel killed ten Kenyans, three Israelis — including two teenage brothers — and the terrorists. Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered his official Boeing jet to be used on Friday 29th November, 2002 to bring back his country’s dead and injured. Agents from Israel’s revered spy agency Mossad were last night hunting down those behind the atrocities. There was speculation in Israel that the Arkia airlines plane that was almost shot down might have been carrying military equipment to deflect missiles. In London, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw insisted the Government had no intelligence warning of a terrorist threat to Mombasa.
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Being drilled for 40 years
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A pensioner told on Friday 29th November how he
suffered 40 years of agony after doctors left a drill bit in his leg. The 2cm
chunk of metal lodged in Henry Wright’s right thigh after a botched operation in
1957. But a string of medics mistook his problems for arthritis and advised him
to take pills to ease the pain. Henry, 70, revealed: “It would ache in the
evening until the next morning and stopped me from sleeping. “I tried lots of
different GPs but they all told me I had arthritis." Henry’s nightmare began
after surgery to straighten his thigh bone at the Royal London Hospital in
Whitechapel, East London. Five years later mechanic Henry felt painful
twinges which got worse. Henry, of Biggleswade, Beds, said: “It got so bad that
I couldn't run about with my two children.
"I went on holiday to Greece, France and Spain but couldn't walk very far
because of the pain.” His wife Jean, 62, said: “He did everything from having
hot baths to warming rubs. Painkillers never did any good. It wasn’t until 1998
that Henry’s new GP suggested an X-ray. The scan — taken at the Lister Hospital,
Stevenage — revealed the drill bit which was later removed. Henry said: “I
never dreamed there could be anything inside and thought it was a problem with
the bone. I've never felt better.” Henry is now claiming compensation from
East London and City Health Authority. - The Sun, London.
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Tesco supermarkets uses killer spiders
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Deadly ... Black Widow spider |
EDWARD Cooper, 10, and sister Sophie, five, whose mum Linda, 39, found a Black Widow in Tesco grapes at Fleetsbridge, Dorset. |
TESCO supermarket on Tuesday 26th November, 2002 admitted using deadly Black Widow spiders to kill off insects in its bunches of grapes. The shock revelation comes after three women found Black Widows — two of them ALIVE — in fruit they bought at different Tesco stores. The spiders, which have red markings on their backs, were introduced to Tesco vineyards in California as an alternative to pesticide, following customer demand for “natural” food. But the grapes are supposed to be hand-checked before being exported. Tesco spokesman Greg Sage said last night: “We use natural predators on grapes because they prevent insects from puncturing the grapes. The spiders are very effective. “All I can do is apologise for any distress this may have caused. We’ve spoken to our suppliers to ensure that the checking process is as good as it can be. “The fact that the spiders are alive is evidence that we’re not using pesticides — because if we were they’d be dead.” A Foods Standard Agency spokesman said: “The local authority has powers to take action.” London-based spider expert Paul Hillyard said: “Black Widows can cause considerable damage with a bite which is potentially lethal.” - The Sun, London.
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Catapult hurls a boy 100ft to death
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Flip ... catapult in use |
Catapult ... one-ton weight is used |
Dino ... pals saw horror |
A thrill-seeker plunged 100ft to his death as he was flung from a catapult and missed a safety net. Oxford University student Dino Yankov, 19, suffered horrific spine injuries when he hit the ground in front of 27 pals. A witness said: “At first it looked like a big bag was being thrown through the air and we thought it was just a test. But then we heard the thud when it hit the ground and everyone rushed over.” Dino was on an outing to a branch of the Dangerous Sports Club. Several people had already been fired from the catapult before the tragedy on Sunday, 24th November, 2002.
The first-year biochemistry student was treated by paramedics and flown to hospital from Middle Moor Water Park near Bridgwater, Somerset. But he died of his injuries. The £25,000 catapult is run by the Somerset Dangerous Sports Club.It is meant to hurl people 100ft in the air at 60mph into a safety net 75ft away.
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"Muuummm!, there a snake in my bed"
Creepy ... 4ft snake had slipped under Jay's duvet
NIPPER Jay Harrop reached under his duvet to scratch an itchy toe — and found a 4ft SNAKE wrapped round his feet. The horrified 11- year-old screamed for his mum Nicole. But she thought it was just a bad dream. Nicole pulled back the covers to show Jay there was nothing to fear — and came face to face with the black and white beast. The terrified mum of six rang 999 and police dashed to the house in Gosport, Hants. But they were so taken aback that they called in the RSPCA. Insurance agent Nicole, 42, said: “I am amazed at how brave Jay was. “He had been in bed all day with a fever and sore throat. “When he woke me shouting, ‘There’s a snake in my bed’ my first thought was that he was having a nightmare or hallucinating.
“I whipped the duvet off to prove there was nothing there — and there was a huge snake almost as big as Jay. It was terrifying.” The South American king snake belongs to neighbour Andy Browning, who reckons it escaped by swimming down his LOO and coming up in next door’s. Nicole added: “It was not poisonous, but it could easily have given Jay a nasty nip.” Jay said: “I thought I had an itch, but I got goosebumps when I looked down at my feet and saw the snake. “Now that I know it wasn’t poisonous I have decided I don’t mind snakes — but not if they’re at the end of my bed.”
