201401201 xnew

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#16days

“let’s change militarism and end violence against women”

MONday,DeceMBER 1, 2014

eXtra.sharp Monday 01.12.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke for

SPORT

Shujaa fall to South Africa to finish second in Harare| P.13

Telkom keep African crown after third win in Zimbabwe | P.14

Another flop in PSVs cashless fares switch The planned switch to the cashless commuter fares payment system in Nairobi failed to kick off today as calls grew for the suspension of its implementation.

Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) chairman Dickson Mbugua set the tone on Sunday when he called for an indefinite suspension of the switch, saying the industry is not prepared for the rollout.

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Police appeal for help to trace kids after parents’ death iv’e got yours sir: A bus conductor prepares a receipt for President Kenyatta during the launch of the cashless PSV fares. The planned switch to the system in Nairobi failed to kick off today as calls grew for the suspension of its implementation.

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NEWS

MONday, DeceMber 1, 2014

PSVs cashless fares switch flops again

From Page 1 “Most Saccos have not equipped vehicles with required machines, which means this system’s chances of succeeding is very low.

Not everyone is on board,” Mbugua said.

He said consultations with industry players have not made progress and majority of passengers are yet to get the required cards.

And today, many Kenyans took to the social media to back Mbugua, saying the system is being rushed. “#CashlessSystem is an over-ambitious case of tech

romanticism way ahead of its time. It can’t work effectively as a stand-alone system,” George Gathigi wrote on his twitter handle @SpryVoice “The cashless system should be suspended, Matatu Saccos be given time to try it before its full implementation,” wrote @antone_haukwa Others expressed reservations of a change in fare charges with the adoption of the system.

“Every time one uses that card withdrawal fee applies ...Trust you me users will lose minimum of KES 30 per usage. #CashlessPayment

tweeted @Ngung_z.

But others expressed support for the system.

“Why be backward thinking whereas the rest of the world is moving towards a #CashlessSystem? posed @ liz_lizay It has since emerged that most matatus have not adopted the system. A survey has shown that most operators have no idea how the system that was launched

by President Kenyatta works.

The MWA chairman also took issue with what he claimed was Government meddling in the PSV sector,

saying it was unfair to single out one aspect of the economy and subject it to restrictive rules.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) had earlier threatened action against Saccos that fail to implement the directive.

Mbugua termed the threat as unfair.

“If that is the case, the directive should be extended to all businesses and official transactions in the country and not the PSV sector alone,” he said. Police are required to impound vehicles that fail to adopt the system.

HOW WE DO IT: Matatu Owners Association chairman Simon Kimutai shows Nairobi Senetor Miko Sonko how the PSV cashless fare system works.

Indonesian state officials ordered to eat from streets Indonesian state officials will from today eat from the streets and hold meetings in the country to cut back on government spending.

The government, which took office barely two months ago, has ordered the officers to shun foreign meetings, fancy clothings and fancy parties in official gatherings.

Yuddy Chrisnandi, the minister of administrative reforms, asked officials to “stop anything that is excessive”.

He said cassava, steamed corn, yam cakes and other simple and cheap foods should be served at official meetings. The number of invited guests to high ranking gatherings must not be more than 400.

AFP reports that the minister said expensive foods are a threat to good healthy besides not promoting local farmers.

Chrisnandi said those who break the rules on foods starting December 1 will face demotions, postponement of bonus payments, among other penalties.

Lavish parties in luxurious hotels will be illegal from January 2015. Such functions ‘create an impression of inequality’ and inconveniences.

“There are high-ranking government officials organising weddings for their children... inviting thousands, causing traffic jams.”

President Joko Widodo, who took office in October, is said to be from a humble background and is working to curb loss of public funds to luxurious lifestyles among government officials.

Street food sellers in Indonesia. The government has ordered state officials to eat food sold on the streets and hold meetings in the country to cut down on expenditure.

Inset: Administrative Reform Minister Yuddy Chrisnandi.

Al Shabaab militants injure man in Garissa town attack

A man was last evening injured when a suspected Al-Shabaab militant hurled a grenade at a group of residents at Bula Punda area of Garissa Town.

Witnesses said the grenade was hurled by a boy who was allegedly angered by the victim’s loud conversation on his

mobile phone.

Residents had earlier raised alarm on spotting the boy and another man behaving suspiciously near a Kenya Power substation.

The 8 pm incident was the latest in a series of attacks in Garissa. Police said they are investigating the claims that a child

was involved in the attack.

The victim was rushed to hospital with serious arm injuries.

Area CID boss Musa Yego said they have launched a manhunt for the suspects.

The incident occurred barely a day after suspected Al-Shabaab

gunmen killed a police officer and injured another on Saturday at Dagahaley in the Dadaab refugee camp.

Garissa Regional CID boss Musa Yego confirmed the incident and said suspected Al-Shabaab gun men attacked the two officers.

Publisher: Paul Marshall, Commercial Director: Neema Wamai, Content Editor: Brian Moseti, Finance Director: Fred Bunei, Editorial team: Amos, Beatrice, Benjamin, Betty, Cynthia, Dennis, Elisha, Jeff, Kennedy, Kibor, Laban, Lisa, Patrick, Peter, Queen, Snorine, Stella, Victor, Advertising: Nkirote-0720 807 936, Mutunga-0727 306 244, Magira-0722 616 208, www.x-news.co.ke, news@x-news.co.ke, facebook.com/XnewsKenya, twitter.com/XnewsKenya.

NEWS | 3

MONDAY DeceMber 1, 2014

Motorists stranded in Highway snarl up

Kenyans cops spread fear and mistrust, survey says Police officers are some of the least trusted and most feared group of people in Kenya, ranking just about as high as politicians and conmen.

It is widely understood that a police officer is just about the last person a Kenyan in trouble will call for help.

A survey from human rights group, Transparency International found that 92 percent of Kenyan respondents voted the country’s police force as the nation’s most corrupt institution.

One report states that civilians are 5 times more likely to be shot by cops than fall at the hands of dangerous criminals.

While Kenya’s law enforcers have, in fact, taken action against countless criminals in the past, civilians have also been caught in the crossfire.

Transparency International suggests that reforms must be enacted so that Kenya’s Police force is held accountable for the actions of its officers whose mandate it is to serve and protect.

Several motorists were forced to spend their night on the road following a sudden break-down of two lorries along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway. The lorries that ground to a halt near Athi River caused a heavy traffic snarl up in which motorists were strapped for more than ten hours. And the jam continued today morning stretching towards Machakos. Police said the two lorries broke down at about 6 pm yesterday.

Trader losses Sh4 million to robbers

Three suspected muggers lynched in Muthurwa Three suspected muggers have been lynched by an angry mob in Muthurwa, Nairobi as city residents continue to take law into their hands for what is now seen to be an escalation in crime incidences.

The killed early today had attacked pedestrians around the area whom they were mugging when those nearby ganged up against them, police say.

This comes amid concerns that criminal gangs are now roaming the city in groups and attacking vulnerable pedestrians from whom they steal valuables.

Last month, two such groups harassed passengers in traffic jams across the city’s major routes targeting mobile phones.

