Kenya Insights

Category: News

  • Sonko Threatens To Storm The Parliament If Duale Remains Reluctant In 14 Days

    Sonko Threatens To Storm The Parliament If Duale Remains Reluctant In 14 Days

    Mike Sonko on Monday issued a 14-day ultimatum to Aden Duale to withdraw the proposed salary and allowances increment or he gives the public a go ahead to storm the Parliament.

    Sonko warned Duale throught his Facebook page that he will call a mass demonstration to storm the National Assembly if Duale does not comply within timeline he has issued.

    “I do hereby seek for historic support from members of the public, civil society, comrades and religious leaders in storming the National Assembly if Aden Duale does not withdraw the proposed salary and allowances increment at the expense of taxpayers within the next 14 days,” reads part of Sonko’s post.

    On the Post, Sonko emphasized that the demonstration will be legal and within the confinements of the new constitution.

    “We shall comply with all the due constitutional and legal requirements to ensure the success of this demonstration and protect the rights of the people of Kenya,” Assured Sonko’s Facebook post.

    Here’s Governor Sonko’s full post

    STORMING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.

    We believe that sovereign power belongs to the people, and only donated to elected leaders as enshrined in Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya which states as follows:

    (1) All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with this Constitution.

    (2) The people may exercise their sovereign power either directly or through their democratically elected representatives.

    I do hereby seek for historic support from members of the public, civil society, comrades and religious leaders in storming the National Assembly if Aden Duale does not withdraw the proposed salary and allowances increment at the expense of taxpayers within the next 14 days.

    We shall comply with all the due constitutional and legal requirements to ensure the success of this demonstration and protect the rights of the people of Kenya.

    The Jubilee majority leader Aden Duale is leading MPs who are pushing for a salary increment.

    Earlier last week, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo had said He’s has never been bankrupt like this before while on her part Suba MP, Millie Odhiambo, blamed her constituents for making her go broke.

    Member of Parliament are alleging that their salaries are stretched to the limit because of contributions and handouts.

    Which, on my opinion, is a total bluff from what we elected expecting to be our leaders and protectors.

    Most of our MPs have fixed their lives in an extremely flashy superstar lifestyle that exceeds their pay.

    Sonko rants and angry attack on Duale are over the delayed funds supposed to be allocated to counties by the National Assembly.

    Sonko while speaking at Alladina Grounds in Jomvu, Mombasa County on Sunday attacked Duale and his plot to undermine devolution.

    In a video doing rounds on the internet,that was shared by Sonko, Nairobi Governor is heard ranting to Duale “I want to tell Aden Duale that hii pesa ya devolution si pesa ya mama yako.”

    Sonko’s rants are coming at a time when Governors, led by Council of Governors Chairperson, Wycliffe Oparanya,
    forced their way into the Supreme Court buildings to submit a petition seeking to compel parliament to pass the Division of Revenue Allocation Bill 2019.

    The Division of Revenue Allocation Bill stipulates how money should be disbursed to counties.

  • Passaris Condemns Sonko On Pangani Estate Night Evictions And Demolitions

    Passaris Condemns Sonko On Pangani Estate Night Evictions And Demolitions

    Esther Passaris has criticized Governor Sonko for ordering night evictions and demolitions at Pangani estate.

    According to Passaris, the move to demolish houses at night was unfair to children and women who were caught unprepared.

    Passaris posted on her official Twitter handle Today, stating that Sonko’s administration was elected to protect citizens and not to ambush them with night demolitions and evictions like thieves.

    Passaris was responding to last night’s awful events that saw Sonko Buldoze and evicts Pangani Estate residents.

    “They came with around 15 bulldozers accompanied by a group of rowdy youths who provided security and were ready to deal with anyone who dared to oppose demolitions,” one of the residents affected residents told the press.

    ” We were terrified by the attack and rushed to Pangani Police Station to report the matter, we were surprised to learn that even the officers at the station were not aware there would be an exercise eviction,” said another tenant at the estate

  • Video: Sonko Buldozer Demolishes And Evicts Pangani Estate Tenants

    Video: Sonko Buldozer Demolishes And Evicts Pangani Estate Tenants

    Nairobi County government last night conducted a forceful eviction of the remaining residents of the Pangani Estate.

    The evicted tenants were living in houses in an area marked for the county affordable housing project that falls under President Uhuru’s Big 4 agenda.

    According to the tenants who spent their night outside, county officers arrived at midnight with a bulldozer and started demolishing before ordering them to vacate immediately.

    Here’s the video courtesy of DN.

     

    One of the Tenant vacating Pangani Estate Photo|Star

    Some of the Pangani Estate residents told local press that county askari came with a Lorry full of goons and fleet of county vehicles.

    Credible source speaking to the the tenants says that they were only served with a verbal notice whose deadline was on the 3rd July.

    The tenants said they were left with no choice but to move their household items to places they had to seek refuge through the night.

    The events of last night’s happening (Video courtesy)

    The forceful eviction and demolition is being done to pave way for construction of 14-storey buildings as part of the county’s affordable housing project.

    Sources say that by the end of May, 24 of the 48 tenants had already received their Sh600,000 cheques to seek alternative homes.

