201501019 xnew

MONday, JANUARY 19, 2014 | www.x-news.co.ke

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new directive tenants of incomplete city buildings ordered to move

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loans from safaricom TO buy smart phones

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celebrity chat Scott the violinist speaks about his journey to fame and his loyal companion, the violin.

NEWS

Mwangangi crowned 2014 finest sports personality

Messi nets 30th hat-trick for Barca in Deportivo smasher

When will petrol firms theft stop?

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onsumers and lobby groups are crying foul over the recent drop in fuel prices, which they claim do not reflect current global trends.

Last week, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) lowered the cost of super petrol by Sh9.13, diesel by Sh7.50 and Kerosene Sh5.78.

The move means the price of petrol retails at Sh92 per litre, while diesel costs Sh83 and Kerosene Sh65

in Nairobi. But the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek), the country’s consumer rights lobby group, says buyers have been conned because global prices have fallen by a significantly higher margin.

Since June 2014, the global price of oil has dropped by more than 55 per cent to $47 (Sh4,300) a barrel.

This is the lowest price since 2010. Market analysts at research group African Alliance told X News following the drop, “Kenyans are set to feel the biggest

impact yet of the falling global oil prices in a move that could lift economic growth by boosting consumers’ spending power.”

“The key factor causing the continuous slide in the price of oil is demand and supply economics. Supply has outstripped demand since the third quarter of 2013,” says Seth Maiah, an analyst for international manufacturing services group, EPM Global.

— Continued on Page 2

Police use tear gas against school children

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Rappers’ feud Mwafreeka challenges Ice Prince on originality but he is forced to apologise after the latter’s fans lash out at him

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Guineas race day was lively The jockeys took centre-stage but there was plenty of action on the side-stands

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Blue carpet RunnING FOR dear life: Lang’ata Road Primary School pupils in Nairobi run way from police officers who lobbed teargas at the young souls as a way of stopping a demonstration against the grabbing of the institution’s playgound. Story on Page 2

Hollywood A-listers put their best feet foward at Critics’ Choice movie awards

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NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

Kenyans fury over high petrol prices From Page 1

I’M ANGRY: A woman joins fellow protestors in demonstrations to pressure the Government to take action against rising fuel prices. Rising fuel prices have had severe impacts on low-income earners. —Picture courtesy of IRIN

Ministry saved 311 from road accident deaths, says CS Kamau A total of 311 lives were saved from early deaths as road accident carnage reduced by about 10 per cent last year.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau attributed the reduction to a “multi-faceted interventions by the Government.”

“2014 saw a reduction in fatal road crash victims by 9.7 per cent with a total of 311 lives saved,” Kamau said on Sunday during celebrations to commemorate the 2, 907 people who lost lives on the roads last year.

In 2013, accidents took 3,318 Kenyans.

In 2014, pedestrians topped the list of lives lost at 1,340 followed by passengers at 642. A total of 391 motorcyclists and 268 drivers were also killed in the year.

Nairobi topped the list of casualties with 561 reported fatalities followed by Nakuru at 156 deaths, Kiambu 113 and Kisumu 95 reported deaths.

Mombasa recorded 90 deaths, Makueni and Machakos each 82 as Kakamega, Bungoma and Kilifi tallied 77, 69 and 57 deaths.

Kamau said the Government had implemented elaborate institutional, legal and behavioral change interventions targeted at restoring sanity on Kenyan roads and reducing the number of casualties.

He said the Government plans to introduce a new fining system that will ensure offenders pay fines instantly.

He said having policemen to escort traffic offenders to police stations was ineffective as it was time consuming. The process also affects the work of the police in maintaining law and order on roads.

He said more guard rails and footbridges will be constructed in high risk areas, including Waiyaki Way in Westlands, Nairobi, Airport North Road and other areas where pedestrian accidents are high.

The CS has directed the National Transport Safety Authority to produce a comprehensive report on accidents and explain the cause of such accidents, condition of vehicles and the drivers involved.

He said the details should assist in legislation and interventions to reduce road accidents.

Late last week, the Federation asked the Government to lower retail price of fuel, saying the latest prices are not a fair representation of the actual prices.

But ERC insists the prices are fair.

Director General Joe Ng’ang’a said last week fuel costs are high because pricing includes tax and levies.

He said: “The landed costs are applicable before incorporating of taxes and levies distribution costs and supplier margins. It is also necessary to convert the cost if the product from US dollar to Kenya Shilling.

“When these considered the cumulative reduction in the calculated pump prices of super petrol is 20.3 per cent, diesel 22.2 per cent and kerosene 22.9 per cent,” he said.

But even with the explanations, the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) said in a statement there is no reason why consumers should not pay less than Sh85 for a litre of super petrol in Nairobi.

“The so-called ERC formula is out of date with reality. It has too

many absolute and fixed value inputs, including non-scientific margins for wholesale and retail oil marketing companies,” said Stephen Mutoro, Chairman of Cofek.

“We do not accept the latest prices as fair representation of the actual pricing. The price is a deceptive public relations exercise by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” he said.

But ERC Director General says Kenyans will feel the full effects of the global price drops in the next price review, which is expected in the next few weeks.

Muturo said: “Granted, the latest price reduction met at least 50 per cent of our expectations.

This can be attributed to the recent consumer pressure for lower pump prices to reflect the plummeted international crude prices.”

He has urged the Government to take action as ERC has failed to meet its mandate in the protection of the interests of consumers and other stakeholders.

The commission main role is to regulate the cost of petroleum and related products.

Chaos as “grabbed school” parents pull down wall A demonstration to push for the recovery of a disputed Lang’ata Road Primary School playground turned chaotic today after activists and parents accompanied by the pupils clashed with police officers.

The activists and the school pupils brought down the concrete perimetre wall that had been erected on the 1.6-acre piece of land, prompting clashes with riot police officers who had been deployed to guard the property.

Police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the protesters, including area MP Ken Okoth.

Okoth, in whose Kibra constituency the contested plot lies, had given notice that the land be returned to the school by Sunday failure to

which he would mobilise youths to pull down the wall.

He claims the disputed plot said to be in the name of Airport View Housing Limited was grabbed from the institution.

The protest dubbed “Occupy Play Ground,” sent pupils in a melee as police moved in with teargas to disperse demonstrators.

