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MONday,DeceMBER 15, 2014

juliani’s girlfriend, actress brenda wairimu, is expectant P.7

eXtra.sharp Monday 15.12.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke

SPORT

Thika United axe five players, name interim head coach | P.12

S Africa pip Kenya in Pepsi World T20 Cricket Qualifiers | P.14

Sydney cafe in Westgate-style terrorist attack

Hundreds of police officers have shut down a usually bustling area in Australia’s most populous city of Sydney after a gunmen held an unknown number of people hostage in a local café. At least one armed hostage taker is holding up people in the café in a dramatic incident akin to last year’s Westgate attack in Nairobi.

Chilling images from local media showed people, believed to be hostages, with their hands pressed against the glass of the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Sydney’s central business district.

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NEWS

MONday, DeceMber 15, 2014

Cafe suffers Westgate-style terror raid From Page 1 Footage showed them holding up a black flag with Arabic writing on it that reads: “There is no God but God and Mohammed is the prophet of God.” Already three people have fled the café amid the crisis. They were seen running out of the cafe and “are now out of the building and they are now with police,” said New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn, declining to give details about whether they escaped or were let go.

Authorities said many of the details about the situation remained unclear, including the number of people inside the cafe and the motivations of the hostage taker.

“We don’t know whether this is politically motivated, although obviously there are some indications that it could be,” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters.

The Islamic writing on the banner stoked fears that the crisis in Sydney could be linked to extremists. Australia, which is part of the international coalition fighting the terrorist group ISIS in the Middle East, said in September that it had foiled a plot by Islamic

militants to carry out a public execution.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said it wasn’t yet clear whether the situation at the cafe was a terrorist event but that police are on “a footing that would be consistent with a terrorist alert.”

Burn said police negotiators are now in contact with a hostage taker, who appears to have taken staff and customers captive as people were heading to work on Monday morning in the Martin Place area.

Chris Kenny, an editor at The Australian newspaper, said he was at the cafe Monday morning but left shortly before the siege started.

“As police quickly swarmed and cleared the area, I turned to see a man against the window, facing out with his hands raised,” he wrote in his account of the incident. “At first I was relieved thinking this was the gunman responding to police -but soon the awful realisation the customers were being forced against the windows.”

Police barricaded off streets and evacuated buildings near the cafe, bringing an eerie quiet to a district typically buzzing with pedestrians and vehicles.

HARROWING EXPERIENCE: A hostage runs towards a police officer outside Lindt cafe, where other hostages are being held, in central Sydney, Australia.

Crane hiccup mars Dutch man’s wedding proposal

WILL YOU MARRY ME? A hired crane smashes into a house at IJsselstein, The Netherlands, during an unusual marriage proposal by a man who wished to be lifted to the bedroom window of a girlfriend to pitch his wish. No one was injured in the crash

A Dutchman’s unusual marriage proposal turned more weird when the crane he hired to lift him to the bedroom window of his fiancée mauled the roof of her neighbour.

The unidentified man from Ijsselstein town planned to make the proposal to his future wife who lives on the second floor of an apartment.

The Telegraph reports that an emergency official, Jelle Mulder, said the crane made more destruction as the controller tried to correct it.

“The crane the man wanted to use to propose fell on a house. During the attempt to right it, the crane unfortunately slipped and fell on the house again,” Mulder said.

Police said no one was injured in the incident, including the man, who scampered for safety.

The fiancé had planned to sing before popping the proposal question to his prospective wife, who accepted the proposal after the flaw.

They later flew to Paris for celebrations.

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NEWS | 3

MONDAY DeceMber 15, 2014

Juja road closed after improvised explosive scare

Scramble for investment slots in Africa: China versus US The United States and China are in a not-so-hidden struggle in a fight to win the hearts and minds of people in Africa.

The two titans have been competing for economic influence in Africa in recent years as the region continues to present more opportunities for investment.

In fact, a recent Pew Research Center survey shows that among the seven sub-Saharan African countries sampled this year, at least six-in-ten in each nation say they have a favourable view of the US. These nations include roughly 75 per cent or more in Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and

Senegal.

Many other African nations also rate China positively. The one exception is South Africa where just less than half the population expresses a favourable view of China, compared with 68 per cent who support the US. The study also discovered that a majority of Kenyans said America affects economic conditions in the country and an equal percentage said the same about China.

Among Kenyans who saw an American and Chinese impact on their economy, roughly 80 per cent said that impact was a good thing.

Officer shot dead, gun stolen in Dandora weekend attack

INSECURITY: Residents mill around a crime scene in a past incident in Dandora. A police officer was on Sunday night shot dead by suspected thugs and robbed of his gun in a robbery incident in Dandora.

A police officer was on Sunday night shot dead by suspected thugs and robbed of his gun in a robbery incident in Dandora.

The officer who was a corporal attached to a local Administration Police post was in the company of three others and had tried to arrest a suspect for questioning when he was shot. The deceased and his colleagues were on patrol in the area when they came across a gang of three that was mugging and robbing residents.

“There was a scuffle when the officer was trying to arrest a suspect who was terrorizing passers-by.

During the incident, the suspect whipped out his gun and shot the officer at

close range. We are doing everything we can to arrest those who were involved in the incident,” Police Spokeswoman Zipporah Mboroki said. A major manhunt was launched in the area although no arrest or recovery had been made by the time we went to press.

Elsewhere, a woman was last night shot and seriously wounded by police in Kayole. The victim was walking when a running battle between thugs and police ensued during which she was shot in the melee.

She was rushed to Mama Lucy hospital where she is admitted. Police say the thugs managed to escape to unknown place and efforts to get them are ongoing.

Police are investigating the origin of an Improvised Explosive Device that was found planted on the roadside at Mlango Kubwa along Juja Road. Juja Road was closed for hours this morning as experts from Bomb Disposal Unit arrived there to safely carry away the IED. Police say they are yet to know those who planted the device there and that they were alerted by the public who saw a freshly dug area. The device was found near where another one had been found early this year in the wake of increasing IEDs. The officers carried it away for disposal as a crowd surged.

Kenyan woman stranded in Libya dies One of the 16 Kenyan women who have been stranded in Libya since November has died.

She is understood to have been ailing for some time, according to her colleagues.

The women have been trying to leave Libya through a neighbouring country since the airport in Tripoli is inaccessible.

The women had been working in various fields in Tripoli but left their jobs following renewed conflict there.

