20141023 xnew

news

Couple 3 years probation for cock fight Romanian princess, husband will serve three years’ probation after pleading guilty to staging an illegal cock fight derby P.2

eXtra.sharp Thursday 23.10.2014 | www.x-news.co.ke

SPORT

Nakuru Sikh host Greensharks kompany’s fury over ban on away in hockey league | P.13 fans as Man city draw in moscow P.15

Thugs gun down former Moyale MP in his town home

KQ loses Sh4.2b on West African route after Ebola crisis

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Kenyans can pay tax using Airtel Money in KRA deal

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Canadian soldier killed by terrorists A soldier was gunned down as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and MPs remained barricaded inside parliament as terror hit the country’s capital Ottawa last evening.

The terrorist who killed the soldier at the hallowed Ottawa

war memorial was later shot dead in a shootout with police inside parliament. The shootings occurred hours after Canada raised terror threat levels following the killing of another soldier by a Muslim convert in Quebec on Monday.

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RESCUE MEASURE: Emergency staff stretcher away an injured victim from the Ottawa War Memorial last evening after a suspected terrorist killed a soldier before falling under police fire.

If you are interested, please send your CV, cover letter and video links for your work to recruitment@cctvafrica.co.ke; or cctvafricajobs@gmail.com by 20th November 2014.

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NEWS

Terrorists kill Canadian soldier THURsday, octoBER 23, 2014

From Page 1 Canadian security sources have identified the gunman in last evening’s shooting as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, a Muslim convert in his early 30s.

He was recently designated as a “high-risk traveller” and had his passport confiscated because of suspected links to jihadists.

Witnesses said the gunman had attacked two soldiers guarding the

memorial, killing Corporal Nathan Cirillo. Three other people were injured and treated in hospital.

Minutes later, Zehaf-Bibeau fired dozens of shots towards the parliament building before he was hit by sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers, 58, outside the MPs’ caucus rooms.

Harper who was addressing MPs at the time of the shooting condemned the attacks and warned that perpetrators “will have no safe

haven” in Canada.

Canada is among countries that earlier this month announced plans to join the US-led campaign of air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria.

There has been no confirmation on whether last evening’s attacks are linked to IS or the new military drive but links to terrorism have not been ruled out.

Harper insisted that the country will not be intimidated.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: We will not be intimidated. Canada will never be intimidated,” he said.

“In fact this will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats and keep Canada safe,” he said.

He described the attacks as a grim reminder that “Canada is not immune to the types of terrorist attacks we have seen elsewhere in the world.”

Police earlier told those in the vicinity of central Ottawa to avoid windows and roofs as police hunt down for more suspects.

The nearby University of Ottawa was placed on lockdown, as were all police buildings and the US embassy.

Investigations continue.

US President Barack Obama called Harper to condemn the attacks and reaffirmed the two nations’ close ties.

Couple to serve three years probation for staging cock fight A Romanian princess and her husband will serve three years’ probation after pleading guilty to staging an illegal cockfighting derby.

Irina Walker, 61, who apologised to a US federal court, said she did not plan to break the law in the Oregon cockfighting enterprise.

“I’m very sorry about my involvement in this business. It was not my intention to go against the law,” she said.

Walker and her co-accused husband, John, admitted to having carried out an illegal gambling business before they were sentenced.

US newspaper HuffPost has reported that the couple was arrested in 2013 and pleaded guilty before US District Judge Michael Mosman in July to charges of staging about 10 cockfighting expeditions at their Irrigon ranch.

Spectators paid Sh1,780 to enjoy roosters fighting to death with knives tied to their legs.

The two also made a kill by selling alcohol to the more than 100 spectators.

Those who brought cocks to the fight paid between Sh891,000 and Sh1.6million.

Irina is the third daughter of former Romanian King Michael I, 93, who was forced to quit by communists in 1947.

The two will also sell real estate property to pay the government about Sh17.8million.

derby trouble: John and Irina Walker (above) will serve the sentence for staging the derby (right) after pleading guilty to the illegal ‘competition’.

Kenyans top number of UK passport holders in London

Kenya has the highest number of British passports holders who live in London but were born in Africa, a new census shows.

The 2011 Census says after the Londoners were asked where they were born, 57, 600 passport holders said they were born in Kenya. This is against 383, 900 British nationals who live in London but were born in Africa.

Nigeria has the second highest

number of such Londoners with 53, 000 born in the West African nation, followed by Somalia (50, 000), Ghana at 32, 800 and South Africa 30, 000.

Of all the 7.5 million passport holders in London, 5.8 million have a UK stamp while the rest have foreign ones.

Of the 156,500 citizens living in London, Poland has the largest number of inhabitants, followed by

Ireland, India and European Union members who do not need a British passport to work.

There are only 5, 700 Kenyan passport holders in London.

Nigeria with 61, 900 is among those with the highest number of nationals in the British capital city.

There are 48, 000 US citizens in the city, while South America has 36, 000.

Publisher: Paul Marshall, Commercial Director: Neema Wamai, Content Editor: Brian Moseti, Finance Director: Fred Bunei, Editorial team: Amos, Beatrice, Betty, Cynthia, Dennis, Elisha, Jeff, Kennedy, Kibor, Laban, Lisa, www.x-news.co.ke, news@x-news.co.ke, facebook.com/XnewsKenya, twitter.com/XnewsKenya.

Patrick, Peter, Queen, Snorine, Stella, Advertising: Nkirote-0720 807 936, Mutunga-0727 306 244, Magira-0722 616 208,

NEWS | 3

thursday october 23, 2014

Men told to seek cancer tests

Varsities beef up efforts to help students pursue PhDs A number of African universities are increasing their efforts to encourage students and staff to take up doctoral studies and therefore attain PhDs. A recent survey of eight institutions indicated added efforts to promote the pursuit of PhDd, particularly over the past five years.

The eight institutions included the University of Nairobi in Kenya, the Cape Town, Pretoria, Rhodes and the Western Cape Universities in South Africa, Makerere University in Uganda and the Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo Universities in Nigeria.

The measures taken included expanding and enhancing support structures for postgraduate students, mostly through training

Kenyan men have been advised to regularly go for breast cancer tests so as to minimize the increasing number of cases in the country. Prof Othieno Odhiambo of Nairobi University’s Department of Medicine says many Kenyan men fear talking about their breast cancer conditions at the expense of their own health. She said many are now suffering silently from the disease as infection rate now soars from one percent to three percent.

and networking services offered by the Universities.

Most of the universities also offered financial incentives, like tuition fees discounts for post-graduate students.

When asked what initiatives had been set up to encourage students and staff to obtain PhDs, four of the institutions said they offered full tuition fees waivers, and two said they offered a 75 per cent tuition waiver, of which one later refunded employees the final 25 per cent through a postgraduate development fund.

Two of the institutions offered promotions to staff who completed their PhDs. One said staff required PhDs in order to be appointed as lecturers.

Eight injured in Garissa grenade attack

Thugs gun down former MP at his Moyale home

Police display three AK 47 rifles recovered from an operation in Bori village, Moyale.

Former Moyale MP Halake Guyo Liban was last night gunned down by assailants at his Moyale town home.

The attackers are said to have fled without stealing anything from Liban’s home that is located about four kilometres from the town centre.

Police and witnesses said Halake was chewing miraa in his house when the gunmen struck at about 8 pm. The attackers struck him four times, killing him on the spot.

