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FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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north eastern students losing as teachers vow not to resume work

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fading jewels find out why the price of diamonds is going down

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celebrity chat rapper xpat mkwanja speaks of his musical journey so far

NEWS

Riders’ season opener moves to Jamhuri Park race track

tennis ace andy Murray beats Berdych to storm into finals

Kenya accuses ICC of financing terror

K

enya has accused the International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of The Prosecutor (OTP) of funding terrorism.

Addressing the 24th session of the Africa Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Government delegation claimed ICC worked in cahoots with Mungiki members, some of who are members of the Al Shabaab terror group that has been linked

with a series of attacks in Kenya.

“OTP continues to legitimise criminal groups and embolden them and their off shoots to continue committing crime. Essentially, the ICC could very well be financing terrorism in and around Kenya… in all likelihood, some of these members are part of local network of terror gangs used by Al Shabaab,” documents presented at the meeting claim.

Kenya says the OTP worked with Mungiki

members especially in the case against President Uhuru Kenyatta.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda after announcing she did not have evidence to sustain charges against the President said she had eight Mungiki witnesses who had information of how the President funded and coordinated Mungiki members to carry out attacks in Nakuru and Naivasha during the 2008 Post Election Violence. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Kaka signs Ndizi Flow rapper Raj, famous for hit tracks ‘Gakii’ and ‘Ndizi Flow’, has joined the Kaka Empire

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Greatest loss

Rapper Nazizi recently embarked on a weightloss journey and yesterday she shared her results, much to the amazement of her fans.

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KENYAN DELEGATION: President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cabinet Secretaries Anne Waiguru, Amb. Amina Mohamed and Davis Chirchir at the 24th Ordinary Session of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Closet raid x-news.co.ke

TV show hostess Ndelaish Mshila shows us the best picks from her rich wardrobe collection.

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NEWS FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Kenya accuses ICC of funding terror From Page 1

Some of the Mungiki witnesses the OTP was using to support charges against the President are members of the Al Shabaab terror group, the presentation

by Kenya indicates.

Kenya tore into ICC investigations and termed them as biased and targeted at dragging Kenya into a shambolic process.

“Where OTP admits that it lacks sufficient evidence, one fails to understand how they are still going on.

The case against President Kenyatta could very well have collapsed at the Pre-Trial Chamber if the Prosecutor had not been allowed by Judge (Ekaterina) Trendafilova to suppress recanted evidence from Witness 4,” it stated.

Judge Trendafilova was the presiding judge of the Pre-Trial Chamber that confirmed charges against President Kenyatta, Ruto, Sang and former Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura whose charges were dropped after Witness 4 said he had lied to the court.

The Pre-Trial Chamber had relied on evidence of only witness 4 to confirm charges against Muthaura.

Kenya insists that such hiccups should have given the judges a signal to drop the Kenyan cases at the Pre-Trial Stage.

The Government said due to the inefficiencies experienced in the Kenyan cases, ICC should be questioned over its conduct in Kenya.

“Regardless of whether there is a

conviction by the International Criminal Court or not.

The Court & OTP have an unprofessional relationship that biases entire judicial system against the accused,” it explained.

In the scathing remarks, Kenya also accuses ICC of interfering with the smooth running of governing Kenya.

voxpop....

Kenya said the court should be held accountable for dragging the Kenya cases for many years without tangible evidence to prove sustain its charges in the two Kenyan cases.

“Neither should OTP be allowed to get away with efforts to blame Government of Kenya for unfounded non-cooperation. OTP should be

sanctioned for bungling investigations and stringing a member state along for half a decade,” Kenya stated.

The country appealed to the Assembly of State Parties (ASP) to examine the conduct of the court in what she described as inefficiency and ineffectiveness.

AFRICAN HEADS : President Uhuru Kenyatta (third right) with other African Heads of State and Government and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon during the 24th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Miracle as baby survives Mexico hospital explosion Heroes are often made suddenly, especially when tragedy strikes out of nowhere. It did Thursday, when a natural gas explosion flattened a maternity hospital in Mexico City.

It was dawn, and police officer Mauro Enrique Vera Suarez was in the middle of suiting up for work. The shock wave jolted his station like an earthquake.

It swung the doors and windows.

Suarez and his colleagues went outside.

“They told us there was an explosion,” he told CNN affiliate FOROtv. Only half equipped, he jumped straight into his squad car. “We left as we were,” he said.

And rushed to the site marked by broad billows of smoke and dust towering over the city.

The hose of a propane-butane truck had burst, while it made a delivery to the Cuajimalpa Maternal Hospital. Combustible

By having Kenya’s President and his deputy William Ruto as accused persons before the court, Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed said it had greatly interfered with their work.

“Continued prosecution of President Kenyatta and Ruto has distracted Kenya and Kenyans from moving forward,” she said.

gas had hissed out into the neighborhood.

Residents had already called firefighters to alert them to the leak minutes before the gas ignited, and the hospital had already begun evacuating. But the exposition hit them in the middle of it.

More than 100 people were still in the building.

Officer Suarez arrived to find the hospital for newborns and their mothers leveled to crumbled concrete and twisted steel. People stained in blood were screaming for help.

He and the other officers went straight into the wreckage looking for injured survivors. He turned over pieces of the collapsed roof to see if victims were under them.

“I saw a sheet that was moving very slightly,” he said.

“Picking it up, I saw that the baby was face down with its head and knees in the rubble.”

Africa to fight for powerful UN seat The African Union will push for institutional reforms at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure a permanent seat that will guarantee the continent’s interests are included in decision making processes.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 24th Africa Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed told C-10 Committee that Africa was determined to push for a place in the UN top organ after many years of discrimination.

“Africa has been sidelined for far too long in UNSC. We are not second class citizens of this world and are prepared to dig in for a long haul until we realise our goals,” she said.

The C-10 committee comprises Sierra Leone, Algeria, Libya, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Senegal and Zambia.

The members all are all united in the push for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

Mohammed urged other African states to synergise efforts to push for institutional reforms. She said Africa should also be included in all other decision making organs of the UN. However, she says for that to happen, African states should speak in one voice.

“We are not in a hurry to accept a half-baked deal and live with it for the rest our lives. Our position based on the Ezulwini Consensus is clear and has been consistent.

All we need to do as Africa

is to speak with one voice,” Mohammed said.

Her remarks were echoed by Sierra Leone Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Samura Kamara who said Africa should push for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

But for Africa to achieve the goal, he said, it has to garner support from other regions.

He said the continent has approached different groups which were willing to support Africa’s quest.

“Ours is a case of historical injustice meted out to the continent and every sensible person will agree with our position. We are going to talk to everyone willing to listen and

ensure we get the required twothird votes,” he said.

UNSC, which has 15 seats, comprises five permanent members and 10 non-permanent representatives.

Permanent members are China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States. The nonpermanent seats are distributed on rotational basis that take care of regional interests.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

Why do preachers fleece Kenyans and how can the vice be checked?

Alex Mwendwa

Suzanne Dimba

Jane Mukuhe They are using God’s name to rip off Kenyans because they know how naïve many are with the Word.

Because worshipping is a right for all, the Government cannot forbid it. It should instead crack the whip on those found guilty.

Perhaps it may work.

Just as the Bible predicts, we are witnessing the rise of false and evil prophets.

This is purely the work of the devil. However, Christians should be firm in faith and avoid being duped. All should be alert in prayer so as to discern the criminals and evade satanic snares. If only people can stop being obsessed with miracles!

There is a bunch of preachers who are out to make quick cash from the desperation of their followers. But we also can’t dismiss the fact that there are genuine preachers spreading the gospel.

The Government should shut all fake churches that are fleecing the flock.

Mnyasya Kithuku Lack of job opportunities may have driven people to use the Bible to raise personal fortunes from unsuspecting worshippers. Preachers understand that many people’s hearts succumb to the mere mention of God, so they use it as a tool to make cash from followers.

NEWS 3 FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

CARTOONSPEAK

NEWS BRIEFS

Kamama tells Keter to apologise over foul rant

Corrupt Kenyans are stealing less money than they did 3 years ago Corrupt Kenyans working white collar jobs are stealing less money than they did 3 years ago.

