Woman Who Spiked Man’s Drink “Used Part Of Sh1.6m Loot To Buy Land”

A woman who spiked her victim’s drink at a club in Nyali, stole his phone, and transferred Sh1.6 million from his NCBA bank account was arraigned at Shanzu Law Courts Monday.

Beatrice Mueni Mbiu, 24, was charged with administering a stupefying drug to Richard Wanyonyi, stealing his mobile phone and Sh1, 604, 212 from his bank account.

The court heard that Mueni and Wanyonyi, a banker, were hanging out at a club in Nyali on September 8, when the accused administered the substance to the plaintiff.

Appearing before Resident Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda, Ms Mueni denied the charges and was released on a Sh3 million bond with an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million.

Magistrate Shikanda ruled that Mueni has the right to seek legal counsel to represent her after she appeared in court without a lawyer.

Recounting his ‘Mchele’ ordeal, Wanyonyi said he started experiencing difficulty in breathing before he became unconscious.

“It was after I became unconscious that Mueni stole my phone and managed to transfer Sh1.6 million from my bank account,” Wanyonyi told police.

‘Shared Loot and Bought Land’

Following her arrest on Saturday after being on the run for several weeks, Mueni admitted to sharing the loot with two more suspects who were in her company and are still at-large.

DCI sleuths grilling Mueni said she used part of her share to buy land in Gichugu Constituency, Muranga County. She allegedly paid for the land in two instalments of Sh200, 000 and Sh300, 000.

“She told us that she shared the loot with two other accomplices who are still at large,” said detectives privy to the case.

Investigating officers disclosed that the suspects used the remainder of the cash to pay their rent in Mombasa and party in different high-end clubs in Mombasa and Kilifi.

Mueni, who was arrested at Signature Club off Kenyatta Avenue, is believed to be part of a gang of women behind rising cases where revelers are drugged and robbed in Mombasa and Kilifi.

She will be paraded for identification by victims of such crime.

The case is scheduled for mention on December 21 2020.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/woman-who-spiked-mans-drink-used-part-of-sh1-6m-loot-to-buy-land.html

Man Dies After Being Attacked For Mocking Arsenal Fans Following Wolves Defeat

A bar brawl between a group of friends over a premier league football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers ended tragically after a man died in Naivasha town, Nakuru county.

According to a report by the Standard Sport, the middle-aged man was hit on the head with a stone after he mocked Arsenal supporters over the team’s 2-1 loss to Wolves on Sunday night.

The group of friends was watching the live match at a bar in Kinamba center along the Naivasha- Kirima road.

A witness identified only as Peter reportedly said the friends were drinking together when an argument ensued over a goal that one of the teams had scored.

“This degenerated into name-calling and the deceased was chased out of the bar, later attacked and left unconscious,” he said.

The deceased was left bleeding from his head outside a petrol station located a few meters from the bar.

His body was found on the streets Monday morning before police moved in to collect it.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the attackers as friends and relatives of the deceased tried to come to terms with the shocking incident.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/man-dies-after-being-attacked-for-mocking-arsenal-fans-following-wolves-defeat.html

Everything Trending This December 1

We’re officially in the final month of a very eventful year, and this is what’s trending today.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/everything-trending-this-december-1.html

Sh*t Happens! Assault Suspect Smears Cop With Faeces In Daring Escape

A teenage suspect staged a daring and messy escape from police custody after attacking an officer with his feaces.

19-year-old Abdul Awadh, who was in lawful custody at Bura Police Station in Tana River County, requested to be allowed to answer a call of nature early Monday morning, November 30.

Police Constable Anthony Wanjau, who was on duty, granted the suspect’s request and escorted him to the toilets located outside the cells.

“In the course of the act, the prisoner took too long and when the officer enquired why, the prisoner opened the doors of the toilet and smeared the officer with his faeces on the face which he had put in a bottle of water and started running away,” reads part of a report filed under OB Number 12/30/11/2020.

Constable Wanjau ran after the suspect while whistling for help from other officers but the detainee outran him and jumped over the fence.

A manhunt was immediately launched, with the suspect still at large at the time of publication.

Awath, who is facing an assault charge, was to be presented in court on December 10, 2020, for a mention of his case.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/sht-happens-assault-suspect-smears-cop-with-faeces-in-daring-escape.html

Man Stabs Self In The Neck After Killing Woman “Over Sh1000 Pay”

A man was admitted to Olenguruone Sub-County Hospital in critical condition on Saturday after stabbing himself in the neck for killing a woman at Bandiat village in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County.

According to a report by the Standard, the man and his victim Mercy Chebet had been given a two-day job at a nearby farm and were to be paid Sh1,400.

“I hired them on Friday and they were to complete the work on Saturday. On Friday evening, I sent Sh1,000 to Chebet, promising to clear the balance once the job was done,” the farm owner, Caroline Ngetich, said.

The deceased’s mother, Zeddy Chirchir, said the two were close friends and were on good terms after receiving the money.

“The suspect called my daughter and asked her to send him only Sh200 from what she had received. On Saturday morning, the man left his house and my daughter followed him minutes later,” Chirchir said.

Zeddy Chirchir after her daughter Naomi Chebet was hacked to death

Moments later, Chebet’s young daughter saw the two arguing outside the home and alerted her grandmother.

“My granddaughter came running, saying her mother had fallen down. I rushed to the scene as her attacker fled into a nearby maize field,” she said.

Chirchir was shocked to find her daughter lying in a pool of blood having been hit on the head with a jembe(garden hoe).

“My daughter was breathing her last. Her head was badly wounded and within minutes she had lost too much blood. Neighbours responded to my cries and pursued the suspect,” she said.

When the suspect realised irate residents were hot on his heels, he attempted to commit suicide.

“He drew a knife and stabbed himself on the neck. The suspect is receiving treatment at Olenguruone Hospital and is in critical condition,” said Ribot Assistant Chief Fredrick Korir.

Although it was not immediately established what led to the tragic fight, Korir said the suspect was battling alcoholism and appeared to be mentally disturbed.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/man-stabs-self-in-the-neck-after-killing-woman-over-sh1000-pay.html

Govt Proposes New Rules For Sale Of Alcohol Ahead Of Festive Season

The government through the Ministry of Trade has proposed a new set of guidelines for the sale of alcoholic drinks to tame the spread of COVID-19.

The new rules have been developed together with stakeholders including the Pubs Entertainment and Restaurants’ Association (PERAK), Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK), and the Bar Hotels Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA).

The rules contain The Standard Operating Procedures for sale of alcoholic drinks, general hygiene measures, specific operations guidelines, social distancing guidelines, cleaning, disinfection and protective gear guidelines, and the screening protocol.

“Our government is very clear in our resolve, but fulfilling becomes much more problematic thinking about the critical next months of the pandemic. As we release them, we continue to underscore the need to adhere to the MoH protocols in the conduct of our businesses,” said Trade CS Betty Maina.

“Businesses are encouraged to lead through the COVID-19 crisis through managing risks in their operations. As we move into the festive season and the potential for successful vaccines to deliver a new period in dealing with a pandemic-altered world, there are high expectations. Consumers and society at large are expecting more from businesses. Embracing our responsibilities on exercising utmost care in adherence to the protocols will play to our advantage,” she added.

Here is a summary of the Standard Operating Procedures for Sale of Alcoholic Drinks:

Specific Operations Guidelines

• All Alcoholic drink retailers shall have a valid liquor/alcoholic license and register with an alcohol trade or membership association registered and recognized by the Government of Kenya.
• Condiments shall not be provided to customers in shared containers.
• Restrict the number of partakers allowed in an establishment once the premise is full.
• Ensure that the establishment is well ventilated and follow the protocols set out by MoH.
• Designate a waste disposal bin with a yellow liner for disposal of used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Every establishment shall set aside a suitable – Covid19 holding/emergency room for any suspected staff case and report to relevant authorities.