The incident sparked tension and protests in the town.

Halake was a member of a local peace committee that has been pushing for peace among warring clans.

Inter-clan clashes have caused the death of dozens of residents and others displaced.

Halake, a prominent Borana leader, was among leaders who

have been championing for peace.

The motive of the killing has not been established.

A group of locals who were angered by the news of Halake’s death blocked the road and attempted to stop police from collecting his body.

They stoned a police Land Cruiser whose windscreen was damaged as the officers retreated.

The body was later collected after leaders intervened.

The former MP was a key member of the Kaparo Peace Commission and Borana Council of Elders. Police say they are investigating the attack. “We are monitoring the situation and hope there will be peace here because we hear many reports of pending clashes,” said a senior officer.

At least eight people were injured last evening in a grenade attack at Bula Punda in Garissa County. Police say the victims are all stable in hospital although as police hunt for the attackers. The attackers hurled the grenade to a crowd before speeding off. And in Dadaab Refugee camp, a matatu operator was shot dead after he declined to surrender money that his attackers wanted. The robbers then escaped with the money.

Man jumps to his death in Starehe

A man died last night after dropping from a bridge near Starehe Boys in Nairobi. Police say they are yet to establish if the victim was pushed to his death or he committed suicide. Investigations have already been launched.

Elsewhere, police are investigating an incident in which a man was killed in a robbery in Ngong Town. The victim had allegedly resisted the attack before the thugs killed him. Bodies of the two were taken to the mortuary.

What others said today...

Why Uhuru is not going to Nyanza today: Demands by some Nyanza leaders that President Uhuru Kenyatta be accompanied

by Cord leader Raila Odinga on a three-day tour of Nyanza forced State House to cancel the much-awaited visit indefinately. Some MPs last week told State House officials in a meeting at Harambee House, the Office of The President, that they will support Uhuru’s visit on condition that Raila is present...

Raila links top officials to the Karen land scandal: Cord leader Raila Odinga Wednesday claimed that senior government officials were involved in the controversial transfer of a 134-acre piece of land in the upmarket Karen area of Nairobi.

Though he did not mention names, he hit out hard over the way Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu had handled land issues. He claimed that some leaders had used public land to acquire wealth...

Why Jubilee is fighting ICC judges over Uhuru: Jubilee MPs were quick to hit back at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its claim that the Government leaked confidential information on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s case. Close to 50 MPs called a press conference in Nairobi yesterday to accuse the ICC of pursuing a political agenda. They claim the court wants to block Uhuru and his Deputy Ruto running again in 2017 for their offices...

Raila prefers return of prime minister’s post: Cord leader Raila Odinga has revisited his preference for a parliamentary system, that would pave the way for re-introduction of the position of PM as head of government. Raila, who held the premier’s post in the Grand Coalition Government he shared with retired President Kibaki told Kenyans to decide on whether to adopt a parliamentary or presidential system.

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NEWS

thursday, OCtOBEr 23 2014

KWS warns over game meat in city City residents have been warned about the meat they eat with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) raising alarm over the possibility of game meat finding its way into the butcheries.

KWS director William Kiprono while speaking at a sensitization workshop with wildlife sector NGOs in Nairobi said much of the meat being consumed in the city could be coming from wild animals like hyenas, buffaloes, antelopes and giraffes.

“We netted about six tonnes on bush meat this week alone. That means much of the meat consumed around here could be bush meat,” he said.

Most of the meat sold in Nairobi is sourced from Narok, Naivasha, Kajiado and Tsavo, all of which KWS have identified as notorious hotspots for bush meat trade.

According to Mr Kiprono, the traders conspire with poachers who sell them the meat before they resale to retailers in Nairobi.

And there are grave risks in the consumption of such meat.

Director of medical services Nicholus Muraguri warned that eating bush meat could cause diseases such as anthrax and the dreaded Ebola.

Disgrace: a pregnant female elephant found in rukinga Wildlife sanctuary in Tsavo West conservation area where poachers killed her to removed her tusks and meat. city residents have been warned about the possibility of game meat in city butcheries inset: KWs director William Kiprono.

IGAD optimistic over S Sudan deal Regional leaders have expressed optimism of a deal to provide a long lasting solution to warring South Sudan.

After a meeting in Juba yesterday, regional leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ethiopian Premier Hailemariam Desalegn and Uganda’s Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said negotiations have achieved a breakthrough in the country’s peace process.

The leaders had attended a one-day Inter-government Agency on Development (IGAD) mini-summit which came in the wake of significant progress in negotiations in Addis Ababa and Tanzania. The upshot of the meetings was a broad agreement on ending the conflict, resolving the remaining humanitarian crisis, and securing the future of South Sudan. Delegates of the three rival groups of the South

Sudanese ruling party met in Arusha this month in an intra-party dialogue process to try to come up with the framework in a process hosted by the Tanzanian ruling party.

The factions of the ruling party, the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM) of President Kiir, SPLM-in-Opposition and SPLM of former detainees signed a framework agreement which aims at addressing the root causes of the conflict. There remain a number of outstanding issues. Nonetheless, it was felt by IGAD that the recent progress in mediation justified a meeting of Heads of State to discuss how best to remove remaining barriers to peace. In a communique released after the four-hour closed door meeting at Juba State House, the leaders noted with appreciation the progress in the peace process.

57 aliens arrested in Kahawa on way to SA Fifty seven Ethiopians were last night arrested from a house in Kahawa Wendani days after they had sneaked into the country.

The foreigners are said to be in the country illegally as they did not have any traveling documents. But they told police that they had been brought to Kahawa by an agent who was organizing for them to go to South Africa.

They were all taken to the Kasarani police station where they were questioned. The suspects were expected to be arraigned in court later today. The incident came days after 15 other illegal aliens were arrested in Muranga. They were intercepted after a salon car they were traveling in was involved in an accident. One of them died while the rest were arrested alongside their Kenyan driver, at the main gate of Kakuzi Company along KenolSagana highway.

Congolese doctor wins top European award for helping rape victims A doctor from the Democratic Republic of Congo has won the European Parliament’s highest human rights accolade for helping thousands of gang rape victims in the country.

Denis Mukwege (pictured), was announced the winner of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom Thought by the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

The 59-year-0ld Congolese gynecological surgeon who has treated over 30, 000 rape victims and risked his life in a campaign to end the use of mass rape as a weapon of war in the central African country now joins the likes Nelson Mandela and former UN Secretray General Kofi Annan as winners of the coveted prize. It is important to note that Dr Mukwege was also a front runner for this year’s Nobel Peace prize which was eventually won by Pakistan’s Malala Yousafzai.

He was chosen “for his fight

for protection, especially of women” according to a statement by President of the European parliament Martin Schulz.

“In many armed conflicts around the world, rape is used as a weapon of war,” the statement noted.

He is scheduled to receive the award worth 50, 000 euros (Sh5.6 million) this Saturday in Strasbourg.

Ukraine protest group Euromaidan and Azerbaijani activist Leyla Yunus came second and third respectively.

Dr Mukwege survived an

assassination attempt after condemning the continued use of sexual violence in DR Congo by forces fighting to control the country’s vast mineral wealth said the prize would make rape survivors in DR Congo “feel they are not alone.”