According to the latest survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the number of Kenyans who experienced economic crime reduced in 2014, as compares to the last survey in 2011.

Their study, dubbed ‘2014 Global Economic Crime Survey: Kenya Report’, notes that 52 per cent of Kenyan respondents in the current survey experienced some form of economic crime within their organisations, versus the previous survey in 2011 where the incidence was higher at 66 per cent.

More than one in three respondents

National Assembly Security Committee Chairman Asman Kamama says troubled Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter owes Kenyans an apology over his foul language during last weekend’s Gilgil weighbridge saga. Kamama who spoke to journalists on Thursday after recording a statement with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) says he has forgiven Keter after suggesting he tried to influence the release of a detained truck.

“I have a forgiving heart, and he should also follow suit by also apologising because of the language that he used,” Kamama said. “He may have had some justified cause to fight corruption.”

reported being asked to pay a bribe to get business. The survey found that Kenyans in middle management positions are the most likely to steal or illegally benefit from their company’s resources. In other words, they are the most corrupt.

More than half of the survey’s respondents reported that economic crimes were committed by middle management. “Out of the internal perpetrators of fraud, members of the middle management accounted for 54 per cent of economic crimes according to respondents from Kenya,” the survey says.

“Junior staff accounted for 28 per cent and senior management, 13 per cent.”

Businessman pressing for Weston demolition charges

IN CONTROVERSY: Weston Hotel in Nairobi. Nairobi businessman Jacob Juma has written to the hotel’s director Mr Patrick Osero over the alleged grabbing of two pieces of public land on which the hotel sits.

A Nairobi businessman has threatened to go to court and seek orders to have Weston Hotel demolished and the land on which it sits be surrendered back to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

Jacob Juma, through his lawyer, Anyegah Ondieki, has given owners of the hotel two weeks to return the land which he said is public land or risk court proceedings.

He said the hotel was built on land that was grabbed from the authority and that it should be returned to the agency. “Between the year of 2001 and 2002 you illegally obtained public land originally owned by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) along Langata Road opposite Wilson Airport, adjacent to Langata Road Primary School better particulars of which are within your knowledge.

That in furthering your fraud, you have unlawfully purported to construct a hotel

Mason plunges to death in Kilimani building

on the said property. Our instructions are to demand your immediate surrender of the illegal title to the National Land Commission for rectification and registration in favour of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Further, we are instructed to demand that you demolish the illegal structures already erected on the said property, of course at your own cost,” reads the letter written to Mr Patrick Osero who owns the hotel.

Mr Juma’s threat to the ownership of Weston Hotel comes hot on the heels of new revelations that prime plots in the city have become hot cakes raking in billions of shillings.

A new survey on the value of one acre plots around Nairobi which was released yesterday shows they fetch as high as Sh370 million in some of the city’s leafy suburbs.

It is believed that this high value is what has triggered the appetite in land grabbing.

A mason died after falling from the fourth floor of a building they were constructing in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. The middle aged man is said have slipped and died on the spot during the incident which occurred last evening.

Man burns to death in Kahawa West A man was burnt to death in Kahawa West after a fire broke out in their neighbourhood.

The victim was sleeping in his room when the fire began last night. The cause has not yet been established. Elsewhere several patrons of Saape Club along Koinange Street in the city center escaped unhurt in a fire incident at the popular joint. No one was injured although property of unknown value is said to have been destroyed.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Raila, Kalonzo ask governors to donate Sh1m: CORD has directed all 25 governors elected through its affiliate parties to contribute Sh1 million each to fund Homa Bay by-elecion candidate Moses Kajwang’s campaign. The Star has established that the coalition management committee met and apprved the raking in of Sh25 million to facilitate the campaigns. The idea is to counter rival parties said to be well financed by ‘outside’ forces out to humiliate ODM. ODM is pulling out all the stops to ensure that Kajwang’ wins the seat...

Narok leaders are set free as town ‘burns’: Narok town was paralysed yesterday as protests against the arrest of the county senator and four members of the National Assembly turned violent. The protests continued late into the afternoon even after the leaders who were arrested the previous day were freed on bond by a Nairobi court. It was the second successive day of protests against Governor Samuel Tunai. By evening the Narok air was acrid with the sting of police tear gas and smoke from burning tyres used by the protesters...

Five Narok MPs risk murder charges, chaos erupts again: Narok fell in the grip of day-long chaos after protesters barricaded major roads cutting through the county to press for the release of five area MPs arrested following Monday’s violence that claimed two lives. As bonfires and boulders blockaded roads in the South Rift county, a Nairobi court released the MPs on bail and with a warning by prosecutors that the charges facing them could be scaled up to include murder.

This is a serious capital offense that takes long to try and attracts punitive punishment...

Looming stand-off as tutors defy TSC, press for transfer: A group of teachers who are among the more 800 who have refused to return to their work stations in North-Eastern counties yesterday staged a sit-in at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) offices, demanding transfer from the region.

The stand-off between the government and the teachers could degenerate into worse scenes as the group camping at TSC offices kept growing...

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NEWS FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

House chaos return to haunt security laws in court hearings

THE INFAMOUS REVOLT: Members of parliament Gladys Wanga, left, and Christine Mbaya leave the National Assembly to protest against the approval of new anti-terrorism laws in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, Dec. 18, 2014.

Scenes of chaos that marred parliamentary proceedings on the day the new security laws were dramatically passed returned to haunt the validity of the legislation as lawyers battle the state in court hearings.

Two video clips showing the brawl were yesterday played in court as the opposition seeks to convince the five judge bench of the High Court hearing their petition that the controversial laws were passed unprocedurally.

But that was not without objection from the state which questioned the authenticity of the video. Solicitor General Njee Muturi argued that it could have been altered or tampered with to lean towards the arguments of the opposing counsel.

Who knows where the video was acquired from? How do we know that it was not altered, superimposed?” he posed. “We are not opposed to it being used but we are contesting the procedure that was used to acquire it.”

But presiding Judge Isaac Lenaola ruled in favour of Kituo Cha Sheria to introduce the clips as evidence in support of the application despite Mr Muturi’s spirited efforts. “As a court, we should not be tied down to procedural technicalities especially since the matter is of public interest. In this case, the objection is overruled and the fourth interested party has been allowed to submit the video as evidence,” Justice Lenaola stated.

Kituo Cha Sheria petition indicated that the environment then was not conducive to the passage of any law and as such the process needs to be repeated.

Through lawyer Vincent Lempaa, the

North Eastern learners’ agony as teachers vow no return to work Learners in North Eastern Kenya are likely to remain untaught as the stalemate between teachers and the government remains unresolved. Teachers have vowed not to return to the region citing insecurity concerns. But the government early this week ordered that they return to their work stations by Monday next week failure to which they risk being sacked.

However, the sack threats seem

not to have cowed the tutors who have insisted that they must ne transferred to other safer regions. They remain adamant that they will not resume duties in the three counties of Garissa, Mandera and Wajir until they are assured of their security and a conducive working environment. And now, most of the affected teachers are camping at the Kenya National Union of Teachers headquarters

in Nairobi. Trouble began in November last year when militants from the Al-Shabaab terror groups ambushed a Nairobi bound bus and killed more than 20 teachers who were traveling home for December Holidays.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) says they will wait to hear from Cabinet Secretaries Josdeph Nkaissery (Interior) and Prof Jacob Kaimenyi of Ed-

ucation. “Those telling teachers to return to their work stations are not familiar with the horrifying situation that our teachers go through on the ground.

The only people we are waiting to hear from and have a serious dialogue on the matter with, are the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior Coordination Joseph Nkaissery and Jacob Kaimenyi,” said. Kuppet Secretary General Misori.

FREE STYLE: Learners in North Eastern Kenya are likely to remain untaught as the stalemate between teachers and the government remains unresolved.

organisation says that neither the speaker, his deputy nor the Sergeant at Arms could control the chaos in Parliament.

“Kenyans did not expect any law that is binding to them to be made in such a chaotic and shambolic atmosphere,” he stated.