Social Distancing Guidelines

• Close dance floors during this time.
• Stagger shifts and rotate staff members to reduce the number of employees in the establishment at any one time when in operation.
• Arrange transport for staff, where possible, to reduce public transport use; as well as transport and relevant documentation for any staff leaving after curfew hours; adhere to gazetted transport restrictions and guidelines.
• Use e-commerce platforms and take advantage of the no-contact delivery options, minimizing contact between customers and couriers. Designate spacious waiting and collection areas for couriers and customers

General hygiene measures

• Sale of alcohol shall be governed by the Rules on COVID-19 issued under the Public Health Act Cap 242 and supplemented by the provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010 and the respective County Governments Alcohol drinks control legislations.
• The Counter should be shielded with a Perspex glass to ensure the protection of the client and seller. No partakers shall be allowed to sit around the bar counter while consuming any alcoholic drink.
• All alcohol drink retailers shall provide a complete hand washing station (with running water, soap, and hygienic hand drying facility) and/or sanitizer at the entrance of the establishment for use by the customers.
• Retailers shall ensure that all equipment used in handling and/or dispensing alcoholic drinks are disinfected using recommended disinfectants. Common area surfaces should also be cleaned regularly with soap or alcohol-based disinfectants and appropriate disinfection of the premises done at the close of business
• Appropriate signage guiding on the maximum seating capacity per table and observation of the 1.5-meter distancing rule should be displayed. As well as signage at the entrance of the alcohol selling establishment, indicating the maximum number of partakers allowed into the establishment at any given time.
• Any physical activity that facilitates physical contact between partakers in an alcohol selling establishment should be discouraged. And, alcohol consumption shall be restricted to the designated areas within the establishment.
• Establishments are required to maintain a daily attendance register for all members of staff and encourage employees to self-monitor for symptoms of Covid-19. Where the employees exhibit any symptoms of Covid-19, the employer will encourage the employee to stay home, practice hygiene measures, and quarantine as prescribed by MOH. The employer should also promptly facilitate the testing of staff to confirm any suspected case of COVID-19 and ensure that cases are handled humanely, without any form of stigmatization, and in conformity to the approved patient medical confidentiality procedures. A point person to deal with employee, suppliers and customer Question & Answer daily or as required by the employees should be appointed.
• Cashless transactions are encouraged to reduce the handling of hard currency.
• Any Alcoholic drink retailers found in breach of COVID-19 Rules issued under Public Health Act Cap 242 shall take personal responsibility and consequent enforcement action.

Cleaning, disinfection, and protective gear guidelines

• Follow MoH guidelines for employees on wearing masks in public places (kitchen staff to wear Perspex shields); issue hand sanitizers to employees wherever possible; safely dispose of masks and other PPE used by employees as per MoH recommendations.
• Staff working in the bar area should demonstrate effective hygiene and sanitation awareness at their respective workstations. Staff should be able to communicate (verbally and in print) and enforce (with the help of government) MoH guidelines on Covid-19 hygiene and sanitation rules.
• Employers shall ensure employees acquire knowledge on social distancing, personal hygiene, and protection measures to limit their risk of contracting COVID-19 both within and outside of the workplace.
• Keep doors open wherever possible, or use swing doors, to minimize contact of door handles; Clean and disinfect all restroom surfaces including floors, sinks, and toilet bowls, as necessary.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/govt-proposes-new-rules-for-sale-of-alcohol-ahead-of-festive-season.html

Woman Throws 3 Daughters Into A River Before Taking Her Own Life

A 30-year-old woman pushed her three daughters into Kipkaren River in Kabiyet location, Nandi county, and jumped in a bid to end their lives.

According to locals, Sharon Chemutai ignored pleas of people who tried to restrain her and pushed her children into the fast-flowing river just a kilometre from her home on Saturday evening.

Chemutai and two of her younger daughters aged four and two drowned while the eldest survived, the Standard reports.

Joseph Arusei, a resident, told the Standard that efforts to rescue the mother and the other two children were futile as they were overwhelmed by the water.

“We managed to rescue the eight-year-old whom we found holding on to a stone in the river,” said Arusei, adding: “She was taken to Kabisaga Dispensary for first aid after sustaining minor bruises on her legs and head.”

Arusei mentioned that while they could not establish what drove Chemutai to commit the act, the mother of three was running a small business selling second-hand clothes in Cheptil after she separated from her husband.

The deceased’s brother, Dennis Too, said his sister was an introvert and rarely shared her problems with the family. Too said she got home on Saturday evening and took her children claiming she was taking them for a walk along the river.

“No one suspected she was up to something fishy. The residents raised the alarm after they realised her intention was to drown herself and the children,” said the brother.

It took about two hours for local divers to retrieve the children’s bodies before officers from Kabiyet Police Station arrived and took the remains to the mortuary.

Nandi County Deputy Police Commander David Kirui said the body of the mother was found on Sunday morning and taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.

“From the preliminary report the single mother is suspected to have had differences with her family,” he said.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/woman-throws-3-daughters-into-a-river-before-taking-her-own-life.html

The Latest On Kemsa Scandal Probe

Investigations into the corruption scandal at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency(Kemsa) are at an advanced stage.

This is according to Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Twalib Mbarak, who noted that the case is complex and may take longer than anticipated.

In an interview with the Star, Mbarak said that due to its volume and complexity, the Sh7.8 billion scandal probe is being conducted in phases.

The anti-graft agency boss explained that some aspects of the case have an international component which requires a request of mutual legal assistance from foreign jurisdictions.

Mbarak said the probe is focusing on officials and companies that may have received funds fraudulently from Kemsa.

This comes nearly 100 days since President Uhuru Kenyatta directed EACC to complete the probe in 21 days.

Following Uhuru’s directive, EACC forwarded to DPP Noordin Haji a file listing six individuals believed to have had a direct role in the irregular procurement of PPEs and face masks for Covid-19 emergency response.

On October 2, the DPP returned the file to the EACC and recommended a further probe.

Amid concerns that the probe was going cold, the EACC boss allayed the fears saying Kemsa officers and companies found culpable will be charged with committing economic crimes.

Twalib pledged to deliver the Kemsa case citing “notable achievement in areas of prevention, enforcement, and recovery of public assets.”

He mentioned that since January EACC has prevented the possible loss of Sh787 million in covert operations that disrupted corrupt networks.

“This year, the commission has concluded investigations in 110 high –impact cases and forwarded the inquiry files to the Director of Public Prosecutions,” Twalib said.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/the-latest-on-kemsa-scandal-probe.html

Church Treasurer, 60, Hangs Herself After Spending Offertory

An elderly woman from Nyamaroka village in Rongo, Migori County has reportedly taken her own life over a debt owed to a church where she works.

Area assistant chief Eddy Onyango said the deceased Ruth Akinyi Ogola, 60, who was a church treasurer, spent Sh20,000 of money collected by the church but was not able to refund it.

The administrator said the deceased was found hanging from a rope outside her kitchen on Monday afternoon, Citizen reports.

Mr. Onyango also mentioned that the deceased’s son had on Sunday sold a cow to raise Sh15,000 to pay back part of the money.

The assistant chief said they are yet to establish why the woman still opted to commit suicide even after her son had raised the amount.

Mr. Onyango appealed to families to seek alternative ways of handling issues.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/church-treasurer-60-hangs-herself-after-spending-offertory.html

NYS Recruit In Court For Stealing Sh26 Million Worth Of Alcohol

A National Youth Service (NYS) recruit was Monday arraigned in court and charged with stealing alcoholic drinks worth Sh25.6 million.

