NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 | www.x-news.Co.ke
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mysterious death Land deaLs Linked to murder of businessman kariuki ngugi
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great growth Cba’s m-shwari Crosses sh10m Customer mark
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dear doris... unmasking the pensmith behind the hiLarious Letters to doris
NEWS
Court order against KPL to stay in forCe untiL MarCh 13
More PartiCiPants exPeCted at first Lady’s haLf Marathon
al shabaab planner captured in somalia
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Somali-American who has been on the FBI’s most wanted terrorists list has been captured, intelligence sources say. Somalia intelligence officials said on Tuesday Liban Haji Mohamed was arrested as he travelled from an area controlled by the AlShabaab terror group in southern Somalia. The one-time cab driver in northern Virginia is being held and interrogated by Somalia officials. The Somalia National Intelligence and Security Agency did not reveal when Mohamed was captured but said the suspect had been under surveillance for a number of days. Mohamed was born in Somalia but is a naturalised US citizen. It is said the 29-year-old left US in July 2012 to join al-Shabaab ranks in Somalia. The FBI said he was wanted for allegedly providing material support to terrorists. But his extradition is not guaranteed as US and Somalia do not have an extradition treaty in place.
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Blessed Blue
Gospel singer SK Blue and wife, Mercy, welcome their second child, a girl named Natalia
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out and about
Racheal Muthoni takes you through the enchanting landscapes and terrains of Kenya through her blog
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ON TERROR MISSION: Intelligence reports have revealed that Liban Haji Mohamed left US in July 2012 for Somalia on a mission to strengthen Al Shabaab terror operations in the war-ravaged country.
Closet raid
Maureen loves to play dress up and she’s drawing fans to her fashion cult
The voting phase of the 2015 Kenyan Blog Awards is now open. Visit: http://www.blogawards.co.ke/vote/
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NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
NEWS BRIEFS
CARTOONSPEAK
Four Tanzanians to hang for killing Albino woman
No more sweat: Scientists discover hormone that has same effect as exercise Gyms, exercise gurus and dieticians are under threat following a new discovery that could make exercising and ‘healthy living’ obsolete. A team of researchers claim they have found a hormone that mimics the effects of exercise, allowing people to lose weight and regulate their blood sugar. The hormone, dubbed MOTS-c, has been proven to work in mice and clinical trials on humans could begin in three years. The discovery of MOTS-c, a compound that acts as a signal for the body, was made by scientists at the University of Southern California. MOTS-c works by increasing insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to more effectively process glucose sugars, researchers claim. Insulin is a hormone that
Four people have been sentenced to death in Tanzania after they were found guilty of murdering an albino woman. The four killed the woman in 2008 because they believed her body parts had special powers, a judge in north-western town of Geita ruled. The victim, 22-year-old Zawadi Mangidu, left behind a ninemonth-old child. Her husband is among the convicted. The sentence comes barely days after President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete vowed to tackle the killing of albinos, who are targeted for superstitious reasons.
moves the sugars from food into the blood stream. Resistance to insulin can be triggered by a poor diet and may lead to diabetes. The MOTS-c hormone mainly targets muscle tissue, where it restores insulin sensitivity, making the body function more effectively. To test the effects of MOTS-c, the team injected the hormone into mice that were fed a high-fat diet, which typically causes them to grow obese and develop a resistance to insulin. The MOTS-c injections successfully stopped both negative effects in the mice, implying that the same can be achieved in humans, allowing people to eat whatever they want without the risk of gaining too much weight.
Al Shabaab strategist captured in Somalia FROM PAGE 1 It is also not yet clear what role he played in the terror group. His capture comes barely a week after the militants issued a video warning calling for attacks on malls owned by Western investors. Al-Shabaab militants have in the recent past attacked Kenya. Early this week, police sources warned that at least 12 suspected terrorists are believed to be plotting an attack against Parliament. Intelligence reports indicated that six of the suspects could already be in Nairobi. The report carried by a local daily said police had warned all Government institutions to be on high security alert. Only last year, the Al Shabaab group claimed responsibility for the massacre of 64 people in Mandera County.
A total of 311 people were killed last year in terror attacks linked to the group. But senior security officials say the militants are on their knees and would be defeated soon. Only last week, United Nations extended the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) by another year. This means members of the Kenya Defence Forces who are among soldiers battling the militants in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa nation will continue their mission. “The presence of KDF (forces) in Somalia has helped not only weaken the Al-Shabaab but the liberation of key towns,” Kenya Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo said last week.