It is said that they mostly

operate during the peak hours and whenever it rains.

Another gang has been targeting motorists while in traffic jams with hawkers being blamed for worsening whenever they flood streets in the city.

Police have since formed an anti-mugging squad to pursue the gangs and have so far managed to kill dozens of suspects.

Meanwhile, the public has been warned against lynching any suspects.

Nairobi Police boss Benson Kibui advises that they instead alert police officers to arrest such people.

But is an appeal that has largely been ignored as the public continue to bay for blood of muggers and robbers.

Just three months ago, two

A businessman was robbed of Sh4 million at a parking bay of a bar in Westlands, Nairobi. The victim was waiting for drivers of his lorries outside Njuguna’s Bar along Waiyaki Way when he was attacked and robbed. The robbers first shot in the air before confronting their victim on Saturday evening. They then grabbed the cash that was in a briefcase in his car.

Four-year-old girl electrocuted in Dandora LYNCHED AND PINCHED: Muthurwa area in Nairobi. Three suspected muggers were lynched in the area by an angry mob.

men were lynched in two separate robbery incidents in Nairobi. One was lynched in Buruburu and the second in Ongata Rongai.

And in March this year, five suspected thugs were lynched in three separate incidents of attempted robberies in Nairobi.

Two of them were stoned to death in Kahawa Sukari area, another two in Kawangware and one in Ngong Town.

A four year old child was last night electrocuted in Dandora. The girl was walking home when she stepped on a naked, live wire. It killed her on the spot. Police said they later took her body to the mortuary.

What others said today...

Ruto, Gideon battle over Rift ahead of 2017 polls: A vicious supremacy turf war has erupted between Deputy President William Ruto and Baringo senator Gideon Moi over control of Rift Valley politics ahead of the 2017 polls. Gideon, the youngest and favourite son of retired President Daniel arap Moi, is said to be fighting to wrestle the region from Ruto’s grip and consequently block the DP’s bid to suceed President Kenyatta...

Political rivals battle it out over insecurity: Politicians from the rival Cord and Jubilee Coalition yesterday intensified public exchanges over security in the country.

Jubilee MPs rallied to the defence of President Kenyatta after the harsh criticism aimed at him during Friday’s burial of Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ while their Cord counterparts continued to blame the government for the deteriorating security in the wake of the Mander attack...

How teachers will share Sh 5.6 billion medical cash: Three years of negotiations between teachers and employeer have finally paid off. Starting next month, over 2888,000 tutors will access a comprehensive Shs 5.6 billion annual medical cover. Each member of the Kenya National Union of Post Primary Education Teachers and Kenya National Union of Teachers will enrol other fiveother members...

Where are these angels?: Mystery deepened yesterday over the whereabouts of three children who have gone missing after their parents died in puzzling circumstances, with police suspecting they have been murdered by their father. Police were last evening still looking for the trio, almost a week after the bodies of their mother and father were separately found in Nairobi and Thika, respectively...

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NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014

UN: Risk of global Ebola spread still very high There is still a huge risk of Ebola spreading to other parts of the world, the head of the UN response mission in West Africa has said.

Tony Banbury who heads the UN Ebola response mission however declined to say if targets the world body had set in the fight against the deadly, to be achieved by Monday, had been met.

The targets were for the proportion of people being treated and for the safe burial of highly infectious bodies.

He had in October told the UN Security Council that by 1 December, “70 percent of all those infected by the disease must be under treatment and 70 percent of the victims safely buried if the outbreak is to be successfully arrested”.

But while speaking in Freetown yesterday, Banbury said the 70 percent targets were being met in “the vast majority” of areas in the three

worst-affected countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

“But in some areas”, he said, “including here in Sierra Leone - especially in the capital Freetown and in the town of Port Loko - we are falling short. And it is in those areas where we really need to focus our assets and our capabilities”.

This latest warning was issued even as Kenya ramped up her preparedness against the disease by partnering with Airtel to sensitize the public on preventions and response plan.

It is designed that Airtel will disseminate Ebola related communication designed by the Ministry of Health to its customers through SMS. Airtel will also provide a toll free number 1191 that customers using Airtel lines can reach the MOH to report, and obtain feedback from the Ministry of Health

More on this story at

www.capitalfm.co.ke

NOT SAFE YET: UN says there is still a huge risk of Ebola spreading to other parts of the world.

Ebola response team.

“The Ministry of Health is happy with the effort made

by Airtel in sensitizing

the public on Ebola. We believe that public private partnerships are critical in ensuring that we give our

citizens the best health care possible,” Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said.

US shooting cop resigns after threats Darren Wilson, the police officer who fatally shot an unarmed teenager, Michael Brown in August, has resigned from the police department in Ferguson, Missouri, his attorney, Neil Bruntrager confirmed.

Wilson said he resigned after the police department told him it received threats of violence if he remained an employee.

“I’m resigning of my own free will,” he said.

“I’m not willing to let someone else get hurt because of me.”

He said resigning was “the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

The resignation, which is immediate, comes five days after a grand jury decided not to indict Wilson in the killing of Michael Brown, 18, which triggered another round of demonstrations that continued through the week and into the weekend.

Police appeal for help to trace kids after mysterious death of parents INTER-FAITH PACT: Pope Francis, left, is welcomed by Istanbul Mufti Rahmi Yaran upon their arrival to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.

Pope Francis asks Muslim leaders to condemn terrorism Pope Francis has urged Muslim leaders around the world to condemn terrorism carried out in the name of Islam. Speaking on board a flight back to Rome, the Pope said that he understood the harm caused by the stereotype that linked Islam with terrorism. He said a “global condemnation” of the violence would help the majority of Muslims dispel this stereotype.

Pope Francis was returning from a three-day visit to Turkey, where he discussed divisions between faiths.

The pontiff denounced people who say that “all Muslims are terrorists”.

“As we cannot say that all Christians are

fundamentalists,” he said.

In Istanbul, Pope Francis called for an end to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.

In a joint declaration, the Pope and Patriarch Bartholomew I, said they could not resign themselves to a “Middle East without Christians”.

Patriarch Bartholomew is the spiritual leader of the world’s 250 million Orthodox Christians, whose Church broke with Rome in 1054 in a schism that divided the Christian world.

Constantinople, as the modern Turkish city of Istanbul was once known, was the centre of Orthodox Christianity until the Ottoman conquest in 1453.

Police are now appealing to the public to volunteer information that could help trace three missing children whose parents were found dead under mysterious circumstances last week.

The three children aged between nine and five were last seen when they left their Nairobi home in the company of their father, a lawyer, who was later knocked down by a bus on the Thika- Garissa highway.

The three children have been identified as Allen (nine), Ryan (eight) and Tiffany Muthoni, five.

Their father, Paul Magu is believed to have committed suicide when he threw himself in front of a bus, according to police relying on witness accounts and the bus driver who narrated how he saw a man suddenly jump onto the road.

The mutilated body of his wife Lydia had been found on Kiambu Road on Monday last week.

Police had earlier thought his wife’s death was a result of a road accident, but got more curious when they

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE KIDS? From left Tiffany Muthoni (five) Ryan (eight) and Allen (nine).

realised it was partly burnt.

