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CLERICS WANT POLITICIANS WITH FAKE PAPERS BARRED RELIGIOUS LEADERS SAY FORGING ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS IS THE HEIGHT OF DISHONESTY ON THE SIDE OF LEADERS AND CALL FOR THOSE WITH DUBIOUS CREDENTIALS TO BE LOCKED OUT OF ELECTIVE POSITIONS

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BANDARI GO TOP AS SHOCKED GOR MAHIA DROP TO SIXTH AFTER WEEKEND RESULTS

EX-CAMEROON FOOTBALLER GREATFUL FOR PRAYERS ON RETURN FROM PARIS TREATMENT

We are free to campaign, CS says of politics

C

abinet Secretaries are free to attend and hold political rallies provided they don’t hold any political positions, Water minister Eugene Wamalwa has said.

It has been claimed that Cabinet Secretaries are increasingly getting involved in Jubilee party politics contrary to the law.

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Water Cabinet Secretary (second from left) and his Energy counterpart with other Jubilee leaders who accampanied Deputy President William Ruto to Bomet for a campaign rally over the weekend. Mr Wamalwa has said CSs are free to campaign.

PHOTO: DPPS

Take note: City taps to run dry from Thursday

Residents of Nairobi city and its environs will go without water for three days from Thursday this week, the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) has announced.

NCWSC head of corporate affairs Mbaruku Vyakweli said the move is part of efforts to improve efficiency of service delivery.

According to the Company, the entire Nairobi City County will be affected as well as Kiambu town and parts of Machakos County especially Mlolongo and Athi River EPZ. “Customers should reserve and use water sparingly before and during the period of interruption,” Mr Mbaruku advised in a statement to newsrooms.

He said the interruption will involve shutting down the Mataara-Ngethu raw water pipeline for scheduled maintenance and for repair of leaks.

The announcement comes as some huge inconvenience to city residents with some estates already placed under rationing given the reducing water levels at Ndakaini Dam that supplies the capital.

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CS Wamalwa: We are free to compaign MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

From Page 1 Mr Wamalwa who is among the CSs who have been attending political rallies and campaigning for Jubilee re-election however said today that they are free to actively participate in politics.

“Section 23 (1) of the Leadership and Integrity Act allows a CS to participate actively in politics and the constitution only bars them from political positions,” Mr Wamalwa wrote on his Tweeter account today.

The Tweeter posting came even as the CS defended his involvement in political campaigns on live TV interview.

In the early morning interview with Citizen TV, the former Saboti MP said their presence at the political rallies does not in any way compromise their work as public servants.

“I have a duty to inform the public what the government is doing,” Wamalwa said.

“It’s not true that we were campaigning for President Uhuru Kenyatta but we are only telling Kenyans what this administration has done and what it will do if elected for a second term in office,” he added.

He said political undertones by his colleagues in cabinet and principal secretaries in some public rallies and Jubilee party functions should not be ‘misconstrued’ to mean making political capital.

Mr Wamalwa seemed to have relied on the Leadership and Integrity chapter

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i with President Uhuru Kenyatta when the head of state made a campaign tour of Gusii region two weeks ago.

PHOTO: PSCU

on political neutrality which exempts CSs and County executive committee members from being politically neutral.

“An appointed State officer, other than a cabinet Secretary or a member of a County executive committee shall not, in the performance of their duties act as an agent for, or further the interests of a political party of candidate in an election,” the law states.

Only yesterday, State House

spokesperson Manoah Esipisu defended the CCs participating in political activities saying they are just explaining achievements of the Jubilee administration.

Esipisu during his weekly briefing said the Cabinet Secretaries have not abandoned their core mandate in serving the public.

“It is important for the Cabinet Secretaries to tell the public what Jubilee

has achieved in their various ministries,” Esipisu said.

He explained that public servants have a right to interact with citizens to give details on improved service delivery under the Jubilee administration.

“The Cabinet Secretaries are merely describing the investments made under President Kenyatta’s administration and why it is important for the President to be re-elected to continue with the task of

transforming the country,” he said.

CSs Fred Matiang’i (Education) Mwangi Kiunjuri (Devolution) and Sicily Kariuki (Gender and Public Affairs) are among public servants who have been attending jubilee political functions and making pronouncements that for many indicate they are campaigning for the ruling party.

On Saturday Wamalwa and his Energy counterpart Keter accompanied Deputy President William Ruto to Bomet where the former called on the area residents to vote out current Bomet Governor Issac Ruto in the coming general elections.

“It’s not true that we were campaigning for President Uhuru Kenyatta but we are only telling Kenyans what this administration has done and what it will do if elected for a second term in office,” he told Citizen TV. In March last year, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said it was investigating state officers, among them Mr Keter for participating in the Kericho senatorial by-election campaigns.

Keter served as the Kericho Senator before his appointment to the Cabinet.

The electoral body is yet to release its report over the investigations one year on.

The opposition led by Raila Odinga has been accusing the government of using state officers to campaign for the reelection of President Uhuru Kenyatta. @hillary_x254

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NEWS 3 MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

Passaris explains her latest political move

Controversial Nairobi businesswoman Esther Passaris has defended her decision to drop her gubernatorial ambition and instead focus on winning the Women representative position.

Passaris who decamped to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) yesterday said the battle for Nairobi governorship is a tall order that is choked with a lot political and tribal bigotry.

“It is unfortunate that the contest has become a battle of two titans, between Jubilee party and NASA,” Ms Passaris said today.

“If I was to win this seat, I needed something like over Sh500 million which I don’t have. I am happy to have taken a decision to contest the Women representative on an ODM ticket,” she added.

She said the decision was informed by a poll conducted on her Twitter account. “My aspirations for Governor are proving to be unrealistic for 2017 for many reasons and for that I am sorry. What next? Let’s Win Together,” she posted. Some 41 per cent of her followers voted woman rep with 37 per cent voting for MCA, 12 per cent MP and 10 per cent Nairobi senator.

“Thank you to all who took the time to poll. Leadership is not about the leaders’ needs but the wants and needs of the people,” Passaris said.

She promised to take on her rivals in Jubilee.

“I have decided to return home to ODM, my first platform into politics. Although I was approached by most parties within NASA, it made more sense and a matter of respect that I join ODM,” Passaris said when she addressed an ODM rally in Woodley yesterday. @hillary_x254

Clerics want politicians with fake papers barred

The war on politicians possessing fake academic credentials has taken a new twist after a section of the religious leaders called for their disqualification and resignation those already in office.

Catholic bishops Paul Kariuki (Embu) and Peter Kihara (Marsabit) hold that such leaders should cease holding public positions on account of insincerity to the electorate and lack of integrity values required of them.

The two clerics said that politicians seeking elective seats in the August polls continue to present forged academic certificates in order to contest, which is a total disregard to chapter six of the constitution.

“This is a high level of political conmanship, the rogue leaders show no remorse to voters when their dishonesty is exposed,” Rev Kihara during a prayer service in Meru Sunday He expressed disappointment that the country was being led by corrupt politicians who rose to power using fake credentials.

Among politicians thought to be having fake academic papers are Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho who is already being investigated by the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) after it emerged that his secondary school certificate were ‘forged’.

Mombasa Governor Ali Joho (second left) is escorted with his lawyer James Orengo and Kilifi Governor Amason Kingito record a statement on his ‘forged’ papers last week.