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Snake swallows boy of 10
Jaws of death ... menacing African rock python
A giant python is
being hunted after it crushed a ten-year-old boy to death and swallowed him
whole — head first. The 20ft snake coiled itself around the lad as he was
picking fallen fruit near Durban, in South Africa. Other children climbed trees
to escape and watched terrified as it squeezed the life out of the boy. Then the
snake opened its mouth wide and slowly gulped down the body. It is the first
recorded case of a rock python killing a human being. But police in the township
of Lamontville are convinced the story is true because of the details given by
the dead boy’s friends. Witness Khaye Buthelezi, 11, said: “The snake wrapped
itself around his body, pinning his arms to his sides. “He didn’t cry or
scream and neither did the rest of us — we didn’t want the snake to come and
take us as well.
“It squeezed tighter and tighter around him until his eyes closed and his
head fell back. “Then the snake’s mouth opened very, very wide and started to
swallow him — his clothes and everything. “It took about three hours because it
was dark when we saw it slither away and we could finally come down.” The
only clue to the snake’s whereabouts was a track of flattened grass which led to
a stream. Rock pythons have stretchy ligaments that allow them to swallow
large animals — and they usually prey on monkeys, pigs, birds and other
warm-blooded mammals.
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The king of the cartoons
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Fans of the famous cartoonist Paul Kelemba, popularly known as “Maddo”, admire their hero who took time to show them the tricks of his trade. - East African Standard, Nairobi. |
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Mobile keypad gets real
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It could soon be a lot easier to tap out messages and use websites via your mobile phone. Next year could see the appearance of mobile phones that have a redesigned keypad that gives each letter and number its own key. If widely adopted, the keypad could end the need for predictive text systems in phones and mean you no longer have to tap several times to write letters in text messages. Digit Wireless, inventors of the novel keypad, have been showing off working prototypes of their gadget in an attempt to get operators and phone makers to adopt it.
Fast fingers
The Fastap keyboard was invented by David Levy, the former head of ergonomic design at Apple. It gives each letter and number almost as much space as those on a computer keyboard. It crams 26 letters of the alphabet, the * and #, 10 numbers, plus a variety of other keys into the same space that most phones manage only to fit numerals and a couple of other keys. Each letter sits on a raised bump and numbers are written by pressing the four letters surrounding them. The extra buttons on the pad can be used to reach specific services or for defined functions such as starting a text message. Before now Digit Wireless has only had mock-ups of the keypad itself to show to potential partners and investors. However, under an arrangement with Panasonic, the company has put one of its keypads into a version of the GD87 camera phone.
Concept phone
Mike Midgen, European sales manager for Digit Wireless, stressed that the work with Panasonic did not mean that the electronics giant would be building production models. "It is just a proof of concept," said Mr Midgen. He said it took only six weeks from first talks with Panasonic to producing the finished device which is a working GSM phone and a prototype. The prototype still needs a bit of work, said Mr Midgen. "The key mat feel is not quite right yet," he said, "it is a bit mushy." Now Digit Wireless is talking to handset makes about manufacturing phones with the Fastap keyboard built-in. Mr Midgen said he expects to see them going on sale in 2003. Mobile phone network operators keen to get customers spending money on data services are likely to find the keypad attractive.
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Who fight who?
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Policemen
move in to quell a fight between supporters of rival candidates for the
Dujis parliamentary seat in Garissa District, during the Kanu nominations
won by Cabinet minister Hussein Mohamed on Friday.
- Sunday Nation, Nairobi.
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54 million Kshs. cars
 Security drive ... England skipper Becks |
 Tough ... minders drive armoured X5 |
 Protection ... Posh has super-strong 750i |
UK, the footballer David Beckham is using a fleet of armour-plated BMWs worth £450,000 to protect his family. The England soccer skipper is driving a powerful 540i which has a bullet-proof body, glass and tyres. Wife Victoria, 28, is using a 750i which has been fitted with heavy armour designed to withstand a direct hit from a BAZOOKA. And the family’s ex-SAS minders have been given an armoured BMW X5 4x4.The Beckhams are testing the motors with a view to buying them.
Victoria’s car weighs a ton more than the normal model because of its armour — and costs a staggering £250,000. It has even been fitted with special rear-view cameras to make it easier for occupants to keep an eye on following vehicles. A source close to Becks, 27, said: “In the current climate David isn’t taking any chances and is sparing no expense to make sure he and is family are safe.” The Beckhams have been beefing up security since an alleged plot to kidnap Posh and sons Brooklyn, three, and two-month-old Romeo was foiled three weeks ago. A gang allegedly planned to ambush them as they drove out of the family’s £2.5million mansion at Sawbridgeworth, Herts. Becks was loaned the three cars by BMW after the scare and has been giving them an extensive try-out before placing an order.
