Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Uhuru Has Not Complained About My Work – Ruto Hits Back at Critics [VIDEO]

 


Deputy President William Ruto has come out to address naysayers who have been accusing him of absconding his duties after he missed the National COVID-19 conference on Monday.

Jubilee Vice-Chairman David Murathe was among those who claimed that Ruto’s duties have since been taken over by Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.

But speaking on Wednesday at his residence in Karen, Nairobi, Ruto said he had executed all his duties with distinction.

“No work has been given to me and I failed to execute,” he said.

Ruto told off the critics purporting to supervise him to focus on their own duties.

“Who are they to complain about my work? Who made them my supervisors?” he posed.

The second in command said he knows his work, “and my boss has not complained about my performance”.

The DP hosted a delegation of businesswomen from Nairobi led by former Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru and nominated Senator Millicent Omanga.

Other leaders present were Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, MPs Nixon Korir (Lang’ata), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati), Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), George Theuri (Embakasi West), Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr), Justus Murunga (Matungu), John Muchiri (Manyatta), Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East) and Dan Wanyama (Webuye West).

The photos



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/uhuru-has-not-complained-about-my-work-ruto-hits-back-at-critics-video.html

I Am Overwhelmed By Your Support, Says Lolani Kalu as Kenyans Raise Over Sh200K

Former NTV reporter Lolani Kalu was lost for words after Kenyans came to his rescue, raising over Sh200,000 in 24 hours following his highly publicized public appeal for help.

The former ‘Malimwengu’ show presenter pulled at Kenyans’ heartstrings Tuesday after opening up about his plight since he was laid off in December 2017.

Lolani, 55, narrated that misfortune, family commitments, failed business among other reasons ate into his life savings.

“My struggles started when someone conned me around Ksh. 1.5 million. I was just about to build a house when he conned me.

“I did some job with a company, but again they did not pay me my dues. That, coupled with the fact that I had a sick dad to cater for really dented my pockets,” he said on Tuesday.

The revered storyteller said he lives in Kaloleni, Kilifi with his ailing 90-year-old mother, whom he was struggling to support. He said he has been banking on irregular teaching contracts to make a living.

“I coach students and pupils in Kilifi County in drama, acting and script-writing. From such short contracts, I am able to feed my family,” he said.

All Lolani Kalu asked for was Sh250,000 to buy equipment for his freelance journalism; “I would appreciate if I can get Sh200,000 for a camera and sound equipment and Sh50,000 for a computer that would enable me to edit the footage I would have shot,” he said.

Adding: “I believe I would be able to comfortably look after my family and foot my bills from the proceeds of content sales.”

And Kenyans heard his cry, leaving him overwhelmed a day later.

“Honestly, I am overwhelmed by Kenyans’ support. I lack words to express my gratitude to the well-wishers from far and wide, who have sent whatever they had to my cell phone line via mobile money. Many contributed between Sh50 and Sh100. Collectively, they’ve so far sent me slightly over Sh200,000 which I will use to buy a camera and sound equipment,” Lolani Kalu said at around 1 pm Wednesday.

The journalist hopes to sell media content and use the proceeds to give back to the community, where possible.

“I started building a cultural centre called Zamila in Kaloleni. I would inject money into the project once I get back on my feet financially. I have written 46 art and culture scripts waiting to be shot together with over 120 poems many that were even narrated on the radio,” he said.

The father of four also addressed claims that he wasted his savings on booze.

“And, before I forget, I have heard people alleging that I wasted my money on alcohol; no, I am not a drunkard. My money got exhausted the same way it can for any other Kenyan who has a lot of responsibilities loaded on his or her shoulders,” said the former KBC journalist.

Lolani’s wife and four children (three sons and a daughter) live in Eastleigh, Nairobi. His eldest child completed Islamic Studies in college recently, whereas the youngest is in lower primary.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/i-am-overwhelmed-by-your-support-says-lolani-kalu-as-kenyans-raise-over-sh200k.html

The Trending Pics This Thursday

On this first day of October, this is what’s trending on Twitter.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/the-trending-pics-this-thursday-5.html

VIDEO: Suspected Pedophile Attempts to Attack Magistrate in Mombasa Court

 


A suspected sex pest accused of sodomising a minor caused a scene on Wednesday when he attempted to attack the magistrate during a court proceeding.

Reports indicate that this is the second time Ismael Mustafa had turned violent and attempted to attack Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti.

During an August court session, Mustafa reportedly charged towards the magistrate while she was busy writing down proceedings forcing the shaken magistrate to scamper for safety even leaving her shoes behind.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Nyaloti was not taking any chances as she ordered prison wardens, who had escorted the suspect to court, to handcuff him.

“Court orderlies, restrain the suspect by handcuffing him. He had previously attempted to attack me. Just handcuff please,” she ordered.

Mustafa, however, resisted the restraint and appeared to charge towards the Magistrate’s direction before court orderlies wrestled him to the ground.

Just like the first time, the magistrate scampered for her safety and retreated to her chambers.

Prison officers overpowered the suspect and dragged him out of the court.

Mustafa is accused of sodomising a three-and-a-half-year-old boy in Jomvu area on February 16, 2019. He had previously denied the charge and was out on Sh200,000 bond.

On Wednesday, shortly before the incident, Mustafa said his charge sheet had been amended and demanded that the charges filed against him be read afresh.

“Your honour there is no need for you to proceed with the ruling. I have no faith in your court and want you to transfer the matter before another court. I want the high court to decide on this matter because I feel justice is not being done,” said Mustafa.

Nyaloti responded: “I have no objection if you want to file your application before the high court to have the matter transferred to another court but meanwhile the case will proceed before me until you get an order stating otherwise.”

Police records indicate that Mustafa had previously been sentenced for sodomising another minor but he was later acquitted by the High Court after successfully appealing the lower court’s ruling.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/video-suspected-pedophile-attempts-to-attack-magistrate-in-mombasa-court.html

Kakamega Man Caught in the Act With a Dog

Residents of Mulitu Village in Lumakanda, Lugari Constituency in Kakamega County were left in shock after a middle-aged man was reportedly caught pants down in an unnatural act with a dog.

K24 Digital reports that the owner of the dog, Margaret Wachanzu, said she had gone to buy vegetables from a nearby shop on Tuesday, September 30, and upon returning home, she found suspect, Dickson Boyi, in the act.

“On arriving home, I heard my dog yelping in the hen house. I tip-toed to the place and found the animal had been tied to a wooden post using a mosquito net. Hiding, was a man known to me, Dickson. He was naked at the time. I asked him, what he was doing clothless in my chicken coop. Instead of responding, he surged forward, collected his clothes and ran away,” narrated Wachanzu.