X-NEWS, Kenya’s FIRST and largest FREE newspaper and the country’s only EVENING publication, will be dedicating the next one month to providing comprehensive information to our 300,000 daily readers — ambitious Kenyans looking for higher learning opportunities. We invite your institution to showcase your programmes and enlighten our readers on available opportunities by taking advantage of our one-of-a-kind advertising package throughout the March-April campaign period. TO BOOK SPACE: CALL: Eric 0722616208 Boniface 0721541406 Micah 0721266099 Willie 0727622516 —or — EMAIL: sales@x-news.co.ke
TERROR GROUP: Al Shabaab militants in Somalia.
The riddle of land deals and city trader’s murder Police are probing land deals as the possible link to the execution of Paul Kariuki Ngugi (pictured), who was gunned down in Nairobi on Wednesday night. The 42-year-old former Kenya Revenue Authority worker fell under a hail of bullets. His killers fired 13 times at his car along Forest Road in Parklands. Investigators are focusing on a land case in which the victim has been accused of fraud. He is accused, together with others, of forging papers to show he owned land, which he sold to Stephen Irungu Macharia for Sh95 million between May 11 and July 26 last year. It turned out the land belonged to Joseph Muthama Macharia. Ngugi was, however, released on Sh10 million bond and was to reappear in court on March 26 for the hearing of the case. A female passenger who was in his car when the murder occurred escaped unscathed. The woman whom police identified as Susan Wambura Riziki was treated for bruises at the Agha Khan Hospital after the incident. When police arrived at the scene, they reported that they found the woman lying helpless next to the man’s bloodsoaked body in the car long after the gunmen had fled. Gigiri CID boss Daniel Kandie said: “We
do not know the motive of the shooting because the attackers escaped soon after their mission. Investigations are ongoing.” The business man’s bullet-riddled car was towed to Parklands Police Station. Police say the deceased was rushed to Agha Khan Hospital by officers on patrol and admitted to ICU where he succumbed to his wounds.
xnews | FRIday, MARCH 6, 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 91.1056 91.2361 91.1708 138.8356 139.0906 138.9631 100.5400 100.7089 100.6244 7.7077 7.7240 7.7159 32.2241 32.3800 32.3021 20.1127 20.2512 20.1819
CBA’s M-Shwari crosses Sh10m customer mark Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), Kenya’s largest privately owned bank, has signed the 10 million customer mark. The bank has upheld the image of the best in offering savings and loan products via mobile phone. An official statement from the organisation says the signing of the 10 million customer mark cements the institution’s credentials as category leader. Isaac Awuondo, CBA Group
CEO, said M-shwari has spearheaded a revolution towards a cash light economy in just under two years. “M-Shwari is leading the revolution towards a cash-light economy in East Africa.. it ranks as one of the world’s most successful full service mobile banking deployment and has reached the scale in just over two years,” he said. The partnership has seen M-Shwari deposits gross
over Sh153 billion since the bank’s launch. The achievement affirms a trend of growing convergence between financial services and telecommunications sectors, the greatest catalysts to accelerated financial inclusion among under-served populations. CBA has extended loans worth Sh29 billion and processed an average 50,000 loans per day in the last two years.
MILESTONE: CBA CEO Isaack Awuondo (left) and Andrew Waititu of Systems Applications and Products when they signed an agreement for the setting up of an integrated core banking platform for improved management processes last year.
MCDonalds SAYS IT won’t buy chicken treated with anti-biotics US giant food chain Mc Donald’s will stop buying chicken injected with antibiotics which have been said to affect the drug’s efficacy in people. Many poultry producers give birds antibiotics to mature faster but overuse of the drugs that may make them less effective in treating illness and diseases in humans. Mc Donald’s said in two years, 14,000 of its restaurants in US will be free of such chicken. Marion Gross, senior vice-president of the North America supply chain, said in a statement: “McDonald’s believes any animal that becomes ill deserve appropriate veterinary care and our suppliers will continue to treat poultry with prescribed antibiotics … after treatment, the bird will no longer be included in our food supply.” He said any dairy product such as low fat white milk and fat-free chocolate milk would be derived from cows that have not been treated with any artificial growth hormone. The restaurant chain has been losing customers after a human tooth was found in a portion of fries in Japan last year. The incident tarnished the company’s image leading to sales drop even after issuing an apology. Worldwide sales dropped by more than 1.8 per cent in January. Mc Donalds are not the only food firm that have taken a step in removing all artificial products from the menu. Last month, Nestle, a multinational food and beverage company, said it would remove all artificial flavours and colours from its chocolate products in US. The changes follow higher US consumer demand for food only made with natural ingredients.