“It was wonderful to see the world stand up and take care of them,” he told the BBC. Women in eastern DR Congo continued to be raped in front of their husbands and children to “dehumanise” them and “destroy” families, he said. “Today, we are treating 10 cases per day and this is horrible,” he added.

The Sakharov prize - named after famous Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov - is awarded each year for the promotion of human rights and democracy around the world.

Last year, it was awarded to Pakistani child education activist Malala Yousafzai.

Rising costs, rent dip hit property investors Investors in the property sector will have to contend with rising prices during this year’s third quarter.

A property index launched by Hass Consult, a real estate consulting firm, shows that property prices have risen by 3.1 per cent as rent prices drop by 0.4 pc.

Hass Consult Head of Research and Marketing, Sakina Hassanali says

apartments experienced the highest price rise at 3.6 per cent followed by detached houses (3.2pc), while semi-detached houses saw a 2.4 pc price jump.

“The pattern of flattening rents and rising sales prices is indicative of a housing market moving into a renewed upscale,” said Hassanali.

Hassanali says some developers are

selling land due to the Capital Gains Tax that is set to come into effect in January 2015. The tax will force developers to pay 5 pc of profits made from selling property.

“We have seen some developers selling land but it will not be something to worry about since the tax is small value,” she said.

negative swing: A property index launched by Hass Consult consultants shows that property prices have risen by about 31 per cent against a 0.4 pc fall in rent figures.

Business | 5 THURsday, octoBER 23, 2014

newsbriefs

KQ loses Sh4.2b on West African route over Ebola National carrier Kenya Airways may lose up to Sh4.2billion revenues this financial year following its decision to suspend flights to Ebola-stricken West Africa.

The airline estimates that it will lose at least 4 per cent of annual revenues if the deadly epidemic continues its rampage in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Analysts at financial research group, African Alliance, told X News the airline has at least seven flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone per week. This comprises almost a quarter of its West African flights.

2. Sending money on Equity Bank’s mobile service will be free Sending money on Equity Bank’s mobile banking service will be free, the lender has said. Customers of the bank’s mobile money service, Equitel, will pay a maximum of Sh25 to withdraw any amount from

phones. It costs between Sh10 and Sh330 to make the transation on M-Pesa, analysts at African Alliance told X News.

Bank officials said Equity would launch its mobile banking service in less than two weeks. This will include issuing of the thin SIM cards that act as a bridge between the primary SIM card and the mobile phone.

The bank has started issuing SIM cards for telecom and mobile banking services to its 8.7 million customers across the country. The move comes even as another lawsuit was filed last week to block its intended launch of the controversial thin-SIM technology.

President Uhuru Kenyatta backed Equity on the introduction of the thin SIM technology, saying it would open up Kenya’s vibrant mobile money market to more players and competition. He said consumers will be the biggest beneficiaries.

theindustry Yahoo quarterly profits hit Sh604b Yahoo has reported profits of Sh604.2billion ($6.8billion) for the three months to September.

The profit has been generated by earnings the search engine firm made from its stake in Alibaba from which they netted $6.3billion (Sh559.7 billion) after its sale.

The profit announcement triggered a rise in shares of more than two per cent in afterhours trading at the close of the US markets.

The company has struggled over the years to maintain market share against rivals Google and Bing. Their revenue from adverts fell by 5 per cent.

The investment in mobile industry has, however paid off. Yahoo in a statement said revenue from mobile products was more than $200m (Sh17.8 billion) for the quarter.

It is estimated that the figures could rise to $1.2billion (Sh106.9 billion) by the end of the year.

Marissa Mayer, Yahoo’s chief executive, said: “Not only are our mobile products attracting praise and engagement from users and industry awards, they are generating meaningful revenue for Yahoo.”

impulse flavour: As Kenya moves from a low-income to middle-class economy, ice cream customers are buying the flavours on impulse.

Better incomes drive up ice cream sales Kenya’s ice-cream sector has improved in the past few years as the country moves from a low-income to a middle-class economy.

With more money to spend, more Kenyans can afford to buy snacks on regular basis, a report by global research group, Euromonitor International, says.

“With the growing middle class, ice cream is no longer perceived by this income group

as a luxury item,” says a team of Euromonitor researchers.

“People in the middle class increasingly adopt the habit of purchasing single portion ice cream on impulse,” the report says.

Along with other frozen treats like yoghurt, the ice cream trend has given rise to a number of retail outlets. It has also spurred restaurants into adding icecream to the menu.

“This is also true at eating joints where ice cream in single potions is chosen as a dessert,” says the researchers. “It is trendy to be seen at popular ice cream parlours enjoying an impulse ice cream.”

The cream sector employs at least 102,000 people across the value chain, both from the dairy sector and factories where snacks are made.

Ice-cream maker, Glacier

Products Ltd, controls 29 per cent of the local market, followed by Nestlé Foods with a 21 pc market share.

US-based cream maker, Cold Stone Creamery, has also joined Kenya’s growing pool of Western retailers that target the middleclass.

Euromonitor research shows that growing incomes and increasing influence from the West will drive up sales.

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BUSINESS

THURsday, octoBER 23, 2014

business101

Renting land for agriculture

CONVENIENT: Pedestrians walk outside an Airtel outlet in Nairobi. The Kenya Revenue A has partnered with Airtel to make their tax payment services more accessible.

You can pay taxes with Airtel Money

Kenyans can now pay their taxes at the comfort of their homes or offices using Airtel money after the Kenya Revenue Authority entered a partnership with Airtel.

The partnership will enable Airtel customers to access various KRA services, generate KRA payment reference numbers and make simple payments through Airtel Money.

Airtel Kenya CEO, Adil El Youssefi said the new partnership will give customers convenient and time saving

cityscape

Anniversary Towers Towering above the city like a gigantic chocolate bar, 80-metre tall building is hard to miss. The 260-foot structure which reached whose pinnacle reached its full height in 1992 is located next to AmBank House and stands along University Way, overlooking Maendeleo House within Nairobi City Centre.

Boasting 26 floors and beautifully finished in mosaic tiles and tinted glass cladding, the building is one of the tallest in the city.

Anniversary Towers has a wide variety of tenants, including government departments, embassies, the San Valencia Restaurant, Rialto Fashions, a number of shops and other businessrelated institutions.

options for paying taxes as they will no longer have to make long queues at the KRA halls in order to make payments.

“Airtel will continue to partner with corporate and government entities as it seeks to revolutionise its services and more importantly provide customers with convenient, fast and secure options of transacting on Airtel Money,” said El Youssefi.

He said customers would have to obtain a KRA payment reference number so as to make any payments.

Currently mobile services availed by KRA include driving license application and renewal payments, mobile vehicle transfer, logbook payments and motor vehicle inspection payments.

To make payments using Airtel Money, simply dial *572# and select option 2 for payments, enter the e-slip number and your secret Airtel Money PIN to complete the payment. KRA and Airtel Money will then send a confirmation SMS upon receiving payment.

The rush for ‘green gold’ is on and Kenyans are discovering the numerous investment benefits that agribusinesses present. Not many Kenyans own or can afford to purchase arable land.

Their worries are however being taken care of by some entrepreneurs, who are renting out their plots at reasonable fees, allowing those without farmland to venture into agriculture, Kenya’s biggest industry.

These land owners provide the land and sometimes offer labour, water and other farming supplies for a negotiable fee.

The trend is popular in many parts of the country including Nyahururu, Kitale among others.

