Michelle banned from burial
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Us first lady was banned from Hollywood comedienne Joan Rivers’ funeral weeks before her sudden death P. 2
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Athletes furious over Mwea marathon organisers | P.13
I was stabbed by my attacker, says US middleweight boxer | P.15
Pedestrians beware of fake City Hall gangs
Members of the public have been warned against fake Nairobi City County officials who have been arresting pedestrians crossing roads while on calls or listening to music on earphones. County Assistant Director Inspectorate Officer Gideon Musa Nzioki told X News the conmen have been handcuffing people before demanding cash for the victims’ freedom. P2
be warned: The Nairobi County government has warned members of the public to be wary of gangs posing as City Hall security officials and harassing pedestrians for allegedly crossing roads while listening to music on mobile phones or at non-designated points.
Gangsters kill man, 64, in Umoja estate robbery
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Wajir South MP calls for food supplies to avert starvation
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Construction boom triples staff wages demands
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Fake gangs harass pedestrians From Page 1 “Conmen have been extorting money in bribes from members of the public for offences they claim are against county laws. Most victims are those crossing while talking on phones,” Nzioki said. He said the impersonators have been handcuffing members of the public claiming they are enforcing a by-law that forbids people from crossing roads while engaged on phone. The official said it is risky to cross roads while listening to music or making calls, but the county assembly is yet to legislate on laws
governing the use of the gadgets. “The City County has not legislated to that effect, but members of the pubic must take caution while crossing roads to avoid being hit by motorists,” he said. The official said they have arrested many imposters who have been handcuffing people in the streets on daily basis. “It is evident in city streets. Today, a suspect who had ‘arrested’ a person over the offence escaped leaving his captive in handcuffs. We arrest many and we have confiscated many handcuffs too,” Nzioki said. Nzioki said the criminals drag
people to City Hall as they demand for bribes for their freedom. Penalties range from Sh2,000 but the figure is usually negotiated downwards with threats that if one is taken to the City County Court, they will be fined up to Sh10,000. Edwin Mobe almost fell victim two weeks ago while crossing Tom Mboya Street near Afya Centre. He was on call when two men confronted him and demanded that he accompanies them to a nearby council van. “Two men approached me after reaching the other side and flashed cards they claimed were job cards.
They did not let me look at them. They demanded I follow them or buy my freedom,” Mobe says. “They were not in uniformed,” he says. They asked him for a Sh2, 000 else he pays Sh10,000 at City Hall. He had spent all he had on buying drugs but they still dragged him for a while before releasing him after realising he did not have anything to give. They warned him to be careful next time and walk with money. The harassment is just an indicator of the tribulations of many city residents who suffer after the
criminals take advantage of their ignorance of county laws. The official said the assembly is working on a law that will curb recklessness from pedestrians. Nairobi City County Traffic Commandant Edward Mwamburi said the Ministry of Transport, National Transport and Safety Authority and other stakeholders are in discussions to develop a law to regulate the use of gadgets by pedestrians. He said pedestrians can be arrested and charged for obstruction to motorists if they cross roads without obeying the traffic rules.
Michelle Obama banned from Joan Rivers funeral
banned: Hollywood comedienne Joan Rivers ‘banned’ US First Lady Michelle Obama (left) from her funeral just weeks before her sudden death.
US air marshal attack in Nigeria triggers Ebola fears
A US air marshal was attacked with a syringe at the airport in Lagos, Nigeria, in what has raised fears of an Ebola injection. The FBI said on Monday the man has since been hospitalised. It was not known what was in the syringe when it was injected Sunday into the onduty marshal, whose name has not been given and is in hospital in Houston. The incident raised fears the syringe could have carried
some form of the Ebola virus because Nigeria is one of the West African countries where the deadly epidemic has spread. The FBI said authorities were taking every precaution, but that initial signs were that the victim was not a danger to others and was not showing any symptoms. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted an on-scene screening of the
Famous Hollywood comedienne, Joan Rivers, ‘banned’ US First Lady Michelle Obama from her funeral just weeks before her sudden death at the age of 81. The veteran funny woman gave clear orders before she died on September 4, 2014, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a routine throat procedure. In a personalised funeral requests from her 2012 memoir, ‘I Hate Everyone...Starting With Me’, Rivers had asked for the event to be a “showbiz affair with lights, cameras, and action.” Her funeral was held in her native city of New York on September 7, 2014 and drew a galaxy of stars, including Hugh Jackman, Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Osbourne, and Sarah Jessica Parker. It has now emerged that Rivers had previously drawn up a wish-list of famous faces she wanted to stay away. The First Lady was not the only public figure to have been locked out of the star-studded mourning event. The blacklist incuded pop star Adelle and US talk show host Chelsea Handler. In one of her final interviews conducted weeks before her death, she told The Sunday Times those she wanted kept away from the funeral included Obama, who she branded “a tranny”, Adele for being “fat”, and Handler, who she dubbed “drunk” and a “whore”. Rivers was known for her sharp tongue and ruthless criticism of famous personalities. She hosted the TV series E!
victim when United Flight 143 landed in Houston early Monday morning,” the statement said “The victim did not exhibit any signs of illness during the flight and was transported to a hospital upon landing for further testing. None of the testing conducted has indicated a danger to other passengers.” The incident came as the White House announced that the US would devote more money tp fighting the Ebola
outbreak. President Barack Obama made the pledge in a telephone conversation Monday with UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon. Obama has said previously that the deadly outbreak is a U.S. national security priority and that the American military will help set up isolation units and equipment in West Africa and provide security for public health workers.
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Age-slowing gene discovered
100 million Africans are on Facebook every month One in 10 Africans logs on to Facebook every month, the world’s number one online social network said on Monday, presenting a new target audience for advertisers. Of those 100 million people, 80 per cent are accessing the platform through their mobile phones on a continent with very low internet penetration and smartphone ownership, the reports says. “There is a fantastic opportunity for business as well, if you are local or a global business,” said Nicola Mendelsohn, Facebook’s vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Knowing that there are all these people now in Africa that you can connect with, that is exciting as well.” Seven in 10 African consumers access the internet through their mobile phones, compared with six per cent who use desktop computers, said a study by Ericsson early this year. Mendelsohn says Facebook will be pouring more resources into Africa to understand how consumers use its product and is considering opening an office on the continent next year. The company is customizing products to fit the needs of individual countries.
Thugs kill 64-year-old man in Umoja bar robbery A 64 year old man was shot dead last night and another one stabbed in a robbery at a wines and spirit joint in Umoja. A gang of five had raided the bar and ordered revellers present to lie down as they robbed them. Police say the 64 year old man was drunk and resisted the attack, prompting one of the gunmen to shoot him in the head. Another man who also tried to resist was stabbed in the chest sustaining a serious injury. Police say no arrest has been made so far and efforts to trace the attackers are ongoing. Elsewhere in Mathare, a man was stabbed to death by a gang, which was on a robbery spree in the slums. The victim was walking home when he was attacked by the
gang of three which tried to rob him of his mobile phone. He was stabbed to death in the ensuing confrontation and robbed of his valuables and cash. No arrest has been made so far. And in a related incident, a police officer has been arrested after he lost his gun in unclear circumstances in Ngong. The officer reported that he had been robbed of the pistol while walking home but was locked up after his seniors doubted his version of the story. A search for the gun is ongoing. This is the latest incident involving police officers losing their guns in unclear circumstances. The weapons are later used in robberies. Last month, a CID officer was arrested after he lost his gun in Kayole.