Joho risks being locked out in Mombasa gubernatorial race if his degree certificates will be invalidated. Governors are required by law to be university graduates.

The clergymen have called for vigilant scrutiny of the academic papers of sitting and aspiring leaders to weed out those who cheated their way into office.

Jubilee party has been most hit by the ‘fake papers’ scandal ahead of its party primaries.

At least six petitions has been received at the Jubilee party headquarters, questioning

the authenticity of the academic papers of some aspirants. Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, Starehe MP Maina Kamanda and Belgut parliamentary aspirant Nelson Koech led the pack of politicians who has been asked by the party to explain their academic records after complaints were filed against their papers.

Others are Nyeri gubernatorial aspirant Thuo Mathenge and Uasin Gishu’s governorship contender Zedekiah Buzeki who are also facing queries on the authenticity of their degree papers. @hillary_x254

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NEWS MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

No parallel poll tallying, IEBC tells Nasa

No parallel tallying of votes, IEBC tells Nasa The Independent Boundaries and Electoral commission (IEBC) has told the opposition coalition, the National Super Alliance (NASA), to shelve its plans of setting up a parallel tallying centre during the August 8, 2017 polls saying it is not their duty.

In a statement to newsroom, the electoral commission says no authority or institution is mandated by the constitution other than IEBC to manage and announce the final tally of all elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is only the Commission that is allowed under the law to count, tally, collate, announce and declare the results of an election. Other actors including political parties shall have access to the results within the framework established by the Commission,” IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati said today.

Chebukati has encouraged all players in the electioneering process to allow the commission to execute its mandate as set out in law while reiterating its commitment to a free, fair and credible election.

He said the Constitution, the Elections Act as amended and the attendant regulations provide the procedure for elections results management.

“The commission wishes to assure all players that it is taking all measures to ensure that the eventual outcome of the election reflects the will of the people,” he said.

ODM leader Raila Odinga yesterday announced that NASA would tally and announce its own ODM leader Raila Odinga with nairobi governor Evans Kidero at Woodley Grounds during a campaign rally yesterday. Mr Odinga announced the presidential results during the election. intention of the oppositionb to set up a parrallel tallying center for the August 8, 2017 elections. PHOTO: COURTESY Mr Odinga said his analysis had shown that the opposition had the numbers required to kick out at a political rally in Nairobi’s Joseph Kang’ethe law, the framework clarifies the procedure shall guarantee greater transparency, Jubilee from power as long as all the votes were Grounds in Kibra constituency on Sunday. the commission shall follow in ensuring accountability and auditability of the results,” counted correctly.

However, Wafula has ruled Odinga out of order transparency and accountability in election IEBC stated. “We expect to have an exhibition “IEBC will announce their results … and we saying the commission developed the results results management. We invite all actors to of the KIEMS in order to allow the public to will announce ours from our tallying centre for management framework which is publicly review the results management framework. appreciate some of the improvements in election comparison. We will not accept fake results as available on its website.

“By setting up the new integrated election management that come with the new technology,” happened in 2013 at Bomas of Kenya,” he said According to the election amendment management system (KIEMS), the commission it added. @hillary_x254

Policeman killed in Voi chang’aa raid

Two Administration Police officers were attacked and set ablaze in Voi at the weekend when they were mistaken to be thugs during a raid at a Chang’aa den.

Both were rushed to hospital but reports indicate that one succumbed to injuries on Sunday morning, while his colleague is still admitted to hospital.

A report filed at the Voi Police station shows that the two were attacked at Marabu Village on Saturday and were later rushed to Moi Referral Hospital by their colleagues who responded to their distress call.

The report seen by Capital FM News says the two were Administration Police Constables based in Voi. Police say the two were attacked because they were not in uniformed and were not at the time they raided homes in Marabu in search of illicit brews.

“People thought that they were thugs. That is why they attacked them,” one senior police officer said, but assured that “investigations are underway and those responsible will face the law because the attack was not justified at all.”

MORE ON THIS @ www.capitalfm.co.ke

Swazuri made illegal orders, MPs told A commissioner at the National Lands Commission has termed as irregular a decision by chairman Muhammad Swazuri to issue an order authorising payment of Sh82million to Desahere.

Commissioner Silas Kinoti today told the parliamentary committee on Lands that there was a dispute between Mugo Njeru and Desahere limited over a piece of land plot no 9084 in Embakasi and the the committee within the NLC had not resolved the matter.

But Dr Swazuri (pictured) later wrote a letter to Kenya Railways managing director Atanas Maina to pay the company and not Mugo Njeru.

“I’m not aware of any meeting where we sat and deliberated on the matter for payment. To me it sounds irregular for the chairman to send a letter to the MD Kenya Railways,” Kinoti said.

Kinoti said any determination of payment in a disputed land is made by a committee consisting of not less than five members a meeting which

he said did not take place.

The parliamentary committee on Lands is hearing a petition filed

by Mugo Njeru who is seeking the removal of Swazuri for gross violation of the constitution. The committee is scheduled to meet Lands cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi over the petition. Swazuri is facing allegations of bribery of Sh1.2million from Njeru in order to fast-track his compensation after part of his land was used for the construction of SGR. Mbere South MP Mutava Musyimi raised concern that commissioners at NLC have forgotten that land is one of the emotive issues that caused chaos in 2007/08.

“We witnessed chaos in various parts of this country and we are still seeing people misusing their office,” Musyimi said.

Kinoti however said action of an individual should not be used to criminalise other commissioners. @sam_x254

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MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

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NEWS MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

POLITICIANS ENGAGE CAMPAIGN GEAR VISITING EX-PRESIDENT IN PRISON: Seo Hyang-hee, a lawyer and sister-in-law of ousted South Korean leader Park Geun-hye, leaves after a brief visit to the facility where Park is imprisoned at a detention center south of Seoul, South Korea, earlier today. It was not immediately known whether Seo met Park. Security has been toughened as prosecutors are set to visit the center tomorrow to question Park over charges of corruption and abuse of power. PHOTO: EPA

ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses supporters at Woodley grounds in Nairobi yesterday. Mr Odinga announced the opposition coalition’s intention to set up a parallel tallying center during the August 8, 2017 general election.

Deputy President William Ruto addresses a crowd in Bomet Town where he and other Jubilee leaders held a rally on Saturday.

BISHOP STUMBLES AT POPE EVENT:

Faenza bishop Emeritus Claudio Stagni is assisted as he takes a tumble while leaving the altar at the end of Pope Francis Mass in Martiri’s square in Carpi, Italy, yesterday.

PHOTO: SERENA CAMPANINI/EPA

OVER 200 KILLED IN LANDSLIDE: A handout picture provided by the Colombian Army shows soldiers giving medical attention to a young girl after a landslide in Mocoa, Colombia, yesterday. Colombian rescue forces have intensified aid works a day after a landslide caused by heavy rains in Macao left at least 234 people dead and 202 injured while hundreds are still missing, according to Red Cross sources. PHOTO: EPA

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MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

Morning newspaper summaries Shock as cops filmed in cold Nasa will tally and Top earners who take home blood shooting: A viral video announce its own results, Sh20bn: More than 3,600 top civil servants, that captured the extrajudicial killing of two officials and commissioners earn Sh1.6 billion suspected gang members in Eastleigh, Nairobi, says Raila: ODM leader Raila Odinga every month, which could account for half of on Friday, has outraged Kenyans. It is alleged that the dead suspects were members of the notorious Super Power Gang and were about to commit a robbery. The gang is among more than 90 groups outlawed in a gazette notice by Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery in December last year.There were mixed reactions by Kenyans online with some of them supporting the police for killing the gang members.

yesterday said the National Super Alliance will tally and announce its own results. He said his analysis had shown that the Opposition had the numbers required to kick out Jubilee from power as long as all the votes were counted correctly. “IEBC will announce their results … and we will announce ours from our tallying centre for comparison. We will not accept fake results as happened in 2013 at Bomas Centre.”

the annual budgets of a number of ministries.