Detectives later visited the family’s home and discovered some blood stains in a room, leading to more mystery about the deaths.

“We are pursuing several leads into these deaths, which include suicide, murder and ritual sacrifice,” said John Kariuki, head of the Serious Crimes Unit at the CID. A house-help who worked for the family has told police she last saw the children on the day they left with their father, who later returned home

alone, and left again.

He is said to have spent the night at his family home in Thika without the children, before the bus accident occured.

His vehicle with the engine still running was found next to the scene where he jumped onto the road.

Police have also questioned a neighbour to the Magu’s who recalled how the man had approached her asking if she would be willing to take care of his children in the event he dies.

The neighbour is reported to have told police that upon inquiring on the whereabouts of his wife, he told her that she had gone for prayers in Westlands, only to learn days later that she was dead when relatives flocked the home.

Reports indicate that the deceased man was a successful lawyer four years ago, but quit when he became too religious and changed churches before he started avoiding some of his family members.

BUSINESS |5

Drop in food prices cuts inflation MONday,DeceMBER 1, 2014

The month of November has witnessed an overall fall in inflation rate from 6.43 last month to 6.09 per cent.

A monthly report by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) attributes the drop

business diary Poultry expo set for KICC The Kenyatta International Convention Centre will host this year’s IAI Poultry Expo.

The Expo is a three-day event to be held between November 30 and December 2.

The event showcases a variety of products and services, including those from dairy and poultry sectors.

These include poultryrelated technology, animal health and nutrition services and products in meat, poultry a seafood industries.

Sheria Soft Business Manager Catherine Kibuchi and Calypso Enterprises Executive Marketer John Ndiragui will be among other field experts expected at the event.

JKUAT to host expo The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) will hold a tech expo in Nairobi between December 4-5.

Dubbed JKUAT Tech Expo 5.0, the event is expected to host Dr Manilal Premchand Chandaria as a keynote speaker.

A statement from JKUAT says: “The Expo seeks to encourage and support student’s innovative ideas so that they may tackle problems across all sectors effectively. It encourages innovation collaboration and education.”

Those planning to attend can call 0715 534 367 or e-mail expo@jkuat.ac.ke for details.

to a reduction in food and transport costs which fell by 0.18 and 0.57 per cent respectively.

“The drop in transport index was mainly due to reduction of pump prices

of petrol and diesel in November 2014 compared to October 2014,” says the report.

The decline in inflation resulted from falls in prices of selected food

commodities.

A two kilogram bag of sifted maize decreased from Sh111.82 in September to Sh110.57 as a kg of maize grain fetched Sh43.44 from Sh44.46.

Tomatoes and chicken saw high price falls. A kg of tomatoes sold at an average Sh83.30 in November from Sh93.33. This represents a 10.75 pc drop as a kg of chicken sold at Sh514.87, up

from Sh510.24 in October.

The decrease in water, gas, electricity and housing charges by 0.34 per cent was attributed to a drop in prices of kerosene and electricity.

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BUSiness

Analogue switch off schedule released MONday, DeceMber 1, 2014

The analogue switch off is set to take effect starting this this month after industry stakeholders agreed to take the switch over in three phases.

The first phase of the switch off will cover Nairobi and its environs which is set for December 31.The second phase that will cover Mombasa, Malindi, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu, Webuye, Kakamega, Kisii, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyahururu, Machakos, Narok and Loldiani (Rongai) will be done on February 2, 2015, while the third phase covering all other remaining sites will be activated on March 30, 2015.

Speaking during the announcement of the switch-off dates, Director General Communication Authority of Kenya, Francis Wangusi, urged Kenyans to take note of the new dates and comply to avoid being switched off.

“The phased approach will help in improving the subsequent phases based in lessons learnt.

It will also give adequate time for consumer awareness, importation and local distribution of set top boxes to beef up the current stock across the country,” Wangusi said.

He added that there are enough set top box vendors, who will be able to meet the short term demand. Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i urged Kenyans to embrace digital television as it avails diverse channels and boosts job creation.

“This has been a long process but one which we have no choice to embrace given the global digital migration of June 2015. It is noteworthy that other countries in the region have migrated and Kenya having been a leader in the ICT sector must not lag behind,” said Matiang’i.

SGR cash to revive weakening Kenyan shilling The Kenyan shilling is expected to grow stronger against world major currencies especially the US dollar in the next two weeks once China pumps in cash for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway.

It is suspected that the shilling, which has been under pressure in the recent past, will recover as a result of the foreign currency that will be pumped into the economy for the railway construction.

China Roads and Bridges Company won the contract to deliver the railway line by 2018.

Its completion will also relieve the pressure on the northern corridor that connects Mombasa to other landlocked Eastern Africa countries.

This will in turn significantly reduce the cost of transportation and road maintenance.

Chaos mar UK Black Friday sales

DIGITAL MIGRATION: CA Director General Francis Wangusi. The three phase digital migration will take effect starting December 31 in Nairobi.

smartmove Kajiado farmers sell hybrid sheep for Sh10,000 a head Sheep farmers in Kajiado County are selling their flock for as much as Sh10,000 a head as a new breed of sheep becomes ever more popular in the region.

This new type of sheep adapts well to tough climatic conditions and matures faster than its common counterparts.

Known as Dorper, the sheep breed is said to be hardy and does well in dry area. The sheep has become so popular that farmers from neighbouring countries like Tanzania and Rwanda are flocking the country to buy female sheep, popularly known as ewes.

“Demand for breeding ewes has been rising,” says Ms. Kone OleSein, the national Secretary of the Dorper Breeders Society of Kenya, an umbrella body that brings together corporate and individual farmers.

Ole-Sein, who is also a Dorper farmer from Kajiado County says: “Dorper does well on natural pastures, although

bizbriefs

farmers may offer supplementary feeding during scarcity or based on nutritional requirements.

She adds that a breeding ram currently costs between Sh25,000 and Sh40,000 with ewes selling for between Sh10,000 and Sh15,000.

With the rising demand, large scale farmers and government farms have been breeding rams that are then sold to farmers.

“We breed rams and then sell to farmers for breeding purposes,” says Mr. Cleopas Wahome, a livestock production officer with the Naivasha Sheep and Goat Station, a government-owned farm.

The farm has a flock of 550 Dorper sheep. Wahome notes that though Dorper sheep will eat almost any vegetation available, they must be well fed before they mate to increase the chances of producing twins, which can help farmers increase their stock.

thefall

therise Longhorn Kenya Publishing Company, Longhorn Kenya was last week’s stock winner with a 10.64 per cent stock price increase from Sh23.50 to Sh26.

Last year, the publishing company nearly doubled its net profit in the six months ended December 2013. The company’s half-year profit increased from Sh16.9 million in 2012 to Sh30.1 million in 2013. Its marginal sales growth has been attributed to the export markets of Uganda,

UK Black Friday sales turned chaotic leading to closure and call of police to push out shoppers scrambling for discounted goods.