Those leasing the land pay as little as Sh62,000 a year for farmland, usually enclosed in a greenhouse.

The pay close to Sh4,500 a month for labour.

The trend is open to any and all would-be entrepreneurs.

“There is no rulebook,” says

farming expert, Collins Areba. “I, for starters, began looking for land for lease in the classifieds, and realized it’s not as available, then started making direct calls to people selling land in places I would be interested in.”

He adds, “chances are, someone selling land knows someone that can lease.

The rest involves creating a good proposal and communicating the same to the land owner.”

A number of forward-thinking groups, companies and organisations are already cashing in on the trend.

Gramonra Gardens is one such firm. Run by entrepremneur, Samuel Gathigi, the space offers farming facilities on 27 acres of land in Tala Town.

As many as 30 farmers have leased greenhouses at Gramonra Gardens.

The spaces measure 8 by 30 metres each, allowing those renting them to grow a variety of crops.

infrastructure Boresha Umeme project to rid Nairobi of power blackouts Electricity supplier, Kenya Power has embarked on a Sh45 million project to reduce the frequency of blackouts in various parts of the city.

Earlier this month, parts of Nairobi were faced with power blackouts as Kenya Power stepped up its Boresha Umeme programme.

The Company’s Managing Director & CEO, Dr. Ben Chumo has since announced that the operation will ensure that the electricity network is strong and that the city’s power supply is consistent enough to support efforts to minimize power outages.

“Electricity customers in Nairobi West Region, who number 390,000 in total, will enjoy the convenience of electricity in their various economic and social endeavours due to

minimum power supply interruptions,” he added.

The Boresha Umeme programme is an ongoing exercise extended to all parts of the country and it entails conducting repairs at existing substations and upgrading power lines.

“We have recorded reduced number of outages and improved quality of service in areas that have benefited from the programme,” Dr Chiumo explained.

“Boresha Umeme programme has been implemented and the beneficiary areas will include Namanga, Bungoma, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Nakuru, Mombasa, Nyeri, Thika, Meru, Kitui, Busia and parts of Nairobi including Westlands, Industrial Area, Athi River and Kariobangi Light Industries,” he said.

Thursday OCTOBER 23, 2014

ACCESS

Cultural week rocks KU

Pg 9 P9

Factfile

Big Brother

Real Name: Wanjiku Kimani Age: 20 Hit Songs: Maumbile, Ligi Soo Remix Relationship: Single

Wager lost!

Housemates were dumb stricken yesternight after Biggie spelt out the loss of their wager.

The confident lot failed to meet Biggie’s standards.

He cited mediocrity on how they prepared for their haute couture show.

Although their presentation was somewhat colourful, Biggie scrutinized all aspects leading to the final strut.

Big Brother brought in high end professionals led by make-up guru Joyce Jacob, actor Clint Brink and Hair stylist Jawad Maphoto to coach the Hotshots with skills for their task.

But not all housemates were keen to learn as most went about their own distractions.

But Biggie was watching and seething and they are now facing his wrath!

Africa wonders how they will make it through to next week without enough food. Besides evictions and nominations, housemates now have one more problem to worry about.

Meanwhile, let us wait and see if Biggie will punish Samantha and M’am Bea for disclosing and discussing their eviction nominees yesterday during the ‘trust and reciprocation’ exercise. It seems Hotshots are having a really rough week.

Topstory

Is this the next

top female rapper?

Born Wanjiku Kimani, 20 year-old FemiOne is making waves in the rap industry. Her recently released song, Maumbile, has already received rave reviews from critics and fans alike.

“Maumbile is about people, especially ladies, accepting and loving themselves as they are and embracing their differences while shining at the same time ,’’ FemiOne told XAccess She describes herself as a Kenyan Femcee, musician and actress. She began rapping at the tender age of 14 while in high school and has never looked back.

“I did not choose rap, it chose me.

I love music and all my mentors are rappers. That is why I chose rap.

Signed to Kaka Empire, the singer joined Chuo Records after highschool where she recorded her first few songs. Her hit single Maumbile was also recorded at Chuo records.

The artiste draws inspiration for her music from her surroundings.

“I get to notice what is happening around me and make a sound, song or beat out of it,” she says.

The rap industry in Kenya is largely male dominated but the singer did not find it hard to get in. “It was not hard for me getting in because I have mentors who guided me,” In primary school, she looked up to Zakah and Swaleh of the Wenyeji group when highschool came along she admired Eli Sketch.

Now she still looks up to Eli Sketch

and Rabbit aka Kaka Sungura.

She has collaborated with Miss Kerry, Rabbit on his Ligi Soo remix, Madtraxx and Vanessa Mdee. The young rapper hopes to work with Wiz Kid, ASA from South Africa, Burna Boy and as many female singers and rappers as possible starting with the first lady of Kenyan hip hop; Nazizi.

Working in the Kenyan music industry has taught her a lot. She has faced many obstacles but is happy to report that she is taking all that in stride. “When I first started, my challenge was finding producers and ways to make good songs and distribute them.

But now I have a good team that enables that. My challenge now is how to make bigger better songs and how to be patient as I move towards my goals,” said FemiOne. “The industry has taught me that it takes patience,” As for what’s next for the rapping beauty?

“I plan to release song after song starting with my next single that drops next month and thereafter an album that is dropping in January.”

FemiOne is single. Yes all you team mafisi out there hold your horses you have to have mistari to get the attention of FemiOne. “Bado sijapata mwenye mistari tosha kuni date kama diary,” she says.

The rapper is however not looking as she says she wants to focus on her music first. “If he is looking for me he will find me but I am focusing on my music for now.”

YOLO

THURSDAY, ocTobeR 23, 2014

Yolo Royal Baby due in April 2015

Hotgossip

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The second royal baby is due in April the royal palace has announced.

The baby will be fourth in line to the throne behind older brother, one year-old Prince George. As with her first pregnancy, the Duchess of

Cambridge has been suffering from severe morning sickness that has kept her from public engagements for seven weeks.

No word yet on the whether the baby is a boy or girl.

Sonko’s new hairstyle Nonini and Wyre Collabo debut Self-Proclaimed Godfather of Genge, Nonini and the love child Wyre have collaborated on a new single dubbed Mbele. The song debuted yesterday (Wednesday) to mixed reactions from their fans. Mbele has an upbeat feel all through with Nonini delivering on his verses and his son featuring on the intro. Wyre also brings his dancehall swag to the song. When two legends of the industry come together, you expect nothing short of a hit. Do you think Mbele will capture your imagination?

Sonko has changed his hairstyle to show support for Muthama’s wife. The politician debuted his new hairstyle on Facebook to his captioning it thus, “When a man meets a woman for the first time in his life, the first thing that lingers in his mind is to sleep with her to prove to him whether she loves him, but when a woman asks for money on the first date he terms her as a A”GOLDDIGGER”.

This bad attitude should stop. Do you agree?

I support I say women should be respected.

What’s your take?” The politician is famously known for championing causes he believes in on his head. How about that now?

Welcome to the world of Catfishing

The real Lexi in the photos turned out to be Carmen.

Kenyans on twitter (KOT) were treated to a nasty shock when Lexi Dash or TheDashWay, Adrianna and Makena, who had enchanted most men turned out to be false identities; catfishers.

‘You know I can’t believe I fell for this Lexi Dash ploy.

Most of us believed she actually existed,’ says Idris Omingo.

