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  • Richie Spice set to headline ‘Good Vibes Festival’ this weekend

    Richie Spice set to headline ‘Good Vibes Festival’ this weekend

    Reggae artist Richie Spice is scheduled to headline an event at the Kenya International Conference Centre this weekend called The Good Vibes Festival.

    Spice, who landed in the country on Monday, May 22, will headline the event and attend a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Reggae fans hosted by the Moran Lodge in Nanyuki.

    Spice will perform alongside Cathy Matete and Reggae Band, Roots Band Connection.

    This will be the first time the “Brown Skin” singer has performed in Kenya since 2019. 

    The event will take place on Saturday, May 27.

  • Ray Stevenson: “Thor” and “Star Wars” actor dies aged 58

    Ray Stevenson: “Thor” and “Star Wars” actor dies aged 58

    The actor Ray Stevenson, who appeared in major TV shows such as “Rome”, “Vikings” and “Dexter”, has died aged 58.

    He was known for roles in the “Thor” films and the “Divergent” series, as well as several UK TV shows like “Band of Gold”, “Peak Practice” and “Murphy’s Law”.

    His US-based publicist firm, Viewpoint, confirmed his death to the BBC but did not provide any further details.

    No cause of death has been revealed but he was reportedly hospitalised during filming on the Italian island Ischia.

    At the time of his death, he was working on an action movie, “Cassino” in Ischia.

    His death was announced four days before his 59th birthday.

    Bio

    Stevenson was born in Northern Ireland but moved to England when he was eight years old.

    His father was stationed with the Royal Air Force (RAF) near Lisburn, County Antrim, at the time of his birth in 1964.

    His family relocated to Newcastle upon Tyne and he spent much of his childhood in England.

    Stevenson was inspired to become an actor after seeing John Malkovich in a play at a West End theatre in London.

    He studied acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and one of his first TV roles was in the Catherine Cookson drama “The Dwelling Place”.

    He later appeared in a wide range of British TV shows including “Waking the Dead”, “Dalziel and Pascoe” and “At Home with the Braithwaites”.

    In 2004, he played a knight in the big-budget Hollywood film, “King Arthur”, which starred Keira Knightley.

    More recently, Stevenson secured roles in successful US-made TV shows and movies, taking the role of Volstagg in the Thor trilogy and Titus Pullo in HBO’s historical drama series “Rome”.

    He will star as Baylan Skoll in the upcoming Disney+ series “Star Wars: Ashoka”.

    ‘Larger than life’

    Stevenson’s co-stars have been paying tribute to the late actor on social media.

    English actor James Purefoy, who starred alongside Stevenson in “Rome”, described him as a “brilliant, gutsy, larger-than-life actor who filled every part he played right up to the brim”.

  • Ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga wanted by DCI for questioning

    Ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga wanted by DCI for questioning

    Detectives based in Nakuru County are looking for ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, in relation to the recovery of two firearms and over 90 rolls of bhang.

    The items were found at a home linked to him.

    The detectives said the weapons were recovered following a raid conducted at Ngomongo village in Dundori ward.

    The officers managed to arrest eight suspects aged between 37 and 54 and also found three rounds of 9mm blank ammunition hidden in one of the rooms.

    “One of the firearms recovered was a homemade pistol capable of firing while the other one was a Tokarev whose serial number had been defaced,” said the DCI.

    “Any information on the whereabouts of the ex-Mungiki leader who has since gone into hiding maybe volunteered through the #FichuakwaDCI anonymous hotline 0800 722 203,” they said.

  • Jubilee rebel MPs dismiss move to oust them from party

    Jubilee rebel MPs dismiss move to oust them from party

    Jubilee rebel MPs led by EALA MP Kanini Kega have dismissed the move by the party to oust them terming it null and void.

    In a quick rejoinder on Monday, Kega vowed to wrestle back the party from former President Uhuru Kenyatta led faction.

    They said they will organize a separate National Delegates Conference in July to stamp their authority and make further changes.

    Nominated MP Sabina Chege and Kanini Kega teamed up with a section of Jubilee elected legislators to kick out former President Uhuru Kenyatta from the party leadership and named Sabina Chege as the new party leader and Kanini Kega as the new Secretary General replacing Jeremiah Kioni.

    The political party dispute tribunal is yet to determine who the legitimate party leader is after the registrar of political parties referred the dispute back to the tribunal.

