201401209 xnew

news

#16days

“top actors say no to violence”

TUESday, DECember 9, 2014

— story on page 7

eXtra.sharp Tuesday 09.12.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke for

SPORT

former athletes agitate for formation of sports ministry P.12

Kenya hockey team set for india trip for World League| P.13

Govt predicts growth boom in next 3 years

end of a family line: Caskets bearing the remains of lawyer Paul Magu, his wife and three children during a requiem mass at their Thika home ahead of their burial today. The bodies were not viewed. Story Pg4

A quarter of all ivory sold in China’s biggest cities is illegal, report reveals P3

Kenya expects accelerated growth in the next three years after higher spending on roads, railways and power plants, the National Treasury has said.

Geoffrey Mwau, the Economic Affairs Director at Treasury, said today the economy may grow by 6.1 per cent in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015.

The rate is projected to increase to 7 pc in 2015-16 and 7.3 pc the following year.

“We expect strong growth mainly because of investments we are making in infrastructure,” Mwau said.

“The Standard Gauge Railway alone will make a significant contribution to the economy,” he said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government had pledged an annual economic growth of 10 pc by 2017.

However, the Parliamentary Budget Office said in September the target is probably “unachievable” due to deteriorating state of security.

“Insecurity that has affected tourism is expected to continue being a risk in the medium term,” Mwau said.

P2

Freshers to endure Helb loans disbursement delays until next year P4

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NEWS

Treasury predicts growth boom TUESday, DECEmber 9, 2014

From Page 1 Kenya has reached out to the private sector to raise more funds to build more roads and other infrastructure projects.

The projects include the Lamu Port and a major highway connecting the port with Ethiopia and South Sudan.

It is also revamping the centuryold railway line from Mombasa to Kampala and an additional terminal and runway at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The World Bank has supported the initiative with a Sh4 billion loan to boost the public-private partnership.

The bank says the government is seeking to extend and deepen its partnership with the private sector to raise more private investment and expertise to accelerate infrastructure capital formation.

“Kenya faces a significant infrastructure financing deficit

estimated at US$2.1 billion annually, and this imposes a serious constraint to growth and doing business in Kenya,” says Johannes Zutt, World Bank Country Director for Kenya.

Kenya spends about US$1.6 billion a year on infrastructure but requires a sustained expenditure of US$4

billion a year, or about 20 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the next decade, according to the Africa Infrastructure Country Diagnostic Report 2010 produced by the World Bank in collaboration with the African Development Bank and other development agencies.

“Eaten Alive” show disappoints viewers The highly hyped Discovery Channel’s “Eaten Alive” live show failed to live up to expectations of most of its 4.1 million followers when Paul Rosolie fled with a bruise.

Rosolie had promised his fans he would be ‘eaten a live’ by one of the world’ most dangerous snake, anaconda, a few months ago.

But the naturalist took off, ending his encounter with the Amazon giant soon after it got hold of him and started squeezing him before the big swallow.

Most of the fans who were eagerly waiting for the episode took to the social media to attack the channel that broadcast every bit of the event.

He fled in his protective gear, but not without a scratch: his arm was bruised but was not bitten.

The news Tribune reports one posting showing a photo of a mildlooking dog gnawing a person’s finger, a show of disappointment.

Discovery said Rosolie responded to criticism, saying it was the conservationist will to be “Eaten Alive”, but his safety and that of the anaconda had to come first.

disappointment: Earlier pictures of Paul Rosolie (inset) with anaconda. He volunteered to be “Eaten Alive” by anaconda for a Discovery Channel TV show, but escaped with a bruise when the giant snake started squeezing him in time for the swallow.

Govt to set up team to probe Makueni county wrangles A national and county governments’ meeting has resolved that a commission be set up to investigate a petition by Makueni voters to sack the Governor and MCAs. But President Uhuru Kenyatta will only pick the commission after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has verified names of the 50,826 residents who petitioned him to dissolve the county.

The commission will determine whether there are enough grounds to warrant dissolution of the government.

President Kenyatta, who chaired the Summit at State House, Nairobi, said the petition has been handed over to IEBC for verification.

The formation of the commission is in line with Section 123 of the Constitution.

President Kenyatta was of the view

that residents of Makueni and the county government should explore all avenues of reconciliation “so that we do not set a trend that destabilises counties”.

But Governor Kivutha Kibwana said all attempts at peace have failed and Makueni residents “should be given an opportunity to elect a county government of their choice”.

He said religious, professionals and political leaders had failed to

reconcile the county government and the county assembly.

Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto said attempts by governors to make peace had also collapsed.

Meanwhile, the summit also received and adopted a report on the selection of a chairperson and members of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee.

The panel, comprising governors

and an independent chair, interviewed and shortlisted three candidates for the chair’s position.

The President will pick one of the seven names recommended as members of the technical committee.

The Summit also discussed the state of security in the country and stressed the need for the national and county governments to work as a team.

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NEWS | 3

tuesday deCeMBeR 9, 2014

A quarter of ivory sold in China’s cities is illegal

Locus of control: Half the world’s population believes success is driven by forces beyond control About half of all the people in the world believe that success in life is determined by forces outside their control.

In a society that stresses on the benefits of hard work, a majority of the population ironically agrees that prosperity, wealth and affluence are mostly driven by sheer luck and access to opportunities, both of which they may not have.

People in developing and emerging economies like Kenya are somewhat more likely to believe their fate is out of their hands than those in advanced economies.

In most developing economies, majorities say success is determined by outside forces, including 74 per

cent in Bangladesh and 67 per cent in Ghana. Nicaraguans are the least likely to agree among developing countries.

An October investigation known as the Pew Research Global Attitudes Project found that in 28 of the 44 countries experts surveyed, people did not have faith that their efforts will help them raise their social and financial status.

In Africa, for instance, 36 per cent of Kenyans, 29 per cent of Ghanaians and 29 per cent of Tanzanians say inequality is their government’s fault.

In Europe, over 50 per cent of Greeks and Spaniards blame their government for financial inequality.

‘Kenya’s Death Squads’: Al Jazeera exposé draws mixed reactions

MOSQUE RAID: A scene from the documentary Inside Kenya’s Death Squads, by AlJazeera, which revealed that almost 500 terrorism suspects were assassinated by police as part of an extrajudicial killing program.

An investigative series by international broadcaster Al Jazeera dubbed Inside Kenya’s Death Squads, has revealed that Kenyan police have killed nearly 500 terrorism suspects as part of an extrajudicial killing program supported by intelligence provided

by Israel and the United Kingdom. Speaking to the network officers from four units of Kenya’s AntiTerrorism Police Unit (ATPU) said that police killed terrorist suspects on government orders. An ATPU officer confirmed that the killings were backed by orders from the National Security Council.

“Day in, day out, you hear of eliminating suspects,” the officer said.

