201503027 xnews

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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boredom is good boring situations spark great ideas, research says

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RACIAL EQUALITY Cofek ASKS GOVERNMENT to deal with racism in firms

NEWS 14

Bowler Odhiambo LEFT OUT OF Kenya national cricket team

MP accused of harassing rape victim’s family T

he family of a woman who has accused Imenti Central MP Gedion Mwiti of raping her has claimed the legislator is intimidating them in a bid to subvert the course of justice.

In a press statement signed by lawyer Harun Ndubi, the family says the MP has directly and indirectly contacted his victim’s spouse, family and friends with

the hope of negotiating for an out-of-court settlement.

“This is understood to amount to intimidation and an attempt to interfere and subvert the course of justice,” Ndubi claimed. The lawyer said necessary reports have been made to relevant authorities.

“We expect the new offence to be investigated,” he said.

The family also denied rumours that they are negotiating with

the MP for an out of court settlement.

“Nothing can be further from the truth. He is under investigation for the brutal assault of the complainant and it must be understood that the offence of rape and other forms of sexual assault, like murder, are not the kind of offences where conciliation is contemplated,” they said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

WE ARE WATCHING YOU...

FRIENDLY RIVALS: President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto share a light hearted moment with some Opposition legislators within the precincts of Parliament shortly after his State of The Nation Address.

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NEWS FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Rape suit MP harassing us, family claims From Page 1 The new claims have emerged even as Mwiti was yesterday forced to record a fresh statement over the matter.

The move came after the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko said his earlier

statement was inconsistent.

The first-time lawmaker is facing accusations of raping a a 29-year-old married woman during a meeting at his private office in Nairobi. The woman who claims to have been raped on the night of March 21, was

a consultant at his land buying company.

He is said to have assaulted her after asking a doctor to forcefully carry out a HIV test on the woman.

The MP recorded the fresh statement at Parklands Police

Station accompanied by lawyer John Khaminwa.

Unlike in previous cases when he appeared in public under heavy police guard, he drove to the police station in his private vehicle without police escort.

“My client was called here and

asked me to accompany him… he complied with the police orders,” Khaminwa said.

The developments come as detectives continue to carry out a DNA analysis to compile a full report over the incident and forward it to Tobiko.

DNA specimens from saliva, hair and body tissues taken from Mwiti and the victim by the Government Chemist will be released soon, a police officer privy to the investigations revealed.

Leaders expect Uhuru apology to kick-start reconciliation Political leaders have expressed optimism that President Kenyatta’s public apology to victims of atrocities committed by past regimes will kickstart the process of national reconciliation.

Several MPs and Senators commended the President’s move, terming it bold and that which will ignite reconciliation efforts.

Chairman of the defunct Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), which made the recommendation after investigating past atrocities, also hailed President Kenyatta.

The President proffered apology for the 2008 post-election violence victims, Wagalla massacre, Nyayo House torture chambers and the unresolved murders of historical figures to applause in Parliament during his State of the Nation address on Thursday.

“We are still plagued by all actions that have at times failed to recognise civil and human rights of citizens. These have

shaken the nation, excluded some Kenyans from the full promise of citizenship, and fractured our national fabric,” he said.

“To move forward as one nation, I stand before you today on my own behalf, that of my government and all past governments, to offer the sincere apology of the Government of the Republic of Kenya to all our compatriots for all past wrongs.

I seek your forgiveness and may God give us the Grace to draw on the lessons of this history to unite as a people and, together, to embrace our future as one people and one nation,” he said.

“The President has set the tone.

Now let individuals who visited terror on their neighbours follow suit. That is the only way we can truly heal and stop constantly looking back as a nation,” said Ambassador Bethwel Kiplagat.

“We are humbled by the apology especially for the Wagalla Massacre. It is time now for us to begin reconciliation as a country,” said Mbalambala MP

JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS: The President said the Government will set aside Sh10b for post-election violence victims whose cases cannot be successfully prosecuted for lack of sufficient evidence.

Abdikadir Omar Aden.

The President also announced the setting up of a Sh10 billion restorative justice fund, again in accordance with TJRC’s recommendations a day after receiving a report on the 2008 post-election violence from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“In many ways, Kenyans and humanity overall, have benefited from restorative justice, an

approach that is deeply rooted in our cultural and historical realities, particularly when such conflicts have a communal and political dimension. My administration was forged from this reconciliation,” he said.

And in light of the DPP’s assessment that majority of postelection violence cases cannot be successfully prosecuted, President Kenyatta said the fund would act as reparation.

“There are challenges to obtaining successful prosecutions. These challenges range from inadequate evidence, inability to identity perpetrators, witnesses fear of reprisals, and general lack of technical and forensic capacity at the time. Nonetheless, the DPP recommends that these cases be dealt with using restorative approaches,” the President said.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

City Hall targets PSVs, homes in drive to eradicate bed bugs The Nairobi County government targets to spray Public Service Vehicles with anti-bed bug chemicals in on-going efforts to eradicate bedbugs that have been terrorising residents.

Only yesterday, City Hall launched a random health inspection in Kayole estate where homes were sprayed with chemicals to kill the parasites.

And the Chief Health Officer, Dr Robert Anyisi, says City Hall plans to deploy health officers to bus termini and along roads to rid matatus of the pests.

voxpop....

“We will be doing this randomly… matatus should be cleaned every day even if that means spraying them every day. When bedbugs are reported in matatus it means owners of the vehicles are not doing enough,” he said.

The move follows recent complaints by residents in Kayole estate that the pests had invaded their homes.

The county government has launched a project that is being implemented in sub-counties involving the

supply of chemicals to wipe out the bugs.

“This has been a continuous process….we have been doing it all over even before this information came and we will be enforcing it across the country,” Ayisi said.

He says information available in their department of health has identified Makongeni, Bahati, Umoja and Kayole estates as the worst affected by the pests.

But Ayisi says City Hall has already issued pesticides for the areas.

“Our officers are on the ground, and we have even given the pesticides to the MCAs so that they can be given to people,” he Ayisi.

He says the government will also spray the affected areas against mosquitos and other pests.

Kayole residents were this week reportedly ravaged by bedbugs but the county government has promised to eradicate the bug.

Is the proposed re-introduction of toll fees for using public roads justified?

Frank Ogeto

Mercy Mbugua Paying toll fees will amount to double taxation. We are already paying taxes that go into constructing the roads.

Using roads is a privilege Kenyans are supposed to get for free, paying more is injustice.

Mathew Mwaura I do not agree with the idea. This means we will pay higher bus fares.

Commuters will pay for using certain roads and end up spending heavily on roads.

One will be left with nothing.

James Chege I do not see the reason for paying toll fees.

There is so much tax levied on fuel that it creates a challenge.

The money used to construct roads comes directly from our pockets as tax payers.

Paying toll fees is an extra expense because motorists already pay for car insurance, tax, inspections, licenses and parking fees. With all these costs how can we still be expected to pay for using public roads?

NEWS 3

CARTOONSPEAK

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

It’s good to be bored: Boring situations spark bright ideas Contrary to popular belief, boredom can lead to bright ideas.