The Kenyan mission in Libya was closed in July following approval of the Cabinet which cited the continued political instability in the country since the ouster of Muammar Gaddafi, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is involved in their evacuation.

What others said today...

Raila’s plan to revive ODM a head of 2017 polls: Cord leader Raila Odinfga has launched a rebrabding campaign to revamp and strengthen ODM and position him for a fourth stab at the presidency. According to details of the plan leaked to the Star, after new officials were confirmed two weeks ago, Raila moved quickly to create a new central committee to help the secretariat run the party on a day-tod-day basis...

Oil games rock Kenya’s dream Oil prices have been falling sharply over thepast few months, a a huge energy story that is sending economic and political shockwaves around the world. Oil exporting countries are bracing for poetentially crippling budget shortfalls and importing nations are benefiting from the lowest prices in many years. Producers are crying while consumers are laughing all the way to the pump...

Jubilee seeks to lower heat over security bill: The Jubilee government appears to have ceded some ground over the controversial security Laws (Amendments) Bill by inviting opponents to talks to seek consus on the proposed laws. The Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC), one of the harshest critics of the bill, had petitioned President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto over some clauses in the draft law...

Cord game plan to block security laws: After failing to derail the passage of the controversial Security Laws (Amendment) Bill in the Second Reading Stage last week, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) has now set up a technical team to draft amendments ahead of Thursday’s special sitting of the National Assembly...

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NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014

Christmas relief as fuel pump prices go down The Energy Regulatory Commission yesterday announced a further cut in fuel prices to give consumers a deserved Christmas relief following plummeting global prices of crude oil.

According to the new prices released on Sunday, Super petrol will retail at Sh102.01 after reducing by Sh4.79, while Diesel has gone down

by Sh3.67 to retail at Sh90.85 in Nairobi. Kerosene will now retail at Sh71.37.

The new prices take effect today and will be reviewed on January 14, 2015.

The reduction was announced even as motorists in Nairobi experienced a major fuel shortage attributed to the anticipation of the new prices by the dealers.

ERC Director General Joseph Ng’ang’a said the price reductions are a reflection of the reduction in the price crude oil in the international market. Ng’ang’a however,

says the reduction has not been reflected fully in the Kenyan market due to the open tendering system the country uses to source its fuel. “So it takes about a month for the impact to be felt,” he said.

The Kenyan shilling performing poorly against the dollar, he said, was another factor that stood in the way of greater reduction and the fact that Kenya does not import crude oil.

“Only 60 percent of the cost of production is affected by international prices. The balance of 40 percent consists of local taxes, levies, amongst other charges, which have remained constant,” Ng’ang’a told a news conference on Sunday. The ERC has also announced a 60 percent discount in electricity tariffs for the Nairobi County government between 6pm and 6am to enable authorities implement the street lighting

More on this story at

www.capitalfm.co.ke

EARLY CHRISTMAS: Super petrol will retail at Sh102.01 while Diesel will retail at Sh90.85 in Nairobi. Kerosene will now retail at Sh71.37.

project aimed at making the city a 24-hour economy.

The county government will therefore pay 4.36 Cents

per unit as opposed to the gazetted 11.25 cents.

“This just applies at night. If they choose to leave the street

lights on during the day, they should know the normal rate applies,” Ng’ang’a cautioned.

Memory lapses in learned people may signal future stroke risk, study shows

US reiterates commitment to help Kenya fight terrorism The US is committed to support Kenya in its fight against internal and external terror threats, Ambassador Robert Godec (pictured) has said.

Godec said today morning that the US government recognises the role Kenya is playing in restoring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa adding they will continue offering the necessary support to fight off Al Shabaab.

“Security is vital for both Kenya and the US; we deeply appreciate sacrifices Kenyans are making to restore peace in Somalia. US is working with Kenya to defeat Al Shabaab both in Kenya and Somalia. He said his country is currently

sharing information, providing equipment and necessary training to strengthen security agencies.

“We share information, we provide equipment and training; we do a lot to strengthen Kenyan institutions,” said Godec.

The ambassador said the Government must take caution as it seeks to pass the Security Bill currently in Parliament to secure citizens support in countering insecurity. “It’s good to balance having security with respect for human rights; It’s vitally important that there be trust and confidence between the security officers and communities,” the envoy said.

People with memory problems who have a university education could be at greater risk of a stroke, suggests research from the Netherlands.

In a study published in Stroke, they were found to have a 39 percent greater risk of stroke compared with those with a lower level of education, This could be because their early defences against cognitive decline have been eroded. Around 9,000 people in Rotterdam were tracked over 20 years.

They were all healthy and aged 55 and over. In a questionnaire, participants were asked if they had any issues with their memory.

By 2012, 1,134 strokes had occurred among the study group.

After analysing the results, researchers from Erasmus University Rotterdam found an increased risk of stroke in people who had earlier complained of memory lapses. But the risk of stroke was even higher if participants had a high level of education, defined as higher vocational education or

university training.

Arfan Ikram, associate professor of neuroepidemiology at Erasmus University, said that education was a good indicator of the brain’s ability to fight against cognitive damage, such as dementia.

This ability, known as cognitive reserve, is usually built up during childhood and early adulthood, and is thought to protect against damage to the brain.

He said: “In people with a high level of education, it takes longer for the brain to be damaged and for dementia to occur. “But if these people start complaining about their memory, then the mechanism is gone.

“This can be an indicator they have reached an advanced stage, when the cognitive reserve is not compensating anymore.”

As a result, Prof Ikram said, memory problems can be an important warning sign in this sub-group, “telling you to keep a watch on this person”.

Kenyatta urges women to expose criminals

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged women to support the government’s war on crime by exposing suspicious people within their communities.

He said women are capable of detecting bad elements hell bent on harming innocent Kenyans.

The President spoke during the annual thanksgiving ceremony to mark five golden years of women economic empowerment through Joyful Women Organisation (JOYWO), spearheaded by Rachael Ruto, the wife to his Deputy William Ruto, at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani.

He said: “I know you are capable of detecting those in the villages who sleep during the day while planning and engaging in unlawful activities at Night.” He said the real threat posed by terror can be effectively countered by unity and participation of all Kenyans.

Court orders Anti-Narcotics boss arrest A warrant of arrest has been issued against the head of the anti-narcotics unit Hamisi Musa for defying court summons in a case in which he is required to give an explanation over a controversial seizure said to have gone missing.

The warrant is expected to be executed by the director of criminal investigations before January 5, 2014.

