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kenyan actress and oscar award winner lupita nyong’o is named woman of the year by america glamour magazine P.7

eXtra.sharp Thursday 6.11.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke

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sports Agents blamed for volleyball team inclusion in 2015 rising drugs mess in Kenya | P.13 world grand prix excites players P.15

Kamau tells off PSVs over city bus project President jets out for Addis Igad Summit

OFF TO ADDIS: President Uhuru Kenyatta escorted by his deputy William Ruto and KDF boss General Julius Karangi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport this morning as he left for Ethiopia to attend the 28th Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad). He is scheduled to return this evening.

The planned introduction of the Rapid Bus Transit system to decongest Nairobi City will not be halted even after the Government lifted the blanket ban on 14-seater matatus.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau said the roll-out will proceed as planned against requests by some Public Service Vehicle (PSV) owners to have it delayed.

The minister asked all registered Saccos to take advantage of available opportunities and invest in the buses.

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Lobby asks State to compensate slain officers

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THURsday, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Govt dismisses bus project critics From Page 1

“The Government will not stop Bus Rapid Transit system. I urge Saccos to take advantage of the opportunity and invest in the system,” he said.

He said the aim of forming matatu and bus Saccos was to encourage corporation among members who have a chance to unite and

invest instead of the Government opening the opportunity to outsiders.

He said the buses are expected to decongest the city by plying dedicated lines.

Governor Evans Kidero asked matatu owners to invest in the system and not oppose it.

He said the county will not drive them out of business and will

instead make them part of the solution to traffic snarl-ups.

“I ask transporters to increase capacity. We do not intend to disenfranchise local investors,” he said.

The Transport ministry and the City Hall are working to expand demarcated corridors to accommodate the new high capacity vehicles.

The buses will not require parking slots because they will be on constant movement for 24 hours.

The system will initially be implemented in three main corridors of Athi River to Kikuyu, Thika to Central Business District and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to CBD. Two more bus routes will terminate at Bomas junction and

Ruaka towns through Lang’ata and Limuru roads respectively.

The 60-seater buses will be managed by a National Metropolitan Transport Authority.

Kidero said the County is closely liaising with Murang’a, Kajiado, Kiambu and Machakos counterparts to make the system a success.

dare devil: Wildlife film maker Paul Rosolie will don a “custom-built snake-proof suit’ and be swallowed alive for the Discovery Channel network news show dubbed ‘Eaten Alive’. The TV show will be aired in December.

Snake to swallow film maker alive for TV show

A US wildlife film expert is preparing to be eaten alive by one of the world’s most dangerous snakes, Anaconda, for a TV show next month.

Paul Rosolie, 30, will don a “custom-built snake-proof suit” before he is swallowed alive for the Discovery Channel network news show

dubbed ‘Eaten Alive’.

The channel said it will track the 30-year-old expert into the western part of Amazon forest in South America as he ‘persuades’ the snake to swallow him in his protective gear.

It is said the costume is made in an appealing way to ensure

the snake likes and eats him up.

A Canoe. C. News video clip says when the snake sees Rosolie it will ‘say’: “I am gonna kill this thing here; I am gonna get a free meal here.”

Rosolie, of New Jersey, will risk his life into the belly of

the giant serpent, which can grow up to 6.6 meters.

The channel says it will air the episode ‘Eaten Alive’ in December.

But there are scanty details of how he will get out of the serpent after the episode.

Spanish Ebola survivor praises God, colleagues A Spanish nurse’s assistant who left hospital Wednesday after beating Ebola said she was still weak. But she thanked God and colleagues who cared for her.

Looking frail but happy, Teresa Romero Ramos was greeted by cheers as she spoke to journalists flanked by husband Javier Limon.

Romero, who described her recovery as a “miracle” from God, said she was ready to do whatever she could to help others infected with Ebola.

She said she still doesn’t know how she contracted the virus.

“I don’t know what went wrong. I don’t even know if anything went

wrong. All I know is that I hold no resentment, but if getting this disease serves a purpose to anyone, to better study the disease, to help find a cure, or if my blood helps cure another person, then here I am.”

She said she was “willing to try, even if it means risking my life.”

Romero spent 30 days at the Carlos III Hospital in Madrid, the hospital where she contracted the illness while caring for an infected missionary who had been flown back from West Africa She praised the care she received at the medical facility.

“Doctors, nurses, nurses’ assistants,

cleaning personnel, security personnel ... they have all proven to me that we have the best health care in the world,” she said.

“Dedicated professionals who, despite the nefarious politics at times, are capable of performing miracles. I am one of them.”

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NEWS | 3

thursday NOVEMBEr 6, 2014

Govt releases 2015 calendar for schools

Health, safety and education are life’s most important things According to a survey on 33 countries across the world, including Kenya, good health is the most important thing to have in life. 59 per cent Kenyans are satisfied with their health while the rest are not. The survey was conducted by Pew Research, an American think tank based in Washington, DC, which provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends shaping the US and the world.

The survey also found out that internet access is least important thing to have in life.

However, from the research, a number of people across the globe, especially Egyptians, Brazilians and Pakistanis tend to say safety from crime is more important than good health. Thais, Colombians,

Argentines and Peruvians rank their child’s education as the highest priority, while the Indians and Tanzanians value both education and owning a home equally.

Russians say helping others is their lowest priority, while being able to travel is least important to Polish people, Tunisians, Thais, Vietnamese, the Chinese, Chileans, Nicaraguans, Tanzanians and South Africans.

While access to the internet ranks low on the priority list for most countries, there are glaring differences in its importance, based on the age and level of education of the people surveyed.

In most countries, young people and more highly educated individuals assign higher priority to accessing the internet than older individuals.

Schools will open on January 6, 2015 for first term, term dates released by the Ministry of Education show. The 2015 calendar includes primary schools, secondary schools and colleges. Learning will continue for 14 running weeks to April 10 for Easter holidays before second term commences on May 4. Students will enjoy more than a month’s rest after schools close on August 7 for third term which starts on September 13. The 2015 year comprises 39 weeks of learning.

Group wants officers slayed in Kapedo raid compensated

BRIEF ME: President Uhuru Kenyatta meets meets with General Karangi, Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, and Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo, following an incident where residents of Chesitet and Kapedo villages, in Nothern Kenya, lost lives after a bandit attack.

A civil society group has asked the Government to set up a cash compensation kitty for families of police officers who died on official duty.

The Mwamko Mpya Uongozi Bora said perpetrators of last weekend banditry attack on Administration Police (AP) officers at Kapedo in which the APs were killed should face the law.

“We condemn the barbaric acts of impunity in which bandits attacked and killed police officers. The blood of our young sons and brothers must not go unpunished,” the group said.