Catfishing is assuming a false identity on social media with intentions of tricking people into deceptive emotional or romantic relationships. Catfishers come across as very sweet and flirtatious. They say the right words you just want to hear and rain you with compliments. They give you an impression that they are perfect, and it’s hard to see any flaws in them.

Lexi Dash, Adriana and Makena charmed KOT with their fake avatars and sexy photos. People grew attached to these three. Certain men alleged that they knew and were dating the beauties. The point is, Lexi, Adrianna and Makena did not actually exist.

Photos used on their accounts were stolen from other people’s accounts. The real Lexi in the photos turned out to be Carmen. Adrianna’s photos belonged to a girl named Nicole.

Social media is a leading channel for catfishing which is fueled by boredom, revenge, loneliness, fear of rejection, curiosity among others. Whatever the motivation, catfishers enjoy taking control of how people envision them.

People with low self-esteem and insecurities opt for catfishing as opposed to real projection of who they are. They fear being rejected and therefore resolve to fake identities to attract attention and affection.

‘I can shamefully admit I once duped a girl on Facebook and she fell for it,’ says Martin Kinyua. ‘I was just out to have fun but she took it seriously.’ Martin admits he felt guilty for leading her on and closed his fake account.

Victims of catfishing get emotionally attached. A relationship is sparked and goes on for a while but as time goes by the innocent victim expects certain things that are not possible online.

So they suggest a meeting or a date but whenever the time comes, the phony comes up with excuses. Even webcam chats are dodged. But one can only fake for so long.

MTV airs a reality TV show called Catfish whose aim is to expose the realities of online dating. They dig deeper into online relationships at the request of individuals to prove whether the persons involved are real or not. Some people turn out to be scammers in pursuit of revenge or curiosity while others are who they say they are.

Catfish, the show, is the brainwork of Nev Schulman, 29, who modelled the documentary out of his personal experience after being fooled by a woman who he deeply fell for. The woman in question had pretended to be a young single lady but turned out to be middle aged and married with children.

Despite accounts of deception from victims, it seems other people do not learn from this. They still get into online relationships only to realize they are involved with perverts and con men.

‘Before I met my current boyfriend, I dated four weird men online who were not what I perceived them to be,” says Tina who also intimates that she met her now genuine boyfriend online.

Every time she broke up with her boyfriends she swore never to go back to the internet but the allure and the facelessness always drove her back. In a way she felt at ease on line than in real life. Thankfully she is currently having a reasonable relationship, offline!

Catfishers are scattered all over social media. People have to learn to discern legitimacy of identities given to them by strangers. Unless you have seen someone physically and have sufficient proof they are who they call themselves, then save your trust. Do not get caught by a catfish. It can be brutal.

Hotdate HIP HOP FANS GATHER, TALIB KWELI IS IN TOWN If you are die-hard hip hop fan, then there is no way you are going to miss the Talib Kweli performance at Ebony Lounge tonight. This one will not be for those that agree with Lil Wayne when he says he is the best rapper alive or for those who call Future a rapper. It will be for those who actually know that Kweli is an American rapper and not Kenyan because of his name (Kweli) and that he and Mos Def had a rap duo called Black Star. Although the concert posters say he will only give a DJ performance, fans are hopeful that he will get on the mic and rap especially songs from his latest album, Gravitas, like “The Wormhole” or maybe do a classic like “Definition” from the Black Star album. Limited advance tickets, which were going for Sh2000, are sold out but advance tickets are still available going for Sh3000 and there will be more at the door. It will begin at 8pm. Guest artistes will be Khaligraph Jones, the hottest Hip Hop artiste in the country at the moment, and Muthoni the Drummer Queen, the versatile musician and music will be by G Money. Talib Kwelli’s performance is courtesy of Nairobi Hip Hop Rapsody and is sponsored

by Hennessy.

Trending

CAMPUS VIBE | 9 thursday, october 23, 2014

UoN don’t want a female VC

KU culture week is on Kenyatta University burst to a vibrant annual culture week, after the chaotic university elections last week. The opening ceremony was presided over by Machakos County Governor, Dr Alfred Mutua early this week.

Attendants of the extravaganza, whose motto is ‘Promoting Our Common Culture through Creativity’ were bombarded by a variety of electrocuting local and international performances.

Local artistic troops, acrobats and Churchill Show duo, Eric Omondi and Fred Omondi broke the ribs of the culture fanatics.

Korean Collaboration Group Ethiopia’s cultural troop and Uganda Martyrs University (Laarakara dance) stole the show in representing the international community.

The week-long event is expected to host as string of events including guest performances, solo night, Mr and Ms KU pageant, among other exciting acts.

The grand finale is at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Tsavo Ball Room on Sunday 26th.

Multimedia student is now Miss Tourism Migori Jubilation hit the Multimedia University of Kenya as one of their students, Scholastica Chacha, was crowned Miss Tourism Migori County over the weekend. The undergraduate Journalism

and Mass Communication student beat 10 other contestants from eight sub counties.

Chacha hails from Kuria West Sub-county. Besides the crown, she walked away Sh50, 000 richer as

the first runner and second runner-ups received Sh30, 000 and Sh20, 000 respectively. Schola will battle it out with other contestants for the final Miss Tourism Crown slated for later this year.

The week-long event kicked off on Sunday 19th, and is expected to host a string of events including guest performances, solo night, Mr and Ms KU pageant, among other exciting acts.

Succession of University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor George Magoha has drawn reaction from students after it emerged that Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi was trying to ‘impose’ one Prof Agnes Mwang’ombe for the most coveted post.

It is claimed that Mwang’ombe emerged second with 77.3 per cent even as Prof Peter Mbithi led the four top contenders with 83.5 per cent.

UoN Comrades Forum has taken offence accusing Kaimenyi of favouratism.Their claims read in part: “The University of Nairobi have never, can never & will never allow nor sit and watch the only relevant parastatal being run like a kiosk! No way! Let Kaimenyi DARE impose one Prof.

MWANG’OMBE as the VC to succeed Magoha,” the forum says. Others went chauvinistic saying UoN cannot be led by a woman, warning that they will resist by striking as KU did last week.

They list 10 things she is likely to impose including students eating like chicken, the disbandment of SONU, exams being supervised by GSU, the upcoming University Towers being renamed ‘Mwan’gombe recreation facility’, a ‘6 to 6’ curfew for male students, among other crazy issues.

Through the lense of his camera XN: What does your job entail?

BA: Photography is a huge field but I have focused in Event and Sports photography. For event photography I have to take photos at various events after which I edit the photos then deliver to my clients. For sports it is rather the same but the deadlines are shorter and stricter. I have to submit the required photos within a specified time because the photos might be used for news articles.

XN: How many hours do you work in a day?

BA: I am a freelancer hence I am quite flexible and can determine my working hours. There are days I work for long hours while other days are dry.

XN: How much do you earn?

BA: According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, I belong to the

lower middle income bracket.

XN: What qualifications do you need for your job?

BA: Photography is a skill and talent based profession. The photographer needs to know the elements of photography such as operating a camera, working with different aspects of lighting, composition, picture editing etc. If you posses these skills coupled with talent then you are good to go.

XN: Was this your dream job?

BA: Well, I would like to think that way. Before I went full time on photography, I worked as a sports journalist at one of the local sports websites. It is during my work there that I gained interest and now I am here. So yes, it is my dream job.

