201401202 xnew by X News

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#16days

TUESday, DECember 2, 2014

“be the man, stand up for women”

— story on page 7

eXtra.sharp Tuesday 02.12.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke for

SPORT

Omamo to replace Emily Ruto Seven AFC leopards key players as Kenya Cricket Ladies captain P.13 sacked ahead of 2015 season | P.14

Gunmen slaughter 36 more in Mandera At least another 36 people have been killed in cold blood in Mandera County. Militant members of the al-Shabaab terror group attacked a quary at the Koromei area, about 10 kilometres from Mandera town, and killed the workers in 1am attack. The workers are said to have been ambushed as they slept in a tent near the quary. And just like it happened barely two weeks ago when the militants killed another 28 people, Muslims were separated from nonMuslims and the latter killed as the former were spared. Some of the victims were beheaded and reports from survivors said the attackers kidnapped some of their colleagues. The victims were shot at close range by the about 20 gunmen after they were taken hostage.

crimes against humanity: Security agents (left) and members of the public (above) stare at bodies of 36 nonMuslims who were killed by Al Shabaab gunmen as they took refuge in a quary within Mandera.

NEWS

Another 36 killed in Mandera TUESday, DECEmber 2, 2014

From Page 1 Police spokesperson Zipporah Mboroki confirmed the deaths but said she was unable to provide more details. “I am trying to get as details as I can from the ground, please get in touch with the County Commander in Mandera,” she said. Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo was said to be in a crisis security meeting following reports of

the attacks. In an attack carried out a fortnight ago, the Islamist militants ambushed a bus carrying 59 passengers and sprayed bullets on those who failed to recite Quran verses. At least 28 people were killed in the mayhem. Most of the victims were teachers from Mandera who were travelling to Nairobi from where they would connect to rural homes for the December holidays.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, saying it was retaliation for the Mombasa raids in mosques. The terror group had in September warned that it would revenge in attacks on Kenya after the US killed its leader Ahmed Godane in airstrikes in Southern Somalia. Today’s attack occurred barely four hours after another group, also believed to be members of the

militant group, attacked a club in Wajir killing one person and injuring 13 others. The group of three masked attackers is said to have been armed with Ak-47 rifles. They raided Ngamia Club which is just about 800 metres from Wajir Police Station and shot indiscriminately at revellers. The victim was identified as Boniface Daae who was shot at the back. Mboroki said other victims are

admitted in hospital in serious condition. After shooting at the club, the gunmen then proceeded to a Kenya Power sub-station but were repulsed by security officers guarding the facility. A number of trade unions, including the Kenya National Union of Teachers, have warned members who are non-natives to quit North Eastern region for fear of attacks.

Venezuelan medic fined Sh8m for Miami airport bomb prank A Venezuelan doctor has been fined more than Sh8million for his joke at a US airport security officer that he was carrying a bomb. Manuel Alvarado, 60, will pay Sh8.1 million for temporarily causing panic and evacuations and fight delays at the Miami International Airport in October 22. The doctor’s joke also prompted police bomb squad to swing into action. Although he withdrew the statement almost immediately, it was too late for the airport security official, who raised alarm. Alvarado was due to take a flight to Bogota when he was asked the usual security questions and he said he was carrying C-4 explosives. Malaymail Online reports that his lawyer, Brian Bieber, told a US court his client regretted his utterance and had no intention of causing panic. “He is extremely remorseful. He had no intent to place anyone in fear. He made what turned out to be the worst mistake of his life,” Bieber said. The prosecutor agreed to drop the charges of false bomb threat and criminal mischief. Bieber said the doctor will be free to go home upon payment of the fine.

COSTLY JOKE: Miami International Airport cordoned off after the Manuel Alvarado’s (inset) bomb threat joke. The joke made on October 22 led to the temporary closure of one of the terminals and delayed flights.

Study shows slowdown in HIV killer power HIV is evolving into a less deadly and less infectious virus, a major scientific study has reported. A team at the University of Oxford shows the virus is being “watered down” as it adapts to our immune systems. Reports indicate that the virus is taking longer to cause Aids and changes in the virus may help efforts to contain the pandemic. Some virologists suggest the virus

may eventually become “almost harmless” as it continues to evolve. More than 35 million people around the world are infected with HIV. Inside the carriers’ bodies lie a devastating battle between the immune system and the virus. HIV is a master of disguise. It rapidly and effortlessly mutates to evade and adapt to the immune system. But every so often, HIV infects

someone with a particularly effective immune system. “Then the virus is trapped between a rock and hard place, it can get flattened or make a change to survive and if it has to change then it will come with a cost,” said Prof Philip Goulder, from the University of Oxford. The “cost” is a reduced ability to replicate, which in turn makes the virus less infectious and means it

takes longer to cause Aids. This weakened virus is then spread to other people and a slow cycle of “watering-down” HIV starts. The team showed the process occurring in Africa by comparing Botswana, which has for long experienced a HIV crisis, and South Africa where HIV was first reported a decade later. Prof Goulder says: “It is quite striking. You can see the ability

to replicate is 10 percent lower in Botswana than South Africa and that’s quite exciting. “The virus is slowing down in its ability to cause disease and that will help contribute to elimination.” The findings contained in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science also suggested anti-retroviral drugs were forcing HIV to evolve into milder forms.