John Gatuiku Macharia allegedly stole 3,534 units of Faxe, 1,840 units of Konyagi, 788 units of Redbull, and 176 units of Tuborg from Patiala Distillers Limited.

The booze was under storage at a go-down ib Nairobi, where the suspect, together with others not before the court, allegedly accessed and stole them between January 1, 2018, and November 23, 2020.

Macharia was also charged with handling stolen goods.

The court heard that on November 27, 2020 while in Kenol, Murang’a County, Macharia was in possession of the alcohol, knowing that it had been stolen.

Appearing before Milimani Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku, the accused denied the charges.

He was freed on Sh500,000 cash bail after claiming he was due to sit exams this December.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/nys-recruit-in-court-for-stealing-sh26-million-worth-of-alcohol.html

The Trending Pics This Monday

On this last day of November, this is what’s trending on Twitter.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/the-trending-pics-this-monday-10.html

Raila: I Always Accept Defeat, I Didn’t Lose 2007, 2013 and 2017 Polls

ODM party leader Raika Odinga spoke to Sunday Nation about the BBI, his alleged aversion to accepting defeat in polls, and more.

The mission of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), you told us, was to unite the country, don’t you think going into a referendum when others like Deputy President William Ruto are not keen on it would divide Kenya even further?

I need to be taken to a political school and receive lessons on what this so-called non-contested referendum is. Then why do have it if it’s non-contested? You’d just need to go to Parliament and have it approved that’s the end of it. In any referendum, there a question on whether one supports a particular issue or not, that already leaves one with a choice to make. You can never expect absolute support on any issue. A referendum by nature must have some people supporting and others opposing it.

Were there changes sneaked into the report without your knowledge?

Not at all. Most of the things in the document have remained the way they were. There is nothing fundamental re-introduced in it. The matter on IEBC (The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) really does not need to be captured in the Constitution. It can be addressed even by legislation.

You are on record as saying that the country needs not to spend more than Sh2 billion on the referendum. How practical is this?

The cost of doing elections in this country is outrageously high because of the inherent corruption in the system. Research by IFES – International Foundation for Electoral Systems – on the cost of doing elections in the world finds that in the US, they spend about Sh55 per ballot, in some European counties it about Sh77. If it is very expensive, it comes to Sh110.

It is only in Africa where the cost is inflated from Sh220, some Sh330. In Nigeria, it climbs to Sh550 and it’s highest in Kenya at Sh770. So when I talked about Sh2 billion, I was pegging the cost of a ballot at Sh110 and assuming we are 20 million registered voters, that would come to about that budget since a referendum involves one ballot paper per voter. With more frugality, the cost could even come down. They are buying nothing new, the equipment and the infrastructure are there.

The DP and other critics say you are averse to accepting election defeat and that this is what fuels your urge to change the laws after every poll.

Whenever I am defeated, I always accept. I was defeated in 1997 by Nyayo (the late President Daniel arap Moi) and I accepted. Why do you want me to concede yet I didn’t lose in 2007, 2013, and 2017 presidential elections? You may want to recall that the Supreme Court voided the presidential election results in 2017 because the electoral commission never followed the law. In 2013, the court ruled against us on the basis that our evidence proving electoral malpractices was time-barred yet it is the IEBC that dilly-dallied with supplying us with the same, so how do you conclude that I was defeated? You well know what happened in 2007 and how we ended up with a coalition government.

Critics say if it passes, the constitutions re-creates an imperial president.

The idea is to move away from a pure presidential system to create a hybrid system where the president is elected then appoints his Cabinet from outside Parliament. Most mature democracies adopt either pure parliamentary or hybrid systems of governance.

A pure presidential system is only found in the United States of America (US) and third world countries that are emerging from single-party dictatorship in Africa.

With the exception of the US, which practices the federal system of governance where most work is done in the States, it has been established in the world that parliamentary system is much more accountable than presidential setup.

Do you think sections of the Church and the civil society are justified in the opposition to the proposed constitutional changes?

Most of their concerns are unfounded. Like a section of the church has talked of an imagery provision of enhancing the role of the Kadhi’s Court that they outrageously claim was being elevated to have appellate jurisdiction. They are also talking of reacting the imperial presidency, ask them where?

Are there ever fears in your camp or that of the President that the handshake, which is not based on any formally signed agreement, could easily be abandoned by either you or the President without any warning for other convenient political deals ahead of the 2022 General Election?

We are now at the tail-end of it. The current government leaves office in 2022. You saw the President come out so strongly that we are going for the referendum.

Once the referendum is over, we are done. So the question of the President or myself walking out of the deal is really overtaken by events. We’re now in the referendum phase and we can only talk about others whether we succeed or lose.

The plan to create an ombudsman appointed by the President has been criticised as intended to impede the independence of the Judiciary. What’s the reasoning behind it?

There have been a lot of complaints from the public against some judicial officers. Do you still go to the same people to lodge your complaints? The ombudsman’s office will have its independence and is not meant in any way to interfere with the independence of the judiciary.

If there is any institution we must jealously shield from any form of subjugation, it is the Judiciary and of course, with it comes to the rule of law. And the President will not hand pick the ombudsman, a panel will conduct the interviews like we normally do with the heads of independent commissions.

A list of three names from successful candidates will then be sent to the President for appointment. Parliament will in turn vet them before appointment.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/raila-i-always-accept-when-im-defeated-i-didnt-lose-2007-2013-and-2017-presidential-elections.html

I Started Multibillion Marketing Empire Without University Education – WPP Scangroup CEO, Bharat Thakrar

His father wanted him to pursue medicine and become a doctor but Bharat Thakrar passed it up to focus on his dream of building a marketing empire.

Without a college education, Thakrar’s working career started with an account executive trainee position on the Colgate-Palmolive account at Skyline where he was promoted to account director within a year.

His stay at the company was, however, short-lived as the company folded forcing him to seek a job from another firm, Advertising Associates. At the new company, Thakrar oversaw the launch of Close-Up toothpaste, Blue Band and Royco Mchuzi Mix products. He later ditched his job after he got overlooked for a promotion that he felt he deserved.

“Those formidable years working for these companies became my training ground. Sadly, my bubble burst when I was overlooked for a much-deserved promotion at McCann (parent company of Advertising Associates) that I was well qualified. I resigned and left to start my own business with a friend,” he stated.

In December 1982, he started his marketing and communication firm, Scanad. In 2006, the company was listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange as Scangroup. After ceding the controlling stake to a British advertising firm in 2013, the company, now known as WPP-Scangroup, has presence in 25 countries in Sub Saharan Africa.

Bharat Thakrar shared his entrepreneurial journey with Standard Business.

Why marketing?

My father was in the advertising business and so I got the entrepreneurship exposure at a young age. He did not tell me to get into advertising but as a young person, I knew what I wanted to pursue later on in life. I picked up the marketing skills by watching what he and other workers did.

I would say I had the advantage of being at the right place at the right time. For example, some people go into music because a parent played music at home. Then the parent offered to teach them how to play. That was the case in my young life. Young people have this door opening for them, they may have the passion but not strong enough. It is all about how committed you are to what you want to be.

Did your father approve of this path?

My father wanted me to pursue higher education and become a doctor. But medicine was not my passion since I could not even dissect a frog in biology class. I did not have the patience for medicine but had a huge sense of imagination. That is why a career in advertising attracted me.

What experience showed you that this was your path?

There was this company I was working for, actually a company that I had partnered with to make confectionery. At some point I did not like this job and so when I left, my friend told me to do some marketing for him. That was my first client. Then there was this company I was doing distribution for, Swan Industries that was making sweets and bubble gum in Kisumu.

I told them they will not succeed if they commoditize confectionery. They needed to sell them as a brand. I gave them the idea to brand their bubble gum using the iconic Safari Rally that was a hit all over the country back then. I came up with the concept of the Rally Gum, with stickers of about 60 cars in the rally.