Mr. Musa has failed to honour summons since April when the case against George Anyiko Odera and his wife Maria Nduta Wambui who are charged with trafficking narcotics worth Sh490,000 began.

The couple were arrested at a house in Wastelands alongside two Tanzanians who have since jumped bail.

Their lawyer Winston Ngaira says the case cannot proceed until the dispute over a ward of foreign currency that was seized from the suspects is resolved.

Magistrate Lucy Mbugua issue the warrant last Thursday after rejecting an explanation that Mr Musa had traveled to Naivasha on a separate police mission.

BUSINESS |5 MONday,DeceMBER 15, 2014

EAC heads want end to agents woes Revenue authorities from Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have until end of January to solve problems facing clearing and forwarding agents at the Mombasa port.

The deadline comes after about 1,800 agents were locked out of systems used

business diary Speed Interview Day at Nairobi Garage One of Kenya’s leading techspaces and startups will hold a ‘Speed Interview Day’ on December 16 from 2:00 to 4:30 pm on the 4th Floor of Piedmont Plaza, Nairobi.

The project Dream Team creation is a day where employers meet and interview a number of candidates in quick succession. This SID edition will be themed around online/mass communications and social media.

The Nairobi Garage is part of the ‘The Garages’, Africa’s first co-working offices connecting the continent’s most innovative enterprises in Lagos, Nairobi and Cape Town.

Their spaces provide entrepreneurs and innovative companies with chance to work alongside each other in a “funky space with great facilities, where collaboration is part of the culture.”

Meeting to discuss job opportunities at Vogue Café The Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) will hold a meeting on December 18, 2014 from 6:00-9:00 pm at Vogue Café in Nairobi.

This is the Foundation’s first meeting of its kind and entry is free. Tickets are limited.

There will be discussions on the future of interaction design in Nairobi with the aim of creating awareness and potential job opportunities.

by Uganda and Rwanda to clear goods at the port.

Speaking during the 8th Northern Corridor Integration Projects Summit, President Uhuru Kenyatta directed revenue authority bosses from the three countries to rectify

the issues to enhance the integration process.

“When we meet in two months in Kigali for the next summit, we want you to report back and tell us all clearing agents are able to do business using all the systems. It is not right

for people to lose business because of the integration process when the whole aim is to increase prosperity,” said President Kenyatta.

President Yoweri Museveni said he will not tolerate anyone who sabotages efforts that have so far been

put into the integration process.

“It is a crime to delay a business even for one day. I will not tolerate anyone who undermines integration,” said President Museveni.

President Kagame also criticised the reported

disadvantage of a section of clearing and forwarding agents in Mombasa.

The summit also resolved that Uganda and Southern Sudan join the one area network that has been set up

by Kenya and Rwanda.

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BUSiness

MONday, DeceMber 15, 2014

Scientists save farmers from poisonous cassava East African scientists have been working around the clock to save farmers and consumers from the poisonous effects of a cassava disease.

These experts have been pushing for the safest way to remove cyanide, the poisonous component in cassava plants.

Cassava is among the most staple goods in the region, providing some 85 million East Africans with food and income. But the crop is heavily laden with cyanide, a poisonous compound which if not well taken care of through drying, can lead to death.

Farmers who know little about proper drying techniques do not remove the cyanide completely and traces of the poison can still be found.

Local scientists have therefore come up with new ways of dealing with the threat.

One Dr. Nuwamanya Ephraim from the National Crop Research Resource Institute (NACRRI) noted that although farmers are adopting new varieties that are safe for consumption, a number of factors are still hindering the success of this initiative.

“Some communities in East Africa still hold onto these varieties due to the need for food security. The bitter varieties with high cyanogen content are more stress tolerant and can flourish even in extreme weathers conditions like drought thereby being the only source of food

for communities during such periods,” explained Nuwamanya.

The need to empower farmers in the region with the right information on how to process cassava meals is already in the process with a team of stakeholders from NACRRI taking the lead.

Primary and secondary processing alone does not rid

the high cyanide levels, hence the need for tertiary processing.

Primary processing is the harvesting, peeling, chopping and cooking which still leaves the plant toxic.

Secondary processing, which refers to drying and milling, reduces cyanide content but still leaves its high toxic levels.

Tertiary processing, on the other

hand, entails peeling the crop and fermenting it for longer periods of about seven days instead of the normal two. After drying the crop after fermentation, one then mills it. The final stage of ridding cassava from the toxins is the heating of the flour before using it to either make porridge, posho meal, or cakes.

CASSAVA AFFAIR: A farmer in her cassava farm. East African scientists have been working around the clock to save farmers and consumers from the poisonous effects of a cassava disease.

BuyRentKenya bags best internet marketing portal East Africa award Leading online property portal Buyrent Kenya bagged Best Internet Marketing Portal of the Year during this year’s East Africa Property Award (EAPA).

EAPA Managing Director, Rita Oyier, said the awards were meant to celebrate companies which contributed positively to the growth of the property sector as well as enable them exchange ideas on the sector’s future prospects.

Buyrent Kenya CEO, Jamie Pujara was happy with the award and said it represented his company’s dedication and hard work to improve the real estate sector in the country.

“There is a great sense of accomplishment to be recognized by the public and our peers as being the best at what we do. The award is validation that our focus on localized expertise is valued by the property seekers,” said Pujara.

He added that the company beat about 20 other players in the property industry some of them international to emerge on top.

“The property portal space in Kenya has over 20 players including some large international companies. We have always felt as the local player we have intrinsic knowledge of what the agents and developers want as well as fundamental understanding of how the end user in Kenya wants to find property,” he said.

Pujara revealed great plans the company will get involved in next year to expand the business and build a stronger brand awareness.

“Looking towards 2015, we wish to build on what we have accomplished so far and continue to innovate and create more tools in helping property seekers find their ideal home and create more transparency and credibility in the market.”

A Norwegian clothing company has had its application for a trademark denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office since its brand of men’s underwear contains the name ‘balls’.

Dubbed ‘ComfyBalls’, the brand of boxers is known for its cup-like front pockets, which experts say are ‘specially-designed pouch to cradle the male genitals.’

Tonic Brands A.S., the Norwegian clothing company, was was denied a federal trademark registration for the word “Comfyballs,” in October.

The US patent office refused to register the trademark because the word “balls,” when used to mean “testicles,” is considered vulgar by a substantial number of Americans.

“In the context of the applicant’s goods, the mark, “ComfyBalls means only one thing - that a man’s testicles, or ‘balls,’ will be comfortable in the applicant’s undergarments,” the PTO’s denial reads.