“I suspect Dickson had come to steal and, thereafter, commit the indecent act with my dog. What is even more disturbing, is that he had sex with the animal despite it giving birth recently to five puppies,” she added.

The 28-year-old suspect reportedly went into hiding with police in Lugari launching a search.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/kakamega-man-caught-in-the-act-with-a-dog.html

Ngunjiri Wambugu to DP Ruto: Give Hustlers Land Instead of Mikokoteni

Deputy President William Ruto should donate land to Kenyan youth instead of giving them ‘Mikokoteni’ and wheelbarrows, Nyeri MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has said.

In an interview with Citizen TV, Wambugu argued that when Ruto was younger, the late former President Daniel Moi set him up with land, and therefore, the DP should also empower youth with something substantial.

“When he (DP Ruto) was a hustler in university he was not given a ‘mkokoteni’ by President Moi, he was given land, why can’t he give these people land so that they can become like him today?” Wambugu posed.

The lawmaker also echoed David Murathe’s sentiments that Ruto is technically jobless as evidenced by his conspicuous absence at the COVID-19 conference on Monday.

“I think that picture(DP’s absence) tells me, and not just me, it tells a lot of Kenyans that the Deputy President’s position is vacant. That particular seat was also left vacant deliberately to send a message that we no longer have a serving Deputy President,” Wambugu said.

According to the lawmaker, Ruto has deliberately refused to work and he cannot be fired due to the provisions of the Constitution.

“We cannot fire the guy; we have to somehow carry the burden of going along with a Deputy President who has refused to work… William Ruto absconded the duties and office of the Deputy President along time ago,” Wambugu said.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/ngunjiri-wambugu-to-dp-ruto-give-hustlers-land-instead-of-mikokoteni.html

EACC Seeks To Recover Billions From Public Officers

Kenya’s anti-graft agency, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), plans to recover over Sh2 billion of unexplained wealth from public officers.

Some of the officials whose assets have been earmarked for recovery include Ex-Nairobi City County Finance Chief Officer Jimmy Kiama (Sh317 million), former Senior Assistance Accountant General at the Interior Ministry Thomas Njogu (Sh112 million), and former Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director James Mulewa (Sh74.3 million).

Others are former National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation Finance Manager Stanley Amuti (Sh41.2 million) and National Lands Commission (NLC) Director, Valuation, Salome Munubi (Sh18 million).

At the same time, the anti-corruption watchdog has flagged 565 offshore accounts held by State and public officers to avert laundering of proceeds of crime.

EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak spoke during Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) luncheon on Tuesday revealing that since 2015 the agency has recovered assets worth Sh19.9 billion.

Mbarak also noted that: “Over 357 cases are pending in various courts, seeking to recover assets worth over Sh8.6 billion.”

Assets include public land, unexplained wealth, government houses, public utility and road reserves.

Mbarak said so far nine governors have been charged in graft related cases amounting to Sh1.2 billion and others are under probe.

“There are a number of officers who own assets that do not match their legitimate sources of income,” he said.

The EACC boss also noted that wealth declaration by public and State officers had not been efficient.

“We have a problem, the political culture in this country where people look at how to steal. We should focus more on automating our service delivery systems to reduce human contact that breed the ground for graft,” he said.

“The Commission is focusing on Asset Recovery by extinguishing financial investigations and applying other statutes such as Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money laundering Act. EACC has invested in top notch officers to ensure that our investigations are always well done. Political culture must change for us to win this war,” he said.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/eacc-seeks-to-recover-billions-from-public-officers.html

Bishop Margaret Wanjiru: DP Ruto Will Save ‘Nairobians’

Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has endorsed Deputy President William Ruto for the top seat in the 2022 General Elections.

The former Starehe Member of Parliament declared her support for the DP on Tuesday during an event at Ruto’s residence in Karen where he donated wheelbarrows, carts among other things to youths.

Bishop Wanjiru, who is eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat under Ruto’s Hustler Movement, said the DP will solve the problems facing Nairobi county and its residents.

“I want to stand with someone who stands with Kenyans and God. I will stand with someone who respects people and will save us from the problems we face in this city,” she said, further urging Nairobians to shun tribalism.

“What will I do if you ask me to campaign along tribal lines? My presidential candidate, the incoming president is not a Kikuyu. Our boss here is not a Kikuyu,” she stated.

The presiding bishop of Jesus is Alive Ministries lauded DP Ruto for his youth initiatives saying Kenyans need practical solutions to the problems they face on daily basis.

She noted that she started as a ‘hustler’ herself; “I know what it means to lack: I used to be a housegirl and a hawker in the streets of Nairobi.”

Bishop Wanjiru added: “God can lift anybody from ashes to beauty and as leaders, we must continually create opportunities that change the lives of the people we lead.”

This comes days after Bishop Wanjiru held talks with DP Ruto “on various matters affecting the country”.

“My vision for a New Nairobi is still alive; winners never quit, they keep their eyes focused on GOD’s promises. Isaiah 62:10: prepare the way of the people, lift up a standard for the people,” she said last Friday after meeting Ruto.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/bishop-margaret-wanjiru-dp-ruto-will-save-nairobians.html

Speaker Muturi Summons Infotrak Over MPs’ Performance Ranking

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has directed research company, Infotrak, to appear before the House Education Committee over its latest survey on the performance of MPs.

The Speaker on Tuesday directed the Education and Research Committee to summon Infotrak chief executive officer Angela Ambitho within seven days to explain how her firm collected the data.

The directive followed an uproar by a section of lawmakers led by worst-ranked Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo. The lawmakers accused Infotrak of playing politics saying they were not consulted about the survey.

They also alleged that those who were consulted had been asked to pay bribes.

Millie Odhiambo also accused Ambitho of being used to malign women legislators who have better looks than her.

Speaker Muturi told the House that Ms Ambitho would present herself before the Education and Research Committee to explain the methodology used to rank MPs.

Muturi also instructed the committee chaired by Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua to ensure that the parameters that Ms Ambitho will present, if any, have a bearing on the functions of an MP serving in the National Assembly.

“You can’t be calling people on the streets and asking them to rank MPs,” Speaker Muturi noted.

Ms Ambitho on Sunday said she used phone interviews to gather data on the performance of the 290 MPs from the single-member constituencies and 47 county woman representatives.

The poll was conducted between November and December 2019 and January 2020, with Infotrak posing only one question to voters: “How would you rate the overall performance of your governor, senator, Woman Rep, ward rep, and MP on a scale of 1-10 where 1 is extremely poor and 10 is excellent?”



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/speaker-muturi-summons-infotrak-over-mps-performance-ranking.html

Vera Sidika Flaunts Engagement Ring, “Best Pre-birthday Gift Ever!!!