XN: Does your job interfere with your social life?

BA: No, it does not. As I mentioned earlier I have flexible working hours so I can juggle between work hours and engage in my social life.

XN: What is the best part of your job?

BA: (excitedly) attending numerous events where I meet different people, travelling and a pitch side view during sporting events.

XN: What is the worst part of your job?

BA: When clients do not uphold their end of the deal.

XN: Any advice for people who want to venture in your line of work?

BA: Photography is all about passion. If you lack passion you will have a hard time.

Careerchat

You can mess with everything else concerning his life but don’t you dare mess with his camera. Brian Ayieko is a skilled photographer with a BA in Communications, Electronic Media and Public Relations from Daystar University. His attention to detail, social personality and passion for photography are the driving forces of his career. His eyes light up with excitement as he tells XNews about his job.

10 |

FASHION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Fashionfix

PICK YOUR HOLIDAY OUTFIT WITH WAMBUI MUKENYI

Topblog

Kenya’s renowned fashion designer, Wambui Mukenyi has a new collection, specifically designed for the holiday season.

She brings her classy and contemporary style to the new collection, showcasing elegance and glamour and once again displaying her love for black and white and sticking to her trademark

The Fashion Notebook In the fashion category, Nancie Mwai’s blog, The Fashion Notebook, took the top prize. Fashion enthusiasts do not need to spend countless hours surfing the web looking for inspiration or fashion news. Nancie’s blog is the one stop blog guaranteed to quench all your fashion needs. From trending fashion, product reviews, designers to watch out for, how to dress, how to apply make-up, et cetera, she has you covered. Her eye and unique sense for fashion is what keeps people coming back for more. Hit her up on http://www. nanciemwai.com/

Top

colour; red.

It features couture and African-inspired dresses that show off the female figure.

Wambui has used different fabrics from Kitenge to chiffon while not departing from functionality. If you have a plan to stop traffic at every holiday event, this would be a good place to start.

Blogs

Techmoran Honors for the best tech blog went to techmoran.

For all the latest technology news, business startups, gadget reviews and upcoming events Techmoran is set to deliver. Techmoran should not be confused and discarded to the geeks only. It has useful entertainment news and a segment dedicated wholly to women entrepreneurs whose stories will only leave you inspired. Don’t be left behind in the technology revolution. Visit http://techmoran.com/

Pikachakula If you want to up your culinary skills, get the latest recipe or simply look for some inspiration and information about cooking, Pikachakula is the blog for you. It boasts of a plethora of mouthwatering recipes from local to international cuisines, cake recipes, diet tips on healthy living and those random kitchen tips to help you avoid wasting food and time. Your dream of becoming a professional chef is just a click away, visit http://pikachakula.com/ for a tasty adventure into the catering world.

PLAY |11

forecast

THURsday, octoBER 23, 2014

HOROSCOPES capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

This is a good time to put things in writing, Capricorn. Your gift with words is apt to shine today as you write a proposal, email, or love poem. You’re able to communicate very well when you put your sensitive emotions aside and concentrate on what you think instead of what you feel.

aquarius Jan 20 - Feb

cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22

There is a strong possibility that things will come to a head. The problem was easy to overlook at first, but now that it has taken on a life of its own, you may have to consult someone who is more of an expert on these types of situations than you are.

leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

The day’s energy is apt to be lively, making it much easier to get the things done that you need to do, Aquarius. You will find people are more than eager to help you. The trick is to integrate your leadership abilities with the knowledge available from other people.

You’re the one with all the answers who can easily pull the rabbit out of a hat. Trust your judgment and intellectual know-how. Feel free to push yourself to the limit. If you go too far, you can always take a step back.

If you never drive all the way to the boundaries, you will never know how far you can go.

pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

virgo Aug 23 -Sep 22

Obstacles that you have ignored are suddenly starting to expand beyond reasonable proportions, Pisces. Be careful of what you say as a result, because your words could spread like wildfire. This is no laughing matter.

Difficulties in your world are likely to crop up, and you will find your ego threatened.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

This is a terrific day for you, Aries, and you will glow brightly from head to toe as you radiate your true inner self to the world. You will find profound joy in the simplest, most ordinary circumstances. If you run out of things to say, feel free to whistle a tune.

taurus Apr 20 - May 20

This is a good time to engage your mind rather than let your heart take control. Be aware of the expansive nature of the day that allows you to think clearly without getting bothered by emotions. Take the cerebral route to figuring out what you need to do to smooth any bumps in the road.

gemini May 21 - Jun 21

You will find that your lighthearted approach is perfectly suited to taking care of any issue that arises. Toss a few jokes into the mix and remind other people that it isn’t necessary to take things so seriously. The Sun is shining as you proudly parade down the street with your head held high.

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 2

1

3

You may get frustrated when you find that people aren’t as sensitive to a situation as you want them to be, Virgo. While you’re looking to make a strong connection with someone, almost wanting to take possession of his or her feelings, that person, in turn, is trying to pull back.

libra Sep 23 - Oct 22

A small spark in a dry field is apt to whip the hill into flames, Libra. A raging wildfire may be underway by the end of the day. Know that you’re one of the biggest perpetrators, but don’t feel badly about it. Fire is destructive but also necessary.

’s o ayhot d er p st ing e Y nn i w

ng s i n n in tio W p ca

scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

It’s time to put away the sour mood and have fun with a large group of people. You will find that the more you engage in intellectual discussions, the more you will get warmed up to the idea that life should be fun, not the pain and stress you sometimes make it out to be.

sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

This is a tremendously expansive time for you, Sagittarius, and there is very little that will stop your momentum once you get going. Your eyes are alive with a spark that says that you’re ready to take on the world. Believe this about yourself and others will believe in you.

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

1. The Wafula brothers couldn’t decide who got the legs - John Muli, Parklands.

2. Christmas in Western Kenya - Mwangi Daudi, Nairobi.

3. Wekesa, is this real life or is it just fantasy? - Benson Njoroge, Nairobi.

sudoku

Summer of the Dead

mustread

— by Julia Keller

Yesterday’s solution

yoursay

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.

Summer has arrived at Acker’s Gap, West Virginia, but the weather has brought with it bad tidings. An elderly man has been killed and the murder is getting increasingly hard to solve. County prosecutor Bell Elkins and Sheriff Nick Fogelsong are at their wits end to find the murderer who seemed to vanish into thin air. With all that is going on, Bell must balance work with family. Her sister was recently released from prison after years behind bars. The exhusband decided to send their daughter to London without her consent. Will all this be too much for her?

City Hall on track over the traffic jam monster An agreement by county governments neighbouring Nairobi City that seeks to reduce traffic jams is welcome. Hopefully it will be carried to full term to tame the outrageous traffic jams (Governors finally back city metropolitan plan, October 22, 2014).

Several plans have in the past been suggested but have failed to be implemented. This has left residents in captivity of sickening snarl-ups.

In addition to the plans, increment of parking fees has failed to deter motorists from scrambling for

space in the city.

The plan will save the more than Sh50millon lost daily by the traffic monster that forces many to rise early to beat the jams.

Nairobi was started as a residential area for just a few people more than 100 years

ago when it was a mere rail station. Now it houses more than 4million people daily. The figure is expected to further escalate by the year 2020.

Besides infrastructure, decentralising services from the city centre to easily accessible

satellite towns will play a role in their growth.