The source said: “He, Victoria and the security team are effectively test driving the cars and will almost certainly go ahead and buy them.” BMW have a reputation for providing some of the world’s most secure cars. They are commonly used by royalty, sheiks and rich businessmen because of the security options. Victoria’s 750i is not the recently-released model because the security updates are not available for it yet. The Beckhams already own a string of luxury motors, including a Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder, a Ferrari 550 Maranello, an Aston Martin DB7, a Lincoln Navigator and a TVR Cerbera. As part of his security plans, Becks has been fitted for a £1,000 bullet-proof vest. - The Sun, London.
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Nchi ya kitu kidogo ni nchi ya watu....
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A Kanu supporter, Gathuruma Njuru, tries to escape from rowdy youths after he was allegedly given Sh1,000 to share out at a Bahati polling station. He sustained a deep bite on the arm. - The East Africa Standard, Nairobi. |
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Several Kenyans among the graduating group
Several Kenyans were among hundreds of grandaunts who were awarded different awards in the University of East London on Wednesday 20th November, 2002. The colourful ceremony took place at Barbican Centre, in the City of London. UK minister of Education and Skills and MP for Newham Mr. Stephen Timms was among those who were awarded the award of Doctor of Education. Among the Kenyans who got an award was Martin Kimacha Wahinya - BTEC High National Diploma in Business with Computing, Alex Okullo - BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, Raphael Karanja - BA (Hons) Business Studies (Marketing), Mariam Ochieng - BA (Hons) Business Administration (Human Resource Management), Edwin Nganga of KDMJ - BSc. (Hons) Distributed Information Systems and on top was Stanley Njuguna - Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Doctor of Education
Mr. Stephen Timms MP of Newham and Minister of Education and Skills (left) receiving the award of Doctor of Education from the university chancellor Lord Rix Kt CBE DL.
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Inside the graduation hall |
Here we are....Raphael Karanja (right) and Edwin Nganga during gratuaiton |
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This T-shirt was displayed at the entrance to the graduation hall. The T-shirt had all the names of the grandaunts printed on it's back |
The family of Raphael Wagema Karanja congratulates him after graduation |
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Defecting to Narc at KMDJ meeting in London on 17/11/02
Mr. Henry Otiende (left) a top Kanu campaigner in UK who defected to Narc from Kanu, being welcomed by KMDJ chairman Mr. Ngethe Mbiyu in London on Sunday 17th November, 2002
 Excited members as Mr. Henry Otiende defects |
 Members had to listen attentively to Mr. Henry Otiende's speech as he narrated it all of how they used to do in Kanu |
 KDM chairman (centre) speaking at the meeting |
 A Kenyan businessman in UK Mr. Kuki Juttla speaking at the meeting - he helps Kenyans to transfer money to Kenya and Uganda - his email kuks75@hotmail.com |
Hundreds of Kenya Movement for Democracy and Justice (KMDJ) members in UK gathered at the Pigeons, 120 Romford Road, Stratford, London, E15 4EH on Sunday 17th Nov. 2002 to deliberate on their role on Kenyan political transition, mobilising the International Community i.e. Commonwealth, EU and AU to send election observers to oversee the 27th December General Elections in Kenya. The meeting which was attended by a big crowd witnessed the defecting of Kanu's top campaign official in UK Mr. Otiende to Narc.
The political base of the ruling party Kanu in UK has been terribly shaken by the defection of the Kanu point man in UK, Mr. Otiende. The former YK, 92 official was received by the Kenya Movement for Democracy and Justice (KMDJ) chairman, Ngethe wa Mbiyu in a meeting attended by hundreds of KMDJ members and supporters in London. Mr. Otiende who defected to NARC cited lack of vision and dictatorship in Kanu as his main reasons for abandoning the dying party. He reiterated the already popular belief that the road for Kanu has come to an end and that Moi should honourably hand over the Government to the Opposition which has what it takes to revive the country's collapsing economy. The meeting which was presided over by KMDJ Organising Secretary, PK Njoroge, was also addressed by NARC/KMDJ Co-ordinator in London, Charles Muhindi & KMDJ Vice-Chairman, Ocholla. The issue of the coming General elections in Kenya; in particular the sending of election observers by the International Community, how to combat rigging and the government's handing over after the elections took centre stage. A Kenyan businessman in UK, Mr. Kuki Juttla also addressed the meeting and expressed his desire for a peaceful political change over in Kenya. Mr. Kuki helps Kenyans to send money and goods to Kenya and Uganda. During his speech, the chairman of KMDJ confirmed that Charity Ngilu and Kijana Wamalwa will be among the Narc official who will be attending Narc fund-raising dinner on 7th December, 2002 in London.
Mr. Muhindi confirmed that KMDJ has held several promising meetings with various human rights organisations and leaders of both the New Labour Government & the Conservatives over the above issues. KMDJ is also organising a Fundraising Dinner for NARC on 7th Dec, 2002 which will be attended by NARC Officials at a venue to be confirmed. Committee Members are meeting every Sunday at Sea Rock 672, High Road, Finchley, N12. Mr. Ngethe requested willing members of KMDJ to join the committee as he led the group to declare unanimous support and contribution for the dinner. Every KMDJ member will receive a £50 invitation card for the dinner through the post. Members were also requested to come with as many friends as possible as more cards will be available at the venue.