Currently, for every Sh1 spent on salaries, only Sh0.45 goes to development, meaning the Government is using up almost three quarters of its resources to pay salaries. This may get worse with planned salary awards to doctors, teachers and university lecturers. The high pay also uncovers glaring disparities across all Government parastatals, authorities and commissions.

Prove you truly support Mega dams derailed by rows Raila: NASA will announce Kalonzo, Malombe tells over tender billions: Dams are its own results: ODM leader Raila as the new conduits of corruption Odinga has said the National Super Alliance Ngilu: Kitui Governor Julius Malombe emerging following reports after reports said President (NASA) will announce its own results in has said he doubts whether Narc party leader Charity Ngilu is honest and genuine in being Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s ally. “The move does not appear to be genuine and Kalonzo must be very wary.Even her body language betrays her. If a Wiper branded cap is placed on her head, she swiftly pulls it away. It shows she is not genuine in the move she made to unite with Wiper.”

Uhuru Kenyatta reshuffled his principal secretaries following the proposed Sh62.3 billion Thwake Dam tiff. Top government sources on Sunday revealed that Mr Patrick Nduati, former Water PS, was spared the sack by the President, who was unhappy with the controversy surrounding the contract pitting him against his CS, Mr Eugene Wamalwa.

the August polls as part of efforts to prevent rigging. “As IEBC will be announcing their results, media houses will be relaying their results as well. We as NASA will also announce our results from our tallying centre,” said Raila.

Speaking at a rally in Kibera, he said agents would scan the result documents and relay them in real time once they are announced.

Kongowea votes deal Sh5bn for campaign to 20 cancer herbs discovered breaker in Joho-Awiti duel: combat hunger: The government in Kenya: Scientists have confirmed

Kongowea market has become a significant hunting ground for two governor aspirants in Mombasa. Incumbent Hassan Joho and Nyali MP Hezron Awiti are battling for the 10,000plus votes. The two have been to the market severally to ‘check on the traders’ welfare’.

Governor Joho has instructed acting Trade executive Tawfiq Balala to ensure traders’ issues are well taken care of after complaints of leaders interfering with the stall allocations.Both Joho and Awiti claim the Kongowea votes are what catapulted them to victory in the 2013 election.

has released Sh5 billion to deal with the drought currently being experienced in various parts of the country, Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning Mwangi Kiunjuri has said. From the kitty, Sh1.2 billion will be used to buy livestock from the affected people, a process he said has already started. Mr Kiunjuri spoke when he accompanied the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on its first visit of Samburu County which is one of the counties affected by drought.

more than 20 local plant species are effective against many of the top killer cancers today.

During a three-day annual scientific conference of Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), more than 30 researchers left no doubt that the country has immense capacity to deal with cancer from its plant resources. The scientists from various local universities collaborating with Kemri described how they hunted down, studied and confirmed in laboratories that plant extracts hold effective treatments to even the most deadly cancers.

Moi-era CEO back in Kenya Seed board:

Agriculture secretary Willy Bett has appointed a former Kenya Seed Company chief executive to the State firm’s board, raising the prospect of reviving an ownership war that has dogged it for nearly 15 years. Mr Bett, who is also a former Kenya Seed managing director, announced in a Kenya Gazette notice last Friday that he had appointed Nathaniel Tum to the company’s board for a three-year term that began on February 7.

Kenya Power starts search for new chief executive to replace Chumo: Electricity

distributor Kenya Power has started the recruitment of a substantive chief executive following the exit of Ben Chumo in January after three years at the helm. Deloitte has invited interested candidates to submit their applications to fill the position which is currently being held in acting capacity by Kenneth Tarus.

DPP, EACC war over new offices ends: Parliament

has split the Sh2.7 billion it had set aside for the purchase of an office block to house the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to calm tensions between the two over who controls the funds. The National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs committee has asked the EACC to abandon the joint acquisition plan and search for its own building as the committee looks for funds to buy a separate building for the DPP.

Top stories from X News global partners US will act alone on China Finds the Way to Aung San Suu Kyi’s first North Korea if China Trump Is Through His year running Myanmar fails to help, Trump says: Son-in-Law: When President Trump has been a letdown: Donald Trump has issued China with an ultimatum that if it fails to put pressure on North Korea to disable its nuclear programme, then the US is prepared to take action against Pyongyang on its own. “Well, if China is not going to solve North Korea, we will,” the president said in an interview with the Financial Times published on Sunday. Asked how he would tackle North Korea, Trump said: “I’m not going to tell you. You know, I am not the United States of the past where we tell you where we are going to hit in the Middle East.” Trump will host the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, this Thursday and Friday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. www.theguardian.com

welcomes President Xi Jinping of China to his palm-fringed Florida club for two days of meetings on Thursday, the studied informality of the gathering will bear the handiwork of two people: China’s ambassador to Washington and Mr. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The Chinese ambassador, Cui Tiankai, has established a busy back channel to Mr. Kushner, according to several officials briefed on the relationship. The two men agreed on the club, Mar-a-Lago, as the site for the meeting, and the ambassador even sent Mr. Kushner drafts of a joint statement that China and the United States could issue afterward. Mr. Kushner’s central role reflects the peculiar nature of this first meeting between Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi. www.nytimes.com

ASTRONOMICAL downtown rents, power cuts, traffic that gets worse by the week: these are Yangon’s growing pains. But they pale in comparison with its growing pleasures: cranes everywhere, a steady stream of new businesses and, most important, optimistic citizens. Signs of progress abound, some flashy—swish new restaurants—and others mundane—co-ordinated bus routes that have ended the lunatic system whereby the packed vehicles of competing firms raced from stop to stop to snaffle the waiting customers.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who opposed the generals for decades before assuming the country’s leadership last March, entered office with the wind at her back. Yet growth is now slowing, as is foreign investment. www.economist.com

Trump ready to tackle North Korea alone: Donald

Trump has warned that the US will take unilateral action to eliminate the nuclear threat from North Korea unless China increases pressure on the regime in Pyongyang. In an interview with the Financial Times, the US president said he would discuss the growing threat from Kim Jong Un’s nuclear programme with Xi Jinping when he hosts the Chinese president at his Florida resort this week, in their first meeting. “China has great influence over North Korea. And China will either decide to help us with North Korea, or they won’t,” Mr Trump said in the Oval Office. But he made clear that he would deal with North Korea with or without China’s help.

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BUSINESS

CBK EXCHANGE RATES

AfDB in Sh26bn plan to help finance Kenya-Uganda road

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $253 million (Sh26 billion) loan to the Governments of Kenya and Uganda for the construction of a 118 kilometer road connecting the two countries.

The credit facility will be shared between the two countries with Kenya being the major beneficiary, claiming $147.3 million (Sh15 billion) and Uganda receiving $105.7 million (Sh11 billion).

Some of the cash will be used for the construction of a 32 km Eldoret Town bypass.