Scientist have raised prospects of prolonging life with the discovery of a gene that can slow the aging process. Biologists at the University of California in Los Angeles have announced that they identified a gene that can slow the aging process throughout the entire body when activated remotely in key organ systems. Working with fruit flies, the life scientists activated a gene called AMPK that is a key energy sensor in cells; it gets activated when cellular energy levels are low. Increasing the amount of AMPK in fruit flies’ intestines increased their lifespans by about 30 percent -- to roughly eight weeks from the typical six -- and the flies stayed healthier for longer as well. The research, published on September 4 in the open-source journal Cell Reports, could have important implications for delaying aging and disease in humans, said David Walker, an associate professor of integrative biology and physiology at UCLA and senior author of the research.
Act on sibling bullying, parents told
Here for a good cause..
Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia (left) and Commercial Bank of Africa boss Isaac Awuondo (centre) share a moment with an unidentified guest at a BeyondZero Campaign breakfast meeting hosted by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at Sate House today. Sponsors drawn from both the corporate and private sectors attended the meeting.
A new study has called on parents to deal with sibling bullying before it escalates warning that uncontrolled oppression could put children at risk of depression when they are older. The study led by the University of Oxford followed around 7,000 children aged 12 who were asked if they had experienced a sibling saying hurtful things, hitting, ignoring or lying about them. Six years later, 786 who said they had been bullied were found to be twice as likely to have depression
Knut says teachers’ strike is on unless government calls meeting over CBA The Kenya National Union of Teachers has now given the government up to the end of tomorrow to convene a meeting with its officials or face a countrywide strike. That meeting must not be attended by officials of another teachers’ union, the
Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (Kuppet) whom Knut has accused of being used to sabotage its demands. The meeting is to discuss outstanding Collective Bargaining Agreement among Knut’s other demands. Knut says it will mobilise
teachers to go on strike now that there has been no progress since they issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Government. The strike notice was issued on August 27 and will lapse on September 16, paving way for a strike unless both sides
can reach a consensus on the contentious issues. Secretary General Wilson Sossion yesterday told journalists that not even exams will deter them from proceeding on with the industrial action. He said the government
should convene a meeting by tomorrow, failure to which they will proceed with their strike plans. “Let them act between now and midnight of Wednesday, after the midnight of Wednesday they should not look for us,” Sossion said.
“They should be prepared to face a strike they will regret.” He accused the TSC of failing to honour the return-to-work formula signed between the two parties. The agreement was to be formalised 90 days after last year’s teachers strike .
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Matatu gangs block Thika road after officers’ arrest A group of matatu operators and residents of Githurai 45 today blocked Thika Highway for hours to protest the arrest and prosecution of a police officer accused of murder. The protesters say they want charges against Constable Titus Ngamau Musila dropped. The officer is accused of gunning down Kenneth Kimani Mwangi on April, 14 last year and Oscar Muchoki Mwangi, an elder brother to Kenneth, on August 24 2014 in Githurai. The protest caused a huge traffic jam on the road as police pleaded with the gangs to open up the route. The officer was last week charged in court with the murder on recommendations of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. The protest is the second after another on Friday in which
another group demanded his release. The groups claim the officer, who is in prison remand, has helped reduce crime in the area. Kasarani OCPD Augistine Nthumbi said they are negotiating with the group that had parked vehicles on the highway to remove them. “They say the officer was helpful to the area in fighting crime and his arrest was uncalled for. We are trying to see what we can do,” said Nthumbi. Motorists caught in the drama said the jam had spread for kilometres. Traffic police officers were spotted directing traffic flow. Ngamau was arrested last Thursday and charged in court with the murder of the two on recommendations by IPOA and approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko.
no wAy: Matatu gangs block the busy Thika Superhighway to protest the arrest of Constable Titus ngamau Musila who is accused of killing Kenneth Kimani Mwangi and his brother oscar Muchoki Mwangi last year.
AU soldiers accused of raping women in Somalia African Union soldiers who are fighting Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia have been accused of sexually abusing and exploiting women and girls in the wartorn horn of Africa nation. In a new report dubbed “The Power These Men Have Over Us”, Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims the soldiers lure vulnerable women through a range of tactics, including intermediaries and humanitarian aid. HRW women rights director Liesl Gerntholtz said the soldiers have been sexually assaulting women and girls seeking medical assistance and water at Amisom bases. The report was launched in Nairobi on Tuesday where the human rights watchdog asked the African Union to refrain its soldiers from inflicting abuses on innocent civilians. “AU can no longer turn a blind eye to the abuses on Amisom bases as it undermines the very credibility of the mission,” Gerntholtz said.
Greenhouse gases Kriegler’s rare accollades for Isaac hit peak levels in 2013 Hassan team over 2013 elections A surge in atmospheric carbon dioxide saw levels of greenhouse gases reach record levels in 2013, new figures show. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere between 2012 and 2013 grew at their fastest rate since 1984. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) says it highlights the need for a global climate treaty. But the UK’s energy secretary Ed Davey said any agreement might not contain legally binding emission cuts as has been previously envisaged. The WMO’s annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin does not measure emissions from power station smokestacks and instead records the amount of warming gases that remain in the atmosphere. This is after the complex interactions that take place between the air, the land and the oceans. About half of all emissions are taken up by the seas, trees and living things. The bulletin says the globally averaged amount
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached 396 parts per million (ppm) in 2013, an increase of almost 3ppm over the previous year. “The Greenhouse Gas Bulletin shows that, far from falling, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere actually increased last year at the fastest rate for nearly 30 years,” said Michel Jarraud, secretary general of WMO. Atmospheric CO2 measures at 142% of the levels in 1750, before the start of the industrial revolution. The bulletin suggests that in 2013, the increase in CO2 was due not only to increased emissions but also to a reduced carbon uptake by the Earth’s biosphere. The scientists at the WMO are puzzled by the development. The last time there was reductions in biosphere’s ability to absorb carbon was 1998, when there was extensive burning of biomass worldwide, coupled with El Nino conditions.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was on Tuesday given a rare thumps-up over its conduct of last year’s General Elections. Retired South African judge Johann Kriegler defended the body, saying although it was not brilliant, its handling of the elections was good. Kriegler whose recommendations following the 2008 post-election violence were used to inform the overhaul of the electoral system in the run-up to the 2013 General Election, said he was “astounded that so little has gone wrong.” Given the fact that IEBC was conducting elections for six electoral positions on the same day, Kriegler said was one of the most complex elections in the world. “I do not know of a comparable election management body so young, so new in the job that could run a brand new election with six parallel elections being run at 32,000 voting points,” he said. The failure of electronic transmission of results,
Kriegler said, was not so strange in Africa, saying it was inevitable that something would go wrong. “I speak without fear of contradiction. There is only one rule in all elections: Something will go wrong,” he said. “In any election. Whether it be Denmark or Switzerland. Something will go wrong.” A change in the voting system, he said, was not the solution as the real problem in Kenya lies not in facilitation of elections but lack of democracy at the political party level.