Popular girl-about-town Vera ‘Shikwekwe’ Sidika turned 31 in style on Wednesday, September 30 with an engagement ring around her finger.

The voluptuous socialite is apparently engaged to be married to singer Brown Mauzo, who “liked it and put a ring on it” on Thursday, September 24.

Taking to her Instagram page on Wednesday afternoon, Vera Sidika broke the news to her 1.9m followers saying it was an easy decision saying Yes to Brown Mauzo.

She also showed off her engagement ring and exchanged sweet nothings with her husband-to-be as the lovebirds grabbed blog headlines.

“Sweethearts, your girl got engaged on 24th September 🥰❤️ it was the Best pre-birthday gift ever!!! If someone told me I’d be engaged in 2020 I wouldn’t have believed it 😩 and just like that, like a dream …I’m engaged! To the most amazing human ever! Saying YES to you was the easiest because we became 1 from day 1 & I pray for forever. May God lead us on 🙏 It’s my birthday today but let’s celebrate BOTH! 🎉HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME🎉,” she wrote.

On his part, Brown Mauzo described his whirlwind romance with Vera as unexpected.

“You walk into my life, unexpectedly and I found myself falling deeper and deeper in love with the person you are, happy birthday, fiancé. Sometimes, when I think about you I cannot stop thinking about our future too. I was right about you all the time. Sweet, loving, caring, and responsible lady. All I ever dreamed of. So on your birthday, I want you to have the things that will make you happy. I will support you all the way. Have a wonderful birthday, honey. I love you ❤️😘,” wrote Mauzo.

To which Vera Sidika responded: “❤️ OMG baby 😩😩 I love you so so much my fiancé, soon to be husband. You make my life so complete. May God protect us and lead us on 🙏.”

Check out the lovebirds in the clip below.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/vera-sidika-flaunts-engagement-ring-best-pre-birthday-gift-ever.html

Comedian Othuol Othuol Pleads For Assistance, “I Can’t Eat or Talk”

Churchill Show comedian Othuol Othuol, born Ben Maurice Onyango, sent a message to family, friends and fellow comedians pleading for help after he was hospitalized.

The popular standup comedian is said to be hospitalized at Shalom hospital in Machakos receiving TB treatment.

According to sources, Othuol was first rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and later transferred to the health facility in Machakos on Monday. He is said to have been unwell for two weeks without any medication and was unable to eat solid food.

On Monday evening, he sent out a message saying he was set for an MRI scan at Kenyatta National Hospital.

“Hi, hope this finds you well. I want to thank you for the support you have offered me. Meanwhile, sijapona and I will be going back to Kenyatta Hospital for a 2nd MRI,” he wrote in part.

The first scan reportedly indicated he has an abnormal infection in the brain, with Laugh Industry’s Ken Waudo saying: “The medics told us they could not confirm if it’s a tumour or not.”

Othuol’s message further reads: “As at now the growth imenishika, ulimi umefura hata. I am not able to either eat or talk. I am pleading with you for any assistance to enable me get treatment. Thanks and God bless.”



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/comedian-othuol-othuol-pleads-for-assistance-i-cant-eat-or-talk.html

The Top Stories on the Internet Today (Thursday October 1)

A look at some of today’s biggest headlines from select sources.

6 takeaways from the off-the-rails first debate between Biden and Trump

President Donald Trump turned his first debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden into a chaotic disaster.

Analysis: In Trump-Biden debate chaos, China is the big winner

In an ugly, cantankerous presidential debate, one of the few things Donald Trump and Joe Biden agreed upon was China.

Trump unleashes avalanche of repeat lies at first presidential debate

President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will face off in the first 2020 presidential debate tonight live from Cleveland, Ohio. CNN will hold the two candidates equally accountable by pointing out what’s true and what’s not. Follow our live fact-checking here throughout the night.

More than 60 million people in India may have caught Covid-19, survey finds

One in 15 people in India may have contracted Covid-19, health authorities said on Tuesday — many times higher than the official reported figures.

Shell to cut up to 9,000 jobs in shift to low-carbon energy

Royal Dutch Shell will slash as many as 9,000 jobs as the oil giant accelerates a shift away from fossil fuels.

Post-debate CNN poll: Six in 10 say Biden won the debate

Six in 10 debate watchers said former Vice President Joe Biden did the best job in Tuesday’s debate, and just 28% say President Donald Trump did, according a CNN Poll of debate watchers conducted by SSRS.

There is no getting ‘back to normal.’ We need to accept it

The human tendency to believe change is temporary and that the future will again resemble the past is called “normalcy bias.” Eventually, however, people need to adapt to change, psychologists say.

Mars might have salty ponds next to its underground lake, raising possibility of Martian life

Two years ago, scientists detected what looked like a salty lake under the surface of Mars’ southern ice cap.

Private jets are more accessible than ever. Here’s how to hire one

These Covid-era days, fewer people want to sit on a plane literally rubbing elbows with strangers, so they’re looking for alternative ways to (CNN) – travel that minimize close contact. For journeys where driving or taking a train are impractical, there’s another alternative that may actually be more accessible than most people think: flying a private jet.

Confessions of a VIP private jet flight attendant

(CNN) – For many, the thought of catching a plane is far from luxurious: from spending countless hours lining up at security, to wrestling arm rests with other passengers as you face a crammed long-haul flight in economy.

Lying, Cheating, Barking, Bullying: Donald Trump Hijacked The First Presidential Debate

It took only minutes into the first presidential debate for Joe Biden to snap at Donald Trump in response to the president’s interruptions during a question about the Supreme Court. But the heated exchange was only a precursor to the ugly night ahead in what was perhaps the most chaotic and toxic presidential debate in modern history.

Trump Refuses To Condemn White Supremacists – Tells Proud Boys To ‘Stand By’

President Donald Trump refused to condemn white supremacist violence on Tuesday night, insisting without evidence that violence is a left-wing problem. During the first presidential debate, moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News asked Trump if he was willing to condemn “white supremacists and militia groups” and tell them to “stand down” in places like Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Portland, Oregon – cities where heavily armed far-right extremists have shown up to anti-racism demonstrations as counterprotesters.

5 Racist Trump Moments From The First 2020 Presidential Debate

President Donald Trump regularly waded into racist tropes while up against former Vice President Joe Biden in the first 2020 presidential debate. Aside from a bevy of personal attacks, misinformation and chaotic interruption, Trump regularly waded into racist tropes and outright refused to condemn violent right-wing militia groups as moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News sought to ask the candidates about COVID-19, the nation’s summer of racial justice protests and their support for Americans of color.

Congo’s sapeurs pass their style on to a new generation

Some residents of the twin Congolese capitals of Brazzaville and Kinshasa have long been known for their love of stylish dressing – in particular members of the Society of Ambience-Makers and Elegant People (Sape). These photographs by Tariq Zaidi reveal a whole new generation of “sapeurs”.