  • Siaya Deputy risks impeachment over differences with Governor Orengo

    Siaya Deputy risks impeachment over differences with Governor Orengo

    Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol risks impeachment over his differences with Governor James Orengo after the County Assembly received a notice for the same Monday.

    East Asembo Ward MCA Godwin Onguru gave the notice immediately after the county assembly threw out corruption allegations that Oduol had raised against Orengo administration, terming them as unsubstantiated.

    Tabling the report of the committee on general oversight that investigated allegations by Oduol, Usonga member of the county assembly, Sylvester Madialo accused the deputy governor of lying that he had been denied some of his entitlements such as security personnel and vehicles, adding that contrary to the claims, the deputy governor had all the entitlements as per the salaries and remuneration commission advisory, with staff appointed by the county public board seconded to him and at his disposal.

    “The Deputy Governor is entitled to one body guard and other security officers at his residence as stated in the policy on provision of protective security to state officers and other VIPs” read the reported tabled before the assembly that was presided over by speaker George Okode.

    The reported further called out the deputy over failure to recognize that he was subordinate to his boss, the governor as per the constitution of Kenya 2010 and the county governments act, 2012.

    “Being a member of the County Executive Committee, the Deputy Governor is accountable to the governor in the exercise of his duties and responsibilities in the county government.

    On allegations that Orengo administration was starving projects in Alego / Usonga of resources, the report said that contrary to the allegations, the sub county was the most favoured, with more amounts being channeled to the numerous projects.

    The committee recommended that all the 14 complaints by Oduol be dismissed for lack of evidence.

    The complaints ranged from alleged illegal transfer of funds into the county imprest account, irregular payments of imprest to officers, alleged payroll fraud, discriminatory budget, unfair disciplinary process and harassment of persons close to the deputy governor among others.

    Immediately after the Speaker, George Okode had called for the vote on the report which received unanimous support, the MCA for east Asembo, Mr. Onguru rose to give a notice of motion to impeach the deputy governor.

    Onguru said that the Assembly should impeach Oduol for gross violation of the constitution of Kenya 2010 and other laws and for abuse of office and gross misconduct.

    Speaker Okode said that the notice had met the threshold pursuant to standing order number 71.

    “Motion having been admitted, I will appoint a date upon which the motion shall be placed in the order paper, considered and disposed off” he ruled.

    Earlier, Members of the county assembly who contributed to the motion accused the deputy governor of showing open bias against other constituencies, adding that he (Oduol) had forgotten that he was elected to serve the entire county and not just Alego / Usonga.

    The war of words between Oduol and his deputy has been dragging from March this year when he accused his boss of keeping quiet as an alleged syndicate was milking the devolved government dry through corruption.

    The erstwhile buddies, who campaigned together under the “Nyalore” (It can be done) manifesto are no longer seeing eye to eye, with Oduol accusing his boss of locking him out of cabinet meetings.

    Orengo, through his director of communication, Benjamin Agina has denied the allegations, saying that contrary to the charade, his deputy has been attending the meetings.

    Two weeks ago, youths allied to the two engaged in a fist fight that disrupted the funeral of Siaya County Public Service Board chairman, Peter Achoch in the outskirts of town.

  • One pupil dead, 20 hospitalized after developing pains in Kinangop

    One pupil dead, 20 hospitalized after developing pains in Kinangop

    A pupil at St. Mary Primary school in Magumu Location, Kinangop Constituency in Nyandarua County, has been confirmed dead after he complained of headache, chest and stomach pains.

    The deceased, a class eight pupil together with another, on Wednesday sort permission to go to hospital under care of their parents, on Thursday.

    The number of pupils with the same signs increased to seven and on Friday morning the number rose to 15 raising eye brows to the school management.

    On Saturday morning, the student developed breathing difficulties, and was rushed to Engineer Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

    According to his grandfather who rushed him to hospital said despite breathing difficulties, he was still complaining of having chest pains, headache and stomach ache even after he sort treatment on Wednesday.

    Confirming the incident, Nyandarua County Health Director Dr. Martha Mwathi said so far there are 23 reported cases mainly from class 7 and 8 pupils.

    Dr. Mwathi said the pupils are now placed at Nyayo ward in Engineer Hospital where she is leading a team of doctors in taking samples awaiting results on Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, Health officers have been dispatched to the home of the pupil who passed away in order to get his health history.