It adds: “The mark does not create a double entendre or other idiomatic expression. It is a straightforward use of the word ‘balls’ instead of testicles.”

Tonic Brands made several arguments during the application process. It pointed out that dictionaries don’t necessarily consider the word offensive.

However, the Patent office stood by its convictions, citing definitions from four dictionaries and explaining that the trademark rules don’t require a universal agreement on vulgarity.

The Patent office’s decision does not forbid the company from selling its underwear in America under the name “Comfyballs”, but it does mean the trademark would have weaker legal protection than trademarks that are federally registered.

thefall

therise Express Kenya Express Kenya, a Kenya-based transport and logistics company providing clearing and forwarding services for air and sea, was last week’s winner with a 3.31 per cent stock price increase from Sh6.05 to Sh6.25.

Express Kenya has been reducing activities in its core businesses (Transport and Logistics) to increase them in

Underwear company denied patent for putting the name ‘balls’ on boxers

alternative business segments. From June 2012 to June 2013, its revenues increased from Sh229 million to Sh235million. During the same period (20122013), the company slashed its direct costs almost by half and its administrative expenses by over a third. From June 2013 through December 2013, the company continued to see its revenues growing from Sh229.908 million to Sh387.494 million.

Marshalls E. Africa Marshall’s East Africa (E.A), a Kenya-based company engaged in the assembly, sale and service of motor vehicles, was last week’s loser with a 9.95 per cent stock price decrease from Sh9.95 to Sh9.05 per share.

From the fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2014 , Marshalls East Africa had flat revenues (Sh234.31 million to Sh230.46 million), while the company grew its net income by decreasing

Analysis by Amana Capital info@amanacapital.co.ke

its loss, from Sh165.53 million to Sh110.03 million earnings per share.

In 2013, the Company used Sh11.10 million for operations while cash used for financing amounted to Sh16.75 million, which represent 7.27 per cent of its revenues.

In 2014, the cash used for investing totaled Sh14.18 million.

Monday DECEMBER 15, 2014

ACCESS The Big Knot

Topstory

Sauti Sol made Kenya proud by winning the MTV Best African Act Award, but we only congratulated and made noise on Twitter and Facebook.

IndUSTry alerT:

IT IS TIME TO APPRECIATE KENYAN ARTISTES

T

he long Jamuhuri weekend brought to fore our worst fears—that Kenya has never really developed a culture of celebrating local artistes. Bongo’s finest Diamond arrived in Mombasa for a performance on Jamhuri day, and he was given the king’s treatment. Fans and media alike flocked the airport to welcome the singer and he was accorded police escort with all the works—We are talking sirens blazing cars off the road for his entourage to pass. How many of our artistes have ever been received that well even when won an international award? Should they demand it or was it just because they haven’t won an award yet? Aren’t our artistes worth the sirens blazing and more?

Recently, Sauti Sol made Kenya proud by winning the MTV Best African Act Award, but we only congratulated and made noise on Twitter and Facebook. Well at least

something good came out of them winning an award, they performed for the President at his birthday, and at the Jamhuri Day celebrations the President was caught singing along to the Group’s Sura Yako song but is that it from us?

Our clubs play Nigerian music and some of the most requested songs on radio are not Kenyan. Still on Diamond, he allegedly received a hefty royalty check from the Music Copyright Society for his music being played in Kenya. Question is, when are we going to start listening to and appreciating music

by Kenyan artistes? When do we start appreciating our own music that is also making waves across continents?

Yesterday, the Miss World title went to one of Africa’s own, Miss World South Africa. Kenya finished an impressive seventh place overall.

Maybe if we could have rallied more and voted for her she would

have won or finished among the top three. I mean, we are known as having one of the biggest online presence in Africa. Isn’t that something to celebrate? We made it to the top 10 worldwide. But how many people would appreciate the beauty’s efforts? Will she be given police escort? Received at the airport with open arms and lots of fans showing up to congratulate her and welcome her home?

Until we start appreciating our artistes, our music and arts industry will not grow to its full potential.

Yes, we may show up for their shows and rally behind them and vote for them but we also need to show them appreciation by requesting their songs on radio and TV, turning up to their shows in large numbers and motivating them. If you do not listen to or watch Kenyan then there is no point in you saying that Kenyan artistes do not produce quality material.

HOT TOPICS

Julliani’s girlfriend is Pregnant The wait is over people. Mali actress Brenda Wairimu and her gospel beau Juliani are expecting.

Now pictures have surfaced of Brenda’s baby shower, which was an all-white affair. Brenda and Juliani had broken up a few months back but then got back together a short while later.

Congratulations to the couple.

Sauti Sol

Diamond

Kenyan fIlm nOmInaTed fOr TOP award The nominees for the third edition of Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2015 (AMCVA) have been announced. Kenyan movie Veve has been nominated in three categories; Best Art Director, Best Indigenous Swahili and Best Video Editor. Actor Gerald Langiri

also received nomination in the Best Actor in Comedy category alongside industry heavyweights.

The XYZ Show, Shuga and Rush were also nominated in the Best TV series category. The awards will take place in Lagos Nigeria on 7th March 2015.

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the big knot

MONDAY, DeceMber 15, 2014

Kawira and husband Ephantus

Teacher Wanjiku and husband Victor.

N

hoW the kenYAn CeLebRitieS

say I DO

airobi has been abuzz with glitz and glamour witnessed from endless celebrity wedding bells. The latest celebrities to join the marriage caravan did so in what would be dubbed as an infectious wedding trend between November and December.

Papa Shirandula’s Joy Karambu aka Kawira got married to the Safari hit singer Ephantus Wahome on 22nd of November.

The ever rib cracking comedienne was stunning on her beautiful day as she bid farewell to singlehood. Hers was a colourful star studded affair at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). Actors, musicians, media personalities and singers attended the colourful union of the gospel artiste and actress.

That same day, Mother in law’s actress Marion ‘ Mama Olive’ Wambui walked down the aisle with her long time Nigerian boyfriend now husband. Their wedding was witnessed by family and close friends. It was also chromed with fellow celebrities.

Teacher Wanjiku also jumped the broom to the arms of a popular theatre director Victor Ber weeks after Kawira’s wedding. On 2nd December, Victor and Wanjiku’s solemn union was intimate with only invited family and close friends in attendance at St Paul’s Catholic Church. Their wedding was a dazzling white themed occasion all the way from church to reception grounds at Safari park Hotel.