“Since I was employed, I’ve killed over 50. Definitely, I

do become proud because I’ve eliminated some problems,” said another officer to Al Jazeera. In the series, ATPU officers argue that Kenya’s weak judicial system forced them to resort to assassinations, because police have failed to produce strong enough evidence to prosecute terrorism suspects.

“If the law cannot work, there’s another option … eliminate him,” an officer explained.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and National Security Council members — including the deputy president, Willian Ruto and defense secretary, Amb. Raychelle Omamo - denied the allegations.

The video is available on YouTube through the link below: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=lUjOdjdH8Uk

Ivory carving and sale is legal in China but is meant to be tightly controlled.

A report, “China Faces a Conservation Challenge”,

by Kenya-based charity Save The Elephants and the British-based Aspinall Foundation, has revealed that 26.5 percent of the ivory items on sale in Beijing and Shanghai, China are illegal.

“Many small shops that do not have licenses to sell elephant ivory items are doing so,” said the report’s authors.

The report authors visited 303 outlets selling elephant and mammoth ivory in Shanghai and Beijing discovered that the value of ivory has tripled since 2010, indicating to surging demand among Chinese buyers. China has only licensed 37 companies to work with ivory and in 2013 only 145 outlets were allowed to sell the product.

Collection cards are needed for identification of legally sold ivory. The Chinese government has in the past pledged to help end poaching in Africa, where about 22,000 elephants were illegally killed in 2012, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The Chinese government has in the past said it is committed to helping end poaching in Africa, where about 22,000 elephants were illegally killed in 2012, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). CITES banned trade in elephant ivory in 1989 but later allowed a limited amount to be sold.

What others said today...

Raila family split over Homa Bay senator race: Raila Odinga has ababndoned his consultations over whether he should go for the Homa bay senatorial seat. Raila announced yesterday that he was not in the Homa Bay race because he wanted to concengrate on revamping ODM and keeping the national government in check.

“This offer has come at a time when i have embarked on revamping our party, with eyes on keeping the government in check...

Raila bows out of Kajwang’ seat race: Opposition leader Raila Odinga bowed out of the race for the vacant Homa Bay Senate seat despite pressure by some of his confidants and Luo elders to contest the byelection set for February.

Mr Odinga called a press conference on Monday to announce he had “reluctantly” decided to turn down an offer from the people of Homa Bay due to pressing party and national engagements...

Why Raila Odinga backed out of Homa Bay senatorial race: Mosoku Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga will not run for the Homa Bay Senate seat for fear this would split the Opposition and set the stage for claims by rivals that he has stooped too low and is a diminishing political asset. Raila, who had been touted to capture the seat easily, yesterday defied the pressure from some Luo Nyanza MPs and elders...

Raila backs out of Homa Bay seat bid: ODM leader Raila Odinga backed out of a move to vie for the Homa Bay senator’s seat, as it emerged that pressure from dissenters in his party and a possible fallout were becoming too much to bear.

Indications on Sunday were that Raila, through a move apparently orchestrated by himself and his allies, was gearing up to replace the late Homa Bay senator...

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NEWS

tuesday, december 9, 2014

Magus’ bodies not viewed before burial The bodies of Nairobi lawyer Paul Magu, who together with his family of one wife and three children perished under unclear circumstances, were not viewed before they were buried in a mass grave at their home in Thika today.

Andrew Kamau, Magu’s brother, said that this was due to the mutilated state in which they were.

More than 600 mourners turned up at the city mortuary.Magu’s will, which according to Kamau, is under the custodianship of his lawyer John Odhiambo.

Magu is suspected to have changed the will on the day he threw himself in front of a speeding bus on the Thika-Garissa road.

He allegedly killed his wife, Lydia Wangui and their three children Tiffany Wangui, Allen Magu and Ryan Muhiu. Lydia was first to be found on Kiambu road dead with burns on her body. The children were found dead days later in a thicket in Kiambu, with their bodies mutilated and burnt with acid.

Freshmen to endure HELB cash delays until January First year students in universities will have to wait until January next year to get Higher Education Loans (HELB) from the government. The Higher Education Loans board has said that the process of registration and verification of forms is currently ongoing and may take the next 21 days. “We will communicate to the students when the allocation process will commence. We urge you to be patient as this process goes on,” said HELB. The first-year students, who joined their respective campuses, had expected to get their loans in November.

The board further said it was forced to extend its earlier end-of-October deadline to December, following the large number of applicants.

The board has also claimed that the varying opening dates for the universities in the country has resulted to cash flow issues making it hard for it to plan on the disbursements during the year. This is the second time that such a delay is experienced with the first delay resulting in some unrest in various universities across the country a month ago. Education Cabinet secretary Prof.

Jacob Kaimenyi has already ordered the board and the university managements to address the delays.

HANG ON COMRADES: University of Nairobi’s Principal of Schools of Built Environment and Arts and Design delivering his orientation Speech to First Year Student’s. Freshmen will have to wait till January before their HELB loans can be processed.

‘White-widow t-shirts’ on sale

MANY WAYS TO KILL A CAT: An International security analyst has called on the Kenyan government to explore non-military options to contain the Al Shabaab threats in the country.

Adopt non-military options to fight Al Shabaab, government told

An International security analyst has called on the Kenyan government to adopt a comprehensive response options to deal with the terrorist threat of Al Shabab. Andrews AttaAsamoah, a senior researcher in conflict prevention and risk analysis at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria says the government needs more than military responses and should include non-military options rolled out in a way that is national in scope and

commensurate to the domestic threats that Kenya faces.

However, in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Andrews insists that Kenya should not withdraw from Somalia. “There is no proof that if Kenya pulls out of Somalia right now, the Al Shabab militants will cease fire,” said Asamoah. “Some of the fundamental causes are homegrown. They are around issues of marginalisation and exclusion.” These issues, he

added, have to be addressed within Kenya. He says the militant group now seems to have introduced a religious dimension to what they are doing unlike earlier calls for Kenya to withdraw her troops from Somalia. He added that Al Shabab might also be trying to capitalise on any social cracks in the Kenyan community. He opposed the idea of closure of Kenyan boarders with Somalia saying that it may not be effective.

A t-shirt with an ironic slogan quoting the world’s most wanted woman, Samatha Lewthwaite, popularly known as the White Widow, has gone on sale.

The t-shirt, available on Amazon, has the line: “Jamal is accountable for his actions 100 [sic] and I condemn with all my heart what he has done” – Samantha Lewthwaite.

The quote is taken from an interview that Lewthwaite gave to a British tabloid newspaper soon after the July 7 terror strikes in London, in which her husband, Germaine (Jamal) Lindsay was one of the four suicide bombers.

At the time, she said that she condemned his actions saying: “Jamal is accountable for his actions 100 percent and I condemn with all my heart what he has done, ... I will try to remember for my children’s sake the Jamal I loved and raise them knowing their father was a man who truly loved them.

But the day will come when I’ll have to tell them what he did.”