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NEWS

tuesday, december 2, 2014

Body of daughter in mysterious family deaths found in Ruiru Five-year-old Tiffany Muthoni, one of the three children whose parents died mysteriously last week, was found brutally murdered on Monday in Ruiru, Kiambu County. Her body was discovered at a thicket by villagers who alerted the police. Ruiru divisional police boss Isaac Thuranira said that officers took the mutilated body to the Thika Level 5 hospital mortuary. The search for her other two siblings still missing continues.

Two shot dead stealing transformer oil in Kilimani Two shot dead stealing transformer oil Two people were today morning shot dead by police after they were caught siphoning oil from a transformer along Marcus Garvey Road in Kilimani, Nairobi. Their accomplices managed to escape. Police say they had received an alert that the gang was siphoning the fuel when they responded. It is believed that oil siphoned from such transformers is being used even for cooking in households in the city.

Passengers injured in rush after bus radiator burst Several passengers were today injured as they escaped from a Kisii bound bus after its radiator overheat and burst along Waiyaki Way near Kabete police station. The radiator of the Daima which was heading to Kissi went off prompting the passengers to jump out of the bus in panic. Police said several passengers were injured in the incident as they tried to run out. Police arrived at the scene minutes later and declared it safe. The officers say the incident was purely mechanical. “There is no attack here and we have confirmed it was the radiator that burst,” said Dagoretti OCPD Rashid Mohamed.

Varsity staff welcome Mbithi appointment as new UoN VC Staff of the University of Nairobi have welcomed the appointment of Prof Peter Mbithi as the new Vice Chancellor to take over from George Magoha whose term lapses by the end of the year. Through their union, the Kenya Universities Staff Union (Kusu), the workers have also thanks Education Cabinet Secretary Joseph Kaimenyi saying he made a “bold and professional appointment” by picking Prof Mbithi to become the new boss of the institution. “As staff, we are very happy with the appointment. Prof Mbithi topped the interviews and deserved his new position having served diligently as a deputy vice chancellor,” Kusu secretarygeneral Charles Mukhwaya said. Dr Mukhwaya who together with other union officials are at a retreat at the coast however challenged the in-coming boss to ensure workers welfare are

improved. “He must ensure workers’ welfare is uplifted to the greatest levels possible,” he added. Prof Mbithi who is the current deputy vice chancellor of the institution in charge of administration and finance, ascends to the new position after beating rivals for the appointment in a competitive hiring process in which he scored 83.5 points in the interviews. He was followed in the interviews by Prof Agnes Wang’ombe, the principal of the college of agriculture and veterinary, who scored 77.3 points. Others nominated for appointment included other deputy vice chancellors; Prof Isaac Mbeche (students affairs) who scored 68 points and Prof Lucy Irungu (research, production and extension) who scored 67.7 points. The names had been forwarded to Prof Kaimenyi to appoint one person.

WE’RE HAPPY: Kusu secretary general Dr Charles Mukhwaya. Inset Prof Mbithi. The union has welcome his appointment as the new University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor.

And in a letter dated December 1, 2014, Prof Kaimenyi said: “In exercise of the power conferred to me by section 39 (1) of the

Universities Act, 2012, I hereby appoint you as as the Vice Chancellor for a period of five years with effect from January 6, 2015”

No turning back on cashless PSV payment system, says Kamau The switch to the cashless payment of commuter fares is still on despite failing to kick off yesterday as had been planned Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau says the rollout is on course and would take effect gradually. He said that the government would demand that vehicles effect the switch when they seek clearances. “What we’ve said is that when matatu operators come to us for service, we’re going to demand that they’re on the cashless system,” he explained while ruling out a police operation to flush out vehicles which have not been equipped for the system. He ruled out demands by the Matatu Welfare Association that the deadline for the switch be postponed. He made the remarks yesterday during the launch of Kenya Commercial Bank cashless platform, Pepea, which is one of the cards to be used in the new system of paying bus fares. National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Francis Meja said there had been adequate consultation

before the deadline for the adoption of the cashless system of payment was set. Matatu Owners Association (MOA) meanwhile welcomed the shift saying it would keep them from, “bleeding,” money. “As matatu owners we lose on average of 30 percent of our income to our boys (crews). They’re always telling us the police or city council demanded a bribe. Now we’ll be able to know exactly how much we make in a day and be better placed in our

negotiations with the banks,” MOA chairman Simon Kimutai said. Mary Mwangi, the Managing Director of the Double M fleet of buses, also welcomed the cashless payment mode but said the commissions that would be earned by the service providers could prove a hurdle if not negotiated competitively. “I’m sure once we have more players in the market they’ll be revised downward,” Kimutai assured her.

Transport Cabinet Secretary, Michael Kamau.

The union and students had in October threatened to stage a strike if Prof Mbithi was overlooked.