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JEEROMA TUITION CLASSES
Tuition classes are available for pupils in Primary Level, GCSE, A'Levels and University students doing their project /essays n Exams revision. The tutors are University Graduates in LLB ( Law), BSc &Msc in Envirometal sciences and Sociology, and Bachelor of Commerce and economics.
We are currently having students from West London but anyone is welcome form all walks since we are providing transport from Hounslow west Station to venue and Back.
The venue is , 1 North Road, Off Brentford High Street (2nd Left From MC Donalds). Starting at 10.00am - 12.00pm. The fee is £10 only.
Contacts for more details; 07940575112, 07931116124, 02085707943
Thanx in advance n God Bless Yu Mightily.
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Kenya Stand at World Travel Market in London
Kenya was among 183 countries which
participated in this year's World Travel, Market in London which started on
Monday 11th November, 2002 to Thursday 14th November, 2002. This year's event
was held at Excel Exhibition Centre, in Docklands, East Landon. High powered
Kenya Tourism team participated at the exhibition where they had a beautiful
stand. Among the government officials who participated in the four day event was
Raymond Matiba chairman of Kenya Tourist Board, the PS in the ministry Mrs.
Esther Koimett among others. The exhibition was officially opened by the Mayor
of London, Ken Livingstone who delivered a keynote speech to open World Travel
Market 2002.
Kenya Airways was flying high at the exhibition
Kenya Airways displayed their latest technology at the exhibition where they displayed their latest seat in their Premier Club. A London based journalist Gitau wa Njenga (above seated) being shown how the seat works by a Kenya Airways staff.
A beautiful Kenya Tourism Stand
 Miss Tourisms were at hand to service visitors at the canteen. Miss Tourism Nairobi, Miss Tourism Rift Valley were among others |
 The organisers of this year Miss Tourism UK, had to pose with Miss Tourism Nairobi at the exhibition. Mr. Duncan Ndegwa of Florida Club, London (left) and Henry Ngei (right) of Pamoja Promotions Ltd. |
 Exchanging business contacts at the exhibition was from left Mr. Raymond Matiba chairman of Kenya Tourism Board, Mr. Henry Ngei, Duncan Ndegwa and Mr. Seed |
 Among the guests who toured the Kenya stand was minister for Tourism, Ghana (left) and Ghana High Commissioner in UK (centre) while Miss Tourism Africa Miss Ntimama (second left) looks as the minister is presented with Kenyan beer - Tusker |
MORE PHOTOS COMING AT HOTNEWS SECTION SOON!
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Kenya: White Terror
 Fifty years on, and Kenyan anger is boiling over |
Mwangi Kanyari reflects
the thousands now looking for justice |
Kenyan Mau Mau veterans' groups are cataloguing a potentially damaging dossier on alleged human rights abuses in the 1950s. This could lead to a huge legal action for compensation against the UK Government. BBC Two's Correspondent programme reveals some of the new evidence that lies behind the veterans' claims. The Mau Mau uprising in Kenya in the 1950s was a murky part of the British military's past. The ruthless, clandestine Mau Mau movement found its roots in the Kenyan Kikuyu tribe. Their aim was to win back their land and personal freedoms denied them by the British colonial power at the time. Lawyers, working with Kenyan Mau Mau veterans' groups, have taken over 6,000 depositions alleging numerous major human rights abuses, including rape, torture, indiscriminate killing and theft of property.
Mwangi Kanyari is one of the Mau Mau veterans - he feels bitterly aggrieved. He gave six years of loyal service in the Kings African Rifles and was wounded in action. After retiring from the regiment in 1946, he was left with nothing. It was then he joined the Mau Mau. New evidence has been unearthed alleging British atrocities, on such a scale that it will require the rewriting of British imperial history. Professor Caroline Elkins of Harvard University has been investigating the claims. She says that in excess of 50,000 people could have been killed by British security forces. A significantly higher figure than was previously admitted.
The Correspondent programme reports a number of human rights abuses:
There were also tales of daily killings at a British-run slave labour camp called Embakasi. It was here that Mau Mau convicts were made to build the foundations for what is now Kenya's main airport. These stories are typical of a widespread and systematic attack by British forces against the Kikuyu people who were sympathetic to the Mau Mau campaign. The Correspondent programme has interviewed a former colonial official, Terence Gavaghan, living in London. He was ordered, at the time, to implement a system to unblock the Mwea camps of the 20,000 "hard-core" Mau Mau who refused to confess their oaths. This allowed for the open beating of detainees. Secret documents obtained by Correspondent show that both the Colonial Administration and the British Government knew about - and sanctioned - the regime. Mr Gavaghan categorically denies that he personally knocked anyone unconscious or saw anyone else being knocked out.