    According to City valuers, the 12.5 acres for Phase One in Pangani is valued at Sh4 billion and construction of the 14 storey building will cost 25billion.

    Pangani Estate was marked by Nairobi County to pilot the housing projects and Technofin Kenya was contracted to redevelop 1,434 units.

    Earlier in May, The Sonko led county had given the tenants up to July 31 to vacate the houses.

    According to the County’s former Lands executive Charles Kerich, the tenants said the one-month relocation notice wasn’t enough.

    “Due to the concerns raised, we pushed it till August since most tenants said their children were in school and some are observing in Ramadhan. But some have already moved,” Kerich told local press.

    According to Nairobi county officials, the demolitions and forceful evictions were arrived at because some tenants were allegedly not cooperating and would further delay the project.

    The County government say the project was supposed to ground break last year but failed because of a settlement disagreement between the tenants and City Hall.

    Pangani Estate is among seven Estates in Nairobi marked for demolition to pave way for the housing project.

    Other marked Estates include Old and New Ngara, Jeevanjee, Suna Road, Ngong Road Phase One and Two and Uhuru Estate

  • Ruto And His Allies Want To Eject Raphael Tuju From Jubilee

    Ruto And His Allies Want To Eject Raphael Tuju From Jubilee

    Deputy President William Ruto and his allies have turned their ‘guns’ to Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju and want to see him out.

    Ruto’s allies have accused Tuju of working and sharing Jubilee’s political strategy with Former Prime minister Raila Odinga.

    On his defense, The former Rarieda MP, Raphael Tuju rubbished Ruto’s accusations saying that he is simply working to deliver on President Kenyatta’s Agenda.

    In an interview with a local press, Tuju said Ruto and his allies should follow party regulations if they have enough evidence to eject him.

    “There is a laid down procedure of how to remove someone from office. Those with issues should at least file them with the party then allow me to defend myself,” Tuju said.

    According to Tuju, he was in Siaya county over the weekend to commission development projects on behalf of Uhuru and had nothing to do with Raila.

    “I received a phone call from the President asking me to go and represent him. The only thing I did was to read the speech from the President. Now they want to impeach me because of that?” Tuju asked while on an interview with a local press.

    “Initially it was Interior CS Fred Matiang’i who was to go but some changes were made. I was facilitated by State House.” Tuju added.

    “The projects were in Siaya county, Rarieda constituency and therefore the host senator and area MP would automatically attend” Tuju said.

    On Ruto’s side, his political allies have vowed to eject Tuju.

    Faith Gitau, Nyandarua Woman Representative said Tuju is operating under instructions of ‘anti-Ruto’ figures in government and allegedly being used to undermine Ruto’s 2022 Presidential race.

    “He has no business being in our party if he has joined forces with the opposition to undermine the DP who is also our deputy party leader,” Ms Gitau told a local press.

    Another Ruto’s ally John Waluke, the current Sirisia member of Parliament has accused Tuju of taking advantage of the handshake between Uhuru and Raila to undermine Ruto.

    “Raila is an opportunist who is working closely with Tuju to wreck Jubilee. We will not allow this to happen, we know how we campaigned for Jubilee to form the government and the parties that were merged,” Waluke said.

    Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara said that Tuju is is compromised and can no longer be trusted as SG.

    “If he is now comfortable working with Raila after the handshake, then he should just quit rather than advance his political agenda using his position in the party by sharing our strategy to please Raila,” Ms Kihara said.

    “Tuju should stop undermining the unity of our party from within,” said Kapondi.

    “It is very unfortunate that the Secretary General of Jubilee can talk and plan how to incite communities. This is unbelievable,” said Pukose.

    “You cannot be a Secretary General of a party that formed the Government and you are engaging in divisive politics. I tell Raphael Tuju that if you want to engage in divisive politics, you are in the wrong place,” said Didmus Barasa.

    Kapseret MP and the self proclaimed Ruto’s Spokesman Oscar Sudi, accused Tuju and former Vice Chairman David Murathe of having become a liability to Jubilee Party.

    “Tuju and Murathe are rejects who should be removed from the party through elections,” Sudi told a local press.

    “We brought Tuju into Jubilee, not because he had any support, but because we wanted to create a national face for the party. He is now baggage and should be removed,” Sudi added.

    On Saturday, DP Ruto shared a tweet accusing Tuju of turning into a Raila strategist ahead of 2022 Presidential polls.

  • Scientists Name The Newly Discovered Fish Species After Marvel’s Wakanda Nation

    Scientists Name The Newly Discovered Fish Species After Marvel’s Wakanda Nation

    Marine biologists have discovered a new species of fairy wrasse fish in unexplored reef off the coast of Zanzibar.

    A pic of a Cirrhilabrus Wakanda, (Credits:Luiz Rocha)

    Luiz Rocha, a marine biologist shared photographs of the new species with Dr. Yi-Kai Tea, a researcher at University of Sydney.

    News of the newly discovered fairy wrasse named, Cirrhilabrus Wakanda, has created much excitement among reef researchers just as Marvel’s Black Panther did to movie fans.