The comedian’s cake was outstanding and out of the norm. In the midst of cake towered the well-known image ‘Teacher Wanjiku’ which has etched her a niche in the laughter industry.

Following in the wedding trend was KTN news anchor Yvonne Okwara who tied the knot with veterinary doctor Andrew Matole at Crown Plaza Hotel. Although this highly talked about luxuriant wedding took off and ended well, it was surrounded with controversy. It is alleged that the wedding venue had to be changed severally for fear of interruption from bitter ex-lovers of Okwara’s husband.

The wedding was a private low key occasion with only the chosen few in the joyful celebration. Her colleagues took to the dance floor and jiggled Pharell William’s Happy dance to spice up the already spectacular ceremony.

Luckily Okwara and Andrew pledged their vows peacefully without disruption from the groom’s jilted ex-lovers.

As the year nears the end, there are certainly more celebrity weddings that will unfold as it seems to be contagious a How the move.

Congratulations to all the couples.

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Contact: Tel-0701452436

E-mail: equisiteevents@gmail.com, Gatatha House, 3rd floor, Room 303

NEWS

Yvonne Okwara’s nupitals.

Marion Wamboi at her wedding with fellow actress Catherine Kamau.

Review

Centrestage | 9 MONDAY, DeceMber 15, 2014

X rated 2 Chainz finally lives up to his promise After he pulled a no-show at the Jameson Party last month, American rapper 2 Chainz massacred it last Friday at the R-Rated sold out concert, which went down at the Ngong Racecourse. The artiste went beyond the crowd’s wildest expectations when he dropped his illest hits leaving the ecstatic crowd jumping and singing along. The stage was set up to international standards to accommodate the American rapper with massive projectors all over to cater for those behind the golden circle. Security was tight with serious looking bodyguards in suits manning the stage. 2 Chainz, aka Tity Boi, started by telling the crowd that he has never missed any show, setting things clear and explaining to them why he did not show up as expected the last time.

All this was said in a rather strong language which calls for reader discretion.

First on his electric playlist was Freebase which set a high trend for the rest of his performance. His personal

deejay DJ E Sudd was hot on the decks of steel dropping raw versions of hit singles like Birthday, Bands will make her dance, Duffle bag boy, Feds watching, Where you been? Problems… among others.

The already charged up crowd sang their lungs out to cuss words which can fill the entire dictionary if possible.

In between performances, he let the crowd into his life, challenges and aspirations with his American accent and twang with the crowd eagerly listening and holding onto his words. He took the thirsty crowd back in the days when he started, when he was fresh in the industry, before the fame and money which they really appreciated.

The crowd went wild after he invited famous rapper Akon to join him on stage with the two performing Birthday.

Before signing out, he wore the Kenyan flag on his head fully representing the 254 as the country celebrated its birthday.

Jameson had another treat up its sleeves with lucky revelers

From left, Akon and 2 Chainz.

getting Jameson bottles for tweeting the event.

Let’s just say hip hop lovers were treated well at the Jameson Party Live which

gait stirs gospel fanatiCs with his watCh and Chain Youthful gospel fans were treated to the generosity of Jimmy Gait on Systems Rave event when he threw his chain and wrist watch at them during his Jamuhuri performance at KICC. The event momentarily stagnated as the mammoth crowd scrambled for the precious gifts, which were hardly sufficient. Gait ratified his presence with his Signature piece as admirers joined him in certifying the event.

The avid followers did not need send an appointment for him to perform his best Appointment and Huratiti pieces. He feely rendered them….

Mr Seed was among the first artistes to storm the stage with Ngai Ti Mundu, shaking the floor and flushing out demons for a successful gospel night. HopeKid bundled the youth into a bunch and offered them to Christ as he performed Let Jesus Save you. DJ Kwenye Beat blasted the Tsavo Ball Room with his Asusu and Sari Sari, letting the youthful congregation steaming and galloping for more. Kitanzi sweetly and swiftly gave the audience the much needed breath as Willy Paul stirred the crowd.

He sent Satan to hell with his Lala Salama master piece as fans ululated shouts of praise.

It was time for everyone to resize as the melodious humming bird Size 8 threw the building into gospel siege with sugary Tam Tam.

African culture was also roasted into the event as L J Maasai performed his Tapala piece, letting his followers give their best jump into the air.

Daddy Owen and his brother, Rufftone, also performed their Msalaba and Mungu Baba songs respectively crowning the cool overnight event.

proved that indeed patience pays and good things come to those who wait. On the other matter, let’s just say we forgive him!

Miss South Africa is the most beautiful lady on earth 22 year old fourth year medical student from South Africa, Rolene Strauss is the most beautiful woman in the world.

The beaming beauty beat 121 other contestants to be crowned Miss World 2014 at a highly coveted glitzy event in London.

The event kicked off with a wellchoreographed dance routine from the beauties who donned costumes inspired by their home countries.

Our very own Idah Nguma oozed confidence and class as she danced energetically and effortlessly to represent the true Kenyan spirit of dance.

Strauss could not hide her joy and disbelief after she was announced the winner amidst loud cheers and crowned by outgoing Miss World, Megan Young, from Philipines.

Besides beauty, her unbeatable combination of brains, humility and philanthropic heart to help people achieve their dreams through education is probably what won the judges over.

“I am what I am today because of the opportunities I have received and I would love to give others the same opportunities. The opportunity to be educated, to make healthy choices and also to live their dreams,” said Strauss.

First runners up went to Miss Hungary, Eldina Kulscar while

Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit emerged second runners up. Kenya was also well represented as Idah was position managed to secure a position in the top ten and garnered first place in the Beauty with a purpose category alongside Miss Brazil, India, Guyana and Indonesia.

The beauties danced to LMFAO’s club banger Party Rock anthem in their long flowing glittery dresses as the event came to a close.

10 |

fashion parade

MONDAY, DeceMber 15, 2014

FASHIONPARADE

Beautiful Classy

Pulling off the crop top on the red carpet

From the left: Glamorous, somehow nice, boring

@ THE BLAcK AND WHITE AFFAIR It was a black and white affair on Saturday as young fashion designer Cindy Wanjiku, launched her new collections at the Shifteye Gallery in Hurlingham The invite only event was attended by the bigwigs of the Kenyan Fashion industry including Miss Universe Kenya and Miss Tourism Nairobi, as they continued to show their support for the ever growing talent in the industry.

Wanjiku’s collections was inspired by the Kenyan cultures and heritage. These red carpet looks caught our eye.