In one of the latest studies of the human mind, experts have found that adults assigned with dull tasks tend to come up with more imaginative ideas and creative solutions to a number of problems.

According to researcher, Sandi Mann from the University of Central Lancashire, sitting idly is not a waste of time and may actually be a good way to boost a person’s creativity.

Based on her study, she has warned that people’s modern-day obsession with smartphones and other gadgets could be barring this creativity.

This is due to the fact that the time a person would have spent daydreaming is now taken up with texting, playing videogames or surfing the internet. “I am acutely aware that being bored is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be,” says Mann.

Ministers among those ordered to step aside

“It is good to be bored sometimes. I think up so many ideas when I am commuting to and from work.”

To prove her theory, Dr Mann gave 80 adults two cups and asked them to come up with as many uses for them as possible.

Half of the men and women got straight to work. The other half spent 15 minutes writing out phone numbers first.

As a result, the second group came up more ideas about how to use the cups, the British Psychological Society magazine, the Psychologist reports. “I am quite happy when my kids whine that they are bored,” explains Dr Mann. “Finding ways to amuse themselves is an important skill.” Dr Mann has, however, warned that bored office workers may sometimes seek solace in chocolate and alcohol to pass the time.

“It’s about finding the right balance,” she says.

Five Cabinet Secretaries and six Principal Secretaries are among public officers that have been ordered to step aside to allow for investigations into corruption allegations leveled against them. Charity Ngilu (Lands), Felix Koskei (Agriculture), Michael Kamau (Transport), Davis Chirchir (Energy) and Kazumgu Kambi (Labour) are among 175 public officers who have been adversely mentioned in an anti-corruption report. President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday directed that the officials step aside. Others mentioned are PSs Mutea Iringo, Nduva Muli, and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia. A host of politicians are also named in the list of shame.

LSK lauds Uhuru on corruption move

Chinese embassy slams racist eatery as owner is denied bail

SHUT DOWN: Chongquing Chinese restaurant, situated in Kilimani Nairobi which has since been shut down for not having the proper licences.

The Chinese Embassy in Kenya has condemned the offensive treatment of African customers at a Chinese owned restaurant in Nairobi even as the owner of the eatery was locked up after being denied bail.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the embassy says it has raised concerns and reprimanded the owner of the restaurant pointing out that the eatery did not have any right to have selective admission of certain persons and denial of admissions to others.

“Much as the restaurant has in the recent days suffered an armed robbery, the management ought to have taken thoughtful measures,” the embassy said.

This came even as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ODPP obtained a court order allowing for the continued detention of Ms Zhao Yang who operated the restaurant. The court ordered that she be detained for two days after the DPP object-

ed to her release on bail on the grounds that she is a foreigner and has so far refused to surrender and disclose details of her immigration status.

The embassy said the actions of Ms Yang has caused unnecessary yet unavoidable misunderstanding and threatened to jeopardise the mutual trust and friendship between the Chinese and the Kenyan people.

“China-Kenya relationship has remained close and cordial with mutual interests spanning a wide spectrum of common interests and arenas of cooperation including development of the infrastructure, trade, culture and education should anyone encounter something that would lead to strive between China and the people of Kenya should not hesitate to inform us,” the statement read.

The Embassy has warned that such reckless acts from any Chinese people in Kenya will be dealt with accordingly.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has commended President Uhuru Kenyatta for taking a bold step towards fighting grand corruption.

LSK President Eric Mutua stated that the war on graft must shift into top gear and requires unity to win.

In his State of the Nation Address yesterday, President Kenyatta directed that 175 public officials leave office for investigations into corruption claims against them. “We commend President Kenyatta for taking the bold step and public officials adversely mentioned should immediately step aside pending investigations,” he said.

Nigeria rivals sign peace accord Nigeria’s two main presidential candidates have signed an agreement to prevent violence in tightly contested elections due tomorrow. Ex-military ruler Abdulsalami Abubakar brokered the deal in talks between President Goodluck Jonathan and his main challenger Muhammadu Buhari. The two promised to respect the outcome of a credible poll and urged their supporters to refrain from violence. Some 800 people were killed after the 2011 contest between the two rivals. Mr Jonathan is facing a strong challenge from Gen Buhari, with some analysts predicting a photo-finish.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

Uhuru suspends five ministers: Five Cabinet Secretaries are expected to step aside following a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta that all public officers implicated in corruption do so.

They are Charity Ngilu of Lands and Settlement, Michael Kamau of Transport, Felix Koskei of Agriculture, Kazungu Kambi of Labour and Davis Chirchir of Energy.ukThey have been named in a list handed to Parliament yesterday by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The report also contains the names of MPs, County Secretaries and Executive Committee members...

Uhuru orders officials to quit in graft purge: President Kenyatta yesterday announced a corruption purge that could see 175 public officials, including Cabinet secretaries, governors and senators, step aside to pave the way for investigations. The officials are named in a confidential report handed over to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi by Mr Kenyatta.

The list includes all 26 members of the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, among other MPs, heads of parastatals and various principal secretaries...

Uhuru draws the line on graft then gives VIP list: President Uhuru Kenyatta’s move to annex a list of high-fliers in his Government on anti-graft agency’s investigation with an executive decree that they step aside caught the country by surprise and threw Parliament into a spin over whether they should be made public or not. But the President was clear that the personalities appearing on the list which Kenyans were speculating over whose name could be in it on the basis of long-running controversial investigations, including his Cs, must step aside...

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xnews | FRIday, MARCH 27, 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 91.6961 91.8378 91.7669 136.3878 136.6450 136.5164 100.6278 100.8067 100.7122 7.7143 7.7305 7.7224 32.3614 32.5205 32.4409 19.9809 20.1208 20.0508

Lobby urges State to probe foreign investors over racism The Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) has asked the Government to address increased racism among organisations, especially foreign firms operating in the country.

Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said staff from at least 12 companies have raised concerns over discrimination based on colour.

“Of the 12 companies that we have received complaints from, seven are not local. I would like to say this problem of racism in our firms is real and need to be addressed. You may not understand until it comes close to you,” said Mutoro.

Mutoro said mass sacking of locals in favour of expatriates and poor working conditions are some of the complaints that have been raised.

“When you have sacking of Kenyans to bring people who don’t even qualify for a job, tells

you there is a problem. People who don’t even have secondary education are getting big jobs through the back door,” Mutoro said.

He said if the issues are not resolved, they could lead to unnecessary tension and conflicts between locals and expatriates which may drive away investors from the country.

“The country must do all it can to ensure we attract many investors. But just like any many states, we must ensure there are laws and regulations to protect our people,” he said.

The lobby group has asked the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Immigration Department at the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government to work closely in ensuring proper scrutiny of work permits applicants.

racisM concerns: Cofek Secretary General Stephen Mutoro says they have received concerns from employees of at least 12 different companies on challenges of being discriminated because of their skin colour.

Heinz acquires Kraft food firm Food manufacturer, Heinz, renowned for ketchup, plans to buy Krafts food. Kraft is popular for brands such as Jell-O, Maxwell House coffee and Planters peanuts.