Zachary Momanyi, the chairman of the National Civil Societies Congress said they will do all it takes to regain the land.

“It is unfortunate that our school’s land is being grabbed under the watch of the authorities,” said Momanyi.

“The government, led by Governor Evans

Kidero, should come out and help us reclaim the land,” he said.

The pupils had just reported for classes after public schools re-opened this morning and sought to occupy the field as soon as the wall was demolished.

“Police moved in and lobbed teargas at the students but one part of the wall has been demolished,” a witness said.

The scuffle brought traffic on Lang’ata road to a halt.

The dispute is under investigation by the National Lands Commission whose chairman Muhamad Swazuri last week said preliminary findings showed the land is owned by the school.

chaos: Parents and other stakeholders have been forced to battle riot police guarding Lang’ata Road Primary School whose land has allegedly been hived off by a developer.

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NEWS 3

NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

Driver killed in highway robbery A driver delivering a car to Nairobi from Mombasa was this morning stabbed to death and his body tossed out of the moving vehicle along Bunyala Road in Nairobi. The man was robbed of a salon car he was delivering to a client in the city. Police say the victim had picked up three men posing as passengers along the Mombasa Highway, who turned out to be thugs. They stabbed him to death and later dropped the body as the vehicle moved at high speed. The body was later collected by police from the scene and taken to the mortuary.

Tragedy as boy slips to his death A two-year-old boy died after dropping from the fourth floor of a building in Pipeline area, Nairobi. The boy was playing when he slipped last evening and hit on the ground head first and died instantly. In Gikomba, a man was killed in a fight with another after he was pushed into the Nairobi River.

The two had been fighting over unclear reasons when the victim was pushed into the river.

He is said to have hit a rock in the water. The assailant escaped on foot but police say he is known and a hunt on him is ongoing.

CARTOONSPEAK Astronomers are ‘getting closer’ in the hunt for alien life Astronomers are ‘getting closer’ in the hunt for alien life New evidence suggests that mankind is getting closer in the hunt for alien life.

Despite previous assumptions, astronomers now believe that billions of planets are more like Earth than was initially thought and could therefore support life.

In fact, they say that some planets that could be rotating around their stars at such a speed that they exhibit a day-night cycle similar to Earth.

This contradicts the popular theory that many planets outside earth’s solar system are locked in a rotation that causes only one side of their surface face their sun.

Jérémy Leconte, a postdoctoral fellow at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) says: “Planets with potential oceans could have a climate that is much more similar to Earth’s than previously expected.

The announcement follows plans by African scientists to launch the continent’s first probe to the moon.

The mission, dubbed Africa2Moon, intends to have an African-engineered rocket take an African-built module to the moon.

The team behind it want to inspire wider interest in the study of science and technology among young Africans.

Tenants of ‘incomplete’ city buildings could face eviction

Robbers raid site and kill guard A guard was hacked to death in a botched robbery at a construction site in Embakasi area, Nairobi. The victim was on duty last evening when a gang of four raided ready to rob property and cash. Police say the guard resisted the attempts prompting the gang to hack him to death before they escaped. Elsewhere in Huruma, a suspected thug was last night shot dead by police in another botched robbery.

PIPELINE TENEMENTS: Pipeline estate in Nairobi – one of the estates identified a hot spots for unauthorized developments. Others include Huruma, Mathare North, Makongeni, Tassia, Kayole, Kariobangi, Baba Dogo, Dandora, Kawangware, Kangemi, Zimmerman, Githurai, Mwiki, Kasarani and Kimathi.

City residents living in buildings that are still under construction have been ordered to leave or risk being evicted as the county government launches an audit of all structures in the capital. Thousands of families are now at risk of being evicted and forced to look for alternative housing.

Those also at such risks are owners of business premises housed in such buildings. City Hall has already issued a warning that occupation of buildings which are still under construction is illegal and violates the safety laws.

“People occupying a building that has not been certified by the county as practically completed are doing so in violation of safety laws and they must move,” Nairobi County Executive Committee member for Land and Planning Tom Odongo said. He however acknowledged that lack of cheap housing especially in informal settlements has pushed most city residents in rushing to occupy buildings even when construction is yet to be completed.

This warning comes even as an in-

ter-agency team is expected to start the audit of buildings on Thursday in areas perceived as hot spots of unauthorised developments.

Among the estates identified are Huruma, Mathare North, Makongeni, Embakasi Pipeline, Tassia, Kayole, Kariobangi and Baba Dogo.

Others are Dandora, Kawangware, Kangemi, Zimmerman, Githurai, Mwiki, Kasarani and Kimathi.

Meanwhile the county government is expected to continue with its demolition of unsafe buildings this week with two already earmarked to be brought down in Baba Dogo today. Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said the two buildings will be brought down in Baba Dogo estate today while three others will be demolished in Embakassi on Wednesday. Already one building was demolished in Kasarani last week.

The move to demolish such buildings was sparked by two tragedies that occurred in quick succession in Kaloleni and Huruma in which two buildings collapsed killing a total of 12 people and injuring scores others.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

KANU, UDF disown Uhuru’s new party: A number of Jubilee coalition parties have disowned the new Jubilee Alliance Party that President Uhuru Kenyatta hopes to use for reelection in 2017. JAP brings together Uhuru’s TNA and Deputy President William Ruto’s URP. The Musalia Mudavadi led UDF and Gideon Moi-led Kanu yesterday said they will not dissolve their parties to join JAP. Mudavadi told the Star “Cooperating with Jubilee does not mean that we’re in a coalition.’’ UDF has never been in Jubilee...

Teachers back in class as unions go to court: Public schools reopen today when teachers countrywide resume work after ending their twoweek strike over pay. Teachers are expected back in class this morning amid claims that there was a split over the decision to call off the boycott that paralysed learning in public schools for 10 days.

Knut Secretary-General Wilson Sossion on Sunday denied claims that teachers lost out and that the union’s National Executive Committee members were sharply divided last Friday when they met to ratify the decision...

Private schools threaten to stop registering pupils over intake: There are more national schools slots up for grabs in Form One admissions this year, burt the dominant news in the education sector remains the outcry by private academies against what they see as discriminatory and unfair treatment favouring candidates from public schools — because they lack resources and the institutions are lifeline of poor families — private schools believe their success and heavy financial investment has been used against them. Yesterday the Kenya Private Schoools Association maintained its opposition to the criteria being used...

