201502016 xnew

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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make it official cs kambi told to record statement over murder

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showcase Futons designers set to hold furniture exhibition

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new frontiers rapper NAZIZI ACTING IN NEW TELEVISION DRAMA SERIES

NEWS

Kenya 7s floor Argentina to lift Bowl title in Las Vegas

Usain Bolt confirms he will retire after 2017 World Championships

Digital switch: CAK to punish 4 stations

T

he stand-off between TV channels NTV, KTN, Citizen, QTV against the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) could escalate after the regulator threatened on Sunday to punish them for switching themselves off on the digital platform.

The four stations on Saturday removed themselves

from the digital platform.

CAK forcefully shut down the analogue platform on which they were operating following a Supreme Court ruling on Friday that gave the agency the goahead to implement digital migration procedures.

CAK Director General Francis Wangusi told a news conference on Sunday the authority will take action

against the four stations for breaching regulations.

“They must face the consequences,” Wangusi said after the stations turned off their digital signals.

This denied viewers chance to access them on DSTV, ZUKU and other platforms.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Inspecting community projects

P.8

The Big Knot Laudiscus Mande and Elizabeth Wagaki spent Sh928,000 on their wedding, and it was worth every penny.

P.9

Laughter galore on lovers’ day The country’s top comedians perfomed in various venues on Saturday.

P.10

THIS IS OUR WORK: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta looks at fish tanks managed by youth groups in Kibera, where she had gone to inspect some of the community projects funded by her ‘Beyond Zero’ initiative this morning.

Fashion parade x-news.co.ke

Designer James Baya showcased interesting new collection.

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NEWS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

CAK to punish digital ‘rebel’ stations From Page 1 “Whether they were advised or not, whether they were emotional or not we will act. In this day and age emotions don’t work. Facts work. So I think they will pay for their emotions,” Wangusi said.

Soon after the four stations went off air on Saturday, DSTV put up a statement on

Twitter urging viewers interested in news to watch other channels.

“Dear subscribers, please be advised that Citizen, KTN, NTV and QTV have terminated their channels on all available platforms resulting in the loss of signal. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” the statement said.

But in a rejoinder, the media houses said they are being coerced to migrate. They

say the Supreme Court decision meant they deserved more time to migrate.

The stations that have so far remained closed following the switch off of analogue transmitters in Limuru shortly after 1 pm Saturday said they took the action because they want to carry their content.

“Forcing the three media houses to provide channels to either Pang or Signet

will be inconsistent with the right to carry our content,” they claimed in a joint statement.

But Wangusi said the CAK board would meet soon to decide what penalty to issue to the media houses, including “withdrawal of the licenses.”

ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who spoke at the news conference on Sunday condemned the action by the

media houses, terming it as an attempt to intimidate the authority.

“They can stay off as long as they want.

But we are not going back on digital migration and they better get that loud and clear. So if these are the tricks intended to intimidate or manipulate the Government, they had better think again,” the CS said.

Daring Kenyan crawls to take bronze medal after collapsing on finishing lap Kenya’s Hyvon Ngetich brought the crowd to tears when she crawled to third place at Sunday’s Austin Marathon after collapsing as she led the women’s elite race.

Ngetich was well on course for victory at the 23 mile mark, but by the time she got to the finish line, her body gave in and was crawling on all fours.

Race volunteers were there with a wheelchair, which she refused to use. She even had to pause to gather up her energy to continue her determined crawl to the finish.

Austin Marathon race director John Conley later said to her, “You ran the bravest race and crawled the bravest crawl I have ever seen in my life. You have earned much honour, and I am going to adjust your prize money, so you get the same prize money you would have gotten if you were second.”

Compatriots Betram Keter of Kenya won the men’s in 2:16:21 with Cynthia Jerop passing her crawling countrywoman to take the women’s race in 2:54:22.

Ngetich’s personal record in the marathon is 2:34:42.

“I was like winning, you know. I was 500 kilometers in front. I looked back and I didn’t see anybody,” said Ngetich.

Things didn’t go as planned for Ngetich.

“For the last two kilometres, I don’t remember. Finish line, I have no idea,” said Ngetich.

Ngetich was running on empty with less than a mile to go. Her body shut down on the final stretch.

“When she came around the corner on her hands and knees, I have never, in 43 years of being involved in this sport, have seen a finish like that,” said Race Director John Conley.

“Running, always you have to keep going, going,” said Ngetich.

With nurses by her side, she crawled inch-by-inch down Congress Avenue. If anyone helped her, Ngetich would have been disqualified. So the crowd watched

voxpop....

as she struggled and cheered as she pushed through the pain.

“They saw that spirit and that hard-wired athletic commitment to get to the finish,” said Conley.

“I remember the lady, the bicycle lady, she was telling me, ‘You are almost,’ so I was just like going because I’m almost,” said Ngetich.

With every last drop of determination

she had, Ngetich crossed the finish line on her hands and knees.

“Oh God, thank you, I crossed,” said Ngetich.

Just before Ngetich finished, Austin

runner Hannah Steffan passed her and took second place.

“Ngetich finished without any help and got a very honorable third place,” said Conley.

Was the Government right in shutting down analogue TV signal? Was the decision by local TV stations to switch off digital transmission in retaliation to the Government order justified?

Angela Kenya

Clifford Okeri Kenyans have paid for the digital services and I think it is unfair for us not to receive them. The media houses are infringing on our rights to information. We want to get news on time.

The media houses are doing a big injustice to us.

Susan Obonyo The Government is right in shutting down analogue signals only if they avail affordable set up boxes for us to buy. Current ones are too expensive. It is not okay for media houses to switch off signals but they are in it to make money and guard their interests.

Robert Momanyi The Government and media houses are wrong. Digital services are too expensive and are unreliable. We have other expenses like rent, school fees and food that we should be thinking about but instead we are paying for services we are not utilising.

It was not right for the Government to shut down analogue signals.

The set up boxes are too expensive for mwananchi. For the media houses, we have to understand they are in business and it is not good for them to continue making losses.

NEWS 3 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

CARTOONSPEAK

NEWS BRIEFS

College degrees to be obsolete from June 2015

Forever alone: Scientists might soon find ‘cure’ for love With just few days after Valentine’s Day, lonely singles may not have to suffer heartache much longer as scientist work tirelessly to find a ‘cure’ for the mind-boggling phenomenon known as love.

According to modern science, there might be some truth to the age-old saying that ‘love is a drug’. “Recent brain studies show extensive similarities between the effects of certain addictive drugs and experience of being in love,” says Neuroscientist, Brian D. Earp, and a Research Fellow at the Oxford University. Anti-love drugs are unofficially already in use, with Earp noting that in Israel, some extremely Orthodox Jews have prescribed antidepressants to young Jewish students to reduce their libido.

Degrees offered by colleges under the regulation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority will not be recognised beginning June this year. This is after the Commission for University Education ordered universities that have always partnered with such institutions to offer degree course to cut such links beginning June this year. CUE chief executive David Some said the University Regulations Act 2014 requires that that partnership stops by mid this year.

And in Japan, some men are already taking part in an ‘anti-love’ social phenomenon dubbed ‘Herbivore men’ that has males shunning girlfriends or marriage to focus on their own lives.