The most effective ways to support a loved one who believes in QAnon

Sometimes a conspiracy theory is a far-fetched explanation for events we can’t understand. We might turn to it when the official story seems suspect or unbelievable, or when politicians and media personalities (think President Trump and Alex Jones) insist on a version disproved by facts and experts.

Everyone agrees the first Trump vs. Biden debate was a total disaster

The first 2020 presidential debate was a disaster. A shouty, incomprehensible, undercooked turducken stitched from the carcasses of a debate and a drunken Thanksgiving argument and a phone video of a racist shouting slurs on a bus.

What to expect at Google’s ‘Launch Night In’ 2020 hardware event

On September 30, Google will hold its annual hardware event. Due to the pandemic, the event will be livestreamed to the public at 11 a.m. PT. To help boost morale during these trying times, the tech giant has also thrown in a ‘Launch Night In’ theme, assuring viewers that the best seat in the house is actually your couch.

Fake news runs amok as Trump and Biden prepare for the first presidential debate

The big day is finally here. Tonight, President Donald Trump and the Democratic nominee Joe Biden will meet face-to-face for the 2020 election’s first presidential debate. Their campaigns, however, have already had a very eventful day so far. The Trump campaign has spent the day spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation designed to paint Joe Biden as an incompetent debater or cheater.

Biden asks Trump what everyone’s thinking: ‘Will you shut up, man?’

Joe Biden isn’t moderating the first presidential debate, but he did have one very important question for Donald Trump: “Will you shut up, man?” For those who aren’t subjecting themselves to this extremely painful night of Men Talking Over Each Other. Here’s what you need you need to know.

No, Eric Trump did not come out (as anything other than an idiot) on Fox News

No, first son Eric Trump didn’t come out as a part of the LGBTQ community today in a Fox News interview, despite what some on the internet might have you believe. He’s just not very good at talking. A clip of President Trump’s middle son being interviewed went viral on Tuesday, during which he said: “The LGBT community, they are incredible…



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/10/the-top-stories-on-the-internet-today-thursday-october-1.html

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Watch Heartbreaking Moment Woman Pleads With Striking Doctors to Attend to Patient

 


A highly emotive video is going viral showing the gut-wrenching moment a woman pleaded with striking doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital to attend to a patient.

The woman, identified as Francisca Kinuthia, had taken a critically-ill patient for treatment on Monday, September 28 when she was denied services by the striking doctors.

In the 1-minute video shared by Citizen TV, Francisca is seen wailing and lamenting that she had gone to several hospitals but was not getting any help.

At one point, Francisca is heard painfully calling on President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene as the medics cheer her on. She mentions that her patient was in a car and feared that he would die if not treated urgently.

Makes you wonder what happened to medicine being a calling rather than a profession.

This comes after a 27-year-old man succumbed at the Kenyatta National Hospital parking lot on Monday after workers refused to attend to him. Evans, a bodaboda operator, was vomiting blood and left to die after waiting for hours to be treated.

Health workers at KNH, Kenya’s largest public hospital, downed their tools on Monday demanding implementation of proposed salary review.

The strike entered its second day on Tuesday as KNH moved to court to challenge the go-slow in an application certified as urgent.

Subsequently, the Employment and Labour Relations Court suspended the strike pending the hearing of the case.

“The strike notice by the Respondent calling for a general strike or lockout with respect to any category of staff in the employment of the Kenyatta National Hospital is hereby suspended and or stayed pending inter-parties hearing of the application herein,” the court order read in part.

Lady Justice Maureen Onyango directed KNH management to serve striking workers and interested parties not later than close of day on Wednesday.

The court set the inter partes hearing for the application October 6.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/watch-heartbreaking-moment-woman-pleads-with-striking-doctors-to-attend-to-patient.html

Murathe: “Jobless” Ruto Likely To Leave Jubilee Party

Jubilee Vice-Chairman David Murathe has taken a dig at Deputy President William Ruto saying he currently has no job.

Speaking in Nyeri on Tuesday afternoon, Murathe said DP Ruto’s duties have since been taken over by Interior CS Fred Matiang’i. According to Murathe, Ruto’s sole job is to deputise the president.

“He[Ruto] has no job if the president is around, his only job is to deputise the president. His job was taken over by Fred Matiangi, he is the one in charge of coordinating other ministers, the things he used to do are being done by Matiang’i,” said Murathe.

The Jubilee party official further alluded that Ruto’s rebellion caused a rift with the President.

“The president was even ready to campaign for the guy in 2022, but then Ruto thought, this guy is a sitting duck, I don’t need him and started his early campaigns.

“Ruto goes all over the country launching phantom projects which don’t happen, you saw the pledges he gave about the stadia, it has taken the involvement of the president to have the stadia done, you cannot give pledges without figuring out how that will be done,” he added.

At the same time, Murathe said Ruto is likely to leave Jubilee Party to form a new political outfit.

“Listen to his allies, they are talking of going to the next polls with a different outfit, it is like a decision has been made, the other day he was at the headquarters, we gave him tea, he tried to reverse our decison in Mswambweni but it was not possible,” Murathe said

“He may be on his way out of the party, and possibly out of the Government, he is on record saying he has no job, lets wait and see”.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/murathe-jobless-ruto-might-be-on-his-way-out-of-jubilee-party.html

All The Trending Pics on This Last Day of September

It’s midweek and also the last day of the month of September. This is what’s trending on Twitter.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/all-the-trending-pics-on-this-last-day-of-september.html

CS Magoha Sets Date For Reopening of Universities, Tertiary institutions

Prof. George Magoha assesses a laboratory at Mount Kenya University during a preinspection visit

Education CS George Magoha has directed final year students in all universities and tertiary institutions to report back to class on Monday, October 5.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the minister said this is part of progressive reopening of learning institutions.

“Following broad-based consultations, the Ministry of Education notifies the public that the progressive re-opening of education institutions will start with the re-opening of universities and tertiary institutions with effect from Monday 5 October, 2020,” Magoha outlined in an advisory to newsrooms.

He said Boards of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions (TVETs), Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and University Councils will announce the resumption date of in-person learning for other classes.

CS Magoha directed respective University Councils and Senates to prioritize reopening of in-person teaching for science-based courses.

The CS asserted that safe resumption of in-person learning in learning institutions requires utmost fidelity to Ministry of Health guidelines on COVID-19.

Learning institutions are required to sporadically monitor temperatures for all students, enforce observance of hygiene as well as adopt innovative ways of enforcing social distance.

Further, institutions that had been designated as quarantine facilities will be required to be fumigated under the supervision of health officials, prior to re-opening.