“Excuse my frankness (but) your political parties are nothing more than sham stoking horses for political leaders to pursue ambitions,” he said. And until Kenyans focus more on ideologies of parties instead of ethnic alignments, he said, Kenya would always run the risk of a repeat of the 2008 PEV. “Is there anybody here who can identify for me five differences between the programme of principles of the front runner and the second runner in the last Presidential election?” he
said. He said “Kenyans should not kid themselves that the Constitution passed in response to that dark chapter in Kenya’s history” was the solution. “If people are in discord with one another, a marriage contract can’t make the marriage work. If partners in a business are at logger heads with one another, the partnership agreement can’t make the partnership work. A country can make its Constitution function, yes. But not the other way around,” he said.
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ThUMbS Up: Isaak hassan, chairman, Independent Electoral and boundaries Commission (IEbC), has been defended by retired South African Judge Johann Kriegler.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
MP calls for aid to avert starvation in Wajir South Wajir South MP Abdullahi Diriye (pictured) has called on the national government and international aid agencies to help more than 60, 000 families in his constituency who are famine-stricken. The constituency is one of those hardest hit by prolonged drought which has caused adverse effects on residents and their livestock.
“Already, sheep and goats are dying,” said the MP. “Normally, the government tends to respond to such situations when people have lost their lives and we don’t want that to happen this time. Urgent action has to be taken to prevent the situation from getting out of hand,” he told X News. The MP’s concerns were echoed by the National
Drought Management Authority’s coordinator for Wajir County, Mr Yasin Farah who described the situation in Wajir South as severe. “The situation in Wajir South and Wajir West sub-counties is severe while the one in Wajir East and Eldas is moderate. Wajir North is close to getting into the moderate category,” he said.
Most of the water points in the constituency have dried up as a result of the prolonged drought. Mr Diriye said there is an urgent need to rescue his starving constituents and their livestock. “It is a ticking time bomb. We need help to avert the tragedy,” he added. The MP said even school children have not reported for the third term.
inothernews
Prince William, wife Middleton expecting their second child Prince William has confirmed earlier news that he is expecting a second child, two years after they gave birth to Prince George. The prince told the press he and his wife, Kate Middleton, are excited, adding that the pregnancy is at an early stage. “It’s been a tricky few days, week or so. We’re thrilled. It’s great news, but early days,” said William. Middleton, the Duchess of
Cambridge did not accompany the Great Britain’s heir to the throne to his Monday visit to Oxford University. Doctors at Kensington Palace were attending to her. William was confirming earlier online. Their tweet read in part: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child.”
WHO says Ebola still spreading in Liberia Ebola is spreading in Liberia, with thousands of new cases expected in the next three weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Conventional methods to control the outbreak were “not having an adequate impact”, the UN’s health agency added. At least 2,100 people infected with Ebola have died so far in the West African states of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria this year. The WHO says 79 health workers have been killed by the virus.
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What others said today...
Uhuru caught up in rowdy Migori politics: Rowdy youths yesterday heckled Migori Governor Okoth Obado in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s presence during a presidential and a UN function in Migori town. The youths threw shoes towareds the dias where the President, Obado and other guests were seated, chanting slogans in praise of Cord leader Raila Odinga and the referendum. Obado has lately been viewed as anti Raila, and opposing referendum...
Youths throw shoes, heckle at Uhuru rally: Youths hurled shoes at the presidential dais on Monday, causing security tension at a meeting addressed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Migori County. The group had taken strategic positions in front of the dais and started shouting Orange Democratic Movement slogans soon after Migori Governor Okoth Obado moved to the microphone to address the gathering...
Teachers’ unions clash as learning paralysis looms: The giant teachers’ union has given the Government until midnight tomorrow to convene talks on a new pay deal, warning that time was running out on a 21-day strike notice. Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) issued the strike notice on August 27. If the parties do not reach a compromise, it means the strike could begin at the end of the month, paralysing learning...
Uhuru caught in Migori Obado heckling incident: A public rally attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Migori town turned rowdy when a band of youths heckled down area governor Okoth Obado, barring him from speaking. Obado, who is seen as leaning against the referendum wave spearheaded by the opposition, had just taken the dais to address the event...
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BUSiness
TUESday, September 9, 2014
businesstool SpyFu allows small investors to fabricate
more costly: Workers at a road construction site on the Nairobi-Thika Superhighway. Wages for construction workers have more than tripled in the past three years as th0e industry begins to take shape.
Construction boom triples workers’ wages demands
Wages for construction workers in Kenya have tripled in the past three years as the industry begins to take shape. Data from a global research and policy network, Women in Informal Employment: Globalising and Organising (Wiego), and the Ministry of Labour, show that as projects continue to take root in Kenya, salaries of ‘mjengo’ workers continue to rise. “In developing countries,
construction provides work opportunities for some of the poorest and most marginalised sections of society,” say researchers, Dave Spooner and Annie Hopley for Wiego. But the cost of labour in the sector has jumped as demand for services offered by workers rises. Construction of commercial and residential buildings in places like Nairobi, Ruai and Kitengela has pushed wages up as developers
seek services from semi-skilled and unskilled workers. In Nairobi, unskilled workers, whose work involves mixing sand, cement and ferrying building materials, are earning up to Sh800 day, up from Sh300 about three years ago. Skilled workers who engage in the building of houses are demanding up to Sh1,500 a day, up from about Sh700. Meanwhile, foremen or supervisors are earning about
Sh1,500 daily. Nairobi-based Avent Properties Realtor, Antony Kuyo, says wages are pushing up the cost of setting up buildings as developers pay almost double what they were paying about three years ago. Real estate management company Knight Frank, in its 2012 Wealth Report, ranked Nairobi as the fastest-growing real estate market in the world after outpacing cities like Miami and Monaco.
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Varsity scoops Unilever award The University of Eldoret are winners of this year’s ‘Idea Trophy inter-university innovation’ competition. The contest, which is sponsored by consumer goods manufacturer Unilever Kenya, focuses on the development of manpower and entrepreneurial business competencies among undergraduate students. Seif Salim, Clifford Ogeto and Elvis Kipkorir of the University of Eldoret, were declared the best after beating more than 700 colleagues from four rival universities. The contest was launched in July for student teams of three drawn from public and private universities. Participants were drawn from, among others, the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta, Strathmore, JKUAT and Moi. They were required to develop ideas on how to create brand awareness and product use among peers in target schools. “Unilever is committed to investing in Kenya’s young bright minds who are also future leaders, employers and entrepreneurs of this economic hub of East Africa,” said Unilever CEO for East Africa, Mr Marc Engel. This year’s winning team will travel to Unilever London where to hone their skills.