“You can imagine a situation in which a person’s experience of love is so profoundly harmful, yet so irresistible, that it undermines their ability to think rationally for themselves,” he elaborates.

“Some people in dangerous relationships know they need to get out, and even want to, but are unable to break their emotional attachment,” Earp says. “If, for example, a woman in an abusive relationship could access medication that would help her break ties with her abuser,” he says.

Labour CS Kambi told to record statement over Muchai murder

NAMES PLEASE, SIR: Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery now wants his Labour counterpart Kazungu Kambi (pictured) to record a statement with the police on what he knows about the killing of Kabete MP George Muchai. Kambi publicly announced during Muchai’s funeral on Friday that he knows the powerful people behind the killing Muchai.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery now wants his Labour counterpart Kazungu Kambi to record a statement with the police on what he knows about the killing of Kabete MP George Muchai.

This is in relation to Mr Kambi’s remarks on Friday during the burial of the slain legislator in Kamulu. Kambi publicly announced that he knows the powerful people behind the killing of Muchai alongside his two bodyguards and a driver.

“It is very unfair for somebody’s name to be mentioned in a murder case if there is no concrete evidence,” Nkaissery stated. “I would wish that if Kambi is aware of the killers of the four individuals, we invite him and demand he writes a statement to give us the evidence he has and everybody else.”

Kambi also threatened to resign if police fail to arrest and prosecute the people who plotted Muchai’s murder, saying he

knows them very well.

“If those who killed Muchai will not be arrested because we know them, I am prepared to resign,” Kambi said. “I am prepared to quit if they are left to walk free!”

This came even as police were allowed to continue holding five more suspects for 22 days to enable them wrap up their investigations.

The five are being investigated over a series of crimes within Nairobi and Kiambu Counties include the killing of Muchai.

They are Ms Jane Wanjiru Kamau, Mr Stephen Lipapo, Mr Eric Muyera Isabwa alias chairman, Raphael Kimani Gachii, and Mustapha Kimani Anyonyi alias Musi.

Police told the court that the five were arrested last Friday in various places within Kiambu with two firearms, one believed to have been used in the killing of the late MP and another taken from his body guard.

Kidero defends city CCTV network Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has defended the security surveillance system installed in the city last year. He said the security cameras are working on a 24-hour basis even as critics maintain they failed to capture the killing of Kabete MP George Muchai and his three aides. “I am sure the cameras have helped the police in investigating this matter, so we should wait and see. But I can confirm they are fully working and they have been of help to this city,” Kidero said.

Suspect killed by accomplice in disagreement A suspected thug was this morning killed by his accomplice in a disagreement in Huruma area, Nairobi. Police say they were called and informed of the incident this morning after a shootout involving the men. Locals told police the men had been arguing over unclear reasons before gunshots were heard and the accomplices escaped from the scene. Efforts to trace the men on the run are ongoing.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Cord plots to censure Chirchir over ‘chickengate’: CORD is ploting to impeach Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir over the multimillion ‘Chicken Gate’ scandal and force President Uhuru Kenyatta to crack the anti-graftwhip. The Star has established that the jailing of the directors of a UK printing firm that bribed Kenyan officials has hardened the Cord team’s resolve to kick out Chirchir. The move is likely to re-ignite the fierce rivalry between the opposition and the ruling Jubilee coalition. Opposition chief Raila Odingfa wants those implicated put behind bars...

Fury, threats as Kenya is hit by TV blackout: The Government was yesterday locked in an escalated dispute with broadcasters as authorities threatened to punish the TV stations for resisting attempts to put their programmes on a Chinese-owned digital carrier. NTV, KTN, Citizen TV and QTV went off air on Saturday after the Communications Authority of Kenya raided their transmitters in Limuru and switched off their analogue equipment. On Sunday, Information, Communication and Technology Secretary Fred Matiang’i threatened unspecified action...

The truth behind the current TV blackout: Kenya’s top three television stations, KTN, Citizen and NTV, have denied switching off their broadcasts, and said new threats by the regulator were meant to force them to surrender their signals and frequencies to other players. ‘We have not been broadcasting on digital and the application that was before the Supreme Court was about being afforded adequate time to order import and install digital boradcast equipment,’ they say in a joint statement...

NO COPY AVAILABLE

BY PRESS TIME

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NEWS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

Wait for investigations; IEBC boss Hassan tells ‘Chickengate’ accusers

WAIT FOR PROBE RESULTS: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chair Isaack Hassan responds to questions from Kenyans living in Washington D.C. about the 2017 election at the Kenyan Embassy. Hassan has told those calling for his exit following the adverse mentioning of his name in the ‘ChickenGate’ scandal to wait for investigations.

Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Isaack Hassan has told those calling for his exit following the adverse mentioning of his name in the ‘ChickenGate’ scandal to wait for investigations.

Hassan who has denied involvement in the corrupt deals, said it is only fair to wait for the probe report insisting that he is not yet facing trial in any court of law over the matter.

“I was not and I am not on trial in the UK Courts. Like any other citizen of this country, I am entitled to the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the constitution until proved otherwise. I will be accorded the opportunity to face any accusers and defend myself in accordance with the laws of Kenya,” he said.

Hassan and other IEBC commissioners and officials are accused of having received bribes from two top executives of a UK printing firm Smith and Ouzman who were convicted last week.

Hassan however, denies the allegations saying the cases the two were facing were corrupt deals committed long before

the electoral commission was formed.

“In sentencing the officials of Smith and Ouzman printing firm, the courts in UK said that the period during which the offences occurred was between 1 November 2006 and 31 December 2010. IEBC came into office in November 2011,” Hassan said in a statement issued over the weekend.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has already launched investigations into the scandal with chairman Mumo Matemu.

Key among those to be investigated include Mr Hassan himself, Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir who was a commissioner of the defunct IIEC and former examinations council chief executive Paul Wasanga.

The Southwark Crown Court in the UK last week jailed two officials of S&O printing firm after they were found guilty of bribing officials of both IIEC and Knec.

Nicholas Smith and his father Christopher will serve about three years in jail for their involvement in the scandal now christened chickengate.

Ukraine ceasefire takes effect amid mistrust After days of ferocious attacks, a ceasefire went into effect after midnight Sunday in Ukraine, followed by brief accusations of violence.

President Petro Poroshenko ordered the Ukrainian military to hold its fire against pro-Russian militants in the nation’s East.

The separatist Donetsk People’s Republic also announced a truce.

The ceasefire aims to end 10 months of violence in eastern Ukraine.

But less than 90 minutes after it started, Ukrainian officials reported mortar shelling at a military post near Zolote in the Luhansk region.

The shelling is however reported to have quieted shortly after midnight. The “ceasefire is holding,”

according to chief monitor Ertugrul Apakan of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Referring to the first 12 hours of the ceasefire, Apakan said the ceasefire was being respected overall, with some exceptions.

Apakan noted violations in the town of Debaltseve, where an exchange of artillery fire began after the ceasefire was implemented.

Ceasefire monitors said they were blocked from traveling into the town. Deathly silence in the area was broken Sunday by the sound of shelling and at times civilians still fleeing for their lives.

There were also violations reported before dawn in the city of Luhansk, he said.