“The Government should set up a fund for the provision of specialised hospital and air rescue services for injured officers,” it said.

The group members spoke during a march in honour of the 21 APs who died during the Kapedo

attack.

They urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to live by his inauguration pledge to support police in the war on criminals, cattle rustlers, drug barons and other agents of terror.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Fred Mwei, who represented Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo at the march, said the service has made arrangements to ensure the slain officers get a decent send-off.

“We have made elaborate arrangements on the undertaking of the last rites of the officers. We also have arrangements for how they will be transported to their final resting places,” he said.

Meanwhile, a special service has been planned at AP headquarters in Nairobi today in honour of the 21 victims. Senior police commanders are due at the ceremony.

Kibera fire kills man A man was last night burnt to death in a fire incident in Kibera slums, Nairobi. The man is said to have been asleep when the fire broke out from a shanty before spreading.

Police say they do not to yet know the cause of the fire but investigations have been launched.

Office shot

by Eastleigh thugs dies A police officer who was shot and wounded by a criminal group in Eastleigh, Nairobi, has died. The officer passed away last night at tje Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) where he had been admitted since Sunday morning when he was shot. The officer was patrolling with colleagues when he tried to arrest a group of suspected thugs who shot him in the abdomen. The attackers escaped.

What others said today...

ODM disowns Buke’s take over of party, says Magerer is still the executive director: ODM Executive Director Magerer Langat.Photo/Philip Kamakya ODM has disowned an earlier announcement by human rights activist Wafula Buke declaring himself the new Executive Director of the party.

Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o stated that Magerer Langat is still ODM’s executive director...

Court order probe over ranch invasion: Judge directs Kimaiyo to investigate Interior CS Joseph ole Lenku, Kajiado governor, three MPs and senator for incitement, invasion and destruction of property over Narok land row. The land owned by Nguruman Limited, a company associated with a Kenyan of European descent, was last Sunday invaded and occupied by armed groups the lawyer accuses of working at the behest of the Cabinet Secretary...

Supreme Court shock for judges fighting sacking: Their fate now appears sealed after highest court in the land rules that the High Court can’t overrule Vetting Board. Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled the verdict of the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board was final and could not be challenged in either the High Court or Appeal Court, where the sacked judges moved to contest the decision against them...

Scene of Friday attack resembles death trap: Blazing sun and sweltering heat make the terrain almost inhabitable at the Kasarani valley, near Kapedo in Turkana county where 19 police officers and three civilians were killed by bandits last Friday.

Wreckage of a charred Land Cruiser remains atop a retrieval van where it was abandoned when bandits struck...

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NEWS

thursday, november 6, 2014

Engage students to stem unrests, varsities told Public University administrators have been appealed to come up with innovative ways to allow students freely express their grievances in a bid to curb the wave of unrests that has hit most institutions.

Most public universities have experienced student unrests in the past, normally leading to destruction of property and the government now wants change of tact to avoid such incidences.

Education, Science and Technology Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi yesterday directed the institutions’ administrators to setup social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter to give students forums where they can raise their issues.

“We are urging every university to open Twitter and Facebook accounts where they can interact and have more open communication channels. Social media is key in interacting with students,” Prof Kaimenyi said during a

COMRADES POWER: UoN students during a past riot. Public varsities have been asked to set up social media forums.

crisis meeting held in Nairobi over the escalating crisis in universities.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is the latest institution to experience such

unrest after its students went on rampage last weekend protesting against a new fee policy introduced by the administration.

Fees reviews and delayed HELB loan disbursements

emerged as top among the issues causing the unrests.

Others that were identified include unaccredited courses, ill behaviour by a section of students and inadequate learning facilities.

Students’ affairs like the students governing council elections emerged as other hot issues with vicechancellors being advised to keep off such matters.

Hassan Joho on fresh fake degree probe Mombasa governor is not yet off the hook in a suit challenging the authenticity of his degree certificate after the Director of Public Prosecutions yesterday ordered a fresh probe into the matter.

The case was thought to have been concluded after the high court threw it out on technical griunds. “DPP Tobiko today ordered fresh investigations into alleged forgery of degree certificate by Governor Hassan Joho. This follows a petition by Silas Otuke,” read a post on the DPP’s official twitter account.

A three judge bench of the High Court in Mombasa last month dismissed the petition saying it was premature because petitioners had not exhausted all other constitutional mechanisms to determine the validity of the degree.

Kampala University which awarded the degree have since defended it saying it was validly awarded.

Burkina Faso settle for one year transition govt Political parties in Burkina Faso’s have agreed to have a transitional government formed for a year before the country goes to the elections in November 2015.

This follows a crisis talks held in the capital Ouagadougou following pressure from regional leaders and the world that power be handed back to a civilian. The talks however ended without a deal on who would head the transitional government.

The military has been in charge after President Blaise Compaore was forced to quit last week following mass protests.

The African Union (AU) on Monday gave the military two weeks to hand over power to a civilian ruler or face sanctions.

Lt. Col Isaac Zida - the interim leader backed by the army - later promised to comply with the deadline.

He was previously second in command of the presidential guard. Yesterday’s crisis talks were also attended by civil society groups and tribal chiefs, according to a statement issued after the meeting. It was mediated

OUStED: Burkinabes protest in the streets of Ouagadougou early last month. llies in Burkina Faso’s have agreed to have a transitional government formed for a year before the country goes to the elections in November 201.

by the presidents of Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal. The statement added that all parties in the negotiations wanted an “eminent civilian personality” to head the transition, without providing further details. At one stage, the meeting descended into chaos as opposition

politicians stormed out.

“We do not want to talk with the old governing party. They represent Blaise Compaore,” Rose-Marie Compaore, parliamentary leader of the main opposition group, was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

But the opposition was later

persuaded to return to the negotiating table.

The AU sanctions could include suspension of Burkina Faso’s AU membership and a travel ban on military officials. The AU’s Peace and Security Council is expected to meet again later this month to discuss the

crisis. Under Burkina Faso’s constitution, the head of the National Assembly should take office if the president resigns. Mr Compaore first seized power in a coup in 1987, and thereafter won four disputed elections.

The protests were triggered by his plan to amend the

constitution so that he could run for office again in elections next year.

Mr Compaore was forced to flee to neighbouring Ivory Coast and is currently staying in Yamoussoukro. France - the former colonial power - has admitted helping in his evacuation.

Business | 5 THURsday, NovemBER 6, 2014

newsbriefs Nakumatt opens city’s fourth Clark’s footwear outlet

deal: Safaricom CEO Mr Bob Collymore and MoneyGram CEO Pamela Patsley when they signed a partnership deal that allows the phone company customers to tap into the vibrant mobile cash transfer market in Kenya.