The acquisition will see Heinz create the fifth largest food and beverage company in the worth with sales as high as $28 billion (Sh2.6 trillion).The announcement drove Kraft shares up by more than 33 pc on Wednesday.

Shareholders of Kraft will receive stock in the Kraft Heinz Company and a special dividend

of $16.50 (Sh1515) per share. The offer will be funded by a $10 billion (Sh918.25 billion) cash injection by Heinz owners, 3G Capital, and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.

Heinz shareholders will own 51 per cent of the combined firm while Kraft shareholders will get a 49 per cent stake once the deal is sealed.

“By bringing together these two iconic companies through this transaction, we are creating a strong platform for both U.S. and

international growth,” said Heinz chairman Alex Behring in a statement.

Cost cutting is another reason for the acquisition of the company. Kraft required assistance to start boosting profits. Last week, they had to recall 240,000 cases of macaroni and cheese, because some boxes may have been contaminated with pieces of metal.

The companies have a joint plan to generate $1.5 billion (137.7billion) in annual cost savings by the end of 2017.

city wallet

CBK intervention softens bank loans borrowing terms

Though many low-income Kenyans are unable to borrow from banks and other financial institutions, many have access to services they could not have before.Many loans are easy to repay as long as the cash is well invested, the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reveals.

The sector regulator, Central Bank of Kenya, recently took steps to maintain low lending rates and allow more Kenyans to access financial services. CBK takes the measures because high interest rates slow economic growth due to consumers lack of motivation to borrow and less money to spend.

Bank account holders, for instance, can borrow as little as Sh50,000 at a relatively manageable bill of less than Sh70,000 after two years. Latest numbers from KNBS have shown that though bank loans are like a gamble for some borrowers, they are a lifeline to those who use the money wisely.

Borrowers investing in businesses, for instance, have up to three years to repay a Sh500,000 loan.

In a survey of 10 of Kenya’s leading banks, KNBS revealed out that a loan worth Sh500,000 would cost a borrower no more than Sh647,000 over a threeyear course.

They arrived at the numbers by using an interest rate of 19 per cent, which was the highest bank rate from the survey.Charges to a borrower in addition to interest rates include commitment or facility, processing, early repayment, negotiation, valuation, insurance, appraisal and legal fees, says KNBS.

GLOBE WATCH British-born TV actor and movie star Idris Elba will design a new clothing brand for SuperGroup, a global branded clothing company.

SuperGroup, the firm behind the fashion brand known as Superdry, said the star of Luther will design the new clothing line along with the brand founder and Design Director James Holder.

x-news.co.ke

UK actor to design new clothing brand for Superdry

History Amidst fears that the group was not doing as well as it should in local and international markets, SuperGroup said last month its finance chief, Shaun Wills, has quit after being declared bankrupt.

The announcement followed the departure of chief operating officer Susanne Given, who said

in February she was leaving to “explore other opportunities”.

Implications The Guardian reports that SuperGroup hopes to “glean a little magic from Elba by making actor the face of a new premium range of clothing.”

Elba has become a household name in many parts

of UK and the world. He is famous for starring as the title character in UK detective drama known as ‘Luther’. He also played a drug lord and aspiring businessman in the famous US TV series, ‘The Wire’.

Elba also starred as war veteran Stacker Pentecost in the blockbuster film Pacific Rim. SuperGroup said: “This new collaboration is part of our strategy to create a global lifestyle brand, building on the iconic heritage of Superdry to broaden and strengthen customer appeal.”

The firm, whose trademark jackets, hooded tops, check shirts and jogging bottoms are popular with teenagers and twenty-somethings, trades in more than 100 countries. It has more than 135 standalone retail stores.

The new range will be available online and in shops later this year.

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BUSINESS FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Infrastructure gaps retard Africa’s economic growth, CS Amina Cabinet Secretary Amb. Aimina Mohammed has called on African countries to place emphasis on the development of infrastructure in order to realise Africa’s vision of an integrated continent free of poverty.

Speaking during the Central Corridor Presidential Round Table and High Level Industry and Investor Forum in Dar es Salaam the Cabinet Secretary said that infrastructure deficits in the East African region and Africa in general have resulted in high costs of transport which has continue to hinder development in the continent.

“As a result of high expenditures in transport, trade costs in Africa constitute a high percentage of export and import costs; estimated to range

between 30 and 40 per cent higher than in other developing countries,” she said.

Amb. Mohammed also said that closing Africa’s infrastructure deficits will increase the continent’s per capita economic growth by 2 per cent a year and at the same time increase productivity of firms by as much as 40 per cent.

She further stressed on the need for regional economies to focus on the development of vibrant capital markets, citing pension funds and insurance deposits as key sources of long term investments funds.

“African countries can tap on pension funds which offer an ideal avenue of increasing the pool of investible resources that can be transformed into

COMMERCE 101: Cabinet secretary for foreign affairs and international trade Amb. Amina Mohammed (right) representing President Uhuru Kenyatta during the Central Corridor Presidential Round Table and High Level Industry and investor Forum held at Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam. investment funds for infrastructure development,” said the CS. The CS at the same time underlined the need for African countries to focus increasingly on improving credit profile in order to access foreign commercial

Wheat disease ravages Kenya’s second most important crop Wheat farmers in Rift Valley have been suffering from the threat of a plant disease known as stem rust that is wiping up to 100 per cent of their yields.

The disease is so deadly that it is even attacking superior wheat varieties.

Wheat is the second most important crop in Kenya after maize and is used to make bread, animal feed, whiskey and beer.

Farmers like Simon Ng’ang’a, who have been in wheat production for the last decade, cannot take the losses anymore, The disease has also threatened the production of over half a million metric tons of wheat a year.

Ng’ang’a’s 5 hectares of the high-yielding, disease resistant “Robin” wheat variety was struck by a new strain of stem rust disease some time ago. He lost nearly all of his crops.

The stem rust that destroyed Ng’ang’a’s crop chokes plant nutrients in the stem, preventing the proper formation of the plant. Epidemics of the disease can cause severe losses.

Ng’ang’a was growing Robin, a wheat variety developed by breeders at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), tested at the Kenya Agricultural Livestock & Research Organization (KALRO) and released to

farmers to plant in their fields.

It’s a hardy variety, says wheat breeder, Sridhar Bhavani, who heads the CIMMYT stem-rust screening nurseries in East Africa.

Older wheat varieties that farmers grew in the area were yielding about 4.5 metric tons per hectare, but improved varieties such as Robin now produce a yield up to 30 per cent higher depending on farm management practices, Bhavani said.

“We’ve been racing to try and combat stem rust, to prevent the spread of the disease by

breeding wheat varieties that contain resistant genes. The temporary solution is to spray fungicide,” he explains.

International scientists, governments and policymakers have been working under the umbrella of the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative project to develop disease-resistant varieties that governments can release through their National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS).

Scientists have already developed and released 45 resistant wheat varieties.

BUSINESS WISE Brand recognition is crucial to small businesses No matter how small a business is, one positive review from the right customer can boost its profits ten-fold.