Buyers at Tesco and Asda supermarkets scrambled for the goods on the shelves, as others wrestled, with reports emerging that one woman was seriously injured by a falling TV. Mail Online reports that the mayhem forced one of the shops at Manchester to close down just 36 minutes into opening.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Peter Fahy blamed the outlets for not providing adequate security “The events of last night were totally predictable and I am disappointed that stores did not have sufficient security staff on duty,” he said.

Malawi, Tanzania and Rwanda.

The company has been investing in electronic learning materials to benefit from the government’s plan to equip all school children with laptop computers.

Longhorn will also benefit from the government’s ordering program, which accounts for 80 per cent of textbook purchases and annual allowances for free primary education (FPE). With that specific program, Sales are expected to rise by between 20 per cent and 25 per cent.

Express Kenya Transport and logistics company, Express Kenya was last week’s loser with a 13.04 per cent stock price decrease from Sh6.90 to Sh6.

The company, which deals in clearing and forwarding services for air and sea, has been reducing activities in its core businesses (Transport and Logistics) to increase them in alternative business segments.

From June 2012 to June 2013, revenues increased from Sh229 million to Sh235million.

During the same period

Analysis by Amana Capital info@amanacapital.co.ke

(2012-2013), the company slashed its direct costs almost by half from Sh312.535 million to Sh195.404 million and its administrative expenses from Sh68.698 million to Sh20.949 million.

From June 2013 through to December 31, 2013, the company continued to maintain its costs at the same level from Sh312.535 million To Sh323.440 million.

Monday DECEMBER 1, 2014

ACCESS The Big knot

Topstory

Topstory

QuiCke

diamond shines at Channel o music Video awards a

FighT BaCk:

Women muST Take maTTerS inTo Their oWn handS

S

tripping women in public and subjecting them to gruesome torture is the latest addition to the endless list of crimes against women in Kenya. Dr Munira Zahid, a counselling psychologist says no man has the right to raise his hand against such a woman because everybody does good and bad. “Many things are advised in our religions, and all of them are for our own good, but we do not follow all the rules, and no one has the right to punish anyone for not following the rules, as no one can stand up and say that they are following all the rules themselves.”

Much has been said about unclothing women in public but none is stopping or at least easing the perversion. For this reason, it is time for women to strike back hard and quickly.

Attackers often assume that women are always nonresistant and surrender without a fight. Surprise them with the strongest self-defense mode that will have them regretting why they dared to look at you in the first place.

Ensure personal safety by avoiding isolated and dark places. You cannot always walk in groups but try to solicit company because you are likely to stay out of harm’s way.

When a woman walks alone in unlit and isolated alleys, she is directly placing herself in danger.

Better yet, keep contacts of cab drivers you can trust and call on whenever you are stranded or when it’s too risky to walk alone. But if you find yourself unavoidably alone in

streets, hasten your pace, keep your head up and be cautious of your surroundings. Of course fear will be grilling your nerves but you do not want to give an impression of a mousy and lost figure. Stride confidently and mask every ounce of tension to put off an assailant.

While driving or walking alone or with a young one, beware of your surroundings. If you get a feeling someone is watching and following you then it is better to act swiftly in a way that will not alarm your potential predator.

Change course and head to a public place with more people or go to a police station. Learn to trust and pay attention to your gut instinct/intuition because it is powerful.

When faced with an attack, fight for your survival. Use anything as a weapon including your bag, nails, voice, feet, hand, umbrella and even teeth although it is not healthy. But you can worry about that later. Claw your attacker(s) in the meanest way possible.

You may not have pepper sprays, Tasers or pen knives so the best shot is maximizing the element of surprise.

This means your hands and feet are your primary tool of protection which you must use first. Fight so hard because your life depends on it. Whether you are surrounded by a gang or a single assailant, do not yield weakly. The altercation can attract attention and help come your

way. It is so unfortunate that no one came to the aid of recent victims of violent undressing and sexual assault in public. They only got help after being humiliated and rendered helpless. Those close by cheer on, take videos or distance themselves from the scene. Evidently, the only survival chance is putting up the best defense mode without relying so much on passersby because they might turn a blind eye. Do not forget to report any form of attack to the police.

frican music was celebrated in a big way with the Channel O Music Video Awards on Saturday. The awards which are in their 11th running year, seek to celebrate and recognize movers and shakers in the African music scene. East Africa and South Africa dominated the awards with Bongo star Diamond Platinumz scooping three awards in a rare feat. The Tanzanian artiste scooped awards for Most Gifted Newcomer, Most Gifted Afro Pop and Most Gifted East for his song Number one. East Africa was all a buzz with the news with people on social media celebrating and congratulating the artiste on the win. Kenya sadly did not win any accolades but were represented

by Sauti Sol and Elani. Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Navio also walked away empty handed. Diamond shone despite being pitted against power houses like Davido, Flavour and Mafikizolo. The beautiful Tiwa Savage also won an award that was presented by Kenya’s own Sauti Sol in the Most Gifted Female category for her song Eminado which had some of the biggest female artistes in the industry like Seyi Shay, Bucie and Thembi Seete.

With Diamond’s win, Tanzania and East Africa has firmly earned a seat at the big boys table as a force to reckon with when it comes to music. South Africa also had a big win with artiste Cassper of the Doc Shebeleza fame also swooping three awards in the Most Gifted Male, Most Gifted Southern and Jameson Most Gifted Video of the year. The star studded event saw stars step out in all their glory decked out in high end fashion. Diamond arrived at the awards with the beautiful Ugandan socialite Zari on his arm.

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the big knot

MONDAY, DeceMber 1, 2014

Martha and richard’s grand wedding Martha and Richard started planning their wedding late last year, and with a week to the wedding, the couple had finished preparing everything.

t

hree years ago, Martha and Richard met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. They sat next to one another, surprised that they had a mutual friend but had never met. The spark was instant.

“We met at a friend’s party, we happened to be seated next to each other and I noticed definite characters in her,”Richard confessed to X

Access.

The pair met again in Church where Richard took a leap of Faith and asked Martha out on a proper date.

Richard proposed to Martha on Valentine’s Day 2013 at a hotel in Thika.

“I was surprised, I did not see it coming at that time but I was happy all the same time,” said a beaming Martha. On Saturday29th November 2014 at Winners Chapel, Martha and Richard exchanged their vows before friends and family. Martha looked regal in her beaded chiffon wedding dress as she was walked down the aisle by her parents. In addition to the beaded bodice, Martha’s dress had lace peeking subtly from the bottom giving it a chic sophisticated look. “I got my gown from Dubai and I wanted something fitted at the top and goes on to puff out at the bottom. The way it flows was key for me,” said Martha.

Waiting at the altar smiling from ear to ear was Richard, decked out in a black fitting

suit with a red bowtie. “When I saw her I felt a lot of peace, my bride was beautiful,” said Richard. Martha knew Richard was the one when she felt at peace with him.

“We just clicked. There was that peace and I was guaranteed that Richard was the one,” Martha told us later.

The maids were in flowing chiffon dresses with each maid wearing a different colour. The grooms’ men were in black suits neckerchiefs that matched their partners in the lineup.

As soon as the officiating pastor announced the two as man and wife everybody burst into song and dance.