  • KUCCPS boss defends new funding model for Varsity, TVET students

    KUCCPS boss defends new funding model for Varsity, TVET students

    The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) has said the new model of funding for education in universities will reduce the number of deferment and dropout cases among students.

    According to KUCCPS CEO Dr. Mercy Wahome, giving students loans instead of grants will push them to take their education seriously.

    “If I know I will have to pay this loan then I need to take my education seriously,” KUCCPS CEO said.

    She also says the government will continue working with stakeholders to reform education funding in universities and TVET institutions in the country.

    “The hope is that with time we will have 80% loan and 20% scholarship. That is our ultimate goal in reforming the education sector,” Dr. Wahome said.

    173,137 learners, who scored a mean grade of C+ and above in the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), have qualified for admission to public universities.

    Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu while launching the KUCCPS portal on May 17th in Nairobi said those who scored C plain and below will be placed in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

    The Education CS further noted that students who scored a C+ and above but would wish to join TVET institutions are free to do so.

  • Phoenix rises as GOA slumps in national Rollball league

    Phoenix rises as GOA slumps in national Rollball league

    Former League Champions GOA were humbled 10-1 by Phoenix during the national men’s rollball league match played Sunday at Gretsa University,Thika,Kiambu County.

    The League resumed over the weekend following a two month break  to pave way for the 6th Roll ball World Cup held earlier this month in India.

    Two time league champions Glory Outreach Assemblies GOA lost their fourth match this season as Phoenix grabbed their 6th win in an emphatic fashion. James Mwangi was in fine form for Phoenix scoring five goals as Solomon Kinuthia scored twice while Helmetron Gicheru grabbed a hattrick to hand the Tonny Sheddy coached side the vital win. Albert Omware scored the consolation for GOA.

    In another men’s results Wolves edged out hosts Gretsa 7-3 as Tigers narrowly beat St.Pauls University 3-2.

    In The ladies matches Gretsa registred a slim 1-0 win against Wolves with Bilha Bore scoring the lone goal in the 24th minute.
    A total of six matches were played during the 12th roundnd of the league expected to end in July.

    Jomo Kenyatta University Of Agriculture and Technology,JKUAT are the reigning men’s league champions while Archibella currently ranked 3rd on the log are seeking to defend their women’s title.

  • CS Tuya shares Ministry priorities with development partners

    CS Tuya shares Ministry priorities with development partners

    Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on Monday hosted a development partners meeting during which she shared her Ministry’s focus areas in line with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s natural resources sector plan.

    The Cabinet Secretary listed environment, climate change and forestry governance; conservation, protection, management and restoration of the environment, and forestry ecosystems as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation as key focus areas.

    Other focus areas for the Ministry of as outlined in its draft 2023 to 2027 strategic plan are agroforestry and commercial forestry management, and resource mobilization and partnerships.

    “As a ministry, we are now very clear about our implementation trajectory. On Wednesday this week, the 24th of May 2023, we will be validating our strategic plan for the period 2023 to 2027.

    “I know that as key stakeholders, some of you have added your voices to that draft strategic plan and would still invite those that have not to share with us your comments as we finalise the document,” Hon Soipan said.

    The CS invited development partners to support the Ministry in the implementation of the various programmes in the five focus areas saying their support will help Kenya meet some of her international obligations.

    “So, when we finally launch the strategic plan in June 2023, it is my hope that each partner around this table would have found an area to plug in to strengthen our partnership.

    “This will contribute to our efforts in the realization of the aspiration under Article 42 of the Kenya Constitution 2010 to provide a clean and healthy environment to the people of Kenya.

    “Moreover, it will also help Kenya to meet some of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Agenda 2030 while at the same time enabling us to fulfill our international obligations on environment and climate change,” the CS said.

    Ahead of the finalization of the Ministry’s  strategic plan, the CS said implementation of several initiatives within the five focus areas was already underway including review of the Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) and Forest Policy.

    She said changes in the Forest Policy, which is due for presentation to the Cabinet for adoption in coming days, will pave the way for review of the Forest Conservation and Management Act. Reform of forest legislation is aimed at strengthening operations of Kenya Forest Service, KEFRI and other institutions in the sector.

    “We have another thirteen (13) regulations in the environment, climate change and forestry sector that are before the Parliamentary Committee on Delegated Legislation, we are engaging the committee before we gazzette them,” CS Soipan said.

    The CS said the ongoing amendment of the 2016 Climate Change Act is aimed at mainstreaming carbon trading among other reforms. The proposed amendments will undergo final virtual public participation this week ahead of due legislative processes.