HOLD FIRE: A pro-Russia militant stands at a checkpoint in the outskirts of Donetsk, Ukraine. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced a unilateral ceasefire as an incentive for the militant separatists to put down their weapons.

AGONY: Some of the grief-stricken relatives of the 21 Egyptian Christians who had been kidnapped.

EgYpt BOMBS ISIS MIlItANtS IN lIBYA AFtER BEhEADINgS vIDEO Egypt says it has bombed Islamic State targets in Libya, hours after the group published video showing the apparent beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians.

State TV said the dawn strikes had targeted camps, training sites and weapons storage areas.

Earlier, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt had the “right to respond” against IS. A video emerged on Sunday showing a group wearing orange overalls being forced to the ground and decapitated.

IS militants claim to have carried out several attacks in Libya, which is in effect without a government.

The kidnapped Egyptian workers, all Coptic Christians, were seized in December and January from the coastal town of Sirte in

eastern Libya, under the control of Islamist groups.

Most of the 21 Copts kidnapped in Libya were labourers from an impoverished village in Upper Egypt.

A caption accompanying the video made it clear they were targeted because of their faith. It referred to the victims as “people of the cross, followers of the hostile Egyptian church”.

The video of the beheadings was posted online by Libyan jihadists who pledge loyalty to IS. The killings were described as “barbaric” by al-Azhar, the highly regarded theological institution which is based in Egypt.

Egypt’s military said Monday’s air strikes were “to avenge the bloodshed and to seek

retribution from the killers”.

“Let those far and near know that Egyptians have a shield that protects them,” it said.

The statement said all planes involved in the operation had returned safely.

Earlier, President Sisi said: “Egypt reserves the right to respond at the proper time and in the appropriate style in retaliation against those inhuman criminal killers.

“Egypt and the whole world are in a fierce battle with extremist groups carrying extremist ideology and sharing the same goals.”

Egypt has declared seven days of national mourning.

Leading international condemnation, the United States called the purported killings “despicable” and “cowardly”.

xnews | MONday, FEBRuary 16, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

NEWS BRIEFS

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

Safaricom system to connect farmers with fertiliser dealers Study shows Washington has more marijuana than smokers can take Washington has more marijuana than consumers can smoke, recent findings have shown.

Ever since US President Barack Obama’s administration legalised the ‘recreational drug’ in 2012, producers of the plant have seen a rise in sales, prompting former ‘drug dealers’ to set up legitimate shops and businesses. However, supply is now outstripping demand in the US State of Washington. Growers who jumped into the new legal market hoping to make a killing in cannabis are now getting killed by an overabundance of merchandise.

One of the key factors driving the excess stock is a large number of marijuana growers.

Shortly after cannabis was legalised, the Washington government handed out grower licenses more quickly than retail licenses, creating an imbalance between farms and stores.

Safaricom earlier this month won a potentially lucrative contract to develop an electronic subsidy management system to be used for distribution of fertiliser to farmers.

The digital system is expected to be mobile phone and web-based and will include information about targeted farmers and agrotraders. Market Analysts from investment group, African Alliance told X-News that the system is expected to be ready by the end of next month.

“Even though Safaricom is said to have charged the state only Sh60 million to develop the system, the teleco stands to earn tens of millions from M-Pesa transactions and SMS charges for use of the platform,” African Alliance analysts have said.

Report shows how 100 banks lost Sh91b to cyber gangsters

AFFORDABLE POWER: EP Global Energy officials and the University of Nairobi team discuss renewable energy partnership agreement details at the university main campus.

UoN adopts renewable energy to manage costs The University of Nairobi will tap into renewable energy to curb power bills and increase productivity.

The move followed a meeting between the institution and EP Global Energy, an international renewable power company, on the possibilities of adapting and building capacity among technicians to run the systems.

EP Global Energy Managing Director Tara Lindstedt said by tapping into re-

newable power, the university is set to benefit from lower costs.

Lindstedt said EP Global will develop a prototype and work on a draft Memorandum of Understanding for presentation and consideration by the University Management Board.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Affairs, Prof Isaac Mbeche, said by adopting renewable energy sources such as solar and bio energy, the university will

A new report by computer security firm Kaspersky Lab shows that more than 100 banks and financial institutions worldwide have become victims of cyber robbery.

The firm estimates that $1billion (Sh91.5 billion) has been stolen in the attacks, which started in 2013. Kaspersky collaborated with Interpol and Europol in the investigation.

The attacks are said to have been carried out in 30 countries, including Russia, US, Germany, China, Ukraine and Canada.

The attacks involved a criminal gang with members from Russia, Ukraine and China.

“The gang’s methods marks a new stage in cyber robbery where malicious users steal

money directly from banks and avoid targeting end users,” Kaspersky said.

The gang used computer viruses to infect company networks with malware, including video surveillance that enables them to record everything that transpired on the banks staff ’s screens.

They later transferred the cash from accounts to their own or tell cash machines to dispense cash at a predetermined time of day.

“It was a very slick and professional cyber robbery,” said Sergey Golovanov, principal security researcher at Kaspersky Lab. “On average each bank robbery took between two and four months, with up to $10million (Sh914.8million) stolen each time.”

achieve some of its performance contract indicators such as cost reduction.

EP Global is keen on transformational projects that require academic engagement. Through the initiative, the key role for the university is to develop necessary human resources to help in maintaining constructed stations.

EP Global Energy seeks to enable the university becoming self-sufficient.

BuSINESS DIARY Furniture exhibition at Junction Mall Futons & Furniture will hold a furniture exhibition at Nakumatt Junction Mall along Ngong Road, Nairobi.

The event will run from February 20-22 2015 starting 09:00am. It will showcase modern furniture from the vintage fittings maker.

Organisers say this is the “only opportunity to view creative arts of modern design furniture made of solid wood.”

Kenya School of Monetary Studies to host ICT summit AITEC East Africa will host an ICT Summit on February 18 at 8:00am and February 19, 2015 at 5:30pm at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies next to De la Rue, Nairobi.

Aitec’s core business has been focussed on ICT publishing, event management, professional development and training across Africa.

“Through its range of in-depth specialist forums, Aitec East Africa 2015 will provide a unique plat-

form for ICT professionals and managers to gather information, contacts, and knowledge to take back to their organisations to empower them to accelerate delivery of results,” says a spokesperson for the group. The Summit acts as a clearing house to link initiatives, form partnerships, and avoid duplication of projects and wastage of resources.

Those wishing to attend can call +0727 383 128 for details. Entry is free.

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BUSINESS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 , 2015

Ex-accountant now fishing to prosperity A trip to South Africa over a decade ago has changed the life of one Kenyan accountant who can now make Sh400,000 from the fish he breeds in a single greenhouse.

Otieno Okello quit his job to start hatchery and fingerling rearing venture, which has now transformed into a multimillion enterprise.

Okello had gone to South Africa to take up a new job as the head of transaction banking with a multinational lender.

But he would later take a break to try his hand at rearing fish, having been inspired by the returns he saw farmers in South Africa drawing from the venture.

Following his visit, he retreated to his rural home in Kisumu, armed with the will and the zeal to delve into what he saw in South Africa.