Safaricom, MoneyGram strike M-Pesa cash deal

Kenyans living abroad have a choice of sending funds using MoneyGram directly to Mpesa subscribers.

The choice is contained in a Safaricom, MoneyGram partnership that will see 90 coutries from across the globe benefit from the venture.

Speaking during the launch of the deal, MoneyGram CEO Pamela Patsley said the partnership allows Safaricom to tap into the vibrant mobile cash transfer sector in Kenya.

“Kenya’s mobile money transfer progress is a global phenomenon and a great success story; a story that we are proud to be part of. We want to be a part of even more stories like this and support economic development,” said Patsley.

Customers will need to visit any MoneyGram outlet abroad or online and choose option of sending cash to an Mpesa customer in Kenya. Senders will then wait for notification to confirm the funds have arrived and ready for

withdrawal at any agent in the country.

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said the deal ensures the two companies benefit from remittances from abroad which are one of the greatest contributors to the country’s GDP. “Over the last eight years, M-Pesa has enabled nearly 70 per cent of adult population in Kenya access financial services. This new relationship enables us to tap into remittances from other countries,” said Collymore.

theindustry

High demand for quality footwear products has generated growing demand for stores which exclusively stock shoes and related accessories in leading malls.

As the trend continues, regional retailer Nakumatt Holdings this week opened the fourth ‘Clarks Footwear’ store at Galleria Mall in Nairobi.

The new store follows last year’s opening of two others at Thika Road, Junction and Prestige malls and the inactive Westgate.

To meet growing consumer demand, Nakumatt will also open doors to the fifth Clarks store at the Village Market before the end of the month.

Speaking during the launch of Clarks Galleria concept store, Nakumatt Holdings MD Atul Shah said the retailer will open other stores in Nairobi and Mombasa by the end of the year.

Nakumatt plans to open other fully fledged stores

and smaller outlets in Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru and Kisumu.

Safaricom pledges world class customer service Leading mobile service provider Safaricom has vowed to give customers the best available services.

Speaking during the release of the company’s 2014 half-year results, CEO Bob Collymore said customers will continue receiving world class quality services.

The telco’s first-half pre-tax profit rose by 32.7 per cent to Sh21.1 billion due to growth in financial services and data usage against sluggish voice revenues.

“We continue making significant investment in fibre roll out, network modernisation, network quality and capacity enhancement. We plan to continue to improve our 3G performance in more sites in Nairobi and commence roll out in other cities,” Collymore said.

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GOOD LIVING: The Kenyan luxury car market has witnesses rapid growth in the past few years as more consumers continue to buy high-end vehicles.

Income boom boosts

luxury vehicle market Kenya luxury car market has grown exponentially in the past few years as more consumers continue to buy high-end vehicles.

Economists have been speculating on Kenya’s spending habits for the growing middle class whose income has been on the rise.

Experts from the financial research group, Euromonitor, estimate that by the year 2020, Kenya will have more than 8,000 dollar millionaires.

“The middle class is growing and so are their preferences and tastes,” says Rita Kavashe, the chief executive at General Motors East Africa (GMEA).

Kenyans as young as 30 years are buying cars, officials at vehicle distributor DT Dobie told X News.

And due to the availability of unsecured loans from banks, consumers find it increasingly easy to buy vehicles, a boost to the luxury car market.

About 18 pc of Kenyans luxury car buyers have secured a Porsche since the brand was launched in Nairobi earlier this year.

Meanwhile, DT Dobie, the franchise holder for the Mercedes-Benz brand, has launched the S-Class S500, a top-of-the-range luxury model.

The vehicle costs between Sh20 million and Sh27 million.

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BUSINESS

THURsday, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Sasini’s for tourism and agriculture Sasini Limited has expressed its unlimited support for the country’s tourism and agriculture industries as it continues to leave positive marks in both sectors.

The company, a leading processor of tea and coffee, hosted their valued customers and stakeholders for breakfast at the refurbished Savanna Coffee Lounge in Sameer Park, along Mombasa Road on Wednesday.

In a breakfast meeting that introduced the company’s newly appointed Managing Director, Mr. Moses Changwony, the firm was proud to host the recently crowned Miss World Kenya 2014, Miss Earth Kenya 2014, Afro Fusion singer Suzanna Owiyo and the Managing Director Kenyatta International Convention

Centre, Mr. Fred Simiyu.

Sasini held that the beauty queens would serve as Kenya’s brand ambassadors.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Changwony said that earnings from agriculture exports contribute highly to the country’s economy, particularly touching on earnings from the export of tea and coffee.

“Agriculture is a dominant sector in the Kenyan economy accounting to 25 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector is the largest contributor of foreign exchange through export earnings from tea and coffee,” said Mr. Changwony.

“Locally, tea and coffee are preferred drinks of choice for many. Tea and coffee are the second highest

consumed beverages after water in Kenya,” he added.

Kenya is the largest exporter of black tea in the world, exporting about 95 per cent of the country’s total tea production.

The country prides itself as the best producer of black tea, contributing an estimated at about 27 per cent of the world’s tea trade.

Local coffee is also a source of pride for the country with Kenya being ranked as the biggest global exporter of premium Arabica coffee.

“Tea and coffee from Kenya is of very high quality and is ranked among the best in the world with coffee and tea brewers preferring to blend coffee from other countries with Kenyan grown coffee,” noted the MD.

VACANCY X News is East Africa’s 1st Free Newspaper, Nairobi’s 2nd Largest Newspaper and Kenya’s only evening Newspaper.

According to IPSOS research, X News has captured the highly sought after demographic of the young, affluent, urban reader.

70% of X News readers are YOUTH, 90% are LSM 8+ and over 50% are LSM 12+ We don’t live in the past, we don’t publish old news and we are looking for high achievers to shape the future of media.

ETIQUETTE: Savanna staff pose on a red carpet during the breakfast event. INSET: Sasini Managing Director, Mr. Moses Changwony speaks to guests and stakeholders at the Savanna Coffee Lounge.

infrastructure

Security meeting to help protect East Africa’s energy resources from terrorists International Research Networks (IRN), an organiser of senior-level summits, high-profile meetings, and training courses plans to host a forum to address the growing threat of terrorism on East Africa’s energy infrastructure.

The event will be held in February 2015 in Nairobi.

IRN officials say the forum will help delegates from East African nations to share intelligence with senior level experts in the energy industry and relevant Governmental bodies on how to

protect their ports and offshore assets, develop defence plans for vessels coming through through high risk areas, prevent pipeline sabotage, while selecting the most advanced security systems to match their security needs.

The forum will also help them learn how to effectively cooperate with local communities and improve information sharing between neighbouring states.