Lempaa pointed out that a number of Standing Orders were violated during that particular session in Parliament.

He also stated that there was not enough time for public participation as the Bill was published on December 8 and assented to on December 19.

The Judges began their three-day hearing of the petition on Wednesday with the manner in which the legislation was passed brought into sharp focus on Thursday. Opposition lawyer James Orengo told the court that the law touches on county issues and should have been dealt with by both the National Assembly and the Senate. Orengo contended that there was confusion among the Speakers of the two Houses on how to treat the bill whereupon National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi sought to delete clauses relating to county governments.

While drawing attention to a series of correspondences between Muturi and Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro, he described the process followed as roughshod and asserted that the law as laid out was not adhered to.

He argued that the publication period was reduced to one day as opposed to the required 14 days and emphasised the need for both Houses to perform their functions in accordance with the Constitution.

Egyptian military targeted in deadly Sinai attacks At least 26 people, mostly soldiers, have been killed in a series of attacks by Islamist militants in the north of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

A car bomb and rockets hit military targets in provincial capital El-Arish.

Other attacks took place in the town of Sheik Zuwayid and in Rafah, near Gaza.

Militant group Sinai Province, which changed its named from Ansar Beit al-Maqdis when it pledged allegiance to Islamic State, said it carried out the “extensive, simultaneous” attacks.

The US condemned the attacks, saying it remained “steadfast in its support of the Egyptian government’s efforts to combat the threat of terrorism”.

The insurgents have intensified attacks since Egypt’s Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was ousted in 2013.

Correspondents say Thursday’s attacks were some of the worst anti-government violence in Egypt for months.

Tensions have also been raised across Egypt this week amid protests marking the anniversary of the 2011 uprising

that ousted then-leader Hosni Mubarak.

Security officials said rockets were first fired at police offices, a military base and a military hotel in El-Arish before a car bomb exploded at the rear gate of the military base. Several army checkpoints in the city were also targeted.

Newspaper al-Ahram said its El-Arish office - which is opposite the hotel and base - had been completely destroyed.

Four soldiers were wounded in an attack at a checkpoint outside El-Arish and an army major was later shot dead at a checkpoint in Rafah, medical and security sources said.

More than 50 people were wounded in Thursday’s attacks.

North Sinai has been under a state of emergency and a curfew since October when an attack on a checkpoint killed dozens of soldiers.

The army has launched major operations to try to quell violence in the region, but has so far failed.

Sinai Province has become the biggest threat, staging many attacks on security targets.

xnews | FRIday, JANUARY 30, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

Main STORY

BUSINESS

CBK EXCHANGE RATES 1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH

MEAN BUY SELL 91.4839 91.6228 91.5533 138.6428 138.8644 138.7536 103.3422 103.5150 103.4286 7.8770 7.8944 7.8857 31.1822 31.3389 31.2605 19.5148 19.6537 19.5843

Intel empowers African women with business skills About 60 upcoming young female technology entrepreneurs gained business skills during a one-day workshop funded by Intel.

The seminar, dubbed “Who wants to be a tech millionaire”, was organised by She Leads Africa, a Pan-African organisation which seeks to train women on business skills.

The entrepreneurs were trained on how to register businesses, conduct market survey and access funds, among other skills.

“The purpose of the workshop is to support young women interested in technology to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses,” said She Leads Africa Co-founder Ofua Osei.

Intel East Africa’s Lead for Software and Services Agatha Gikunda urged women to venture into technology. She said more awareness will demystify the sector.

“Participation of women in tech programmes has been minimal in the past as men seem to dominate the

programmes. There is need to reach out to women in the field and as Intel, we are looking to offer the women technical training, marketing and creating awareness of their apps ideas,” said Gikunda.

A beneficiary from the workshop, Tamara Nerima, said: “This was a great opportunity and I have learnt so much on how I can take my business to the next level and the relevant technologies from Intel that can propel my business.”

young achiever: Ann Kaliza owns Malaika Media, a fast growing multi-media business Rwanda. Pan-African organisation, She Leads Africa, which trains women on business skills, organised a one-day workshop for African business leaders in Nairobi.

McDonald’s CEO calls it a day after profits slide Don Thompson, McDonald’s CEO, has been fired after two and a half years.

He has been the CEO since 2012 but has worked for the company from 1990 when he joined as an engineer.

Pressure from investors frustrated by the company’s poor performance has been cited as the reason for his axe.

Last week, McDonald’s reported a 15 per cent fall in annual profits to $4.7billion (Sh431.2 billion).

The company continues to struggle with falling customer base in US. Sales in the US market were down by 4.1 per cent as US consumers continue to avoid McDonald’s in favour of other restaurants.

But it is not only in US, in Asia/

Pacific, Middle East and Africa markets sales were down 4per cent.

The China meat supplier scandal scared off customers and forced the company to find new sources for chicken and beef.

In Europe, sales have dropped by 2 per cent and in Russia, authorities forced several Moscow outlets to close over alleged hygiene

breaches back in August.

McDonald’s said its profits would remain under pressure for the next several months as it tries to lure consumers back with menu changes.

Thompson will be replaced by Steve Easterbrook, who is the company’s current chief brand officer. He will be the first nonUS chief executive.

Brands

Brands & Beyond Technologies Ltd

Coffe Garden Drive off Kiambu Rd. P.O. Box 16356-00100 Tel: 0722799959/0770411842/0722780032 info@brandsandbeyond.co.ke www.brandsandbeyond.co.ke

GLOBE WATCH

Why diamonds are getting cheaper The price of diamond, one of the most precious minerals in the world, is falling.

This week alone, two British companies that mine the rock, said prices for rough stones had fallen and will keep sliding.

The precious gem is also becoming less popular in some parts of the world.

Jewellers across the US are reporting an increase in couples looking for alternatives to diamond for engagement rings, including gemstones and bands.

History British company, Petra Diamonds, said

prices of rough diamonds fell by around 9 per cent in the last half of 2014. The price of the rock, which it sources from South African, will likely fall from $152 (Sh13,900) per carat to $130 (Sh11,900).

The fall has been linked to the closure of the Belgian-based Antwerp Diamond Bank in late 2014. Belgium is one of the world’s biggest diamond trading hubs and the bank was a major lender to the industry.

Implications Experts say retail prices could also drop if

stores across the globe are forced to start offering discounts due to rising demand for coloured stones over diamonds.

Ben Davis, a mining analyst at Liberum, a financial services group in London, says diamond demand is “always at the mercy of fashion.”

“It doesn’t help when Kate Middleton gets a big sapphire,” he says, referring to Prince William’s wife, the Duchess of Cambridge.

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BUSINESS FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Land prices in Nairobi are soaring fivefold, reveals HassConsult Land might soon get too expensive to grab. Real Estate Consultancy firm, HassConsult has published a report that revealed a fivefold increase in land prices in Nairobi’s nine fastest developing suburbs.

The suburbs include Karen, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Langata, Lavington, Runda, Spring Valley Upperhill and Westlands.

The report says that land in Naiobi’s Upperhill area is the most expensive land going for Sh470 million an acre followed by Kilimani at Sh370 million and Westlands at Sh360 million an acre. Langata land fetched

the lowest price at Sh46 million per acre followed by Runda at Sh66 million per acre.

Speaking during a press conference held in Nairobi, Stanlib Regional Head of Business Development, Felix Gichaga attributed the rise in prices to limited supply and high demand in land.

“The pressure in land prices is caused by the inherently limited supply of land close to key city center clusters. But it is not the case that such land can appreciate indefinitely.

Traditionally, once acreage reaches very high pricing levels, cities begin

ADVERT0rial Yvette Suppliers and Agencies cashes in on construction sector While many jobless graduates suffer under the unyielding yolk of unemployment, some entrepreneurs are raking in Sh18,000 an hour.

As Kenya’s construction industry experiences a steady growth, Yvette Suppliers and Agencies is one of the newest entrants, backed by the sharp mind and entrepreneurial drive of founder, Veronica Onchwati.