The joy in the air was tangible as the newlyweds danced their hearts out in celebration. Yes, they finally made it. “Today has been an answered prayer. We have been praying and God answered our prayer,” said Richard.

The church was simply decorated with cascading flowers of white and red decorating the aisle. The

couple chose the colours of the rainbow as their theme colours. “We chose different colours because each colour is significant to our marriage we wanted something unique,” said Martha.

Martha and Richard started planning their wedding late last year, and with a week to the wedding the couple had finished planning everything.

Their initial budget was Sh.525, 000 but they ended up spending Sh.486, 000.

“We were lucky enough to get vendors who had discounted prices so we took advantage of the opportunity,” said Richard.

The reception at Highway Secondary School was

decorated to the nines. With flowers everywhere, the grounds looked every bit amazing. With food and music in plenty, people ate and danced to their hearts content. Their cake was simply decorated with yellow and red flowers and it tasted as good as it looked.

As for honeymoon plans, Richard kept mum saying it was a surprise for his bride, Martha and did not want to spoil it. “It is a secret, she does not know. Let us leave it at that,” said Richard.

Congratulations to Martha and Richard as they begin this new chapter in their lives.

Review

Centrestage | 9 MONDAY, DeceMber 1, 2014

Elani nail their first live concert T

he Kookoo trio sure knows how to leave the crowd entertained!

Although the event started late, they set a precedent in the Kenyan entertainment industry by giving revelers the time of their lives. Gospel singer Bahati was first on stage backed up by his dancers in an energy packed and wellcoordinated dance moves. He performed his top hits and left the crowd amazed when he did the Harlem shake dance move. He bowed out to give way to the vibrant H_art band that sent the crowd to a mythical world with their Uliza kiatu and Mapenzi ni kikohozi hits. Despite their deep lyrics and poetic prowess, the band sent the crowd to fits of laughter with their comical performance of Lovephobic song. DJ Crème de le crème took to the stage in preparation for the main attraction and he did not disappoint either.

He kept the crowd jumping to the illest hip hop, local, old school and dance mixes.

The stage was on fire literally when the Elani trio took to the stage. Their silhouettes were projected on a white background which went up amidst fireworks to reveal confident Elani in military gear ready for battle.

Maureen Kunga and Wambui Ngugi rocked black minis, knee length gladiator heels and combat tops while Brian was looking hot with his military shorts and jacket.

They started the show with a punch by performing their club banger Jana Usiku leaving the already energized crowd singing their lungs out. They slowed down the tempo with their soothing urban afro songs which they are famed for and changed wardrobe four times in between the performances.

Before performing their Barua ya Dunia hit, they took the crowd in a nostalgic trip down memory lane through their past struggles and their rise to fame. The crowd was in for a surprise treat when Lingala ya Yesu singer, Pitson performed his

DJ Crème de le crème took to the stage in preparation for the main attraction and he did not disappoint either. hit with the trio backing him up. The rendition was just perfect and before leaving the stage they all went at it with killer lingala moves forcing

Bryan Chweya to remove his coat. The signed out with an electrifying performance of their famous KooKoo track leaving the enthusiastic crowd

chanting aiiaiiyaya. The trio lived up to its earlier promise to rock the crowd and have surely set the bar high for others in the industry. They

nairobi Fashion Week takes fashion a notch higher

Model showcasing the Buibui collection.

The Nairobi Fashion Week team toasting after the show.

The three day event saw the inclusion of Jumia, local design shops with Maasai inspired shoes and ornaments being the most common on sale.

The main event, which was the fashion show, took place in the evenings from 7pm.The first day saw nine designers showcasing including Nahuja Nuhu designs from Tanzania who was very impressive.

Day two had eight designers but it was Hers by Helinahwho stole the show with an all-white collection blending casual with couture.

Another unique showing came from Tanzania, breaking all cultural and religious barriers to strut a whole Buibui collection by Yazmoek Porter designs The third day, saw the best of both sexes. The male collections were in full swing as the male models strutted down the runway, all buffed up and shirtless.

Leather was the fabric of choice for accessories that featured shoes, handbags and the now fashionable man-bag from fashion house leather fabric There was high attendance on all days with brilliant entertainment from Phy and the band. The fashionable emcee, Grace Makosewe kept the party alive and interesting.

Leather freaks collection.

oozed confidence, maturity, powerful stage presence and vocals to deliver an epic concert. If you missed the Elani concert… #Jishuku!

Rugby after-party fails to launch

Students at the after-party of the universities rugby Sevens held at the Impala grounds were disappointed after music systems failed at the event.

Winners wanted to celebrate victory in style even as losers looked forward to nurse their loss after the cutthroat competition but the music system failed to launch! Entertainment systems came to a halt shortly before 9pm for what was described as ‘technical hitches’.

The enraged students staggered out to the city centre while others sought consolation in the nearby Harlequins Club. “Am so disappointed that I cannot wash away our loss in the matches with music and beer. I needed consolation in the bottle. I have to go to town now,” said Jeff Oburu, a student at the University of Nairobi.

Earlier on, Egerton University students stole the show while playing Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology with an extra player.

Fans from the Technical University of Kenya shouted at the referee asking him to stop the match since the Egerton side was playing eight instead of the usual seven players.

The match halted for a while as the extra player rushed out amid scoffs. At the last whistle, MMUST humiliated Egerton with 19 against 12 scores.

The matches and party were organized by the Kenya Universities Sports Association and EXP.

10 |

fashion parade

MONDAY, DeceMber 1, 2014

FASHIONCArd HOTTOPICS

IT IS OFFICIAL dIAmONd ANd ZArI AN ITEm

Looking glam

We like

@ THE NAIrOBI FASHION wEEk rEd CArPET

Diamond arrived at the Channel O Music Video Awards with the beautiful Ugandan socialite Zari on his arm. The two have been rumoured to be dating after they were spotted out and about but Diamond had denied the allegations saying they were just friends. Meanwhile after the star’s big win, his ex-girlfriend Wema Sepetu congratulated him on social media saying, “Hongera tele ziende kwa Kaka Platnumz. I must say he did Tanzania proud”. By calling him ‘Kaka’ Wema may have hinted that they are no longer together with the award winning star. Exit Wema, enter Zari, now you know Diamonds are forever!

VyONNE ANd VICTOrIA wILd PArTy IN JOZI

Classy gentlemen

OMG! Why?

LyrICSLAB diamond – Number One Diamond is praising his woman and telling her that she is his number one. He tells her that he is a jealous man and begs her not to cheat on him or lie to him. Perhaps that’s why he is the best thing that happened at Channel O bagging 3 awards?

Perfectly elegant

Best...

Cassper Nyovest – doc Shebeleza Shebeleza is dissing his exes but saying that booty is the best he has ever had and will ever have. He is trying his best to make her his baby mama and that there is no man that can stop him or take his place.

He was Channel O’s best male act.

Victoria Kimani and Yvonne Darcq were in South Africa over the weekend for the Channel O Music Video Awards. After attending the awards ceremony, the two took to the town to live it up. They took Jozi by storm, posting pictures of their escapades on social media. They were joined

by Tanzanian artiste, Vanessa Mdee among other musicians.