UN Climate talks begin as global temperatures break records A key UN climate meeting in Peru has opened with negotiators attempting to advance a new global agreement. One hundred and ninety-five nations have committed to finalising a new climate pact in Paris by 2015’s end. The process has been boosted by recent developments, including a joint announcement on cutting carbon by the US and China. The two weeks of discussions have started amid record-breaking global temperatures for the year to date. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), the global average temperature over land and ocean from January to October was the hottest since records began in 1880. Speaking at the opening ceremony in Lima, UN climate chief Christiana Figueres said that the conference had to make history. “2014 is threatening to be the hottest year in history and emissions continue to rise, we need to act urgently,” she told the negotiators. “We should be able to lay the foundations for a strong agreement in Paris and raise the level of our ambitions so that gradually over the long term we are able to achieve climate neutrality - this is the only way to truly achieve sustainable development for all.” Delegates will attempt to build on this year’s positive momentum that has seen a new political engagement with the process.

BUSiness | 5

SGR land owners to receive compensation

TUESday, DECember 2, 2014

The National Treasury has already released close to Sh8billion to compensate property owners who had land where the Standard Gauge Railway is set to be constructed. Kenya Railways Managing Director, Atanas Maina, said the National Land Commission will carry out the payout exercise which will start with land owners from Mariakani to Voi. “The construction of Phase 1 of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railways Project is on course. Land acquisition exercise undertaken by the National Land Commission in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Land Act, 2012 is at an advanced stage,” said Maina. Maina urged affected land owners who may not have already verified their bank details to do so and submit the information to the National Land Commission so as to be compensated.

SORTING OUT THORNY ISSUES: Governor Salim Mvurya (on chair), National Lands Commission Chairman Mohammed Swazuri (third left), and Kenya Railways Chairman General Jeremiah Kianga (on Mvurya’s left) during a media briefing on the Standard Gauge Railway in Kwale town.

“The process of verification of the Project Affected Persons’ (PAPs) bank payment details with their bankers is almost complete. Payment will commence within the first week of December, when the verification process is

expected to be complete,” said Maina. Compensation for Mtito Andei and Kiboko areas will start before the end of this week while affected land owners between Mombasa to Mariakani and Athi

cityplans

Google + Hangouts

As it becomes increasingly difficult to meet people on a regular basis, developers have come up with an online tool that saves small business owners and entrepreneurs the hassle of moving from place to place to serve their customers. Google+ Hangouts, a tool from the parent company that shares the same name, allows users to turn any gathering into a live video call with up to ten people. The Hangouts tool works on computers, Android and Apple devices, so you can connect with everyone, and no one gets left out. What’s more, it is free to use and can be downloaded from the online Google Play Stroe or the Apple Store. Hangouts allows users to see when their friends or clients have read their messages and when they’re typing back. If a person is not available when one tries to reach them, they’ll see an alert the next time they connect, keeping the conversations alive.

capitalalert

Bid4papers offers Sh45,000 in education essay competition

modern shelter: A designer’s view of Komarock Phase 5B estate which is being developed by Housing Finance. The houses will sell for between Sh9 and Sh10m.

Eastlands estate to be complete by 2016 Real estate firm, Housing Finance is developing a residential estate in Nairobi’s Eastlands area. Dubbed Komarock Phase 5B, the project comes shortly after the housing company completed Komarock Phase 5A. Phase 5 B includes the construction of 115 4-bedroom maisonettes at a cost of closeto Sh1 billion The houses will sell for between Sh9.25 million and Sh10.5 million. As land and housing prices

River to Embakasi have not yet received exact compensation dates. The SGR project requires about 12,000 acres of land for it to be implemented and a majority of this land is under private owners.

businesstool

in Nairobi continue to rise, property developers are quick to cash in on those who are willing to snatch up whatever properties they can find. Residential homes are growing ever more popular given Nairobi’s growing middle-class, a group of people who can afford to take home loans now more than ever before. Housing Finance has already sold 162 4-bedroom units in Phase

Bid4papers, an international organization that supports the youth in a number of projects, is inviting college students and young writers of up to 25 years of age to submit an essay on the topic ‘Education In 50 Years: A Futurist’s Perspective.’ The winning essay will receive Sh45,000. The second runner up will receive Sh18,000 while the third runner up will get a device known as a Doodler 3D writing pen. The most interesting and creative essays will be published on Bid4papers’ Facebook page for audience to like.

“This is a chance to show your creativity and writing skills in Bid4papers Worldwide Essay Contest,” says a statement from the group. It adds: “While composing your essay, answer the following questions: How do you imagine education of the future? What will it look like? Will technologies play an important role to education process? What will the role of a teacher be? What will a student of the future look like?” The author of the essay with the most Facebook ‘likes’ will be the winner for the 3rd Place Prize.

5A and plans to sell their new ones as soon as possible. Frank Ireri, Housing Finance CEO said that the firm has already started building a shopping mall in the area. “This is the first mall Housing Finance is building,” he said in a previous statement. Komarock Phase 5B is the company’s sixth housing project in the area and will be completed in 2016. A group of students look at an essay written by a colleague.