Many small businesses may not have heard about online marketing. Some enterprises only watch as competitors grow their investments by luring more customers on the internet SpyFu, a free-to-try online tool, allows small investors to learn how to repeat what their successful competitors have done online. “SpyFu exposes the search marketing secret formula of your most successful competitors,” says one of the tool’s developers. It allows users to search for websites and watch all places the sites have popped up on Google, every keyword they’ve bought on Adwords and every advert format they have used in the past six years. Adwords is Google’s ad system in which advertisers bid on some keywords for their clickable ads to appear in Google’s search results. Lawrence Nazar, founder and CEO of online store, Docstoc, describes SpyFu as a “service that helps understand what keywords to buy.” The tool costs between Sh7,000 and Sh88,700 a month depending on how big a business is and how many of SpyFu’s services it is willing to buy. Interested businesses can try the tool for free by visiting spufu.com.
energy line: A Kenya Power engineer at work. The Sh27.5b Kenya-Tanzania power line is expected to create thousands of jobs.
Sh25b Kenya, Tanzania power line to create jobs The on-going construction of a $310 million (Sh27.5 billion) Kenya-Tanzania electricity transmission line is expected to create thousands of jobs for Kenyans. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2016. Kenya Electricity Transmission (KETRACO) Managing Director Joel Kiilu told a recent
East African Power Industry Convention that feasibility studies are complete and construction will start next year. “The interconnection will allow the country with surplus electricity to sell to its neighbour,” he said. He said the project is expected to increase revenue for respective governments,
leading to investments in roads, hospitals, airports and schools. The investment is expected to generate employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans across various sectors. “All the facilities will require a robust transmission network to evacuate the power to consumers,” he said. The proposed project includes
the construction of a 510 km line. Ketraco officials say the interconnection will start from a proposed sub-station in Isinya, Kenya, 50 km south of Nairobi, to Arusha, Tanzania. From Arusha, the line will proceed to Singida where another sub-station is being planned by the Tanzania Electric Supply Co (Tanesco).
Safaricom and M-Kopa launch solar light unit M-Kopa Solar, an asset financing company based in Nairobi, has launched a Safaricom-branded solar lighting system, as it steps up its campaign to provide clean lighting solutions to millions of Kenyan homes that are not connected to the country’s electricity grid. Dubbed, ‘M-KOPA III’, the product is M-Kopa Solar’s third-generation pay as-yougo solar home solution. It comes with two LED solar lights and one solar rechargeable LED torch, and a larger 8W panel that gives 60 per cent more charging capacity. M-Kopa Customers will also get a rechargeable
solar radio, a mobile phone charger and a larger battery. The M-KOPA III can be upgraded to include two additional solar lights, sold separately. Following the removal of VAT on solarpowered devices, M-KOPA Solar has also announced a price reduction on the new units. Customers will now only pay an initial deposit of Sh2, 999 followed by Sh365 daily payments of Sh40 (down from Sh50). Jesse Moore, Managing Director and Co-Founder of M-Kopa Solar, says the partnership with Safaricom will help Kenyans get rid of the unhealthy kerosene lighting, improve their
standard of living and save money. Ministry of Health officials have warned that the use of kerosene lamps and cooking stoves poses a serious health risk and is likely to lead to lung cancer in as many as 1.5 million consumers. “We are now connecting 2,000 homes to solar every week, and even bigger growth lies ahead,” he noted. “We have over 300 staff and 750 sales agents across the country who earn an income selling M-Kopa products and services,” “With M-KOPA Solar, we have already connected 90,000 Kenyan homes.”
A child holds a light powered by a solar panel sold by M-KOPA.
Japanese economy shrinks Japan’s economy, the third-largest in the world, declined by 7.1 per cent in the second quarter. In August, analysts had predicted that it would shrink by at least 6.8 per cent. In quarterly terms, Japan’s economy, has shrank by 1.8 per cent in the second quarter compared to the first quarter when it grew by 1.5 per cent. The country’s consumers were largely seen spending more in the first quarter rather than the second but it was seen as an attempt to beat the sales tax hike introduced in April. The tax hike, which rose from five to eight per cent, is widely attributed to the contraction. Private consumption makes
up some 60 per cent of Japan’s economic activity and that activity went down in the second quarter, which economists say negatively impacted growth. An official data released in August by Japan’s government showed that households had spent less and that factory output stayed flat in July. Retail sales in July on the other hand, rose by 0.5 per cent after a fall of 0.6 per cent in June. Economists say the current economic landscape should encourage the State to introduce even more reforms. Japan’s economy minister, Akira Amari, said on Friday they was ready to introduce a stimulus package.
BUSiness | 7 TUESday, september 9, 2014
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DIGITAL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
GravityLight handy for areas without electricity
Many Kenyans have to endure dangerous smoke from kerosene lamps for lighting However, GravityLight, an innovation, which generates energy for lighting bulbs from gravity is going to change all that. The gravity lamp is a portable device that does not require any form of energy such as batteries or fuel to generate power. It is hanged on a wall with a bag attached to it. One only needs to fill the bag with heavy substances such as sand or dust. Lifting the bag and letting it fall pulls a notched belt to drive a small motor. The motor will rotate to power a LED light bulb for about 30 minutes. The energy derived from gravity can also be harnessed to ‘wake up’ small devices like a radio set. Deciwatt, the company that invented the device, says GravityLight is a solution not only to regular blackouts, but also to pollution resulting
Gravity light is a solution not only to regular blackouts, but also to pollution resulting from kerosene lamps
LET THERE BE LIGHT: A boy reads using light produced by GravityLight technology
from kerosene lamps. Martin Riddiford and Jim Reeves, the lead innovators, say they were inspired to replace kerosene use, which
at times is expensive to low income earners. GravityLight has been tested and is awaiting mass production for the market.
newboundaries The Elemoon bracelet here to help you accessorise outfits Women often have trouble finding the right jewellery to go along with their outfits. Elemoon bracelet seeks to help the ladies with this task. Elemoon is a wearable bracelet that changes colour to match the users outfit. The user, through an app that is both iOS and Android enabled, can change the LED lights on their outfit to match. The colour matching feature allows the user to choose the colour they prefer. The lights on the bracelet also act as alerts for incoming texts and calls. One does not have to get their phone out of their pockets to check who is calling. The bracelet will light up with a personalised icon that lets the user know who is calling. Using
phonejunkie
The Android Go Launcher EX Go Launcher EX is a free application on the Google Play Store. This application is open to any android device. It has different versions for different devices. For example, a Samsung Galaxy pocket will have a lighter version of the application as compared to the Samsung Galaxy Trend and also the
download app
Galaxy S4 or even the HTC and other brands. The UI looks completely different on low cost and middle cost smart phones. The Launcher gives any Android device a classy look. One can put any type of theme, animations and transitions they like. It also comes with great widgets and a theme store. The
Bluetooth technology, a link is created between the phone and the bracelet, making it easier for you to communicate. The user can set up personalised icons for people they consider important from their address book. The bracelet also has a ‘find your phone’ feature that lets you know where one’s phone is. The user triggers the feature by rubbing the touch-sensitive surface of the bracelet then an audio alert is set off for one to locate their phone. Elemoon is splash resistant meaning, when water goes to it, it will not stop working. The project is currently on the crowd funding site, kickstarter.com and has surpassed its $100,000 (Sh.8.8 million) goal.