    Yi-Kai Tea, lead author of the study published in the journal ZooKeys, said the team chose to name the newly discovered fairy wrasse in honor of the Black Panther storyline.

    “When we thought about the secretive and isolated nature of these unexplored African reefs, we knew we had to name this new species after Wakanda,” said Yi-Kai Tea

    Dr Tea said that the secretive and isolated nature of these unexplored African reefs mirrors characteristics of fictional Wakanda, the utopian but hidden home of the Marvel character.

    “When Luiz sent me a photo of this new fish he collected, I knew instantly what it was. He found the ‘missing piece’ to this biogeographical puzzle” Dr. Tea said.

    With vibranium, the vital resource which powers Wakanda’s technological advancement, and Black Panther’s suit known for its purple tinge, the newly found species was named Dr. Tea as Cirrhilabrus wakanda, or “vibranium fairy wrasse.”

    Wakanda fish was discovered more than 200 feet beneath the ocean’s surface in the dimly lit coral reefs of Zanzibar.

    Cirrhilabrus Wakanda are distinct for their purple scales which retains color even when preserved for research, unlike other fish species.

    Deep-diving scientists from the University of Sydney and California Academy of Sciences under Hope for Reefs initiative, have examined DNA, scales, fin rays and body structure of wakanda fish and determined that the newly discovered fairy wrasses are different from other species already identified in the western Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

    According credible science sources and publications, Cirrhilabrus species remained undiscovered until now because of the remote nature of its dimly lit home reef which is below recreational diving limits.

    Scientists believe that discovery of the vibranium fairy wrasse will prove vital for other species across deep-lying coral reefs scientifically known as “twilight zone” reefs.

    Hope for Reefs initiative has stepped up its campaign to explore the twilight zone habitats and ensure that they’re protected and preserved.

    The research team also noted that the habitat of Wakanda fish was full of discarded fishing gear and other garbage.

    “It is sobering that so much uncharacterized biodiversity is lost before it is even discovered. Every new species we describe is a reminder that we need to act fact before they are all gone.” reads part of Dr. Tea’s publication.

    Dr. Tea said that twilight zone reefs, despite typically lying 500 feet below ocean level,
    are also directly impacted by underwater development, such as cabling and anchoring, and need to be protected for future generations.

    Wakanda fish joins a growing list of animals named after pop culture figures.

    “I see this as a way to bridge the divide between science and the general public,” Said Dr. Tea

  • Twitter Is Currently Down

    Twitter Is Currently Down

    Twitter went down on Thursday across major parts of the world including the US and the UK as users reported being unable to access the platform on web and mobile devices.

    The site began experiencing major issues at 2:46pm EST, with problems being reported from users attempting to access Twitter through its website, iPhone or iPad app and via Android devices, according to DownDetector.com, a site that monitors outages on social media.

    Facebook, Instagram and other popular social media platforms appeared to be working at the time Twitter went down on Thursday afternoon.

    More follows…

  • Sportpesa, Betin, Betway Amongst The 27 Betting Firms That Government Has Frozen Their Pay Bill Numbers

    Sportpesa, Betin, Betway Amongst The 27 Betting Firms That Government Has Frozen Their Pay Bill Numbers

    Matiang’i has moved ahead with his threats and kicked off one of the biggest shakeups in the growing betting industry. In the latest move that has affected the biggest firms accused of fraud.

    The government has now directed mobile money service providers; Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya to withdraw pay bill numbers and SMS codes of 27 betting companies among them SportPesa, Betin and Betway.

    In a letter to the telcos, Betting Control and Licensing Board Acting Director Liti Wambua, said the licenses of the 27 firms remain withdrawn, hence, their payment platforms should also be suspended.

    “We wish to inform you that the licenses for the following betting firms were not renewed until they meet the outstanding renewal requirements as well as outcome of ongoing due diligence to determine if they are fit and proper to hold a license from this board.

    “Consequently, we request you to suspend their pay bills and short codes until otherwise advised,” reads the letter  dated July 10, 2019.

    The affected firms are said to have failed to prove that they were tax compliant as required by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).

    This was apparently discovered after a probe by a multi-agency team constituted  to probe the licenses of all betting and gaming companies in the country.

    A report from the multi-agency team indicated that the  companies made a cumulative amount of Ksh.204 billion last year but paid only Ksh.4 billion in taxes.

    The firms whose licenses have since been canceled include, SportPesa, Betin, Betway, Betpawa, Elitebet, PremierBet, Lucky2u, 1xBet, MozzartBet, Dafabet, World Sports Betting, Atari Gaming, Palms Bet and Betboss.

    Others are Kick-Off, Atari, Millionaire Sports Bet, Palmsbet, Chezacash, Betyetu, Bungabet, Cysabet, Saharabet, Easibet, Easleighbet, Sportybet and AGB Lottery & Gaming.

    All betting licenses in the country stood suspended and fresh application sought by July 1, 2019 following a stakeholders meeting between Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and representatives of the firms in April.

    Source

  • CBK Directs That CRB Shouldn’t Blackist Anyone Until Six Months

    CBK Directs That CRB Shouldn’t Blackist Anyone Until Six Months

    Central Bank of Kenya has nullified listing of loan defaulters to credit reference bureau.