No copy by press time

BUSINESS 5 MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

Safaricom, CBA smartphones loan service The Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) and Safaricom have introduced a service that enables M-Shwari customers to access loans for the purchase of smartphones and tablets.

Dubbed ‘Smart Loan’, the product is expected to allow Safaricom subscribers purchase smart devices by monthly instalments.

Customers will pay 30 per cent for the cost of the device and settle the difference in instalments of up to six months.

“As M-Shwari marks its second anniversary, we have taken stock of the lessons from this revolutionary mobile banking and loan product,” says a statement from Safaricom.

“Extending the loan proposition from monetary terms to smart devices is in line with shifting demand from our customer.”

CBA chief executive Jeremy Ngunze said: “We have so far disbursed loans amounting to Sh24 billion while maintaining a repayment rate of 97 per cent.. this is by far more impressive than the repayment rates for loans advanced by commercial banks.”

M-Shwari has a customer base

Business Diary Waterbrook fora set for Cardinal Otunga Plaza Waterbrook Church has invited business people and entrepreneurs to attend the Waterbrook Business Network forum on January 23, 2015.

The guest speaker will be James Karundu, author, motivational speaker and business mentor.

The forum will be held between 6:30pm to 9:00pm on 9th Floor of Cardinal Otunga Plaza on the KoinangeKaunda streets junction.

Those planning to attend should call Eunice on 0721 910 520 Tickets cost Sh1,000.

BizBiz hosts 680 launch party BizBiz will host a post-launch party to unveil UbiZ, an innovative tool that connects traders with existing customer bases anywhere on the planet for free.

The event will be held on January 24, 2015 at 680 Hotel in Nairobi.

A statement from organisers says: “Come and know why everyone is talking about Bizbiz and how it has changed their financial fortunes.”

“Find out why 7 and 8 figure earners are joining UbiZ, a revolutionary Business Opportunity for every mobile User.”

Those planning to attend can visit ‘bizbiz.mobi/SAIBIZBIZ’ or visit facebook page ‘facebook.com/BizBizAfrica’ for more information.

of more than 9 million customers with registered deposits of more than Sh135 billion.

Following the pilot launch of the trial Smart Loan service a month ago, Safaricom has sold more than 6,500 devices.

“Kenya’s smartphone penetration

has been growing phenomenally over the past five years, but there are still many customers who cannot afford a device. We believe by coming up with this proposition we make it possible for customers to access the wealth of knowledge available on the

internet,” said Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Bob Collymore.

He said: “This move also fits in well with the ongoing rollout of our 4G network as we also work to increase the number of 3G sites in Kenya five-fold in the coming five years. Customers can now

take advantage of the offer to purchase the latest hardware to enjoy fast, affordable and reliable internet services.”

The service is available for all smart phones and tablets available at Safaricom shops.

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NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

Urban farming: City trend that’s feeding households As food prices continue to fluctuate and crop failures regularly plague the country, the need for steady food supply has given rise to a new breed of urban farmers.

In East African cities, a growing number of urban families have decided to set up rooftop gardens while others have opted to practice tyre and sack farming.

As a result, urban agriculture is emerging as a food security option, with reports indicating that up to half of the food consumed in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Kampala is grown in big towns.

“The idea is optimizing small pieces of land to produce more,” explains Dr Matthew Welihye, an agricultural economist from the University of Nairobi.

“We have farmers who have perfected this art and are not only insulating their families from hunger, but are earning from it,” he says.

Nancy Karanja is one such farmer. Her half acre farm located in Ruai area a few kilometres from Nairobi’s Central Business District, has won local and international accolades as a model farm

of growing more with less and for being in the forefront in ensuring food security.

The farm, which has utilized every space available has 20 dairy cows, which produce more than 500 litres of milk daily, three 50 by 100 feet greenhouses, where tomatoes, cabbages and green pepper are grown, a fish pond, homestead, borehole and a biogas unit.

“I educate my children, take care of my extended family and have never spent even a shilling buying food,” says Nancy.

He model is replicated thousands of kilometres away in a different way by a group of slum farmers known as the Walinawa women’s group As the movement of people from rural to urban areas in Africa reaches unprecedented highs, currently projected at about 40 per cent of the entire African population, access to certain foods is becoming an ever-present problem.

Urban farming could go a long way in curbing the situation.

NEWS BRIEFS Banks under pressure to reduce cost of borrowing Bank customers are set to benefit from more affordable rates as commercial banks come under renewed pressure to reduce the cost of loans.

Following a decision that was announced last week by the Central Bank of Kenya, the country’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) lowered the Kenya Banks Reference Rate (KBRR) to 8.54 per cent from

9.13 per cent.

The KBRR is a system used to influence the cost of loans and was introduced in order to increase transparency in the pricing of loans among lenders and financial institutions.

The new KBRR is currently in effect until its next review in July, but can be changed if market conditions change significantly.

Kenya power receives Sh2b to improve reliability and cut losses Kenya Power has received a Sh2.3 billion loan from the African Finance Corporation (AFC), a Lagos-based private development finance institution.

NEW TREND: A multi-storey garden that was showcased during the 2013 Nairobi International Trade Fair.

The AFC loan is part of a larger Sh13.7 billion unsecured loan to the electricity retailer.

The funds will be used to improve reliability and reduce system losses.

Ex Apple CEO to launch Obi smartphones in Kenya Obi Mobiles, a new smartphone company founded by former Apple Inc. CEO John Sculley, has announced plans to launch its devices in Kenya in March with aims of capturing a five per cent market share by the end of the year.

The company has chosen DESPEC, a leading IT distributer in East Africa, to manage the distribution of the devices to key retailer and independent retailer channels in the region.

Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa re-

gion at Obi Mobiles, Amit Rupchandani, said the devices will retail at pocket friendly prices to meet the diverse personalities and preferences of smartphone users.

“Obi is perfect for the growing number of mobile phone users in this region who desire the best smartphone experience without a huge financial investment,” said Rupchandani. He added that the company is on an expansion mission this year with east Africa and Latin America being at the top of

the priority list.

CEO DESPEC Africa, Farouk Jivani, was excited to be partnering with Obi Mobiles and said the two companies will work together to establish the brand in the region among other smartphone giants.