Founded in 2014, Yvette Suppliers and Agencies is a supplier of machine-cut stones, sand, ballast, round poles and other building materials. The construction sector has, time and again, proven to be a profitable industry with some individuals, small firms and relatively medium-sized

to evolve around simple nodes as is happening now in Nairobi. This makes the city’s evolving shape key to the choice of location for land buying,” said Gichaga. HassConsult Head of Research and Marketing, Sakina Hassanali said the price index is meant to act as a reference to guide property developers. She attributed the high prices in land to zoning and usage. Hassanali noted sharp rises in apartment asking prices and rents and that about three quarters of apartments are currently being bought to later be rented out by landlords.

Pest control firm steps up to save flower farmers from huge losses Kenya flower farmers have faced devastating losses as export markets reject their flowers since many of them arrive at their destinations ruined.

The situation is made worse by warnings from some importing countries threatening to tap into the Ethiopian flower market and thereby compromise the livelihoods of half a million people depending on the sector.

One flower company in Thika, on three occasions, had its entire flower consignment destroyed after pests were discovered in some of the flowers. The company lost Sh50 million.

Barnabas Muoka a flower farmer who also sources for flowers from smallholders for export, has had to grapple with traces of pests known as thrips in some of the flowers he buys.

When the pests were first discovered, he lost three major clients in the UK. And although Kenya is regarded as a leading global flower

businesses raking in as much as Sh18,000 an hour by just leasing their equipment.

Onchwati joins the ranks of others like the Bonfide Group, a company that leases lifting equipment, including cranes.

Such enterprises could not have come up at a better time.

South Africa based global research company, Frost & Sullivan, estimates that the East African construction industry was valued at $5.9 billion (Sh541 billion) in 2009 and could reach $9.3 billion (Sh853 billion) in 2016.

Their experts say this indicates sustainable business opportunities for those smart enough to cash in. Anyone looking for building materials can contact Ms Onchwati on 0708 862 259.

BUSINESS WISE

LOOK AT THAT: Felix Gichaga, Regional Head of Business Development, StanLib (left) and Ms. Sakina Hassanali, Head of Marketing and Research, Hass Consult, during the launch of the Land Price Index launch and the 2014 fourth quarter Hass Property Index.

exporter, recent market scares arising from a high toxin content and pest residues in flowers has seen some markets angling for Ethiopian flowers.

However, companies like Elgon Kenya, who supply 80 per cent of Kenya’s flower industry with inputs, have stepped up the war on pests and diseases with highly potent, fast responding and environmental friendly solutions.

In partnership with respected global brands, Elgon has taken the burden of identifying the most effective pest control weapons for flower farmers.

Elgon Kenya now distributes pest control products like Ringo L from the Sumitomo Company, Nando from Nufarm, Siapton from Chemtura and Azaka from Cheminova.

So far, they have subdued major pests like aphids, thrips and white flies in flowers, marking a new era for pest control within the industry.

Insecurity forces small business owners to sleep at their premises Insecurity is one of the top three challenges to small businesses in Kenya, researchers from Daystar University have found.

The challenge is second only to competition within the business environment and is closely followed by debt collection, another problem for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The survey covered small businesses like retail-based enterprises, shops, stores, eateries, boutiques and even hawkers.

“Security threats pose a great challenge

to businesses and many business owners and managers employ various means to help prevent or deter would-be criminals,” explain researchers, Samuel Mureithi and Michael Bowen from Daystar University, and Makarius Morara from Smart Outcome Services Ltd. The trio, which surveyed hundreds of small business owners, have discovered that 36 per cent of those responded ranked poor security among the top three challenges their businesses face. Out of these, 37.5 per

cent make use of security firms or guards to safeguard their businesses.

Roughly 22.2 per cent of them close early to avoid thugs while 6.9 per cent choose to carry their goods home.

The rest sleep in their business premises as a security measure.

This implies that the high cost of doing business, including security challenges, forces some business owners to make sacrifices or risk losing what they have worked so hard to build.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

ACCESS CELEBCHAT

CLOSET RAIDNDERASHIO MSHILA

10

He first came to the limelight with Mkwanja and made news with his song Tear it Up. But his songs were considered X-rated because of their steamy content. Is he ready to wear that label?

Xpat Mkwanja

raPPer wITH an X faCTOr

W

ho is Xpat Mkwanja?

Xpat Mkwanja is the reigning artiste of the year, according to Tecno Vybez Awards. I am also a hardworking individual, who is determined to achieve the best that he possibly can.

Why the name Xpat Mkwanja?

I am an expert, and I love mkwanja.

When I first started out, I was known as Xpat, but later acquired the name mkwanja after my first song with the same name.

When and how did you start out?

10 years ago, when I was in campus.

What are some of the challenges you faced when starting out?

As usual, monetary challenges.

Money is always a challenge, especially now that the industry requires heavy investments. That

means you cannot move at the required pace in terms of production.

Where do you draw inspiration for your music?

Inspiration for my music comes from local music legends who have built and nurtured the industry such as Juacali and Nonini. I also listen to different genres of music to give me song ideas.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Hardworking artistes inspire me immensely. They keep the music industry fresh and vibrant. I also look up to artistes who are business minded and explore different fields like having clothing lines and starting radio stations.

Which artistes have you worked with?

I have worked with Rabbit, Dogo

Richie and Rojo Mo. Which artistes would you like to work with?

I would like to work with Chameleon, AY, and Victoria Kimani. I find them very fascinating.

What are some of your greatest achievements?

My greatest achievement is winning the award as artiste of the year in Western Kenya. I have also gotten the opportunity to interact with different people.

Any regrets so far?

I loathe the way I waste money when it lands in my hands. I think I need a financial manager!!

What is next for Xpat ?

I see myself not only as a successful artiste, but as a business mogul with several businesses and a mentor in the next five years.

Mwafreeka hits out at Nigerians again!

Mwafreeka, aka Mwaf, is in the limelight again. A few weeks ago he hit out at Ice Prince for the Western influences in his videos. Now he has made a video to clear things up because he felt he has been misquoted for allegedly apologising for attacking Ice Prince. In the video he clarifies that he didn’t apologise for what the post said. He reiterated his earlier sentiment that Ice Prince was whack because he was trying to be American using the word nigga in almost every sentence. What beef is Mwaf playing at?

HOT TOPICS

Mwafreeka

factfile GOK Name: Richard Matendechere Omusalala Age: 27 Relationship status: Single Songs: Mkwanja, Tear It Up

Rabbit’s Kaka Empire signs on new artiste Kaka Empire Management, which is rapper Rabbit’s brain child, has signed on a new artiste, Raj. Raj is a rapper famous for songs Gakii and Ndizi Flow. King Kaka announced the news yesterday saying how his vision for the industry is growing. The Kaka Empire Management stable is currently managing Rabbit, Avril, FemiOne and comedian Owago.

Raj

8

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

SHOPPING

A blAst from the pAst.

The Mall, Westlands T

he Mall, in Westlands, is one of Nairobi’s oldest malls and for all the prestige it holds with that title, its age shows.

Sitting, along Ring Road Parklands, The Mall is situated next to Naivas Supermarket, Westlands outlet and across from Uchumi Westlands. The traffic to get there is quite brisk, so there shouldn’t be too many hoops to jump through.

The Mall is surrounded by similar low-rise buildings and the always-lively matatu route passes right in front of it. Like other malls in Nairobi, The Mall has a stunning water feature at the entrance of the complex. The fixture depicts two divers attached together by the feet, with one diver taking a leap into the fountain below and one with his eyes fixed at the sky. The sculpture is nice to look at but the fountain does not currently work, which is a bit of an eyesore to shoppers and a shame to the proprietors. The fountain would help to brighten up the otherwise dull interior decor of the building.

Eateries at the Mall are fe, with the only restaurant worth mentioning being the wonderful Haandi Indian restaurant.

Offering traditional Indian cuisine with an authentic backdrop, Haandi provides guests with a dining experience they will not forget, excellent service and an intense

HOT TOPICS

Kanye West

blend of flavours. Be advised, however, that their prices may be a bit on the steep side. If clothes and design are what you’re interested in, then look no further. This mall has everything you could be hunting for retail therapy. The tried and tested City Walk has a wide variety of stock including, but not limited to, bags, shoes, accessories and scents. City Walk sells products for both men and women which could be reasonably convenient to shoppers on the go.