Every time a boy bought the gum, the first thing they had to do was remove the sticker and see the car number. Imagine how much of the item you had to buy to collect all 60 stickers! That was my first marketing success story. Today, you can look at a current opportunity and revolve your business idea around it.

Do you think lack of a university education slowed down your growth?

Not really. You see, university education makes you a little bit more intellectual. Obviously, you need it if you want to be a doctor or some other specialist. Of course, I did miss it and thought I should have done it earlier. To satisfy myself, I went to Harvard in 2009 for executive management courses and then I thought to myself, ‘with all the experience setting up the business, my life so far has been an MBA programme.’

Education is about rules, but the application is all upon you. I have seen many academically brilliant people who are failures in life, while others never went to university but became the most successful. Again think of Steve Jobs. In business, university helps a little bit, nothing more.

How did your small business grow into a multinational?

I would like to answer that question with the story of a young boy who was employed as a waiter in a kiosk selling mandazi. He was a school dropout. One day the chef did not turn up for work. Then the kiosk owner tells the boy to go into the kitchen and make mandazi. He goes and makes good mandazi because he has seen how they are made because he had developed an interest in making them. Then the boss later tells him he is no longer needed. He goes on the other side of the road and opens a kiosk. He hires others to work for him.  Then he sees another road coming up and knows the workers there need tea and mandazi, and so opens another kiosk.

That is my life. I learnt how to do it from others in the business. I worked for a small company till I saw an opportunity across the road. That is how Scanad was born in December 1982 and expanded to regional countries. And that is the story of successful entrepreneurship including Coca Cola, KFC and people like Steve Jobs who started assembling computers from the garage.

What are the secrets to business success?

I live by one of Bhagavad Gita’s fundamental philosophy espoused by the Karma Yogi. That of a person who keeps his head down, hard at work without waiting for a reward.  For example, a doctor does not wake up in the morning saying he will treat 50 patients but because he is a good doctor, he always finds patients in his clinic. They know of his reputation. A soldier too does not join the military to kill but the call was to defend his land. That is his duty.

Therefore, if you are good at something, try and excel in it. The rewards will take care of themselves. Be like that mason proud of building the wall, or the gardener who knows that plants need a lot of love. He will even talk to the plants. If he is clever, he sets up his own gardening business to amplify the good work he does.

The other day I was watching the guy who does some upholstery work on our sofas. We call him professor. He is so meticulous at folding the corners of the cloth, so focused on his job, and he is so good at it. I lead a similar lifestyle. I am 68 years and still in it. You only succeed by sticking to your strengths.

How has your business evolved to adapt to changing circumstances?

Change is a constant we must embrace. Every business, be it in entertainment, hospitality or aviation must evolve to survive.  You must be a visionary and see what the future will look like, what the trends are. Our business went digital in 2010 in a joint venture with an Indian partner. We now understand what the digital skills are all about. Keep honing your skills and business will adapt.

You have been at it for decades now. Why do you think many businesses fail?

1. Know where your passion lies and stick to it. Some businesses are not successful because they try to be jacks of all trades. Some people like to touch all spheres of the business world. You cannot be passionate in five different things.

2. Be sincere in your dealings. People like honesty. Never cheat. For example, if the boy in my previous example started making smaller mandazi to get extra profit, customers would start running away from him never to come back. The customer notices dishonesty.

How has the current pandemic affected your business?

We have had to get lean. It has been sad to see many employees leave. We had a workforce of 1,200 but now we are down to 700.

What next for Bharat?

Bharat is not going anywhere. If you are passionate about your work, you keep doing it forever. If you stop, your mind starts to degenerate and age starts to catch up with you.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/i-started-multibillion-marketing-empire-without-university-education-wpp-scangroup-ceo-bharat-thakrar.html

CRAZY: Funny Pics/Memes Going Viral on Kenyan Social Media

Our weekly compilation of the craziest images and memes doing rounds in the Kenyan interwebs.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/crazy-funny-pics-memes-going-viral-on-kenyan-social-media-96.html

NMS To Roll Out App To Regulate Matatus Entering Nairobi CBD

The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) will adopt electronic technology to regulate the flow of matatus into the Central Business District (CBD).

The technology will see NMS roll out a mobile app for matatu operators to know when they are allowed into the city centre.

NMS Director of Transport, Engineer Michael Ochieng’, said they will roll out the app once the Green Park Terminus is complete.

“The electronic system we are going to install here (Green Park Terminus) will inform matatu operators when to send their vehicles to town and when their slot is ready. They will know it from an app on their phone, that from their route, only five or six vehicles should come into town. So it will be regulated,” said Ochieng.

The Green Park Terminus, located at the former Nairobi Lunar Park, is expected to launch on Monday, December 14.

The park has the capacity to contain 110 matatus with a specific lane dedicated to public service vehicles.

“We are building the Workshop road, we have already designed it. Works on the road will start immediately from next week so that vehicles coming from Mombasa road will terminate on the other side of the railways’ bridge,” added Ochieng.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/nms-to-roll-out-app-to-regulate-matatus-entering-nairobi-cbd.html

How I Made My First Million At The Age of 19 – MarketForce 360 CEO

Tesh Mbaabu is the co-founder and CEO of MarketForce 360, a sales and distribution automation platform that helps consumer brands solve the last mile distribution challenge in Africa.

At what age did you make your first million? 

I was 19.

How did you make it?

I was running a creative design and printing agency. I bid for and won an order to design and print marketing materials for a global NGO which has offices in Kenya.

How did you spend or invest it? 

I re-invested most of it into the business by buying more machinery to reduce costs associated with outsourcing. I also set up a new business with a friend – a movie shop in Nairobi CBD.

The biggest money mistake you have ever made? 

Setting up the movie shop was the greatest money mistake – but I picked up two of the greatest business lessons. One, to never divest too early, and only invest in a business you understand well.

What is the best investment you have ever made?

I would say investing in myself and in my exposure through travel. Travel has made me see endless possibilities for innovating new products, business models, and solutions in the African market. A combination of international exposure and strong local market understanding is priceless.

What is the worst purchase you have ever made? 

The movie shop. I bought a ready business that I did not understand and it went crumbling down. We eventually closed it a few months later.

If you had a spare million or two, where would you invest it right now?

I would invest it in my current business – a software technology company. This is because I believe the business has the potential to become a great success.

What is the biggest money lesson you have learnt about growing it and making it work for you? 

Initially, we all have to work for money. However, I have learnt that the wealthy person has learnt how to make money work for them, through consistently investing what one earns.

Where do you learn about finances? 

I read a lot of books about real success stories from entrepreneurs because I believe entrepreneurship is a great way to create wealth while creating value in society. I also stay curious to learn about different investment vehicles because I know I shouldn’t put all my eggs in one basket.

Any financial myths you think should be busted? 

Money is not the root of all evil; greed may be. Money is a good thing because it can create freedom and prosperity, if well spent.

What two personal finance rules do you follow? 

Live within your means; and work to make money as a tool to accomplish real goals. Real goals are not just about making “enough” money, because it is almost impossible to define “enough.”

Investing or saving…Which one carries more weight?

Investing. However, they go hand to hand as saving to invest is acceptable.

One can get rich easily… but how does one stay rich? 

By constantly making calculated investment risks, and always striving to be wealthy, not rich.

Courtesy: Hustle

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/how-i-made-my-first-million-at-the-age-of-19-marketforce-360-ceo.html

Hilarious Posts by Kenyans on Social Media For Your Monday Blues

Your weekly dose of random funny posts going viral on the Kenyan interwebs to help kick away those Monday Blues.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/hilarious-posts-by-kenyans-on-social-media-for-your-monday-blues-25.html

‘We Lost Sh5million In First Land Deal Then Another Sh30 million’: Real Estate Agent

Joseph Gitonga is the Director of Sales and Marketing at real estate firm, Username Investment Limited.