“DESPEC is excited to be appointed as the exclusive channel partner for Obi Mobiles in Kenya and other East African markets. We look forward to working with Obi and establishing the brand as one to reckon with in the region,” said Jivani.

therise

Mumias Sugar

Mumias Sugar, a Kenya-based company engaged in the production and sale of sugar, ethanol, water and the generation and sale of electricity, was last week’s stock winner with a 39.13 per cent stock price increase from Sh2.30 to Sh3.20.

Mumias is currently facing corporate governance issues combined with risk debt default, which threaten the firm’s cash flow and revenue, critical to servicing its heavy debt burden.

Mumias has experienced a drop in revenues

SMART OBI: Obi Mobiles founder and former Apple Inc. CEO Mr. John Sculley during the Middle East launch.

Longhorn Kenya

due to increased sugar imports, including claims of illegal shipments by top management (costing the company more than Sh1 billion), forcing down prices, hurting its margins and causing the slide of its share.

Mumias is also among the several companies in the local sugar industry that will face stiffer competition starting from March 2015 with the end of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) protection measure from cheaper imports.

Longhorn Kenya, a wholly owned Kenyan publishing company, and leading provider of core and non-core learning materials within the East African region, was last week’s loser with a 6.13 per cent price decrease from Sh10.60 to Sh9.95. In the nine months ended March 2014, the firm’s net profit dropped 0.3 per cent to Sh63.2 million compared to Sh63.4 million the year before, with higher expenses cancelling out turnover growth. Longhorn’s sales jumped 5.7 per cent to Sh802.1 million

Analysis by Amana Capital info@amanacapital.co.ke

thefall

but they were offset by distribution expenses that more than doubled to Sh174.6 million.

The introduction of 16 per cent VAT on books led to depressed earnings for publishers as sales dipped. As a consequence, publishers have been forced to explore export markets (Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and Rwanda) and start investments in e-learning content production, since the publisher wants to benefit from the government’s plan to equip all school children with laptop computers.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

ACCESS celebchat

the big knot

Scott dared to venture into the little known art of the violin and has become a force to reckon with. The PR practitioner shares his success story.

Fact File Name: Scott Kabugi Age: 22 Relationship Status: Single

this is

scott the

Who is Scott the Violinist?

Scott the Violinist is a young talented and professional Kenyan Fiddler.

Why the violin?

Uniqueness has always been an appealing trait to me. I never knew I had passion for it but as soon as I picked up the violin, it felt like the notes were already inscribed in me.

How did you start out?

I started in high school and got mentorship through my music teacher Philip Tuju of Upperhill School.

What are some of the challenges you face?

The situation that frustrates my art is the scarcity of quality equipment in the country. For example, recognisedviolin brands are not readily available.

This puts a huge dent in quality when it comes to stage performance.

Violinist Mwafreeka takes on Ice Prince, eats humble pie Rapper Mwafreeka, aka Mwaf, over the weekend took to social media to post a hate message on Ice Prince’s new song, N Word that woke up the internet.

In his post, Mwag criticized Ice Prince saying third world rappers were not rapping about things that were real and were instead talking about America and Bugattis, which they cannot afford. The rapper received backlash from the musician’s fans and he had to apologise.

In the apology, Mwafhe said he did not know that Ice Prince was a ‘Mega superstar’ and that he ‘respects the rapper’s hustle as a rapper’. Research is important people! You might just end up offending the wrong people with rash posts.

What are some of the achievements you are most proud of?

I am humbled to be the pioneer of sorts in my style of music in the region. I am also proud that my art is appreciated thus fulfilling my financial commitments. I have built a strong network base with various high end institutions and personalities who share with me the importance of first class entertainment in boosting their brand to their clients.

Any regrets so far?

No regret whatsoever, I am proud of how far Scott the brand has come.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My brother DJ Protege always inspires me. His hard work and commitment to his tasks has yielded success. This trait therefore challenges me each day to become better than he already is.

Which artistes have you worked with?

I have worked with Octopizzo on the hit song `IVO IVO` and many others on stage

Is the violin maestro dating?

I am not dating yet but I definitely have my eyes locked on a precious gem!

What is next for Scott?

Scott the Violinist is now targeting a global audience and being the next major export out of Kenya apart from tea. I also plan on doing more community work for the less fortunate.

I am also keen on motivating the youth in the importance of discovering their own talents and nurturing them to fruition.

It is a threesome!

HOT

Frasha seems to be taking his solo projects seriously. After collaborating with Eric Wainaina, he now has teamed up with Kristoff and Rabbit on a new joint, Dandia, which is set to drop later today. Kenyan artistes seem to have hit the ground running this new year. The trio of Rabbit, Kristoff and Frasha should be one to look out for.

TOPICS

Mwafreeka

performances like Antoneosoul, Joseph Hellon, Kelele Takatifu, P-unit (mobimba launch) and most recently, the international sensation Alaine whom I serenaded in Nakuru, while performing her amazing track `You are me.` Which artistes do you desire to work with?

I am already working with quite a number of big names in the industry for this year, but I would rather keep quiet now because the deals are not yet finalised.

Ice Prince

Frasha Rabbit

Kristoff

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY MONDAY, JANUARY 26th NOVEMBER 19, 2015 2014

FASHIONScoop the BIGKNOT

I’m Black JaY ZYou Junk FRom ThIsFashIon daY FoWaRd shall noT Walk mTV quIZ nEW YoRk WIll BE YouR shElTER. alonE — mY hEaRT

It was not until 2013 that they decided to start seeing each other seriously and on saturday they made it official.

T

he sun was out one beautiful Saturday morning as Anne Franciscar Okello was escorted majestically towards the altar to her man, Vincent K’Ofwa, who was waiting with a big smile at the far end.

Our Lady of Assumption church at Moi Airbase Barracks was packed with their friends and family, who had come out to witness and support them in their decision.

The church was decked out with flowers and embellishments that clearly showed the love they have for each other. Wearing a white princess gown, which seemed to serenely float around her, Anne looked every bit the dashing princess her man always insisted she was. Her charming husband to be was in a white African accented attire that gave him a sophisticated look.

They chose white and red as their theme colours. White symbolized the purity of

life while red symbolized love. “The two colours combined show the purity of love,” said Anne. When the priest asked if there was anyone with any cause as to why the couple could not get married, the church went silent. Everybody’s eyes turned to the door expecting someone to come bursting forth to stop the marriage. Luckily the three minutes were up before any drama ensued.