Dev team, makers of the Go Launcher UI, ensure that the user has great and different experience from what their phone provider offers. They also have many other amazing applications that run well with the launcher like Go SMS, Go Dialler, Go locker, Go Weather and many more.
The seven top features of the Nokia Lumia 930 1This is one of the features Wireless Charging
that makes the phone stand out from the other non-Windows Phone smartphones. You just place their phones on a charging pillow which is plugged in. Clearblack display The much improved screen is one of the most noticeable features on the new Lumia. Nokia Lumia 930 boasts a 5 inch 1920x1080 HD screen display. It has both Amoled and Clearblack screen technology(OLED), which means colours are vivid, blacks deep and it enables outdoor visibility especially in
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direct sunlight. It makes the live tiles stand out on the home screen and, combined with Nokia’s love of colour, makes the whole effect amazing.
3The Nokia Lumia 930 that Internet Explorer 11
comes with the latest Internet Explorer 11 browser. The upgraded browsers has new services like the infinite tab web browsing support, more accurate URL predictions and the ability to pin regularly visited pages to the home screen. It is also super-fast and has a lightweight system.
4The Nokia Lumia 930 does Pureview camera
not feature the same 41mega pixel camera sensor like the Lumia 1020. But its 20 mega pixel pureview camera is still impressive. The Nokia’s Pro camera app offers more control over the camera’s settings. Windows Phone 8.1 The upgrade of the Windows Phone is a key selling point of the Lumia 930. There are new elements like a notification area, more background wallpaper options and more live tile options. Battery life The battery life is longer
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because not too many things interfere with one anotherm, thus reduce battery drain. The battery life lasts a good 24 hours.There is also the battery saving element; if a pixel is off, it draws less power thus it will not drain the battery. Metallic rim The combination of a metallic rim and polycarbonate back is nothing new. However, Nokia has bolstered the strength of the phone with the design and it works pretty well. The lighter grey exterior on the phone combines well with the brighter colours of the phone.
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art | 9
tuesday, sePteMBeR 9, 2014
ourroots
The Olorgesailie tool factory, is about 70 kilometres from Nairobi city along Magadi Road.
The spectacles C-Stunners have a certain energy and playfulness that really captures the sensibility and attitude of a youth generation in Nairobi
C-Stunners make creating more than spectacles Cyrus Kabiru has been known for his whimsical, colourful one-ofa-kind spectacles made from recycled waste and objects he finds on the streets of Nairobi. The spectacles C-Stunners have a certain energy and playfulness that really captures the sensibility and attitude of a youth generation in Nairobi. They portray the aspiration of popular culture bling; they reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of people; the lenses provide
artshock Pakistani artist Khalil Chishtee uses trash bags, unused paper bags and plastic sheets to create his life-sized figures. The figures always portray some emotion. He uses plastic to portray recycling identities and braving bumps in the road of life.
Khalil said he used plastic because he wanted to answer the question, we change names, religion, language and emotions but still change. Why can’t we remain human beings why do we have to change while plastic when recycled will still remain plastic?
a new filter giving a fresh perspective onto the world. But the self-taught painter and sculptor does not intend to ride on the fame that the C-Stunners have acquired forever. He is working on a number of projects, all of which hold as much promise of success as the stunners. Currently, he is focusing on a series that depicts African nature using thousands of bottle caps sewn together. The metal art works, created with bottle caps, are pieced together to form colorful, textured animal sculptures. “I can’t live without doing what I am doing. No art, no life,” he said in a recent interview.
Meat has been traditional food for humans Olorgesailie tool factory is arguably the cradle of humans. The tool factory displays humans as a traditional meat eaters. The protected area shows massive hand axes, which archaeologists and anthropologists say were used in slicing meat after hunting. National Museums of Kenya says Olorgesailie is the only place in the world with the largest number of the cutting tools. Meat has been staple food for man for more than 1.2 million years and axes were the cutting tools for the meat. Broken animal bones indicate that humans also enjoyed the marrow at the sanctuary. Most of the excavated bones are from zebras and antelopes. Man was also food to other meat eating creatures during evolution. Human bones with canine holes have been found, a sign that they were also attacked for food by carnivores. The place borrowed its name from a
nearby Mt Olorgesailie. Maasai community had earlier named the mountain after elder Olorgesailie. He used to go up the mountain with other people for meditation meetings because they believed the venue was as sacred as the Suswa and Longonot mountains. A British, John Walker Gregory, identified the place in 1919. Anthropologists led by Dr Louis and Mary Leakey started excavation in 1942. The tool factory is about 70 kilometres from Nairobi city along Magadi Road. The museum, which was gazetted in 1970, is also a picnic site where one can watch migratory birds, enjoy hiking and camping.
Emotional Trash bag figures
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FUN
Big Brother Africa show goes on air next month TUESday, September 9, 2014
Big Brother Africa housemates will have new quarters after a section of the original home in Johannesburg was destroyed by fire. M-Net and Endemol SA confirmed last Friday that the postponed show will start airing in a month in a new house. “After exploring all possible options, the team is delighted to announce that the show will go on as a venue has been found to get the show on air within the next
month,” said a statement from the producers. A fire razed part of Sasani Studios in Highlands North Johannesburg on Tuesday last week, just five days to the launch of the ninth season dubbed Big Brother Africa ‘Hotshots’. “M-Net is delighted to assure all its Big Brother fans that their favourite reality show will launch soon and thanks fans from across the continent for their support
RAZED: The burnt out section of the Big Brother House in Johannesburg.
during the last two days.” Big Brother Africa (BBA) is the continent’s most popular reality show. Besides the hefty cash prize of $300,000 (Sh26,624,068), the show is a platform for launching
showbiz careers, flirting with fame and fortune and integrating people from different states. Friendships and relationships that morphed into marriages have also been witnessed among former housemates. Kevin Chuwam
Pam of Nigeria not only won the fourth edition (The Revolution) but also went home with Elizabeth Gupta from Tanzania who he later married in a colorful wedding. Ella Ciku will be representing Kenya in BBA Hotshots.
guiltypleasures
Beatrice Marshall’s The miraa story on the weekend must big screen start with Bellinis Duration: 1hr 35 min Genre: Drama Cast: Emo Rugene, Lowry Odhiambo, Lizz Njagah and Conrad Makeni.
Plot Veve, which is slang for Khat is a dominant theme in this movie. Amos (Lowry Odhiambo) is a lucrative Veve businessman and an ambitious politician who is running for a second term as Maua MP against his nemesis, Wadu. His wife Esther (Lizz Njagah) seeks solace in Kenzo after she finds out about Amos’ affairs. Kenzo, on the other hand, is a troubled young man who wants avenge his father’s death. The Maua veve farmers want to form a union because they are dissatisfied with the way Amos pays them for their crop.