The hatchery business entailed rearing catfish fingerlings and selling them to fishermen who use them as bait for catching Nile perch. The returns were tremendous as he only had one competitor amid so much demand.

His joy was, however, cut short two years later with the invasion of the menacing water hyacinth, which led to a drastic dip in fishing in Lake Victoria.

The demand for his fingerlings also dropped, forcing him to close shop.

In 2011, he went back to his venture and invested Sh15 million in what is now his Maseno Ridge fish farm. The venture produces fingerlings in greenhouses. He also constructs similar structures for individuals and companies.

The biggest module he offers is a four-tonne fish-catch greenhouse system that guarantees an investor returns of at least Sh400,000 on every harvest, which is between four and six months, he says. The installation cost for such a system is Sh10 million, which he says is cheap considering the returns.

He sets up the module mainly for institutions and individuals with an eye for the lucrative large-scale fish industry. The system, he says, can be scaled up to produce eight tonnes of fish every harvest.

Aware of the expensive installation costs, Mr Okello says he is developing internal capacity to handle huge demand before releasing a cheaper module to the market.

thefall

therise

East African Portland Cement Last week saw the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPC) emerge as the week’s top gaining stock. The stock price rose 16.7 per cent to close at Sh70 from its previous closing price of Sh60. The counter has gained 20.7 per cent so far this year. The company is reportedly at an

advanced stage of commissioning its Kajiado based cement plant and has received increased investor interest in line with other cement manufactures that are seen well positioned to gain from increased government investment in infrastructure development.

Mumias Sugar Company The stock price of Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) continued to show notable volatility over the course of the previous week. Mumias emerged as the week’s top losing stock having shed -9.5 per cent over the course of the week.

Year to date, Mumias has gained 46.2 per cent, driven by local investor speculation that the firm will continue to receive firm government support towards achieving a sustainable turnaround. The

Analysis by Amana Capital info@amanacapital.co.ke

heavily-indebted company has been plagued by allegations of mismanagement and irregularities in the sale of imported sugar that have driven the company to the brink. More recently, a security contractor added to the firm’s woes by announcing it has sued Mumias Sugar Company over Sh45 million in debts accumulated over the past 3 years that remain unpaid.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

ACCESS celebchat

W

ho is Yule Mbaya?

I am a musician.

Born to a single mother and raised in Eastlands.

How did you get into music?

By chance. Eastlands is brutal. I got into music because I had nothing to do.

Some of my friends got into the police force but I was not so lucky.

What do you mean?

When I got into music it was for the wrong reasons, to steal from people. Together with my group Wachimbaji we used to perform at F2 and while on stage we would check out people who had flashy things. Then when we got off the stage we would go through the crowd and frisk them.

Were you ever caught?

Luckily no but this is the best part, I realized after several

the big knot

Music saved him from a life of crime and has been his drug since.

gigs that I actually had talent.

I started it out as a way to steal from people but I did not know this would save me. Through music I got to discover the talent I had. Safe to say I don’t steal anymore, I only do music.

Tell us about your style of music?

I call it bingirika style. It moves from rap to Kapuka and rolls of the tongue easily for me, so it is constantly shifting from one side to another.

Where do you get inspiration for your music from?

I am inspired by the day to day life I see in the streets and the things that I see people go through. Poverty, politics and corruption also play a role in my music.

Challenges you faced while starting out?

I did not have funds to pay for studio time. Also not knowing people and having

Yule mbaya a true story

connections in the industry to help have my songs on mainstream media was a challenge.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

I look up to Pilipili he helped boost my career.

I also looked up to and still look up to the late Dry Gin and Frakas.

I also admire Visita of Grandpa records, Eminem, Nas, Tupac, Bitnas and Onyix

Nazizi gets into acting

Which artistes have you worked with?

I have worked with Kizo B, Justo G Dash and the late Galamoz. I would like to work with Bamboo I like because of the way he flows and I feel he knows what he is doing, Rabbit, because he is a great storyteller and artiste, Khaligraph, STL and Wyre.

In Five years where will you be?

In five years I hope to be a big

household name and that my music would have grown. In future, I want to help children off the streets.

Because a lot of young people look up to me and if I do not make it I would have failed them because they will see, if “Yule Mbaya did not make it, we can’t.” So I have to work hard for them, to give them hope.

HOT Sauti Sol US TOPICS

The First lady of Hiphop is busy. After dramatically losing weight, the star has now secured an acting gig.

She is set to star in new TV series, Babylon. The series is about a pastor who preaches water and takes wine.

He constantly tries to recruit his friends, family and everybody he comes across into Christianity. His family life, however, is in shambles as his daughter is constantly partying and drinking, while his wife has given up on ‘being a preacher’s wife’ and wants a divorce. Nazizi plays a lady who was wronged by the Pastor and sends killers after him.

concerts sold out

All-boy band Sauti Sol had a two-day event in the US and it was sold out! The group which was in the US for the Las Vegas 7s, performed at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe for two nights in a row and their concerts were both fully attended.

Commanding a large following and having sold out concerts abroad is no easy fete. Our boys have surely become of age.

Fact File Real Name: Paul ‘Chesque’ Kitiyo Relationship Status: Single Age: 27 Songs: Tafuta pesa, Kachuchuchu, Nai ni Who, Lights

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26th NOVEMBER 16, 2015 2014

FASHIONScoop the BIGKNOT

I’m Black FashIon JaY ZmEasuREd Junk loVE Is spacE and TImE

BY ThE hEaRT. mTV quIZ nEW YoRk

Mande AND Elizabeth celebration of love E

lizabeth Wagaki and Laudiscus Mande first met in 2010. There and then, Mande fell in love with Elizabeth. “I saw her and I fell in love. I just had a feeling that she was the woman for me,” said Mande But it was not easy to convince Elizabeth of his intentions. It took him a year to get a date! But once he convinced her, it was smooth sailing.

Mande proposed to Elizabeth twice.

The first time it was an intimate affair just the two of them in February 2014.

Then he went down on one knee again in front of her parents during the dowry paying ceremony. Mande wanted to make it count and show that he was serious about Elizabeth.

“I did not expect he would do it again in front of my parents. I cried and it was the most amazing thing anyone

had ever done for me,” said Elizabeth.

It would follow that on a beautiful morning of 14th February 2015, the couple got married in front of family and friends. “We decided on Valentines because it is a day for lovers and I proposed around this time last year so we thought it appropriate,” said Mande. Thomas Barnados was the setting for their beautiful wedding. The church was decked out to the nines with the aisles decorated with pillars holding up flowers. A red carpet was laid out for the bride. The altar had been draped in red, blue and gray fabric.

“We chose blue because we both love blue. Grey was the neutral colour that we felt would blend in and red was because today is valentines and it is the colour for love,” said Elizabeth.

Dressed in a white blazer, black

trouser and blue bow tie was the groom standing patiently at the alter waiting for his bride. As his wife to be was walked down the aisle by her parents, Mande was beaming.

Elizabeth was in a white ball gown that had diamante crystals across the bodice and hanging on the arms. The dress had a train that trailed behind her giving her a princess look. On her feet were blue ballet shoes and her ears were decked out in hanging diamante earrings. “Settling on a gown for me was easy because I knew what I wanted and this was the second dress I tried and I loved it,” said Elizabeth.