    Millions of Kenyans have been listed on CRB, which permanently blocks them from accessing another loan before clearing with them at a fee.

    CBK has issued a new directive to commercial banks,m stating that a borrower will only be considered to have defaulted a loan after six months and will not be listed on CRB before that.

    The directive comes at a time when lenders had forwarded more than 2.7 million Kenyans to be listed on the CRB for defaulting their loans.

    According to CBK, the directive will affect both mobile loans and normal loans, which implies that, Kenyans will only be listed on the CRB only after defaulting a loan for six months.

    However, CBK’s directive doesn’t affect digital lenders like Tala, Branch, Okash, who forward millions of Kenyans for listing on credit reference bureaus after failing to pay a loan within 30 days.

    Currently, CRB has listed more than 2.7 million Kenyans with 500,000 of them having defaulted loans of 200 shillings and below.

    Research indicates that we have more than 500 digital lenders who give Kenyans instant loans via their mobile loans.

    Currently 90 percent of borrowers in Kenya are accessing loans via mobile loan apps.

    Commercial banks, microfinance, and CBRs were given three months period to adjust and start using the new guidelines.

    Template given in the new directive will classify non-performing as per prudential guidelines which state that “any loan, which is past 180 days shall be classified as doubtful.”

    Millions of Kenyans have been calling CBK to regulate mobile money lenders who are charging exorbitant interest rates on desperate Kenyans.

    It pains many to see how CBK has thrown people’s biggest problem under the bus.

    Digital lenders have blocked financial freedom for millions of Kenyans. Something doesn’t add up in all this.

    How do you skip a complain where someone who has been forced to pay CRB sh2,200 for a clearance certificate because he was listed to to the bureau for defaulting 200 shillings?

    The same Dr. Patrick Njoroge, CBK’s governor who once termed mobile lenders as “enhanced Shylocks who use digital platforms to prey on Kenyans with high-interest rates on their micro-loans.”!

  • Police Contemplates Charging Dennis Itumbi With Treason

    Police Contemplates Charging Dennis Itumbi With Treason

    Blogger and Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi is set to be arraigned in court today after being held in custody for five days as police embarked on deeper investigations.

    Sources at DCI exudes confidence after questioning the blogger that they’ve gathered enough evidence to nail him. Itumbi who’s accused of falsifying documents of alleged assassination plot on the Deputy President Ruto, told the court that he had tangible evidence to prove that a meeting at La Mada hotel by cabinet secretaries from the central had schemed on eliminating the DP.

    Even though the DP is yet to make a formal complaint, a combined team of FBI and DCI found the letter circulated as fake and tracked it down to Itumbi as the author.

    Police sources told the media that by last evening, it had been decided Mr Itumbi should be charged with making a false document.

    However, there was a push for a higher charge of treason for imagining the death of a sitting deputy president, said the sources.

  • Kasarani: A Woman Hacks Husband Strangles Two Children Before Committing Suicide

    Kasarani: A Woman Hacks Husband Strangles Two Children Before Committing Suicide

    32 year old woman has killed her husband and their two children at their home in Thome estate, Nairobi before committing suicide.

    Geoffrey Mugo, nyumba kumi chairman in Thome has confirmed the incident saying that the couple was embroiled in recurrent domestic disputes.

    Mugu alleged that the bereaved, aged 37, had on several times reported to him about being beaten by the wife.

    “A while back the man came to me and reported the wife had beaten him. But after speaking to him for awhile, the man said he did not want to report the matter to the police or chief,” Mugo told a local press.

    Preliminary report by Police indicate that the woman, who was a food trader, descended on his sleeping husband with an axe and thwacked him to death.

    Police believe that that the man, a casual labourer, was attacked while asleep because he was found lying dead on his bed.

    According to the Police, the woman later strangled to death their two children aged 14 and 3 years before hanging herself with a rope in the house.

    The bodies of the four were discovered today afternoon after the woman’s customers from a nearby construction site where she sells food raised queries over her whereabouts.

    Her customers would later alert Nyumba Kumi chairman who upon going to the couple’s house, found the entire family of four dead.

    Deputy OCPD Kasarani area and Kasarani police station OCS Andrew Muchemi visited the scene before the bodies were transferred to City Mortuary.

    OCPD told local press that Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

    This is at a time when Police in Kilgoris are hunting for a woman alleged to have killed her husband following a domestic quarrel on Sunday evening in Nkararo village, Narok county.

    According to Transmara West Deputy County Commissioner Mohammed Noor Hassan, the suspect is said to have hacked the 40-year -old man to death.

  • Police Recover Sh400M in Cash On Abandoned Boat

    Police Recover Sh400M in Cash On Abandoned Boat

    After border patrol agents in Puerto Rico chased after a boat on Sunday, they found five duffel bags stuffed with $3.7 million (about Ksh.370 million) in cash.

    US Customs and Border Protection agents, along with the DEA, made the seizure after tracking the vessel that was traveling without lights from Puerto Rico to the US Virgin Islands. As authorities followed the boat, it made an abrupt turn back toward Fajardo, on the east coast of Puerto Rico, and landed near the Rio Fajardo.