Once complete in 2021, the project is set to improve the living standards of the 1.4 million people in the project zone of influence.

The upgrading of the 118 km stretch connecting Kapchorwa (Uganda) to Kitale (Kenya) will provide an all-weather access road for citizens, farmers and traders.

The project also includes the construction of a One Stop Border Post in Suam to facilitate trade between the two countries, travelers and transport operators.

The upgrading of the road will reduce the travel time in Uganda (KapchorwaSuam) from 4 hours to 1.5 hours and in Kenya (Suam-Kitale) from 1.5 hours to 45 minutes.

1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH

BuSINESS DIARY German Business Association meet at Metta Nairobi

The German Business Association (GBA) together with Mettā Nairobi, a global entrepreneurs club, will be hosting a networking event known as the joint GBA-Mettā Stammtisch.

The Stammtisch (an informal get-together) will present an opportunity for attendees to learn more about what the GBA and Mettā do respectively.

The affair will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Mettā Nairobi along 14 Riverside Drive, in the Belgravia Building.

Fireside Chat with investor Duncan Goldie-Scot

Startup Grind Nairobi, a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs, is this April hosting Duncan Goldie-Scot for a Fireside Chat at Mettā Nairobi.

Duncan Goldie Scot is an entrepreneur and investor with a focus on social enterprises in Africa.

He pioneered the use of mobile payments in microfinance institutions (MFIs) in East Africa by providing technical assistance and capacity building to MFIs in Kenya and Tanzania. He co-founded and is now a Director of Musoni BV, an MFI holding company in The Netherlands and is Chairman of Musoni Kenya Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya.

The event will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Tickets will cost Sh1,500 to be paid through the Mpesa till number 737416 (Nest Group Africa). Those attending are advised to select the Mpesa Buy Goods option.

average speed to 42km per hour up from the current from 26km per hour using the Eldoret Bypass.

“The proposed intervention is also in line with the Bank’s Ten Year Strategy and meets four of the High Fives by contributing to the integration of the EAC countries,” said Amadou Oumarou, Director of the Infrastructure, Cities and Urban Development Department of the

Bank.

He said the project would further improve the quality of life by providing socio-economic facilities to people in the zone of influence, increase agricultural production through access to markets and reduce transport costs, which will lower the cost of doing business as well as play a pivotal role in industrialisation. @enock_x254

BUY SELL 102.9167 103.1167 127.9461 128.2233 110.6189 110.8528 7.8984 7.9260 34.9895 35.1547 21.6163 21.7555

High food prices push March inflation up to 10.28 per cent

The upgrading of the 118 km stretch connecting Kapchorwa (Uganda) to Kitale (Kenya) will provide an all-weather access road for citizens, farmers and traders.The upgrading of the 118 km stretch connecting Kapchorwa (Uganda) to Kitale (Kenya) will provide an all-weather access road for citizens, farmers and traders.

The project area is fertile and has high agricultural potential. The upgrading of the road from gravel to bitumen standard will facilitate the supply of farm inputs and transportation of produce to major market centers.

The construction of the Eldoret bypass (32km) seeks to reduce traffic congestion in Eldoret Town, by avoiding crossing of the city center, thus increasing the

MEAN 103.0167 128.0847 110.7358 7.9122 35.0721 21.6859

(As of Friday February 31/2017)

Kenya’s rate of inflation rose to 10.28 per cent year-on-year in the month of March 2017 compared to 6.45 per cent recorded in March 2016, its highest level since May 2012, the statistics office has said.

According to recent data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), this was due to higher food prices.

“Between February and March 2017, Food and Non-Alcoholic Drinks’ Index increased by 3.18 per cent,” KNBS said in a statement.

KNBS attributes the surge to the skyrocketing prices of basic food commodities including, spinach, maize flour, milk, potatoes and maize.

“This increase in food prices was partly contributed by prevailing drought conditions,” the statistics office said.

Year-on-year food inflation stood at 18.56 per cent in March 2017. Over the same review period, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel indices, increased by 0.69 per cent.

This was partly due to increases in cost of house rents, cooking fuels and water services.

During the month of March, the transport Index increased by 0.27 per cent compared to February 2017, mainly on account of increases in the pump prices of petrol and diesel. @enock_x254

State urged to secure slots for persons with disabilities in upcoming police recruitment drive Persons with Disabilities (PWDS) have urged both the County and National government to secure slots for them ahead of a police recruitment drive targeting 10,000 people.

Led by Dolphin Special Programme CEO and Founder Mr. Peter Selenyi, they have urged the government to ease rules for persons living with disabilities to ensure they fully benefit from the programme.

“We don’t want petty cash from donors, sponsors, and the government. What we want is both the county and national governments come up with a plan that would empower us economically,” said Selenyi.

Selenyi, who was speaking during the Eastland Youth and PWDS Empowerment Conference, said persons living with disabilities have the potential to work in almost all sectors of the economy but they have been denied the opportunities to do so.

“We want to be considered in every government opportunity, including security matters of the country,” said Selenyi.

He said persons with disabilities have not been given tenders by the government despite the fact that they have been frequently applying for every tender advertised.

“We want to be considered when it comes to government tenders, employment, government support programmes as well as our security,” he added.

Selenyi added that persons with disabilities have not benefited from both Uwezo and Youth Funds and called for the two institutions to step in and rectify the situation.

He further called on the government to ensure their security during and after the upcoming general elections. @enock_x254

Dolphin Special Program Chief Executive Officer, Peter Selenyi.

Photo/Edwin Gitobu/XNews

East Africa region listed among key revenue drivers for Huawei

Global Technology solutions provider, Huawei has ranked East Africa among its key revenue drivers.

The firm’s annual revenue for the year 2016 jumped to Sh7.7 trillion representing a 32 per cent growth over the previous year where the firm attributed the results to growing technology solutions uptake in Africa, among other regions.

The firm’s trading results indicate that the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions alone contributed Sh2.2 trillion in revenue coming in second after China, which is the firm’s largest market.

While confirming the firm’s commitment to the local and African market, Huawei Kenya Director for Government Affairs and Public Communications, Cyril Liang Xu said the companyi’s dream is to build a better-connected world.

“As seen through our offerings in Kenya, our competitively priced smartphones, our Safe City security solutions that now serve more than 800 million people in over 200 cities across over 80 countries and regions in Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific innovations, Seeds for the Future youth training programs amongst others, we aim to achieve an overall sustainable world,” said Xu. “We believe that this fiscal year will see us deepen our roots into the market by collaborating with companies such as Safaricom and the ICT Authority to offer Kenyans need based innovative technologies,” he added.

therise

Express Limited Express Limited was the week’s top gainer after edging upwards by 17 per cent. The share price was up to Sh3.10 from the previous week’s close of Sh2.65. Year-to-date, its share price has lost 12.7 per cent.

The stock’s highest price in the last one year is Sh4.50.

thefall

Housing Finance Housing Finance was the week’s top loser after declining by 17.4 per cent over the course of the week’s trading. The share price closed at Sh9.75 from their previous closing price of Sh11.8. Year-todate, its share price has lost 30.4 per cent. The lowest price for the stock in the last one year is Sh9.3. This is attributable to decline in profit after tax of 24.32 per cent following the announcement of financial year 2016 results.

Analysis by Amana Capital info@ amanacapital.co.ke

In 2016, Huawei’s annual spending on research and development reached Sh1.1 trillion. The company’s management said Huawei will strive to offer relevant innovative solutions in their daily operations across all sectors of the Kenyan economy.