Mande also loved his bride’s dress and could not take his eyes off her.

Their wedding party was in grey suits and blue ties for the groomsmen and grey lace and blue dresses for the maids. It was a tear-filled ceremony.

‘When I was saying my vows, it hit me that this day had finally come, I was getting married,’ —Mande

Elizabeth could joyfully criedand as the presiding priest called for the rings, her little sister, could not hold back the tears as she handed over the set. Elizabeth had to comfort her before the ceremony continued.

As they said their vows, Mande was beaming and you could see the joy on his face. “When I was saying my vows, it hit me that this day had finally come, I was getting married,” said Mande. With the ceremony over, the guests headed to the reception as the wedding party headed for the photo-shoot. When they got back to the reception, they found their guests were well fed and ready to welcome them with jubilation and dance. Yes, dancing and music was in plenty as the couple was ushered in, in style.

The food was amazing and it was enough for everybody. Their cake was

a simple white three-tier cake with two other cakes on the side. The cake was moist and delicious—none of that dry fruit cake that chokes!

The couple planned their wedding in two months and had a budget of Sh680,000 but ended up spending Sh 928,000. “We do not regret going over budget. We have had a good day and everything went well,” said Mande.

“I would not change anything about this day because it went exactly as we had planned,” said Elizabeth.

And with that the day ended, just when the vote of thanks had been given and the couple had greeted and thanked their guests, the skies opened and it rained. It was like heaven was showing its approval for the union.

The couple left for honeymoon to a place that Mande was not willing to share.

ACCESS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 , 2015

a revIeW of Weekend events.

9

CENTRESTAGE

Railway, Rain& Fashion

I

t was fun and flair at the 3rd edition of the Nairobi Elegance Affair held at the Nairobi Railway Museum on Saturday.

Unlike other fashion events, the venue was not as sophisticated, given that the railway was used as the runway. But this did not take away the glam.

There was also a good show of exhibitors and food stalls to keep everyone busy before the fashion show officially kicked off.

S

aturday was a love fest. If you did not share the love then you are barking at the wrong tree! Hilton Hotel was the place to be with a total of 14 top comedians all lined up for a rib ticking serving of love and laughter. Funny Man Jalang’o could be seen rounding up his troupes

who did not disappoint, even Obinna showed up looking sharp in white and polka and enjoyed himself in solidarity.

Not far from Hilton another comedian Eric Omondi and a host of other funny boys were all untamed at Safari Park.

On the opposite side at the Carnivore the king of

Jalang’o

James Baya of Baya designs was first on the runway. He showcased an all-female collection that kept with his African-theme trademark.

There was an intermission before the next designer took the runway. Women were given a Valentine’s Day treat as muscled men flexed for them leaving them drooling.

Becksville trends were up next with a bridal and groom collection for the modern day wedding that also featured plus size designs.

today’s comedy Churchill also brought the house down.

Everyone agreed that the sumptuous serving of laughter won the ultimate prize.

Couples loved and laughed this weekend.

We can however not vouch for how they woke up the next day!

Eric Omondi

Zephania Adar took to the runway with an Afro chic all female collection that feature dresses, skirts and tops.

Eve Isabela brought on the ever-popular afro-urban chic collection that featured crop tops and shorts made from Kenyan inspired fabrics like the Lesso.

Mary Odhiambo then took the stage with the ultimate party girl collection featuring miniskirts, crop tops and tight pants.

Closing the show was Shenu

Love and laughter galore

Churchill

Hooda and as become the norm, she wowed the crowd with her urban-Indian inspired collection. Her last piece on the runway featured a lingerie design with peacock wings, similar to the Victoria secrets designs that had everyone on their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation.

Despite the rain threatening to disrupt the event, theyshow went on successfully. Notable faces in the audience were fashion critic Ian Mbugua and television host Jeff Koinange.

10

ACCESS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

FASHIONparade

james baya collection.

all about

valentine’s J ames Baya, one of the renowned male designers in the country, launched his new collection at the Nairobi Elegance Affair on Saturday.

The collection, dubbed the Valentine’s collection, incorporated bold colours like yellow, red, green and blue keeping up with the lovers’ day.

Baya used leather as his main fabric, trying something new and away from his usual African-inspired fabrics like kitenge. He also used some Lesso fabric to bring the designs to life.

There were elegant dresses with the woman’s figure in mind.

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Obinna ft Nebulazz

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Kigozi

Digi digi

Love phobic

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nce again the distinctive and creative boy band are gracing the airwaves with another multi selling track. Love phobic is slowly and carefully performed with interjections of spoken word. As usual, these comical band has killed it . They keep rising with each song release because their art is unique.

PLAY 11 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 You’re probably excited about a forthcoming journey, Capricorn, but you may be unclear about the arrangements. Don’t let this situation persist or your trip might not work out the way you hope. Then you will know it all before you get on that plane.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A dream or insight might find you questioning one of your long-held goals, Aquarius. Perhaps you’ve formulated another goal you like better, or you’re beginning to doubt the workability of the old one. This probably isn’t a good day to make a decision of any sort.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Someone at work may be upset, Pisces, and not inclined to communicate their feelings to anyone else. This might cast a pall over the atmosphere. You may wonder if this person is upset with you, but chances are it has a lot more to do with the job than you. It isn’t worth the trouble.

m0nday 16/02/2015

sunny

26

26ºC 50%

tuesday 17 /02/2015

More sun than clouds

25 6:42 am 6:51 pm

26ºC 55%

6:42 am 6:51 pm

wednesday

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 This might affect your work if you aren’t careful. Your mind may stray back and forth from work to the news and its implications. Stay focused. All signs are that whatever you’ve heard is likely to be far less troublesome than it appears right now. Don’t fly off the handle until you know the facts.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 If you’re single, you’re in no hurry to change that. If you’re involved, you and your partner should be getting along very well. However, you might experience a little doubt when a current or potential partner becomes uncommunicative. Your friend probably has money worries.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 A visitor may come over today, Gemini, but you might wonder why this person bothered. He or she may seem distracted and more inclined to listen to what you say than offer any conversation. Chances are that your friend felt lonely and needed some company.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 This person may have a lot to say, but be sure you take it with a grain of salt, if not the whole shaker. Your skepticism could prove invaluable in this respect. If what this person says is important, check out the facts before passing it on or taking any action.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 The desire to make a major purchase of some kind, perhaps a luxury item, might have you counting your pennies today, Leo. Once they’re all counted, you might doubt the wisdom of buying it now. This isn’t the day to make a decision either way.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 This person might have gone away without telling anyone, or seem upset. Your friend is probably OK but at odds with someone outside the household rather than in it. Let this person work it out in whatever way they see fit. Your companion will share with you when the time is right.

MUSTREAD

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 A sibling or neighbor may tell you one thing, Libra, while your intuition tells you the opposite.

This isn’t a vindictive deception. The person is probably trying to spare your feelings. Wait until you know more before bringing up the subject.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 A friend who’s having money problems might dump all their woes on you today, Scorpio. Your inclination isn’t to be very sympathetic, but hold back that tendency. The situation is re al, and your friend is very worried and needs solutions more than criticism or sympathy SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Have you been given a task to do at work that hasn’t been explained properly, Sagittarius? If so, you may feel at a loss. What to do? This could be temporarily humbling, but remember, it’s better to ask a stupid question than to make a stupid mistake.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

YOURSAY

— by Jane Nannono

Mma Kgomotso Palai is a 40 year-old mother of twins.