A study by researchers from Daystar University has found that small businesses have a hard time convincing potential clients to buy their products and services.

However, the same study notes that once a client is convinced, the business is already geared towards financial success.

Makarius Morara from Smart Outcome Services and Samuel Mureithi and Michael Bowen from Daystar University,

Nairobi, ran a study on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in urban areas.

They discovered that one of the most significant challenges is the negative perception towards SMEs. They say that “potential clients perceive small businesses as lacking the ability to provide quality services and are unable to satisfy more than one critical project simultaneously.”

As such, larger companies are often selected and “given business for their clout in the industry and name recognition alone.”

But by building a brand around a small business, even a catering company, a flower arrangement enterprise or a handful of painters can land clients that would otherwise go for more prominent businesses.

The researchers also found that older businesses are more trusted than new ones, noting that those that perform well are run by trained professionals.

This means that even a new business can be successful if the quality of goods and services they give their clients is exceptional.

lending. Saying that the success of the Eurobond floated by Kenya to raise funds for infrastructure was partly due to the positive rating by credit rating agencies.

BUSINESS NEWS Prime Bank launches new Visa golf card for golfers Prime Bank, in partnership with Visa Inc. have launched Prime Visa Golf Card, the first ever golf card in Kenya.

Dubbed the Prime Visa Golf Card, the card will allow the bank’s customers to enjoy a wide range of benefits on and off the golf course.

The Prime Visa Golf Gold Card will be offered exclusively to golfers.

Cardholders will enjoy a ‘no joining fee’ and a fully paid for annual subscription by the bank.

Other benefits and features of the Prime Visa Golf Gold Card include special discounts on purchases of golf merchandise available at selected Golf shops, Golfers Insurance policy available at Prime Bank, and 100% waiver on the joining fees for the card.

The partnership with KGU will also allow golfers privileged access to prestigious golf clubs in the country and discounted green fees.

Cardholders will access all core Visa card services globally such as card replacement, cash disbursement, lost or stolen card reporting and a host of other benefits.

“In our passionate effort to promote golf and develop talent amongst our youth, Prime Bank will remit the entire Annual Card Subscription Fees to Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) through the Kenya Golf Union (KGU),” said Vijay Kantaria, Director of Business Development at Prime Bank.

He was speaking during the launch event on Thursday March 26, 2015 .

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

ACCESS CELEBCHAT

W

ho is G-kon?

I am a humble, hardworking,God fearing young man who believes that I am one of the best rappers in the world.

When and how did you start out?

I started music way back when i was in a primary school in Eastlands. I used to sing along to songs of Esir, Nameless, Chamellion and many more. Once I got to high school, I composed my first song. I started recording proffesionally in 2007, and it wasnt until 2011 when people started noticing my music. The song Come To Do featuring Visita introduced me to the industry.

You recently released your song, Mtu Mbaya Sana.The video also dropped on Tuesday. How does that make you feel?

It was really nice performing Mtu Mbaya Sana, and the response was epic. I liked the fact that so many people came to support me during my video launch.

The song is simply

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fashion scoop

G-Kon is rising fast in the rap industry. He believes it is his unique sound and hard hitting lines that has put him in the race to greatness. Is he truly Mtu Mbaya Sana?

a feel good one. In Mtu Mbaya Sana I am talking about what happens in real life. Sometimes you end up doing bad things without realising.

How would you describe your sound?

I call it Hiipuka. It is a fusion of Hip hop, genge and Kapuka. I want my sound to potray feel good music, to be a club banger to be unique so that people identify it with me.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

I always look up to God. I admire artistes like P Diddy, Lil Wayne and Eminem. In Kenya I admire myself, since day one. I am my own biggest fan. I am in a competition with myself and I have to win.

Which artistes have you worked with and would like to work with?

I have worked with Kenrazy,Calvo Mistari,Kidis,Mimmo,Visita,Size 8,Ekodida,Abbas, Adelle Onyango and many more. I want to work with Madtraxx,P-unit and Sauti Sol. In East Africa Diamond and Chamelione are the ones I would like to work with some day.

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

I did not have finances to sponsor studio fees. My family did not support my passion they didnt think it would amount to something worthwhile.

Lastly, getting airplay was a bit of a hustle.

What are you greatest achievements and regrets so far?

My greatest achievement was when I got the opportunity to perform for President Uhuru Kenyatta. I made him dance along to my music and that was great for me. My regrets was when I got signed to a label for many years and left without anything to write home about.

What is next for G-kon?

I am currently working on my album.

I have a song that I am also finalising and it will be released in five weeks time so watch out for it.

I always look up to God. I admire artistes like P Diddy, Lil Wayne and Eminem. In Kenya I admire myself, since day one.

factfile Real Name: George Kevin RelatioNship: Single age: Mid 20s Best Food: Ugali and fish or pasta and minced beef Best Book: Merchant of Venice

by William Shakespear and The Bible Best Quote: It’s usually the last key on the bunch that opens the door.

Gkon is coming of age

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY 26th 2014 FRIDAY, MARCH 27,NOVEMBER 2015

SHOPPING

The infamous Galileo Extreme has its home at Lifestyle.

Although it is viewed as a night club more than anything, Galileo serves up some of the best steaks in the city.

Nakumatt LifestyLe was desigNed as a pLace to reLax whiLe at the heart of the city.

Rediscovering

A

few years back, Lifestyle (the mall) has attained a reputation as the number one spot to get bombarded by wandering college students and loiterers, who have nothing else to do but spend time blocking entryways.

Whatever charm and appeal there was in having a mall right in the CBD was long lost. But now the mall looks like it is undergoing a rebirth of sorts and is on its way back to being a major contender for hottest spot in the city. The construction of the Hazina Trade Centre Tower in Lifestyle’s current building structure, hyping itself as the tallest building in the country, is bound to transform Kenya’s skyline.

The first thing to note about Nakumatt Lifestyle would be that it was designed to sell tranquility in the midst of the bustling city.

This means it might not have all the trappings one would expect when looking for a long weekend but it is accessible, easy to navigate and still has enough facilities to keep anybody entertained.

Ourside parking is mostly a futile pursuit at the shopping centre but Lifestyle gets a pass because of its sizeable underground bays.

Lifestyle has a penchant for fashion and clothing stores the distinction

Lifestyle

being that the mall strikes a balance within the clothing shops. Every store that sells garments caters to both men and women meaning nobody gets left out. Walter’s Fashion House and Tailoring Shop shines bright despite its location in a corner of the first floor of the building. The shop stocks men’s and women’s African wear particularly the ever popular Kitenge fabrics and colours in an assortment of cuts and designs.

Fifth Avenue Fashions takes care of the busy professional with not too much time to spare but always wants to look good. They deal in dress shoes, shirts, pants with trench and cape coats for both men and women. M&M Collections is also in this category, selling smart office wear and even men’s wear-inspired women’s power suits. A stand out would be Basic Intimates, a bright, colourful shop stocking in lingerie, swimwear and underwear for men in a variety of sizes and with something for everyone.

The powdery pink Glamour Zone sells designer jewellery, bags and women’s shoes.