He narrates what losing millions in land deals taught him.

We didn’t have much capital when we started this business. During our first land purchase process, we paid for a property that had been acquired fraudulently and lost Sh5 million. This was all the money we had, some of which was borrowed. We hit a dead end. But while all hope seemed lost, one landowner agreed to partner with us. This helped us recover from the loss. In yet another deal, we lost Sh30 million in a land deal. It turned out that the land belonged to another owner who lived abroad. We renegotiated with the rightful owner in very difficult circumstances and finally managed to buy the land again. But all our profits got lost. This was one of the lowest moments of my life. We are now very keen on due diligence when acquiring any property. We are careful to ensure that we sign all legal documents as a company.

You can turn heavy losses around. Despite our losses, we have built a firm that is recognised as a powerhouse in Kenya’s real estate sector. We have over 50 employees and more than 500 indirect workers. We have also completed over 39 projects. Identifying and solving the housing need for low earning people has been the door to this success.

I did not budget or invest adequately when I graduated from college. I treated my salary as too little to be invested. I would pay bills and other basics and blow the rest in extravagant living. I have since learned that no money is too little to be invested or budgeted for.

I save my money through the money market fund. These savings are goal-oriented. Currently, I am getting interests ranging from 8 to 10 percent on my savings. Though this saving plan offers liquidity within days, it has discouraged me from unplanned and unnecessary expenditures.

Money is not the end goal; it is a means to a goal. I believe this is how people should approach their finances. It helps to develop self-accountability and transparency. Pursue excellence and enjoy the process. Always, avoid short cuts as they come with long delays. There is no perfect path to success; failure is part of it. Having a mentor will reduce your mistakes. This network of seasoned peers helps one to make progress faster and make confident decisions.

There is too much emphasis on material wealth in Kenya. People are obsessed with things that don’t matter– appearance, to impress rather than to impact, and leading plastic lives. We need to go back to the basics and start all over by having a clear and well-written set of goals. Studies show that people with a clear plan are 85 percent more likely to accomplish their goals than those who never bother with planning.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/we-lost-sh5million-in-first-land-deal-then-another-sh30-million-real-estate-agent.html

Meet Co-founder of Ascent Construction Company Who Dropped Medicine For Cement

Wangu Gaita is the co-founder of Ascent Construction Company. She ventured into the construction industry by chance while working in the pharmaceutical sector.

While working in construction, Gaita chanced upon another market gap and started making personalised curtain rods.

Here’s her entrepreneurial journey.

Where did the journey begin?

The journey began in my last place of work in the pharmaceutical world. My employer was expanding the business and I was made in charge of supervising the construction work for the company. The daily hustle of being at the construction site thrilled me and stirred something within me. With each site visit I got more convinced to trade the medicine for the shovel and cement.

Were you not afraid to make the switch?

I hesitated a lot. I kept doubting myself, questioning if I should venture into the male dominated industry and leaving my stable full time employment to start a construction company. But my gut feeling was I was onto something. By the time the construction ended, I had already made up my mind that I will start my company. Luckily enough I had developed a good rapport with one of the engineers at the construction site who agreed to be my partner.

Walk us through the journey of starting up your company…

I had to take from my chama and table banking group an initial capital of Sh 200,000 to set up my shop and buy a few of my stock. We started off by doing simple gypsum ceiling, house painting and interior decoration for our clients. But I realised a market gap; every time I would finish doing the ceiling for my clients, they would ask me what I could do about their windows.

Initially, I would import the rods, then I asked my partner what we can do to maximise our profit margins and stay ahead of the competition. That’s when we decided to take a chance in making locally fabricated powder-coated curtain rods.

How was the market reception?

This gamble paid off. My clients loved the fact that I would personalise their curtain rods to exactly what they wanted and I would only charge them according to the measurement of the rods. I debunked the myth that Kenyans prefer imports over locally made products.

Plus I would take my time to advice my clients why locally made rods were better than the imported ones, and all my orders since last year have been for the locally made rods, everyone has embraced them and I am happy about it.

What made the locally made rods a winner?

Other than them giving me a good profit margin, they are affordable for my clients as compared to the imported Chinese rods. The locally made rods also don’t sag under the weights of heavy curtains and they don’t rust because they are powder coated. The best thing about these rods is the fact that I can customise them to the size of your window and they come in variety of colours which gives my client a basket to choose from.

 How do you find potential clients for your products?

I believe in getting my hands dirty and building networks with individuals in my field. I physically visit construction sites and ask to meet with the home owner once am informed about a new construction going on somewhere. I sell my gypsum ceiling services and window curtain rods to them. But since I can’t travel to every construction site in this country, I take advantage of my social media reach particularly on Facebook where for only Sh500, my post can reach more than 14,000 people.

What can you attribute to your breakthrough in the construction field?

Three things. First it is God or whatever you perceive him to be. I realise and acknowledge that I am always a co-creator with a supreme being so it is important I lean on Him. Second is belief in myself, once you believe you can do it then you can achieve that which you’ve set to accomplish. Lastly it is having a good business partner.

How important is the choice of a business partner to your success?

I cannot over emphasise the need to have a good business partner when you are starting your business. This one decision to me is akin to choosing a marriage partner. Once you mess up in picking a partner, then your business is built on a sand foundation. It will crumble.

What are some of the things you should look for when picking a partner?

The first question you should ask yourself do you need a business partner? If yes, what gap are they filling in your business? Like for me I had to look for a business partner who was in the construction world, who can help me in the technicalities involved.

Secondly, do both of you share the same vision of the business? This will save you from the issue of feeling like the other person is not doing enough because you are both working on the same target. Thirdly, can you trust this person? Or you have to always check out if they are cutting deals with clients and shortchanging you?  If there is no trust, then the partnership won’t last long.

How do you manage a business partnership?

What has worked for me is to have defined roles, where everyone knows their role and plays their part. It is also key to have a conflict resolution mechanism. Conflicts in business are healthy if you resolve them amicably without any of the partners rushing for the exit; just like a successful marriage.  You must also allow and trust the other person to deliver on their part.

Don’t try to overshadow your partner; it’s a partnership not a competition. Lastly, teamwork is the most important ingredient for the partnership to grow; don’t bad mouth each other in front of your clients and always speak with one voice in front of your customers.

What is the best advice you can give to anyone thinking of venturing into business?

Stop thinking and start acting. Once you start doing it amid all the uncertainties, everything will align for you, you will meet the suppliers, you will build network and your business will start. Just start with fear in your heart and trembling hands we all started that way.

Source: Hustle

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/meet-co-founder-of-ascent-construction-company-who-dropped-medicine-for-cement.html

My Story: I Mentor Teen Mothers Because I Was One Too

Ms Ojwang at Bukhuyi Primary School in Marachi East ward in Busia County on October 31, 2020.

Mary Ojwang is a peer educator and advocate for teenage mothers in Kenya. She shared her story with Life&Style magazine.

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“The 31st day of October 2020 will forever be etched on my memory. It was surreal. Over 800 primary and secondary school girls showed up in Busia, Bukhuyi Primary School in Butula sub-county for our talk on teenage pregnancy. It was not a moment of glory but impact. I had made it my mission to reach as many girls as possible in Kenya following news of high teenage pregnancies.

Once upon a time, I was also a teenage mum; young, alone, and not by choice. The recent news of pregnant girls took me back to a dark place, a memory that always shadows my every step.

Poverty

I came to Nairobi from Siaya after completing high school in 2012. I was from a poor household and I wanted to help my family out. My aunt had started a new shop in Umoja estate and she needed a shop attendant. I was an A-plus student thus my aunt thought I would automatically be life smart or rather business smart. I was not.