Additionally, all institutions are required to have links to a medical facility before the re-opening with the Education Ministry threatening punitive actions to institutions that will be found flouting the laid-out guidelines.

At the same time, Magoha said learners and staff will be provided with psychological and spiritual support as the targeted institutions are set to be reopened.

Magoha said Education officials in conjunction with public health officials will continuously monitor and review the level of compliance.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/cs-magoha-sets-date-for-reopening-of-universities-tertiary-institutions.html

Security Guard Killed After Beating Reveller to Death Outside Nightclub in Thika

Police calming down rowdy youth of Makongeni estate, Thika town who raided a bar where oa man was beaten to death by a guard on Sunday, September 27, 2020. PHOTO | KNA

Police in Thika are investigating an incident where a security guard was killed after he had beaten a reveller to death outside a nightclub on Sunday night.

According to media sources, the reveller was leaving Club Black D nightclub in Makongeni estate at about 7.30 pm when he had an altercation with the security guard.

Witnesses claimed that during the confrontation, the guard beat up the middle-aged man with a hockey stick, killing him on the spot. The guard also attacked his victim’s friend, inflicting serious injuries.

On Monday, September 28, friends of the deceased man tracked the security guard and flogged him, leaving him for dead. The guard later died at the Thika Level Five Hospital.

Confirming the incidents, Thika West Sub County Police Commander Beatrice Kiraguri said investigations into both cases are ongoing.

She warned residents against taking the law into their hands, saying mob justice cost the security guard his life.

Following the incidents, rowdy youth raided the club and stole liquor and vandalized a nearby club which the watchman also guarded.

Area residents lamented rising cases of violence in the area, attributing the vice to cropping up of alcohol selling joints in the estate.

“Bars have never closed in this estate despite the government’s ban. Rather than the youth engaging in productive ventures, they have sunk deep into alcohol. Again, cases of violence in this estate are very high. We need to have enhanced security. If that was the case, both deaths would have been avoided,” said Cecilia Mumbi, a local resident.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/security-guard-killed-after-beating-reveller-to-death-outside-nightclub-in-thika.html

Sex Workers Denounce Photo Offering DP Ruto Free Sex

The Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA) has distanced itself from a photo that has been doing rounds on social media platforms purporting to support Deputy President William Ruto.

The poorly photoshopped image shows sex workers holding a banner thanking the DP for supporting their work and offering him their services for free. It reads: “Asante Ruto for supporting our hustle. Wewe tutakupea free!”

However, the original image was taken in December 2015 during demonstrations in Kisumu where the banner read, “Stop killing sex workers, they are human.”

The Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA) confirmed the same in a statement saying it does not associate itself with politics.

“KESWA wishes to clarify that the pics are fake and did not originate from us or any of our member organisations.

“The photos were from previous marches and demos to call to attention the plight and killings of sex workers in various parts of the country,” KESWA National Coordinator Phelister Abdalla stated.

Phelister added: “We want to reiterate our position as a national movement that we do not engage neither endorse any political party, candidate or person.”

“We wish to call on the relevant authorities to investigate the source of these images which have been used to malign certain individuals.”



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/sex-workers-denounce-photo-offering-dp-ruto-free-sex.html

President Uhuru Issues 9 Directives To Ensure Food Security

STATEMENT ON FOOD SECURITY BY PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA AT HARAMBEE HOUSE, NAIROBI ON TUESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to agricultural-based livelihoods and food security in Kenya. We are glad to note that various mitigation measures that were undertaken by all relevant stakeholders and therefore availability, access and affordability was attained. To further improve on this situation and after consulting with relevant stakeholders including Governors in our maize growing region

I direct as follows:

1.  To ensure that our farmers are able to dry and sell their maize with minimal post-harvest losses, I do direct that maize drying charges at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) be reviewed downward by 50%, from the current Ksh 40/- per unit to Ksh. 20/ per unit.

2.  The National Government will also make sure that maize driers are made available to all maize growing areas by the coming season. These driers will be community-based and therefore will be managed by groups of farmers/cooperatives at the community level. This will ensure that farmers are able to store or sell their maize at the appropriate moisture content and thus contribute to enhance farmers’ income.

3.  Our National Cereals and Produce Board has stores across the country that are currently not in use. I therefore direct that NCPB avail these stores to our farmers and farmer groups and traders for storage at an affordable cost. NCPB will therefore be required to review the current storage charges from the current Ksh. 10/- per bag per month to Ksh. 3/- per bag per month.

4.   I also direct that the recommended minimum maize selling price by the farmer to be Ksh. 2, 500/- per 90kg bag and require that the Ministry enforces these prices.

5.  The above interventions will therefore mean that the Country will have sufficient maize and therefore there will be no maize imports from outside COMESA/EAC region. The millers are therefore directed to ensure that they prioritize mapping and mopping up of all the maize that is available locally.

6.  I also direct that the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries Cooperatives to engage with input suppliers to ensure that all inputs are available across the country at affordable prices within one (1) month from this date, before the next planting season.

7. I also note that there are outstanding payments due   to the maize farmers and I therefore direct that payments to genuine farmers and traders who supplied maize to NCPB to be concluded by the end of this week, Friday, 2nd October 2020

8. I also direct that wheat millers buy all the locally available wheat stocks before importing additional stock from outside the country.  And I further direct that the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and cooperatives ensures that all this is a conditional precedent before allowing importation.

9. I would also like to say that we had a very productive meeting the Governors of Kilifi and Tana River where we discussed the issue of Galana-Kulalu farm and its future. And we have agreed to work on a program that will involve how, first and foremost, this farm can be subdivided so that the local communities are able to benefit and start participating in our food security situation in the country. And also how our herders can access for their livestock, and also how to commercialize the remaining part of the farm also to enhance food security across the country.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/president-uhuru-issues-9-directives-to-ensure-food-security.html

Wanted Con Artist Caught Selling 2 Ostrich Eggs For Sh600K

A wanted con artist who has been obtaining money by false pretense in Kirinyaga was arrested Monday by detectives acting on a tip-off from members of the public.

Police commander Anthony Mbogo said the suspect, Joseph Gakono, was on the wanted list following several complaints from the public. The suspect is said to have been on the run after getting wind of his impending arrest.

Detectives who had been trailing Gakono ambushed the suspect Monday afternoon while he was in the process of selling two Ostrich eggs for Sh600,000.

According to police, several of his victims said they had been threatened with death for demanding their money back.

Earlier this year, detectives launched a manhunt for Gakono for obtaining Sh98,000 from Caroline Karimi whom he had promised a firewood supply contract at a local school.

The suspect is also alleged to have obtained Sh320,000 from Joseph Mwangi after lying that he would sell him a piece of land in Kutus.