Hair and beauty services at Lifestyle are provided by Queens Hair and Beauty Centre and Executive Barber.

The salon and barber shop offers beauty solutions, makeup artistry and

sell beauty supplies in an expert and welcoming environment.

Lifestyle’s food court is built for function although the seating could prove daunting during peak hours.

Eateries are also not many but they are a good mix. One Africa Shop offers African dishes we all know and love, Harvest Pizza, which serves up food court basics like burgers and fries including their popular pizza options. Bar.B.Que will quench your barbeque cravings with their lashings of roast beef, mbuzi, chicken and fish.

The infamous Galileo Extreme has its home at Lifestyle. Although it is viewed as a night club more than anything Galileo serves up some of the best steak in the city.

Medical services at Lifestyle are provided by Pharmart Pharmacy, Eye Tech Opticians and Avenue Healthcare, which has a pharmacy, special and executive clinics and laboratory services all in one location.

Money matters are handled by Bank of Africa and Western Union.

The Mall’s floors are a bit dark even with the sky light and the diversity of shops is not very wide. However, Nakumatt’s location is hard to beat and with the ongoing renovations, it will be interesting to see what the new Lifestyle will have in store for shoppers.

9

ACCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

WEEKENDPLANNER

your comprehensive gig guide.

saturday

the GodownGig

Yunasi

WHERE:The GoDown Arts Centre WHEN: 3pm - 8pm WHO: Yunasi Band Octave Band.

HOW MUCH: Free

today

today live at the elephant

Kaka

WHERE: The Elephant WHEN: 8pm WHO: Suzanne Owiyo, Naomi Wachira HOW MUCH: Advance Sh800 Gate Sh1, 200 Naomi Wachira

saturday

today

aFrobeatz Festival WHERE: Carnivore Restaurant WHEN: 6pm WHO: Davido, Muthoni DQ, Fena, DJ Protégé, DJ Kafi, Obinna HOW MUCH: Sh2, 000

saturday

WHERE: Sarakasi Dome WHEN: 11am WHO: Benachi, DJ Jeremiah HOW MUCH: Free

Jamboree Fest

Benachi

nananan

WHERE: Kenya Rugby Football Union WHEN: 11am WHO: Various DJs HOW MUCH: Gate Sh1,000 Advance Sh800

Ka a K F o d n leGe nch u a l m u alb

Davido

Out&About

HOT

ditorium, uis Leakey Au : 7pm WHERE: Lo EN Nairobi. WH avoko, Museum Hill M h ic R e, yr t, W ne WHO: Rabbi io m Fe , Frasha Avril, Kristoff, Regular, 0 00 1, Sh : HOW MUCH Sh2,000 VIP.

some of participant bloggers

TOPICS

It is official; diamond and zari are having a girl!

Zari and Diamond are expecting a girl.

Well that is going by a picture that Zari posted online of a pink princess onesie.

Zari, who already has three boys by her ex-husband, has been quoted countless times saying she would love a girl.

The couple, announced officially that they were expecting at a dinner party that Diamond held for Zari. Diamond is said to be very happy and eager to meet his baby terming it as the best moment of his life.

Jose chameleone’s heart wrenching tribute to his brother Jose Chameleone has released an emotional song for his late brother AK47. The singer, who is currently in the country has been spotted downcast and still mourning even, though he tries to put up a brave face in most events.

The song sang in Luganda expresses the pain he feels for the loss of his brother.

Chameleone said that the best way he could remember his dear brother was by putting it in a song. He also called out the media in for peddling fake stories about the death of his brother.

5

Most of these blogs mostly talk about politics and other issues affecting the society in their various locations.

Which bloG Will top the list this year?

2015 BAKE Awards is almost here. We are one month away from May 2 and competition for the the Best County Blog category is getting stiff.

Last year, county-411.com was crowned the winner, outmuscling a tight bunch of competitors.

But only two blogs from last year’s list made it to this year’s list; county-411.com and uasingishudecides.wordpress. com.

This makes one wonder whether those that did not make it into this year’s list lost their touch or did they just stopped being relevant?

The new entries are: kakamega411.com, northriftpolitics.com and www. nepjournal.com.

These blogs are a progressive media initiative that usually aim to serve as the leading space where the counties’ leading thinkers, analysts and writers provide their readers, with new perspectives on all issues affecting the regions.

Most of these blogs talk about politics and other issues affecting the society in their various locations.

They are mostly a platform of interaction for various citizens

They are not always about news; and their main agenda is unity of purpose. They also make sure that you get the juiciest happenings that are happening down at the county level and to also let the people know about any new opportunities in town.

They aim to publish daring perspectives with original content, and beautifully written pieces, to give voice to writers and thinkers so as to empower, educate and inform its people.

Go to http://www.blogawards. co.ke/vote/ and vote for your favorite blog. May the best blog win!

10

ACCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

FASHIONScoop

Fashion Blogger Caroline KiBati (msKiBati.Com) is in love with shoes. she let us raid her stylish Closet.

5

closeT Raid What is the fashion item that you cannot leave the house without?

My watch- I doubt anything can replace a simple and timeless piece like a watch.

What is your best fashion accessory?

Belts. Really weird right?

But have you ever noticed the power a simple belt has over your outfit? It does wonders!

caRoline kibaTi

Whose fashion style do you admire locally and internationally?

Locally, I admire Sharon Mundia (thisisess) and Fawwie.

Internationally, Victoria Beckham- she looks fabulous even when going out to buy groceries!

What is the fashion advice that you live by?

Comfort Before Cute- If your clothing makes you feel miserably uncomfortable, no matter how stylish or cute it is, you should never wear it.

What is the last item you wear before leaving the house?

Shoes, obviously!

What is the one fashion trend you have sworn never to try and why?

Creeper shoes. I would rather be old school than be seen in those!

Which one do you prefer, an animal print dress or a bandage dress?

A bandage dress. It’s hard to find a dress that fits your curves right without being necessarily indecent!

Who is your favorite fashion designer internationally and locally?

Locally, Ann McCreath of Kikoromeo, Wambui Mukenyi and John Kaveke. Internationally, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, Tom Ford, Pierre Cardin, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld and Miuccia Bianchi Prada, just to mention a few.

Sharon

Head on to the BAKE website (blogawards. co.ke) and vote for her.

Which is your favourite colour?

I do not have a particular one, but I lean more towards the brighter colors.

I feel alive in bright pieces.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Stylish, cute, realistic, elegant, sophisticated, classy and versatile -I can from a straight up tom boy to extremely sassy!

TOP 10

sanaipei Tande

kenyan hiTs

Rank

What is your guilty pleasure (fashion wise)?

Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!

TiTle

aRTisTe

1 2

Ankula huu Nikikutazama

Sana H_art the band

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Creeper

Kagwe Mungai P-Unit E.Jal,Juliani,V.Mdee & Syssi Mananga Octopizzo Destiny Octopizzo Otile Brown ft Khaligraph Jones Amani

Wekaweka Tusimame Something for you King Kaka Jump Imaginary love Kizunguzungu

PLAY 11 FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Others’ attitudes toward you may seem to be changing. You may not be sure what this means. The fact is, Capricorn, you’re changing, and some of your friends may like what you’re becoming and others may feel less comfortable. You can’t stop what’s happening.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A number of different and unexpected professional and personal possibilities might have you a bit confused about which way you want to go, Aquarius. You may face a choice of some kind, but right now you aren’t really sure about the direction you want to take. Don’t rush it.