The forum has attracted heads of security, risk managers, analysts from companies like Vivo Energy

cityscape

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News

NSSF building

Soaring 102.72 metres above the ground into Nairobi’s skyline, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) building is presently the presently third tallest skyscraper in the city, as other structures like UAP Towers near their completion.

Also known as Social Security House, the 28-floor structure is located right at the Kenyatta Avenue-Ngong Road junction, though its main entrance is accessed through Bishops Road. The building was completed in 1973 to become one of the tallest buildings after Hilton Hotel at the time.

J.E.D.Nyaseme & Associates were the chief architects while the main contractor was Mugoya Construction & Engineering LTD. The building’s mainly used for commercial office letting. It houses the NSSF Trust headquarters.

Africa, Maersk Kenya, Puma Energy South Africa, the Institute of Security Studies Kenya, and the Kenya Ports Authority among others.

The event will include a case study on the threat posed by terrorist groups argeting the oil and gas industry.

The forum comes at a time when Iraq and Syria’s economies and oil stock markets have are facing disruptions mainly caused by the presence of the militant group known as the Islamic State.

Thursday november 6, 2014

ACCESS

SoCiAl mEdiA hAS mAdE uS lESS SoCiAl

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OMG

Topstory

ThE TrAgEdy of blind fAiTh

how can so many people be that foolish?

Photo/JichoPevu

‘I can assure you that even after this uncloaking, come Sunday, Kanyari’s followers will still go to church and take his side’

Last Sunday, Kenya was treated to a scene from what could have passed for a Hollywood block buster, only it was true.

A man, trusted to lead his congregation in worship, one Bishop and self-proclaimed Prophet Victor Kanyari turned out to be a con artist, a liar and a fraud.

The story of this ‘man of God’ did not start yesterday. Actually Kanyari was first unmasked last year in October by NTV’s Dennis Okari in an expose titled Seeds of sin. At the time, Kanyari and his mother, a self-proclaimed prophetess, Lucy Nduta, were caught on camera duping gullible faithful.

That discovery, however, did not hold him back, and last Sunday the Mohammed Ali and John Allan Namu duo unmasked the man’s deceptive ways yet again.

How can this man fool so many people, this many times? According to Dr Munira Zaid, a practicing Psychotherapist, there is a long list of reasons topmost being the quest for hope.

“Human beings have a need to believe, hope and be motivated, which they seek in church but unfortunately they have to pay for it dearly,” adds Martin Mumo, a Catholic monk. In the expose, Kanyari is shown as manipulative and even devious but he still has followers.What gives?

Dr Zaid says People need to have some form of hope to keep them going, however unrealistic that hope may be. It is a case of clutching onto straw which you know will never support you— It’s better than nothing.

Unfortunately, because of poverty and dire circumstances that many Kenyans find themselves in, they sometimes driven by ‘hope’.

Also, because illiteracy is commonplace, the victims often never read nor watch the news, and even when they have heard what happened, they can easily be convinced that the media is unreliable and biased.

Some people have been job-hunting for ages but they will get into debt for the sake of the church. They are manipulated by the phrase ‘a hand that gives receives’. Faithful hold fundraisings to harmonize money to buy their preachers cars, build them houses, pay for their missionary works or even send them on theological studies.

Meanwhile, they languish in poverty and diseases as their pastors get nourished.

“I can assure you that even after this uncloaking, come Sunday, Kanyari’s followers will still go to church and take his side,” said a distraught Moses Ouma.

But are the con artistes solely to blame?

Not entirely.

It takes two to tango. James Mbatia thinks such preachers should not be judged because no one is a saint anyway. “This is a man eat man society. People find what they can use to get an income and seize the chance.” He also adds that Kanyari and his mother do not hold a gun to anyone’s head to “sow a seed”.

Just like the law, the good book has been misinterpreted or interpreted to fit certain circumstances.

Today, church is no longer a place of worship where people seek solace and hope but a market overfilled with all kinds of traders. It is a thriving business hive.

One does not need a degree in theology for them to qualify as preachers. Cram a couple of verses from the Bible or speak in ‘tongues’ and the pulpit is all yours. No one will question you.

For many, God and religion are their only source of comfort, and so, it is very difficult for them to question anything in that realm. religion is often their only security, everything else is unreliable, and any person who claims their connection with the divine becomes a source of comfort.

The manipulators know this weakness and they use it to their advantage. And the average Kenyan “wants” to believe them So, Kanyari was exposed...it too shall pass.

Unfortunately, their are people out there who believe faith can never be shaken.

Just ask Job (of the Bible)!

Lupita Nyong’o named woman of the year Lupita Nyong’o has been named Glamour Magazine woman of the year. This is the second time the beauty has been recognised on a global pedestle. Earlier in the year, she was named, People Magazine’s Most Beautiful Person 2014. Lupita graces the cover of the Glamour Magazine December issue and talks about her rapid rise to fame.

SoCiAliTE in jAil for PornogrAPhy Desire Luzinda is a Ugandan singer and socialite whose nude photos and sex tape were this week circulated online. The socialite’s photos were posted by her ex- Nigerian boyfriend, Franklin Emuobor. A jilted lover, with access to nude photos of you and the internet is generally a recipe for disaster, and the songstress has learned this the hard way. Now, the socialite faces jail time after the Ugandan minister for Ethics and Integrity asked police to arrest her for violating the anti-pornography law.

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YOLO

Yolo

THURSDAY, novembeR 6, 2014

Hottopics

Rihanna back on Instagram

Betty Bayo

‘I fainted when I heard about my wayward husband’s bad manners’

In an interview with a local daily, Betty Bayo said she fainted when she heard the antics that her husband, Pastor Victor Kanyari had been up to. “I fainted. I couldn’t believe it. When I am with him, 95 per cent of his talk is about church and the gospel,” said the artiste. Bayo stated that she was not aware of her husband’s activities because they both had different ministries.

She has since softened about leaving her husband and says she will fast and pray for her husband because their vows read ‘for better or for worse’. This could be the worse part!

In May, Rihanna’s Instagram was shut down because of a topless photo she posted. Instagram is strict about pornography and found Rihanna’s on the border line. The singer had apparently been warned numerous times but did not heed the call to pull down the offending photo. Months later, the singer’s account is back up and she could not be happier. To celebrate her comeback, Rihanna posted two photos with the hashtags, #badgalback #RIHunited. Welcome back to Instagram Rihanna. We hope she will behave this time!

Nyongwa video launch was hot

Fans were electrocuted Tuesday night by highly energized performances by local artistes during the launch of Madtraxx and Mejja’s video for their recent hit Nyongwa.

Fans went wild when Big-Pin stormed the stage performing his One Girl piece.

Sir Godizzo rocked the house

with his powerful Online track leaving the audience yearning for more. Gospel fans were not shunned, as Dr. Goya drove demons out with his Ni Yesu performance. Finally, Madtraxx and Mejja lived up to the spirit of the fans performing Nyongwa, which incidentally ended the vibrant night by strangling it out!