city wallet
Survey paints dim poverty picture for urban dwellers Urban Kenyans should be, at the very least, twice as wealthy as their rural rivals. A recent report that used the national poverty line as an indicator has discovered that nearly 4 in every 10 Kenyans is so poor that food has become a luxury. Another 4 in 10 Kenyans consider it nothing short of a miracle to take at least a single meal a day. The poverty line is the minimum level of income that caters for one’s needs.Kenya’s national rural poverty line is set at about Sh1,600 per month per person. The urban line is set at Sh3,000 per month per person. This means while a single rural Kenyan can survive on Sh1,600 a month, his urban counterpart needs twice as much since goods and services cost more in urban areas. The two estimates are supposed to cover the minimum cost of food and non-food items based on household consumption data uncovered by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. The numbers change on regular basis since the cost of household goods is always changing. Despite the challenges, Tegemeo Institute of Research, a partner of Egerton University, reports that about 4 per cent of Kenyans have moved up the poverty line since 1997. And the number is likely to rise.
WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...
MPs to spend Shs 700m on their security: The Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Aseembly has proposed an allocation of sh700 million for enhanced security for MPs and senators in the next financial year. The MPs want to, among otgher things, build a tunnel across Harambee Avenue that will see them easily access theiur offices at County Hall and Continental House. Apart from scurity reason, it is alos understood that MPs want to shield themselves from constituents who camp outside Parliament waiting to see them...
Man shot 13 times in gangland style killing: A land dealer linked to a Sh95 million court case was shot dead in Nairobi on Wednesday night in what appeared to be a pre-meditated and wellplanned attack. Thirteen bullets were fired at the Mercedes Benz that 42-year-old Paul Kariuki Ngugi was driving in the Parklands area, just near the National Museums flyover, but not single spent cartridge was found at the scene of the crime. Mr Kariuki’s death raises questions because on October 14 last year, another city businessman, Mr Stephen Wachira, was shot...
Why Namwamba PAC team suspended, put under probe: National Assembly Speaker Justine Muturi yesterday ordered investigations into the corruption allegations that have rocked the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Muturi also suspended th crucial public watchdog committee from holding meetings of any kind for at least three weeks until the investigations are concluded, underlining the seriousness with which the House leadership has taken the latest claims on the integrity of Parliament. The order came against the backdrop of public ridicule...
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BUSINESS FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
Safaricom to provide digital TV decoders with home Internet IN EVERY GAME: Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore. The company has applied for a digital broadcasting licence as it aims to take advantage of the convergence coming with digital TV migration.GSM.
Safaricom has applied for a digital broadcasting licence as it aims to take advantage of the convergence coming with digital TV migration to deepen its presence in the wireless Internet market, reports the Business Daily. The move comes a little more than a year after the firm revealed an interest in entering the TV-on-demand market, the paper reports. Francis Wangusi, the director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), said Safaricom applied for the licence two weeks ago complete with approval for a set-top box — the gadget that converts analogue signals to digital. “Safaricom is the latest firm that has sought type approval for a set-top box. They have also applied for a digital broadcasting licence but we have yet to approve
Farming Afrika to make new fortunes from advertising Agriculture has become one of the country’s trendiest forms of investment with some firsttime farmers making as much as half a million shillings within their first year of harvest. While many are ready and willing to try their hand at agriculture, there have been limited resources on how to go about it. A duo of smart and educated individuals has seen fit to address these concerns in a move that has given birth to the award-winning information resource platform known as Farming Afrika. Farming Afrika was formed in November of 2013 and barely a year into its inception, it was named the Best Environmental/Agricultural Blog in Kenya (2014). “It was meant to address the lack of farming information relevant to Kenyan farmers,”
Farming Africa Co-founder, Eric Kimwatan told X News. Together with partner and Co-founder, Mark Koech, the duo has built a name in the blogosphere that rivals more than a dozen other respected online platforms. “Since farming content depends highly on experiences, it takes time to publish good quality content. We have however managed to address this.” “Another challenge has been the notion that farming is not cool. However this is rapidly changing thanks to the large number of young people venturing into farming,” he adds. The team is not done making waves as Farming Afrika has recently started offering advertising services, which are set to be a source of revenue for the site.