    Occupants in the vessel could be seen unloading bags, according to the press release. As agents closed in, they fled the scene.

    “We remain committed to working with other federal and local law enforcement partners to detect and deter smuggling attempts throughout the Caribbean,” Johnny Morales, director of air and marine operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, said in a statement Monday.

    Inside the boat, the duffel bags full of cash were recovered along with a loaded pistol and 63 rounds of ammunition.

    “CBP seized the currency under failure to declare and bulk cash smuggling laws,” stated the press release.

  • Autopsy Results Reveals Cause Of Lawyer Karanja Kabage’s Death

    Autopsy Results Reveals Cause Of Lawyer Karanja Kabage’s Death

    Following an autopsy that was conducted at Lee Funeral Home in the presence of the family representatives, it has been determined that the city lawyer had died from a cardiac arrest.

    Police had earlier announced the deceased suffered a heart attack after they collected samples of vomit from his four-wheel drive car. The incident happened on Friday last week along the Southern by-pass near Kibera, Nairobi as he drove towards Karen direction at about 10pm. A team sent to assess the scene said they collected vomit from his car. This supports their theory of the heart attack.

    Witnesses told police Kabage’s vehicle veered off the road along the Southern Bypass, slowed down and appeared to be making a u-turn before slightly hitting the pavement.The impact could not cause death. His vehicle was slightly damaged and he was talking when he was found on Friday night.

    The impact was not life threatening. His vehicle was slightly damaged and he was talking when he was found on Friday night.

    Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai said upon the intervention of a taxi driver and a Good Samaritan who stopped, Kabage asked to be taken to the Nairobi Hospital, where he arrived unconscious.

    Efforts by doctors to resuscitate him proved futile. He was later pronounced dead. As part of the probe, police intend to interrogate his driver and other people who were last with him.

    Police investigations also wanted to determine  where he visited hours before the incident. The driver is said to have parted with him on Friday at about 6pm.

    Kabage is said to have spent his day on Friday at the first annual Mount Kenya High Level Uongozi Forum at Safari Park, where he was a panelist.

    Kabage also attended Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore’s memorial service at All Saints Cathedral on Thursday.

    Before his death Kabageserved in various capacities in the business sector.

    In 2017, he vied for the Nakuru senatorial seat and after failing to get a Jubilee ticket, vied for Njoro Constituency seat, but lost to Charity Kathambi.

    Kabage served as a director at African Reinsurance Corporation and First Reinsurance Brokers Limited.

    Kabage will be buried on Friday at his Mangu Rongai home in Nakuru County, his family said.

  • Dubai Sheikh Who Accused Moses Wetangula For Scamming Him Of Gold And His Wife Eloped Is In Kenya

    Dubai Sheikh Who Accused Moses Wetangula For Scamming Him Of Gold And His Wife Eloped Is In Kenya

    Just as he had promised, Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum is in Kenya.

    In May, Sheikh Mohammed made headlines in Kenya, after being defrauded close to Sh400 million worth in Gold.

    Maktoum had threatened to come into the country to ‘get’ his gold back from the fake gold smugglers who had allegedly received money for the said gold shipment.

    Here’s a pic of Maktoum in what was dubbed as “Sheikh Mohamed Bin Al Maktoum” walk.

    This is coming at a time when Princess Haya Bint al-Hussein, one of the wives of Shiekh Maktoum has fled the Palace for fearing for her life.

    According to The Sun, Sheikh Maktoum had expressed his distress in a series of poems published on his poetry websites.

    In one of Maktoum’s Poem titled ‘Affection in Your Eyes’, he writes about noting reproach in other persons (alleged to be the wife) eyes.

    “A fatal arrow has pierced my soul and left me insane,
    But, he pleads, Let the past be; soften your heart, Forgive my mistakes, and reward my good deeds”.reads part of Maktoum’s poem.

    The Daily Beast has also quoted Maktoum referring to Princess Haya as a traitor, quoting lines from the rulers poems.

    “You no longer have any place with me/ Go to who you have been busy with!/ And let this be good for you; I don’t care if you live or you die.”

    Haya, the 45-year-old Princess, who is Sheikh Maktoum’s second wife flee Dubai over the weekend.

    Credible sources have said that Maktoum’s wife took with her couple’s two children, 11-year-old daughter Al Jalila and seven-year-old son, Zayed that have been granted asylum in Germany, after a successful escape that was reportedly aided by a German diplomat.

    The Sun reports that Haya carried Sh4 billion (£31 million) to enable her “start a new life.” According to The Sun, Haya requested for asylum in Germany and filed for divorce immediately after fleeing to Europe.

    There’s were signs that all was not well as the Princess had not been seen publicly since February.

    Sheikh is, without doubt, a troubled man, in March last year, 33-year-old Princess Latifa disappeared from his Place after a foiled escape attempt.

    Princess Latifa posted a video recording alleging that her family had imprisoned her. However, the Dubai royal family handlers have since assured credible sources that Princess Latifa is safe.

    Locally, investigations into the alleged fraud that saw Sheikh Maktoum conned Sh400 in a gold are still underway.