With little to no guidance, I was put in charge and left to run the business. My naivety coupled with my generous heart and slow uptake of the business caused me to run the business at a loss for five months straight. Without notice, my aunt instructed me to vacate with immediate effect. She sent me the bus fare and instructed me to go back to the village. But I wanted to keep earning money from my family, so when one of the men that idled at the shop offered to help me, I jumped right in. After two months of showing up at the shop and having conversations with me, I actually thought we were friends.

Rape

He took me to a small place in Dandora, explaining that I had to spend a few days there before he could take me to his aunt’s place where I would work as a house help. Immediately we got into the house, he attacked me and forced himself on me. I fought back with all my strength and left bearing the marks of battle. I rushed from one house to another looking for a job, until I got a place. However, I didn’t stay, a week later I resigned to my fate. So in November 2013, I went back home.

When I missed my period in December my mum was alerted because she is one of those people that can easily dictate a pregnant woman. So she took me to the hospital and it was confirmed that I was pregnant. My mum was devastated. I had already received an acceptance letter to study at the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Tourism degree from January 2014. My mum now wanted me to defer my studies. She was adamant. But I insisted that I wanted to continue my education. Fortunately, she had paid my fees for the January semester already. So I insisted on still going to school. She gave in. We decided to hide it from my dad. He only came to find out when I had already given birth.

Outcast

I reported to University in January. I was an outcast from the word go. I kept to myself and only managed to make one friend. I hid the fact that I was pregnant from her. When we went for the long holiday break, I worked from April to July as a house help to save some money before traveling to my sister’s place in Kisumu to give birth in August 2014. I had brought shame to my staunch Christian parents, and they were ridiculed because of me.

My one-month baby stayed in Kisumu under my sister’s care as I resumed school in September. I struggled to work and study at the same time to send money for her upkeep and food, which is pricey. I lost so much weight as I starved to provide for my baby that the hostel noticed and decided to contribute and buy me food. This boosted my popularity, and soon after I was proposed and elected as a student congress leader.

Shortly after I was elected there were riots at the university. As we were hiding in our hostel, the police broke in and started harassing us. I stood up and spoke on behalf of the others. It was recorded on phone and it went viral. This increased my popularity. I was nominated to the Women Students Mentorship Association. I quickly rose to the position of the chair as my passion and calling met with opportunity. I coordinated university students from different institutes, offering mentorship, and advocating for girls’ rights and representation in university leadership.

Graduation

I graduated in 2019, and this year got a job with the African Youth Trust as an assistant project officer. I have been living with my daughter since 2018, and this year she wanted to attend a talent academy to further her modeling interest, and I couldn’t afford it. I turned to social media to fundraise as I had been sharing her modeling videos.

Well-wishers helped me rise the Sh3500 fee needed.

I came across the International day of the girl child around the same time I was fundraising. I thought of the crisis we are seeing on the news, girls are being raped and exposed to sexual activities. So I decided to start a girl’s back to school campaign to ensure all girls that were in school before Covid-19 go back to school.

Well-wishers, and the organisation I work for topped up my savings, and I managed to buy some school materials and pads for the girls. I mobilised and reached out to grass-root organisations in Busia –one of the areas with the highest number of teenage pregnancies and also my home. I invited local leaders and notable women and for a full day- 31st October- we mentored 800 girls in Busia. I am not done yet, I will move across Kenya until every vulnerable girl in Kenya is reached. Pregnant or not, all girls will go back to school.”

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/my-story-i-mentor-teen-mothers-because-i-was-one-too.html

Career Path With Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chuka Hospital

Dr Grace Nyawira Kanyi is the Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Chuka County Referral Hospital in Tharaka-Nithi County, a position she has held since January.

Dr Kanyi holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree and a Masters of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of Nairobi. The 32-year-old talked to Sunday Nation on how growing up as an asthmatic child shaped her career path:

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“I am a firstborn in a family of five children and was born and bred in Nairobi where we lived up until I was in Class Four before relocating to Nyeri County. I grew up as an asthmatic child which meant spending quite some time of my childhood in hospital corridors. This experience birthed in me a craving and passion to serve in the hospital as a way of service to society. So I was elated when in 2006 I was shortlisted to study Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree at UoN.

After the five-year programme, I interned as a government employee then I was seconded into a mission hospital when devolution happened.

Government scholarship

It’s while serving at the hospital that I landed a government scholarship to study master’s. I enrolled in the four-year programme in 2015 and only graduated last year, 2019. This was a period of pure resilience and commitment as the programme is full-time. I had to work, and I also took up some managerial courses in between the tight schedule.

This was a challenging period and it got us discussing in the doctor’s circles the importance of being real with the younger generation.

One needs to understand the level of sacrifice and the amount of hard work, and time you need to put in. It can only work with so much self-discipline and a reliable support system.

Initially, I wanted to be a paediatric cardiologist as my mentor then but that changed along the way as obgyn started becoming very appealing to me given the beautiful end to it.

I have always loved working with girls and women and that’s why I chose to pursue obstetrics and gynaecology and reproductive health at master’s.

System failure

The most fulfilling period in my career is the thrill of watching a woman trust the system for nine months at the end of it, she gets to go home with her bundle of joy while the lowest moments come when you lose a mum and or child purely due to system failure – a case in hand, the empty blood banks.

My 30s brought in diabetes and hypertension with them though I view them as a blessing in disguise as I get a chance to eat healthier and exercise healthier early in life. My Doctor, Dr Stanley Ngare, has also been very supportive.

So, while I’m a doctor, I’m a constant patient as well. These conditions have made me understand my patients more.

I am happy serving patients in a public facility. It gives me so much satisfaction to be offering quality and affordable services to the mwananchi.

I would not trade the public facilities for anything else. I am also looking into taking up leadership roles in health care and in policy development.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/career-path-with-head-of-obstetrics-and-gynaecology-chuka-hospital.html

Man Who Died By Suicide Buried In His Living Room

Residents of Mucagara Village in Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County witnessed a bizarre funeral Wednesday after a man was buried inside his house.

Emotions ran high as the coffin containing the body of Simon Muriithi Mwaniki was lowered into a grave that had been dug in his living room.

Muriithi’s kin said it was his dying wish to be buried inside the house.

“We had to act according to his wishes to avoid a curse and being haunted by his spirits,” said the deceased’s eldest son Mr James Njuki.

The 65-year-old retired coffee factory manager was hurriedly interred in a brief ceremony conducted by Jackson Muchiri, an African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa priest.

“We were baffled. We have never witnessed such a funeral in this village. This is a funeral of its own kind which shocked all of us,” a resident, Mr Eliud Muriithi, said.

Before he took his own life on November 18, Mwaniki had also asked his family not to mourn him.

“Before he died he had told us that there should be no mourning when he dies. Therefore, we ensured that we never gathered at any time within the homestead to mourn him,” added Njuki.

The deceased’s son narrated how they found their father dangling from the roof of his house with a rope around his neck.

The siblings suspected that their dad committed suicide due to the depression he suffered after their mother, Juliana Muthoni, died.

“My father started drinking heavily after his wife died. He loved my mother so much and we think he was so much affected by her death and became depressed,” said Njuki.

Rev Muchiri said he was astonished by the funeral.

“For the 38 years that I have been conducting funerals, this is the first time to bury someone inside a house,” he said.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/man-who-died-by-suicide-buried-in-his-living-room.html

Uhuru To KDF: Invest In Continuous Training In Order To Deal With Emerging Security Threats

President Uhuru Kenyatta has advised the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to invest more in continuous training so as to be better prepared to deal with emerging security threats.

The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, emphasized that the training must focus on imparting skills that will prepare the military to respond to diverse challenges from both conventional and asymmetric spheres.