The Kenyan market is progressive in matters technology as noted in its mobile penetration rate of 88 per cent

and Internet users standing at 69.6 per cent.

The market still has untapped potential which, in the near future, Huawei plans to venture into through innovations such as smart transport and smart grid ICT solutions to curb urbanisation challenges, 5G internet connections and Internet of Things (IoT) technology @encok_x254

BUSINESS 9

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

Huawei Kenya Marketing Director Mark HO with Sales Director Pharmaraj Dirwakar displays a Huawei GR5 during its launch at Crowne Plaza.

Photo:Edwin Gitobu/Xnews

10

BUSINESS

Kenya set to benefit from Sh155bn New Development Bank energy programme MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

The New Development Bank (NDB) has committed $1.5 billion (Sh155 billion) to help support Africa’s energy sector. The move is geared at accelerating growth and development in Kenya and across the continent.

African Development Bank Group (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina lauded the move saying it is in line with the lender’s continental transformation agenda.

“I am very pleased that the New Development Bank is investing in the energy sector and I’d like to invite you to join us in this huge task to light up and power Africa,” Adesina told delegates at the 2nd Annual Meeting of the NDB. Africa, he said, remains a viable business destination, noting that, despite the tough global economic environment, African countries continue to post resilient growth.

African economies grew by 2.2 per cent in 2016, with growth projected to rise to 3.4 per cent in 2017, he said, adding that 12 African countries, including Kenya, grew by over 5 per cent in 2016, while 20 others posted growth rates ranging between 3 and 5 per cent.

“Africa beckons with boundless opportunities.

There’s no doubt that the future belongs to Africa,” Adesina said. He noted that by 2050, the continent will have the same population as that of present-day China and India combined as well as a growing urban middle class that would boost consumer demand.

For the Bank and Africa, the greatest need for strategic partnership lies in energy infrastructure in a continent where over half of the population representing 645 million people do not have access to electricity.

“We’re determined to change this quickly. That’s why the African Development Bank launched the New Deal on Energy for Africa,” Adesina said.

The new deal espouses the ultimate objective of achieving universal access to electricity over the next ten years.

“The Bank is working on investing $12 billion (Sh1.2 trillion) in energy in the next five years and leveraging an additional $45 to $50 billion (Sh4.1 to Sh5.2 trillion) from the private sector,” Adesina said.

“We plan to connect 130 million people to the grid system, 75 million people through off-grid

Kenyan participants light candles during an event to celebrate Earth Hour 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya, March 27, 2010. Earth Hour, a global campaign organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), is held annually on the last Saturday of March globally to raise awareness on detrimental effects of energy consumption on climate change and global environment.

EPA/DAI KUROKAWA systems and provide 150 million people with access to clean cooking energy,” he added.

Furthermore, the Bank is taking the lead on matters concerning renewable energy, pushing for an Off-Grid Revolution in Africa by hosting the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative, jointly developed with the African Union. The drive has attracted $10 billion (Sh1 trillion) in investment commitments from G7 countries.

The lender is also tapping into domestic channels such as pension funds to close Africa’s $50-billion (Sh5.2 trillion) annual infrastructure funding deficit.

President Adesina announced that the Bank will launch the Africa Investment Forum this year to leverage African and global sovereign wealth

funds to attract investment by institutional investors and ensure that infrastructure becomes an asset class that can endear itself to the private sector.

“We have used these instruments successfully to help mitigate risks for the concentrated solar power project in Morocco, the largest in the world. We have done the same for Lake Turkana wind farm in Kenya, the largest wind farm in Africa, among several others,” he said.

The NDB, was established in 2014 with $100 billion (Sh10.3 trillion) share capital by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, often referred to as the BRICS group of countries which account for 42 per cent of the world’s population. @enock_x254

Nairobi County has over 20,000 unlicensed liquor outlets, says regulator At least 20,000 liquor outlet operating across Nairobi County are not registered, Liquor Board Chairman, Vincent Shimoli has said.

Speaking during the Eastlands Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDS) Empowerment Conference, Shimoli said the vice has seen the County Government lose billions of shillings in revenue.

“Nairobi County has over 27,000 active liquor outlets with only 6, 000 liquor outlets within the county registered and licensed by the board,” he said.

Shimoli warned those selling liquor without license to immediately seek certification, saying they will face the wrath of the law should they be caught operating without the necessary documents.

He said deteriorating security and prostitution within the county has skyrocketed, adding that those selling liquor illegally are to blame.

“Those involved in monkey businesses are the ones supporting the growing prostitution and further posing security risk to the citizens of this country,” said Mr. Shimoli.

He further warned those selling alcohol in residential houses to immediately stop.

He stated that the County government has embarked on a drive to weed out all illegal alcohol businesses.

The Alcoholic Drinks Control (Amendment) Bill, 2013 sponsored by Tharaka Nithi Senator, Kithure Kindiki seeks to ban alcohol-themed billboards in residential areas or within 300 meters of schools and public playgrounds with persons below 18 years.

The proposed law seeks to restrict the time, place and manner in which manufacturers and distributors promote their products, a move that could deal a major blow to makers of alcoholic drinks, media houses and advertising firms.

If the law is passed, drivers will lose their licenses upon committing the third offence of driving while drunk in a year. Each successive count of the offence will attract a more severe punishment than the previous one. @enock_x254

Unaitas Sacco posts Sh267.8m profit as group seeks new members Unaitas Sacco has defied a tough economic environment to record a Sh267.8 million profit for the 2016 financial year.

The firm attributes the profits to a cautious approach to lending and provisioning of loan losses in light of a tough lending environment.

During the period under review, the Sacco announced a surge in its asset base standing at Sh10.7 billion as at the end of 2016 while member’s deposits grew by 20 per cent to stand at Sh6.46 billion from Sh5.38 billion over the same period in 2015.

During the same year, the lender invested heavily on a robust ICT infrastructure that is likely to propel its profits.

The Sacco’s leadership said that the strategic approach to improve the quality of its loan book resulted in slower disbursement of credit to members.

“As a responsible and sustainable business, we decided to improve the quality of our loan book and this had an impact on our profitability. Going forward we intend to maintain this strategy that focuses on loan book

quality, increasing non-funded income and cost management,” said Unaitas Chairman, Joseph Kabugu while addressing members in Murang’a County at the Sacco’s 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Mr. Kabugu added that Unaitas plans to marshal more deposits and grow its membership through branch expansion and marketing campaigns that will attract a wider and diverse membership base.

For the 2017 financial year, Unaitas plans to open at least 7 new branches across the country. The investment

group’s management has already identified Meru, Kisii, Kisumu, Eldoret and Embu as five towns where the Sacco will set up shop. These new branches are expected to boost membership and deposit mobilisation.

The Board has additionally decided to roll out agency banking as a means of further increasing accessibility of financial services and convenience to its members.

Mr Kabugu noted that these initiatives will support Unaitas’ performance in 2017, a year that is expected to be a challenging due to uncertainties in the

economic environment.

“We have taken this multi-pronged approach to cushion Unaitas from shocks associated with the general election, interest rate cap-regime and a severe drought,” he said.