Tiwa Savage ft don Jazzy – Eminado He is willing to spoil her rotten since he has the money. She is his one and only. They will always be each other’s ‘Eminado’ and what God has put together, no man can tear asunder. Best Female act Channel O.

PLAY |11

forecast

MONday,DeceMBER 1, 2014

HOROSCOPES capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

Feel free to let it all out today, Capricorn. It’s finally your turn to stand up and say what you feel. Don’t let others push you into places you don’t want to be. The key is to probe deeply with your penetrating mind and share your incredible insights with others.

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

Emotionally speaking, you’re probably doing quite well today, Aquarius. You have extra self-confidence to draw on to tackle your projects. The one difficult aspect of the day probably has to do with some sort of mental challenge that for some reason just isn’t making sense.

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

You might be in a bit of a jam today, Pisces, when one person or situation doesn’t work well with what you’re thinking, and another doesn’t fit well with what you’re feeling. There’s a clash taking place that may be difficult to reconcile, especially if you remain stubbornly in your position.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

Today is a good day for you to follow through, Aries. Normally you’re much better at tagging along or simply going with the flow of the situation. This way of doing things has proven quite effective for you in the past. Indeed, it has gotten you far. What you have now is a different situation.

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

Have sympathy for those who need to vent today, Taurus. Don’t be surprised if people line up outside your door for a chance to bend your ear for an hour or two. Your mind is sharp. You will be able to see to the core of any issue brought before you. More than likely, you will understand things intuitively.

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

You will probably want everyone to know how you feel today, Gemini.

You won’t be shy about expressing your emotions. Feel free to take the lead on matters, for you have the self-confidence and emotional stability to do quite well at the helm of the ship.

Try not to let your mind trip over itself, however.

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

Put your foot down today, Cancer.

Don’t let others push you around. It could be that you’re used to letting people have their way in order to keep the peace. The problem with this is that your dreams and goals may get lost in the shuffle. Don’t lose sight of your true destination.

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

For goodness’ sake, make a decision today, Leo. The more you flounder about which way to go, the likelier it is that you will miss the boat altogether.

You have all the facts you need, so don’t delay any longer. Once you make up your mind, be strong and throw all your weight behind it.

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

Mentally, you’re apt to do very well today, Virgo. You will find that you can tackle just about any cerebral challenge that comes along. The most difficult aspect of the day will be dealing with your emotions. More than likely, you will feel a great desire for attention.

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

Keep things simple and straightforward. Try not to complicate issues with unnecessary garble. Streamline your thoughts and actions. You will find that you can be much more efficient when you cut out the aspects that aren’t pertinent or absolutely necessary.

’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

Make sure you solidify your affairs early in the day, Scorpio, because the sparks are going to fly after sunset.

People might try to throw you off balance with fast talk and fancy ideas.

You need to make sure you’re on solid ground before you take the next step upward. Balance your emotions so you don’t take your frustration out on others.

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

You’re apt to be spurred into action by strong forces that don’t want you to take a break, Sagittarius. Keep in mind that the more you resist, the more you will be pushed and pulled by outside sources. If you find yourself in a bind, take a deep breath and calm down.

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

1. Trying to get a job in this economy - Janet Mumo, Nairobi.

2. Ah, water. My greatest enemy. We meet again... - Sandrs Wanyoike, Westlands.

3. I opened the lid. Trust me, I can remove its contents - Philip Bosire, Nairobi.

sudoku

Forbidden Falls — by Robyn Carr

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.

Noah Kincaid has lost his wife and needs to get away. So when he stumbles across a church for sale on EBay, he snaps up the chance up. Residents of Virginia Falls are curious to see who the young man who has bought the church is. He arrives in the town ready to breathe life to his new acquisition but needs help. So he places an advert in the local paper yet nothing prepared him for the person who answers the ad. Ellie Baldwin is a beautiful determined woman who wears colourful clothes that show just an inkling into her personality. She needs to get a ‘respectable’ job in order to get her children back. Ellie might just be the breath of fresh air that Noah needs and Noah might be the stability Ellie requires.

mustread

Act on corrupt officials to tame insecurity

The Government must immediately act on corrupt officials instead of telling the public that graft is causing insecurity (Omamo: Corruption hinders efforts to fight insecurity November 28, 2014).

Kenyans want to see culprits prosecuted, not mere talk.

The public has no mandate of investigating and arresting suspects. That role rightly belongs to the Government.

If the minister and investigating officers think the racketeers are immovable, they can as well reign.

Too many lives have been been

lost.

Attacks are soon going to be of no news value because they are becoming too often.

Corruption has been blamed for every shortcoming, but no firm action has been taken on the vice even when it is evident it is costing

the country live and resources.

Asking the international community to help fight insecurity will only help if we reorganise our house.

They can only give moral support and leave you to perform. Their help may be limited to armoury and finance, which again will be

gobbled up by the corruption demon. That means the circle of blames and deaths will continue.

Do not tell Kenyans corruption is fuelling insecurity; act firmly and decisively.

Monday, deceMber 1, 2014

Sport

Leos claim Kings of Rugby crown

Strathmore Leos put up a consistent performance to win the inaugural Kings of Rugby university sevens tournament at the RFUEA grounds on Saturday.

The side was too strong for Masinde Muliro University whom they easily beat 62-5 in the finals to pocket Sh150,000 cash prize.

Strathmore led 31-0 at halftime after tries from Michael Wanjala, Billy Odhiambo and a brace from Tony Owuor. Humphrey Owuor also scored once goal that accounted for three conversions.

In the second half, Strathmore touched down through Frank Wanyama, Tony Owuor, a brace from Churchill Ooko and one from Humphrey Owuor.

Brian Ligami scored the consolation try for MMUST who were the weaker side. “It was their day. They play in the Kenya Cup while we are in nationwide which is a big difference but my boys showed real potential,” MMUST head coach Ochieng Ahaya said.

Strathmore head coach Mitch Ocholla was grateful in winning the inaugural title.

MMUST won Pool B with three wins after beating University of Nairobi (UoN) 26-21, Technical University of Kenya (TUK) 26-5 and USIU-A 12-5.

Finals Bowl: SEKU 5 TUK 0; Plate: USIU-A 15 UoN 5; Main Cup: Strathmore 62 MMUST 5.

ROYAL ROAR: Michael Wanjala, the Pan Africa Strathmore Leos skipper, lifts the inaugural Kings trophy after they beat Masinde Muliro University in the Kings of Rugby University Sevens tournament at the RFUEA grounds, Nairobi, on Saturday finals.

Pipeline overrun Prisons in national volleyball play-offs Kenya Pipeline ended Kenya Prions’ four-year dominance in National Women’s Volleyball Federation with an emphatic win in Mombasa play-offs finals.

Japheth Munala took advantage of wounded wardens to stun prisons 3-0 (25-22, 25-19,25-17) to lift their first title since 2010.

The victory marked Prisons’ biggest loss in a major competition.

“We have waited for this

opportunity long enough and my players finally stood,” said Munala.

The 2014 season has been Prison’s worst since 2010 when they lost the national title to Pipeline at Nyayo National Stadium.