Lewthwaite has been on the run from a series of international arrest warrants over her alleged involvement in an al-Qaeda plot orchestrated from Somalia to bomb Kenyan beach hotels to orchestrating the attack on the Westgate mall last year. The t-shirt comes in pink, blue, white and grey colours, and sells for £20 (Sh3,000), including shipping.

It was not clear what the objective of the designers was in producing the t-shirt.

BUSiness | 5

Visa to raise awareness on cashless pay benefits

TUESday, DECember 9, 2014

Visa will create more awareness on the cashless payments to enhance convenience and safety.

The announcement follows the company’s revelation that only 94 per cent of Kenyans still prefer cash transactions even after increased penetration of the cashless payment system.

Visa Country Manager for Southern and East Africa Jabu Basopo said majority of clients use Visa ATM cards for cash withdrawals instead of enjoying added benefits such as buying goods and services.

Basopo said both merchants and card holders should be educated on the benefits of using Visa cards.

“We try to educate merchants and card holders so that the usage can move from ATMs only to points of sale,” he said.

Basopo said there are plans to engage with bank partners in educating customers on the

CONVENIENCE: Airtel Kenya Managing Director Shivan Bhargava (centre), Visa Head of Emerging Products for Africa, Dougie Henderson (right) and Chase Bank Deputy Chief Executive Officer Paul Njaga display their Airtel Money Card during its official launch in Nairobi.

importance of cashless payments instead of withdrawing cash to buy goods and services. The firm also plans to enhance security for

clients as they use the cards.

“Cards are issued by banks and not necessarily us as Visa. From our perspective, it is to ensure we

cityplans

Mural.ly

Given the fact that many new businesses are owned or run by multiple partners, it pays to have a tool to help the investors interact over long distances. Since phone calls and text messages are not adequate in keeping the players updated, software developers have developed a free-touse online tool known as Mural.ly Mural.ly is a visual tool that allows users to drag and drop images, links, and documents to organise business ideas.

“This simple visual tool can keep your team in sync through brainstorming, planning, or designing a project,” says a statement from the app’s developers.

They say Mural.ly allows users to “seamlessly work within the same space as if you and your team were in the same room.”

It also allows users to keep partners in the loop with comments and live conversations no matter where they are. Features like voting allow users to streamline decision making processes by empowering others to choose the ideas they think are best for the business. The tool can be accessed from ‘www.mural.ly’.

capitalalert Poverty, education NGOs can apply for Sh6.8m cash

RENEWABLE FARM: The Limuru Wind Farm project will be carried out on a 210-acre parcel of land at Mwanya wa Ruhuho Nguirubi Thiongo area in Limuru, Kiambu.

Limuru wind farm to create 700 jobs, lower cost of power A consortium comprising local investors has confirmed plans to develop a close to 50 Mega Watt (MW) renewable energy wind farm in Limuru, Kiambu.

At the construction phase, the proposed farm will provide more than 700 direct jobs for members of the local community.

The farm will contribute to other similar initiatives aimed at bringing down the cost of power for consumers, while reducing the frequency of blackouts across the country.

The consortium, which will feature the Transcentury Investments subsidiary firm Civicon, as a local contractor, is gearing up to develop the $130 million (Sh11.7 billion) Limuru Wind Farm Project with ground-breaking ceremony set for March year.

Speaking when he confirmed the proposed project, Transcentury Group Chief

enable banks to have capacity to communicate the right message to customers,” he said.

businesstool

Executive Officer Gachao Kiuna said the project will be undertaken on a 210-acre plot at Mwanya wa Ruhuho in Nguirubi Thiongo area.

The project is expected to generate 49.5MW of clean renewable electric energy and will be carried out by a consortium comprising HydroChina Corporation who are the engineering, procurement and construction contractors.

The project’s investment planning will be undertaken by the Saron Marketing Group, who are the investment consultants.

Aperture Green Power Company will play the lead role in the project sponsorship.

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum says Kenya has proven win generation power in Marsabit, Kajiado, Laikipia, Meru and Nyandarua. Other potential areas are Kilifi, Lamu, Isiolo Turkana, Samburu, Uasin Gishu Narok, Kiambu.

The Pan-African Awards for Entrepreneurship Programme has asked African-based groups involved in education and poverty eradication to apply for $75,000 (Sh6.8 million) grants.

The project has specifically invited organisations working in primary, secondary, tertiary, non-formal and adult education sectors.

The initiative has been spearheaded by ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ which seeks to support projects that have an impact on communities.

Entries for the grants can be made by non-African NGOs

for local partners or offices in Africa. But prize money and conference travel bursaries must be claimed by and used for the benefit of Africabased organisations.

The best entry award will receive $10,000 (Sh904,000), two runners-up $5,000 (Sh452,000) each, while another 55 best-rated organisations will get US$1,000 (90,400) each.

The top three winners will win a trip to a global summit and peer-learning workshop of Teach a Man to Fish.

Winners will also benefit from media publicity, enhanced sponsorship and

donations from partners and like-minded organisations.

Participants can contact ‘competitions@ teachamantofish.org.uk’ for details.

Eligible countries include Kenya, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Others are Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, GuineaBissau, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria and Rwanda, among others.

Sh6.8 million war: The Pan-African Awards for Entrepreneurship programme has asked groups involved in poverty eradication and education to apply for $75,000 (Sh6.8 million) grants.

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BUSiness

TUESday, DECEmber 9, 2014

OAM boss wins Young Entrepreneur Award Justin Clarke has won the prestigious Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Award 2014.

Clarke, who is CEO of One Africa Media, was recognised for outstanding role in boosting the African economy through his innovation on online businesses. The enterprise has employed more than 600 workers.

He is the founder of OAM, a private property brand that brings together Cheki Kenya, Brighter Monday and BuyRent Kenya.

While accepting the award, Clarke said it has been a recognition of his OAM company and its brands.

“This is an honour, particularly given the number of entrepreneurs across Africa, but it also affords the opportunity to showcase the holding company namely OAM, while people know about the individual brands,

pricedriver

few realise they fall under the same umbrella -or that we are even an African company,” Clarke said.

OAM offers an online platform where customers can find information on real estate, cars, jobs, travel information, among other services in Africa.

Its lead offices are in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.

It also operates subsidiary offices in Ghana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Uganda.

Its success has been attributed to internet and great mobile penetration in the rapidly growing economies of the countries.

The award programme recognises excellent entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

MOMENT OF GLORY: The EY World Entrepreneur Award trophy. Inset, One Africa Media’s Justin Clarke.Clarke won the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Award 2014.

Cost of Loans down as competition among banks intensifies

Commercial banks have dropped their lending rates following a move by the government to make loans affordable.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and information from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the cost of credit has reached its lowest point in three years.

In fact, banks are now charging borrowers an average of 16 per cent on loans, which is a drop of more than 1 per cent since January.

At the beginning of 2014, banks were charging borrowers an average of 17.03 per cent.

The last time the interest rates were at below 16 per

cent was in October 2011.