He was arraigned in court on Tuesday with detectives seeking to hold him for two more days to allow his victims record statements.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/wanted-con-artist-caught-selling-2-ostrich-eggs-for-sh600k.html

PHOTO – Kiunas Welcome New Family Member

There is a new member of the Kiuna family after the daughter of celebrity pastors Allan and Kathy Kiuna welcomed a bouncing baby boy.

The bundle of joy was born to the couple’s secondborn daughter Stephanie Kiuna, 24, and her caucasian partner, Wulner. This makes Reverend Kathy Kiuna and Bishop Allan Kiuna grandparents for the third time.

The baby boy named Ethan Allan is Stephanie’s second child after she welcomed daughter Amanda in 2017.

An elated Bishop Allan Kiuna was the first to announce the arrival of baby Ethan Allan in a social media post Tuesday.

“Am just in tears of gratitude to God as we welcome the most handsome grandson in the universe ETHAN ALLAN!!! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!! Please thank God together with me and @revkathykiuna and our family as we welcome the most incredible addition to our family. God has done us so well, we have no words. Thank you very much for those who continue to pray and love us. May God’s best be on the WULNER family. We love you so much!!!!! And gosh I can swear I used to look like that at that age🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣” wrote the founder of the Jubilee Christian Church (JCC).

The Kiunas are also grandparents to Nia Gizelle Kiuna Kovac, born to Vanessa Kiuna and her partner Kovac in 2016.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/photo-kiunas-welcome-new-family-member.html

President Kenyatta Welcomes Debt Relief For Highly Indebted Developing Countries

President Uhuru Kenyatta has welcomed the move by the multilateral system to provide debt relief for highly indebted developing countries as part of the global response to Covid-19.

The President termed debt relief as one of the important interventions that has helped cushion world economies from the adverse impacts of the Coronavirus health crisis.

“I am pleased to note that the multilateral system was quick and very effective in developing a global response to Covid-19,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State’s message was conveyed in a recorded video statement delivered Tuesday evening during the virtual High Level Meeting of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly on ‘Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the era of Covid-19 and beyond’.

The 2030 Agenda was adopted by the UN member states in 2015 and provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity across the world. It is premised on the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The high profile meeting was convened by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to discuss financing of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the era of Covid-19.

President Kenyatta noted that although the pandemic has strained health systems and triggered a deep economic crisis, Covid-19 should be viewed as an opportunity for stronger international cooperation as countries work towards recovery.

He said the pandemic has presented the world with a chance to define new models of cooperation that will support sustainable health and economic recovery leading to accelerated achievement of SDGs.

As an opportunity to mobilize financing towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, President Kenyatta said the crisis could be used by countries as a backdrop for reforms that lead to increased tax revenues.

“Many countries are registering business and workers to enable them to access Covid-19 related economic stimulus packages. This presents an opportunity to formalize our informal sector and, therefore, broaden our tax base,” he said.

The President added that Covid-19 presents an opportunity to reform the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) architecture.

“In this regard, we call upon the strengthening of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) as indicated in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. This will enable them play an even more important role in supporting the development agenda of low and middle-income countries,” the President pointed out.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Guterres applauded the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative saying it has created the much-needed fiscal relief to enable poor countries to redirect the little available resources to the fight against Covid-19.

Mr Gutteress said debt relief must not be limited only to least developed countries but expanded to include all developing and middle-income countries.

The UN Secretary-General noted with satisfaction the successes registered by African countries in the battle against Covid-19 but decried the reduced development financing on the continent saying the imbalance risks delaying the realization of SDGs.

“We will not achieve the SDGs if we don’t achieve them in Africa. We need to pay specific attention to Africa’s development financing needs,” Mr Guterres said.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said his Government will continue advocating for the extension of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

“Building back Better means getting support to the most vulnerable while maintaining momentum of reaching the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” Prime Minister Trudeau.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva who also spoke during the meeting urged the G20 to expand the Debt Service Suspension Initiative to 12 billion US dollars.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/president-kenyatta-welcomes-debt-relief-for-highly-indebted-developing-countries.html

Monday, September 28, 2020

The Trending Memes and Tweets This Tuesday

Here is what’s trending in Nairobi today.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/the-trending-memes-and-tweets-this-tuesday.html

Full Text – President Kenyatta’s 12th Address on COVID-19 Pandemic

THE TWELFTH [12TH] PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MONDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER, 2020 AT KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE (KICC), NAIROBI.

Fellow Kenyans and Conference Participants,

Good Evening to You All,

I am delighted to conference with you today at this gathering that has brought together the teams, which have shaped our national response to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

In your different capacities, as leaders, clergy, technocrats, civil society and experts; you have helped the Country navigate through the turns and twists of the Corona crisis for the last six months, and brought us within sight of safe harbour.

The panel discussions held this afternoon have highlighted both the Hits and the Misses in our national endeavor to flatten the infection curve. Overall, we have demonstrated resilience in the face of a tremendous challenge.

I celebrate our gallant health care workers and all our essential services providers, for keeping the Kenyan flame burning bright. Today, we honour and salute them all, and recognise their representatives who are in our midst at this Conference.

Even as we mourn for our compatriots whom we have lost to this disease, we are eternally grateful to God for our survivors and recoveries. Each death is a tragedy, and every recovery is a story of heroic triumph.

I am confident that as a Nation, we will stay the course for the remainder of this journey and reach our desired end.  For your efforts, I once again thank you, collectively and individually, on behalf of the People and the Government of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the last six months, the country has been in a ‘Season of Paradox’.   Since March this year, when we recorded the first COVID-19 case, it became necessary to shut down the economy in order to save it.

We had to avoid our loved ones, especially the elderly, because we care for their health and cherish their wisdom.

And, it became necessary to withdraw our children from schools in order to secure their future.

All this, was a paradox – a conflict between the ‘new normal’; and what we think the ‘normal’ should be.

Today, however, we face an even greater paradox.  As we flatten the Corona Curve, it may appear like victory, is on sight.  Yes, the COVID positivity rate has fallen from 13% in June, 7% in August and is now at 4.4% in September.  With these figures, we can be tempted to celebrate, more so because we are now below the 5% positivity rate recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for re-opening.

Yet these achievements are a paradox in themselves.  I say so because “…the greatest danger is always at the moment of victory”.

In fact, experience has taught us that we are most vulnerable and fragile at the point where we think we have won.

Get me right, I am not saying this to belittle the achievements we have made so far.  I am only asking us to incline on the side of caution. If we have won one battle against COVID-19, we have not won the war yet.  The possibility of a second wave of this pandemic is, real as we have seen in other countries.

As an affirmation that the enemy is still within our borders we continue to record new infections every day.  In that regard, to forestall what is happening elsewhere, we must continue adhering to the protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.