The other clothes’ shops in the mall are: Franky Fashions, Droops Fashions, Just Fab Dazzle Collections and Michelle Michaels.

Some of the shops that demand some extra attention, and rightfully so, include D&T Collections, a bright and colourful store that sells designer clothing for children, and which might prove to be a big hit with the kids, Jaroch Fashions, an attractive men’s wear shop and surprise of surprises, The Goth Shop.

The Goth Shop is a hidden gem among the countless nondescript department stores at The Mall. It is a tattoo parlour and clothes shop that deals in gothic apparel, accessories and lifestyle and is bewilderingly tucked into a corner of the mall at the top floor. Everything, from body piercing embellishments to phone and laptop covers are vended at The Goth Shop.

North stars in Kanye music video

Kanye West has featured his daughter North ‘Nori’ West in the new video for his new song, Only One. In the video, the singer is seen serenading his one-yearold daughter and even cracking a smile, which is rare for the artiste. This is a break from the norm as the singer has been known to want his daughter out of the limelight as he had put his foot down on his daughter being featured on her mum’s reality TV series, Keeping up With the Kardashians.

A visit is highly recommended for anybody looking to explore their dark side.

When it comes to haircare, only one name has held the gold standard in Kenya for many years. Ashley’s Hair Salon continues to be a staple in the salon and barber world because of the quality of service they provide. The salon has in its existence received a Revlon International Award, among other accolades.

Ashley’s offers a number of treatments and products such as skin care products, hair products, wigs, Brazilian, Indian and human hair weaves and lace fronts. Their Salon Essentials department covers all salon and barber shop equipment— barber seats, shampoo units, spa seats, facial machines and so much more. Basically, anything anyone needs to start their salon or spa.

Pan Afric de Jewellers is also another bright spot at The Mall. The shop positively beckons from the outside a wall setup that showcases some of its wares and will no less catch your eye.

They supply jewellery ranging from wedding rings to necklaces and also polish and repair broken pieces.

An array of sporting goods is sold at the Nairobi Sports House, which is usually popular when buying back-to-school games equipment. It’s all there, helmets, hockey

sticks, backpacks even gym equipment is available for sale. But the shop itself could use an upgrade because it looks the same as it always has.

Medical facilities are available through Flame Tree Chemist, which provides blood sugar monitoring weight loss clinic and blood pressure monitoring services.

Meridian Medical Centre, located at the top floor, offers pre-employment medical examination, family planning advice and diagnosis and treatment of STDs among other services.

NIC Bank, Equity Autobranch and Equatorial Commercial Bank will take care of your money requirements at The Mall.

The emergency exits are also easy to spot and are quite spacious.

The elevator experience would get a definite one-out-of-ten as there are none present and the escalators don’t work, standing as a derelict set of metal steps—a bit redundant when there are other stairs in the mall already.

Another thing that needs checking is the signboard arrangement at the entrance, which leaves guests confused because there seems to be an underground level that is not expressly indicated on it. All in all if you want a blast from the past then, The Mall, Westlands is your destination.

Nazizi’s amazing body transformation Nazizi before

After

A few weeks ago, X Access ninjas reported that Nazizi had considerably lost weight and was looking great. Well, we were right.

The singer shared a progress picture of her weight loss journey online and people went berserk. They could not believe that it was the singer. The fitness is real! She received numerous praise from all quarters. Sauti Sol took to Instagram to congratulate her and tell her how amazing she looks. Did you miss it?

9

ACCESS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

WEEKENDPLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide.

SATURDAY

sporTpesA fesTivAL 2015 WHERE: Carnivore Grounds WHEN: 10am WHO: Eric Omondi, DJ Pierra Makena, Nameless, Juacali, Wyre, DJ MO, Size 8, Bahati, Jalango and Khaligraph Jones

SUnDAY

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

The godown gig

Live at the elephant

Joy Shambula

WHERE: Kanjata Road off James Gichuru, next to Msongari School WHEN: 8:00pm – 11:00pm WHO: Kwame & Winyo HOW MUCH: Advance Sh800. Gate Sh1, 200

The Koroga festival Juliani

WHERE: Nairobi Arboretum Park WHEN: Noon WHO: Sauti Sol, Juliani and Mayonde HOW MUCH: Early Bird Sh1,500, Gate Sh2,000

Out&about

WHERE: Godown Arts Centre WHEN: 2.00pm – 8.00pm WHO: Banny and Band, Orchestre les Mangelepa, Joy Shambula and the Hotsounds band HOW MUCH: free

coffee & cAKe @

C

offee houses have sprouted in almost every street corner in the city.

You cannot miss a Java, Gibson or Savanna on any Nairobi street. Café Deli is one of the new entrants in the coffee house business and already it is giving the veterans a run for their money.

Located on Moi Avenue, opposite Galitos, Café Deli automatically reels you in with its warm and homely ambience. The partitioned leather seats at the sides are ideal for group meetings while singles can occupy the individual

Café Deli seats in the middle of the coffee house. A look at the cake display stand automatically sends hunger signals and cravings to your brain and you start contemplating what to buy after seeing the tasty looking pastries and cakes on display.

The smiling waiters are usually quick on their feet and always ready to assist.

The cafe has plenty of power outlets so you can charge your electronic devices while enjoying some hot cup of latte which costs Sh250 for a double. The WIFI

access has quite decent speeds for normal browsing purposes.

Their menu comprises a wide selection of meals and refreshments not just coffee.

From freshly squeezed juices, to thick milkshakes, to tasty salads and sandwiches, Café Deli has them all.

Full meals including chicken, fish or steak range from Sh500 to Sh850, all of which are accompanied by either rice or chips. The salads are well dressed with either a thousand island or vinaigrette dressing.

Please do not leave the place without trying out their white forest cake although quite pricey with a piece going for Sh330, it is worth it. Their juices go for Sh180, for a small cup, and Sh280 large size.

The only thing the place has to really think about is getting more space, especially at peak times when getting a seat can prove to be quite an uphill task.

Also due to its location, parking in the CBD can be quite a hassle as we all know. Next time you are in town, pop in and sample what Café Deli has to offer.

10

ACCESS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

FASHIONScoop

DeeDee, the host of kiss tv’s Live on BLast is casually classy.

What is the one fashion item that you cannot leave the house without? Lipstick.

It turns a simple day look into a killer evening look.

How would you describe your fashion style? Classy, effortless and comfortable.

What is your best fashion accessory?

A smile. It the most appealing curve a woman can flaunt.

What is your favourite fashion colour?

I do not have one. They are too many awesome colours out there to just limit yourself to one.

CLOSET RAID

NDERAISHO MSHILA

W

hose fashion style do you admire locally and internationally?

My mum is my fashion idol. She always looks stylish even when she’s just relaxing at home.

Internationally, I really admire Patricia Bright’s style.

What is the fashion advice that you live by?

A girl should be two things; classy and fabulous- Coco Chanel

Patricia Bright

TOP 10 TRaCKS TRACKS TOP

Wale

The body

Nicki

Get on your knees

What is your guilty pleasure (fashion wise)?

Jewelry. They can make any outfit look fabulous.

Who is your favourite fashion designer internationally and locally?

Locally, KikoRomeo and internationally, Diane von Fürstenberg.

Imagine Dragons

Dej Loaf

Sia

I bet my life

Try me

Elastic heart

Tamar

Let me know

Ne-Yo

G-Eazy

ILoveMakonnen

Omarion

She knows

I mean it

Tuesday

Post to be

PLAY 11 FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 If you’ve considered a career in healing, psychic, or spiritual studies or the creative arts, Capricorn, today the opportunity to make that dream a reality could come your way. Your own psychic and artistic abilities should be operating at a very high level, so don’t be intimidated.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 This could be due to a recent wonderful encounter with a love partner. Since then, listening to romantic music may have enhanced your feelings. You will want to schedule another meeting, but you might hold back because you don’t want to seem pushy. Go ahead and call your friend.