At the time, the charges stood at 15.2 per cent. Since then, they have risen to as high as 20 per cent Experts say the fall is partly due to an increase in competition and introduction of a new loan pricing formula by the CBK known as the Kenya Banks Reference Rate (KBRR).

Tuesday ACCESS december 9, 2014

SuRVIVINg A

HEREDITARY DISORDER P9

Topstory

TOP ACTORS SAY NO TO VIOLENCE XAVIER JERRY NATO W

hat are your thoughts on Gender violence?

I am opposed to it, be it stripping women in the streets or domestic violence. I was brought up knowing women need protection from men, so it’s painful to see that we the men end up being the perpetrators against those who expect protection from us.

What do you think should be done?

To begin with the individuals in charge of security must do their work. You can’t tell me a woman being violated for over 10 minutes on Accra road, in the CBD and no cops were present.

Secondly those who’ve been arrested, if found guilty, they should face the full force of the law to be an example to the rest with such behaviour.

Do you think enough is being done to curb gender violence?

No. If enough was done, we wouldn’t have occurrence of the vice. Even when a husband beats up his wife, it’s usually dismissed as “mambo ya nyumba”.

Do you think the 16 days campaign on Gender has achieved its purpose?

Well, I can’t say it has. For one, how publicized is it? Does that man deep in Homa Bay know of such a campaign? This is done for guys on social media and those who have television sets. I don’t even think the Embassava guys are aware, but it’s better than nothing.

LIzz NjAgAH KONSTANTARAS

W

hat are your thoughts on domestic violence in Kenya?

I think stripping should stop and harsher penalties enforced. Since the government took the culprits to court we haven’t heard of another incident. That is a good thing. They should get 20 years in jail, be made an example of what will happen if any man decides to do that again. I understand why women stay quiet when they are victims of domestic violence, their esteem has been eroded by the constant abuse that they feel they will be nowhere without the man. We need to teach the girl child to love herself but we also need to teach the boy to respect the girl child. It all stems from upbringing. A woman who has been through this needs support and unconditional love so they can realize that being abused is not love Do you think enough is being done to curb gender violence?

No, the government can do more. Harsher penalties, how do you give a guy who raped a minor and killed her, 10 years? That should be life imprisonment.

Our women reps have a part to play in condemning mistreatment of women. Uhuru should apologize for his terrible comment blaming the mother for not being at home while her daughter was being raped.

What do you think about the #16days of Gender violence campaign has worked?

It’s there to create awareness, will it create awareness? Yes. Will it stop the gender violence? I don’t know, it’s all about upbringing, parents need to teach their kids what’s right. Teach them now that is the only thing that will bring about lasting change.

Hot topics

SuzANNA’S TRACK LAuNCH AT TRIbEKA

I

I

Yvonne Okwara’s relationship woes

t’s been barely three days since television hotshot Yvonne Okwara said ‘I do’ to the love of her life, Veterinarian Andrew Matole at a colourful wedding. Now controversial blogger Robert Alai claims Yvonne had to change her wedding venue three times in order to escape the wrath of Andrew’s wife and baby mama. It is alleged Andrew was once married to an Alice Manyola Matole with whom he had three children and was separated from due to his philandering ways. Andrew went on and had a baby with a Maryanne Muthoni Waruingi. Cant a girl get married in peace?

n the wake of her husband’s unfortunate shooting, Afro Fusion’s finest Suzanna Owiyo has released a new song. Wamiel (Luo for let’s dance) is a dance song that urges the listener to get up dance, let go and enjoy themselves. The song has instrumental and benga undertones to it. Produced by Fancy Fingers of Sauti Sol and video done by Enos Olik, the song marks the comeback of the singer into the scene. She is set to release her new album in 2015 and tonight she will officially release Wamiel at Club Tribeka.

artshock

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art

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

Artworld

Notebook 3D artist Jis also known as J

oão Carvalho, who

Desenhos, is responsible for 3D notebook drawing. The artist is only 15 years old but manages to twist and turn paper into amazing inspiring art. The self-

taught Brazillian artist only began drawing in June of this year. He draws on blue notebook lines across a page then adds shading to create dimension. The result is shapes and characters coming to life on a page.

the art OF

ourroots

magic

T

he curtain falls, the spotlight is on the magician, the crowd eagerly waits to see the latest acts. Although some of them know they are about to get tricked, they are easy and just want to enjoy the show.

The audience keeps their eyes glued trying to catch the crafty magician in vain.

They open their eyes wide careful not to miss anything but no matter how hard they try, they just cannot seem to hack the tricks. They give up with their trying and give in to the amusement.

Magic has been with us since time in memorial. Magic in its purest form is a work of art.

It can be a choice pass time activity. The thing about magic is that it never grows old. No matter how many times one

has seen the act, it still provides a fresh experience every time you witness it.

For many people, the word magic draws a picture of warlocks, sacrifices, spells, witches in flying brooms portions and the likes but that is the evil kind. Human beings crave for supernatural things although they know it does not exist or there is no way in a million years such a stunt can be real but the mere fact of someone actually trying to do the supernatural really amuses us.

The pure kind is solely illusion.

Rajendra Meena, a seasoned magician from India who was in the country last month during the Afro-Asian Trade expo, says magic in its pure form is solely illusion and tricks. It takes hours, maybe

years of practice to perform mind blowing tricks. It is the ability to fool the mind by distracting it away from the main trick by drawing attention on the less important act. A great magician is one who has mastered this art of deception and can bamboozle you in full glare for entertainment purposes only.

“I have been in the industry for over 10 years now and I cannot tell you the hours I have put in my work. I spend numerous hours just trying to make the act better to appeal more to my audience,” said Meena.

Meena reveals that an experienced magician just plays with the attention of his audience. He compares the human attention to a spotlight, saying that when it is focused

Pregnancy stories among the Marakwet

on something, it becomes oblivious to even the most plain and downright changes outside its centre of focus. This is now where the magicians swift hand movements come to play.

“Experienced magicians just try to grab the attention and attract it towards the wrong place at the right time,” said Meena.

Meena admits that black magic exists but he is strongly against it as he knows it is used for evil and selfish purposes.

Therefore, the next time you go to a magic show and you start getting that cold feeling and weird thought that you are witnessing black magic… relax, breath in and out and remember they are just perfectly rehearsed tricks.

Enjoy the magic.

Nowadays, husbands and their expectant wives participate in many activities together without a problem thanks to civilization.

It was never this way in the traditional Marakwet culture.

Infact, there are a number of activities (which seem normal) that were forbidden for an expectant couple.

Cultural a scholar Benjamin Kipkorir says a man whose wife was expectant was not to go to war. They believed he stood a chance of not coming back from the battle field. It was also seen as bad luck for the child, who in the circumstances could be born with complications or could pass on.

Today, meetings are held from time to time and younger men appointed to head organizations, they should thank heavens once again because if the traditional Marakwet had a say they would not talk at all until their wife delivered.