    On sustainable waste management, CS Soipan said the Ministry had developed a  prototype bill that’s due for discussion with Counties. Once enacted, the County laws will enable the full implementation of the 2022 Sustainable Waste Management Act which seeks to entrench the circular economy in the country.

    The Cabinet Secretary spoke about ecosystem restoration priorities through the 15 billion tree growing and restoration programme, saying the flagship Kenya Kwanza administration project seeks to raise Kenya’s tree cover from the current 12.3 to 30 percent by 2032.

    “As part of this programme, we have developed a Wetlands Restoration Strategy that is being championed by the State Department of Environment and Climate Change.

    “We launched this strategy last week and engaged with both national and county government frontline players to sensitize them on the same,” the CS said, noting that Kenya has 5,300 wetlands that need to be restored.

    On the September 4th to 6th Africa Climate Summit, CS Tuya said Kenya will co-host the Heads of State and Government meeting alongside the annual Africa Climate Week at KICC in Nairobi, and thanked several development partners for supporting aspects of the conference.

    She thanked the Danish Government for sponsoring the Africa Climate Summit Secretariat Office and event venue, German Government through GIZ for taking up communication and publicity costs as well as the International Organization of Migration (IOM), and called on more partners to come on board.

    “I would like to make a special plea at this point to all of you as partners, please find an aspect of the summit that you can support financially. Please do not leave the table without making a commitment,” the CS appealed.

    The Cabinet Secretary was joined at the meeting by Principal Secretary Eng Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change) and his Forestry counterpart Gitonga Mugambi as well as the President’s Climate Change Envoy Amb Ali Mohamed.

  • Two suspects arrested for spate of robberies in Kakamega County

    Two suspects arrested for spate of robberies in Kakamega County

    Two suspects believed to be behind the recent armed attacks against innocent civilians in Kakamega, Vihiga and Uasin-Gishu Counties have been arrested.

    Detectives from the elite Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau, arrested the suspects in Kakamega following a chase that culminated at river Lwatingu where the main suspect was arrested before he plunged into the river’s waters, to evade justice.

    According to a DCI report on Twitter, posing as jua kali traders, the sleuths had been in the streets and in drinking joints found in search of the suspect before making their final move that also led to the recovery of a firearm.

    The suspects Patrick Mangale, 30 and Denis Indeche, 24, who masterminded several armed robberies in Kakamega had on April 9, attacked a senior DCI officer and hacked his head several times leaving him unconscious and in a pool of blood.

    The officer based at DCI Kakamega North, had just arrived at his residence at around 3 am from an assignment in Nairobi when the thugs who were on a motorbike accosted him at his gate.

    They descended on him with a machete inflicting several deep cuts on his head before fleeing into the darkness with his Jericho pistol which was loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition.

    Armed with the stolen firearm, the thugs abandoned the machete as their preferred weapon and went on a robbery spree, targeting Mpesa shops and pump stations.

    On April 11, at around 9:30 pm, the duo staged an attack at Aziz Petrol Station in Shibuli Shopping Centre and stole an unknown amount of money.

    Two days later, the suspects attacked a gold dealer in Lwanugu village and took off with Ksh 55,000, 8 grams of gold, mobile phones and other valuables.

    This is after they ordered everyone at the gold mining site to lie down and not raise an alarm. Nobody was injured in the incident.

    In yet another incident on April 20, at around 10 pm, the gun-toting thugs raided an Mpesa shop at Mudete market in Maragoli, and took off with an unspecified amount of money and mobile phones.

    On sensing that detectives had launched a manhunt for them in Western Kenya, the miscreants who were lucky to escape several police dragnets fled to Uasin Gishu County, where they continued with their activities targeting shops and other businesses.

    In one of the attacks, two innocent civilians suffered gunshot injuries on their hands and legs, as the thugs raided a shop at Elgon View estate in Eldoret and made away with cash.

    “Following the arrest of the main suspect Patrick Mangale, he led our officers to a toilet at his homestead in Lower Tingu, Mugulu area, where the firearm loaded with two rounds of 9mm calibre was retrieved from a pit latrine,” reads the report.

    The detectives also impounded a red motorbike registration number KMGG 124M, which is believed to have been the gang’s getaway means.

    Meanwhile, the suspects are currently guests of the state at Kakamega Police Station as detectives interrogate them for more information on their operations.