Prisons first lost their continental trophy to GSP Petroliers (Algeria) even with all the best players available. The loss was followed by the departure of three top

players Mercy Moim (left attacker), Brackcides Agala (centre blocker) and setter Jane Wacu who entered professional ranks in Finland and France respectively.

The exodus left David Lung’aho’s depleted squad struggling in the league.

Prisons’ bad season was made worse by injury to first setter, Salome Wanjala who strained a muscle in a tie against Nairobi Water.

SPORT |13

MONday,DeceMBER 1, 2014

Barca survive Valencia clash Sergio Busquets was the unlikely hero for Barcelona scoring with the last kick of the game to give Luis Enrique’s side a 1-0 win over Valencia and close the gap on Real Madrid to two points.

There were 93 minutes on the clock when Lionel Messi drifted out to the right and crossed for Neymar to head goalwards. Valencia keeper Diego Alves made the save but Busquets scored from the rebound.

Valencia had defended well and gone close themselves with former Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo drawing the best save of the game from Claudio Bravo. As Messi and company celebrated Valencia defenders sunk to their knees and Messi was hit by a plastic bottle as home supporters pelted the pitch. The frustration had previously been all Barcelona’s. Luis Suarez thought he had scored his first league goal for the visitors but it was incorrectly ruled out for offside.

Suarez had the ball in the net on 68 minutes but the flag was raised despite the Uruguayan being level with the last Valencia defender. In the end it didn’t matter as Busquets go the late goal that barely left Valencia with time to restart the game.

There was a lively start to the first half with Jeremy Mathieu booked for chopping down Negredo.

Valencia forced their first chance on 10 minutes when Rodrigo Moreno was foiled by Claudio Bravo. But although they had the early upper hand it was Barcelona who had the best opportunity of the first half and it fell to Suarez.

Gerard Pique played a long ball out of defence which Neymar cleverly flicked into Suarez’ path. The ball dropped it front of him around the penalty spot but Diego Alves in the Valencia goal made the save.

On 20 minutes Neymar went down

dramatically under a challenge from Nicolas Otamendi and as if to do outdo the Brazilian the defender responded to Neymar inclining his head toward him as he bent down to remonstrate with him for diving by throwing himself down in the penalty area.

In the resulting melee neither Neymar nor Otamendi’s amateur dramatics were punished as yellow cards were shown to Pique and to

Antonio Barragan.

With Alves, Jordi Alba and Mustafi all also booked six of the eight defenders on the pitch had to face the second half on a yellow card.

Andre Gomez so nearly made sure that Valencia started that second 45 minutes in front but with one shoot that curled just wide and another effort into the side netting right on the half time whistle he failed to break the deadlock.

Suarez went close again at the start of the second half but he shot into the side netting with only a defender to beat on the line after Diego Alves came out of his goal but failed to reach the ball. Bravo was also beaten moments later but Pique was on hand to clear off the line.

Pedro and Rafinha came on for Suarez and Xavi with ten minutes left but on a night when Messi – without any pending records to

THEATRICAL: Nicolas Otamendi falls to the floor in theatrical fashion after Neymar appeared to headbutt him.

Shujaa fall to South Africa to finish second in Harare Shujaa finished second at the Confederation of African Rugby Sevens tournament after losing 38-5 to South Africa in the cup final played at the Prince Edward School in Harare, Zimbabwe yesterday.

The defending champions trailed 12-5 at the interval, Jacob Ojee scoring the sole try as the Chris Dry led South Africans scored 19 unanswered second half points to run off with the crown.

Shujaa reached the final with a 29-5 semi-final win over Tunisia. They lead 19-0 at the break through tries from Shaban Ahmed, Jacob Ojee and Martin Owillah.

Ahmed added two conversions. They would score two more tries in the second half through Samuel Motari and Ojee who landed his brace before the Tunisians scored a consolation try late in the match.

The team had earlier finished top of Pool B, this despite losing 14-12 to Uganda, a result that proved academic as their superior try count gained them pole position.

smash – was barely involved it looked like ending in a stalemate that would have suited Real Madrid more than the two teams on the pitch.

But the Argentine forward came alive in the last moments of the game. Otamendi had to slide in to deny him with the penultimate chance of the game. And, not to be denied, he then crossed for Busquets to get the winner.

SHUJAA POWER: Shujaa (in white and red) battling South Africa in a past encounter. They finished second at the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Sevens tournament after losing 38-5 to South Africa.

Van Gaal lauds complete united performance

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal felt his side’s 3-0 win over Hull was their most accomplished performance of the season.

United enjoyed 76% of possession as they eased to a third successive win to stay fourth in the Premier League.

“It was the best match of our season,” Van Gaal said.

“What pleased me the most was the way we dominated the game from the first minute to the last minute. It was the first time we have done that.”

He added: “We created many chances, we did not give the ball away too much unnecessarily and we kept a clean sheet again.”

United’s fourth clean sheet in 13 league games this season was helped by Hull’s approach, which was to defend deep and in numbers “We knew in advance they would probably come with five defenders and a full midfield,” Van Gaal added. “So we trained to play the ball quick and we did that.

14 |

SPORT

MONday, DeceMber 1, 2014

COMMANDING PRESENCE: Defender Betsy Omala has been instrumental in Telkom Kenya’s backline in the team’s path to the Africa Cup for Club championships victory. The team beat hosts Bulawayo Athletic Club 7-0 to lift the title.

Telkom keep African crown after third win in Zimbabwe

Telkom Orange made it three wins in a row at the Africa Cup for Club championships after beating hosts Bulawayo Athletic 7-0 on Sunday.

The win means the seven-time continental champions will keep the trophy for good after lifting it three

times.

Orange’s aim was to retain the title without conceding a gaol in honour of former player Betty Tioni who passed on early this year.

On arrival from Zimbabwe, the team and officials hinted they would head

directly to Tioni’s home to display the trophy.

Coach Jos Openda said he was thrilled after his players retained the title.

“Having played them in the group stages gave us advantage on what

to expect in the final…….the instructions were to starve them and press harder,” he said.

Openda said the players followed the instructions with Telkom dominating all phases of play.

Caroline Guchu and Hellen Chemtai

Fan dies as rivals clash in Madrid tie

Gerrard denies rift with Rodgers Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has denied reports of a rift with boss Brendan Rodgers after he was left out of the side’s victorious clash against Stoke.

The exclusion was the first time for the midfielder, 34, to fail to started a league game since New Year’s Day when he was injured.

Rodgers’s decision to omit Gerrard from the 1-0 win at Anfield came on the 16th anniversary of his debut for the club.

But he said on Instagram: “Just to set the record straight, media talk of a fall-out between us two is nonsense.”

Rodgers admitted he was unaware of the milestone in Gerrard’s career when he left out the former England captain.

“I wasn’t aware it was 16 years until I walked into the dressing room and saw the programme,” Rodgers said after his side secured their first win in five games.

towering FIGHTERS: USIU players during the Zuku Universities Basketball League (ZUBL) Nairobi Conference finals at the Nyayo national stadium. The team is among other semi-finalists in the men and women’s premier leagues Kenya Basketball Federation play-offs.