“To effectively contain the security challenges of the 21st Century, training within the military must be better aligned with emerging threats across all domains and the expanded demands placed on the shoulders of our forces,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke Thursday at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru County, where he commissioned the eighth group of military cadets that has undergone a three-year training under the Bachelor of Science in Military and Security Studies program.

The cadets, who started the degree program offered by Kenyatta University in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence in 2017, will be graduating next month.

Addressing the graduating officer cadets, President Kenyatta said they should use the professional knowledge, skills and competencies they have acquired to serve and protect the sovereignty of the nation, its people and region.

“It is important to underscore that learning to acquire knowledge, and to sharpen your skills and competencies shall be a daily endeavour throughout the entire course of your career in uniform,” President Kenyatta said.

He congratulated the new officers and advised them to ensure their commitment to hard work, diligence and excellence does not diminish throughout their career.

“We expect a lot from you, but our expectations are not more than you can deliver; we also urge you to always abide by the tenets of the Officer’s Creed, and to never let the high standards of professionalism, valour and commitment to duty that have been set by your predecessors diminish by even one iota,” the President said.

Noting that the commissioned officers included cadets from Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, President Kenyatta said the first-class training they have acquired from the military training institution should help to enhance security cooperation in the region.

“Most significantly, I am confident that the friendships established amongst you will contribute to the strengthening of our national ties and our collective responses to the security challenges that we continue to face in our region,” the President said.

President Kenyatta awarded officers who excelled in various fields led by Brian Mathinji Ngure who emerged the best officer cadet in leadership and command, winning the sword of honour followed by Safia Diramu Dida who took second position.

Denis Melita Nanyukoko took the award for the best cadet in professional studies while David Paul Gitonga emerged second in the category.

The award for the best officer cadet in character development was won by Paul Odhiambo Olwal while the second position went to Endrico Lopua Elimlim.

Mika Mohamed Yona of Tanzania won the award for the best allied officer cadet in order of merit while Joekevin Muiga Rugara emerged the best officer cadet in academic studies.

The commissioning parade was attended by Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Defense Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma and Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi.

Also present were Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai and Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy Major General Peter Njiru among other national and military leaders.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/uhuru-to-kdf-invest-in-continuous-training-in-order-to-deal-with-emerging-security-threats.html

Nairobi Minority Leader Tables Sonko Impeachment Notice

Update: Minority leader Michael Ogada on Thursday tabled a notice of motion for the impeachment of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. A total of 86 out of 122 MCA appended their signatures to the motion, surpassing the threshold required to table a notice of impeachment motion.

A section of Nairobi County ward reps allied to Sonko alleged the plot to impeach the governor was over his refusal to release funds to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services.

Roysambu Ward Representative Peter Warutere and his colleagues claimed that a meeting was held at Capitol Hill on Tuesday to strategise on reviving the ouster motion. They said the motion would be introduced at the county assembly soon.

According to Warutere, plans were in motion to begin collecting signatures in support of Sonko’s impeachment. He, however, declared that the motion would fail.

“I can guarantee that Jubilee ward representatives will not support the impeachment of Mr Sonko,” Mr Warutere told the Nation on Wednesday.

“He is our governor. If any issue touches on him, we can only take directions from the President.”

Nyayo Highrise MCA Kennedy Oyugi said the impeachment plan was discussed with the blessing of the Jubilee and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership.

Minority Leader Michael Ogada confirmed there was a meeting but denied discussing the impeachment of the governor.

“It was an in-house meeting involving the assembly leaders. BBI was the main agenda. We also wanted to ensure the assembly is united,” Mr Ogada said.

His sentiments were echoed by Deputy Minority Whip Moses Ogeto, who said: “The meeting was to drum up support for BBI and to make sure that we speak in one voice.”

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/nairobi-minority-leader-denies-plot-to-impeach-sonko.html

Everything Trending This Last Weekend of November

This is it. The last weekend of November. Next week we mark the beginning of the end of what has been a rather eventful year.

This is what’s trending today.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/everything-trending-this-last-weekend-of-november.html

End Of The Road For Nairobi County Ghost Workers As NMS Kicks Off Audit Exercise

The Major General Mohammed Badi-led Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) on Wednesday started a two-week staff validation exercise to weed out ghost workers and imposters from its workforce.

The exercise will see NMS audit and validate 6,852 employees seconded to it from the Sonko-led Nairobi county government. An ad-hoc committee has since been established to oversee the 8 am to 4 pm validation process.

“The exercise is to ensure there is compliance among staff seconded to NMS as well as to verify if we have the right people on board so that we do not have a mix-up. We do not want people purporting to be our staff yet they are not,” NMS said.

The committee started with the compliance and enforcement directorate headed by Rachel Maina. The directorate is made up of 1,046 enforcement and inspectorate officers.

“Following the appointment of the above committee to conduct staff validation exercise and report within 14 days, the committee has scheduled to commence the exercise from November 25, 2020 as per the attached schedule,” added NMS.

Staff will be required to present their letters of secondment to NMS from the Nairobi county government, original identification card, appointment letter, academic and professional certificates, latest payslip, and the last promotion letter if any.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/end-of-the-road-for-nairobi-county-ghost-workers-as-nms-kicks-off-audit-exercise.html

KCSE Candidates Stage Mass Walkout Claiming, “We are tired of studying”

Up to 80 KCSE candidates from Matungulu Boys High in Machakos County staged a mass walkout on Wednesday, November 25, citing learning fatigue.

The form four learners stormed out of the school premises in the evening without staging any form of a violent riot, leaving behind 36 students. They had earlier in the day boycotted meals claiming they were surviving on a poor diet.

They also accused the school’s administration of being too strict and withdrawing their weekly entertainment sessions.

“We are tired of studying. The principal has been too strict and has been denying us our rights. We prefer to stay at home and only come to do our examinations when the time comes,” a student told reporters.

Matungulu Boys High School Principal Joseph Makau condemned the mass walkout accusing the students of a gross display of misconduct.

“Those who walked out of the school are suffering from ‘freestyle’ kind of living where they don’t want to adhere to basic regulations for conducive learning. We will remain firm and as a school, we will not entertain any indiscipline that threatens smooth learning,” Makau stated.

The school has since notified parents in a bid to resolve the issue.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/kcse-candidates-stage-mass-walkout-claiming-we-are-tired-of-studying.html

Karen Woman Shatters Taxi Windscreen With Gun Over Sh320 Fare

Police in Nairobi’s Karen area have launched a probe into a complaint filed by a taxi driver who alleges that a client smashed his vehicle’s windscreen after refusing to pay.

Brown Mwangi, who is registered under the taxi hailing service Bolt, told police he had transported the youthful woman to Karen on Wednesday night when the incident occurred.

Mwangi said upon arriving at the passenger’s destination, she refused to pay Sh320 fare, saying her boyfriend would send the money via M-Pesa.

A report filed at Hardy police station under the OB Number 28/25/11/2020 indicates that the woman entered into her compound after refusing to pay the fare.

“She left me outside the gate,” said Mwangi, adding that he refused to leave until he received his pay.

However, the suspect allegedly returned with a gun which she used to shatter Mwangi’s car.

“She, thereafter, ordered me to leave her house, saying her father was a top lawyer in Nairobi,” the complainant said.

Mwangi said Hardy Police Station OCS, Ibrahim Towet, asked him to report back to the station on Thursday, November 26 for further guidance on the matter.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/karen-woman-shatters-taxi-windscreen-with-gun-over-sh320-fare.html

Food Reserved For Nuclear Family During Weddings – COVID Interfaith Council

The inter-faith council has announced a raft of changes to wedding and funeral processions over the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the country.

The number of guests allowed to attend a wedding ceremony has been reduced to 50, while food will only be served to the nuclear family.