FRIday 23/01/2015

sunny

26

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 A very beautiful, romantic dream could inspire exalted artistic activities today, Pisces. You might want to paint, draw, write, compose music, sew, or cook up a new recipe. You will want to show your work to others and seek their opinions and approval.

26ºC 43%

SATURday 24/01/2015

More sun than clouds

27 6:39 am 6:50 pm

26ºC 38%

6:39 am 6:50 pm

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 You may decide to register for a seminar or workshop of some kind. If you sign up today, all signs are that you will not only attain the results you want but you will also meet some interesting new people. Among them could be a potential love partner. Go for it, and have fun.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Love, passion, romance, and marriage - your mind will focus on these matters all day even if there’s no special person in your life right now, Gemini. If you are involved, don’t be surprised if talk of a long-term commitment creeps into your conversations with your beloved.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 The approach of a very special visitor might cause you to thoroughly clean your house, Cancer.

Afterward, you could look for new and interesting ways to dress it up with some new plants, throw pillows, or other decorative touches. Work hard and then make yourself look great.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Your financial situation could get a strong boost today, Virgo. This might be due to a contract you’ve just signed, perhaps involving some work you will do on your own rather than for an employer. The project may have strong personal significance. Go for the gold!

MUSTREAD

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 You could read about alternative methods regarding diet, herbs, aromatherapy, massage, or acupuncture. Whether or not you ever practice any of these professionally, learning about them should transform your life for the better on both physical and emotional levels.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Today you might decide to sign up for an advanced course of some kind, Scorpio. This might include world religions or perhaps meditation. Stay out of bookstores, both physical and online.

You might spend a fortune on books on your chosen subject. Prepare to be transformed.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 A group of friends may invite you to attend a festival or workshop involving the creative arts or metaphysical studies, or perhaps both, Sagittarius. You might resist at first, but once you get there you will find the subject and instructor captivating. You will want to remember them later.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

YOURSAY

The Liar’s Chair — by Rebecca Whitney Rachel and her husband appear to be living a highly fulfilling life. With a big house and a successful business, life is going great for the couple. But the relationship is fuelled by control rather than love. David does not know that his wife is an alcoholic. On her way home one night, she is involved in a hit-and-run accident and kills a man. She has to come clean and tell David what transpired. Her husband destroys all the evidence of the accident and asks Rachel to go back to living normal life. But Rachel is feeling guilty about what happened and cannot forget about what happened. She starts becoming destructive and in the process annoys her husband. He carefully plans and controls how their life would appear to others only for Rachel to put into jeopardy. Their lives will not go down the drain; at least not if he has anything he can do about it.

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

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.

Government should not impose highway tax Did I read somewhere that motorists will be taxed to use highways? (Motorists to pay toll levies from March.

Thursday, January 29, 2015).

I hope this is not true.

The amount of cash the

26

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 The wedding of a friend may contribute to these thoughts. Your partner may still have doubts about moving to the next level of commitment, even though there’s no question that he or she truly loves you. Be patient and hold your tongue. You will know when the time is right.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Romantic novels and movies could be more appealing than usual today, Leo. You’re in an especially intense mindset. If you’re involved, your relationship could be near the point where it has to move ahead or end. Be prepared, and expect the unexpected.

Sunday

Government collects from us is already mind-boggling.

I can’t even fathom why anyone would think asking people to pay to use a road makes sense. We might as well just drive

through jungles and let the Government enjoy its roads.

-Jane, Nk., Nairobi

winning captions

1. The most visited bar in January-Jillo James Musa, Nairobi 2. Welcome to my office, people-Betty Sankale. Nairobi 3. My mother wanted me to get an office job, so I created on -I.M.M.

12

PLAY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Indian beast of burden 5. Note in a soprano’s range 10. Author Martin or Kingsley 14. Collar 15. Mosque god 16. Scandinavian goddess of fate 17. Warner’s statement after the fact 19. Quiet exercise 20. Drum used to accompany a fife 21. Small floor covering 23. Small batteries 26. Where St. Paul preached 27. Not just a fib 32. __ pro nobis 33. Treasure chest 34. Squeeze with force 38. Trip to Mecca 40. Gets ready for surgery 42. Morales in movies 43. Like sunflowers 45. Farm plantings 47. Suffix with Gator 48. Unlikely Planned Parenthood member 51. Volleyball player 54. Cancel a correction 55. Practice Zen 58. IBM offerings of the ‘80s 62. Author/lecturer Wiesel 63. Jimmy Buffett fan 66. Signs of summer 67. Oscars’ cousins 68. ‘Orinoco Flow’ singer 69. Latvian 70. Goldblume of “Hill Street Blues” 71. Regina’s prov.

Down 1. Time: Ger. 2. Old comic strip character Kett 3. Hardly a genius 4. Get rid of 5. Stable serving 6. UN workers’ agcy.

7. Satiate 8. Sauteed leftovers 9. Designed for group singing 10. All-inclusive location 11. Roger of “The Saint” TV series 12. Militant Zionist group in Palestine 13. Hosiery risks 18. “Rough” writing 22. Of hearing 24. Org. for senior citizens 25. Discolor by burning 27. Danish Nobelist Niels 28. Venezuelan copper center 29. 1975 hit by Styx 30. U.S. tennis great 31. Bus stations 35. Mil. branch 36. Popular Anglo-Nigerian singer 37. Yesterday, in Dijon 39. Most spasmodic 41. Flyspeck 44. Kind of soda 46. Dozed 49. Wine source 50. Needs scratching 51. Sense 52. West Indies volcano 53. Chucklehead 56. Make compact, as pipe tobacco 57. First name in wit 59. Actress Malone of “Stepmom” 60. Sun emanations 61. Pierre’s state: Abbr.

64. Rembrandt van ____ 65. Bear in Barcelona

DAILY WISDOM “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”

— Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked what type of earning was best, and he replied: ” A man’s work with his hands and every (lawful) business transaction.”

—Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 846.

“A spirtually illumined soul lives in the world, yet is never contaminated by it.”

— Swami Bhaskarananda

“To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.”

— Buddha

“A large chair does not make a king.”

— Sudanese proverb

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

— Steve Jobs “Politics in the true sense, have to do with the prosperity, peace and security of the people.”

— Henry Ford

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Sport FRIday, JANUARY 30, 2015

it’s a tough run Fight for Kenya Cup rugby slots intensifies P.14

FA charge Costa for stamp in Liverpool clash Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct after an alleged stamp following the Capital One Cup semifinal with Liverpool on Tuesday.

The Chelsea striker, 26, faces a threematch ban for the challenge on defender Emre Can during the team’s 1-0 victory.

If found guilty, the Spaniard may miss Saturday’s league match against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

He will be charged for the first of two alleged stamps that were not spotted by referee Michael Oliver.

He also appeared to stand on central defender Martin Skrtel in the Liverpool penalty box in the second half.

The first-half incident involving Can

took place close to the technical area and prompted angry responses from the Liverpool player.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers told his post-match press conference: “He could easily hurdle over the young player and he directs his studs right on to his ankle, which could’ve been nasty.”

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said after the game he feels the Brazil-born Spain international is being targeted unfairly.

The Blues, who won 2-1 on aggregate, will face winners of Wednesday’s second semi-final involving Tottenham or Sheffield United, in the final at Wembley on Sunday, 1 March.

arrogance: Costa, 26, faces a three-match ban for a challenge on defender Emre Can during the team’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool.

Real plan to rename stadium Arsenal sign Paulista as Abu Dhabi Santiago Bernabeu Campbell joins Villarreal Real Madrid are set to rename their Bernabeu Stadium (pictured below) as part of a sponsorship deal with United Arab Emirates-based International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC).

The two parties in October agreed the partnership believed to be worth up to Sh51.5billion over a period of 20 years.

It includes naming rights for Bernabeu, Real’s home since 1947. The stadium also hosted the 1982 World Cup Final.

The name the parties have settled on is thought to be The Abu Dhabi Santiago Bernabeu, though another possibility is The Cepsa (a subsidiary Spanish company) Santiago Bernabeu.