He is a wife to a successful husband and has a wonderful career to boot. Life for her in Botswana could not get any better. But things change suddenly one day when she is involved in a grisly road accident that leaves her neck broken. She might just lose her hands’ functionality. She begins a journey of both mental and physical recovery.

Friends and family have forsaken her and she must now face all the challenges on her own. She finds some unexpected healing and encouragement at the physiotherapy department of a local hospital after random acts of kindness from people around her. Slowly she heals and pulls herself out of the depths of darkness.

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.

Kenyans, let’s appreciate our 7’s team The Kenya Sevens team is one we are proud of.

Even after falling severally, they have continually dusted themselves up and continued fighting for the

The Last Lifeline

country. Their recent win in Las Vegas is one every Kenyan should celebrate.

We should show up at the airport in our hundreds to welcome them when they

land and show them that we appreciate their effort.

—Michael Ngari, Nairobi

winning captions

1. The real muscle car of Kenya-Benjamin Mugo, Nairobi 2. Because trucks occupy too much space-Jane Sam, Nairobi 3. One piece of luggage coming up-Brain Marende, Nairobi

12

PLAY

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Crisp fabric 8. Mr. Chips portrayer Robert 13. Resupplied 14. Smoothed using heat 16. Collaterals 17. No friend ___ 18. Wintry projection 19. Colognes 21. Water conduits 22. Admit (to), with “up” 23. Ditto 24. ___ gow (gambling game) 25. Gp. against file-sharing 26. Fall blossom 27. Excess 30. “The Lord of the Rings” creature 31. Melodious 33. Maker of Blatz 35. Him, in Hamburg 36. “Don’t worry about it” 40. Rat, as hair 42. New Age vocalist 43. Initials in lending 46. ER locale 47. “Cheers” patron 48. Passion, in Paris 50. “Ocean’s Thirteen” actor 52. Royal fur 53. Jeff ____ (Animal Planet TV host) 54. Actress Barbeau 56. To do list 57. Differences 58. Acceptances 59. Closer to vertical

Down 1. Something to sip oolong from 2. Tsetse territory 3. Use 4. Is affected by 5. Word ending a threat 6. Lunar New Year in Vietnam 7. Marketers’ “language” 8. Some dresses 9. “Trionfo di Afrodite” composer Carl 10. Half of an infomercial claim 11. Makes a cartoon 12. Inner-city sight 13. Tim or Harry 15. Sandy land 20. Morales of “La Bamba” 22. Conifer 25. Move, in real estate slang 26. Jai follower 28. Barn accessory 29. Org. for women on the links 31. Religious study 32. Enjoying the mall, say 34. Command to Scotty 35. Ulysses’ home 37. “_____ the lookout” 38. Forays 39. Workout venue 41. Generates 44. Ballet position 45. Sprinter 47. Columbus ship and namesakes 48. Live to ___ old age 49. Roger of stage and screen 51. Jumbled dice?

52. Old Irish 55. Said in French

DAILY WISDOM “Increasingly, people have very little tolerance for anything that smacks of propaganda.”

— Rebecca MacKinnon “If people in the media cannot decide whether they are in the business of reporting news or manufacturing propaganda, it is all the more important that the public understand that difference, and choose their news sources accordingly.”

— Thomas Sowell, American Economist “All over the place, from the popular culture to the propaganda system, there is constant pressure to make people feel that they are helpless, that the only role they can have is to ratify decisions and to consume.”

— Noam Chomsky “Propaganda is a soft weapon; hold it in your hands too long, and it will move about like a snake, and strike the other way.”

— Jean Anouilh, French Playwright “Propaganda is amazing. People can be led to believe anything.”

— Alice Walker, Author “Propaganda, to be effective, must be believed. To be believed, it must be credible. To be credible, it must be true.”

— Hubert H. Humphrey American politician ‘In Russia we only had two TV channels. Channel One was propaganda. Channel Two consisted of a KGB officer telling you: Turn back at once to Channel One.” — Yakov Smirnoff “Propaganda invariably serves the long-term interests of some elite.

John Berger.”

— Artist

FRIDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Sport MONday, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

Kiplagat shaves 3 seconds off marathon record in Barcelona race Kenya’s Florence Kiplagat improved on her own halfmarathon record at the Mitja Marató de Barcelona on Sunday.

Kiplagat’s winning time of 1:05:09 shaved three seconds off her previous world record set 12 months ago. She also set world records for 15km and 20km en route to her winning performance.

Kiplagat’s bid to improve on her record on the fast and flat course in the Catalan city with slightly overcast skies and temperatures hovering about 10 degrees Celsius.

Helped by male pacemakers Marc Roig and compatriot Ezekiel Kipchirchir, she passed

through 5km in 15:38 and 10km in 31:01, eight seconds up on her pace from last year.

After covering the next five kilometre section in 15:12, she passed 15km in 46:14, 14 seconds inside Tirunesh Dibaba’s world record for the distance.

The former world half-marathon and world cross-country champion slowed slightly in the final five kilometres to cover it 20 seconds slower than she did last year.

Kiplagat passed 20km in 1:01:54 which took three seconds off the world record for the distance.

Ireland’s Elizabeth Lee came in a distant second in the women’s race at 1:14:06.

Switzerland’s Tadesse Abraham was a surprise winner of the men’s race in a national record of 1:00:42.

Abraham held off Ethiopian pair of Getu Feleke and Azmerew Mengistu, who were placed second and third in 1:00:45 and 1:00:48 respectively.

Two of the pre-race long favourites, Kenya’s two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui and marathon star Emmanuel Mutai, failed to sparkle. Kirui came home sixth in 1:01:22 as Mutai had a day to forget after finishing eighth in 1:03:13.

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Kenya team Senior men’s 12km: Bedan Karoki, Geoffrey Kipsang, Leonard Barsaton, Moses Mukono, Philip Lagat, Joseph Kiptum Senior women’s 8km: Faith Chepng’etich, Agnes Jebet, Janeth Kisa, Iken Chebet, Alice Aprot, Stacy Ndiwa, Emily Chebet Junior men’s 8km: Dominic Kiptarus, John Lagat, Alfred

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record breaker: Florence Kiplagat breaks world half-marathon record in Barcelona in a time of 1:05:09. Ireland’s Elizabeth Lee and Sweden’s Karlsson came in second.

Defending World Cross Country champion Emily Chebet has been included in the national World Cross Country Championships team.

A dejected Chebet, who finished 14th in women’s 8km race in 27:19.2, received a wild card that also benefited 2013 World Youth 3,000m champion Lillian Kasait.

The seven-member team includes Faith Chepng’etich, Agnes Jebet, Iken Chebet, Alice Aprot and Stacy Ndiwa.

A surprise exclusion is Sheila Chepng’etich who had won

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SPORT MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015 SHUJAA PRIDE: Kenya sevens team celebrating after they managed their first silverware of the season with a narrow 24-21 win over Argentina in the bowl final of the world rugby sevens series at the Sam Boyd stadium yesterday evening.