These are factors that are expected to have an impact on the general economy and as such the Board is cognizant that Unaitas is not an exception,” explained Mr Kabugu. Mr Kabugu added that Unaitas’ board and management are on course with the Sacco’s strategic plan that includes becoming a fully-fledged commercial bank. @enock_x254

CENTRESTAGE

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

ACCESS TOPSTORY

13

CELEBRITIES HAVE BEEN SENDING NOTHING BUT LOVE TO HER AND HER FAMILY IN THIS SAD TIME.

Celebrities remember Janet Kanini NTV presenter Larry Madowo on social media that former presenter Janet Kanini had

TV personality’s father had died from the same illness.

Her death comes a few months she was winning the battle against the disease. one advantage to being diagnosed with a terminal illness is that you get a chance to get right with God, or Allah for my Muslim brothers and sisters. You have time to recall your life, to repent for wrongs done, to seek forgiveness peace that surpasses all human understanding because now you know that you’re ready to go where there is no more pain, or chemo side for healing, keep yourself spiritually strong at any moment, because we have our desires but God has His plans that are for our greater good. Be ready…” she wrote in a post on social media.

Celebrities have been sending nothing but love to her and her family in this sad time.

Host and MC Jahmby Koikai: “You fought such a

us hope. Rest In Eternal Power Janet Kanini Ikua.

Condolences to your family, friends and loved ones.”

TV presenter Willis Raburu: “We will never forget the image of her gentle and bright face. May God give her eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain. #RIPJanetKaniniIkua” Radio Host Maina Kageni: “Rest in peace Janet. We were all privileged to have known you. My most news.”

Media personality Larry Madowo: “My friend Janet Kanini-Ikua breathed her last this morning. She was a brave, inspiring woman. We’re all privileged to have known her. Sleep well” Sammy Muraya (Dj Mo): “My former workmate at Rest in Peace Janet. We will miss you. Your bubbly, Singer Charles Njagua (Jaguar): a bright star is never easy. You have braved every obstacle that came your way and always smiled in the face of adversity. Will forever miss you Janet. RIP” Singer Mbuvi: “I bless God for having given us all to run the race and to keep faith. She taught us she was healed and i believe she was because to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD. She just hang around for a bit more to show us what mattered most and that is faith and belief in one who is greater than us all and who deserves all our attention and

GO DOWN GIG

interacted with her either face to face or via various media platforms. I know i do!”

Host Tallia Oyando: “Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven...”

Singer David Mathenge (Nameless): “So sad to hear Comedian Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill): “Sincere condolences to the Family of Mr. Ikua for the loss of your Wife @janetkaniniikua. It’s beyond compression soon! Am grateful and honored to have hosted you as you shared your inspiring story with Millions of Kenyans all over the world on @churchillshow.....

Surely, A giant has fallen, but her legacy remains....

May her soul Rest in Eternal Peace!”

Singer Wahu Kagwi: “I’m at a loss for words. I thank God that I encountered you here on Earth, and for the privilege of calling you my friend. God in his wisdom knows why he has chosen to take you. It is well. I have peace in knowing that you are with your Father. We shall all miss u. May God see your family through this trying time. Rest well my sister , until we meet again.”

TV Host Julie Gichuru: “Heartbreaking. I have learnt not to ask you why, but Lord, I ask that you hold Lord, give the lm strength, courage, and grace to rise above this searing loss. Dear Father, may the sweet and gracious spirit of your daughter Janet Kanini Ikua rest in peace.”

May she Rest in Peace. @christine_x254

@christine_x254

E

ntrepreneur and daughter to Keroche Breweries owner Tabitha Karanja, Annerlisa Muigai recently posted yet another pic showing just how far she has come on her weight loss journey. In the side by s i d e pictures she looks like a new woman and not to mention much younger, showing off her new amazing figure. “I will never get tired of posting my before and after pictures as long as i keep motivating people. I get lots of requests on posting a comparison of the two and to be honest i always hope that one day somebody will do the same and we can all celebrate them,” she wrote.

The 29-year old received a proposal from her boyfriend earlier this year.

HOT TOPICS

Annerlisa Muigai shows off unbelievable weight loss

Noti Flow’s April Fool’s joke, fools no one

R

apper Noti Flow posted a picture of herself in her usual state of dress on a Jubilee poster with the caption, #jubileetukopamoja. She posted it on April 1 and naturally nobody believed it was true, “Mi si hater but ushaanguka,” said aggreyodongo, “Hatuko pamoja, uko peke yako,” wrote brayokaka and melchizedeck_m added, “keep off drugs.”

Later on the rapper clarified that it was indeed a joke by posting, “#happyaprilfools guys Can’t believe I actually got supporters I love y’all #TeamNotiFlow,”although from most appearances the joke fell flat.

It would also be hard to vote for somebody who released that horrible song, ‘Birthday Cake’.

Xtatic announces that her deal with Sony music is done

Rapper Xtatic had done what few artistes in the continent had even dreamed of achieving. She signed up with a major label. After years of being put in the back burner she fell off the scene. She has now announced that she is no longer a part of the music staple, “And by the power vested in me by the completion of a contract period, I now pronounce my time with/in SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, Done!!It’s been real. It’s been what it was, It’s been a heck of a ride but made it alive ... oh yeah and it’s been 5 years as, I guess, it was supposed to be. Thank you for the lessons, contribution (however big or small, great or bad) to my artist life, and everything else. On to the next Chapter,” she wrote on Facebook.

Maybe now she can move on to making hits.

12

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MaXhosa

aXhosa by Laduma happens to be the brainchild of South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo. His colourful prints and combinations take inspiration from his heritage.

With his newest collection APROPRIYEYSHIN SS17, he sticks to a similar look but with a few updates here and there. “I aim to express the beauty in culture exchange of the dress codes of western and Xhosa dress-code. All the looks are sketched with an ultimate objective of constructing an innovative utopian African feel, that will outlive the time span of the collection,” he says. Check them out.

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ACCESS MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

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@christine_x254

T

ALLIWAH

here’s something about this song that’s deeply pleasant. It might be the beat but there is definitely something here. Alliwah has been off the scene for some time, musically speaking, it’s been a while since we got a non-novelty song from the singer but whichever way he may have landed on something with ‘Sikunagukia’. Now the visuals are not the greatest but he does carry the entire song alone so no theatrics on that end, it’s still a fun song to the finish.

Makadem, Peter Carson and Tomo pose for a picture at GoDown.

KEEP IT REAL

Nyota Ndogo performing at the GoDown creative arts show.

Nyota Ndogo

Becca, Mikayla and Lexi show a colorful moment at the event.

SUNDAY

T

he odd thing about this song is that the beat is so heavy that it’s surprising that a child can even carry it along. Keep It Real’s rap style is very obviously influenced by his father Eko Dydda. This snippet of a song showcases a fair amount of vocal ability from the 5 year old. It’s also his second single following ‘Baba Apendeza.’

ROCKS THE GO DOWN GIG

NAIBOI FT FUSE ODG

The monthly free show went down at the Go Down Arts Centre on Saturday, 1st April. Without a doubt Nyota Ndogo stole the show as she danced with the audience and performed all her greatest hits.

Accompanying her was music legend Kidum and bright upstart Serro.

Kidum performing on stage.

Tess Omollo, Diana Mogi, Sue Omollo and Sir Willis.

TOO MUCH

N

ot sure what to think of this song. It’s a great match up but the biggest problem here seems to be that Naiboi did not use ODG’s talents to the fullest. The beat that should be ultimately danceable, is marred by an annoying ringing in the background and ODG seems to be going through the motions. The dancers were also rather redundant. The visuals are great though but this song could have gone much harder.