The decision will be approved by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Perez

has insisted that the stadium’s heritage is honoured by retaining the words ‘Santiago Bernabeu’ - the club’s former player, manager and president who oversaw the initial construction.

Perez secured the sponsorship to raise funds for the long-planned renovation of the stadium. The facility is expected to be completed in 2017 and will increase the capacity to around 90,000 from the current 81,000. It will incorporate a retractable roof along with a number of contemporary design features.

“I’m killing myself to create the best stadium in the world,” Perez told the club’s annual General Assembly in September.

“If you want to do it without debt, the only possibility is that we take a sponsor’s

name which could give us the 400 or 500 million euros the new stadium is worth.

“We have spoken to 10 companies to see if someone is capable of attaching their name to the Bernabeu. I have said I will do [the renovations to] the stadium and I am going to do it, but I have to overcome all the difficulties.”

Real Madrid have a strong presence in UAE, with Dubai government-owned airline Emirates serving as shirt sponsors since 2013.

The club also have tentative plans to open a Disneyland-style theme park in UAE. It has removed the Christian cross from its official logo in Arabic marketing campaigns to avoid offending local sensibilities.

Arsenal have signed Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista (inset) for Sh1.55billion with forward Joel Campbell joining the Spanish side on loan until summer.

Brazilian Gabriel, 24, was everpresent for Villarreal this term and could face Aston Villa on Sunday.

He said: “I had a talk with my family and I told them it was my dream to play in the Premier League.

“The fans can expect a Gabriel that on the field has a lot of will to be able to help the team win important things.”

Arsenal were granted a work permit for Gabriel, who can play at centreback or full-back, on Monday. He joined Villarreal from Brazilian club Vitoria in 2013.

Gabriel is available for selection for Arsenal’s Premier League home clash with Villa.

Campbell, 22, has signed a new long-

term contract with the Gunners before heading to Villarreal for the rest of the season.

He signed for Arsenal in 2011 from Costa Rican club Deportivo Saprissa SAD but has yet to score the Gunners.

He has been loaned out to French club FC Lorient, Spanish side Real Betis and Greek outfit Olympiakos in the past.

Blatter confirms re-election attempt Fifa President Sepp Blatter confirmed he has submitted bid to run for reelection on Thursday, the deadline day for nominations to be handed in.

“Today is a key date in the electoral calendar. I’ve made my submission, now the electoral committee follow a process,” the 78-year-old said on Twitter.

Blatter, who has been in charge of soccer’s governing body since 1998,

is running for a fifth mandate. He is overwhelming favourite to win on May 29 in Zurich.

Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, former Fifa official Jerome Champagne of France, ex-France international David Ginola, former Portugal forward Luis Figo and Dutch FA president Michael van Praag are also on the race to replace Blatter.

14

SPORT FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

Riders’ season opener moves to Jamhuri Park The opening round of the Kenya National Motocross Championship gets underway at Nairobi’s Jamhuri Park racetrack this Sunday with several riders moving up to higher classes.

The event, organised by East African Motrosport Club, also revs-off the busy 2015 Kenya Motorsport Calendar which includes rallying, autocross and rally raid championships.

The 2015 Motocross Championship ushers in a new category for ladies.

What this means is that the Ladies Class will race as combined age/capacity class as one class. However, the Jury will decide if there are sufficient entries to divide the Class into Lites and open.

“Veterans and Masters” will race

as one class for the second year running, according to motocross NCRs (National Competition Rules) released this week. If there are insufficient minimum entries to form both classes, then 2 bonus points will be allocated to the Master Riders.

Meanwhile, riders moving from MX50 to MX65 are outgoing MX50 champion Jet Takkunen, Tyler Huth, Lemayan Waiyaki, Rafe Garner and Mali Nyachae (girl rider). Those moving up from MX65 to MX85 are Zennie Mokaya, Connor Chesterman and outgoing 65cc champion Maina Wanjigi.

Those moving from MX85 to MX125 are Elias Sherman (85 cc champ),

Alex Moi and Orobia Malungu.

Andre Antoine is graduating from MX 125 to MX2. Mike Berman moves from Veterans class to MX1.

There will be 2 new riders from Uganda in MX85 and some newcomers in MX50.

Maxine Wahome, Kenya’s top lady rider, remains in MX125. She will be carrying an injury from practice this race.

MX1 has the usual suspects in Tutu Maina and defending champion Ivan Guya.

Meanwhile, Kenya will host the 2015 FIM Africa Enduro Championship.

The event, organised by EAMSC, will double up as the third round of the National Enduro Championship.

CRANK UP: The opening round of the Kenya National Motocross Championship gets underway at Nairobi’s Jamhuri Park racetrack this Sunday.

Murray beats Berdych to storm into finals Andy Murray reached the fourth Australian Open final of his career after he overcame Tomas Berdych 6-7(6) 6-0 6-3 7-5 in their semi-final at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

Murray had to come from a set down to beat Berdych, but the British No.1 will get another chance of winning the grand slam that has so far eluded him on three occasions.

The 27-year-old, who finished runner-up to Roger Federer in 2010 and Novak Djokovic in 2011 and 2013, lost an epic first set against Berdych on the tie-break, but rallied to level with a second-set bagel.

Berdych faltered again in the third as Murray began to turn the screw. His opponent provided resistance in the fourth set, but the Scot held firm to book his place in Sunday’s final.

Murray said aggressiveness was key to his victory.

“I was disappointed to lose the first set, I had a couple of chances at the end, I was disappointed but felt I started to play better as the set went on and I was very aggressive at the beginning of the second set.,” says Murray.

“I changed tactics a little bit and I was getting more comfortable with the conditions, with Tomas’s ball. He hits the ball hard and I got used to that. I tried to play aggressive, after losing a tough one like the first it was important to get the momentum back.”

Fight for Kenya Cup rugby slots intensifies

HURRAY MURRAY: Andy Murray celebrates after defeating Tomas Berdych 6-7(6) 6-0 6-3 7-5 in their semi-final at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

The push for Kenya Cup promotion goes a notch higher in the Nairobi and Coast regional leagues which enter their quarter final stage this weekend.

USIU, Pool A table toppers host Masaku who finished fourth in Pool B. USIU last featured in the top tier during the 2007 season and are definitely keen on a return to Kenya Cup action after a long hiatus.

Masaku are keen to spoil USIU’s party in their quest to proceed further in the quest for top flight action next season.

Stormers RFC, runners up in Pool A are at home to Comras who placed third in Pool B.

Pool B winners Technical University of Kenya (TUK) play the fourth placed team from Pool A, Nazarene.

Impala III, runners up in Pool B play Mwamba III in the final fixture. The Nairobi regional finalists will qualify for the National quarter final playoffs.

The Coast region league is also in its quarter final phase this weekend with one berth in the national quarter finals up for grabs from this region.

The three other regional leagues namely Rift Valley, Western and Central are yet to complete their round robin matches.

SPORT 15 FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

How to play 1. Register SMS the word ‘GAME’ to 79079. You will receive a message confirming that your SPESA account has been opened.

2. Top up your account Deposit money in your MPesa, Airtel Money, Orange Money or Yu Cash.

Once deposited send the amount you want to your SPESA account, using MPesa Paybill 955100, Airtel Money Paybill SPORTPESA, Orange Money Paybill 079079 or Yu Cash Paybill 107079 3. Place a bet Send an SMS in the following format to 79079: GAME ID#(OUTCOME i.e 1, X or 2)#AMOUNT OF MONEY. For instance, in tomorrow’s match between Manchester City and Chelsea, if you want to bet Sh100 for a Man City win, you will send the following SMS to 79079: 6112#1#100

Weekend matches predictions

Liverpool V W. Ham

West Brom Vs Spurs

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

Liverpool were unable to find a way through a resolute Bolton defence marshalled by Adam Bogdan in their FA Cup tie on Saturday. The result means a replay at Bolton which will further congest Liverpool’s fixture list. Sturridge nears return and could make the bench for the game.