The funniest was that a pregnant woman was not allowed to attend funerals and/or look at a corpse. So what happened if one’s closest relative died? Well, they had to hold the heartache in until they delivered!

Aboutlove

LOVE | 9 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

OMG

Drake and Diddy fighting for a girl?

D

rake and Diddy got into an altercation on Sunday night at a club in Miami. The two were at the club celebrating DJ Khaled’s birthday. What started the fight is not clear, but it is alleged that it involved Diddy’s longtime girlfriend Cassie though members of Drake’s camp denied this. The fight landed Drake in hospital with serious injuries.

Davido and Diamond beef

I

t all started at the Channel O awards, where Diamond beat Davido and clinched the top honour. Davido was not too happy and he was quoted as saying that there had been some cheating going on. Davido further ignited the fire when Tanzania’s Idris beat Nigeria’s Tayo by emerging the Big Brother hotshot winner.

He posted on twitte: “N they cheat again.”

This did not go well with Diamond who won the Most Gifted Afro Pop Artist award at The Future Awards Africa in Lagos, Nigeria, beating Davido yet again. Diamond posted: “Thanks God, we have cheated another one in Lagos Nigeria #sameday #samenight play nice boys!

SURVIVING A

HEREDITARY DISORDER

You are a few weeks to your wedding when your fiancé finds out she has/is a carrier of a poor hereditary genetic trait, like sickle cell anaemia, cancer, Downs syndrome or autism. She could have kept it a secret but because she loves you dearly, she is giving you a chance to decide whether you will stay by her or go your way to avoid any future risks.

“That is overwhelming. So, you cannot give a definite answer unless you are in the dilemma,” said 24-year-old contractor Peter Mugo.

This is an issue that can wreck relationships, irrespective of how strong they are.

How one reacts to the news speaks largely of your relationship and how much your partner loves you.

“How do you walk out on someone at a time when they need you most and after all that you’ve been through together?” posed Milly Imali, a gym instructor.

However, people are different and such information is bound to cause a cocktail of emotions.

Celebrated relationship expert Dr Chris Hart says that such individuals need psychological/psychiatric and

medical support. “If your date is the sort of person who’s responsible about seeking and continuing treatment, then there is no real issue. If they don’t? Leave immediately.”

Refusing treatment can turn a person into a disastrous partner, like in the case of personality disorders.

Before reaching any conclusions, exhaust information and clarification concerning the disorder. Visit a medical practitioner specializing in your case.

After knowing more about the condition, one is free to either leave or stay. Whichever choice is made, the heart should be totally at peace with it.

Assuming you love someone so much that leaving them because of their condition is

impossible, then both of you should discuss your future.

If children are part of your future plans, then lay your feelings about it on the table.

A carrier who does not have the disease inherited the condition as a recessive trait, which means your children might be carriers too. They can only have the illness if the other spouse is also a carrier.

Therefore, your carrier partner should go for gene testing then base your ultimate future decisions on both of your results.

“In all these cases, there is a possibility the problem will be passed on to the couple’s children. Every couple facing that possibility should get professional advice as to the probabilities and severity of such an issue in their case.

And carefully, they should

decide whether they should have children, and will be able to care for their particular needs,” said Dr Chris Hart.

Luckily, there are alternatives to having children of your own. When given serious thought, adoption and foster parenting can be a good and equally satisfying idea.

Despite all the trouble, there is a capability of being happy and living normally.

“Life is unpredictable and so one might walk out get another partner they deem healthy, get cute babies and then one day you lose all that in an accident or anything you didn’t see coming,” said John Murumbi, who lost his six year old daughter to pneumonia. If all individuals with disorders were to be shunned, what will become of their already-wounded souls?

AskDrX

Sixteen and pregnant Dear Doc X, My world caved in on me since November 3 when I found out I am expecting a 30-year-old married man’s child. Two years ago, I met this guy in a mall while out with my friends and we hit it off immediately.

After two months we started dating and on my 15th birthday, he broke my virginity. I had no idea he was married and had a son until I told him I was pregnant.

Each time we had unprotected sex he gave me money to buy e-pills. But this time, it did not work. He was so

furious and said I was careless and wanted to trap him. I can’t trace him.

His phone has been off ever since I talked to him and he moved to a new residence. My belly is not showing so I have not told anyone yet. What do I do?

Malika Dear Malika I sympathize with your situation.

Unfortunately tis man took advantage of you because of your naivety. First it was wrong to start an intimate relationship with a man twice your age. At 15 you should not have allowed

him to touch you but that is water under the bridge. Talk to your parents or any older person you trust. The baby bump will soon start showing and there is no way you can handle this on your own. Plus the man needs to be brought to book on charges of statutory rape. He must also step in to support his child.

Even though you are already pregnant, it is important to remember that Emergency contraceptive pill is not regular contraceptive method but for either accidental or coerced sex, or rape. Unprotected sex, exposes you

to multiple STIs which e-pills cannot prevent. The baby you are carrying might also be at risk. Visit a doctor soonest for a proper checkup and maternal advice. Your world is not crushing but a new chapter has just began so you better brace yourself. Life has to go on, including school.

It seems dark at the moment but there will be light at the end of the dark tunnel. You know how they say babies are blessings, only that yours came too soon. Learn from this, stay away from boys for now and be the best mother to your child.

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

FASHION

Fashionfix

TUESDAY, DECEMBDR 9, 2014

Halle Berry

10 |

Kim K Kerry Washington

T

Kristen Stewart

he fashion gurus have announced the colour of the year 2015 and it is... *drumrolls please*... Marsala!

Pantone Company, the world-renowned authority on colour in consumer trends, announced that Marsala was its pick for 2015 calling it a naturally robust and earthy wine red that is subtly seductive.

The company picks a colour every year based on the opinions of fashion, music, travel, movies and technology experts.

“This year’s colour appeals to men and women and is flattering on many skin tones, a great go-to colour for beauty,” Pantone said.

Expect this colour on many fashion runways across the world next year.

Here is how Marsala looks like on the red carpet.

Filmlab

T

2015

OU B A L IS AL

A M

best... DUMB AND DUMBER TO

ThE ThEORy OF EvERyThINg Rating: PG 13 Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior Genre: Drama Time: 2hrs 3min A well acted and executed movie. A great watch, which narrates the relationship between a famous physicist and his wife. Stephen Hawking falls deeply in love with Jane Wilde a fellow college mate. At

A L A S R Viola Davis

21, Hawkings receives devastating news about his health. This motivates him to start work on one of the most ambitious projects of all time. With limited time and his wife Jane at his side tirelessly helping him, Hawkings achieves ground breaking results in medicine and science. OUR RATING: HH

Rating: PG 13 Cast: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Rob Riggle Genre: Comedy Time: 1hr 49min Jim Carey and Jeff Daniels are back again with Dumb and Dumber To. Sadly, this one is not as funny and interesting as the other. It is a dull movie.

Lloyd and Harry set out on a road trip to find a child Harry never knew he had.