The essay must be submitted on the title “Education In 50 Years: A Futurist’s Perspective”. Entrants must be youth of age 25 or below. The entry must be written in English. The writing can be academic or non-academic and must be 750 to 1,500 words long, submitted as a PDF or a Word document. Each participant can submit only one essay. The essay must be sent via email to ‘contact@bid4papers. com’ with subject line: “Education In 50 Years Contest” before February 15, 2015.

BUSiness

exportopp Kenya can make billions exporting coffee to Malaysia

TUESday, DECEmber 2, 2014

CLEAN DEAL: From Left to right, Dr. MAS Waweru (Commercial Director, Davis and Shirtliff, Eng. John Muiruri (Chief Manager, Capital Planning and Engineering Services, AWSB), Alec Davis (CEO, Davis and Shirtliff), Joy Busolo (Water Treatment Manager, Davis and Shirtliff) and Philip Holi (Technical Director Davis and Shirtliff), during the handover of the mobile water treatment units to AWSB. At the centre is the 600 litre per hour water treatment unit and behind them the 5,000 litre per water treatment units.

Athi Water and Davis Shirtliff enter Sh46 million water deal Water and solar equipment manufacturer, Davis and Shirtliff has embarked on a Sh46 million project to provide sustainable water solutions during emergency situations like drought and flooding. The company has partnered with Athi Water Services Board (AWSB) to build 16 mobile water treatment units which will turn polluted raw water into clean water safe for drinking. CEO Davis and Shirtliff,

Alec Davis, said the 16 water treatment units are quick to assemble and that 10 run on solar to produce 600 litres of clean drinking water in an hour while the remaining six run on diesel generators to produce about 5,000 litres of clean water within an hour. “Within a very short period, the equipment can be assembled for use even in the most remote of locations to treat either saline, turbid or highly mineralized

water. With the solar and diesel electric generators options provided with the mobile water treatment units, sophisticated electricity provision will not hamper water provision efforts,” said Davis. Chief Manager, Capital Planning and Engineering Services at AWSB, John Muiruri, said the increasing unreliability of rainfall and flooding experienced in the country has lowered the access to clean water and contamination of

pricedriver

the supply leaves residents prone to outbreaks of water diseases. “One of the major challenges that we face in our jurisdiction is ensuring access to clean and safe water during adverse weather conditions, such as short heavy rains and prolonged droughts, arising from climate variability. In order to plug the gap in supply, we have had to source for alternatives to the traditional sources of water which have become unreliable,” said Muiruri.

Kenya stands to earn a lot from foreign exchange were it to export its famous Arabica coffee to a country like Malaysia. Officials from the Export Promotion Council (EPC) have noted that exports to Malaysia represented only 0.4 per cent of Kenya’s total exports a few years ago. The value of exports to Malaysia, however has risen over the past few years, giving Kenya at least $12.1 million (Sh1.1 billion). Imports from Malaysia on the other hand rose to at least $78.3 million (Sh7.1 billion) a year. EPC officials say the trade situation has almost doubled in favour of Malaysia, a clear indication of Kenya’s low value of exports to the country. “Kenya needs to improve the widening trade imbalance by venturing into export of products with high value,” says the EPC. One of their previous reports identified areas where Kenya could expand exports to Malaysia, listing Arabica coffee as a potentially viable product. Kenya’s coffee industry gives the country, at the very least, Sh10 billion a year, being one of the main agricultural exports. Dormans Ltd, a private company that helps small-scale coffee farmers improve quality and receive higher prices, is one of the country’s main exporters. And while Kenya’s agricultural products have a large presence in the European Union market, Malaysia also holds a lot of promise. Malaysia’s imports of coffee beans have been rising over the past few years, reaching 43,600 tonnes worth Sh8.1 billion a few years ago from 29,800 tonnes worth Sh3.6 billion million in 2001.

Nairobi property prices soar to record highs

HIGH RISE HIGH PRICE: Luxurious and executive apartments for Rent in Upperhill Nairobi. Prices in Nairobi’s residential market have reached record highs in the first quarter of the year.

Prices in Nairobi’s residential market have reached record highs in the first quarter of the year. A recent report by real estate firm, Hass Consult says that current property prices are almost three and a half times higher than they were in the year 2000. According to real estate agency International Property, the rising cost of owning a home in Nairobi’s most expensive leafy suburbs

has slowed down but prices in places like Karen have almost doubled. Their own report states that, in the high-end Muthaiga area, which is home to ambassadors, bankers and top politicians, prices per acre have gone up to between Sh140 million and Sh200 million. “Real estate agency Pam Golding is selling a five-bedroom, five-bathroom home for Sh170 million in the area,” says the report.

Meanwhile, 3-bedroom apartments in Riverside can cost as much as Sh40 million. Many Nairobi residents are adamant when it comes to paying rent and will not consider a home loan until they are financially stable In places like Lavington, an area now surrounded by many upcoming apartment development projects, especially in neighbouring Kileleshwa, an acre in can go for as much as Sh150 million.