West Ham have enjoyed a great campaign thus far under Big Sam. The Hammers have been dominant at home but have not been so successful on the road.

XSport: 2-1 Liverpool Ann: 1-1 Felix: 1-0 West Ham Game ID: A6864 Pick 1(Liverp X (Draw) 2 (W Ham win) win)

West Bromwich Albion made it three unbeaten matches when they held Everton to a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park on Monday night. The Baggies sit 14th in the Premier League after picking up five points from their last two fixtures, three points clear of relegation zone. Spurs star Christian Eriksen bagged late winner and three points for his side when they faced Sunderland in Gameweek 22. With Arsenal not playing until Sunday, Spurs could take 5th spot in the Premier League with a win at The Hawthorns.

XSport: 2-1 West Brom Ann: 1-0 Spurs Felix: 2-2 Game ID: N5892 Pick 1(W. Bro X (Draw) 2 (Spurs win) win)

Odd

1.57

3.60

4.87

Bet Amount

Odd

2.78

3.03

2.32

100

100

100

100

100

100

Possible win (KSh)

Bet Amount

157

360

487

Possible win (KSh)

278

303

232

Sunderland Vs Burnley SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

Crystal Palace Vs Everton SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

Sunderland thought they had picked up a point from their trip to White Hart Lane before Eriksen scored late on to leave Sunderland empty-handed.

The Black Cats have lost four of their last five outings and need to turn things around. Burnley visit the North East having lost just once in their last four matches. The Clarets sit level on points with their Saturday hosts with the winner securing some breathing room from the Relegation Zone.

XSport: 1-0 Sunderland Ann: 2-1 Burnley Felix: 1-1

Palace seem to have turned the corner under Alan Pardew’s leadership. The Eagles have won the last two EPL matches and progressed in the FA Cup with an impressive away win at Southampton on Saturday. Chamakh bagged a brace in the Cup to give his boss a selection headache for the Everton game. The Toffees have been unable to build any sort of momentum this Season and have picked up just two points from a possible 18 in the Premier League.

XSport: 2-1 Palace Ann: 2-2 Felix: 2-1 Everton

Game ID: 8558 Pick 1 (Sund win)

Game ID: Q2725 Pick 1 (Cryst X (Draw) 2 (Evert win) win)

Odd

2.01

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

201

X (Draw) 2 (Burn win) 3.37

Odd

2.66

2.96

2.46

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

307

337

Possible win (KSh)

266

296

246

3.07

Chelsea Vs Man City

Sassuolo vs Inter

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

Chelsea host Manchester City in the pick of the Gameweek 23 fixtures. Both sides are looking to take a step towards winning the league title.

Chelsea have won their last two League fixtures after scoring seven goals and conceding none since their shocking fall at Spurs. City have been in poor form by their standards, winning just one in the last four in the Premiership games following their 2-0 defeat when Arsenal visited The Etihad.

XSport: 2-2 Ann: 2-1 Chelsea Felix: 3-2 City Game ID: G3267 Pick Odd 0755 079 079 0709 079 079

1 (Chels X (Draw) 1 (M.City win) win) 1.92

Bet Amount

100

Possible win (KSh)

192

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

Following a great run of form which saw Sassuolo climb up the standings, they were unable to hold off a struggling Cagliari side and left Sardinia empty handed. Despite dominating possession, Inter failed to create any real chances and paid the ultimate price when Torino scored in the final minute to hand the Nerazzuri yet another home loss. This is a must win for Mancini’s side though I suspect a draw is the most likely outcome.

XSport: 1-1 Ann: 2-1 Sassuolo Felix: 1-0 Inter Game ID: 3740 Pick 1 (Sassu X (Draw) 2 (Inter win) win)

3.44

Odd

2.77

3.O7

2.31

100

100

Bet Amount

100

100

100

324

344

Possible win (KSh)

277

307

231

3.24

xnews | friday, january 30, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

africa cup of nations 2015 AFCON QUARTERS (SATURdAy) CONGO vS CONGO dR EQ.GUINEA vS TUNISIA.

Guinea through, Mali out

TOOTH AND NAIL: Mali’s Seydou Keita (L) challenges Guinea’s Boubacar Fofana during their 2015 African Cup of Nations Group D soccer match in Mongomo on January 28. INSET: CAF General Secretary holds up the number two designating Guinea as the quarter-finalists.

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Mali’s tournament is over after Guinea won the drawing of lots.

Guinea have reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals at the expense of Mali after the drawing of lots.

Michel Dussuyer’s side will face Ghana on Sunday following the draw at a Malabo hotel.

Guinea and Mali had finished level in Group D after they drew all three pool matches 1-1.

It is the first time lots have decided a team’s qualification in the tournament since 1988, when Algeria profited at Ivory Coast’s expense.

This time, Ivory Coast finished top of Group D in Equatorial Guinea after beating Cameroon 1-0 - the only match in the group not to finish in a 1-1 draw.

One representative from Guinea and Mali took part in Thursday’s draw, which involved selecting balls from a bowl.

Mali’s football association president Boubacar Diarra

went first and pulled out the ball that placed them third in the group.

With Diarra in tears, Amara Dabo, financial director of the Guinea sports ministry, then drew the ball that confirmed his side in second place.

Dabo said: “The god of football fortune has smiled upon Guinea after this hard long journey.” Former Mali international and exTottenham and West Ham striker Frederic Kanoute, 37, expressed his disappointment at the drawing of lots to decide who went through.

He tweeted: “This is no longer sport. But courage to our Guinean brothers.”

Guinea coach Dussuyer and Mali boss Henri Kasperczak had also both said before Thursday’s draw that it was an unfair way of separating the teams. “Mali do not deserve to be eliminated in this way, just as we do not,” Dussuyer said.

Kasperczak added: “We have to solve the problems of qualification without a drawing of lots.”

dESERT FOxES TO FACE OFF ElEphANTS IN AFCON QUARTER FINAlS ClASh At least one of the leading contenders for the Africa Cup of Nations title will be eliminated at the weekend when Algeria meet the Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals.

Sunday’s clash in Malabo between two teams who took part in last year’s World Cup is the headline game of the last eight as the three-week tournament enters the knockout stage.

Ghana, another of the African sides who featured in Brazil six months ago, play Guinea in Malabo earlier on Sunday.

On Saturday, hosts Equatorial Guinea seek to continue their fairy-tale run

liverpool striker Sturridge ‘anxious’ about return

when they face Tunisia in Bata after a derby between Congo and neighbours the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Matches previously scheduled for the small eastern town of Ebibeyin and Mongomo have been moved because of fears over security and the condition of the pitches.

Algeria, the leading African team in the Fifa rankings, have continued their marked improvement over the last 12 months, including taking Germany to extra time at the World Cup. Since then five wins out of six in Nations Cup qualifying have been followed by victories in the group stage

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is “anxious and excited” as he prepares to return from five months out injured.

The 25-year-old said that the mental side of his game has improved during his layoff.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will decide if Sturridge will play Saturday’s game against West Ham. The former Chelsea striker has not played since suffering a thigh injury while on England duty in September.

Since then he has injured his calf and thigh again.

Sturridge, who had been expected to take on a key role following striker Luis

over South Africa and Senegal.

But Ivory Coast, who got off to a slow start before eliminating Cameroon in a crunch game on Wednesday, are now brimming with confidence.

“We are three steps from the deciding game and the teams in the quarter-final can’t help but dream of the final.

We will not lose this quarterfinal,” said coach Herve Renard, who will have forward Gervinho back from suspension. Ghana will start as favourites against Guinea, whose place in the last eight was secured on Thursday when they won a rare drawing of lots to pip Mali to second place in their group.

Suarez’s move to Barcelona, scored once in his three games for Liverpool before his injury.

In his absence, Rickie Lambert is the club’s top-scoring striker with three goals. Midfielder Steven Gerrard is their overall top scorer with nine.

“Words can’t describe what he’s done for Liverpool as well as his country,” Sturridge said. “He’s still a role model of mine. I look up to him, I think everyone in the squad does. He’ll be sorely missed - he’s somebody who’s given me a lot of experience and helped me to improve as a person and a footballer.

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