HONOURED: Eric Kimwatan (Top) holding theAward for Best Environmental/ Agricultural Blog in Kenya (2014) while Mark Koech poses for picture (Bottom).
that,” Mr Wangusi is quoted by the Business Daily as saying. According to Bob Collymore, Safaricom are mainly interested in providing home internet to households who already own a TV set hence are selling the internet and TV as a package. It will use the universal set-top box which will give buyers access to all free-to-air TV channels. The three big broadcasters in Kenya came together to form a single company called ADN (Africa Digital Network). It will also distribute the universal set-top box that will come with add-ons such as wireless internet. This means they may end up in direct competition with Safaricom for the home internet market. ADN currently commands 87% of TV market and 80% of radio audiences due to their early entry into the market and creating massive brand awareness.
BUSINESS NEWS Fisheries project to boost aquaculture sector Fish farmers and those who have invested in the sector are set to make new fortunes following the launch of a new project aimed at strengthen the industry. Africa produces 9.9 million tonnes of fish a year and yet its share of global trade in this valuable commodity is just 4.9 per cent, CNBC Africa reports. A statement from World Fish, an organisation that aims to reduce poverty and hunger by improving aquaculture, says the program will equip governments with the “capacities needed to implement the African Union Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa.” “More efficient trade could significantly improve income and nutrition for millions of
Africans, particularly those 12.3 million that are directly employed in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors,” reads a statement by international organization, Pan-Africa Project. Stephen J Hall, Director General of WorldFish says that Africa has the potential to develop its fishery sector. Hamady Diop, programme manager for fisheries and aquaculture at the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) notes that “fish trade will provide the opportunity to learn from past successes and failures and governments will be given the right information to create the incentives and infrastructure that investors need to meet local demand and penetrate higher valueadded export markets.”
BUSINESS WISE
Layman’s steps to buying land and property Buying land is, perhaps, one of the most sought after investments in Kenya. Nearly every single person who wins a local lottery intends to commit some of their winnings to buying land, either for domestic or commercial purposes. Following last month’s Property and Home Living Expo at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Ishi Kalsi and Company Advocates were kind enough to supply X News with their “Layman’s Edition” to “The Steps to Legal Transfer of Land and
Property”. The first few steps, they say, are to identify the land and find out who the owner is while considering the size of the plot. The next step is to find out if the land is mentioned in the Land Commission Report to prove that the seller is genuine. Perhaps the most important step is to engage a lawyer, says Ishi Kalsi, but not before you agree on a purchase price with the seller.
The buyer also needs to get a letter of offer, which is a document that is sent from the developer or the owner of the property to the buyer. It must contain the names and addresses of the seller and the buyer, the details of the property, the purchase price and the mode of payment. A buyer wishing to take out a loan to pay for the property must sign a set of papers known as charge documents from the financial institution or bank giving them
the money. The charge documents are a set of papers that contain the amount of money to be paid, the payment time, the obligations of each party and spousal consent, if the buyer is married. The Charge document is then registered at the Lands Registry. The next step is to instruct the lawyer to draw up an Agreement for Sale. Ishi Kalsi says: “This Agreement is the foundation of the transfer and dictates the terms and conditions of the sale.”
However, it is important that the terms of every sale are regulated by a set of rules known as the Law Society Conditions of Sale. A lawyer will help complete the process and guide the buyer as he or she fills out other forms, deals with more paperwork, including registration and PIN certificates, as well as stamp duty. Nearly every legal firm that deals in property is equipped to get the job done and Ishi Kalsi Advocates just happens to be one of them.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
ACCESS
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fashion scoop
Ian Arunga has been writing letters to Doris for three years now. His blog, My Dear Doris has grown more popular gunning nomination for the second year running in the Best Creative Blog and Blog of the year at BAKE Awards.