Cute

We like

LyRIcSLAB

Best...

Wizkid- Show you the money

Eddy Kenzo- Sitya Loss He is healthy and happy so the least he can do is spread the joyful spirit without fear of loss or anything else. Eddy says he is a boss with a resilient spirit. The song has catchy Afro beats and a bunch of kids who slay it with undescriptive dance moves. Eddy attracted millions of views across the globe for this song’s uniqueness and infectious happiness.

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Perfectly elegant

This is the latest club banger around town.

Young Wizzy begs for some moves from a girl while using money as an incentive to draw her to the dance floor. The song’s video is shot in his formative neighbourhood and features some of his homeboys.

Flavour- Gollibe He has been looking for a woman to spend the rest of his life with for a while when he finally spots a humble beauty. She is nothing close to sophisticated but she melts his heart, possesses the qualities he wants in a woman and the search ends. Flavour reveals a captivating soulful and romantic side in this song.

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PLAY |11

forecast

MONday,DeceMBER 15, 2014

HOROSCOPES capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

You may be tempted to shift into high gear today, Capricorn, but you’re likely to be unsure where to focus your energy. You may be revved up and anxious to get moving, but feel lazy and unmotivated to do anything but sit back and wait for the excitement to come to you.

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

There’s apt to be tension between your heart and your general mood, Aquarius. Your romantic nature will incline you to adopt a selfish, impatient attitude, while the prevailing tone of the day calls for peace and balance.

Try to maintain an equal amount of give and take.

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Adjustments may be in order for you to flow easily with the energy of the day, Pisces. The prevailing tone calls for a more outwardly directed solution to all situations. You will discover that it’s easy to start up new projects today, especially those involving creative or romantic elements.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

The prevailing tone today is a mix of conflicting energies that might put some stress on your heart. It’s nothing you can’t handle, Aries. In fact, if anyone can make the most out of today, you can. Tap into your aggressiveness and act boldly toward the object of your desire.

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

The key today is action, Taurus.

There’s a great deal of force pressuring you to get the ball rolling. One of these forces may come from a romantic interest waiting for you to make the next move. You may have many projects on the table and be unsure where to focus your energy.

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

Ignite the fire in your heart, Gemini, and make it burn more brightly than before. Keep in mind that you may need to make compromises in order to be on the same page with your lover in the way you relate emotionally. Make sure everyone gets a chance to be on center stage. Don’t hog the podium.

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

There are a couple important issues that you may need to resolve, Cancer.

Take an active role in the department of love and romance. Feel free to be aggressive about having your needs met. Make sure you’re comfortable with the situation or else stand up and change it. For you, the day is all about taking action.

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

You should enjoy a good mood today, Leo, and you will find that things will go well for you in general. Perhaps the only sticky situation that could arise is one that stems from an aggressive approach in the department of love and romance. This impatient urge or petty argument by one or both parties may result in an all-out war.

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 1

2

virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

Circumstances of the day may result in some tricky situations for you, Virgo.

You could be caught between a rock and a hard place. The instinct to make war or peace with any given issue is making you restless. On the one hand, you may want to smooth things out in a reasonable manner.

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

Things should go well for you today, Libra. Your romantic nature is piqued.

You will find that an aggressive approach toward your loved one is just what’s needed to jump-start the relationship. If you’re single and looking for love, this is a good day to get out and ask someone to dance.

s y’ to dapho r e st ing e Y nn i w

ng s i n n in tio W p ca

scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

Stand up and take action, Scorpio.

Forces may be pulling on you from all angles, and your challenge will be to maintain a healthy balance among all of them. You have a chance to accomplish a great deal by directing your energies outward instead of inward.

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

You will find that you relate very well to others today, Sagittarius, and your communication will prove to be quite valuable. You may find yourself in the position of arbiter simply because you have the detached mind that people need to resolve disputes.

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

sudoku

1. The only time an officer will tell you to put your hands DOWN! - Mumo, Nairobi.

2. Detective Conan was not trained for this situation - Mercy Wangeci, Westlands.

3. “What has my life become?” - Pius Kameme, Nairobi.

Wicked Ways — by Lisa Jackson

Friday’s solution

yoursay

3

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.

Elizabeth Gaines sees herself as an ordinary suburban wife.

She has a good job as a realtor, goes to yoga and is a devoted mother to daughter Chloe. For months now, Elizabeth has felt like a woman who is not normal.

That has something to do with the deaths that have occurred around town. She did not mean for people to die, they just made her angry. No one believes she has something to do with the deaths because she is not normal. A private Investigator who is digging into her past suddenly brings up secrets long buried. The more scared Elizabeth is, the more the death toll rises.

mustread

Ensuring PSV transport safety is a collective duty Public transporters and passengers must ensure safe travels during the festive Christmas season (Gangsters terrorise Kitui bus passengers December 11, 2014).

After cases of explosion of buses

went up, metal detectors were introduced to ensure passenger safety. Unfortunately, the checking was short-lived, paving the way for thugs to ride buses even for regions assumed to be safe like Kitui.

The gangsters can still take advantage of the trend to unleash terror given that they know many are travelling with full pockets or with costly items.

Asking for police escort during day or night travel may instil

fear among those planning to rip Kenyans what they have worked hard to earn.

Just like President Uhuru says, security begins with ‘me’.

Suspiciously looking people on travel must be reported in advance

to the crew or other authorities for action.

Nothing should be left to chance.

Take charge of your security so as to return safely to the city after the holiday season is over.

Monday, deceMber 15, 2014

Sport

Thika United axe 5 players, name interim head coach

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Moses Odhiambo is among five players who have been axed by Thika United.

Others are Edward Njung’e, Michael Wanyika, Allan Owiyo and Bernard Meki In a statement posted on the club’s official website, the club said: “We wish to inform all concerned that the team is releasing five players…….”

The club has warned that anyone interested in other players other than the five must consult officials for transfer discussions.

The club recently lost head Coach John Kamau to newly promoted side Posta Rangers.

The club has appointed coach Moses Irungu to succeed Kamau. Irungu was Kamau’s assistant.

axed: Moses Odhiambo is among five players sacked by Thika United. The club says those interested in other players should consult officials for transfer discussions.

Treu’s rocky reign ends with Shujaa’s Bowl loss Paul Treu’s stressful one year reign as Kenyan coach came to an end in a 24-5 defeat to Canada at the Bowl finals of the Nelson Mandela Bay 7s in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Wrangles within the Kenya Rugby Union Board which have made it difficult for coaches to effect anything meaningful has claimed Treu’s reign as Kenya Sevens head coach after he threw in the towel on Thursday.