    DCI’s George Kinoti said a team of detectives is in Dubai as part of an ongoing probe to talk to various concerned parties.

    “Let no one lie to you that the probe has stalled because we will get there soon. We know the parties involved and it will be a matter of summoning them for statements. Let them be patient,” said Kinoti

    Credible sources say Michael Kuria, the lead investigator in the case, and his team were granted visas to travel to UAE for further investigations. But the team is yet to leave.

    Kenya had assured Maktoum that they will look into the gold scam, and Police have raided various properties, from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to smelting joints, offices and residential buildings all from which they confiscated fake gold.

    Over 20 suspects linked to various gold scams have also been arrested and presented in court.

    But majority of the lead dealers have since gone underground and seem to be out of the DCI’s radar.

    Sheikh Maktoum at a Camp fire site

    Well, Maktoum silently jetted into the country and had maintained total privacy until his photos emerged online.

    No one knows exactly why the Dubai ruler is in the country but his silent arrival means he’s here for his own personal business and doesn’t seem to be in need of State help nor recognition.

    Is Wetangula and other named government officials in trouble?  No one knows but time will for sure tell.

  • PHOTOS: Black Again, Socialite Vera Sidika Resets Her Body To Default Settings

    PHOTOS: Black Again, Socialite Vera Sidika Resets Her Body To Default Settings

    One of the most talked about socialites in Kenya Vera Sidika has reformed and went back to her default skin. According to her Instagram page, Sidika who was previously a dark skin beauty and bleached her skin, has seen the light and decided to reverse everything.

    In her latest update, Sidika says her bleaching shouldn’t be taken as a life sentence rather an experiment that she’s since gotten over of.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzpvyLZhpbP/?igshid=ynql5lvyv7lf

    Sidika, the bootylicious model had completely bleached her skin in what she conveniently described as skin lightning, when confronted, Vera defended her action saying her body was her commodity and that that by bleaching, it became not only attractive but more profitable to her clientele.

    Its not a puzzle what she meant by her clientele.

     

    The bleached Vera Sidika.

    Whether this is a stunt or whatever it is only time will tell but we can certainly tell she looks more better in dark skin. Michael Jackson has tonwalk under umbrella in rains, we hope Sidika won’t get there.

  • Much Of Maize Reserved At NCPB Is Contaminated With Aflatoxin

    Much Of Maize Reserved At NCPB Is Contaminated With Aflatoxin

    State’s Strategic Food Reserve (SFR) are holding over 124,486 bags of maize contaminated with aflatoxin.

    This is coming at a time when the government is contemplating importing maize to plug a biting shortfall.

    Ministry of Agriculture has in a report tabled in Parliament revealed that more than half of the contaminated maize is to be destroyed through incineration.

    NCPB said that the other half will be used to process animal feeds.

    According to the World Health Organisation,WHO, large doses of aflatoxin leads to acute poisoning (aflatoxicosis) that is life-threatening, usually through damage to the liver.

    Long-term or chronic exposure to aflatoxins has several health consequences and may affect all organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys. It can also cause liver cancer.

    NCPB which stores the strategic food reserves (SFR), had issued a statement early last month saying that maize worth Sh9.2 billion was at risk of going to waste.

    The cash-strapped NCPB said they’ve ran out of funds to light storage silos and most importantly, carry out fumigation.

    Credible sources say that NCPB employees have gone two months without salaries.

    Kenya Power had also disconnected electricity over pending bills.

    Strategic Food Reserve’s board is yet to make a decision on whether to approve the destruction of the poisonous maize despite recommendations by an inter-agency team that the grain should be disposed through incineration under supervision of the Directorate of Public Health.

    A report tabled before the Senate committee on Agriculture, shows that about half of the maize with harmful aflatoxin levels (more than 20 parts per billion against the East African Community standard of 10 parts per billion) is currently held in Machakos and Nakuru Depots.

    The report also revealed that Nairobi, Meru, Migori, Lugari and Isiolo NCPB depots are holding contaminated maize with aflatoxin levels of below 20ppb.

    “Maize with total aflatoxin levels of more than 20ppb be disposed through incineration in a kiln preferably Bamburi Cement factory which can attain temperatures of more than 2,000 degrees centigrade required for denaturing the aflatoxin,” reads part of the report recommendations.

    Severe maize shortfall has seen shelf prices of packaged maize flour hit Sh125.

    In what was termed as, effort to meet the shortfall, The government last week announced through the ministry of Agriculture that it will open a window for duty-free import of 12.5 million bags of maize.

    Ten million bags out of the 12.5 million earmarked for importation will be white maize for household consumption while 2.5 million will be yellow maize for processing of animal feeds.

    According to the contaminated maize report, Machakos depot is holding 10,710 bags of the grain with the highest aflatoxin levels of 28.8 ppb followed by Nakuru depot which has 54,597 bags with 28.6ppb levels.

    Isiolo has 11,663 contaminated bags. Meru has14,460 contaminated bags. Lugari has 26,264, Nairobi 5,427 and Migori 1,504.

    The contamination levels range between 13.6ppb to 28.8ppb.