Beatrice Marshall enjoys spoiling herself at the Norfolk, long baths, Bellinis for breakfast and a stay in her home town Eldoret whenever she can. Bellini, her weekend starter, is a champagne cocktail made of peach juice and prosecco sparkling wine. Beatrice hosts a daily news program called “Africa Live” on CCTV News and a weekly show ‘Talk Africa”, her audience is approximately 15 times the population of Kenya. She is a seasoned journalist who has interviewed a record number of heads of state, almost 20, along with leaders such as Bill Gates. Before joining CCTV, Marshall was the Deputy Managing Editor of KTN.
the hitlist
Verdict The same team that brought us Soul Boy, Nairobi Half Life and Something Necessary have brought it to the screen again with Veve. Veve is riveting and the themes have been brought out well enough. The characters however needed a bit more developing. But overall Veve is a good movie that is finally showing that the Kenyan Film Industry is waking up.
Kimathi Street
Westlands
Buruburu
Kimathi Street
Kitengela
I Club
Vineyard Bar
Club Winds
Club Rumourz
Club 360
Request night for all with resident DJ
Hip hop karaoke night
Afrobeats with DJ Freddie
Reggea night
DJ Proff plays rock and old skul jams
Admission: Free Time: 7pm onwards
Admission: Free Time: 7pm onwards
Admission: Free Time: 7pm till dawn
Admission: Free Time: 6pm onwards
Admission: Free Time: 6pm onwards
PLAY| 11
forecast capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19
HOROSCOPES
Misinformation might spread through your extended family or neighborhood and cause unnecessary upsets among those involved. Don’t accept at face value any gossip or rumor you hear today until you check it out yourself, Capricorn. It could turn out to be a tempest in a teapot.
aquarius Jan 20 - Feb
Misinformation regarding money could come from someone who has a stake in your believing whatever you’re told. This could be a banker, creditor, investment counselor, or even a close friend or relative. Whoever it is, Aquarius, don’t accept what this person says at face value.
pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20
cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22
Perhaps you’ve been planning a trip or a return to school for a long time. However, Cancer, a rather disturbing letter or phone call could jeopardize your plans and leave you teetering on the edge of disappointment. If you look at the situation carefully, you may find that it doesn’t set you back that much.
leo Jul 23 - Aug 22
Seemingly bad news about your financial situation could throw your usually even-keeled nature off kilter. Look into the matter carefully before panicking, Leo. There may have been a computer error or other mistake, or perhaps someone confused you with someone else.
You could be tempted to lie or at least avoid mentioning the situation. Don’t give in to the temptation, Virgo. Your desire to shield loved ones is understandable, but it could cause problems. You can’t protect people from everything. Most people prefer to know the facts.
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19
libra Sep 23 - Oct 22
Weariness may have you feeling a bit listless today, Aries, and you’re likely to want to stay home in bed rather than go anywhere. This goes against your normal inclination, so you could be tempted to bite the bullet and get out in spite of your malaise.
taurus Apr 20 - May 20
A lover or close friend may seem to have dropped out of the picture, and this could have you worried, confused, and wondering if this person isn’t interested in continuing a relationship with you. Don’t let your insecurity get the best of you.
Career interests may be short-circuited by gossip, rumor, and office politics. Someone has an agenda and isn’t likely to care too much about the effect on others’ lives of any underhanded dealings. If you hear about such goings-on, Gemini, do what you can to stop them before they get out of hand.
Vote for your winning pick of today’s top three instamoments (below) by sending an email with the picture number to news@x-news.co.ke 1
2
Your mind may be going a thousand miles an hour today. You might be inundated with new ideas and information that could cause mental overload. Write it all down if you can. You’ll want to refer to it later. It might be advisable to then go out for a walk or other exercise.
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
Worries over the situation of a lover or close friend who seems depressed could plague you today, yet you may hesitate to contact this person and ask what’s wrong because you don’t want to intrude. Nonetheless, you should. All is not as bad as it seems, and your concern will be appreciated.
sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21
A family member may be depressed and not up for talking about what’s wrong. His or her mood could spread to everyone else, so it might be a good idea to ask what’s wrong. Point out that moods are contagious! Don’t force the issue, Sagittarius.
sudoku
1. Send a caption for the photo above to news@x-news. co.ke. The winning caption gets published on this page. 1. Checkmate - Simeon Khaete, Pangani. 2. Above the law? I don’t think so - Ann Wamai, Muthaiga. 3. Next stop, alcoblow - Desmond Okelo, Kabete.
Mean Streak,
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
virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22
You and your mate may be experiencing some differences of opinion. It seems you each have definite ideas about some of life’s fundamental values and they aren’t completely in sync. Make an extra effort to communicate, Pisces. You may find that your values aren’t as far apart as they first seemed.
gemini May 21 - Jun 21
TUESday, september 9, 2014
— by Sandra Brown
Emory Charbonneau is a paediatrician, marathon runner and philanthropist. She goes missing while one of her training runs on the mountain. By the time the husband, Jeff, who is still angry from their fight, reports her missing there is nothing much that can be done. Fog and ice have made it impossible for rescuers to continue. Police start suspecting that Jeff killed the wife in order to be with his lover. Emory comes to a strange man’s cabin after suffering from an unexplained head injury. The man who has a violent past refuses to tell her his name. With phones down and a raging blizzard, Emory cannot go down the mountain or call for help. The two encounter dangerous people who have a different definition of justice. At the
mustread
centre of the dispute, Emory meets a young woman who desperately needs help. She sets out to help the woman even if it means breaking the law in the process.
Collective focus will rout killer brews, not sackings Nacada Chairman John Mututho’s call for the sacking of county commissioners is not enough to extinguish the alcohol flames that are blazing Kenyans into graves (Sack brew deaths county deaths, Mututho tells Govt, September 8, 2014) The persistence of killer drinks is a systemic epidemic that explodes in parts of the country days after more deaths
have been reported in the past. Yes. The commissioners may be part of the challenge; they may not be doing enough. But disbudding a strong stump will only aggravate the sprouting of stronger buds soon after. The menace requires collective efforts by security agents, vulnerable groups, brewers, and community workers.
This will probably provide a wider scope of understanding of the problem. We need a specific action plan that will help uproot the liquor ‘virus’ that is proving tougher to contain than Ebola. A step-by-step focus on the central issues should take into account all stakeholders for a singular fight. — Anthony Chuma-Nairobi.