You could visibly read the look of relief on both Anne’s and Vincent’s faces.

Vincent and Anne’s love journey began in December 2012 when they first met.

It was not until 2013 that they decided to start seeing each other seriously and on this Saturday they made it official. Vincent proposed to Anne in September 2014 when they were alone, leisurely catching up after a week of hard work. Anne had no idea what Vincent had planned but said ‘yes’ when he asked her to make him the happiest man on

Vincent and Anne’s beautiful dAy

earth. “I knew Vince was the one when I saw in him the qualities I want in a man. He is, intelligent, caring, fun loving, creative and stylish. I was also taken by his humility and God loving attributes,” Anne told XAccess.

Vincent knew Anne, whom he lovingly refers to as Kado, was the one when he saw that she was a beautiful soul that was full of energy.

“What I love about Anne is that she’s a very understanding and an open minded person.

I love to hear her talk, talk, and talk! She’s the most beautiful woman all round and her dimple complements it,” a smitten Vincent gushed.

After exchanging vows at the church, the next stop was Safari Park where all the dancing and hogging was to take place. The mark of a good wedding is great food, good tasting cake and music. Anne and Vincent did not disappoint on these fronts. Their

guests were well fed and danced their hearts out when welcoming the newlyweds.

As always, people tend to switch off when the time for speeches come around. All people were concentrating on was the cake that was displayed. With quick glances towards the cake table every few minutes, you could guess what people were thinking, “When will cake time arrive?’’ Well it did arrive and the cake tasted as great as it looked. With a budget of Sh 1.5 million, the couple made their day special.

“It feels so great to be married! No words can explain and maybe if I were a poet then I would describe it better,” said an excited Vincent, “Our day was perfect and we would not change a thing,” He added.

The couple however did not disclose their honeymoon destination only giving cryptic answers saying they will be away for three weeks.

ACCESS

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

a reveiew of weekend events.

CENTRESTAGE

LEFT: Jockry Mungai after winning the race. RIGHT: Traditional dancers entertain the spectators

JOCKEY CLUB PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS FOR GUINEAS RACE RIGHT: Spectators enjoying the event.

A

ll roads led to Ngong Racecourse on Sunday for the Britam Kenya Guineas Race. The Jockey Club was celebrating 110 years of horseracing and it was indeed done in style.

The place was a hive of activities with eager people waiting patiently for the event to kick off. Excited hostesses in big colored wigs, glasses and multi colored pompoms were funny to look at and brightened up the welcoming party. The traditional dancers also took people back to their roots with their energetic performance. Little food tents were sprawled all over with eager tradesmen busy explaining to potential clients what they were offering.

Revelers were spoilt for choice in the food department with snacks, grilled

The Kenyan army band.

meats and local foods going at pocket friendly prices. As usual grilled foods were a favorite coupled with local beers.

Shisha stands were also available for those just wanted to chill out with friends enjoying each other’s company. Freshly squeezed juices were a welcome treat to quench the thirst especially as it was such a hot day.

The event was slated for 10am, and true to the organisers’ word, when the clock hit the top of the hour, people milled around the track as the show hit the road.

Team Kenya was represented by professional jockeys Lesley Sercombe, Patrick Mungai and James Muhindi. The Zimbabwean team

composed of Quinton Riddle, Kevin Derere, and Brendon Mcnaughton.

On the line up of team South Africa were Mandia Ntulli and Sihle Prince.

Finally team Mauritius included Dinesh Sooful and Vinay Naiko. It is probably the ear splitting cheers coming from Kenyans which secured team Kenya two massive wins in the event. Our team did us proud by wining races two and four. After the races, the crowd was treated to some daring sky diving, which glued audiences to the sky.

The music was also relaxing not too loud or too low, just the right volume and selection baring in mind the crowd which was attending.

All in all, the event was a good way to end the weekend. Did we mention the President was in attendance?

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ACCESS

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

FASHIONScoop

@THE 2015 CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS.

Marion Cotillard Jamie Chung

Rosario Dawson

HOLLYWOOD

CONTINUES TO DAZZLE

Angelina Jolie

T

Emily Blunt

lyriclab

Genesis Rodriguez

he red carpet took a back seat as the blue carpet was rolled for the 20th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in Los Angeles Thursday evening. Hollywood stars struck a pose with some of the best gowns on display. Angelina Jolie made her “red carpet” debut for the year and she immediately stole the show in her metallic silver gown by Versace.

Emily Blunt, Jamie Chung, Rosario Dawson, Genesis Rodriguez and Marion Cotillard were the other fashion sensations of the night.

BEST...

Alikiba

Eric Wainaina Eric and Frasha make an interesting mix in Disco and they sound amazing. This jam has a feel of pop accompanied by acoustic beats that show Wainaina’s versatility in the art. The song’s highly anticipated video should match up to it, we hope.

H_art the band

Disco ft Frasha

After stealing the show with ‘Uliza Kiatu’, these boys are back again with ‘Nikikutazama’.

The track is a tribute to the African woman.

H_art the band includes

Nikikutazama hilarious theatrics in the song’s colourful video making their originality profound.

This band keeps rising with every song they release.

Mwana is Alikiba’s first single in his third album after three years hiatus.

His mellow voice is accompanied by beautiful acoustics that bring out an original afrobeat sound. Alikiba always hits whenever he takes on the mic and now that he’s back, African charts should watch out for him.

Mwana

PLAY 11 MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Today you might spend a lot of time on the phone with friends, some of them seniors. As a result, you might decide to attend some group events in your community. This is going to release a lot of tension, as you may have feared it had been lost.

m0nday 19/01/2015

sunny

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AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 This is likely to involve nothing more glamorous than practical tasks, such as getting paperwork out of the way. Nonetheless, by the end of the day you should feel satisfied with your accomplishments. If nothing else, it should free you for more interesting chores.