Simphiwe

Hotdate

SIMPHIWE, ATEMI& AMILEENA AFRO-SOUL TREAT THIS SUNDAY The fourth edition of the Koroga Festival is set to go down this Sunday and as usual there is an exciting line-up of artistes to perform.

South African music sensation, Simphiwe Dana is the headliner of the event. She is hailed as the new Miriam Makeba and from her music style, which blends Afro-soul, Jazz, rap with blues and her exquisite vocals, one is able to see why.

Her latest album, Firebrand, has been a great success with the song Nzima being the favourite among her fans.

Kenyan artistes Amileena and the soulful Atemi will also perform at the event. On the decks will be DJ Protégé and the renowned DJ Adrian.

The event will be held at the Arboretum Grounds, advance tickets are going for Sh 1500 and at the gate Sh2, 000.

The show is sponsored by Capital FM.

Amileena

Atemi

HAS SOcIAL MEDIA

made us less social?

We all hail technology as a great thing—it has made the world a global village. One can easily talk to someone who is miles and miles away by the click of a button.

Everywhere you turn there is another new platform for people to chat and get to know each other online.

It has now become the norm for people to document their every move on social media, “I just woke up, about to have breakfast, Beautiful day ahead, #Sunnyday #ihavearunningstomach”, and so on.

But how good is this social media that we rely on every minute of the day? For most of us, when we wake up the first thing we do is check our phones for notifications and see who did what or who was caught out with

who. When you pour out your life on social media you forget to live it.

We complain about people posting their breakups, food pictures and jet setting ways online while when faced with similar situations, we would do the same. This trend has mostly made us anti-social.

For instance, when couples go out for a date these days, instead of talking and enjoying each other’s company, its no shock to see them glued to their phones-exchanging a total 10 words between each other.

Yes it is that bad.

How then can we become social again? By putting our phones down.

This is because life goes on when we are constantly bowed on our gadgets.

Also, you could get a nasty neck ache from all that bending! Before Social

media, people used to go out and meet people.

In matatus people would look up and start conversations. But now things are different, when you get into a matatu the old and young alike are glued to their phones.

Nobody looks up even when the tout is asking for money they just hand it out, eyes still fixed on the glowing screens in their palms.

It is no different when you call a family gathering or a chama and the first question is whether you have Wifi!

Social media platforms were started as a means to connect people but it has now departed from that function. It is safe to say that social media is gradually turning antisocial.

Trending

The University of Nairobi will hold its International Student’s Day at the Nairobi Central Catering Unit (CCU) tomorrow from 2pm.

The event is a platform for international students to mingle and get to know the local students.

Local students also get an opportunity to learn about other cultures from different countries.

You never know, you might get an opportunity to travel the world and experience new countries just by making a connection at the event.

Is higher education provoking suicide?

Universities have in recent times been in the news with their students committing suicide. Is the work in school too much to handle? Is it the pressure outside the class that makes life unbearable? Yesterday, a KU student was found dead in her room and police suspect suicide. Why she opted for this way out was not entirely known but police are looking in to the matter.

Condolences to her family.

Flamboyant SONU chairman Babu Owino led students from the University of Nairobi, Upper Kabete campus in a protest march to The Kenya Veterinary Board (VBK) and Engineering Regulation Board of Kenya (ERB) offices to voice their discontent. The students were unhappy with the way the respective boards were handling the accreditation of degrees. Babu claimed that the students were being frustrated by the officers from the two boards for no apparent reason. The ERB does not accredit certain courses from the University of Nairobi leaving students who have studied for this course hanging without jobs. The VBK board on the other hand does not pay the students for internship. The students want money paid for services rendered while doing internship.

The march was peaceful a departure from their usual rowdy strikes. The students dressed in their lab coats were chanting, singing and carrying placards announcing their demands Were they heard or will they have to go on rampage?

Careerchat

St. Paul University has added set up new hostels at their main campus in Limuru. We all know how finding a place to live outside school can be a hustle and expensive and these new hostels are a welcome relief.

The hostels are state-of-the-art, with study spaces, and fitted with built in cupboards. Students are expected to move in to the new hostels this month. However, the students will have to fork out an extravagant Sh, 40,000 a semester to enjoy the facilities. This development comes barely two weeks after one of the university’s student Dennis Chirwa, son to the Malawian High Commissioner to Kenya, was killed by armed thugs as he headed home after a night out.

thursday, november 6, 2014

BABU lEAdS StUdEntS’ ProtESt MArCh

International Students Day at the UON

St Paul University swanky new hostels

CAMPUS VIBE | 9

Abigael Wambui is no walk over. She has broken the glass ceiling and created a niche for herself in the male-dominated Engineering industry. She is a Structural Engineer at Gath Consulting and is always up and ready to face any challenge. She tells XAccess about her job in a male dominated field.

SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS XA: What does your job entail?

AW: My job is about designing structures. Basically the architect designs the desired structure for the client, then I mathematically make it happen. I decide whether the desired structure is realistic and practical or whether the architect was being too ambitious.

I have to ensure bases, slabs, columns, beams etc are properly designed to serve the purpose of the structure.

XA: How many hours do you work in a day?

AW: My job is an 8-5 job. Of course there are the days that I have had to leave the office later than usual due to deadlines.

XN: How much do you earn?

AW: Who can confidently say that they are paid enough? I am not complaining.

XA: What qualifications do you need for your job?

AW: One would definitely need to have studied Bachelor of Science in Civil and Structural Engineering.

I am not too sure of whether someone would get my job with just a diploma seeing as nowadays even a Masters sometimes is never good enough.

XA: Was this your dream career?

AW: I would not say it was my dream career but it always did intrigue me. I always enjoyed creating something from nothing.

And here I am (smiles).

XA: Does your job interfere with your social life?

AW: Yes and No. When I’m too busy, I end up disappearing into my work and forget to have a life.

So I have to consciously remind myself to keep in touch with my friends and family.

XA: What is the best part about your job?

AW: Seeing an empty or just bare land transform into something beautiful, something useful a purposeful structure and to top it off knowing that you are the brains behind it… it is a very rewarding feeling.

XA: What is the worst part about your job?

AW: The worst part is not being taken seriously sometimes. I would say that some people in the construction industry really believe that this career is not for women so in the end they knowingly or unknowingly try to put us women down (sighs).

XA: Advice for people who want to venture into your line of work.

AW: If civil engineering is neither your passion nor your interest, I would advise against trying it out. It is not a joke. It takes up lots of your time and may hurt your social life.

Do not follow the crowds, rather do what you want.