Lufthansa cancels 1,350 flights as pilots strike again The national airline of Germany, Lufthansa, has been forced to cancel 1,350 flights after pilots issued a strike notice. Talks between the airline management and pilots over their retirement packages failed. The pilots had demanded that the management should reinstate a scheme that allows them to receive 60 per cent pay on retiring before the legal retirement age

of 65. Lufthansa, which is the largest airline in Europe, wants to phase out its early retirement scheme, which allows the pilots retire at the age of 55 and receive up to 60 per cent of their pay until the age of 65. The cancellations will affect more than 150,000 passengers, affecting both short and medium haul flights, cargo flights will also be affected.

The pilots’ strike is the ninth since April of this year, they have caused $160 million (Sh14.4 billion) in losses. Lufthansa said it had made a compromise at the recent talks that included a 5 per cent pay increase for the pilots. But the pilots union said that despite the compromise, it has been unable to come to a satisfactory agreement with the airline management.

Tuesday ACCESS december 2, 2014

Yvonne okwara is getting married

Topstory

Be THe man

STand uP for woMen

Men are heroes when they reason with women, not when they terrorize them…

espite efforts to suppress male chauvinism, cases of abuse of women remain high both locally and globally. Current statistics show that three out of every five women are domestically abused sexually, physically or psychologically. This means most violence meted on women is done by those closest to them, especially partners or husbands, who during or before marriage promised to protect them. After recent embarrassing incidents, where some men in Kenya almost turned rogue, the highest office of the land led by President Uhuru Kenyatta last week rolled out the ‘HeForShe’ campaign. It is a direct confrontation likened to ‘sending a thief to catch

a thief ’. Susan Gitau, a counselling psychologist and lecturer at Nazarene University, says society has assigned men to role of a protector and provider to the women. She says abusing women in any way is going against this key role. “By inflicting pain on women, the men fail to live up to the designation of a man as the security for a woman and indeed the family,” the counsellor said. She says that even though sometimes there could be cases where women can cause men to act violently towards them, it is prudent that men embraced dialogue rather than violence. Dialogue Gitau says, sets the father as a good model to the children, especially boys and this could end generational

Hot topics Jaguar is KCB Card ambassador Jaguar has been appointed the brand ambassador of the KCB pepea card. The singer took to social media to announce the deal saying: ‘It’s official now. I am the brand ambassador for KCB Pepea card. Safiri smart, safiri bila stress.#Thankful.” Could his song Pepea have finally landed him across the border? We think so!

violence. When men can not reason with women and resort to abuse, the growing boys pick this cue. They learn to be violent against their wives when they grow older. A calm father in crisis will teach the boy to remain calm in crisis,” Ms Gitau said. The lecturer says if men cannot protect the women on humanitarian grounds they must look at them as their

kin. “You cannot stand and look at someone abuse your mother, sister or daughter. That is the same spirit that should guide men to restrain from turning violent on wives, partners or any other woman,” she said. The two parties can explore other alternatives of conflict resolution. If men feel there is something they need from women, force does not achieve it; it brings pain and

suffering instead. Culturally, men are the heads of families. They cannot lead by unleashing terror or emotion, but by reason. They will earn respect without demanding for it. It does not make them less men if they seek psychological support from professionals to overcome their emotions if they cannot settle their issues without violence. And that makes men leaders! Ms Gitau says

BaHaTi is now a faTHer Barua hit singer Bahati is now a father. The musician adopted a four-year-old boy from the ABC Kenya, the children’s home he was raised in. The singer could not hide his joy while introducing his son on social media with a post which read in part: “Meet four year old Morgan Bahati.”

men will have high selfesteem when they are happy, not when they are forcing their will down the throats of women. Men who cannot talk to abusive male neighbours can report the matter to authorities or help-groups for action. In the footsteps of our president, men must follow HeForShe motto to be heroes of happy families and a happier nation.

art

Artworld

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Unusual Porcelain Sculptures J

artshock

ennifer McCurdy is a ceramic artist who has been working with porcelain for twenty five years. Over the last few years, she has been working with porcelain pushing it to its limit to see how much heat it can handle before breaking. The result has been delicate porcelain sculptures that

capture movement. She became interested in pottery due to influence from her grandmother who like collecting unusual vases. Her works have been displayed in museums around the world. Each one of her sculptures is done by hand and carved one-at-a-time thus they are different in size and shape.

ourroots A heroe’s fete done the Kipsigis way

The jubilant dances we watch on TV every time our athletes bring back a medal did not start yesterday. The practice has been carried from generation to generation. The Kalenjin know how to bring drama and colour when celebrating their sports heroes and heroines. For bringing medals, they are successful warriors in the international sport battles. Chemelitit is one of the dances of the Kipsigis that applauded warriors for their exemplary performance at war. Researcher Roger Gregory says it was performed by young men and women. The Chemelitit dance and song also graced jubilant moments in the community like circumcision. It was to congratulate initiates for braving the knife and usher them into the new life of adulthood besides protecting the community. Dancing and singing also entertained elders while discussing warfare issues. During the rendition, warriors danced while holding a shield in the left while the right hand held a spear. They ran back and forth in a fierce mock fighting in other occasions, the performance was accompanied by a strong blow from Kondit, a local flute. So, when you see such vibrant moves at the airport, realize they have been doing that for decades.