PHOTOS:GITOBU EDWIN/X NEWS

Serro on the GoDown stage.

14

SPORT

Stima shock Gor but there were wins for Leopards, Tusker and Bandari who go top MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

Kenya Premier League heavyweights Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards recorded contrasting results over the weekend even as champions Tusker got their first win of the season.

Gor surrendered a 1-0 lead to go down 2-1 to Western Stima at the Kisumu Municipal Stadium yesterday, just a day after their arch-rivals AFC Leopards staged a commanding fightback to see off Nzoia Sugar by the same scoreline in Machakos.

Gor who had gathered a sizeable momentum courtesy of their two wins in their opening two matches appeared on course for a third straight win when Jacques Tuyisenge lashed in the opener from the spot.

But second half goals from Wesley Kemboi and Kennedy Agogo ensured Western Stima secured all the three points in spectacular fashion.

It was a bitter return for KPL player of the season Kenneth Muguna on his first meeting with his former club. Defeat now leaves Gor Mahia sitting at sixth place on the log with six points.

At the top of the log in the unfamiliar face, Bandari FC. The dockers are undefeated in three games this campaign under the guidance of last season winning coach Paul Nkata.

They eased to a 3-0 victory over Muhoroni Youth at the Mbaraki Stadium on Saturday to take them to seven points on the log.

Danny Sserenkuma, Sheban Kenga and Musa Mude scored the goals to once again prove the charm the coastal based side have in Ugandan Nkata, who left indelible marks at Nairobi City Stars, Muhoroni Youth and Tusker FC previously. Muhoroni Youth are 16th with three points.

AFC Leopards Allan Katterega celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Nzoi Sugar during their much hyped Western derby at the Machakos Stadium on Saturday.

PHOTO: CAPITAL FM

In the highly anticipated western derby, it was Stewart Hall who had the last laugh after overcoming local coach Benard Mwalala at the Kenyatta Stadium in Gilbert Fiamenyo and Allan Kateregga scored a goal each in a brilliant second half as AFC Leopards fought back after Elvis Rupia had guided Nzoia to a first half lead.

It was the second straight win for the 12-time champions and they are now second on the log, behind Bandari FC. Nzoia slip to eighth in the 18-team

league.

In Nakuru, champions Tusker FC rediscovered their golden touch with a 1-0 win over Chemelil Sugar to claim only their first win this season. In form-Ugandan international Shaffique Batambuze scored from the spot on the stroke of half-time to move the 11-time champions from the basement of the table to 15th.

Sofapaka responded well to their new lucrative sponsorship deal with betting firm Betika with a 2-1 win over Mathare United at the Kenyatta

Stadium yesterday.

George Maelo’s first half header and Humphrey Okoti’s early goal in the second half gave the Sam Ssimbwa coached side their second consecutive victory. Tyson Otieno had the consolation for the Slum Boys who are placed 10th with four points. Sofapaka, on the other hand, are 3rd with six points.

At the Mumias Complex, hosts Kakamega Homeboyz had to dig deep to share the spoils with Posta Rangers.

David Okoth had given Sammy

Song thankful for support on Cameroon return Former Cameroon international Rigobert Song has thanked the country’s fans and President for their support as he arrived back in Cameroon following six months of treatment in a Paris hospital.

The former Liverpool player (pictured right) was taken ill in October 2016 when he suffered a brain aneurysm and was hospitalised in Yaounde where his condition stabilised before he was taken to Paris.

Song returned to Yaoundé to a rapturous welcome on Saturday where he was met by dignitaries, friends and family.

“I’m going to say thank you to the people, to God and President Paul Biya and his wife because he did everything to keep me in a good way,” Song told reporters on his arrival at the Yaoundé Nsimalen Airport.

“And people in Cameroon, I’m

going to tell them ‘thank you’ for everything they did when I was in my situation.

“To come out of a heart issue without a scar, I am thankful to God and the Cameroonian people.

I am healthy thanks to the doctors, I underwent three aneurysm operations,” Song added.

The 40-year-old joked that his return to Cameroon was “not an April fool” and said he could not recall the moment he fell unconscious last October.

“I don’t remember what happened, but after my situation I’ve seen a lot of things. People have told me what happened. So I’m very happy to come back and I want to say thank you to all the people.

“When I opened my eyes the first reflex was to touch my head and I realised something was wrong, I was very far and I thank God for his mercy,” Song told the throng of

journalists.

Bernadette Song, Rigobert Song’s mother, was elated at seeing her son.

“To be here to celebrate the return of Song, I am overwhelmed with happiness. I joked that he left like a passenger without a ticket, but today he has come back on his feet.

I thank Cameroonians and the presidential couple for loving him so much.”

Poueni Francoise, a friend who went to Paris to bring Song back to Cameroon, described how seriously ill the former Indomitable Lion was.

“I was there when Song arrived at Pitie-Salpetriere (in Paris), operations followed immediately and he spent 40 days in a coma.”

Now, although appearing lean and with his famous hair much shorter, Song displayed his usual jovial nature.

He acknowledged the Indomitable Lions’ triumph at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and that his reception at the airport reminded him of the special welcome he and his former team-mates received after winning the 2000 and 2002 Nations Cups.

“The Lions came back with the trophy, what again, a retired person?” Song joked.

As for his future plans, Song said he wanted to continue working as a coach for Cameroon’s football federation having undergone a series of tests to determine his fitness.

“I’m going to continue my job. I’m ok now. I don’t have a problem.

My problem is in the past now. It’s another situation. I’ll continue to work normally.

“I will start preparing the CHAN (African Nations Championship) set to take place in four months.”

Omollo’s postmen a first half lead only for Joseph Mbugi to level the scores midway in the second half. With a solitary win and two draws for both teams, they occupy sixth and seventh positions on the log respectively.

At the Green Stadium in Awendo, Amos Asembeka scored a late goal as Sony Sugar defeated Thika United by a solitary goal. It was the second victory for the millers who occupy the fifth position on the log.

As for James Nandwa’s Brookside sponsored Thika, it was their second defeat of the season, leaving them in 12th with just three points.

There was also a maiden victory for chain stores Nakumatt FC who had suffered 1-0 and 3-0 losses to Bandari and AFC Leopards respectively. They bounced back with a 2-0 victory over fellow promoted side Zoo Kericho away at the Kericho Green Stadium on Sunday.

Second half goals from former AFC Leopards, Bandari and Thika United forward Kepha Aswani and Joshua Oyoo gave Nakumatt the match needed win and moved them to 14th place on the log. As for Zoo, it was their third consecutive defeat which leaves them languishing at having conceded four goals without reply.

Kariobangi Sharks, who earned their top flight promotion last term when they finished second in the National Super League (NSL) also slumped to their third successive loss against Ulinzi Stars with the man of the moment Samuel Onyango scoring the lone goal. Defeat leaves the Nick Mwendwa owned side in 16th position while Ulinzi Stars are in 11th position with two games at hand. @amos_x254

SPORT 15

Arsenal, Man City draw helps Liverpool MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

Liverpool are the biggest gainers in last weekend’s Premier League action that saw teams play their week 30 matches.

The Anfield club won 3-1 as they claimed their 228th derby victory over Everton on Saturday as they moved to third place on the table.

And yesterday’s draw between Arsenal and Manchester City means Jurgen Klopp’s men got a further advantage as they remain firmly in the race for a top four finish.