10 |

FASHION

THURSDAY, novembeR 6, 2014

Fashionfix

URBAN COOL JACKETS Ultimate urban fab fashion house, Wan Fam, has released yet another collectio.

The new collection features only jackets; plain ones made from the Khaki fabric and chequered ones made from the Maasai Shuka fabric.

They are all lined on the inside with velvet fabric for comfort and warmth and have high end rib on the cuffs and at the bottom for class and style while the inside pockets have epaulets.

The new collection continues fashion house’s urbanchic theme, which appeals to the lovers of the hip-hop urban look.

Whether you are looking to be cool or is just cold these are jackets you simply can not ignore.

Top

Socialites Huddah Monroe At Number 2 is the socialite we all love to hate but yet we still can’t get enough of— Huddah Monroe the boss lady! Patience is a virtue that was not bestowed upon this girl. She tweets, facebooks and says stuff without thinking them through first and mostly embarrasses herself; but that is what makes her Huddah.

She is just naturally and legally ‘blonde’.

Vera Sidika

The new collection features only jackets; plain ones made from the Khaki fabric and chequered ones made from the Maasai Shuka fabric.

Our number 1 crown goes to.... “drum rolls please”... Queen Vee, also known as Vera Sidika. With a weave worth some Sh450,000 on her head and shoes Sh300, 000 on her feet; she is bound to be at the top of any socialite top list.

Vee says she is a model, fashionista,

Corazon Kwamboka

video vixen, event planner, art and design freak, interior designer and a painter. She recently went 50 shades lighter and prides in having killer ‘fundamentals’. To Vee, money is not a problem, explaining why she spoils herself rotten!

At number 3 sits the voluptuous Corazon Kwamboka who is giving Queen Vee stiff competition when it comes to the earlier mentioned ‘fundamentals’. She is new in the industry and is already giving other socialites a run for their money. She is a lawyer by profession and a part time model.

She belives shee is the most sought after model in Kenya. She brags of having real ‘assets’ ,which she got from her mama.

PLAY |11

forecast

THURsday, NovemBER 6, 2014

HOROSCOPES capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

The planetary configurations correspond to a search for space, whether physical or intellectual. You may be asking yourself philosophical questions, or perhaps you’re thinking of taking a long trip. What will you decide to do? Will you read Kant or plan a trip to China?

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

In navigating the seas of your emotional life, Aquarius, you may feel as though you’ve made a great effort over the past month. You’ve been available and conciliatory and have done your best to maintain harmony.

With today’s celestial energy, you want to be more spontaneous.

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

With today’s celestial configuration, your emotional universe will once again glow with positive energy. You will be meeting more people, and your encounters are likely to be more profound. The coming weeks are quite promising for you, Pisces.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

For you, Aries, the changing planetary configuration portends a period of timidity. You will probably go out less, introduce yourself to fewer new people, and be less prone to show off.

But any relationships you form will be much more intense than usual.

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

You may have spent the past few weeks exploring new horizons, meeting new people, going out more frequently in the evening, or even making short trips away from home.

But this is a moment to settle down.

Today’s celestial configuration is giving you the incentive you need to stabilize yourself.

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

Perhaps you should reestablish contact with some former friends, too, although you may find that you have some bonds to repair. In any case, you can expect another month devoted to sweeping the cobwebs out of your emotional universe in order to let in sunlight and promise.

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

Today, Cancer, you can expect to be somewhat more enterprising in your relationships. You may find new friends or enjoy spending quality time with some old ones. Perhaps you will look forward to an intensification of your love life. With today’s planetary configuration, you will surely find excellent resources for improving your emotional well-being.

Vote for your winning pick of today’s top three instamoments (below) by sending an email with the picture number to news@x-news.co.ke

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

Recent aspects have allowed you to affirm yourself at work and, in a more general way, cement some aspects of your personality. Now you will be consolidating things. It’s as if you’ve conceived of a product, created it, and are now finally ready to put it on the market.

2

1

virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

Today’s planetary aspects herald the beginning of an especially agreeable period. You will carry confidence, clarity, and positive influence wherever you go, Virgo. You’ve used up a lot of your reserves recently and made it to this stage just in the nick of time.

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

Today’s planetary configurations indicate that this would be a good moment to get rid of everything that’s still holding you back from an impending rebirth, Libra. One stumbling block for you may be the impulse that you seem to have to blend in with others.

’s o ayhot d er p st ing e Y nn i w

ng s i n n in tio W p ca

scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

Today’s planetary configurations indicate that you can expect a very profitable period coming up, Scorpio.

You’ve worked hard lately, and it’s only natural that you should finally arrive at this stage. You’re going to be able to measure the distance you’ve come, and above all, evaluate your power.

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

Today’s aspects ask you to make more of an effort, Sagittarius. You will have to come back down to Earth and join the rest of us mere mortals. You may be cultivating your independence a bit too much. It pulls you away from people.

1. Send a caption for the photo above to news@x-news. co.ke. The winning caption gets published on this page.

1. Everything changed when the Spalding balls attacked - Juliet Wangeci, Nairobi.

2. When you try to get a job in this economy - Eric Alphonse, Nairobi.

3. His team should change their name to the ‘Faces’ - Benson Miriri, Nairobi.

sudoku

The Woman Who Lost Her Soul

mustread

— by Bob Shacochis

Yesterday’s solution Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeated.

yoursay

3

Humanitarian lawyer Tom Harrington travels to Haiti to investigate the murder of photojournalist Jackie Scott.

Once he arrives in Haiti, he finds more than he expected; Tom is greeted by a place riddled with poverty, danger, corruption and voodoo.

He travelled to Haiti at a time when there was widespread kidnappings, guerrilla warfare and secrets everywhere you go. Scott was more invested in Haiti than Tom originally thought. Tom must now go into his past and re-examine his interactions with Scott and the ones when had with Eville Burnette who was assigned to protect her.

Adopt prudent ways of ending varsity strikes Slapping hefty fines on university students for losses incurred during demonstrations is not the answer.

Instead, the concerned parties must seek alternative solutions to addressing students’ grievances (JKUAT fines students as it reopens November 5, 2014).

Students rampage have for years led to damage of public and institution property. The students are usually fined but the strikes have remained the basic avenue of airing their grievances.

Some female students and other members of the public have also

been raped by the murderous students. The psychological trauma caused to victims cannot be healed by the fines.

Members of the public do not get full compensation for their destroyed cars, shops or business stalls.

It is mediaeval to watch as young, educated youth damage property whenever they feel aggrieved.

Universities must find lasting solutions to the strikes.

Creating buffers to cushion the demonstrations can help. The strikes do not occur out of the

blues. They are planned and must be foiled or averted through dialogue.

Striking only tarnishes the image of an institution and education that is meant to free the mind to alternative ways of doing business.