Governor Evans Kidero should steer the programme and will be always be remembered if he succeeds.

— Titus Kivindyo, Nairobi

THURsday, octoBER 23, 2014

THURsday, octomber 23, 2014

Sport

Nakuru Sikh host Greensharks in hockey league Greensharks club will play Nakuru Sikh this weekend knowing they are only two wins away from clinching a play-off spot in the season’s Kenya Hockey Union league.

This will be among the many weekend clashes lined up at the conclusion of Sana tournament in Mombasa. The tournament held at the Goan Institute Mombasa, saw Usiu Ladies and Kenya Police crowned champions. Usiu

defeated Telkom 2-1 in the finals while Police dismissed Usiu men 3-0.

Before the break, Sharks won 2-0 win at Parkroad which saw them leapfrog Usiu-A to go top of Pool A at eight points. The university students lie second on seven points with Kenya police in third with no point.

Greensharks coach Nixon Nyangaga said their target is to win nine points from the

remaining three matches.

“We have not been playing well since we beat Police, but I’m happy our groove is back and we proved our worth against Parkroad in the last match,” he said.

“We have tough matches coming up, including one against Kisumu Simba. A lot is at stake and that is why we need to be at our best,” he said.

WINNING IS SWEET: Nakuru Sikh players celebrate after beating Kenyatta University 1–0 in the National Hockey Division One final. The team will return to hockey premier league after a six-year absence from top flight competition.

Drogba may lead Chelsea to United Loic Remy had a scan on his damaged groin on Wednesday as Chelsea face up to a striker crisis ahead of a clash with Manchester United.

Remy, who scored Chelsea’s opener in the 13th minute against Maribor in their 6-0 Champions League victory at Stamford Bridge, limped off immediately after the goal.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is already without Diego Costa for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford in the Barclays Premier League but claims Remy has no chance.

Didier Drogba, who scored

his first goal for Chelsea since returning to the club, could start at Old Trafford if both strikers are ruled out.

Mourinho said: “Remy has a muscular injury. I don’t know the dimension and I’m not worried. When a player is injured, play another one.

“I don’t expect him to play.

I don’t like to speak about injured players.

“Thursday is our day off and the doctor is forbidden to call me to speak about injuries. I don’t want to speak about injuries, Man United.

I don’t want to know.

“I cannot speak about Man

United. I can speak about ourselves. We are playing well, we are getting good results. We don’t cry on injuries. It’s our philosophy, we don’t cry.

“We just think one injury means an opportunity for somebody else. We cannot hide. In this moment we have some problems with players that are not available to play.

“We will prepare the game on Friday and Saturday to try to be at our best possible level against an opponent which we respect very, very much.”

14 |

SPORT

THURsday, octoBER 23, 2014

Ferguson not to blame on Moyes’ flop Sir Alex Ferguson has updated his autobiography, which was originally released a year ago, and in the new edition, he addresses the matter of David Moyes’ brief reign as his successor at Manchester United.

Moyes inherited a Man United team that won the Premier League by an 11-point margin in Ferguson’s final season. But when the former Everton manager’s one and only season in charge came to an end a month after he was sacked, the Red Devils were seventh in the table. Ferguson has outlined who is to blame for all of this.

First and foremost, David Moyes “hadn’t realized just how big United is as a club,” Ferguson writes. The real question should probably be whether someone who had never won a trophy or managed a “big club” was prepared for such a jump. Was the selection process for his successor carried out properly, considering Moyes

somehow didn’t realize how big Man United were? Of course, says Sir Alex. He writes: Was the squad he left behind simply not good enough? No way, says Sir Alex. Was the system he had in place antiquated?

Of course not, says Sir Alex. He writes: “Antiquated was a bizarre description of the structure I left behind at Manchester United. Have you seen our new training ground?” Sadly, books don’t have rimshots.

Did he leave a team that was too old and destined to fall off? Preposterous, says Sir Alex. Did Moyes ruin everything by bringing in his own backroom staff instead of retaining the one Ferguson already had in place? You bet he did, says Sir Alex.

He writes: “Maybe David felt that at such a massive club he had to be sure that all corners were covered in terms of his support system. I felt that network was already there, with plenty of great people already in important slots.”

Pistorius to stay in hospital wing Star athlete Oscar Pistorius spent his first night in jail as he started serving a five-year sentence behind the towering walls of a grim South African prison after a sensational trial for killing his girlfriend.

The “Blade Runner” is just one of more than 7,000 inmates of the Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria, where he was taken after being sentenced for shooting dead model Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year.

Judge Thokozile Masipa ordered Pistorius to serve a maximum five years in prison for culpable homicide after a seven-month trial watched live by millions around the world.

Lawyers said however that Pistorius will

probably not serve the full term for the offence of culpable homicide, equivalent to manslaughter, and perhaps as little as 10 months before being moved to house arrest.

The case was a stunning fall from grace for the 27-year-old who made history by becoming the first double amputee Paralympian to compete against able-bodied athletes at the 2012 London Olympics, inspiring millions.

But during his trial, the prosecution painted a darker picture of the sports star, presenting a dangerously volatile young man with a penchant for guns, beautiful women and fast cars.

TO THE SLAMMER: Oscar Pistorius spent his first night in jail as he started serving a five-year sentence behind the towering walls of a grim South African prison.

Verese confident on 2WD crown

2WD contender Leonardo Varese and his partner Kigo Kareithi “KV” are ‘absolutely convinced’ they will retain the drivers’ crown with a ‘Sunday drive’ at next month’s season -closing round of the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship 2014.

He needs to score just one point at the expense of longstanding adversary and defending champion Dennis Nwenda on the 35th KCB Guru Nanak Rally to recapture the title he won for the first time in 2008.

Sportpesa-sponsored Leo & KV missed out on the opportunity to seal the championship in Nanyuki at last month’s Safari when electrical problems in their ex-Horsey Toyota Corolla RSI were compounded by a time penalty.

Leo won in Kisumu and widened the gap to 19 points from hard-fighting Mwenda after

the earlier pacesetter Eric Bengi retired. All that Leo needs to do to reclaim the coveted title is to finish last in the Guru Nanak.

If Leo retires and Mwenda triumphs, then the former loses out.

“Then in Kisumu we had a lot to atone for, so we were even more motivated to do well in Chemase. Kigo (co-driver) and I have the opportunity to recapture the title with a Sunday drive in Guru..,” Leo explains.

“However, I’m absolutely convinced that we will pull through in Guru because pressure is on Mwenda to attack and win. He also has spoilers to tackle on his way up. We have done the hardest part to win in Kisumu and win 4 rounds (Machakos, Kisumu, Kiambu and Nanyuki) in a season.

SPORT| 15

City skipper furious over ban on away fans Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has criticised the ban on away fans after his side’s 2-2 Champions League draw behind closed doors at CSKA Moscow.

Kompany said City were unfairly punished after the game was played in a near-empty stadium after fans were banned over previous riots.

“Why do we not have any fans here?

What have our fans done wrong?

There’s no fairness in it,” he said. Despite the ban, a group of vocal CSKA supporters watched from the main stand.

City were pegged back on Tuesday despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first half, and are without a win from their opening three games in Group E. Uefa ordered the Russian club to play three Champions League home games

without any fans present as punishment for a series of offences including racist chanting.

But it did appear a sizeable number of the 650 people allowed into the match, possibly from an allocation of about 300 tickets set aside for sponsors, were CSKA fans.