Rev. Connie Kivuti, the Vice-Chairperson of the council, said the changes follow due deliberations with the Ministry of Health.

The council maintained that all COVID guidelines on providing hand washing or sanitization stations in the compound, seating at 1.5m social distance, and temperature checks will be in force.

The reverend added that the current Phase on Reopening In-Person Worship will begin on Friday, November 27, 2020.

Phase One guidelines for places of worship remain as follows: time allocated is strictly 90 minutes; age of congregants allowed is 6-65 years; wearing face masks at all times; hand washing before and after worship as well as keeping social distance.

The Council said use of thermal guns for temperature checks is highly encouraged.

For funerals, the number of people allowed by the graveside is 15 while attendants remains 100.

The burial ceremony is also not to exceed 100 minutes and food is prohibited.

”We are asking the religious leaders to cooperate more closely with the national government administrators and security personnel at the local level to strictly enforce guidelines on funerals. We have reached an agreement with the ministry of Interior and local administrators have been informed that they must control the number and conduct of funerals,” said Rev. Kivuti.

The interfaith council cited the National Response Committee update that reported COVID-19 positivity rate fluctuation of between 13-20% in the last one month.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/food-reserved-for-nuclear-family-during-weddings.html

Anne Kiguta: My Babies Are Too Young For Social Media

Former Citizen TV news anchor Anne Kiguta has explained why she guards her children against the public limelight.

The media personality gave her 196k followers on Instagram a chance to ask questions, with a majority asking about her three children.

Posting a photo of her fraternal twins with their faces blocked out, Anne Kiguta told fans that she is strongly against posting them on social media.

“Gosh, so many of you have said this… was the number one response. Well, I will have to let you down on that, my loves. I’m rather traditional (believe it or not), so I’m vehemently against it. My babies are all still too young, including the eldest, to be on social media,” she wrote.

Kiguta also mentioned that she regrets posting her eldest at all. “Mummy already has a pretty public life. They deserve their privacy.”

The ‘Punchline’ host, however, promised: “a reference every once in a while, but nothing more than that for a long long time. Hope you understand”.

Describing her eldest as a charmer, Kiguta said moments with her children are sacred.

“That is my son. Quite the charmer. If only I could tell you half of what they say! But all these are to me sacred moments… Really, can’t share much more.”

The journalist also spared some words of advice to girls aspiring to be journalists.

“To make an impact, you will have to be driven by more than just self-interest,” she said.

“Finally nothing is more important than your well-being and principles. Better have principles and don’t compromise. Don’t let silly boys push you around. Know when to walk away.”

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/anne-kiguta-my-babies-are-too-young-for-social-media.html

‘Professional Baby Mama’: Diamond Thanks God For Siring With Zari Hassan

Bongo musician Diamond Platnumz sang the praises of his baby mama Zari Hassan describing her as the best of his several baby mamas.

Speaking for the first time following Zari’s highly publicized return to Tanzania, Diamond told Wasafi FM that he is privileged to have children with the mother of five.

“Miongoni mwa wazazi wenzangu ambao nawasifia kwa kujua kuishi kama wazazi ni Zari. Na namheshimu sana. Na pengine sijawahi kumwambia hivyo lakini yuko professional sana, na mwenyewe nafarijika na kumshukuru mweyezi Mungu kwa kuweza kuzaa naye… Ni mwanamke ambaye hata mimi mwenyewe namshukuru Mungu kuzaa naye na nafarijika kuona watoto wangu wana mama kama yule,” he said.

Diamond also mentioned that he enjoyed his one-week reunion with his kids after two years.

The hitmaker echoed Zari’s earlier clarification that her homecoming tour was about the kids and not rekindling their love.

“Mimi na yeye hatuna mahusiano ya kimapenzi, tuna mahusiano ya kulea watoto. Na watoto nilikuwa sijawaona takribani miaka miwili, lakini tulimaliza matatizo yetu, akaja na watoto hapa akakaa almost wiki nzima, tukakaa naye vizuri na tulikuwa tunalea watoto.

“Yeye sasa hivi ana mahusiano yake … na mimi niko single kwa hiyo watu wa mtandao wakiongea huwezi kuwakatalia,” said Diamond.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/diamond-thanks-god-for-siring-with-zari-hassan.html

Morgue Attendant Scampers For Safety As ‘Dead Man’ Wakes Up During Embalming

There was drama at Kapkatet Hospital in Kericho County after a man who had been pronounced dead regained consciousness.

Peter Kiplangat Kigen, 32, was rushed to the facility on Tuesday morning after he had fainted at home, his uncle Dennis Langat said. Kiplang’at is said to have suffered from a stomach ailment that made him lose consciousness.

Lang’at claimed that a nurse who received his nephew at the hospital casually checked on him before pronouncing him ‘dead’.

Citizen reported that the patient was then transferred to the hospital mortuary where a morgue attendant began the embalming process.

Mr Lang’at narrated that the attendant had made an incision on the right leg of the patient for the infusion of formalin (preservative) when Kiplang’at regained consciousness and wailed in pain forcing all those who were around to scamper for safety.

After recovering from the scare, the morgue attendant wheeled the patient back to the hospital casualty section where first aid was administered on him before being taken to the ward to recuperate.

Lang’at and his kin are now demanding justice, accusing the hospital of negligence.

The facility’s management and the county’s health department were yet to comment on the matter at t he time of publication.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/morgue-attendant-scampers-for-safety-as-dead-man-wakes-up-during-embalming.html

President Kenyatta Dodged Twitter Insults To Exchange Sweet Nothings With Maggie

President Uhuru Kenyatta finally addressed why he quit Twitter saying insults from the infamous KOT drove him out of the micro-blogging site.

Speaking Wednesday when he set the ball rolling on the signature collection drive for the BBI bill, Uhuru said Twitter had nothing constructive to offer him given that constant abuse was all he received on the daily.

An animated Uhuru narrated how the app, like most of us, would keep him up late at night as he went through the Twitter  ‘chaos’ and wallow in misery.

Consequently, the Head of State resolved to make better use of his time by spending time with First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, presumably exchanging sweet nothings and making sexy time with her before retiring to bed.

“Mimi si mtu wa ma Twitter na hizo zingine, mini niliondoka huko… Nikaona hii kitu ni bure, ni matusi hakuna kitu ingine inaendelea hapa. Unakaa hapo ukisoma… hulali, ukiangalia huyu anasema nini, na huyu mwingine… Alafu unapiga simu, ‘Unaona vile huyu mtu amenitusi?’

“Afadhali nilale bana…nipige story hapo na mama kidogo, nilale, niamke niende kazi na dunia iendelee. Ama ni namna gani jameni?” Uhuru posed.

The president deactivated his social media accounts in March 2019. At the time, Uhuru was the most followed African leader on Twitter, with 3.62 million followers.

RELATED: Uhuru Kenyatta is Africa’s Most Followed President on Twitter

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/president-kenyatta-dodged-twitter-insults-to-exchange-sweet-nothings-with-maggie.html

Limuru Woman Chops Off Son’s Private Parts

Police in Limuru, Kiambu county have launched a manhunt for a woman who allegedly severed the private parts of her son.

The child’s father, who reported the matter at Tigoni Police Station, said the suspect identified as Winnie Mutheu chopped off the private parts of their son aged one year and eight months and fled.

Citizen Digital reports that a neighbour to the family residing in Kamandura village said the woman told her that she disposed of the child’s genital in a pit latrine before she fled.

Tigoni OCPD Mwaniki Ireri confirmed the heinous act saying the baby boy is admitted at Kijabe hospital in critical condition.

George Ngugi, a children’s officer, said that they will work hand-in-hand with the police to ensure the woman is brought to book.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/11/limuru-woman-chops-off-sons-private-parts.html