Kenya 7s floor Argentina to lift Bowl title in Las Vegas Kenya sevens managed their first silverware of the season with a narrow 24-21 win over Argentina in the Bowl final of the World Rugby Sevens Series at the Sam Boyd Stadium yesterday evening.

On the opening two days, there were numerous lapses in concentration, basic mistakes such as missed tackles and stray passes cost Kenya who could have easily reached the cup quarter finals.

Kenya made the job harder by always coming from down to chase the game and ended up finishing strongly only to lose in the end. This was the scenario in their match against Argentina which Kenya lost 14-19 when they had a chance to win.

On the opening day, Kenya had to come from down to beat Canada 22-21.

In the Bowl final, Argentina and Kenya

met for the second time and the third since Wellington Sevens. Bush Mwale and Leonard Mugaisi combined to steer Kenya to the Bowl. Mwale scored the first try in the third minute after Daniel Sikuta ploughed his way through the Argentina defence. Lavin Asego converted for a 7-0 lead.

Argentina replied with a try by Santiago Alvarez under the posts after going

through heartless tackles by Kenya.

Gaston Revol converted to tie the scores 7-7.

Kenya had a numerical advantage after Ramiro Finco was sent to the sin bin by the referee Anthony Moyes but their attempt to add more points came to a cropper after Lavin Asego chipped over the Argentinian backs and failed to retrieve the ball.

Ireland produce first Cricket World Cup upset with win over West Indies Ireland added West Indies to their list of World Cup scalps with a magnificent four-wicket triumph in Nelson.

Lendl Simmons (102) shared 154 with Darren Sammy as the West Indies recovered from 87-5 to post 304-7.

But Ireland openers Will Porterfield and Paul Stirling put on 71 and Stirling (92) added 106 with Ed Joyce.

Joyce hit 10 fours and two sixes in 84 and Niall O’Brien 79 not out as Ireland won with 25 balls left, their fourth World Cup win over a Test nation.

Big hitting Gayle and Marlon Samuels both launched towering straight sixes before both were dismissed by 22-year-old George Dockrell in the 22nd over, the left-arm spinner with figures of 3-23 at one point.

Sammy unleashed some innovative strokes, often with ferocious power, in a thrilling partnership with Simmons, who accelerated stylishly as West Indies became the fifth successive team in the tournament to post in excess of 300 when batting first.

But far from overawed, the Irish openers punished some loose bowling in a fluent 13 over stand.

Man-of-the match Stirling hit three sixes in his pugnacious innings and was within eight of his sixth ODI hundred when, suffering from severe cramp, he edged behind in the 28th over with 128 still needed. With the Windies looking ragged and forlorn, Joyce effortlessly guided the Irish within 32 of the target and despite three wickets in 17 balls, O’Brien, badly dropped on 38 by Jason Holder, saw them home.

IRISH JOB: Paul Stirling of Ireland sweeps against West Indies. The Irishmen added West Indies to their list of World Cup scalps with a magnificent fourwicket triumph in Nelson, New Zealand.

Kenya qualified to the semi-final by beating Samoa 19-5. In a changed line up which saw coach Felix Ochieng start up with Bush Mwale instead of the much more experienced Patrice Agunda.

Standings after USA Sevens South Africa 93, New Zealand 88, Fiji 86, Australia 71, England 68, Argentina 54, USA 51, Scotland 47, France 37, Samoa 36, Wales 32, Kenya 29, Portugal 21, Japan 5.

Usain Bolt confirms he will retire after 2017 World Championships Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt plans to bow out in glory after the 2017 World Championships in London.

The 28-year-old six-time Olympic champion had previously suggested he would retire after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but now says he will continue until 2017, albeit only in the 100 metres.

“That was the initial plan (to retire in 2016),” he said.

“But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year, to 2017 and London.

“But I’ll be doing one event, the 100. I’ve already discussed it with my coach. I can concentrate on that, and on retiring on a winning note.”

Bolt’s main focus for 2015 will be the World Championships in Beijing on August 22-30.

He hopes to add to his collection of eight world titles and also wants to break the 100m world record of 9.58 seconds that he set at the 2009 worlds in Berlin.

“Well, it takes races,” he said. “But if everything goes well this season… in my life anything is possible. If I can get myself in good shape, it should be wonderful this season.

“I live for competition. I thrive on competition. I live to compete against the best. It means a lot when you beat the best.

“I remember when I won in Beijing (at the 2008 Olympics), people were saying how Tyson (Gay) wasn’t there. So for me the World Championship the following year, when everyone was there, that was good.”

SPORT 15 MONDAY, FEBRUARY16, 2015

Sofapaka’s mountain to climb after losing to Harare rivals Sofapaka will need more than luck in the second leg of the CAF Confederations Cup after losing 1-2 to Zimbabwean’s Platinum at the Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.

It was not the kind of experience they had anticipated in their second appearance at the Confederations Cup, but Batoto ba Mungu will rue the clear chances they missed.

Their defensive soft belly was exposed in typical style that saw them crash in midweek to Gor Mahia in the Super Cup. Both goals came off defensive lapses.

Coach Timbe believes his side can overturn the result in Zimbabwe, but concedes that have to work on their finishing touch which was a major concern in the first leg.

“We didn’t take our chances and in life if you don’t take your chances God punishes you. But the tie is not out of

reach for us, a 2-0 win in Harare is not impossible. ,” the Ugandan coach said.

Batoto ba Mungu capitulated early in the match with Brian Muzundwa firing the visitors into the lead in the 24th minute.

Abdoul Fiston immediately restored balance before the effort was cancelled by Donald Ngoma’s goal with a quarter of an hour to go.

Platinum held off strong attacking spells from the home side and ultimately hold the nerves to get the decisive first goal.

Antony Ndolo should have done better with a third minute chance that fell on his feet, his attempted lob into an empty goal mouth being redirected for a corner by the Platinum defence.

Ndolo had picked up the ball at the edge of the box after Platinum keeper Peros Muhari punched away a corner, but the reigning player of the year could not punish the custodian for the blunder.

soft belly: Sofapaka exposed defensive weaknesses as the visitors fired home the first goal in the 24th minute.

Gor struggle for slim win over Madagascar’s CNaPS Gor Mahia started their Champions League campaign with a slim 1-0 win over CNaPS of Madagascar in the first leg preliminary match at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

The Kenyan champions netted in the second minute as Victor Ali Abondo converted from the spot. He directed the shot to the bottom left corner to beat CNaPS goalkeeper Randrianasolo Leda after the stopper brought down Michael Olunga in the box.

New signing Ronald Omino played a key role in the build up to the goal after dashing from the left wing to pick out Olunga before he was caught by Leda.

The hosts patronised the game in the first 20 minutes with Olunga a constant threat to the visitors’ defence.

Abondo had a neat chance to make it three in two games under a week after his double act against Sofapaka on Wednesday in the Super Cup. But he curled his free kick wide off the far post in the 30th minute.

As K’Ogalo continued with the tide, light showers made the surface slippery but the home side failed to widen the advantage.