In a resignation letter, Treu said it was impossible to work with some members

of the KRU Board. He did not name the individuals.

“It has been a very difficult decision, but I believe it is the right decision for me at this stage in my life.

“It has just been over a year since I accepted the offer from the Kenya Rugby Union to take charge of the team. We have experienced interesting times that is for sure. We have had challenges; highs and lows.

“We know that this is the nature of sport and the game of rugby that we all love. If it was not too easy, we wouldn’t know the joy

of achieving our goals and knowing we worked hard to make them happen,” he said in a statement.

Canada could not give the South African a fitting send-off.

They defeated Shujaa 1912 in the Shield finals in Dubai last week after a 40-7 mauling during the HSBC World Sevens Series opener in Gold Coast, Australia.

Sean Duke was in fine form as Canada capitalised on a better than even share of possession with tries to Mike Fuailefau and Lucas Hammond in the first half.

14 |

SPORT

Ndolo leads Magharibi shortlist MONday, DeceMber 15, 2014

GOOD JOB: Noah Wafula, #MMA Footballer of the Year receives his award from former Gor Mahia and Kenya legend James Siang’a

Leos rout Bulls to maintain lead

Pan Africa Strathmore Leos returned to the Kenya Cup summit with a 46-5 romp over visiting Western Bulls at the RFUEA on Saturday.

Leos led 22-0 at halftime from tries by Churchill Ooko, Brian Mangovia and Teddy Dondi. Kenny Andola slotted two conversions and added a penalty.

The second half was equally explosive for the students. Frank Wanyama scored two tires with Marvin Sumba and Cyprian Kuto touching down once each. Andola and Humphrey Owuor converted once each while Hillary Manjilwa scored the consolation try for Bulls. The win ensured Strathmore remains top of the league with 25 points. In another encounter, Catholic Monks registered their maiden Kenya Cup win, pulling off an upset 21-0 win over visiting Mombasa Sports Club at the CUEA Grounds in Karen.

Ronaldo wins BBC Overseas Sports Personality award

Results: Nakuru RFC 24 Mean Machine 0, Kabras Sugar 52 Blak Blad 5, Pan Africa Strathmore Leos 46 Western Bulls 5, Catholic 21 Mombasa 0, Homeboyz 10 Mwamba 20, KCB 22 Resolution Impala Saracens 3, Kenya Harlequin 18 Total Nondies 14.

The Magharibi Michezo Awards Nomination academy has released a preliminary list of fourteen players who will contest for this year’s Best Footballer of the Year Awards during the MMA Gala slated for this Friday in Bungoma County.

The Magharibi Awards seeks to recognise, appreciate and reward sports excellence from the Western region.

Among those who have been nominated include Kenya best foot baller of the Year Anthony Ndolo, former Friends School Kamusinga star Mungai Kiongera, Anthony Mbugua of Liberty Academy, Rangers’ FC striker Dennis Mukaisi and Gor Mahia’s defender Haron Shakava.

With over 11 goals for his team last season, Mukaisi has been a key pillar for Rangers FC a team that has now been promoted to the Kenyan Premier League after finishing on top of the table in the nationwide league. His role was also very crucial for Rangers who went all the way to the GOTV Shield Cup finals losing to eventual winners Sofapaka.

In his first season in the Kenyan soccer league, Anthony Ekaliani Ndolo was the talk of the league announcing his arrival from Uganda with a brace on his first match for Sofapaka against Muhoroni Youth.

Ndolo played as the central king maker for Sofapaka engineering over 15 goals through assists and scoring 9 league goals for his team Sofapaka.

His contribution saw Sofapaka finish second on the Kenyan League table losing the title to Gor Mahia on the final day of the league action.

He also helped Sofapaka lift the GOTV Shield Title and was named the best midfielder in the Kenyan league.

Ndolo was also named the Best Player of the Kenyan Premier League in 2014.

STILL WINNING THINGS: Cristiano Ronaldo holds his Overseas Sports Personality of the Year Award on Sunday night.

Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has won the BBC’s 2014 Overseas Sports Personality award.

The 29-year-old former Manchester United star was named world player of the year 11 months ago.

“Thank you BBC for choosing me and to my old fans in England.

Thank you very much,” said Ronaldo, who has scored 281 goals in 267 matches for Real.

He won the award ahead of tennis player Serena Williams, boxer Floyd Mayweather and MotoGP rider Marc Marquez.

Ronaldo, who has scored 27 hattricks for Real, netted 17 goals in last season’s Champions League, breaking the previous record of 14 held by Jose Altafini and Lionel Messi.

He is only the second footballer to win the award since this century, after Brazil striker Ronaldo in 2002.

SPORT |15

MONday,DeceMBER 15, 2014

major loss: kenya women cricket players. The national team lost by 84 runs on the second day of the Pepsi Africa Women World T20 Qualifiers at Benoni, South Africa.

CAPTION

S Africa pip Kenya in Pepsi World T20 Cricket Qualifiers

South Africa defeated Kenya by 84 runs on the second day of the Pepsi Africa Women World T20 Qualifiers at Benoni, South Africa.

South Africa’s top order was blown away by seam bowlers Mercyline Adhiambo and Margaret Banja for 27 by 4 before moving to 40 for 5

and later 62 for 6, 62 for 7 in 13.4 overs.

But a knock of 39 by Tazmin Brits, 20 from Maryka Kirchoff and 13 not out from Ayabonga Khaka helped them recover to post a total of 118 for 7 before restricting Kenya to a tournament low of 34 for 8.

South Africa started their inning well, putting on 21 for the first wicket before Adhiambo got the breakthrough by having Andrie Steyn caught behind on nine in the fifth over. They were in danger an over later when Ruth Mwihaki run out Savana Cordes for nine with

only a run added between her and Moodley.

Adhiambo had them at 26 for 3 when she clean bowled Marcia Nape for two in the seventh over to finish with two for 17. Mary Belle made it 27 for 4 by running out Nkuli Thabetha on a duck.

KPA men lick Co-op Bank in basketball semis play-offs

Villarreal hand Atletico season’s first home loss

Spanish champions Atletico Madrid are seven points behind cross-town rivals Real after falling to Villarreal in their only home league loss of 2014.

Mario Mandzukic had Atletico’s best chance but his close-range shot was saved by Sergio Asenjo.