    Agriculture Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri says the Ministry constituted an inter-agency committee on food safety and standards with members from National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis), Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and Ministry of Health to carry out sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis for aflatoxin contamination.

    “The collected maize samples were subject to laboratory analysis and the results showed that a total of 6,231.25 MT in seven depots had aflatoxin levels of more than 10 ppb,” CS Kiunjuri said.

    CS for Agriculture also added that two rounds of sampling were carried out in November 2018 and January 18, 2019.

    According to CS Kiunjuri, a committee led by the ministry of Health visited the seven depots from March 3 and 7 to isolate and officially seize the maize contaminated with aflatoxin as required by the law.

    Mr Kiunjuri, in a brief presented to MPs by Andrew Tuimur, the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) told said the committee had made a number of recommendations pursuant to the East African Community (EAC) Policy Brief No.8 of 2018.

  • Political Leader’s Tributes To The Late Football Legend Joe Kadenge

    Political Leader’s Tributes To The Late Football Legend Joe Kadenge

    Kenya’s football legend Joe Kadenge is dead.

    According to the family, Kadenge, who has been ailing for quite a while, passed away on Sunday while undergoing treatment at Meridian hospital in Nairobi.

    The 84 year old succumbed to his constant illness.

    Kadenge’s once robust fame had been turned into a pale shadow of constant illness.

    Joe, the Former Kenyan winger who tortures defenders manning him during his hey days.

    In January 2006, Joe suffered stroke.

    Joe condition worsened as days passed. He collapsed at Camp Toyoyo grounds in Jericho, Nairobi, while watching a football match on December 23.

    President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed his condolences, terming Kadenge’s death as “a loss to the sporting fraternity and our nation.”

    “It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the demise of Mzee Joe Kadenge. His death is a loss to the sporting fraternity and our nation. Joe exemplified talent, dedication and patriotism. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time,” said President Kenyatta.

    The President posted his condolences via the official twitter account of the State House of Kenya,

    Deputy President William Ruto also sent his condolences saying “Kadenge was a wonderful man, on and off the pitch; approachable, gentlemanly, courteous and a role model. May his soul rest in peace.”

    “Condolences to the family and friends of football legend Joe Kadenge. At his prime, Kadenge was unplayable; he terrorised defenders with dribbles, nutmegs and was a joy to watch. He raised a family of great footballers: Francis, Evans, Rogers and Oscar, who excelled in the sport,” reads Ruto’s tweet.

    Opposition chief Raila Odinga has also mourned also Kenya’s best ever known winger Kadenge.

    “We have today lost one of the greatest talents to ever grace a football pitch in our national uniform. Joe Kadenge was a true ambassador for the country and Kenyan soccer. May he rest in eternal bliss. May his spirit inspire more young people to pursue the game,” reads Raila’s tweet.

    ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi said was the most legendary of Kenyan footballers and shall be remembered for his exploits on the pitch

    Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula has also sent his condolences to Joe’s family.

    “The curtain has fallen on our football legend Joe Kadenge. His football artistry equaled modern day Thierry Henry, Christian Ronaldo, George Weah, Samuel Etoo etc. We must have a proper policy for the welfare of our sports heroes/heroines. RIP Joe.”

    Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho also sent his condolences to Joe’s family saying Kenyans will miss him because he was part of Our rich football history.

    Sports CS Amina Mohamed had this to say about Joe, “We celebrate Mr. Joe Kadenge as an enviable part of Kenya’s identity and aspire to keep his ever present spirit in the soul of our sporting nation. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and fortify his family to bear this loss”

    Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko also joined the political fraternity in mourning and sending sincere condolences to the the family of the late Kadenge

  • Legendary Kenyan Footballer Joe Kadenge Is Dead

    Legendary Kenyan Footballer Joe Kadenge Is Dead

    Kenya’s greatest footballer of all time, Mzee Joe Kadenge has passed on at the Meridian hospital in Nairobi.

    His son Oscar has confirmed.

    Kadenge has passed on after a long illness, having suffered a stroke in February.

    Kadenge has been described as the finest footballer ever produced by Kenya.

    He played for Maragoli United scoring the fastest ever goal in the History of the Kenyan Premier League.

    Kadrnge had also played club football for Abaluhya United,current AFC leopardLeopards winning the Kenyan Premier League in 1966.

    Joe also managed the Kenya National Football team in 2002.

    His body has been transferred to Lee Funeral Home.

    He was 84 years old.

    More follows.

  • Jacque Maribe Quits Her Job At Citizen TV After Intimate Appearances With Dennis Itumbi

    Jacque Maribe Quits Her Job At Citizen TV After Intimate Appearances With Dennis Itumbi

    Embattled TV queen Jacque Maribe has called it quits after rendering her resignation with Royal Media Services where she’s been working behind the screens after being freed from custody.

    Maribe who started off her career at K24 in 2009 after graduating from the University of Nairobi, was able to maintain a darling reputation until the murder case of business lady Monica Kimani whom together with her fiancé Joseph Irungu aka Jowie were accused of killing.