There is no suggestion that Mr Gavaghan is connected with any of the other alleged abuses. John Nottingham was a district colonial officer during the time and has stayed on in Kenya after the emergency. He said that compensation should be paid to victims now. They are mostly in their 80s and would soon die. He told Correspondent: "What went on in the Kenya camps and villages was brutal, savage torture. "It is time that the mockery of justice that was perpetrated in this country at that time, should be, must be righted. "I feel ashamed to have come from a Britain that did what it did here." The revelations go far beyond what was known at the time. They go a long way to proving the suspicions of anti-colonial campaigners, like the late Labour MP, Baroness Barbara Castle, that there were massive abuses taking place. She and others revealed several individual scandals by British security forces during the 1950s. Despite this, the then Conservative Government, headed by Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, consistently denied systematic abuse. But the legacy of this bloody struggle against large sections of the Kenyan people is returning with a vengeance. Mau Mau veterans have now delivered the first part of their dossier cataloguing the abuses to the British High Commission in Nairobi. The new evidence that Correspondent details in their programme "Kenya: White Terror" coincides with the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the state of emergency in Kenya. - BBC, London
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The late Hannah Wangari Kimani laid to rest in London
The late Hannah Wangari Kimani was laid down to rest in London on Friday 15th November, 2002. The ceremony took place at Plaistow, East London Crematorium, London. The ceremony started at 12.00 noon at Taslim Kandall Funeral Services, Dalston Lane where the body was being viewed. Later the body was escorted to the cemetery chapel for half-hour prayers before proceeding to the graveside. At the graveside a poem was read before Pastor Isaac T. Ndugire took over the ceremony. Pastor Isaac delivered the word before the coffin was lowered into the grave. He reminded those present that the case for the late Hannah is gone and now what matters is individual relationship with God. "Human being is sand, and the sand should go back to sand", declared the officiating pastor. The mother of the late Hannah who flew from Nairobi this week stood calmly as the proceedings continued but some family members could not be able to control themselves. The late Hannah's sister from Denmark with her family also attended the ceremony.
See poem below.
 The family of the late Hannah Wangari Kimani escorting the coffin to the grave as the mother follows behind |
 A poem and word of God with Rev. Isaac T. Ndugiire before lowering the coffin |
 The mother of the late Hannah throwing the soil into the grave as Susan her cousin and Grace her sister stands by |
 The family placing the flower on the grave. From left is the brother, mother, sister, cousin and brother of the late Hannah |
Family poem
Don't grief for me now I'm free
Am following the path God lad for me
I took his hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at dawn
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a joke, a kiss
Oh yes these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you are the sunshine of everyday
My life has been full, I have endured a lot
Good friends, good times and the loved one's touch
Perhaps my times seemed all too brief
Don't prolong it with undue grief
Lift up your hearts and share with me
God wanted me, now he set me free.
To send your condolences use kimanigrace@hotmail.com
MORE PHOTOS COMING AT HOTNEWS SECTION SOON!
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Training on Business Start at SACOMA
Sahara Communities Abroad (SACOMA) on the move as usual. This time it was training for Business Start. The five-day training started on Monday 11th November, 2002 and ended up on Friday 15th November, 2002. Several people attended the training which was going as from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. throughout the week. The training covered how to write a business plan, communication in business, business types, how to choose business idea and market research required crowning it all with accounting requirements (taxation). There were business speakers from Business Links for London, Princess Trust and Individual business men. The next training will come up on 20th-25th January 2003. If you want to book for the next training please email, fax or phone the Administrator at Sahara Communities Abroad, 108 Cranbrook Road, Ilford Essex, IG1 4LZ. Tel: 02085549444, Fax 02085543336, email sacoma@btinternet.com. SACOMA is an Investor with People.
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12-year-old mum
Pregnant ... Amy with Mum, Rose
In UK, the 12-year-old girl who is five months pregnant has been told by the baby’s dad: You’re on your own. Amy Crowhurst said the 15-year-old lad was horrified when she broke the news that she was expecting. The boy admitted he "doesn’t want the grief" — and isn't interested in supporting the child. But Amy vowed: "I don't need his help. I’ll manage alone." The Sun told on Thursday 14th Nov. 2002 how Amy fell pregnant after having sex once with the lad. Amy, who refuses to name the boy, added: "He thought I was joking about being pregnant until he saw my tummy. Now he's not interested. That's fine." Her mum Rose, who has nine kids, said: "I don’t blame him. He knows it'll muck up his life." The 42-year-old divorcee, of Crawley, West Sussex, added: "I'll give her 100 per cent — and she'll get benefit. We'll cope." Amy, who is having a baby scan today, is off school. Her pals only found out in The Sun that she was expecting the child next March. Amy said: "They know what to buy me at Christmas now — baby stuff."
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Labour MP confirms to KMDJ chairman
"Yes, Britain will ensure that Kenya elections are free and fair"
Labour MP Hon. Tony Worthington (right) and KMDJ chairman Mr. Ng'ethe Mbiyu
The Labour MP for Clydebank & Milngavie, Hon Tony Worthington said on Wednesday 13th November, 2002 that Britain is very keen on the political transition process in Kenya and confirmed that the British government will do everything possible to ensure that the elections are free and fair. Mr. Worthington promised to hold high level consultations with the government and the Commonwealth Secretariat to discuss the modalities of sending election observers to Kenya to oversee both the campaign and General elections process. The Former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Education, Training & Employment, Health & Community Relations) confirmed this to the Kenya Movement for Democracy Justice (KMDJ) officials, Messrs Ngethe Mbiyu (Chairman) & Charles Muhindi ( Editor & Press Secretary) who had paid him a courtesy call at his House of Commons office.