Villarreal’s Luciano Vietto scored the only goal with six minutes left after beating Diego Godin on the edge of the box to fire home.

Atletico are third, three points adrift of second-placed Barcelona.

Vietto, 21, was thankful to Atletico coach Diego Simeone - who handed him his professional debut at Racing Club three years ago.

“He’s the coach of Atletico Madrid and I am a Villarreal player,” Vietto said as his side climbed to sixth in the league.

Kirchoff and Moodley added 13 for the fifth wicket before Margaret Banja bowled the skipper on 9 off 13 balls. Kirchoff (20) and Burt (4) stuck in the middle for six overs to drive the scores to 62 before Bhakita struck twice in two balls to leave them at 62 for 7.

major fall: Co-op Bank team in action. The team lost to Kenya Ports Authority in Kenya Basketball Federation play-offs.

Monaco, PSG fall opens up Ligue 1 title scramble

Ligue 1 top two sides, Marseille and Paris St-Germain, lost 1-0 to open up the title race.

Lyon trail Marseille by a one point and PSG by two after a 3-0 win over Caen on Friday.

Laurent Blanc’s PSG had not been beaten in France’s top flight since a 2-1 fall at home to Rennes in May. But Jeremy Pied’s close-range header

in the 11th minute was enough for Jocelyn Gourvennec’s men to secure an unlikely three points at the Stade du Roudourou on Sunday.

PSG, who have suffered backto-back losses after Tuesday’s 3-1 reverse to Barcelona in the Champions League, were well off the pace. And it could have been a different story had Edinson Cavani’s

early lob found it’s way in.

Marseille were beaten by Monaco, last season’s runners-up as Bernardo Silva scored from 16 yards out after a dummy from Yannick Ferreira Carrasco.

Monaco moved up to sixth in the table after victory at Stade Louis II. Marseille handed a debut to 16-yearold Bilal Boutobba.

Reigning men Kenya Basketball Federation champions Cooperative Bank fell to Kenya Ports Authority in KBF semi-final playoffs at the weekend.

Defeat capped a bitter end to their dominance at the hands of a team they beat 3-0 in last year’s finals.

KPA avenged the loss by flooring the champions with an identical score.

The dockers had won the first two games 59-55 and 66-62 in Mombasa last weekend and were required to win the third to progress to the final. And they accomplished the feat by routing the bankers 74-45 in Nairobi.

Samuel Ocholla (16 points) and Tobias Onyango (14) led the rout as KPA enjoyed a 37-27 halftime lead.

Allan Ouma scored 17 for Co-op Bank before KPA claimed first quarter 19-9.

16 |

SPORT

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014

Clinical United rout Rodgers’ men There’s a joke doing rounds: David De Gea can save anything, but he can’t save Brendan Rodgers’ job.

Clinical Manchester United increased the pressure on Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers as they capitalised on some poor defending to run out comfortable 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.

Rodgers - who dropped struggling goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for Brad Jones - can point to a succession of brilliant saves from United’s David De Gea and a controversial second goal from Juan Mata as significant factors in defeat.

This, however, will do little to ease the growing concerns for Rodgers and Liverpool, with the memory of their thrilling 3-0 win here in March - in a sequence that almost took them to their first title in 24 years - seeming an age away.

United captain Wayne Rooney gave them an early lead and Liverpool had every right to feel aggrieved when Mata headed in from a clearly offside position to take the game away from them just before halftime.

Even before United took the lead, De Gea made an important save from Raheem Sterling, denying

the England youngster on four occasions as well as producing three vital contributions to stop Liverpool substitute Mario Balotelli getting his first Premier League goal for the club.

Robin van Persie’s third for United at the end of a lightning counterattack only added to Liverpool’s pain. United’s sixth successive league win continued United’s resurgence under manager Louis van Gaal and put Liverpool’s decline since they came so close to winning the Premier League into even sharper relief.

The Reds are third in the table, five points behind second-placed Manchester City and eight behind leaders Chelsea.

Asked if they can win the title, Van Gaal smiled: “It’s not bad, hey?

“I’m very happy but the next match, against Aston Villa, is very important. It’s an away match and we have difficulties with away matches.”

“I am very satisfied with the result but still I think we can improve,” said Van Gaal. “We gave a lot of unnecessary balls away and because of that Liverpool also had chances to score a goal,” Van Gaal said.

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RESURGENCE AND BILIEF: Manchester United’s trio of Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney celebrate United’s third goal against Liverpool by Robin van Persie. United won 3-0 at Old Trafford.

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Omari,Chepchirchir win in Kisumu Deklerk Omari and Rebecca Chepchirchir, are the new winners of the 8th edition of the Kisumu International Safaricom Marathon.

Omari who has previously won the Marsden Madoka Half Marathon in Mombasa, clocked 2:13:04 to triumph against a strong opposition.

“The weather was humid but I had trained well for the race.

This is the first time I have won a marathon, “said Omari

who pocketed Sh200,000.

Chepchirchir, clocked 2:41:00 to win the ladies category.

“This is the first time I was taking part in a full marathon. I am happy that I have won even though the weather was humid, I will come back to defend my title next year,” said Chepchirchir.

Second overall in the men’s category was Kibor Samson, who was timed at 2:15:16 and was rewarded with Sh100,000 followed in the third position

by Julius Kilimo, who took home Sh50,000 after clocking 2:15:35.

Nancy Chebet with (2:43:44), was in second, while Valarie Ayabei, who timed 2:44:24, was third ahead of Loice Kangogo (2:44:33).

In the 12-kilometre men’s category Benson Onyango won in 39:16.13 followed by Wilson Karanja who timed 42:38, while third overall was Cyril Kiptoo who timed 42:42.

English teams await UCL draw Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are in today’s draw for the Champions League last 16.

Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Real Madrid, Basel, Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Paris St-Germain, Schalke, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk all made it to the round of 16. The draw takes place at 2pm Kenyan time in

Nyon, Switzerland.

Arsenal could face, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Monaco, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Porto.

Chelsea could face Juventus, Basel, Bayer Leverkusen, PSG, Shakhtar Donetsk while Manchester City – could face Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Porto Liverpool, who failed to

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qualify, join Celtic, Everton and Tottenham in the following Europa League last-32 draw . Chelsea will be in pot one after winning their group, while Manchester City and Arsenal join the group runners-up in pot two.

Liverpool, Tottenham and Celtic could face difficult ties in the last 32 of the Europa League after not being seeded for the draw.