FRIday 27/03/2015

sunny

25

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Today you might face a choice, Pisces. You might be thinking in terms of relocating to advance your career, but you could be confused about your options. You might be grappling with several options. Input from family members isn’t likely to help at this time.

25ºC 60%

SATURday 28/03/2015

More sun than clouds

26 6:35am 6:41pm

26ºC 58%

6:35 am 6:41 pm

Sunday

25

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

Friday’s Solution

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 You might also hear some gossip that doesn’t seem quite right. This isn’t the day to believe everything you read or hear or to try to make sense of anything that has you befuddled. You will be in a better space later. Put it aside for a few days and then tackle it.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Confusion about money might be on your mind today, Taurus. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your finances are in chaos. Chances are that you face unfamiliar options concerning your financial future, and so you may be in no position to make any kind of decision.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 A relationship that you may have recently formed might have you in a dither today, Gemini.

You might not be sure about which way you want this involvement to develop. This isn’t the day to think much about it, as things probably won’t become clear today.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 You might be feeling somewhat under the weather, Cancer. You’re probably stressed and in need of rest. Work concerns could also be confusing. You might have a lot of tasks to do and not be certain where to start. Maybe you shouldn’t start today at all. Think about it!

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Recent successes have you feeling especially pressured to continue on your path, Leo. You may have to make some choices regarding your activities outside of career and family. You may have a lot of interests that all mean a lot to you, which makes it difficult to make choices.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 A letter or call from a relative could result in the prospect of an unexpected houseguest. You might be in a quandary as to what to do about it, Virgo. Your schedule could be crammed with other responsibilities. Don’t feel pressured into making any decisions today.

MUSTREAD The Sun by Night — by Benjamin Kwakye

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Travel plans might have you confused, Libra. You may have a number of possibilities in mind, and all seem equally attractive. You may also face decisions regarding your education. You’re probably going to have to make a choice, but today isn’t the day to do it.

A prostitute has been murdered. Koo Manu, a wealthy businessman and respected politician, is being tried for the killing. The country is under colonial rule and dictatorship is the norm. Did Manu kill the prostitute or is he being framed up to end his political career? What else will come out of the woodwork? What did the prostitute do to be murdered? Will truth and justice prevail in a country where money speaks?

Exploring themes centred around freedom, marriage and love, the book is a must read.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 New earning or investment possibilities could have you in a quandary over which one is the best for you, Scorpio. There are a number of solutions - technology may be one of them - but this isn’t the time to make any important decisions. Wait a few days.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Your life may seem to be at a crossroads, Sagittarius. A number of different possibilities could be opening up to you. The only thing that seems certain now is that changes are on the horizon. You will be facing some choices, but today isn’t the day to consider them.

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

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

winning captions

Friday’s winning photo

YOURSAY

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

1. Busy protecting the nation, huh? Juliet Myles, Nairobi 2. We are fighting the criminals that always pop up in your dreams-RR, Nrb 3. Making the thugs believe that we are not watching-Gerry Okungi, Nairobi

Kapsabet farmers must stop activities along riparian buffer strip I remind Nema and Ministry of Agriculture officers in Kapsabet of the wanton destruction of the environment in Nandi county. The damage has been caused by poor farming methods which are common in other parts of the country. Despite increased

public sensitisation and laws to regulate environmental conservation, many farmers do not heed basic best management agricultural practices. They do not preserve river banks under natural vegetation.

A case in point is along river Amai where

farmers have planted maize plantations barely 1.0-2.0 metres from the river margin.

Agricultural organisations ought to intensify farmers’ education on proper soil and water management practices. Stiff penalties should be meted out on errand farmers to act as

a deterrent to others. Farmers should not burn vegetation, particularly after harvesting crops, as a method of land preparation since it reduces humus content in soil, kills soil microorganisms and encourages erosion.

— Alfred Mosoti, Baraton University

12

PLAY

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Pen in a rush 8. Apple tool 13. Chump 14. Denver dish 16. Vaccinate 17. Small stuffed triangular turnover 18. Diminished 19. Contest responders 21. Plural word after gab and song 22. Some med. plans 23. “____ your disposal!”

24. FedEx alternative 25. Painful utterance 26. Get used to (var.)

27. Nervy quality 30. Latin conjunction 31. Not happy at all 33. Honshu seaport 35. L-P connector 36. Per the prior mention 40. Actress DeGeneres 42. Floor, to Felipe 43. Barely shining 46. Playwright Simon 47. Car IDs 48. Underage one 50. Information storage item 52. Old name for China 53. Checked copy 54. Waste away 56. Fall back 57. Seedy digs 58. Nurse, vis-a-vis medication 59. Cuddled, in a way

Down 1. Rewrote in simple language, with “down” 2. “It was ____!” (the show was a success) 3. Commuter flights 4. Sharpens the edge of 5. “The Art of Love” author 6. Tasseled cap 7. Ex-slave 8. Sticker prices 9. The Tent-maker 10. Stay 11. PayPal co-founder 12. Trucker’s oasis 13. Parisian singer 15. Sampled 20. Zilch 22. ___ polloi (common people) 25. Executive grps.

26. Latin “to be” 28. College VIP 29. ___ speak (as it were) 31. Gas choice 32. Officeholder 34. Building wing 35. Repairman 37. Whirl 38. Putters around 39. Nincompoop 41. Sends to cloud nine 44. Get a lungful 45. Surrounded by water, in a way 47. Darth of Star Wars 48. Manly to the max 49. Bread choices 51. Eliot character 52. Stoic philosopher 55. Cartographer’s output

DAILY WISDOM “You don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note”.

—Doug Floyd “The reward for conformity was that everyone liked you except yourself.”

— Rita Mae Brown “A ‘Normal’ person is the sort of person that might be designed by a committee. You know, Each person puts in a pretty color and it comes out gray.”

—Alan Sherman “Labels are for filing. Labels are for clothing. Labels are not for people.”

— Martina Navratilova “The average man is a conformist, accepting miseries and disasters with the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain.”

— Colin Wilson “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

— Dr. Seuss “A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

— Winston Churchill “We are half ruined by conformity; but we should be wholly ruined without it.”

— Charles Dudley Warner “Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the welltrodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road.”

—Voltaire

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Prime Bank, Visa launch first golf card Prime Bank in liaison with Visa Inc on Thursday launched Prime Visa Golf Card, the first ever golf card in Kenya.

Prime Visa Golf Card is a co-branded Visa Golf Card specifically designed to enable bank customers enjoy a wide range of benefits on and off the course.

The Card will be offered exclusively to golfers. Card holders will enjoy a no-joining fee and a fully paid annual subscription by the bank.