‘We decided to start this company last year with the sole purpose of empowering women through fashion’

One stitch at a time: Sewing their way out of poverty

he women easily put scissors to fabric to come up with a master piece. Their strong, well-toned feet effortlessly step onto the sewing machine as they masterfully stitch the most elaborate designs. It is a routine their feet and quick hands are well accustomed to. Six months of training from top cream designers has turned them into mean design machines, ready to take on the fashion world. To them sewing is not just a job, it is their lifeline, it is what holds their families together and supports them. They are glad to have been the chosen few to benefit from Cherehani Africa initiative which seeks to empower women by buying them sewing machines and training in tailoring. Wesley Owiti, founder of

Cherehani Africa, says his passion to change the status of women living in poverty and disease ravaged areas coupled with his strong marketing skills led him to start the company alongside Robert Mboya. His heart went out to the women living in slums and rural areas who did not have any means to sustain their families. He says beneficiaries of the initiative go through vetting by the local religious institutions or administration body to determine the most eligible after which they receive a sewing machine and are connected to a trainer to teach them how to sew. Mboya brought in his remarkable fashion sense and law background into the initiative. “We decided to start this company last year with the sole

purpose of empowering women through fashion. We liaise with local designers who impact their design skills and knowledge to the beneficiaries of the program,” said Owiti. Owiti says the beneficiaries gain from the initiative by being taught basic business skills like saving and how to take up loans to expand their businesses. The community in which they live in also benefits through job creation, affordable clothes and various community building projects. “Some of the beneficiaries are involved in making uniforms for best performing and most improved girls in primary schools as an incentive to compete amongst themselves

and excel in school,” beamed Owiti. Since its inception, the initiative has trained more than 60 women and the number continues to grow. They are currently working with HIV positive women in Kibera to raise their living standards through fashion.

Mboya and Owiti

Aboutlove

LOVE | 9 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

WoulD you turn in your

OMG

own child?

Former Tahidi High actor moves to BBC Ferdinand Omondi has joined BBC as a bilingual reporter. The actor, turned journalist, who was until recently at KTN, took to social media to announce his move to the international broadcaster. The post read in part: ‘Today begins a new chapter. I have had memorable times in local media, most recently KTN. I am most grateful. Thank you for the support throughout. I look forward to sharing the African story with the world.”

‘COmmOTION’ AT KiDs Festival

There was pandemonium at the Kids festival last Sunday when some tents collapsed due to strong winds. The incident caused panic and stopped performances for a few minutes. Thankfully there were no injuries and the event went on smoothly. The festival was held at the Carnivore grounds

Would you believe your own child is a criminal? Wait, would you turn them in to authorities?

Yvonne Okwara

is getting married Yvonne Okwara, the host of popular debate show #Checkpoint on KTN, is set to get married this weekend. That is according to her former flame Dennis Itumbi. Itumbi turned tables on Yvonne during a rather serious interview to congratulate her on her upcoming nuptials. Is he still hung up on her?

AskDrX

Touching your brother’s girl is a big NO! From what I gather, she is madly in love with him so there is nothing you can do.

aving a criminal for a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. In fact, no parent ever thinks of their child as anything but an angel. Children always grow up to make their own choices. What happens when your child veers off the decent path and becomes a criminal? Last month, four of the seven suspects believed to be part of a gang that launched killings in the Coast surrendered themselves. They were being hounded by cops. Horrified of fatalities, the four gave up running and with the help of their family, they yielded. 21-year-old Farah Abdi Farah, one of them, was accompanied by his father, Abdi Farah, as he surrendered to the police with the aim of clearing his name. The senior Farah defended his son saying Farah he had no association with the outlawed Al-Shabaab terror group or the killings. It must have taken him great strength to let his son turn himself in unaware of what would unfold of the situation.

All he wanted was to prove his son’s innocence and to stop living in fear. Parents always step in to protect and give their children a shoulder to lean on no matter what. Regardless of who their child is, they always stand up for them not necessarily because they agree with their way of life but out of unconditional love. “When you get children, dynamics change, they become your world and your can claw the earth away with bare hands for their sake,” says Jane Muriu, an entrepreneur and mother to three year old twin girls. Jane, 27, told XAccess, that unless a woman is mentally challenged, she always puts her children first irrespective of what they do. There are parents who have delivered their own children to authorities because of being notorious offenders. “Instead of my child being hunted down like a dog, I’d rather he/she got arrested and charged to give them a chance to redeem themselves,” said Maritim Mugo. “It is better he ends up in prison where

he will right his messes, repent and start life on a clean slate,” Michael Munya said. Michael adds that a parent can only cover up for a child for so long and therefore everyone must be accountable for their own decisions. “Turning my child in is the last thing I would do because its betrayal but if it is the only way to guarantee his safety then I would bet on it,” said Ahmed Hassan. However, not every parent would hand over their child to serve time whether they are guilty or not. But as said everybody is responsible for their actions. One way or the other, lawbreakers must come to book. Criminals should not roam about freely, endangering and disrupting the peace in society. Protecting misfits like serial killers, especially in the full knowledge of their deeds, makes you guilty as they are. Love aside, criminals belong in jail but if a parent decides to clog their conscience by masking their child’s crimes then they may never reform and society can’t thrive.