TUESday, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
Sport
Athletes’ fury over marathon organisers
The sixth edition of the Mwea Classic Half Marathon was held at Mwea Boys Secondary School on Saturday. Eunice Kioko and James Maina won the race that was flagged off by Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario. Kioko clocked 1:14.08 to lift the women’s title under chilly, foggy and drizzling conditions. Maina won the women’s category in 1:02.35. But fourth-placed Wilson Meli of Nandi County felt aggrieved after failing to get a podium finish. Any of the three positions could have guaranteed him Sh 50,000 Sh30,000 or Sh20,000 for winner, runners-up and third place respectively. In a race characterised by mud and rain, Meli claims a lorry allegedly blocked the bridge and closed her out of the leading pack in the last half kilometre.The 10km women winner Mirriam Kangara faulted organisers for failing to clear the road of the race. “I was assured of being in the money bracket had it not been for the inconvenience. I was one of the strongest in the leading four and I wish the race was more organised,” said Meli But attaining standards that that will enable him take part in international races thrills him. “Athletics Kenya AK standard time is under 64 minutes, I am glad I did my best time so far which is 63.07, that is my solace from today,” said the runner who borrowed Sh3000 as far from Nandi to Mwea. Meli, who turns 28 at the end of the year, has asked sponsors to enable him realise his dreams especially taking part in international races. “Probably I will be running at the Ndakiani half marathon this coming weekend , “ said the 2006 Chepkongony High School graduate. “The landlord is threatening to close my house… my outstanding rent for three months is Sh4,500,” he says.
Results: 21km men
1. James Maina 2. Boaz Korir 3. Josphat Menjo 4. Wilson Meli 5. Kenneth Kibet Rono
Results:21 km women
1. Eunice Mumbua Kioko 2. Pamela Jemeli 3. Hellen Mugo 4. Mary Njoki 5. Jane Wanjiru
1:02.35 1:02.36 1:03.01 1:03.07 1:03.21
1:14.08 1:14.40 1:15.36 1:16.20 1:17.01
Wilson Meli
Kenya finishes second in Global Softec Africa Sixes Hosts South Africa beat Kenya by six wickets to win the Global Softec Africa Sixes Challenge at Super Sport Park Centurion in South Africa. Kenya finished second to qualify for the finals after posting 91 runs, a target the home side reached with nine balls to spare. After winning the toss, Alex Obanda and Collins Obuya got 17 runs in the first over bowled by Tipo Morris. The second over by David Wiese also yielded 17 runs. Kenya reached 50 with 16 balls and raced to 60 for 0 after three overs.
A huge six from Obanda off the first ball of the fourth saw him retire on 34 and was replaced by Nehemiah Odhiambo. Obuya too retired two balls later on reaching 35 off a six leaving Kenya on 79 after 4.3 overs. Going into the last over, Kenya was on 82 for 0 and were poised for a hundred plus score but some excellent bowling coupled with good fielding from the home side saw Kenya end their innings on 91 for 1. The hosts had a best possible start as Cameron Delport retired in the first over after
making 32 from six balls. He was replaced by Fudgie who finished off the chase with Magaliso Mosehle. Earlier Kenya had made it to the finals by beating Uganda by 10 runs in their last preliminary match. Obanda got Kenya to a perfect start making 22 from the first over bowled by Deus Muhumuza. The hard hitting Swamibapa player scored 21 off five balls which included two sixes. Jonathan Ssebanja continued with his good show with the ball in by getting the wicket of Obuya.
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sport
Tuesday, sePTeMBeR 9, 2014
Platini: ‘Retired’ Ribery must heed France call up UEFA president Michel Platini has threatened to hand Franck Ribery a three-match ban if he refuses to join up with the French national team - despite the Bayern Munich attacker announcing his retirement from international football. Ribery, who missed the 2014 World Cup through injury, announced his retirement from the international scene in August. He did not feature in France 1-1 friendly with Serbia. However, Platini claims Ribery’s decision to retire from international duty is out of his hands as Les Bleus Coach Didier Deschamps has the final say on who he chooses to select in his squad. “Franck cannot decide himself whether he plays for France,” said the former France star and coach. “If (coach) Didier Deschamps picks him, he must come. That’s the FIFA rule. If he doesn’t come, he will be suspended for three Bayern Munich games.” Ribery, 31, said at the time of his retirement that
he felt it was time for France’s younger players to be given prominent roles in the national team. Former France boss Platini, said of his compatriot’s international future: “It is not the decision of the players, whether they come to the national team. This is the decision of the coach. “If there is disagreement between Lahm and [Joachim] Low, the Germany coach will no longer call on him, that’s one thing. But basically it is not Lahm’s decision, it’s Low’s. “This is defined in the Fifa statutes. If he does not come, he is suspended for three games with Bayern Munich. I don’t understand him anyway. He is French, the European Championship in 2016 will take place in France!”
retired? Frank ribery faces a three-match ban with club Bayern Munich if he refuses a call to internatinal duty.
Dissillusioned hockey players ponder quitting A section of national men’s hockey players have threatened to quit the Kenya team following the elimination from 2016 Rio Olympics after the 2-1 loss to Egypt in a World League One tie on Sunday. Lack incentives and poor preparations is at the centre of the disaffection by the players especially after the Kenya Hockey Union slashed their allowances from the Sh55,000 per player as earlier agreed to Sh18,000. The KHU delivered the devastating news to the players on Friday just hours before their opening match against Tanzania. The team almost boycotted the match but relented and played and won 8-0. The hosts’ inability to convert chances was evident in this match with the team largely dependent on
midfielders to score goals. They, however, beat Ghana in the second match. Lady Luck could not strike in the final match against Egypt though. Some of the players missing from the squad were forwards namely Davis Wanangwe (injury), Moses Cheplait, Zack Aura (retired), George Mutira, Allan Iniungu and Barnabas Odhiambo who pulled out on personal grounds. In their absence, debutant, Emmanuel Simiyu has been blooded by the technical bench to marshal this key position, perhaps Kenya’s undoing in the tournament. A source told XSport that midfielder Iniungu and forward Mutira were allegedly banned by Kenya Hockey Union for taking part in the Tanga Phoenix annual Hockey Championship in
July without prior permission from the Union. “Missing players in the calibre of Mutira and Iniungu had daunting impact in the team, I wonder why they were banned, the tourney was well reward-
ing compared to the barely Sh15,000 national team players are bound to receive as allowance,” our source said referring to the Sh70,000 each player got f rom the Tanga tourney.
sick and tired: kenya players in action. the players have complained of poor treatment by kHU.
Seven-year old golfer Wangari wins in SA Seven -year –old Chanelle Wangari overcame all odds to win African Junior championships, at the Zebula Golf Estate in South Africa. Wangari topped the score sheets posting 52, 43 and 42 in her final round for an unassailable total of 137. The tournament was played from Monday to Friday last week. Results that earned her the girls under 7-years trophy, a historic achievement by a Kenyan in the respective age category, in the tournament that drew competitors from over 20 African nations as well as the USA and England
She becomes the first non-handicapped Kenyan junior to win an international event, joining the country’s young talent pool following on her mentor the trailblazer Naomi Wafula. Wafula, 16, is the leading Kenyan female golfer, who began golfing aged six.. An impressive solid start as she now prepares to showcase the country’s young golfing talent at the 2015 US Kids World Junior Championship in Pinehurst, US, where over 150 girls are expected to compete, and the European Junior Tour Challenge in Scotland next year.