The two officials presented a petition to the MP on behalf of their members which requested the British government to play a significant role in Kenya's transition. They raised fears that despite massive evidence of opposition support and popularity, the Kanu government is likely to rig itself back to power. They hence challenged the British government to declare its stand in case of rigged elections and requested it to ensure impartiality of the electoral commission in Kenya under Samuel Kivuitu; oversee the sending of enough campaign and election observers and to mobilize the International Community to freeze the accounts of all those who have embezzled public funds in Kenya.
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25-year murder conviction quashed
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Robert Brown was freed
after 25 wrongful years in jail
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Robert Brown was jailed when he was just 19
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Mr Brown would have been eligible for parole 10 years ago if he had shown that he had "come to terms with his offending" by admitting the crime. But the 45-year-old he said the need to clear his name was more important. He had also wanted to clear his name for his 75-year-old mother Margaret, who is now described as being "desperately" ill. Mr Brown was convicted of battering to death Ms Walsh at Manchester Crown Court in October 1977. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, and had an application for leave to appeal against conviction refused by the Court of Appeal in 1978. His solicitor Robert Lizar said: "I will be urging Manchester police to reopen the investigation into the murder because the family of Annie Walsh have not been properly served by the justice system in any way."
The appeal hearing before Lord Justice Rose, Mr Justice Gibbs and Mr Justice Davis, which was expected to last at least a day, took a dramatic twist after submissions from Julian Bevan QC, for the Crown. Mr Bevan said that if asked whether the fresh evidence now in front of the court "might reasonably have affected the decision of the jury to convict this appellant I have to say on behalf of the Crown that it might". After Mr Bevan outlined the Crown's stance, emphasising that the final decision on the safety of the conviction was for the court, the judges said they had no need to hear further argument on behalf of Mr Brown. A statement issued by Greater Manchester Police said: "Greater Manchester Police have provided full assistance to the Court of Appeal in the case of Robert Brown and we are aware of today's decision which has cast doubt on the original evidence in this case and overturned Mr Brown's conviction. "We would like to reassure the people of Greater Manchester that procedures under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act now provide safeguards for both suspects and officers. "These include recording of the interview process and advanced forensic techniques."
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Tornadoes smash through eastern US|
Dozens of tornadoes cut a swath through eastern
America, battering towns and cities.
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Rescuers fear they will find more victims in the
wreckage
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A string of devastating tornadoes has destroyed hundreds of homes in a destructive rampage across the US from the Canadian border to the Deep South. More than 30 people are now known to have died in several eastern states and emergency workers are warning that the death toll is almost certain to rise. Dozens of people are missing in Ohio, Tennessee and Alabama, hundreds are injured and tens of thousands of homes are without power. Unseasonably high temperatures followed by a cold front generated the conditions for the tornadoes which came in several violent waves. One of the worst-hit communities was Mossy Grove in Tennessee where seven people died when a tornado wrecked everything on the ground in a swath five to six miles (6 to 10 kilometres) long. One of the victims was a four-month-old boy, killed in an area where 20 homes were flattened. More than 40 people were missing in Mossy Grove, with emergency crews working through the night having to rely on ham radio operators for communication since phone lines were knocked out by the storm. Ken Morgan, an officer from the nearby town of Oliver Springs, said: "It's mass destruction, death. Mossy Grove is destroyed." Several people died as they became trapped in cars and homes, while others frantically tried to escape the churning storms.
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Migrant officer is love rat
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Left alone ... Rekha and daughter Makayla |
Suspended ... Paul Margison |
But single Margison, who already had an 11-year-old daughter, was careful not to arouse colleagues’ suspicions over their daily chats. Rekha said: “He would take me to an office and other places where no one was around.” She left in November with his mobile number, returned to London — and called him when she found it hard to settle. Rekha said: “When I fell pregnant he said he would get the three of us a flat. He never did.” In September she gave birth to 6lb 2oz Makayla, but said: “He has seen her only once.” That was two weeks ago when he drove from his home in Manea, Cambs, to return some clothes. Rekha went on: “I cannot cope by myself. I cannot tell my family in India as it would shame them. Paul has left us in a terrible situation.” Margison refused to comment.
Meanwhile, Eight people were being quizzed last night, accused of helping asylum seekers illegally enter America on Virgin flights from Heathrow. Four of those arrested after a year-long surveillance worked at Terminal Three, two for Virgin and two for a security firm. - The Sun, London.