I’m in love with my brother’s girlfriend Dear Dr X, How does one act when he is overwhelmed with feelings for his own brother’s woman? It kills me every time I see my brother with his girlfriend because I like her so much. I live with my brother therefore I can’t avoid seeing them most pf the time and she looks so happy with him. One time when we had a party and I went on a limb and poured my heart to her, I even tried to kiss her but she was very stern. She threatened to tell my brother if I touched her again so I backed off.

My brother would strangle me if he found out how badly I want his girl. I can never tell him but I can’t stop thinking about her even when I am at work. What can I do? Alex Dear Alex, Touching your brother’s girl is a big NO! From what I gather, she is madly in love with him so there is nothing you can do. It is so unfortunate you are in such a fix but you need to let go. If she had the slightest feelings for you maybe things would have been different but it is clear she is 100% into your

brother. So to stay out of trouble, keep your feelings and hands to yourself. We can’t help who we fall for but you can’t force yourself on a woman who loves another. You mentioned work and that means you are mature enough to live on your own. If you can’t handle the pressure then this would be a good time to move out. Get a place of your own where interaction will be minimal and get a hold of yourself. It will take a while to forget her but you must for your own peace of mind. She is taken. DR X.

Send your agonising querries to news@x-news.co.ke

10 |

FASHION

TUESDAY, DECEMBDR 2, 2014

Fashionfix

E U L B E

RM U O L CO

of as one ouse w e just h n g i s h e ers at t orter d nzie p essive design n Week. r io p e the im Nairobi Fash er, Maryann d d n e d u d n o f lu a c t d n s co r an late esigne ’eaued her Lead d ie, showcas n, dubbed L y z o i n av t e e c k h e c Ma and le coll t fema er. Silk (satin . s e w e n t for wa f fabric tion French her choice o e the collec d s a a blue w r m ) u t silk g tha e colo ss that n i h t h t f o e The on was the use told XAcce er. e at ut stando r designs. Sh e colour of w ant e g h h t le ll y e ( a b for ure red s inspi eatured cout and shorts) a w is h f t es n i dress llectio uits) Her co casual (max r and skirt s , e s s) dresse e wear (trou femininity. t c f o ffi t o s d e ing bu b n a g the ly calm n i n k o c t i o mim e is n ree blu We ag o. to classy

Filmlab

best... HORRIBLE BOSSES 2

LEFT BEHIND Rating: PG-13 Genre: Mystery & Suspense Cast: Nicolas Cage, Lea Thompson, Cassi Thomson Time: 1 hr. 50 min. Nicholas Cage chose the wrong movie to make a comeback. Left Behind does not have the shocking quality it should have. You would think people disappearing would send chills down your spine but unfortunately the movie

falls short on that aspect. People suddenly start disappearing in what is described as the great Biblical rapture. The ones left behind are the ‘sinners’ who haven’t always been on the straight and narrow. Within the blink of an eye, the world is thrown into chaos. Riots and lootings begin, planes fall from the sky and cars crash. Mankind was not ready for the destruction that followed.

OUR RATING: HH

Rating: R Genre: Comedy Cast: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day Time: 1 hr.48 min. Horrible Bosses 2 falls short of the original one which was packed with effortless jokes. This second sequel forces jokes out of every scenario making it less funny. Dale, Kurt and Nick return. They want to start their own company but things don’t go as planned. In fact things take

NO GOOD DEED

a turn for the worse when an investor tricks them. The trio decide to kidnap the investor in order to achieve their dream of owning their own company. OUR RATING: HH

Rating: PG 13 Genre: Mystery & Suspense Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Idris Elba, Leslie Bibb Time: 1 hr.24 min. Elba and Henson are great actors who are capable of so much more. Their talents have been greatly under exploited in this movie. A violent convict escapes and charms his way into

the house of a woman who is home alone with her two children while her husband is away on a golfing trip. Claiming

to have had car trouble, he is let in to the house only to cause untold terror and suffering. OUR RATING: HHH

capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

HOROSCOPES

This is the right moment to extricate yourself from relationships that have seen their day, Capricorn. This won’t be easy, but you must. In your professional and private lives, you’re too hesitant to get out of distasteful situations or obligations. You’re afraid of hurting people or making them mad.

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

You took off like a bullet a few days ago, Aquarius, making great progress in a short amount of time. But now you’re grappling with doubts that are undermining all your energy. Reflecting on the events of the past few days, it’s obvious that you were somewhat reckless in your headlong pursuit of your goals.

There is some likelihood that the mood at home is fraught with tension, Cancer. Did you dare to express some contrary intellectual opinion? In any case, it looks like your self-confidence is stronger than usual right now. Go ahead and express any complaints or opinions you may have been keeping to yourself.

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

It would seem that your sensitivity is in slight conflict with your actions, Leo. You continue to go through the motions and do what you planned to do, but it seems like your heart isn’t in it anymore. Don’t ask yourself why. It’s just that you’ve worked hard and have been thinking hard lately.

virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

You’re thirsty for new sights and sounds, new faces and places. However, you’re well aware that you must juggle your desires with your professional or domestic obligations. It isn’t always easy, but you should trust your imagination to suggest a way to amicably settle this conflict.