His daughter was given

up for adoption and now he together with his sidekick Loyd he sets out to meet her and try be the father she never had.

OUR RATING: HH

Beyonce

BIRDMAN Rating: R Cast: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton Genre: Drama, Comedy Time: 1hr 59mins Definitely worth a watch with its gems of surprises and intrigues. A forgotten actor who once played an iconic superhero mourns about his hey days. He refuses to take jobs that he feels

are beneath him and his stature and instead holds on to his ego hoping big films will come his way. The only problem is, the big films aren’t

forthcoming and he must swallow his ego in order to get back his family, career and his sanity.

OUR RATING: HHH

capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

HOROSCOPES

If you’re involved with theater, dance, or painting, the day ahead will be a bright one for you, Cancer. You feel a strong desire to bring people together in pursuit of some artistic endeavor.

Listen to your longings. You’re likely to be a sharp talent scout, or at the very least, a person who is able to enhance other people’s talents.

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

There’s some likelihood you’ll become irritated with someone close to you today, Pisces. Just who do they think they are, anyway? How insulting to put on such an act, especially considering how long you’ve known each other. Whatever you fight about, at the heart of it is your frustration and concern that your friendship may end.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

Today you can expect to have some disagreements with your partner or friend, Leo. You may overreact. If you do, it’s only because the climate of the last few days has made you feel more vulnerable than usual. It’s your tendency when faced with tension to be the first to back down.

1

2

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

’s o ayhot d er p st ing e Y nn i w

ng s i n n in tio W p ca

You may be planning for the future, Scorpio, yet find yourself needing to make choices that will resonate far beyond the next few months. It’s possible that you will have to consider sending your children to a new school, for example, or decide to move across the country.

You can expect to be volatile today, Sagittarius! No one will dare contradict you or insinuate that you’ve taken your ideas from others. You have the potential to get really angry. Rather than say things you might later regret, write down your thoughts. 0

sudoku

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

1. How I feel when serikali gives me my busary fund - Anita Kipruto, Nairobi.

2. When the DJ plays your jam - Eda Nyambura, Nairobi.

3. Do the Gully Creepa! - Onesmus Omusula, Lavington.

The Good Children — by Roopa Farooki

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

yoursay

3

Today you will be confrontational, Virgo. This comes after several weeks of holding yourself back from openly criticizing other people. You have especially strong feelings concerning anything that touches activities outside of the family. An explosion is imminent and likely unavoidable. Go ahead and express yourself.

On the one hand, you have humanistic and harmonious thoughts about your family and work environment. On the other hand, you also have a deep desire to destroy everything in order to start fresh! You will have to choose.

In any case, given the current climate and the fire inside you, any sort of compromise will prove difficult.

Most people form their opinions on the basis of what they’re told by a few people who supposedly know what they’re talking about. Certain ideas become fashionable. Today, Gemini, you have no patience for these tendencies.

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

virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

Something’s gotten into you today, Aries. An iconoclastic imp inside you is determined to tear down every convention, especially in the art world.

Why are you so furious with orthodoxy? Did you dream that an imitator stole one of your ideas and made a fortune with it?

If you’re involved in an occupation similar to that of your mother or father, Taurus, today you may question if the choice was yours or preordained.

Did you take this career path of your own volition? If not, what is it that you should really be doing with your professional life?

TUESday, DECember 9, 2014

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

Don’t hesitate to speak up for what is right, Capricorn, even if it means confronting someone with power.

So be it. The slightest injustice can’t be tolerated. When you voice your opinion, as you feel compelled to do, it makes others respect you. This has been a long time coming, and it does you a tremendous amount of good!

Aquarius, no one has ever accused you of being overly diplomatic. In fact, since you have no compunction about saying what you think, your mouth regularly gets you into trouble. It’s true that your verbal outbursts often relieve tension in tight situations, but there are times when kind words are a more effective way to get a point across.

PLAY| 11

forecast

Jakie, Sully, Mae and Lana are from a wealthy family. Their mother is strict and believes in books, honour and obedience. Living under the suffocating mother’s grip, the children feel the only way to breathe is to find ways out of home.

The two brothers Jakie and Sully go to US for studies. Sully becomes an author and psychologist who falls in love with an Indian girl who is unsuitable for his mother.

Jakie goes to London where he becomes openly gay without fear of reproach. The girls, Mae and Lana, remain back home in Pakistan where they show a rebellious side.

They refuse to be trophy wives.

Mae runs a successful business as Lana becomes a care giver at a local hospice. Will their mother be able to come to terms with their choice?

mustread

Govt should implement ban on child adoption Kenyan recently domesticated adoption laws that curb rampant child trafficking. The vice has become an eyesore for the Government (Adoption law shock for 23 Danish couples December 8, 2014).

The regulation seeks to give children their rightful place in

attaining full potential in a secure, free environment.

If implemented, it the law will be a commendable step towards securing the Kenyan baby.

The country is classified as one of the sources, transit and destination of human traffickers.

Children are part of the network

that mainly operates between rural and urban areas. The children are transferred for labour and sexual exploitation, yet there are prohibitive rules against the vices.

Children remain under threat and remain as vulnerable as ever.

Trading in humans, specifically children, succeeds because of

corruption and lack of goodwill.

The adoption law may also open more ‘opportunities’ for racketeers to raise prices for the highest bidder because of the risk involved in the black market of adoption.

The ban on adoption of children may also give immigration and

other officials a ticket to scoop more cash from undocumented immigrants. That will not have helped, but worsened the situation.

Acting decisively and punishing those who go against the ban may clamp the menace.

TUESday, decemBER 9, 2014

Sport

Ex-athletes ask Govt to create sports ministry

Former athletes have asked National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) to lobby the Government for a sports ministry to serve the interests of all athletes.

The resolutions came after Nock in conjunction with the Women and Sports Commission held a workshop at the weekend. “We call upon Noc-K to draw a policy blueprint to share with the Government to establish a ministry for sports. It is

critical that documentation of sporting activities be carried through especially on women who excel,’’ said former world marathon champion Catherine Ndereba.

Chairperson of the Women and Sports Commission Paurvi Rawal said there was need for relevant agencies to be empowered on the sporting environment.

“I’m convinced WSC is doing its part in trying to encourage the respective officials of

improving their calling. This workshop is one of those few things that will help address attitude issues which is beneficial,” said Rawal, who also is the Kenya Lawn Tennis Association (KLTA) chairperson.

NOC-K was also challenged to seriously look into modalities of regular checkups and advisory counsel to members to ward off cases of disillusionment.

its critical: Former athletes, including former world women’s marathon champion Catherine Ndereba (above) have called for the creation of a sports ministry to serve the interests of all athletes.

Clarke fit enough to lead Aussies at Adelaide Oval

Michael Clarke will captain Australia in this week’s first Test match against India at the Adelaide Oval after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson said Clarke was “100% fit” to lead the side in a match delayed following the death of Australia batsman Phillip Hughes.