I am however, particularly delighted by the advances we have made in the health sector.  When we were hit by this pandemic in March this year, we had only 8 infectious diseases Isolation beds country-wide.

Seven days after the first COVID case was reported, we were able to increase this bed capacity to 60.

Currently, and working in partnership with County Governments, we are at 312 ICU beds and 7,411 isolation beds nationally.  Done in only six months, these achievements are, indeed, phenomenal.

In fact, in this period of six months, we have installed medical equipment never seen in this country since independence.  As an affirmation of our expanding capacity and as we continue to Re-imagine Kenya’s Healthcare, early in the month, I presided over the official opening of our fifth National Referral Hospital – K.U. Teaching Referral and Research Hospital.

The new facility is part of our national response for specialized treatment of chronic diseases, notably: cancer and renal diseases – the twin diseases that have wreaked havoc to many families across the nation.

In that regard, once the K.U – Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre (IMIC), is completed, by March 2021, there will no longer be need for any Kenyan to travel abroad in search of specialized treatment Cancer Treatment, as our enhanced capacity will be able to handle medical conditions treated abroad.

Indeed, the Referral facilities, coupled with the expanded county infrastructure will enhance our national possibilities and anchor our plans to position our nation for medical tourism from neighbouring countries, and propel us for the national rollout of Universal Health Care under the Big Four Agenda.

Fellow Kenyans,

Our expanded health infrastructure, as I have mentioned, is impressive.  However, the important question to ask ourselves is: Does it make our position unassailable if the second wave were to hit us?  Is it sufficient a buffer to keep the wave at bay?  The ANSWER to this question is a resounding NO.  The expanded infrastructure is NECESSARY, but not SUFFICIENT.  Without citizen action, the impressive infrastructure cannot forestall the aggression of a second wave.

To buffer the country, therefore, the citizens must position themselves as the First Line of Defence.  The reason why we have managed to flatten the curve is because Kenyans have exercised an impressive civic responsibility and duty.  And if danger is most present in moments of victory, this achievement is in danger if we do not watch out.

That is why I urge all Kenyans to double their efforts in observing the COVID protocols.  We got this far because we, the citizen, were the First Line of Defense against this pandemic.

And as we get into the next phase of the war against this pandemic, we must heed the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi when he said: ’… start by doing what is necessary, then it will lead you to what is possible and before you know it, you will find yourself doing the impossible”.

If we do what is necessary during the next phase of the war against this pandemic, it will lead us to do what is possible.  Then cumulatively, our necessary actions (like wearing a mask) coupled with our possible deeds, will lead us to the impossible outcome of containing this pandemic.

Indeed, as a people we must always remember that ‘…impossible is nothing’ if we apply ourselves.

And now in the spirit of co-creating the ‘new normal’ between the government and its people; and on the advice of the National Security Council and in line with the recommendations of the National Emergency Committee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, I direct and announce as follows:-

i. One, THAT the Nationwide Curfew in force throughout the territory of the Republic of Kenya is extended for a further sixty (60) days;

ii. Two, THAT the commencement time for the Nationwide Curfew is varied from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Therefore, effective tomorrow, Tuesday the 29th September, 2020 the national wide dusk-to-dawn Curfew will run from 11:00 O’clock in the night to 4:00 O’clock in the morning.

iii. Three, THAT the prohibition against the operation of bars and the prohibition against the sale of alcoholic drinks and beverages by ordinary restaurants and eateries shall stand vacated with effect from 29th September, 2020;

iv. Four, THAT the closing time for all bars, restaurants and eateries shall be 10 pm every day with effect from 29th September, 2020 and their operations shall be with strict adherence to all applicable guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health;

v. Five, THAT in line with the recommendations of the Inter-Faith Council, the permitted maximum size of religious gatherings is increased to one third (1/3) of its normal sitting capacity; but with strict adherence to all applicable guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health; and

vi. Six, THAT the permitted maximum number of persons attending funerals and weddings is reviewed upwards from one hundred (100) to two hundred (200); but with strict adherence to all applicable guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.

As we progressively de-escalate the containment measures and resume a sense of normalcy on education, our paramount consideration both as a Government and as parents is the safety and the well-being of our children.

The lives and health of our children is not a matter of debate.  Learning institutions should be reopened only when we can sufficiently guarantee the safety of our children.

And here I really would plead with Kenyans – let us not focus ourselves on when schools will reopen but how shall these schools open in a manner that protects our children and protects their lives and their health.

Let us think first about their health and wellbeing and once we have established how then together we will agree when.

The resumption of in-person learning must be predicated on strict adherence to the health protocols and guidelines as issued by the Ministry of Health.

In that regard, I, therefore, direct and order the Cabinet Secretary for Education to issue the Calendar for the resumption of the 2020 Academic calendar, strictly bearing the foregoing in mind.

As I give these directives, I underscore the need to continue adhering to the health guidelines and protocols; to avoid losing the gains we have made thus far.  I will not hesitate to escalate containment measures in the event any of these indicators register on my dashboard.

Fellow Kenyans,

Conference Participants,

The containment measures put in place in March 2020 to stem the spread of Covid-19; have had positive returns in terms of our safety and national security.  In the six months since then, crime has exhibited a 21% average decline and traffic accidents have reduced by an average of 10%.

I will conclude with some thoughts on our economy.  I said earlier that we are living in a ‘Season of Paradox’.  An age where our new reality is in conflict with what we ‘feel reality should be’.  Indeed, this is not only true of our social lives it is also true of our economy.

Against all odds some of our entrepreneurs have re-imagined the subsisting pandemic and created a new business reality that disorganizes the existing order at play.

This is a new business model driven by innovators and makers of things; people who did not see danger in the COVID crisis, but saw opportunity instead.  Businesses that experienced shock from COVID, but bounced back better.

But the question that this development begs is the following:  If positive disruptions and innovations have mushroomed during COVID-19, how do we support them as part of our resilience-building strategy?

How do we boost a small ‘samosa delivery’ company known as “Wau Eats” whose recipe from India is 100 years old, for instance?  And how do we encourage the Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK) with their innovative work amongst vulnerable slum women across the country?