“You say no fans, all of a sudden you turn up and the team who has no fans is Man City. So who’s getting punished?

Who’s being done for racism, Man City or Moscow?” said 28-yearold Belgian. “It needs to be looked at, it needs to be changed. Our fans shouldn’t be punished.”

City are third after three games with their remaining matches at home to CSKA Moscow and Bayern Munich before a trip to Roma, who were thrashed 7-1 at home by Bayern Munich.

THURsday, octoBER 23, 2014

unfair: The Man City captain said his club was unfairly punished during their Champions League game against CSK Moscow was played in a near-empty stadium after fans were banned over previous riots.

Cowboys axe gay player Michael Sam

reserved: Sam spent the first seven weeks of the season on the 10-man roster of reserves not eligible to play in NFL games.

Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by a National Football League team, was released Tuesday from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.

The move comes after the Cowboys owning the NFL’s best record at 6-1 and having won six games in a row entering next Monday’s home matchup with arch-rival Washington (2-5).

Sam, a 24-year-old defensive end, was a seventh-round selection in last May’s NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.

He played for the Rams in four pre-season games, making 11 tackles and three quarterback sacks. He was among the last players they released before trimming to the final NFL roster limits.

The Cowboys signed Sam to their practice squad on September 3.

He spent the first seven weeks of the season on the 10-man roster of reserves that are not eligible to play in NFL games.

Sam did not reach the 53-man NFL roster for the Cowboys and his release opened a spot on the practice roster for line backer Troy Davis.

“I want to thank the (family of team owner Jerry Jones) and the entire Cowboys organisation for this opportunity, as well as my friends, family, teammates, and fans for their support,” Sam wrote on Twitter.

“While this is disappointing, I will take the lessons I learned here in Dallas and continue to fight for an opportunity to prove that I can play every Sunday.”

Messi smells El Clasico victory over Madrid foes Lionel Messi has said victory in the season’s first El Clasico against Real Madrid on Saturday is more vital than personal glory of becoming La Liga’s all-time leading goal scorer.

Messi, the four-time World Player of the Year is just one short of Telmo Zarra’s 251-goal record which has stood since 1955. He could storm the record books on rival territory as Barca look to consolidate their four-point lead over Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, the Argentine joined Coach Luis Enrique played down the importance of the match in the title race with just eight games of the season played.

“It is a Clasico and it is always nice to

play in it, but it won’t decide anything.

“There is still a long way to go, but we will play to win as always.

“The record is less important. The important thing is that we play well and win.” Messi was substituted along with Neymar and Andres Iniesta during the second-half of Barca’s 3-1 win over Ajax on Tuesday as coach Luis Enrique looked ahead to his first visit to the Bernabeu as Barca boss.

Controversy ensued when Messi appeared to dismiss Enrique’s pleas to come off during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Eibar. But Messi insists it is always Enrique who has the final say on substitutions.

more vital: Lionel Messi says victory in the season’s El Clasico against Real is more vital than personal glory.

FIA picks Bianchi accident probe panel The FIA have named a new accident panel which will carry out a full review of the accident involving Jules Bianchi (inset) at the Japanese GP. The Frenchman’s Marussia struck a tractor which was being used to recover Adrian Sutil’s car after the Sauber driver crashed at the corner. The race was later red-flagged.

“The group will carry out a full review of the accident to gain a better understanding of what happened, and will propose new measures to reinforce safety at circuits, with recommendations to be made for the FIA President,” read an FIA statement. ”The work of the group will start this week and a full presentation of its findings is to be made at the next meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on 3 December 2014 in Doha, Qatar,” the statement said.

The presidency will be taken up by the Chairman of FIA Safety Commission Peter Wright to be joined by key motorsport figures. The team includes president of the medical commission Gerard Saillant, president of Grand Prix Drivers’ Association Alex Wurz and Circuits Commission chief Roger Peart.

16 |

SPORT

THURSDAY, ocTobeR 23, 2014

Madrid whack Liverpool Mara winners targeting world championships The 2014 Masaai Mara Marathon winners are targeting to represent the country at the World Championships.

Commonwealth Games women’s marathon silver medallist Caroline Kilel said she is aiming at representing the country at the World Athletics championships to be staged in Beijing, China, next year in August. Ezra Sang, who won the men’s Maasai Mara 21km race, said his eyes are set on making it into the Kenyan team for the World Cross Country Championships to be hosted in Nanjing, China in March. Kilel, who won the then 2011 Boston Marathon in the United States of America (USA), said she was in good shape and hoped to catch the selectors’ eye to be in Team Kenya for Beijing. The Kericho based Kilel who successfully retained the Masaai Mara Marathon 21km race in Lemek Conservancy in Narok County at the weekend, said she has all what it takes to win gold. “I learnt from my mistake in Glasgow, Scotland, during the Commonwealth Games in August to finish second but now am now in shape and experienced to pick the top spot at the World Championships,” she said.

HAMMERED: Liverpool players look dejected after they went 1-0 at home to Real Madrid. The match ended 3-0.

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Real Madrid produced a first-half master class as they overpowered Liverpool 3-0 in their Champions’ League Group B clash at Anfield.

As the champions trounced Liverpool, their crosstown neighbours throttled Malmo 5-0 and Borussia Dortmund went nuts on Galatasaray winning 4-0. Arsenal needed out of favour Lukas Podolski’s late strike in a crucial 2-1 win over Anderlecht.

The win keeps his side firmly in contention to qualify from Group D and leaves the Premier League outfit placed second behind Borussia Dortmund.

Kieran Gibbs cancelled out Andy Najar’s opener in the 89th minute, before Lukas Podolski scored the winner in injury time.

The last time Liverpool went three behind

Serena suffers worst loss in 16 years

before half-time in a Champions League match, the unbelievable occurred and they lifted the trophy in Istanbul.

This was an altogether more earthbound occasion.

Brendan Rodgers’ team were outclassed, torn to shreds, reduced to the status of Euro roadkill in the space of 18 minutes.

It has been a week of big statements in the Champions League: Bayern Munich’s seven, Chelsea’s six, Atletico Madrid’s five, Borussia Dortmund’s four, and now this.

Karim Benzema scored twice after Cristiano Ronaldo broke his six-match duck at the ground with a superb opener to edge within one of club icon Raul’s all-time Champions League goal scoring record.

Serena Williams admitted her fitness was “nowhere near 100 per cent” as her WTA Finals hopes receded after one of the heaviest defeats of her career yesterday. Williams came into the eight-player season finale with a knee injury and she said she served like a 10-year-old in a stunning 6-0, 6-2 loss to Simona Halep. “My forehand was off today again — I guess it went on an early vacation,” Williams said.

“Lord knows my serve was as well. “My serve, I don’t even…

I don’t know. My serve was at best in the 10 and under division in juniors. “Yeah, it was actually embarrassing I think describes

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the way I played. Yeah, very embarrassing.”

The world number one served seven double-faults, won just 29 per cent of points on her second serve and was broken five times in what was her biggest loss since 1998. Williams ground out a 6-4, 6-4 win over Ana Ivanovic in her opening match and she will play Eugenie Bouchard, whom she beat in three sets last year in Cincinnati, in her final round robin match in Red Group.

But the 18-time Grand Slamwinner, who withdrew from this month’s China Open with her left knee problem, said she was far from full fitness.