    Maribe was until her interdiction, a colorful news anchor with Citizen TV. On being released on bail, Citizen didn’t write her off, instead, Maribe was moved from her position as a news anchor to an editor after Justice James Wakiaga barred her from reading news or interviewing anybody regarding the murder case during the trial period.

    According to media reports, Maribe cited ‘personal reasins’ for her resignation.

     

    This comes hot in the heels when her other close friend Dennis Itumbi who has been supporting her from day one was also arrested in relation to a fake letter of the assassination of Deputy President Ruto.

    Itumbi got himself in more trouble after it emerged that he threw a ‘bash’ at Muthaiga Police where he was given special treatment and allowed to stay with his guests until midnight according to reports. Muthaiga Police OCS Kimengwa has since been interdicted for allowing Dennis Itumbi pose for photos with Maribe in the cells. Many have also said this would put her in more trouble for taking photos in restricted areas.

    As to what’s next for Maribe who has overtime made a career and living out of media, it’s only time that will tell. As she battles her murder case, we wish her well.

  • Kenyan Families Of Ethiopian Airlines Crash Victims Agrees To Take The Sh10B Offer From Boeing But To Continue Suing

    Kenyan Families Of Ethiopian Airlines Crash Victims Agrees To Take The Sh10B Offer From Boeing But To Continue Suing

    Kenyan families of crash victims of the Ethiopian airline have accepted Boeing’s Sh10 billion compensation.

    Boeing revealed on Tuesday that they were setting aside the money to assist families of the victims as well as the communities affected during the tragedies of October (Indonesia) and March (Ethiopia) where 346 people died.

    On March 10 this year, a Boeing 737 MAX jet operated by Ethiopian crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa killing all 157 people on board among them 32 Kenyans.

    The plane maker said they will channel the money through governments and undisclosed charity organisations.

    In a statement, Boeing said the families affected did not have to abandon the right to sue the company even if they will accept the money.

    But the Kenyan families who lost their kin have issued a rejoinder, saying they will not be hoodwinked into “public relation stunts” by Boeing.

    The 32 Kenyan families have accepted the money despite their stand that Boeing will used this tactic to make the company look remorseful in order to sway the minds of the jury in the US where the cases have been filed.

    “They have tried to whip emotions of families. They are apologising in a colourful manner yet they know their plane was faulty,” said lawyers Irungu Kang’ata and Stephen Gachie.

    The Kenyan families have also told Boeing that the channels used by the company are against their wishes.

    The say the channels used have no guarantee that the funds will rich them directly.

  • The Sh460,000 Mzinga That Bob Collymore Had Promised Uhuru

    The Sh460,000 Mzinga That Bob Collymore Had Promised Uhuru

    During the memorial service of the late Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore held at At All Saints Cathedral on Thursday, President Uhuru Kenyatta said he was disappointed he did not get time to return to Collymore’s house to collect his ‘special gift’.
    President Johnie Walker

    Directors Blend Whisky is the gift the late Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore was to give President Uhuru Kenyatta.

    Uhuru told former presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth and the rest of the Boys Club that they will have to pay for the gift given by Collymore because it wasn’t theirs.

    “I was supposed to have gone back to collect my gift reserved for a special friend from Bob and so Peter Kenneth, Oigara and crew, you will pay. That did not belong to you.” Said the President.

    According to the Directors blend whiskey marker website, Diageo, the whiskey edition was released in 2010 and was exclusively for Diageo directors.

    The special drink is bottled with six different labels, and pairs are printed the same.

    Uhuru’s whiskey bottle was labeled number 138.

    According to the marker, The Johnie walker Directors  Blend is best served directly from the freezer and has notes of caramelised sugar and vanilla, fresh red berries with a touch of orchard fruit .

    “When you sip it ,you will feel  a fruity, creamy palate  taste ,then as you swallow a creamy notes of caramel, manuka honey and a hint of very refined wood smoke.” reads part of Diageo’s review statement.

    A shot sip of Directors Blend ends with allspice and nutmeg taste.

    Directors Blend whiskey is packaged in 750 ml bottle that  retails at Ksh460,000.

    It has an alcoholic content volume 46 per cent.

    Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth revealed in his tribute during Bob’s memorial service that Collymore went into his Whiskey Cabinet and opened a very special reserved blended whiskey that he had saved many years for a ‘Very Special guest’.

    The late Bob requested Kenneth and his friends from the boys club be his Special guests since
    the special guest (President Kenyatta) didn’t turn up for the gift.

    Bob’s Boys’ Club consists of his close friends and Business partners.

    Bob Collymore’s Club members

    Jeff Koinange- Media Personality

    Joshua Oigara – Group CEO KCB

    Peter Kenneth – Businessman/ Politician

    Bharat Thakrar -CEO, Scan Group

    Lamin Manjang – MD, Standard Chartered Bank, Lagos.

    Patrick Waqo – CEO of Radio Africa

    Dr Mukhisa Kituyi- UNCTAD Secretary-General

    Dr. SK Macharia- Owner, Royal Media

    Francis Atwoli- Secretary General COTU

    Chris Kirubi- Businessman

    Ramah Chandaria- Businessman

    Nic Hailey – UK High Commissioner

    Patric Njoroge- Governor Central Bank of Kenya.