With Chelsea seen as runaway leaders, five of the top six teams have been left to fight for a Champions League slot finish this season.

Tottenham on second place with 62 points won at Burnley on Saturday to close the gap on the Blues to seven points as Liverpool moved to 59.

Manchester City would have leapfrogged the Reds into third place but the draw at Arsenal means they remain fourth on 58 points with a game in hand though against their Merseyside rivals.

Manchester United who were also held at home by West Brom are fifth and could catch up with Liverpool if they win both their two games in hand.

For the Gunners, it was a positive results though.

Arsene Wenger’s men showed signs of

recovery from their recent dismal run of form as they twice fought back from behind to earn the draw.

They had lost four out of their previous five Premier League games, and faced City against uncertainty surrounding manager Arsene Wenger’s future, with more protests staged before kick-off.

And they got off to the worst possible start when Leroy Sane put City ahead after only five minutes, running on to Kevin de Bruyne’s routine pass to round David Ospina and score.

Theo Walcott capped a spell of Arsenal pressure to scramble home an equaliser five minutes before the break - but they were on terms for only two minutes before Sergio Aguero’s powerful finish put City back in front.

Arsenal lost Laurent Koscielny to injury at half-time and it was his central defensive partner Shkodran Mustafi who rose above City’s defence from a corner to restore parity after 53 minutes.

Aguero missed two good chances for City and manager Pep Guardiola was furious that a late handball appeal against Nacho Monreal was ignored, leaving his side in fourth and Arsenal in sixth place in the table - seven points of the top-four pace.

On Saturday, Liverpool romped to

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho (L) celebrates scoring their second goal with Roberto Firmino (R) and Sadio Mane (C) during their English Premier League match against Everton at Anfield on Saturday.

PHOTO: PETER POWELL/EPA

victory with Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Divork Origi all scoring as they convincingly beat Everton at Anfield.

Chelsea surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

But manager Antonio Conte has played

down the result saying it just makes the title race “more interesting”.

The Premier League leaders suffered only their second home defeat of the season as Palace boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 win.

“For (the media) it’s a good result,

because it makes this more interesting in the championship,” Conte said.

“But I always said the league finishes when you have the mathematical certainty that you won. Otherwise you must fight, you must play every game to try to win.”

monday 3 rd april 2017

955700 : 806

18:00 18:00 18:30 18:30 19:30 19:30 19:45 19:45 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30

2003 Wydad Casablanca vs FAR Rabat Quwa Al Jawiya vs Wahda Damascus 5382 1717 Samsunspor vs Balikesirspor 4361 WAC DAdjame vs Moossou FC Spartak Moscow vs Gazovik Orenburg 2046 2074 FC Rostov vs FC Krasnodar 2426 Al Salibikhaet vs AL Arabi 5854 Yarmouk vs AL Sahel 1823 Partick Thistle Youth vs Rangers Youth 1843 Orgryte IS vs Varbergs Bois 2486 Galatasaray vs Adanaspor Sonderjyske vs FC Copenhagen 2817 Dundee FC Youth vs St. Mirren Youth 3060 3426 St Johnstone Youth vs Dundee Utd Youth 3436 Djurgardens IF vs Sirius FK 3842 Kalmar vs Elfsborg Orebro SK vs Jonkopings Sodra 4766 2857 Zulte Waregem U21 vs AS Eupen U21 Astra Giurgiu vs Viitorul Constanta 3141 Charleroi U21 vs Mouscron Per. U21 3317 3790 Hapoel Ashkelon vs FC Ashdod 3844 Lokeren U21 vs KRC Genk U21 4425 Waasland Beveren U21 vs Oostende U21 5362 Standard Liege U21 vs St. Truiden U21 5443 Club Brugge U21 vs Kortrijk U21

2.07 1.61 2.05 1.60 1.49 2.52 5.84 2.15 2.58 2.35 1.42 5.27 2.16 2.52 1.82 2.59 1.95 1.35 2.19 2.01 2.48 2.27 2.27 1.60 1.53

2.97 3.31 3.21 3.14 4.00 3.01 4.01 3.43 4.18 3.26 4.95 3.75 4.17 4.17 3.64 3.24 3.57 5.45 3.16 3.81 2.85 3.77 3.81 4.38 4.48

3.98 5.70 3.68 6.44 7.73 3.11 1.47 2.92 2.11 3.05 7.08 1.68 2.52 2.16 4.44 2.81 3.90 5.71 3.48 2.94 3.17 2.53 2.52 4.07 4.48

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

BANDARI MOVE TOP AS ELECTROCUTED GOR MAHIA DROP TO SIXTH AFTER WEEKEND RESULTS

No Messi, no problem for Barca

Wenger praises Arsenal fans despite protests

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Gunners fans were “absolutely sensational” during their 2-2 draw with Manchester City, despite further fan protests at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger, who is under pressure following one win in six matches and a slide down the Premier League table, has faced calls to resign from some fans.

“I must say, despite all that has happened on the fans front, our fans were fantastic today,” said the Frenchman, whose side twice hit back to earn a draw against City. “In very difficult moments our fans, at 1-0 down and 2-1 down, could have turned against us but I think they were absolutely sensational to get us through those difficult moments.”

Goals from Theo Walcott and Shkodran Mustafi cancelled out efforts from Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero in a performance Wenger believed “built confidence to help us to come back to our natural fluency.”

Wenger, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been offered a two-year extension and said on 18 March he will announce his future plans “very soon”.

B

arcelona overcame the absence of top scorer Lionel Messi to cut Real Madrid’s La Liga lead to two points with a comfortable win at Granada.

Luis Suarez’s exquisite lob just before half-time opened the scoring before on-loan Chelsea midfielder Jeremie Boga equalised with a composed finish early in the second half.

But Paco Alcacer restored Barca’s lead before Uche Agbo was sent off for two quick yellow cards.

Ivan Rakitic’s deflected finish made it 3-1 before Neymar scored the fourth.

There was pressure on Luis Enrique’s side to deliver without the services of La Liga’s 25-goal leading scorer Messi, who was serving a one-match ban. The Argentine was suspended for the game after accumulating five yellow cards Real’s 3-0 win over Alaves earlier in the day meant Barca started the game five points behind the leaders.

And after a nervy start that saw Barca lose several chances and Granada also come close on counter attacks, Suarez finally opened the scoring with a fine finish after Guillermo Ochoa, who had denied the former Liverpool striker with two fine saves, came rushing off his line.

Granada are in the relegation zone, eight points from safety, yet they were given hope of a surprise result when substitute Boga slotted beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Alcacer, another substitute, restored Barca’s lead after a lob over the defence by Suarez before Agbo, on loan from Watford, was shown a second yellow card.

Barcelona’s Uruguayan striker Luis Saurez celebrates after scoring the first goal against Granada during their Liga Primera Division match at the Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium in Ganada, Andalusia, Spain,last night. Barca won 4-0. PHOTO: PEPE TORRES/EPA

Barca, who lost midfielder Rafinha to an injury early in the game, made the extra man advantage count.

Rakitic’s shot was going wide before it took a deflection

and found its way into the net before Neymar rounded off a highly satisfactory night for the visitors with a tap-in from a Luis Suarez cross.

Barcelona remain second

P14

on 66 points, two behind leaders Real Madrid who also have a game in hand and eight ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid who won 2-0 at Malaga on Saturday.

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