Clarke gave a moving eulogy for Hughes, who died after he was struck by a ball, at the batsman’s funeral on

December 3.

Hughes is Australia’s “13th man” for the Test, which starts on Tuesday.

The opening batsman, 25, died in hospital two days after he was hit by a short-pitched delivery during a domestic Sheffield Shield game.

Clarke and the rest of the Australia squad attended his funeral in Macksville in New South Wales.

A four-match series against India should have started in

Brisbane the following day, but the Test will now start on December 17.

Clarke, 33, was absent for October’s one-day series with Pakistan and the bulk of last month’s one-day series against South Africa.

Sean Abbott, who delivered the bouncer which led to Hughes’s death, could return to action today after being named in a 12-man New South Wales squad for a match against Queensland.

SPORT |13

TUESday, DECember 9, 2014

Mourinho urges Costa to improve

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has called on striker Diego Costa to improve on his fitness as he seeks to end his scoreless run.

The Brazil-born Spain international scored seven goals in his first four Blues appearances but he has netted only twice in his last seven, having been hampered by hamstring problems.

“For me, the problem is not the goals they will come as a consequence of his condition,” said Mourinho.

“He has to improve his condition. He was injured and had many doubts because he went a long time without training.

Obviously that must have an effect on a player in the way he runs, the way he moves and in his co-ordination. I don’t think there is any problem but he has to recover.”

Mourinho’s remarks comes after he complained about time-wasting after his side suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Newcastle.

Two Papiss Cisse goals put the hosts in control and, although Didier Drogba netted, Chelsea could not equalise.

“Things were happening that the referee cannot control,” said Mourinho.

“He cannot punish the ball boy that disappears, the people in the crowd that keep the ball or somebody that throws a second ball on to the pitch.”

Newcastle had defender Steven Taylor sent off for two bookable offences when they were 2-0 ahead but held on during six minutes of injury time to end Chelsea’s 23-game unbeaten run.

UP YOUR FITNESS COSTA: Diego Costa during Man City clash. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has called on the striker to improve on his fitness.

Kenya hockey team to travel to India for World League Kenya will not travel to Uruguay but India for the World League Two championship set for March 7 to March 15. This comes following International Hockey Federation (FIH) request to Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) to consider changing opponents.

This means that Kenya will have new and relatively weaker

STICK TO BALL: Kenya women’s hockey team when they humbled Ghana 1-0 in a past encouter.

opponents having avoided Uruguay, France, Italy, Dominican Republic and Azerbaijan in a lengthy qualification to Rio. In India, Kenya will play Lanka, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Poland and Thailand in a championship whose winners will proceed to the third and final leg that will act as a qualification for Rio 2016 Olympic.

The national team qualified to the next round after winning the first leg and they will be joined

by Ghana who finished second in Nairobi.

Jos Openda, national head coach notes that the Union will select a completely new team from the one that won the first leg unbeaten.

The change of venue may be

a blessing to Kenya who will be seeking their first Olympics appearance. The men’s team is the only Kenyan team sport with a record seven appearances at the Olympic with the last being 1988 Seoul, South Korea games.

Kenya has a strong tie with India who introduced the game in Kenya during the independent period.

Gor defender Owino to undergo trials at Simba Reigning Kenyan Premier League Defender of the Year David Owino is expected to undergo trials at Tanzanian club Simba SC. According to the Kenyan champions Secretary General Chris Omondi, the Tanzanian side have asked Gor to permit the player to take part in the trials.

“Communication has been received.

If trials are successful and satisfies the technical bench, Simba SC will be willing to engage us over his services.

They have made arrangements for the player to travel and join them in camp and they will also cater for the expenses,” Omondi said.

Owino joined Gor Mahia in January 2012 from former premier league side Karuturui Sports and has been a key member of the playing unit throughout his three seasons stay at the club owing his to his strength and versatility on the pitch.

He is also currently the team’s assistant captain deputiing skipper Fredrick Onyango and has a running contract with Gor Mahia until June 2015 with the club also interested in offering him a new deal.

14 |

SPORT

KU stroll into hockey league TUESday, DECEmber 9, 2014

can’t stop us: KU Vultures in a past game. The university side (in red jerseys) earned promotion to premier league after thrashing Parklands to become the first ever public university to secure a slot in the Kenya Hockey KHU men’s elite competition.

It was song and dance for Kenyatta University after their hockey side earned promotion to the elite league.

Four years ago Strathmore University Gladiators’ became the first academic institution to win back-to-back top flight league titles.

The Vultures downed Parklands to become the first ever public university to secure a slot in the Kenya Hockey KHU men’s premier league.

But they needed penalty flicks to emerge national champions after the match had ended in a 1 – 1 draw. Kenyatta were the first to score in the 4th minute through Job Simiyu before second half Captain Owen Oduor levelled for Parklan ds with seven minutes left.

Shadrack Ruto said it was a dream come true for the team which has been dreaming of playing in the premier league for a long time.

“This is the best weekend of my life!

Winning the national league was a great achievement but being named MVP in the nationwide league tops it all.

“I thank God, coach Walter Onyango, teammates, friends and fans of the Mighty Vultures’ for the votes of confidence... next season I will be back stronger for the cause,” said the player.

Radcliffe calls for doping Hamilton predicts stronger culprits ban from Olympics Rosberg will be back 2015

British marathoner Paula Radcliffe (pictured) has called for the expulsion of guilty countries to be banned from Olympic Games if they repeatedly break doping rules.

A German TV documentary claims to have evidence of systematic doping among Russian athletes.

The Russian Athletics Federation has threatened legal action over “slanderous allegations,” including bribes to cover up for positive tests.

Radcliffe, the 40-year-old women’s marathon world record holder, said when a federation surpasses a certain number of positive cases among its athletes, it should be punished.

“I’d also look at the independent testing bodies,” Radcliffe said.

“Maybe they need to be taken away from the countries if they can’t be trusted.

“I think there should be

Two-time world champion Lewis Hamilton says he will have to return stronger in 2015 to stay ahead of Mercedes ally Nico Rosberg.

The Briton beat Rosberg to the title in Abu Dhabi on November 23 after a seasonlong battle with the German.

Hamilton, 29, also singled out Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren-

sanctions for that country competing in events like the World Championships, like the Olympic Games.

“It shouldn’t just be Russia that’s singled out here, but any country that isn’t abiding by the Wada or IAAF codes of practice and anti-doping rules and implementing sanctions and testing like they should.”

But the International

Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) have said they will investigate the claims.

The IAAF said that investigations into some of the claims is “ongoing”.

Wada president Sir Craig Reedie told Sportsweek the claims had been “pretty dispiriting” for the antidoping community.

bound Fernando Alonso for the rivalry.

“Daniel Ricciardo has been doing an amazing job, it will be interesting to see what Fernando does in his car.”

Mercedes claimed the Constructors’ title for the first time in history in Abu Dhabi thanks to Hamilton’s win.

Hamilton said: “Nico’s going

to come back stronger and I’ll have to make sure I come back even stronger to stay ahead of him.”