SPORT| 15
Attacker stabbed me, says Brook TUESday, september 9, 2014
TAKE THE HOOK: Kell Brook hits Shawn Porter, right, during their IBF welterweight title bout in California. Brook, who won by majority decision, claims he was a victim of an ‘unprovoked attack’ in the stabbing incident that has left him facing an uncertain future in the sport.
Kell Brook has claimed he was the victim of an ‘unprovoked attack’ in the stabbing incident that has left him facing an uncertain future in boxing. The 28-year-old spoke for the first time early this week of the shocking assault in Tenerife, claiming he was not responsible for the altercation that saw him suffer a stab wound to his left leg. Brook will wear a cast for the next four to six weeks and will not defend his IBF world welterweight title in Sheffield on December 6. Brook said: “I was out enjoying a night out before returning home to the UK when I was the victim of an unprovoked attack. “I’m devastated after being on such a high, having achieved my dream of
becoming world champion. “I want to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy for myself and my family. Make no mistake, I will be back.” Brook is understood to have been on a night out in Golf de Sur with heavily pregnant partner, Lindsey, who went home before the altercation occurred. Brook was drinking with three colleagues, including the man with whom he is believed to have had the altercation. The party left the bar at about 2am. At 6am, Brook and his alleged assailant left for the latter’s home, with the confrontation happening shortly after. Police sources confirmed Brook ‘lost blood’ and the alleged attacker has not been found.
Critics claim Italian Grand Prix was fixed Lewis Hamilton won a controversial Italian Grand Prix that conspiracy theorists believe was rigged by Mercedes. Triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart joined fans on social media in questioning whether Nico Rosberg deliberately drove off the track to let Hamilton through to win. This was seen as move to atone for causing the pair’s crash at Spa a fortnight ago. Stewart said: “I thought, “hello, what’s going on here?”’ He could have at least made an effort to get
round the corner but he didn’t.” Rosberg and his Mercedes management both flatly dismissed the claims, and the majority of people in the paddock agreed it was extremely unlikely that Rosberg gave way deliberately. The German driver was also quick to deny the claims. He said: “I just messed up. What would be the reason for me to do something like that deliberately? There is no possible reason. “If you’re ordered by the team to do it then you would do it, but
there is no reason why the team would ask me to change position, or something like that. “The only thing in people’s minds could be Spa, but Spa was a mistake I’ve apologised for. It’s not like we are now starting to shuffle our cars.’ Hamilton’s first win since the British Grand Prix in July, takes him to within 22 points of championship-leader Rosberg, who was booed by British fans, angered by the events of Spa, on the podium after coming second.
Bayern’s Shaqiri says he almost made a Sh2.19b Liverpool switch Bayern Munich forward Xherdan Shaqiri (pictured) has revealed that he was the subject of an unsuccessful bid by Liverpool before the World Cup. Liverpool were willing to pay as much as Sh2.19billion but the German giants soon shot down any chance of an exit. Shaqiri has won two Bundesliga titles, the Champions League and two DFB-Pokals since moving to the Allianz Arena. He is backup behind Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. That
has often prompted talk of a departure, though he is open to a potential extension of his contract. “Liverpool made a bid for me before the World Cup but Bayern put their foot down and told me: ‘We’re not going to sell you’,” Shaqiri said. “My contract runs until 2016 and I could possibly extend it. I will consider my decision during the winter break.” Shaqiri’s immediate focus is on his country’s clash with Roy Hodgson’s men in Basel on Monday.
ridiculous: New Man United striker Radamel Falcao has termed speculation over his age as ridiculous.
Man United dismiss Falcao age rumours Manchester United have dismissed speculation over Radamel Falcao’s age after a newspaper revived rumours that he is two years older than he has claimed. Falcao’s stated age is 28, but The Sun said it had uncovered papers that show the Colombia international’s birth date is February 10, 1984 — which would make him 30. The striker, who has moved to United on an initial one-year loan from Monaco, dismissed similar claims as “ridiculous” last summer, The old Old Trafford club said they were satisfied there was no
issue when assessing his documentation before the transfer. A United spokesperson said: “We were aware of the rumours, but it was never an issue for us.” It’s said that United’s primary concern in completing the deal was ensuring that the player had fully recovered after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January. Falcao, who featured for Colombia as a substitute in their 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil on Friday, said afterwards he felt he was now in “spectacular” condition, adding: “I have been able to play without any kind of trouble whatever.”
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SPORT FUN
TUESDAY, SEpTEmbEr 9, 2014
Welbeck double sinks Switzerland Spain and England took the first steps on the road to recovery from their World Cup heartache with contrasting victories last night. England prevailed 2-0 over Switzerland with second-half strikes from Danny Welbeck in Basel while Spain thrashed Macedonia 5-1 in Valencia. Elsewhere in Group C, Ukraine suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Slovakia, Robert Mak with the 17th minute winner. There was a surprise in Luxembourg as well as the hosts held Belarus to a 1-1 draw. Estonia left it late to beat 10man Slovenia, substitute Ats Purje with the winner four minutes from time after Dalibor Stevanovic had been sent off in the 80th minute. Lithuania won 2-0 in San Marino, thanks to goals from Deividas Matulevicius and Arvydas Novikovas. Vicente del Bosque’s side were on the wrong end of a
5-1 scoreline against Holland in their opening World Cup game and one of the villains that night, centre-back Sergio Ramos, got them up and running with a cool penalty after 16 minutes. Spain doubled their lead a minute later when Paco Alcacer, on his home ground, scored on first international competitive appearance. Agim Ibraimi pulled one back from the spot for the visitors but thoughts of an upset were quickly dashed as Sergio Busquets added a third on the stroke of half-time. Two second-half goals from David Silva and Pedro finished it up. Welbeck scored twice for England who had been criticised for a lacklustre display in their 1-0 friendly victory over Norway last week, but with a new midfield diamond introduced by manager Roy Hodgson, they put on an improved showing at St JakobEngland’s Danny Welbeck in action during a past match. He scored twice in the Three Lions 2-0 over Switzerland last night. Park.
Croat Cilic beats Nishikori for first Grand Slam
Croatia’s Marin Cilic won his first Grand Slam title with a comprehensive straight-sets win over Kei Nishikori of Japan at the US Open. Cilic prevailed 6-3 6-3 6-3 to become the first Croat to win one of the four tennis majors since his
coach, Goran Ivanisevic, at Wimbledon in 2001. The 14th seed dominated ton a cool, breezy day in New York, hitting 17 aces with just one drop of service din one hour and 54 minutes. His victory completes a Grand Slam year that
has seen eight different winners of the singles titles across the men’s and women’s games, for the first time since 1998. “I don’t know how I did it. It was hard work over the last few years and especially this last year,” said Cilic,
who missed last year’s US Open as he served a ban for taking a prohibited stimulant. “My team has brought something to me, especially Goran. “We’re all working really hard but the most important thing he brought to me was
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enjoying tennis. I think I played the best tennis of my life.” Nishikori said: “He was playing really well today, I couldn’t play my tennis. It’s a really tough loss but I’m really happy for first coming to the final.”