More sun than clouds

27

26ºC 40%

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your ambitions, whatever they are, could get a shot in the arm through some new information, possibly from far away. This could be uncovered in a newspaper, book, conversation with a friend, or online. Whichever it is, Pisces, it’s likely to work for you, so make use of it.

tuesday 20 /01/2015

6:38 am 6:49 pm

26ºC 38%

6:38 am 6:49 pm

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Today you might see old and new friendships and romantic involvements reach a new understanding, Taurus. This creates a stronger commitment between you and those who care for you. This is a great day to execute paperwork, particularly legal contracts.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 An important project could require intense concentration today, Gemini, and you’re in the right frame of mind. You could be pleased with the results and so could others whose opinions matter. A boost to your self-confidence is in the works, perhaps even a raise in income.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 A creative or intellectual discipline that fascinates you might require some intense concentration today. You could spend much of the day in the library. You will want to take meticulous notes, but don’t worry about it if you don’t quite catch everything.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Practical matters involving home and family might need some attention today. This isn’t anything alarming, Leo, just a few tasks that you may have put off, such as house cleaning or yard work. Get other members of your household to help. You have other responsibilities to see to.

MUSTREAD

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Perhaps you want to make some phone calls, write letters, or place an ad or article in a local newspaper. Communication of all sorts should go well, Virgo, and you might find that it opens new doors to understanding between you and those closest to you.

The Offering, by Grace McCleen

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Financial matters might need attention today. Bills may need to be paid, checks deposited, and budgeting worked out. Your powers of concentration are high, Libra, so this is a great day to do this, even though you’d rather be doing something more interesting.

For 20 years, Madeline has been in a mental asylum due to traumatic events that occurred on the island she lived with parents. She cannot remember what happened and seems to have blacked out the event from her mind. Things change when a new doctor tries to help her remember the events of the fateful night by hypnosis. The doctor promises that if she tries the new treatment that will help her remember what happened, she will be free to leave the institution. As Madeline wants to leave the asylum, she reluctantly agrees. Does she really want to relive the moments that led to her being incarcerated? What really happened that night?

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Some projects might require practical attention today, getting irritating little details cleared up and out of the way. Your natural efficiency is at a peak, Scorpio, so you will probably be able to get these matters done before you get too bored.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Relatives or old friends, particularly seniors, who visit you today are likely to awaken childhood memories that you’d long since forgotten. Some of them might come as a shock, but they will all release hang-ups that you’ve been trying to expunge for a while.

1

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4

Vote for winning pick of today’s top three instamoments (below) by sending an email with the picture number to: play@x-news.com

Friday’s winning photo

YOURSAY

Send a caption for the photo above with your name and location to: play@x-news.co.ke .The winning caption gets published on this page.

Govt should tame politicians who incite Kenyans The Government has in the past few days been keen on arresting bloggers and other individuals posting hate speech messages on social media platforms.

25

Fill in the blanks with the numbers 1-9. every row, column and 3x3 box must contain all nine digits with no repeated number.

Friday’s Solution

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Memories of past events that caused traumas that you’re still dealing with could come to light today. This is a positive development, as the release of these old emotions could make it possible for you to progress more quickly on material and spiritual planes.

INSTAMOMENTS

wednesday

While this is a good start, I think the State should first arrest politicians inciting Kenyans in public fora. The politicians have more influence than bloggers

who may only command a handful of followers.

I find it disturbing that the Government has dedicated resources and attention to obscure blogger in Mombasa,

yet there are hundreds of armed criminals roaming free in our towns. Priorities need to be shifted.

— Musa Obed, Nairobi

winning captions

1. When you register at the wrong gym to impress a girl -KJ, Ngara 2. To get to a six pack, you have to start with a one pack-Jane 3. They said bodybuilders only; my body is well built-Petra, D, Nrb

Sport MONday, JANUARY 19, 2015

Mwangangi crowned 2014 finest sports personality Caleb Ndiku was crowned the 2014 men’s athlete Sports Personality of the Year (Soya) in a ceremony held on Friday night.

The Commonwealth and Africa champions, who is nicknamed ‘the Buffalo’, said he has just started and urged Kenyans to keenly follow the new season.

“I am honoured to receive this award, indeed it is a product of hard work. 2015 is going to be the year and I want to do better,” said Ndiku. He won the most promising award in 2010.

Ndiku was picked ahead of steeplechaser Jairus Birech who had a stellar season after

winning silver at the Club games and the African title. Other contestants were boxer Rayton Okwiri, a Commonwealth Games participant who kicked off the chase for the Rio Olympic ticket in resounding style.

Okwiri knocked out top seed Austrian boxer Marcos Nader in a preliminary welterweight bout of the International Boxing Association’ clash.

“The real Buffalo is more than ready to go a step further. I feel much stronger and better. Thank you for this award, the best in my career,” said Ndiku. The player won 2014 Diamond League

TO PLAY FOR JACKPOT, SMS TO 79079: JP#XNEWS#13 predictions E.G: JP#XNEWS#1X2X1XX2212X1 YOU WIN WHEN ALL YOUR 13 PREDICTIONS ARE CORRECT. JACKPOT IS EQUALLY SHARED AMONGST ALL WINNERS.

5000m race in Zurich and the 5000m event in Glasgow, among others.

World 800m champion Eunice Sum was named Sportswoman of the year. Julius Yego, Scotland games gold medallist in javelin and world marathon champion Dennis Kimetto were crowned as Soya most outstanding performers of last season. It was Yego’s second successive Soya trophy. There was double delight for Telkom Orange women’s hockey club who bagged the sports team of the year award, as coach Jos Openda received the Coach of the Year crown.

the finest: Caleb Ndiku has been crowned the 2014 men’s athlete Sports Personality of the Year (Soya).

Messi’s 30th hat-trick for Barca in Deportivo smash Lionel Messi scored his 30th hattrick for Barcelona career as his side beat Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 to move a point behind leaders Real Madrid.

The Argentina forward, who missed out on winning the Ballon d’Or to Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday, opened the scoring with a looping header.

He netted again when he collected Neymar’s pass and

dinked the ball over home goalkeeper Fabricio Agosto.

Messi grabbed the third with a low shot, before an own goal from Sidnei.

Ex-Barcelona winger Isaac Cuenca had a chance for Deportivo but shot over when the score was 2-0 as the hosts were comprehensively outclassed.

It was a dominant performance

from Luis Enrique’s Barca, who had 68% possession and 14 attempts at goal with the only surprise being that they scored only four.

The future of Messi, La Liga’s alltime record goal scorer, has been questioned recently after he said.

“I don’t know where I’ll be next year.”

Enrique has insisted he will not sell the 27-year-old.

0755 079 079 0709 079 079

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SPORT MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

CR7 leads Real’s rout at Getafe Fifa Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid comfortably won at Getafe to maintain their one-point La Liga advantage.