The celebrations included Super Aguri F1 driver Anthony Davidson.

The Briton and team-mate Sebastien Buemi won the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship with their Toyota Hybrid Racing team.

2015 PLANS: Hamilton crashed out of the Canadian Grand Prix after colliding with team-mate Button. Hamilton says he will have to return stronger in 2015 to stay ahead of Mercedes colleague Nico Rosberg.

Lineker blasts Arsenal fans over Wenger boos

Gary Lineker has criticised supporters who booed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

A video appears to show Wenger, 65, being jeered by fans when boarding a train after his side’s 3-2 Premier

League fall at Stoke on Saturday.

“Just saw the Wenger abuse video,” tweeted former England striker and Sport presenter Lineker.

“Disgustingly disrespectful and totally inexcusable, regardless of any

football results.”

The Gunners were 3-0 down to Stoke before staging a comeback which ultimately fell short.

Wenger was also the target of criticism from Arsenal fans during

his side’s recent 1-0 win at West Brom.

At The Hawthorns, some Gunners supporters unveiled a banner that read: “Arsene, thanks for the memories but it’s time to say

goodbye.”

Arsenal ended a run of nine years without a trophy by winning the FA Cup in May but have not won the league since 2004. They are lying sixth in the top flight league table.

16 |

SPORT

SPORT| 15

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014

TUESDAY,DECEMBER 9, 2014

Van Persie brace lifts United to third Manchester United moved to third in the Premier League after Robin van Persie’s brace gave them victory over an often-superior Southampton at St. Mary’s stadium.

United took an early lead as Van Persie pounced on Jose Fonte’s slack backpass, but Graziano Pelle swept in a deserved equaliser as the Saints fought back.

Southampton had plenty of chances, but Van Persie guided in Wayne Rooney’s deep free-kick for the decisive goal.

David De Gea turned away a low Pelle shot as Southampton ran out of steam.

United’s fifth successive Premier League win came despite registering only three shots at goal to Southampton’s 15 as the visitors’ occasionally shambolic defensive performance cast further doubt over their solidity at the other end.

But the mere fact of the club’s return to the top three for the first time since August 2013 will raise hopes they can remain there until the end of the season - the bare minimum requested by chief executive Ed Woodward this summer.

United’s fans ended the match singing Van Persie’s name and

it was the Dutchman who capitalised on Fonte’s early error to give their side the lead. The Southampton skipper’s attempt to play the ball back to goalkeeper Fraser Forster was risky, but Van Persie’s anticipation and deft finish through the goalkeeper’s legs skilfully extracted full punishment.

Southampton had threatened through Shane Long, and an early muscle injury suffered by Chris Smalling fuelled their belief, as well as adding to United’s injury list.

The seemingly inevitable equaliser arrived shortly after though. A mob of United players failed to clear a cross, Tadic’s shot fell invitingly to the feet of Pelle and the Italy international swept home to end a run of five games without a goal. United manager Louis van Gaal reacted by switching personnel rather than system - taking off McNair, bringing on Ander Herrera and moving Michael Carrick into defence - but the flow of the game stayed the same with Southampton piling pressure on a vulnerable United as the half came to an end.

But thanks to another piece of opportunism from Van Persie, Van Gaal shook hands with Koeman as an unlikely victor.

NUT MEGGED: Robin van Persie scores his second and the winning goal for Manchester United. United beat Southampton 2-1 at St. Mary’s stadium to climb up to third while the saints dropped down to fifth in the English Premier League table.

Liverpool host Basel in must-win Champions League clash at Anfield Brendan Rodgers says today’s must-win Champions League game with Basel is a chance for his players to write themselves into Liverpool folklore.

Rodgers’ side must beat the Swiss team at Anfield to seal second place in Group B and reach the knockout stage.

“It will be a great night and it is up to us to get the job done,” the Liverpool manager said. “It is an opportunity for the players

to qualify and make sure they write themselves into folklore.” Liverpool have been in a similar position in the Champions League before, going into a home game against Olympiakos in December 2004 needing a win to reach the last 16.

They trailed 1-0 at half-time but turned the game around to win 3-1 and qualify ahead of the Greek side en route to winning the trophy.

While Liverpool have to

win tonight, a draw will be enough to take Basel through alongside group winners Real Madrid. Meanwhile Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has challenged his team to respond positively to Saturday’s defeat at Stoke when they travel to face Galatasaray in the last group stage match. The Gunners have already qualified for the last 16 but a victory in Turkey tonight could see them top Group D.

Apollo, Mbuki emerge MX2 winners The 2014 Kenya National Motocross Championship came to dramatic end at the Jamhuri Park racetrack on Sunday with Ivan Guya and Apollo Mbuki clinching the remaining two titles at stake.

But it was the breath taking homestretch tussle pitting Mbuki against Rohan Gandhi that really treated spectators to some

exhilarating displays of motorbike artistry. The drama revved off with Mbuki winning the opening heat. His delights were shotlived when Gandhi bounced back in the second pushing the MX2 title tussle further down to the final heat. But fears that Mbuki could lose it all to Gandhi evaporated soon enough when the

former emerged the victor in the third and final heat.

After the race, Mbuki announced that he was moving a berth up to the more competitive MX1 next year where he will be challenging the likes of Guya and Tutu Maina.

“This is such a good feeling,” quipped Apollo, as he savoured the performance.

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.

Nanena KENYAN HITS! Adonai KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A KEN4 Dumbala Remix Zawadi GLORIA MULIRO Msaidizi GM4 Sitalia Tena Fundamentals KT4 KEN WAMARIA Bongo Lala RUFFTONE & GSU RUFF4 Sitalia Tena Mungu Baba Uwepo Wako LIN4 MERCYLINAH Hatarudi Nyuma Milele SHA4 MARION SHAKO Mapenzi GERALDINE ODUOR GER4 Dongo Dongo Solo Ulibeba EN4 EUNICE NJERI Penzi Langu Sobei Cheiso KOS4 EMMY KOSGEI Matokeo Worship You BMF FT MERCY WAIREGI BMF4 Sambaza KAM4 Born Again ALICE KAMANDE Defender DAD4 Lingala Ya Yesu DADDY OWEN MOG4 Fanya Kitendo MOG Tosheka Muziki Ni Dawa Kereka DK4 DK KWENYE BEAT Ningwendete VAN4 Makeke JOAN WAIRIMU Kitanzi LK4 LOISE KIM Queen Ahuirania N.D GITHUKA GAK4 Miss Hizo Ti Mundu BETTY BAYO & MR SEED BET4 Naona Mbali Ndirakurekie SIMON SIM4 Nime Wasamehe JOAN WAIRIMU Kinyukia Kahora VAN4 Hakuna Silaha

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

This is a subscription service. Cost per message is KSH30. Content Delivered daily. A Joining fee of KSH30 applies.

Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#. A deactivation fee of KES 30 will be charged unless passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.

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

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