Six teams rumble into basketball league play-offs

Six teams confirmed their semi-final places in men and women premier leagues in the Kenya Basketball Federation playoffs.

United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) men premier made it to the semi-finals for a third season in a row after a 2-0 win over Strathmore.

USIU will play Ulinzi in the last four

after eliminating Lions with two games. On Saturday, Ulinzi won 5953 in game two which was equally competitive.

Defending champions Co-op Bank showed experience to rout Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) 2-1. KAA had won game one 67-59 but the bankers replied on Saturday with a 67-55 victory.

scored two goals each as Lillian Aura, Jackline Jow and Barbara Simiyu added one apiece.

Telkom led 5-0 at halftime.

They will play Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the semifinals after the dockers eliminated Blades 2-0 after Saturday’s 74-70 win.

In the women’s league, Co-op Bank beat Strathmore 61-54. Sprite Storms also made it to the semifinals with a 2-0 series win over Eagle Wings.

They completed the double on Saturday by beating Eagles 35-29.

A supporter died after violent clashes between fans before Atletico Madrid’s home match against Deportivo La Coruna.

The Deportivo fan, 43, was taken out of a river near Atletico’s Vincente Calderon Stadium with heart complications, hypothermia and head injuries before passing on in hospital.

Eleven other people were treated for minor injuries, including a female police officer.

Twenty people were detained and 100 troublemakers identified.

The violence near the stadium was condemned by both clubs and the Spanish league.

Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin said: “It’s disgusting - that scum has no place in football. I only hope they identify those responsible.”

16 |

SPORT

SPORT| 15

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014

MONDAY,DECEMBER 1, 2014

Pellegrini: Saints win restores our title credentials MUCH ADO: Manuel Pellegrini has plenty to ponder ahead of his side’s trip to Sunderland on Tuesday night. He is sweating on the fitness of his captain Vincent Kompany for the midweek trip to Sunderland after was he forced off injured in the closing stages of his side’s 3-0 win at Southampton on Sunday.

M

anchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says his side’s victory at Southampton proves they are capable of challenging Chelsea for the Premier League title.

City climbed to second in the table with a 3-0 win over Southampton and are six points behind the unbeaten Blues.

“We can complain about a lot of things from this team this year,” he

said. “But the only thing we cannot complain about in the squad is the spirit, the personality, the character and the ambition to continue winning.”

Pellegrini is confident there is enough time to catch Jose Mourinho’s side, who were held to a 0-0 draw away to Sunderland on Saturday. “We have to play 25 games more. It is a lot of points and

nobody knows what will happen in the future,” he added.

“In football in one week you can change your position. Chelsea are playing very well and we will see what will happen. We must try to concentrate just on [Wednesday’s game against] Sunderland.”

City have lost twice in the league this season, but were comfortable winners at St Mary’s as they

Battling Kenyans fall to Namibia again Kenya suffered a crushing 125-run defeat to Namibia in the build up to ICC World Cricket League Division Two championships next year.

The Kenyans who had been scheduled to tour Pakistan before the visit was shelved have been on a five-match tour of Namibia. In the last match, Namibia won the toss and elected to bat posting 251 all out off 49.1 overs.

They then dismissed Kenya for 126 off 38 overs to complete an emphatic victory.

Namibia got off to a good start when Stephan Baard and Gerrie Snyman put on 48 for the first wicket before Baard

was dismissed for 25. Snyman followed shortly after for 27, and when Sarel Burger was out for 18, Namibia’s total stood at 107 for the loss of three wickets.

Craig Williams scored 37 off 62 balls before he was caught and bowled by James Ngoche.

His inning included four fours, while Gerhard Erasmus scored 20 runs off 24 balls which included a towering six off Shem Ngoche.

Nicolaas Scholtz and Christi Viljoen went out cheaply on six and two respectively, but Raymond van Schoor anchored the innings and top-scored with 66 which

included consecutive sixes off Rakep Patel. He shared a 58run eighth wicket partnership with JP Kotze, who scored 27 off 20 balls, before Namibia were all out for 251.

Nelson Odhiambo was Kenya’s top bowler, with great figures of three wickets for nine runs off 6 overs, while Elijah Otieno took 2 for 45 off 8 overs.

The teams were using the matches to prepare for the upcoming ICC World Cricket League Division Two Championships to be held in Namibia in January.

Bottom of Form

Pirlo snatches victory for Juve

A stunning stoppagetime strike from Andrea Pirlo continued Juventus’ domination of their local derby with Torino and extended their winning home run in Serie A to 25 games.

The midfielder, 35, lashed home as the league leaders survived Stephan Lichtsteiner’s late sending-off.

leapfrogged Southampton in the table and closed the gap on Chelsea.

Yaya Toure, Frank Lampard and Gael Clichy scored the goals to secure City’s triumph, with the visitors making light of Eliaquim Mangala’s red card, and also being denied a clear penalty.

Striker Sergio Aguero was crudely upended in the penalty area by Jose Fonte in the game’s first meaningful

action, only to be booked for diving, but Pellegrini played down referee Mike Jones’ glaring error.

“I saw that it was a penalty but I am not the referee,” said Pellegrini.

“Sergio never dived, but the referee is human and everyone makes mistakes. “Maybe if we had drawn 0-0 we would be talking more about this, but we got the result and that’s all that counts,” he said.

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333 Barua Muganga RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY Nipe Nafasi You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this Glory to Glory link using GPRS or WAP & download your content.

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Ex: HC4 to 22333

BAHATI DJ LAPOZE JEMMO & DENNO BEN GITHAE HADASSAH PAUL EMMA OMONGE MASSMASILYA LAURENT MUGISHO MR. BISCUIT SIMON KIDUM & JULIANI KIDUM NGANGALITO KIDIS GLORIA MULIRO EKO DYDDA PITSON BEN GITHAE RINGTONE JIMMY GAIT GLORIA M & WILLY P ALA C DENNO SOLOMON MUKUBWA SARAH KIARIE

TIB4 HC4 GON4 GIT4 WT4 JC4 HOB4 HOK4 JAG4 SIM4 DUM4 DUM4 LIT4 PIG4 GM4 KEB4 BOM4 GIT4 RING4 JG4 GM4 ALA4 GON4 SOL4 SK4

Arturo Vidal had put the against their Turin rivals. champions ahead with a Torino looked more likely to twice-taken penalty earlier go on and end a winless run on, but Bruno Peres levelled in the fixture dating back to with a superb goal that looked 1995 as they pressed for a late set to earn them a point. goal following Lichtsteiner’s Juventus remain three points dismissal.

This is a subscription service. Cost per message is KSH30. Content Delivered daily. A Joining fee of KSH30 applies. clear after Roma beat Inter But Pirlo’s class shone through Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, Milan 4-2 later on Sunday. in the final moments as the SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#. A deactivation fee of KES 30 will be charged unless It was a 15th win in 17 Italy international drilled the passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.

Published byJuventus Xtra Publishing Chancery Building, ball Limited, home from 25 yards out. Valley Road. Printed by the Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way. unbeaten games for

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MONDAY, OctOber 13, 2014

Published by Xtra Publishing Limited, Chancery Building, Valley Road. Printed by the Star, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way.