Ronaldo won the award - given to the world footballer of the year - on Monday and fired in an opener after Karim Benzema’s pull-back.

Gareth Bale added a second four minutes later when he prodded the ball home from James Rodriguez’s cross.

Rodriguez was again involved in Real’s third as Ronaldo headed his cross in.

The Portugal international has now scored 36 times in 201415 for Real, who have won 14 of their last 15 league matches after losing two of their first three games at the start of the season.

At the final whistle, Real moved four points ahead of Barcelona, although that was then reduced back to one point when Luis Enrique’s side beat Deportivo La Coruna 4-0.

Real were knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the last 16 by Spanish champions Atletico Madrid on Thursday, but dominated against Getafe.

ROUTED: Ronaldo heads in Real Madrid’s third goal after timing his run to connect with James Rodriguez’s cross.

Homeboyz tame unbeaten Leos in Ruaraka Homeboyz stayed unbeaten in 2015, handing Pan Africa Strathmore Leos their first defeat of the season courtesy of an 18-15 result at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.

Kenny Andola put Strathmore ahead with a third minute penalty but Haroun Lubisia replied for the deejays with a penalty four minutes later.

Dan Otieno would score against his former side, with Andola converting to see Strathmore lead 10-3. But things would soon change. Felix Ojow would score for Homeboyz, bringing the score to 10-8 before Lubisia scored and converted his own try to put Homeboyz 15-10 up at the break.

The match would remain a close affair in the second half, Strathmore levelling through Tony Onyango’s unconverted try before Lubisia killed off the Leos with a drop goal that sealed the 18-15 result, ending the Leos unbeaten run.

The result saw Homeboyz return to sixth on the log while the Leos slipped from second to third. Elsewhere, Blak Blad inched closer to safety with a 30-13 win over former champions Mean Machine at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.

Kabras Sugar won the Kakamega derby and consolidated their grip on fourth place with a 17-6 win over Western Bulls at the Kakamega High School grounds.

KCB scored four first half tries enroute to a 28-15 bonus point win over Mwamba, a result that sees them rise to second on the log.

League leaders Top Fry Nakuru stayed top of the Kenya Cup log with a 36-29 bonus win over Total Nondies.

Nuttal lauds new Gor signings

aren’t you happy: Gor Mahia head coach Frank Nuttal.

Coach Nuttal has said that he is proud of his new signings.

Gor Mahia head coach Frank Nuttal is proud of his new signings and has said that he was optimistic they will go places if given adequate time to gel with regular players.

He referred to their 1-0 victory over visiting Bidco FC from Thika as a good beginning to the new season and called upon regular players to pull up their socks since their positions were under threat from newcomers. Gor won 1-0 courtesy of Simon Pierre first half goal.

Speaking at the Nairobi City Stadium after the weekend match, Nuttal said “I’m happy we have started the New Year on a sound note. I believe we are on the right track and I look forward to a good season”.

“To me, he added, it doesn’t matter who scores, the team victory has to come ahead of everything else.

Today the boys worked their hearts out and I am so excited that we won against a tough team in the National Super League.” said Nuttal.

Nuttal said he has a long term strategy of working to make his team a formidable force in the region within the coming two years he will be in charge of the team.

“Our short term and long term project is to produce a strong team for future assignment. We have the players to make that happen. From there we can work on the way forward. “He said.

Both team’s fielded two different teams in each half with Gor Mahia planting Jerim Onyango between the posts in the first half before introducing former Tusker keeper Bonface Oluoch in the second half.

SPORT 15 MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

winners: KPA team (right) qualified for the Kenya Basketball Federation women premier league play-offs finals after beating Sprite Storms 3-0 in Mombasa at the weekend.

KPA face Usiu or Co-op Bank in basketball play-off finals Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has qualified for the Kenya Basketball Federation women premier league play-offs finals after beating Sprite Storms 3-0.

The defending champions won game three 65-32 in Momba-

sa on Saturday and are likely to face USIU-A Flames who lead Co-op Bank 2-0.

In Mombasa, KPA took a 34-9 halftime lead as Helen Oketch topped the scores with 13 points as Carol Mureji added 12. Angela

Luchivya scored 16 for Storms.

USIU-A is only a game away from qualification after taking a 2-0 series lead over Co-op Bank and appear set up for a repeat of last year’s finals. Game three will be played today.

In game one, the students won 60-54 with Sarah Chan scoring a game high of 25 points.

Mercy Etyang was top scorer for Co-op Bank with 11 points and 8 rebounds while Grace Wanjiku added 10

and grabbed three rebounds.

Out of 18 attempts, Usiu-A only made three three-point shots, scored 20 baskets from 50 attempts and 11 free-throws in 20 bids. They enjoyed the lead for the longest period at 29:53 and

had the biggest lead of 17 points.

Co-op Bank’s 13 attempts from the three-point line yielded 15 points.

The bankers only led for 3:16 and their biggest lead was three points.

Brace for Tevez as Juve go five clear

happier days: Kenyan cricket players celebrate during a past tie. The team suffered a setback in their quest to return to the top tier of the Associate Nations when they fell by 46 runs to Canada at Wanderer Affies Cricket grounds in Namibia on Sunday.

Kenya suffer setback at Namibia cricket tourney Kenya cricket suffered a major setback in their quest to get back to the top tier of the Associate Nations when they fell by 46 runs to Canada at the Wanderer Affies Cricket grounds in Namibia on Sunday.

Canada set a big target of 257 for six in 50 overs before bowling out Kenya for 211 in 48 overs.

With the loss, the second in two days, Kenya’s chances of finishing among the top teams vanished. They are bottom of a six team table without a point.

The top two teams will qualify for the

ICC Intercontinental Cup 2015-17 and Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Championship.

The Canadians started positively with a 71-run partnership between Rizwan Cheema (57) and Nitish Kumar (15).

The effort was backed-up by the 4th wicket, 107-run partnership between Captain Amarbir Hansra (43) and Navneet Dhaliwal (93).

Dhaliwal was the lynchpin for the Canadian innings, including six fours and four sixes.

Kenya’s reply was valiant with strong batting performances from Irfan Karim (50, five fours) and Collins Obuya (78, seven fours in 111 balls).

The team, however, fell behind the run rate and its innings tailed off.