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Matiba challenges religious leaders
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The chairman of the unregistered Saba Saba Asili party, Mr Kenneth Matiba, has a word with party officials before he addressed a press conference at Marlborough House, Nairobi, on Saturday 9th November, 2002 - Sunday Standard, Nairobi |
Saba Saba Asili leader Kenneth Matiba on Saturday sharply criticised the country’s religious leaders, accusing them of failing to stand up against continued evil in the country. He said that if the religious leaders took a stand instead of maintaining neutrality in the face of evil, Kenyans would have long brought to an end the dictatorial Kanu regime. Matiba said religious leaders have played a major role in bringing about positive change in other parts of the world and cited South America and the Philippines. “Yet in many other places, religious leaders have buried their heads in the sand while their flock is butchered, impoverished and terrorised,” he said. “Religious leaders in Kenya must now decide on which side they are.There can be no neutrality in the face of evil. One is either with the people or against the people,” he said. Matiba’s remarks were contained in a statement read at a news conference at the Saba Saba Asili Marlborough House headquarters. The statement was read by party lawyer John Amendi in the presence of Matiba, other party officials and supporters.
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Asylum
seekers refused treatment
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Dr Vijayakar Abrol:
Doesn't understand their language |
A sign has been put up at the surgery |
He said he had reached the stage where he needed to introduce a zero tolerance policy. "I have looked after asylum seekers for nearly two years now. "When it comes to them misbehaving with staff and being aggressive in the surgery, it affects other patients in the surgery who are law-abiding citizens." But Dr Vidhe Mayor, chair of the professional executive committee of the Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Trust, said Dr Abrol's comments could not be condoned. "We are really disappointed in the stance Dr Abrol has adopted and in no way whatsoever can it be condoned," he said. "We want to distance ourselves from his statements which, frankly, smack of xenophobia." He said he sympathised with the language problems but said: "To single out asylum seekers is reprehensible." - BBC, London.
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Coming to the limelight
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Mr Gideon Moi (centre) and his wife Zahra (right) flash the one-finger Kanu salute at a meeting at their Mogotio farm house. A high-powered delegation of Baringo Central constituents asked President Moi’s youngest son to run for his father’s parliamentary seat in the coming General Election. On the left of the couple is Kanu Baringo Kanu Executive Officer Baringo Mr Hosea Kiplagat. - East Africa Standard, Nairobi. |
Ford People presidential candidate Simeon Nyachae addresses his supporters outside the party’s offices in Nairobi yesterday where he received defectors among them the step-brother of V-P Musalia Mudavadi. - East Africa Standard, Nairobi |
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Mum's girlfriend sawn up
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Johnston ... frenzied attack |
Sandra ... had 95 injuries |
Crazed killer William Johnston chopped up his mum’s lesbian lover and put her legs in a wheelie bin. Johnston, 22, wrapped the rest of 39-year-old Sandra Black’s body in a carpet and stuffed it in a coal bunker. His mum Teresa, 40, discovered the remains in his backyard and was so distraught she killed herself two months later with a drugs overdose. Johnston admitted murder and was jailed for life at Newcastle Crown Court. He had attacked Sandra after she made a drunken pass at him. Jobless Johnston used a saw and a hammer to inflict at least 95 injuries. Sandra died from head and brain injuries. Just two weeks before the murder he boasted to a friend that he would like to chop her up and bury her under a patio.Johnston, of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, had a stormy relationship with Sandra for 16 years. He admitted he flipped when tipsy Sandra — having split from his mum — made the pass at him. Roger Thorn QC, for Johnston, said: “He rejected her and she retaliated that his mum would always prefer her to him. After such words of pain he picked up the hammer and killed her.” When Johnston was arrested he told cops his name was “Peter Cushing” — the film veteran who played Frankenstein. - The Sun, London.
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Resigning over gay adoption vote
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John Bercow has quit the shadow cabinet |
Shadow Home Secretary Oliver Letwin told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he was "very sad" that Mr Bercow had felt it necessary to resign. |
In UK, Tory shadow cabinet member John Bercow has resigned over the party's opposition to allowing unmarried couples - heterosexual and gay - to adopt children. Mr Bercow, shadow pensions minister, has stepped down from Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith's front bench, arguing it is an issue of conscience. Mr Duncan-Smith is imposing a three line whip on the vote - putting Tory MPs under orders to vote against allowing adoption by unmarried and gay couples. But Tory chairman Theresa May denied that the decision to oppose the change to adoption rules was another case of the Conservatives being the "nasty party". She said that it was motivated by the desire to provide the most stable future possible for children being adopted - with married couples likely to stay together longer than unmarried couples, and therefore providing a more stable background.
Defying the leadership - Mr Bercow is the first person to resign from Iain Duncan Smith's shadow cabinet over a matter of policy. In his resignation letter, dated Monday and starting "Dear Iain", he says: "As you know from our recent discussions, I have been very unhappy with the decision to instruct colleagues to vote against amendments to the Adoption and Children Bill which would allow unmarried couples jointly to adopt." He said extending the pool of potential adopters "would allow more of our most damaged children to have the chance of a secure and loving home with two parents who share responsibility for them". He wrote: "I agree with the case for reform and it is a great pity that Conservative MPs are not to be given a free vote." While he "reluctantly" stayed away last time the issue came before the Commons "I really do not wish to do so again", he said. "Instead, I shall speak in the debate - if I am called - and shall vote in favour of change. "For this reason, and this reason alone, I am stepping down from the shadow cabinet." - BBC, London.