“In our passionate effort to promote golf and develop talent amongst our youth, Prime Bank will remit the entire Annual Card Subscription Fees to Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) through the Kenya Golf Union (KGU),” said Vijay Kantaria, Director, Business Development at the bank.

Other benefits and features of the Prime Visa Golf Gold Card include special discounts on purchases of golf merchandise available at selected golf shops, golfers insurance policy available at Prime Bank, and 100 per cent waiver on joining fees.

The partnership with KGU will effectively allow

golfers privileged access to prestigious golf clubs and discounted green fees.

Card holders will also access all core Visa card services globally such as replacement, cash disbursement, lost/stolen card reporting and more benefits that come with Visa “We are proud to be part of yet another first in the industry with the launch of the Prime Visa Golf Card in Kenya. As a global payments technology company, we understand the role innovation plays in growing the market and will strive to work with partners to create new and exciting products that enhance convenience and provide secure and seamless payment options,” said General Manager for East and Southern Africa Jabu Basopo.

“Prime Bank has always been keen on customer service, innovation and promotion of sports. Our products have always added value to customers’ everyday lives. We strive to give customers the best products with the highest quality,” said Kantaria.

GOLDEN: Prime Bank Director of Business Development, Vijay Kantaria poses with a dummy of the newly-launched golf card.

Obayi set for second stab at Everest climbing exhibition For the second time in a row, BrighterMonday will send out Steve Obayi to represent the group during this year’s event on Monday.

In 2014, Obayi made his first stab to Mount Everest summit as part of a determined team that sought to claim Kenya’s first summit of the world’s tallest mountain. However, the bid fell flat following a tragic avalanche.

There was never any doubt that he would head back to Everest for a second attempt. It was in this moment of greatest challenge that he was able to gauge the true depth of his character.

Ascending the peak of Mount Everest is not about the glory of the summit. It is about the character building nature in preparations.

“We are honoured to be a part

of this event which continues to speak to the core of our business of enabling Kenyans find jobs that speak to their desires and aspirations,” Robert Kimani, the Chief Executive Officer, told a news conference.

This year’s campaign is dubbed #NeverGiveUp and seeks to encourage job seekers to continue believing in big goals as the only way to succeed.

14

SPORT FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

MISS: Kenya versus Scotland during a T20 cricket qualifier. National cricket selectors have excluded bowler Nehemiah Odhiambo from the national team for this weekend’s International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Africa Twenty20 Division One qualifiers to be hosted

by South Africa.

Nehemiah Odhiambo excluded from Kenya national cricket team

National cricket selectors have excluded bowler Nehemiah Odhiambo from the national team for this weekend’s International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Africa Twenty20 Division One qualifiers to be hosted by South Africa.

While naming the squad during their last training session at Nairobi Simba Union ground, Coach Steve Tikolo said they had opted to drop the experienced bowler from the team over ‘indiscipline’ cases.

“We have had issues to do with discipline in the team and Odhiambo has been one of the affected players and so we thought so as to prove a point that we will not tolerate indiscipline in the team

we should leave him out of the team,” Tikolo explained.

The decision was backed by members of the technical bench that include Cricket Kenya Head of Elite Coach cum assistant coach Martin Suji and manager Joseph Asichi.

“The selectors had no objection when we raised our concern on leaving Odhiambo out,” he said.

Tikolo however said Odhiambo who is the elder brother to James Otieno and Vice-captain Shem Obado will still be considered for the upcoming events.

The selectors recalled former captain Maurice Ouma together with Emmanuel Bundi and

Eugene Maneno. The three were not part of the squad that represented the country in January’s ICC World Cricket League Division Two Championships in Namibia.

They replace Odhiambo, Jadavji Bhimji and Jimmy Kamande. Bhimji has work commitments but Kamande failed to prove himself in the two tours he has been with the team from December.

This year’s ICC Africa Twenty20 Division One qualifiers will also involve Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana and Botswana.

The ICC Africa Twenty20 Division One qualifiers serves as a qualifying event for this year’s ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers, which brings together

controversial sprinter Justin Gatlin gets nike sponsorship deal Controversial sprinter Justin Gatlin (pictured) has been given a new sponsorship deal by US sportswear giant Nike.

The 33-year-old American dominated the 100m and 200m in 2014, and is some experts’ favourite to win a golden double at August›s World Championships.

But Gatlin is a divisive figure, having served two doping bans, including a four-year suspension between 2006 and 2010.

Gatlin was sponsored by Nike prior to his second ban but has been wearing Chinese firm Xtep’s kit since 2012.

His US teammate Tyson Gay, who has also recently returned from a drugs ban, will also be wearing Nike clothes and spikes this season, although the company denies this is a result of a formal tie-in.

The Oregon-based company said Gay, who was dropped by Adidas when he tested for a banned substance in 2013, is getting its equipment because he has started working with the Nike-sponsored coach John Smith in Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old Gay claimed a hat-trick of sprint medals at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, and is still the joint second-fastest man over 100m with a personal best of 9.69 seconds, but he has struggled to win individual honours during the Usain Bolt era.

Gatlin, however, has emerged as the greatest threat to Bolt’s ambitions of winning a third consecutive clean sweep of the Olympic sprint medals - 100m, 200m and 4x100m - at Rio 2016.

winners of regional qualifying events.

Associate teams that will earn automatic qualifications are Afghanistan, Nepal, UAE, Netherlands, Hong Kong and the event’s co-hosts, Ireland and Scotland. The ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers has been scheduled to take place from July 6 to 26, with 51 matches to be played among the 14 participating nations.

Squad: Rakep Patel (captain), Shem Obado (vc), Collins Obuya, Maurice Ouma, Irfan Karim (wkt), Alex Obanda, Narenda Patel, Lucas Oluoch, Gurdeep Singh, Nelson Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno, James Otieno, Eugene Maneno, Emmanuel Bundi.

Mutinda banned after testing positive for doping Kenya’s Joseph Mutinda (pictured), who trains in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been banned for three years after admitting to doping.

US Anti-Doping Agency ,USADA said that Mutinda admitted the use of various banned performance enhancing drugs after twice testing positive for 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite of an anabolic agent.

In the wake of the positive tests, 40-year-old Mutinda also admitted the use of blood-boosting hormone EPO and the diuretic furosemide, used as a masking agent.

As a result of an in-competition positive test at the 2014 Austin Marathon on February 16 of last year, Mutinda has been stripped of his title in the Texas race, which he won in 2hr 14min 16sec.

He has in fact been stripped of all results from December 15, 2013, the date on which USADA said records show he was first administered EPO. Mutinda’s ban comes as Kenya grapples with a doping problem that reached crisis proportions with the two-year ban in January of top marathoner Rita Jeptoo — winner of Multiple Chicago and Boston marathon titles.

SPORT 15 FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

Kimanzi rallies Brewers to tame soldiers in midweek tie Tusker coach Francis Kimanzi has asked players to approach Nairobi City Stars in a similar manner to the clash against Ulinzi Stars in mid-week.

The 10-time premier league champions registered their first win of the season after beating Robert Matano’s Ulinzi Stars 2-1 at Ruaraka complex.