During the first phase of this pandemic, we rolled out a series of economic stimulus packages.  Today, and in support of our small businesses and innovators, I direct as follows:

i. One, that the National Treasury considers retaining VAT at 14% until 1st January 2021.

ii. Two, that the National Treasury considers retaining the Income Tax Rate (Pay-As-You-Earn) at 25 percent until 1st  January 2021.

iii. Three, that the National Treasury considers retaining the Resident Income Tax (Corporation Tax) at 25% until 1st January 2021.

iv. Four, that to continue cushioning low income earners the National Treasury maintains the 100 percent tax relief for persons earning gross monthly income of up to Ksh. 24,000 beyond the Sunset date of 31st December, 2020.

v. Five, that to continue cushioning our Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises the National Treasury considers maintaining the reduction of the turnover tax rate from 3 percent to 1 percent for all Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

vi. Six, to enhance access to credit for our micro, small and medium enterprises, the National Treasury is directed to expedite the roll-out of the credit guarantee scheme in partnership with participating banks and development partners.  The credit guarantee scheme as approved by Cabinet is a risk-sharing partnership between the Government and banks, which will afford our enterprises access to credit by an additional 100 billion shillings.

Fellow Kenyans,

When COVID pandemic hit us in March this year, we did not know the extent of the crisis.  In-between the crisis, I told you that we were in what I called the ‘Fog of War’.  The theatres of war were invisible and foggy.

However, today I am comforted by the fact that we are not running in the dark.  We might not know everything about this pandemic, but we know something.

And although we only know in part, we are better prepared today than we were in March this year.  Our level of civic consciousness and responsibility is higher.  However, to build the resilience that allows us to anticipate the second wave and respond to it, we must do even better.

That is why I must emphasize by repeating what St Francis of Assisi taught us: If we do the NECESSARY, it will lead us to the POSSIBLE. Indeed at this point, the IMPOSSIBLE will happen without us REALIZING it.

Starting the next phase of this pandemic by doing the necessary, and working together in unity, this is how we will defeat this COVID menace!  And we will conquer the enemy.

God Bless you. God Bless Kenya

Thank you



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/full-text-president-kenyattas-12th-address-on-covid-19-pandemic.html

General Badi: I’m Just Fixing Nairobi Not Looking For Votes

Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) Director-General Mohamed Badi has reiterated that he is only interested in service delivery and not politics.

Speaking in an interview on NTV, the Major-General also rubbished claims that his appointment is not a military take over.

“I saw a lot of suffering in the city especially in informal settlements. It’s my duty to deliver. I am not looking for votes. I have taken this as a national duty,” he said.

“When politicians see you serving common citizens, they think that you are cutting down their influence. I have no problem with Governor Sonko. I am doing this job on his behalf,” added Badi.

He acknowledged the challenges faced in fixing the capital city saying he works every day of the work and has managed to achieve most of his goals.

“I was sworn-in in the afternoon and started working that night. I work on all days of the week from 7 am and I get home past 9 pm. Within the first 200 days in office, we have managed to achieve over 100 percent of what we intended to,” he said.

On court battles regarding the legality of the NMS, Badi said: There was a judgement for me to take over all the four functions after the court ruling. I am now focused on my work. When it is done, the common citizen will not care whether it was done by a member of the disciplined forces or a civilian.”

The NMS boss added that he is actualizing plans that previous county administrations failed to implement.

“I inherited the plans which had never been implemented,” he said, adding that one such plan is the upgrading of Mama Lucy hospital to a level five referral facility.

“We will have 18 new ICU beds at  Mama Lucy hospital and 10 at Mbagathi.”

NMS has also embarked on the construction of 19 more hospitals targeting all 17 Sub counties. Four of the 19 Hospitals are at an advanced stage of construction.

“The facilities will create at least 400 jobs in the medical profession,” he said.

On the city’s water shortage problems, Badi said NMS has sunk 188 Boreholes mostly in informal settlements to ensure reliable supply of water necessary in the fight against Covid-19.

“Once complete, the Northern Corridor water project will help lessen the burden in the city,” he said, noting that although there is enough water, the supporting infrastructure was ineffective.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/general-badi-im-just-fixing-nairobi-not-looking-for-votes.html

Omar Lali – Tabitha Karanja Called Me an Alshabaab Terrorist

Omar Lali, the former boyfriend of the late Tecra Muigai, has opened up on little known details about his love affair with the Keroche Breweries heiress.

The 51-year-old Lamu-based native said she met Tecra at a restaurant in Lamu while having dinner with his daughter.

I had gone to dinner with my daughter who had not been to Kenya in many years. Tecra was at the restaurant with a friend who I happened to know. I said hello to my friend but when I got home my friend called me saying Tecra was asking around for the guy with the grey beard,” he recalled.

Lali said his torrid love affair with the Keroche Breweries director started that night.

That night we stayed late as we talked about life. I took her to her room at around 2am and she told me not to leave because she felt at peace being with me. We spent the night together and that is how our love started.”

Omar said their relationship was strongly opposed by Tecra’s billionaire family, more so by Tecra’s mother, Tabitha Karanja. He said the businesswoman likened him to an Alshabaab terrorist.

When Tecra took me to her family, they didn’t want to hear anything about me. Her mother told me there is no way her daughter was going to live with an Alshabab terrorist. But I have since forgiven her since she is old school she probably didn’t mean itAt one point she came home with a convoy of six cars and I decided to escape because I was afraid of the people she was bringing,” narrated Omar Lali.

He said Tecra’s brother, James Muigai, helped resolve the feud with the Keroche family; Muigai convinced their father, Joseph Karanja, to bless the union.

Mzee blessed us and the feud stopped. We toured the world and I was able to teach her to overcome her fears,” he said.

Omar, however, regrets not being able to convince Tecra to reduce her alcohol consumption.

“The only thing, regrettably, that I failed to teach her was regulation of alcohol intake. She used to drink a lot and I pleaded with her to only drink after sunset but she would respond by telling that her family was in the alcohol business and drinking was their tradition which I must respect as she respected mine,” he said.

Recounting the fateful day Tecra fell down a staircase on April 27, Omar said he had blacked out.

That day I had taken some antibiotics for my tooth which had an infection. She pressured me to drink but I only took a few drinks and blacked out. I was awoken by the sound of a thud and when I work up, I realized she had fallen down the sharp staircase on her way to the washroom,” he said.



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/omar-lali-tabitha-karanja-called-me-an-alshabaab-terrorist.html

Bungoma James Bond Dies After Being Found Unconscious

Saleh Wanjala, infamously known as ‘Bungoma James Bond’, is dead.

Mr Wanjala made headlines in 2016 when he hung on a chopper that was ferrying the body of Jacob Juma from Kanduyi airstrip to his rural home in Bumula.

His family confirmed his passing on Monday, September 28, 2020 saying was found unconscious in his house. He was rushed to the Bungoma County Referral Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

“He was found lying on the floor of his house and was very weak, he could not walk by himself so the family rushed him to Bungoma Hospital where he died moments later,” said Kevin Wanjala, a neigbour.

His body was moved to Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Also Read: Bungoma Hangman Is Broke And Wants Help Raising Money For Sh2,400 Rent Arrears



source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/09/bungoma-james-bond-dies-after-being-found-unconscious.html