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Election fever catching up in Kenya
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Supporters of former Vihiga Kanu chairman Andrew Ligale dance to welcome him to Kidundu playground where he declared his candidature for the Vihiga parliamentary seat on a Rainbow Liberal Democratic Party ticket - East Africa Standard, Nairobi. |
GOING FOR HIS FATHER'S SHOES
Mr Jonathan Toroitich addresses journalists at Arama Health Centre in Eldama Ravine constitutency in Baringo during a tour of the area yesterday. Mr Toroitich, who is vying for the seat on a Kanu ticket, promised to help the residents to complete stalled projects - Daily Nation, Nairobi.
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Any other Good Samaritan remaining in UK?
Passionate Appeal
(a) Unfinished house
(b) education of children
The house and the family before the Good Samaritan
The house as at now
The owner of this house is a very poor woman with eight children. Previously they were staying in a one-roomed mud house where rain used to penetrate during rainy seasons. All the kids were not attending school, while one boy had actually turned into a street boy. Mr. Seed fixed her story in this column last year and a good Kenyan Samaritan living in the UK had mercy and managed to start the house and even take all the children to school in January 2002. Through Mrs. Ann Chege of Stars of Jesus Orphans Home, the above 4-roomed house was built. The house is now halfway done. The house requires KShs. 150,000 (£1,500) to complete. In addition the children require regular help, otherwise they are unlikely to continue with school, which they just started. The mother is a single mother after the husband abandoned her. Mrs. Chege was supervising the building and will continue to do so, together with the education of the children. Compassionate appeal made on those 2 areas. For any help in full or in part contact Mrs. Chege at starsofjesus@yahoo.co.uk or UK 07951220695 or Kenya 07949525260.
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Researchers circumcise volunteers
Over 670 men in Kisumu have been circumcised since April in an ongoing research to determine the relationship between HIV/Aids infection and circumcision. A researcher, Dr Kawango said 280 of the volunteers have undergone surgery and are being counselled on how to live a life free of the virus. A recent study in Kisumu found out that HIV infection among men increases rapidly between the ages of 18 to 24 years. The research, which started in April at Lumumba Health Centre in Kisumu, is a collaborative project by experts from the Universities of Nairobi, Illinois and Manitoba (Unim).
Prof Ndinya Achola, also an activist in the research said the study will be carried out for the next five years, where the volunteers status will be observed. “We will give the volunteers a maximum of two years in which we will observe the rate at which they may succumb to the disease,” he said. Kawangu said that similar studies were also being carried out in South Africa and Uganda. Other reports say Central Provincial General Hospital in Nyeri lacks machines used in determining viral load of HIV/Aids infected patients. The provincial medical boss Dr Olang’ Onudi says this has been the stumbling block to the opening of a HIV/Aids regional centre at the hospital. The centre is supposed to serve the entire Mt Kenya region in provision of free anti-retroviral drugs to locals. - East Africa Standard, Nairobi.
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She's UK's 000000001 baby
Baby comes first ... Beth with
parents Caroline and Robert
IT’S not hard to figure out why baby Beth Allinson is so special. The tot has become the first baby in Britain to get an NHS “lifelong” ID number. Beth’s nine-digit reference will be key to her clinical history. Now every baby will get a number at birth to cut medical mistakes and lost records. Beth was born weighing 7lbs 15oz at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary at three minutes past midnight on Tuesday. Parents Caroline, 27, and Robert, 30, of Newcastle, are both nurses. They have a 20-month-old daughter Megan. NHS bosses would not reveal Beth’s number but confirmed she was the first registered. Previously babies have waited several weeks for medical numbers from registrars. During that time they may have had tests and treatment in different areas, and their name or address changed. That caused chaos collating information but the new system should cure the problems. Mum Caroline said: “I know how important it is to have a patient’s full medical details.” - The Sun, London.
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The $10m (KShs. 790 million) diamond bra
Oh, Karolina ... stunning model shows off
diamond, ruby and emerald-encrusted undies
How's this for a treasure chest — a diamond-studded bra that costs $10 million. Saucy lingerie store Victoria’s Secret includes the sensational Star of Victoria fantasy bra in its Christmas 2002 catalogue. Designed by jewellers Mouawad, it has a huge, flawless, 60-carat diamond at its centre and is encrusted with 1,150 rubies, cut into roses.
Also included are 1,600 emeralds which have been fashioned into leaves. The cost of the one-off bra, modelled here by Czech supermodel Karolina Kurkova, 18, includes a matching pair of knickers — inset with 2,420 rubies, emeralds and diamonds. But the astronomical price-tag — at £6½million the costliest in the world for undies — does NOT include Karolina’s spectacular matching necklace. The bauble, which experts believe may be the only part of the ensemble to be sold by the US-based store, sparkles with rubies and diamonds on an 18-carat white-gold chain. It will cost punters a mere $998 — nearly £642. - The Sun, London.
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