Narenda Patel’s contribution of 20 took Kenya to a total of 211 all out in 48 overs as Canada’s bowlers closed out victory.

Parth Desai took an impressive four wickets for 45 runs, leading Canada to a 46 run victory.

Carlos Tevez scored twice as Serie A leaders Juventus easily beat Verona to move five points clear at the top of the league table.

Midfielder Paul Pogba put the hosts ahead in the third minute with a spectacular 25-yard strike.

Tevez doubled the lead soon afterwards with a fine, curling effort after Alvaro Morata’s cross.

Giorgio Chiellini set up Roberto Pereyra, who blasted the ball into the net, before Tevez collected Claudio

Marchisio’s pass to slot in the fourth.

It was a perfect result for the hosts as they capitalised on nearest title rivals Roma dropping two points in a 1-1 draw at Palermo on Saturday.

Juventus have won the title in each of the last three seasons and halfway through the Italian season are in the perfect position to retain the trophy.

Verona have now conceded 10 goals in four days against Juventus after losing 6-1 in an Italian Cup last-16 tie on Thursday.

Atletico back to third after Granada hammer Spanish champions Atletico Madrid returned to third position in La Liga as they defeated Granada at home.

The hosts took a 34th-minute lead when Mario Mandzukic converted a spot-kick after Abdoul Sissoko fouled Diego Godin in the box.

Raul Garcia sealed the win late on when the ball bounced off his back and into the net from Arda Turan’s cross.

Granada’s best chance fell to Piti, who hit the crossbar from a tight angle when the game was goalless.

But Atletico restricted the opponents to only one shot on target as they got the victory they needed to move back above Valencia, who had gone third with their 3-2 win against Almeria on Saturday.

Diego Simeone’s side are four points behind rivals Real Madrid, whom they knocked out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

Ex-Chelsea striker Fernando Torres netted twice in the second leg of the last-16 tie, his first since rejoining the club where he began his career.

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sport

africa cup of nations 2015

MoNDAY, JANUArY 19, 2015

CAPE VERDE HOLD TUNISIA AT THE NUEVO ESTADIO DE EbEbIyIN

PITCH FRAY: Cazorla crashes into Argentine striker Aguero and concedes the foul, earning himself a booking in the process.

Gunners dent Man City’s title hopes

A

rsenal boss Arsene Wenger says victory over Manchester City has answered doubts about their defence and ability to beat top clubs away from home.

Goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud gave Arsenal a 2-0 win at City in contrast to last season’s 6-3 loss.

“I am very pleased because our defence have been questioned a lot,” Wenger, 65,

said. “The target was to put it right, and to win a big game away in the league which we’ve not done this season.”

The win lifted Arsenal to fifth in the table, a point off the Champions League places, but damaged Manchester City’s title push and they now sit five points behind leaders Chelsea, who they meet at Stamford Bridge on 31 January.

Wenger praised a “great unity, solidari-

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ty, togetherness and compactness in our team”, as Arsenal recorded a seventh clean sheet in 22 league outings this season.

Chelsea by comparison have shut out opponents 11 times but Wenger was pleased with his side’s defensive display after calling his backline too soft following defeat at Stoke in December.

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and forget that we had many defenders out all season,” added Wenger, who used Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at central defenders.

“As you saw the centre-backs are a good partnership and it takes time to get back to that level. To come out of a game like that without conceding a goal is important.”

Arsenal had just 35% of the ball at the

Etihad but inspired by the impressive Cazorla - who has now played every minute of the last 10 league games - punished City.

Cazorla, 30, created Giroud’s goal after his penalty and completed 92% of his passes.

“Since Cazorla plays centrally, he is at a level of his career where he can have more influence,” added Wenger.

Cape Verde hold Tunisia Cape Verde gained a deserved 1-1 Africa Cup of Nations draw against Tunisia on Sunday as Heldon’s penalty cancelled out Mohamed Manser’s opener at the Nuevo Estadio de Ebebiyin.

With Zambia and DR Congo drawing 1-1 earlier in the day, Tunisia looked set to assume top spot in Group B despite being on the back foot for sustained spells in the second half.

Rui Aguas’ side, who are only appearing in the African showpiece for the second time, struck the post inside the first two minutes in an encouraging first-half display. However, they were undone by a move of real quality

as Stephane Nater found Ahmed Akiachi who squared for Manser to finish from inside the six-yard box.

Cape Verde hit back, though, and salvaged a point when Heldon calmly converted from the spot to deny a side ranked 18 places above them in the FIFA world rankings.

Cape Verde may be somewhat unfancied for the tournament but their entirely overseas-based XI made a bright start, with Steaua Bucharest defender Fernando Varela hitting the post from a freekick after just a minute.

Following a sluggish 10 minutes, Tunisia grew into the game and

Ahmed Akaichi saw his header palmed away by Vozinha.

Kuca threatened next for Cape Verde - his strike kept out by Hamza Mathlouthi at his near post - before Djaniny shot straight at the Tunisia goalkeeper after being played in on goal by Heldon.

It was then Djaniny who was set to become provider but the Santos Laguna man put too much on his cross as it evaded the unmarked Kuca in the centre.

Tempers flared when Ali Maaloul brought down Heldon the edge of the area with the sides disagreeing on whether the foul took place in or outside of the box.

Andy MurrAy eAses pAsT yuki BhAMBri in AusTrAliAn open Andy Murray made a solid start to his Australian Open campaign with a straight-sets win over India’s Yuki Bhambri in Melbourne.

The Briton, seeded sixth, won 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) in two hours and 12 minutes on the Margaret Court Arena.

Murray, 27, had to recover from 4-1 down in the third set but controlled the tie-break to seal victory.

He will play Australia’s Marinko Matosevic in the second round on Wednesday.

Bhambri, 22, was the lowest-ranked player in the draw at 317 but managed to test Murray at times.

“The whole match he made it very difficult, played

very aggressive, he came to the net - he’s very talented,” said the Scot.

“I’d never hit with him or seen him play, so that makes it quite difficult, but he had quite a bad injury last year. He shouldn’t be ranked 300-odd in the world.” It was the first Grand Slam match for Murray under his new team of coach Amelie Mauresmo and fitness trainer Matt Little, following the departure of Dani Vallverdu and Jez Green at the end of last season.

“It’s been six or seven months now,” added Murray.

“I’m hoping we’ll see some changes and some positive results.”

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