Olunga, who was Gor’s best performer in the evening, was lucky to escape a red card when TV cameras captured him head-butting Lanto Miandrisao in an offthe-ball incident in the 25th minute. The attack went unpunished from centre ref-

eree Mashood Ssali. Coach Frank Nuttall praised the team saying it will be tough for club captain and custodian Jerim Onyango to get his place back from new signing

PATRONISED: The hosts patronised the game in the first 20 minutes but were unable to widen the 1-0 advantage.

Boniface Oluoch.

“Oluoch has commanding presence and a he is a very good shot stopper. A club of our calibre needs top class keepers on and

Juventus fail to sparkle in clash with plucky Cesena Serie A leaders Juventus let a 2-1 lead slip and missed a second-half penalty as they were held by plucky Cesena.

The league strugglers, who started the day second from bottom and on 15 points, took the lead when Milan Djuric side-footed in.

It was 1-1 when Alvaro Morata headed home and Claudio Marchisio stabbed in moments later to give Juve the lead.

Franco Brienza made it 2-2 with a low drive, before Arturo Vidal struck a spot-kick wide of Nicola Leali’s goal.

Despite the draw, Massimiliano Allegri’s remain seven points ahead of Roma who were held to goalless draw at bottom side Parma.

Roma coach Rudi Garcia said: “If we have any ambitions, we should be

winning and not having to settle for a result like this.

“We only hit the target with four of our 20 shots. We’re not going to score goals like that.”

Elsewhere, Genoa beat Hellas Verona 5-2 for their first win at the Luigi Ferraris stadium since 7 December.

They are now in sixth place.

There were mixed fortunes for the mid-table Milan sides. Inter picked up their second win in a row by beating 10-man Atalanta 4-1 - their next match is against Celtic in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Fredy Guarin scored twice, while Xherdan Shaqiri and Rodrigo Palacio grabbed the other goals for Roberto Mancini’s men. Yohan Benalouane was sent off for Atalanta.

Messi’s 23rd hat-trick as Barca demolish Levante Lionel Messi scored his 23rd hat-trick on his 300th La Liga appearance for Barcelona who swept past Levante.

The result means Barca are again only a point behind leaders Real Madrid, who beat Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 on Saturday.

Neymar scored the opener with an effort that spun in off his foot, before Messi drilled in, tapped home his second and then made it 4-0 from the spot.

Luis Suarez scored the goal of the game when he acrobatically volleyed in.

It was a stunning finish by the substitute that mirrored the excellent performance by Barca who have now won their last 11 games in all competitions. The win equalled the streak in 2008-09 under then coach Pep Guardiola.

Barca opened the scoring in fortunate circumstances when Neymar’s strike, from Messi’s delivery, spun up in the air before dropping just over the line.

Less bizarre was the Barcelona’s second. Messi was again alert to what was going on behind him, latching on to Marc Bartra’s pass before firing in.

xnews |MOnDAY, FeBRUARY 16, 2015 | www.x-news.cO.ke

kenya 7s beat argentina to lift bowl title in las vegas

pg.14

razor sharp giroud snips boro

ON TARGET: Olivier Giroud scores his second goal to complete Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough. Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (left) scores the opening goal against Middlesbrough.

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FA Cup holders Arsenal produced an assured display to reach the quarter-finals and end Middlesbrough’s impressive run in the competition.

Santi Cazorla split the away side’s defence with a through ball for Kieran Gibbs, who squared for Olivier Giroud to steer home the opener.

Giroud added a second with a delightful volley at Boro’s near post after slack defending from a corner.

Championship Middlesbrough went into the game on the back of six consecutive wins - their best run for 20 years - and 5,280 Boro fans travelled to north London.

New Gunners signing Gabriel Paulista made his debut at centreback but had little to do as the home side dominated. Albert Adomah’s shot, Middlesbrough’s first on target, was comfortably saved by Wojciech Szczesny in the 39th minute.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side played well and deserved to reach next round.

“We started well, with a good pace and we controlled the game with our movement and technical quality.

We had good team focus overall, we may be lost our cohesion a little bit

at 2-0 but I am happy. Overall we were serious and focused over the whole game.

“Olivier Giroud was very sharp. He has improved a lot compared to the player he was when he arrived here. He is mobile, technically good, and he works with great focus in training. He has become a top player. “Gabriel Paulista made a great recovery tackle in the box.

He wants to defend, he has good urgency levels and a good physique and technical qualities. He is short language-wise but the intelligent players compensate with vision.

They look at what their partners are doing, and he did that well.”

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka was aalso happy with the far his side has come.

“It is difficult to play against Arsenal and if you concede goals at set pieces, and if you make mistakes, it is more difficult.

“The way I like to play is to fight but in the first half we did not play in the way I like. We did not fight in the same way as we did against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Now we have to think about Birmingham. The league is our objective now.”

louis van gaal: Manchester united’s transfer priority is creative Midfielder Manchester United are in the market for a new midfielder this summer, says manager Louis van Gaal.

The Old Trafford boss has been criticised for playing striker Wayne Rooney in a deeper position and when asked if his priority was to sign a new midfielder he said: “Of course.”

Van Gaal was speaking ahead of tonight’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Preston North End at Deepdale.

“I am looking for balance and I need balance in midfield,” he added.

“When I play with [Adnan] Januzaj and [Angel] Di Maria in the midfield positions, then you need a certain bal-

bradford’s fa cup win over sunderland tops chelsea victory, Jon stead

ance for that kind of creative player.

“So, when you have these creative players, and also [Radamel] Falcao and [Robin] van Persie are creative players, then you have four creative players and you have to look for balance in your team.”

Van Gaal says Rooney, 29, who has not scored in nine games, has no problem with playing in midfield but admits his captain will be well aware of public opinion on his role.

“He is happy,” said Van Gaal. “Otherwise, he should come to me and say: ‘I am not happy’, but he never does.

“He is always friendly to me and wants

Bradford FA Cup hero Jon Stead claimed the 2-0 victory over Sunderland was even better than their stunning win at Chelsea.

Stead scored for the fifth successive round to help the League One side claim a quarter-final place.

The former Black Cats striker said expectations had increased following the 4-2 fourth-round win at Stamford Bridge last month.

He said: “This tops the Chelsea win because of the expectation on us.”

Stead added to a first-half own goal from John O’Shea to seal Bradford’s place in the last eight for the first time in 39 years. The on-loan

to perform what I want.

“That is what I see, but, when the whole world is writing that he has to be in the striker’s position, he shall be thinking ‘ hey’ as he is human.”

Rooney began the season up front and had scored eight goals in 14 games, moving to third in United’s list of alltime scorers, before being switched to midfield. His last goals came in United’s 3-1 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day, when he played as a striker.

Rooney’s longest run without a goal for the club came between December 2005 and February ‘06 when he went 12 games without scoring.

Huddersfield forward added: “It’s ended up, dare I say, a comfortable victory. The fans were magnificent and we ma Stead scored just twice during a disappointing 18-month spell at the Stadium of Light, from June 2005 to January 2007. The 31-year-old said that did not make his second-half strike any more special as he took his season’s goaltally into double figures. After maintaining his record of finding the net in each round that Bradford have been involved in so far, he said: “Of course, I wanted to get a goal today but I wasn’t thinking about having scored in every round.”

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