Goals from Aboud Omar and striker Jesse Were ensured Kimanzi’s side bounced back from the weekend loss to Ushuru.

At the end of the 90 minutes, Tusker would be proud of their approach to the game as they were more patient despite Ulinzi starting the game in a blistering pace.

“That is the kind of response I expect going forward. It was not easy losing to Ushuru, the manner the boys BE CAUTIOUS: Tusker’s Aboud Omar goes for the ball in a past league match. Coach Francis Kimanzi has urged his side to approach the Ulinzi Stars mid-week clash with caution.

conducted themselves was commendable,” said Kimanzi.

“It was good finally to get the win but we are not yet there.

The players are still making a few errors and the cohesion of the team is yet to pick up. We are made to suffer because of the long lay-off and now we have to face two games every three days and for the players that is hurting,” Kimanzi said.

Against winless City Stars, Kimanzi has called for a similar approach as the brewers seek to build their season early.

Weekend fixtures Nakuru All Stars vs Western Stima Thika United vs Muhoroni Youth Ulinzi Stars vs AFC Leopards KCB vs Chemelil Sugar SonySugar vs Ushuru City Stars vs Tusker

Soccer franchise Minnesota to EPL fans protest high ticket prices play Major League from 2018 Minnesota United will field a Major League Soccer franchise from 2018 as the league’s expansion plans continue.

The MLS has 20 teams but with Atlanta joining and Chivas USA being recreated, Minnesota will become the 23rd side when they join in 2018.

A 24th franchise is expected by 2020 but Minnesota are the first side to be located in the country’s Upper Midwest.

The club, founded in 2010 and nicknamed the Loons, play in the second-tier North American Soccer League.

As part of their move into the MLS, Minnesota will finalise plans for a new stadium by 1 July.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said: “The ownership group’s commitment to soccer and the community, the area’s growing millennial population and the region’s rich tradition of supporting soccer at all levels in Minnesota were key indicators that this was the right market.”

Garber recently said consideration will be given to expanding “beyond 24 clubs” as groups from Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Antonio and St Louis have made pitches for inclusion.

A Miami proposal underpinned by potential owners David Beckham and Simon Fuller is also under consideration but requires authorities in the city to sanction the building of a new stadium.

Fans will protest against the price of match tickets by staging a demonstration outside a meeting of Premier League club executives.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore is to present a letter to shareholders during their scheduled summit at a central London hotel.

He will do so on behalf of the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) and fan groups from all 20 top-flight clubs.

The letter renews a demand for away tickets to be capped at Sh2,800.

A new report by Deloitte also shows top-flight clubs generated a combined pre-tax profit of Sh26.6billion in 2013-

14, the first in 15 years.

Given the financial success of the division, the FSF feels it is imperative for clubs to now take action on away ticket prices.

“Away fans generate much of the atmosphere, often sparking the home support into life,” reads the FSF letter.

“They are among the most loyal of supporters, often travelling long distances at difficult times while generally being regular home fans and consumers of merchandise and TV packages, too.”

Over recent years however there has been a general decline in the numbers of away supporters, and this has much to do with the high price of tickets.

Nou Camp to host Barca vs Bilbao clash

EXPANDED: US Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has announced that Minnesota FC (in white) has been awarded an expandedsw team that will start playing in 2018.

The Copa del Rey final clash between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona on May 30 will be played at Barcelona’s Nou Camp Stadium.

Spain’s domestic cup final usually takes place at a neutral venue, with a stadium often agreed upon by the clubs.

Real Madrid refused to host the match and as neither side could agree a location, a vote was held at a Spanish Football Federation meeting.

No side has played the final in their own stadium since 2002,

when Deportivo La Coruna won at Real Madrid.

Sevilla’s Vicente Calderon and Valencia’s Mestalla stadiums were in the running to stage the final but were eliminated in a first round of voting, leaving just Barcelona’s famous home and Athletic’s San Mames in the running.

Victory will earn Barcelona a 27th Copa del Rey, while Bilbao sit second to them on the list of most successful clubs in the competition with 23 wins.

xnews | friday, march 27, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

KPL: KIMANZI RALLIES BREWERS TO BEAT ULINZI THIS WEEKEND Pg: 14

India’s goose gets cooked JUMPING FOR JOY: Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson soars through the air as he celebrates taking the wicket of India’s Rohit Sharma during the 2015 Cricket World Cup semi-final. Inset: Indian fan reacts after the result.

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Dream final as Australia roast India to book New Zealand date Australia powered into the World Cup final with a 95-run victory over defending champions India in Sydney.

Steve Smith struck a fluent 105 from 93 balls and Aaron Finch 81 as Australia posted 328-7, the highest score in a World Cup semi-final.

India made a solid start to their reply but lost four wickets for 32 runs and fell well short on 233 despite captain MS Dhoni making 65.

Australia will meet fellow co-hosts New Zealand in Sunday’s final in Melbourne. They will do so looking for their fifth World Cup crown - no other team has more than two - and on the back of a seventh semi-final win in as many attempts.

For India, the defence of the trophy they won on home soil four years ago and a run of 16 consecutive wins in major one-day tournaments - the World Cup and Champions Trophy - is over.

They can reflect on how their top order fell apart after openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma put on 76 inside 13 overs, but perhaps Dhoni’s biggest mistake was calling

incorrectly at the toss. As a result, India, who failed to win any of the 10 matches on their tour of Australia that preceded the World Cup, were made to bowl first on a Sydney pitch that was full of runs.

Even then, Australia failed to fully capitalise on the second-wicket stand of 182 between Smith and Finch, as Michael Clarke’s men were stunted by the off-breaks of Ravichandran Ashwin and a curious collective failure against back-of-a-length bowling.

In all, four Australia batsmen were undone by the short ball, the first being David Warner, offering a leading edge to Umesh Yadav.

That brought Smith to join Finch, who began with uncertainty and rarely looked at his best, but showed tenacity to support his free-scoring partner.

Cricket World Cup 2015: Steve Smith steers Australia to final With his familiar shuffle across the stumps, Smith whipped, clipped and pulled three-quarters of his runs through the leg side to become only the fifth man, and first Australian,

to score a hundred in a World Cup semi. As Smith and Finch traded sixes, Australia looked set to move out of sight, but Smith’s hook to deep square leg off Yadav signalled a slowing of the pace.

Four wickets for 51 runs left Shane Watson and James Faulkner to rebuild momentum, with Mitchell Johnson’s nine-ball 27 carrying Australia to a score they would have earlier seen to be the bare minimum.

Fortune also seemed to be going India’s way in what became an increasingly bad-tempered contest.

Rohit was reprieved in the first over when an edge off Mitchell Starc was adjudged not to have carried to Watson at first slip, while Dhawan was dropped by a flying Brad Haddin off Josh Hazlewood.

When Suresh Raina edged Faulkner, all seemed to rest on Dhoni, but his acceleration did not come until the 43rd over, with 121 required and only four wickets in hand.

Glenn Maxwell’s direct hit ensured the assault was not sustained and any slim hopes India maintained departed with their captain.

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