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

Finally, you’re on the mend, Taurus. The minor ailments that have been dragging you down lately are beginning to disappear, and you’re about to regain all of your physical energy. However, if you overindulge, your energy levels are likely to plummet again.

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

Do you feel a little under the weather, Gemini? It’s possible, considering all the emotional turmoil you’ve been through lately. It takes time to recover from those storms. As you know, the work itself isn’t what gets you down but rather your worries about the future that drain your energy.

TUESday, DECember 2, 2014

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

There is some likelihood that thoughts of your love life will haunt you today, Pisces. Perhaps you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring certain realms of your relationship that remain secret, but you’re unsure how to communicate this to your mate. Perhaps you’re still testing the waters, waiting until you’re sure of how you feel.

PLAY| 11

forecast

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

You may have been spending or saving too much money, Virgo. It’s clear that a rebalancing is in order if you’re to find pleasure rather than eternal frustration. It’s a curious phenomenon. It’s as though you have lost contact with your body. Yet it’s in your body where you will ultimately find your balance.

You’ve been stamping the ground impatiently. You’re waiting for the moment to jump into new adventures with renewed vigor after your meditation of the last few months. Libra, know that the moment has almost arrived! You now have the strategy, objective, and means at your disposal to succeed. Just a bit more work remains.

scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

’s o ayhot d er p st ing e Y nn i w

ng s i n n in tio W p ca

If you find yourself tired and irritable now, Scorpio, you should know that this is normal. You may have had a few months that were a little too studious. Would you like to continue with the same rhythm? Be careful that your ambitions don’t lead you to physical exhaustion.

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

This is going to be a good moment to look elsewhere, Sagittarius. You should do just as the artist does when he has worked on a painting for too long, which is take a step back. You need to see some people, travel, go to the theater, and clear your head.

sudoku

1. Send a caption for the photo above to news@x-news. co.ke. The winning caption gets published on this page. 1. Wafula was waiting patiently with ugali in his pockets- Annette Abayo, Nairobi. 2. Ready to hit the club. Turnip! (Turn up!) Turn down for what? Eva Abayo, Nairobi. 3. Mama Mboga’s response to Lady Gaga’s meat dress - Ann Kadogo, Lavington.

The Escape — by David Baldacci

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

yoursay

Robert Puller was convicted of treason and put in one of the most secure prisons. The prison observes military discipline rules and security systems like no other. The regulations make it almost impossible to escape. Yet Robert squeezes out of the highly guarded facility, a first. The government deploys top guns to track down Robert; John Puller, Robert’s younger brother. They believe John is best placed at tracking his elder brother alive and takes the challenge of finding his brother. Things are not as easy as they seem. John soon finds out that there are other people after his brother who are not concerned with turning him in alive. He must get to his brother before they do.

mustread

Govt must stand firm on cashless PSV system implementation President Uhuru Kenyatta should intervene to ensure the cashless bus fare system he lauded during its launch last month is implemented (Another flop in PSVs cashless fare switch December 1, 2014) The system was much publicised as the President took a ride to experience its benefit.

In the second day of its implementation, almost all commuters are using hard cash even after the lapse of the November 31 deadline. The National Transport and Safety Authority forced matatu owners to buy digital speed governors that turned to be defective.

The authority has not followed up to ensure the gadgets serve their purpose. This leads the public to assume that someone must have developed the policies for personal gain in tendering. Kenyans are likely to assume there is a plot to defraud local investors through the cashless gadgets as the President watches.

With the conviction he displayed during the system’s launch, he should compel the Transport Ministry to ensure the project is successful and achieves the intended purpose. Some Matatu owners and other parties have invested resources in the gadgets which will be useless if the usual cash method persists.

NTSA warned PSV owners early enough that the deadline will not be extended. It must crack down on those who have not complied! The Government has insisted that the digital system is good for the public and Kenyans should learn how to use it as they go along.

TUESday, decemBER 2, 2014

Sport

Shabana unveils new kit for 2015 league season Newly promoted Kenyan Premier League side Shabana FC on Monday launched their official league kit ahead of the 2015 season. The home (dominantly white) and away (red) kit will be available at Sh1,500 retail price. Chairman Jared Niverton said the colours reflect the club’s diversity in approach to critical issues. A banana touch represents the rich nutritious Abagusii bedrock culture. The two tagline words Tore

Bobe’, meaning ‘fire up’, perhaps summarises the spirit of the club. Niverton urged all club enthusiasts to purchase the official kit and promote them as they prepare for next season. “We will use white jerseys when playing at home and the traditional stripped red in away games,” Niverton said. The club is doing final touches to secure key players and has dismissed claims that it is experiencing cash crises for

major signings. “Kisii and Nyamira counties have come on board with sponsorships. This is indeed a big thing for our club as we look forward going head to head to who is who in Kenyan football,” he said. Shabana was promoted to elite club football after leading in National Super League Zone B at the end of the season, alongside Poster Rangers who topped Zone A games.

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TIME

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1. 6.12.14