THURsday, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

THURsday, November 6, 2014

Sport

Agents blamed for rising drugs mess in Kenya Kenyan athlete Mathew Kisorio, who was banned for two years for testing positive for anabolic steroids, returned to competition last month.

His return coincides with marathoner Rita Jeptoo’s failed drug test after she tested positive to a banned Erythropoietin test.

She has since applied to have a B sample tested.

But of major concern is the fact that the two athletes share a coach in Claudio Berardelli.

The Italian also handles other Kenyans, including former 800m world champion Janeth

Jepkosgei, World 800m champion Eunice Sum and Commonwealth 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist, among others. Sources says more names will be revealed of athletes whose samples have tested positive.

“Taking performanceenhancing drugs is a common phenomenon… more names have been leaked. My question is why no action is taken on coaches who are the perpetrators? posed an athlete.

“In athletics circles, we know the name of positive samples, some of the name are shocking, but when one

or two names come from the same coach, something should be done,” said the athlete.

Berardelli exonerated himself from blame, saying he was also surprised by the news. Berardelli said if Jeptoo is proved guilty, he will cut off professional links with her.

“This is probably something inside Kenya, not outside,” he said.

Earlier this week, Athletics Kenya President Isaiah Kiplagat said tough action will be taken against agents and managers representing Kenyans who fail drugs tests.

THE FOREIGN TOUCH: Kenya’s 800m star Janeth Jepkosgei with her Italian coach Claudio Berardelli (centre). Foreign coaches have been blamed for the growing cases of doping test failure among Kenyan athletes.

Another gun drama for football star Days after laying to rest of former South Africa football captain Senzo Meyiwa, gunmen have robbed the parents of another Bafana Bafana player, Sibusiso Vilakazi.

This happened while the player was sleeping at their Johannesburg home, in an attack he claims was targeted at him.

The attack came just under a week after Meyiwa was gunned down in what police said was a robbery that went “horribly wrong”.

Police and the midfielder for the national team Bafana Bafana said the robbers held up his family at gunpoint at his parents’ house in Soweto township and stole an array of valuables.

The burglars stormed and asked for Vilakazi by name as he slept in a back room.

“Those people knew what they wanted. They came looking for me,” the 24-year-old who captains local club Bidvest Wits said.

The robbers also asked his parents to hand over his

car keys before making off with cellphones, cash, a television set, his parents’ wedding rings and clothing.

“Everything happened when I was sleeping and I didn’t hear anything,” said Vilakazi. “Imagine if I woke up and went in what would have happened.”

Vilakazi’s teammate Meyiwa was shot dead while visiting his girlfriend last week in another suburb of Johannesburg, in a attack that shocked the crimeweary nation.

14 |

SPORT

THURsday, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

We’ll bring the cup home, Jerim

Gor Maha captain Jerim Onyango has no doubt his side will make it right when they play KRA on Saturday in the Kenyan Premier League season finale.

The build up to the match has revolved around season finale two years ago when club diehards watched in astonishment when then favourites Gor Mahia drew 1-1 with Thika United in a match need to win to win 2012 title. Tusker instead beat Nairobi City stars 3-0 to retain national title.

The script is the same this year with Jerim saying similar mistakes cannot be allowed to creep in again and spoil the party.

“The scenario is very much the same, difference is this time our challengers are Sofapaka and not Tusker. At the end of the day we want to remain champions,” he said.

“We couldn’t want to see our fans going back to 2012 again, I know it was hard to take, time to show we have risen higher from that mess,” he continued.

Going to the finals match, Gor and Sofapaka are separated by a solitary point with a possibility of

Controversial French striker Nicolas Anelka suffered a heavy defeat in India after his return to action Tuesday following a five-match ban for an ...

either of them being the 2014 champions.

“It doesn’t matter what is happening elsewhere. We simply want to pick up three points regardless of Sofapaka’s results against Tusker,” he said.

Ahead of the season finale, Kenyan leaders are leading by example tonight (Thursday) as they put away their differences to see the success of a fundraiser for the Gor Mahia team.

In the front line is President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto and leader Raila Odinga in the event seeking to help the champions get sponsorship from Kenyans in preparation for the 2015 season that will see them in a better position to run their endeavours.

This comes as a lesson to all the football fans who ought to follow the path that our leaders are taking in being real sports men and ensuring that we enjoy a good sports environment by doing away with hooliganism and setting good examples to the young fans.

Former England keeper in Auction spree Retired England goalkeeper David James is to auction hundreds of items of football memorabilia collected during his career.

James, who played for Liverpool, Aston Villa,

West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth, was declared bankrupt in May. Among the items being sold through Londonbased auctioneer Hilco are 150 signed shirts, shorts

and match balls.

Also being sold is James’s customised Astra van and Raleigh Chopper bikes.

The 44-year-old won 53 England caps during a career that also saw spells

at Watford, Bristol City and Bournemouth and is currently goalkeeper and manager of Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters FC. Bids for his possessions,

which also include exercise and DJ equipment, vinyl records, books and toys, are being accepted from 6th to 18th November.

Shirts including an England home kit signed by the

team, and a bright pink Portsmouth goalkeeper’s jersey, are expected to sell for upwards of Sh4,3807,300.

Kenya Cup returns this weekend The rugby 15s season kicks off this Saturday with action in the top tier Kenya Cup league, the second tier Nationwide League and the Eric Shirley Shield reserve league.

The Kenya Cup has incorporated several new innovations heading into the new season. Reintroduction of Friday night rugby, the introduction of double headers as well as the live broadcast of several selected fixtures throughout the season in liaison with the Kenya Rugby Union’s broadcast

partner Zuku.

KCB, Pan Africa Strathmore Leos and Lunch Bar Quins as well as sides such as Homeboyz, Resolution Impala Saracens, Total Nondies, Western Bulls and Mwamba are all looking to finish in the top four at the close of the regular season and qualify for the league semi-finals. Blak Blad, Mean Machine, Mombasa as well as the debutants Kabras Sugar and Catholic Monks will look to upstart the apple cart. It’s expected to be an interesting Kenya Cup season.

HIGH OCTANE: National 15s captain Wilson K’opondo (with ball) evades a tackle by Uganda’s Martial Tchumkan during an Elgon Cup match. The Kenya Cup 15 season gets underway this weekend.

SPORT| 15

THURsday, NovemBER 6, 2014

Photo/Jeff Kinyanjui

Kenya to build IRB class rugby stadium In a bid to lure a future bids for the annual hosting of IRB Sevens World Series events, Kenya Rugby Union has announced plans to set up a purpose-built rugby stadium.

KRU said in a statement the project is an initiative

by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology, Dr Fred Matiang’i, assisted by his Sports, Art & Culture counterpart Dr Hassan Wario will take charge of the project implementation.

“There is so much goodwill from the rest of the world to come to a Series round held in Kenya and even if that doesn’t happen now, it will

be in the very near future. The country should concentrate on putting up ideal facilities,” said Muthee.

He said Government support had included commitment to build a rugby-purpose complex and efforts over the project were ongoing. Critics say lack of a rugby stadium may have denied Kenya hosting rights for the 2015/2016 IRB Sevens World Series.

The Kenya bid was based on hosting the championship in the 60,000-sitter Kasarani Stadium which has a tartan running track around a football pitch.

Organisers gave conflicting attendance numbers during the three-day tournament after sponsors Safaricom to undertake major renovations. That worked against Kenya. France, Canada and Singapore instead won the rights.

BIG AMBITIONS: Kenya morans take on South Africa’s Boland during the recently held Safaricom Sevens tournament. The Kenya Rugby Union is planning to set up a purpose-built rugby stadium.

Kenya eyes growth after inclusion in grand prix For the second year running, Kenya and Algeria national women’s volleyball teams will represent Africa in the 2015 World Grand Prix. The event is set for June 22nd to July 12 and will be held in three countries.

Kenyan girls took position 5/8 in the group, and 25/28 overall in the tournament played in Mexico and Croatia this year.

National team coach David Lung’aho said being retained in the prestigious event shows Kenya has potential.

“It was a great learning experience for the girls this year, we look forward to more of the same in the coming years,” said Lung’aho.

Kenya is in Group 3 alongside Kazakhstan (19), Cuba (26), Mexico (27), Perú (23) Colombia (30), Algeria (25), and Australia (46).

Teams from Group 3 will begin a

week earlier from June 26–28 with the second round held from July 3–5.

Finals will take place in Australia from July 10–12.

Group 1 Finals will be held from July 22 to July 26 in Omaha, US. Group 2 matches for the 2015 campaign will begin on the weekend of July 3- 5 with the second round held a week later from July 10–12.

The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix was expanded to 28 countries for the first time in 2013 in an effort to spread the game into new territories.

Brazil won their 10th FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix title in 2014 with Japan winning their first ever medal in the tournament picking up silver.

Russia completed the podium by winning bronze, their 12th medal in the premier annual women’s volleyball tournament.

HUDDLE UP: The Kenya women’s volleyball team will be one of the two teams representing Africa in the 2015 World Grand Prix.

The other is Algeria.

Indian stays focused on Sh3.8b Windies demand

UNDER FIRE: West Indies players abandoned a tour of India over a pay dispute with their board. India’s cricket board wants Sh3.83b compensation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is determined it will pursue the Sh3.83billion demanded from the West Indies Cricket Board.

BCCI has placed a compensation bid after West Indies players abandoned a tour of India in October in a pay dispute with their board.

“There has been a direct and disastrous impact to India,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said.

“The collateral damage to the BCCI and its stakeholders is irreparable.”

West Indies left India four matches into a five-game one-day international series, with a Twenty20

and three Tests still to play.

“BCCI has always believed that all the fellow members of the cricketing fraternity are interdependent to grow this glorious game and West Indies in particular has been an integral part of our fabric,” Patel said.

“We tried our level best to survive the series and I had to personally dash to Kochi before the first ODI to intervene and ensure that the match took place.

“WICB chose to ignore the consequences at that stage and created an avoidable situation.”

Sofapaka won’t play under pressure, says coach Sofapaka head coach Sam Timbe says his players are not under pressure compared with fellow title challengers Gor Mahia going into Saturday’s season finale.

The 2009 champions Batoto ba Mungu will play Tusker in the final day of the campaign as K’Ogalo host Kenya Revenue Authority. Gor top the table on 57 points, one adrift of Sofapaka.

Loss to Gor and Sofapaka stop brewers’ will hand Sofapaka her second league win.

“Football is about luck and taking chances, playing under pressure can work for you in both ways, mostly it does a lot of damages if you ask me,” said Timbe.

“We have played AFC Leopards twice in a short time in the cup competition and league and also against Gor. Winning them all is a show of composure.

“I believe we can do it again in the final match,” he said.

The coach says they need to do their job and hope for favours from KRA on Saturday.

“The team that will remain focused on Saturday will win the title. To my players, let us think about our match,” he said.

16 |

SPORT

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Messi levels Raul record, City flop Bordeaux coach: African players lack intelligence and discipline Bordeaux coach Willy Sagnol has been heavily criticised after saying African players are “powerful” but suggesting they lack intelligence and discipline.

Sagnol, 37, said: “The advantage of the typical African player is that they are cheap... ready to fight.”

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud said the comments were misinterpreted. “We are not talking about the IQs of these players, but intelligence on the game. It has nothing to do with their IQs or ability as athletes,” he added.

Sagnol’s former France team-mate Lilian Thuram said the comments were “damaging”, while SOS Racisme described them as “uninhibited anti-black racism”.

The anti-racism group urged “immediate sanctions”.

CLASS: Messi heads into the Ajax goal for his 70th Champions League goal last night. He later scored his 71st to equal Raul’s all-time Champions League goalscoring record.

Lionel Messi drew level with Raul’s all-time Champions League record of 71 goals after scoring twice in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory against Ajax.

Messi scored in the 36th minute with a soft header while his 71st goal in the competition came after he linked with substitute Pedro in the 76th minute. Barca are through to the last 16. Bayern Munich

also progressed, beating Roma 2-0 to maintain their perfect record, while Porto won by the same scoreline at Athletic Bilbao.

It was a miserable night for English sides with City’s European stock hitting new lows. Nineman Manchester City lost 2-1 at home to CSKA Moscow to slip to the bottom of Group E while Chelsea missed a penalty

in a 1-1 draw at Maribor in Group G. Sporting Lisbon came from behind to beat Schalke 4-2, while Luiz Adriano scored a second-half hat trick to help Shakhtar Donetsk humiliate BATE Borisov 5-0 and stay second behind Porto in Group H. PSG beat Apoel Nicosia 1-0 to remain a point ahead of Barcelona. Edinson Cavani scored the only goal

of a scrappy game after just 57 seconds. Manchester City is on the verge of tumbling out of the group stage following two goals from Seydou Doumbia either side of a Yaya Toure free kick.

City’s halftime substitute Fernandinho was sent off in the 70th for two bookable offences, and Toure followed for pushing Roman Eremenko.

“It’s very difficult to understand

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why we played so badly,” City coach Manuel Pellegrini said.

“Really, we didn’t play. The first half especially,” he stressed.

City are two points behind CSKA and Roma. Chelsea still leads Group G with eight points, three ahead of Schalke, with Sporting a point further back following its first win of the tournament this season.

Maribor has three points.