CELEBCHAT
www.mydeardoris.com
‘My Dear Doris’
unmasking
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ho is Doris? Doris is this plus size yellow yellow woman with tiny feet and long hair who I am extremely in love with. How about Ian? Ian is a children’s book author, book lover, graphic designer, painter, chapati lover, Sauti Sol fan and an overall cool guy. I am allergic to fish (which does not make sense seeing I am a Luo), dairy products and onions! Oh, I am also half blind and half deaf. How did the letters to Doris start? It is a funny story, the blog started by mistake! I stumbled upon Typepad a blogging platform and decided to sign up. I thought it was private because I had to log in using a username and
HOT TOPICS
a password so in my head, I thought I was the only one with access to the online diary. I wrote all my private stuff on there for about six months until I got a call from Google Ireland asking me if I was interested in advertising on my blog because I was getting almost 3,000 views a day. I brought down the site immediately, all my private things were there! With that, I figured that people like reading about other people’s lives. That is how I decided to start an online diary, Dear Doris. In your own words, how would you describe your blog? Different. Most of what I write about are misfortunes. All my stories are true, and I appreciate big girls. I think big girls are
really beautiful and my blog is one way I let them know they are appreciated. Are the typos on your blog intentional? First, I do not read my blog. I do not even go through my posts to proof read. I want it to be as close to a letter written by hand and posted at the post office as possible. So once I publish it, it is gone! You do not go to the post office asking for your letter back to correct a spelling error now, do you? Your letters are always hilarious and craftily written. Where do you draw inspiration for your content? I would say my inspiration is big women and my misfortunes. I have discovered I go through a lot of trouble than the average person, so I joke about them. It helps reading about someone else’s
SK Blue and wife welcome second child
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ospel singer SK Blue and his wife, Mercy, have been blessed with a baby girl. The Pamela singer opened up to Mseto East Africa saying their second baby was born on Tuesday and they named her Natalia. Congratulations to SK Blue and Mercy on their new addition to their family.
sk Blue
problems, reminds you everyone has issues. I think. Dear Doris has been nominated for the second year in a row. How is that for you? I am really excited, really really excited. I came in second under Best Creative Blog and third under Blog of the Year last year; I hope I win this year. I already have my choppers campaigning in Nyanza! The Alcoblow story brought a lot of attention to your blog, what was that all about? I did not know it was going to be as big. My name changed from Ian to Dear Doris! Fame is quite exciting! There is a peculiar happiness that you get from people reading your work.
Out of all the stories you have written to Doris. Which is your favourite? Do I have a favourite really?! I think the guest posts are my favourites. I am so amused by all the letters I receive from readers. There was this one time, someone started a blog and responded to all the letters I wrote to Doris I had at the time. What advice would you give to people who want to venture into creative blogging? For me, the most important thing is being conscious about the language you use, and what you send out into the world. Your blog is a small family of sorts and it’s up to you to lead it in a way that is respectful, honest, and kind.
Kim Kardashian is blonde Kim has gone platinum blonde. The star debuted the new look for Paris fashion week and sent the internet into a frenzy. The last time the singer went blonde, she was coming out of hibernation after giving birth to North. Now question is, is there a major life change that is happening that made
her go blonde? Is she pregnant, perhaps? As we all know, she and her husband Kanye have been trying for a second baby. In a preview for the upcoming Keeping up With the Kardashians, Kim is seen admitting to Khloe that they have been having sex 500 times a day to try get pregnant!
kim kardashian
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ACCESS
WEDNESDAY 26th 2014 FRIDAY, MARCH 6, NOVEMBER 2015
SHOPPING
Karen Crossroads seems to plaCe more emphasis on quality as opposed to quantity.
Karen Easy does it at the K
aren Crossroads is located at the junction of Langata Road and Ngong Road, hence the name. Positioned in the idyllic suburb of Karen, it sits at the heart of the Karen Shopping Centre. The mall itself gives the impression of a colonial lodge in its retro design and the modest size which enhances the feeling that the shopper is exclusively catered for. There are no water features or excessive embellishments anywhere near the entrance of the mall and even the Nakumatt store at the building is decidedly compact. But again, the size of the mall makes everything feel cosy and comfortable as is. Fashion stores take the bulk of the floor space at the mall and in this instance the value of the shops speak for themselves. The appropriately named Karen Designs sells women’s clothing,
Crossroads Mall
shoes and bags with a modern touch. Kezano is small but chic store selling women’s and children’s clothing. Pretty Angels deals in women’s garments and its vibrant, vivid exterior catches the eye. The store also gives a comprehensive experience with shoes, hats, lingerie, and purses completing any woman’s wardrobe. There is also the over-stocked Gold Ornaments that sells jewellery and watches at affordable prices but could do with an upgrade in terms of space. Radiant Beauty World is tiny but pretty and offers the latest in women’s scents and cosmetics. Bata, with its specialized stores Marie Claire and Bubblegummers, have an outlet at the mall which caters to women and children, while City Walk does its part in serving the whole family by selling foot wear for men, women and children. The always impressive Enka
Rasha offers men’s neutrals in addition to providing international brand names such as Lee, Polo and Arrow. For your all your salon and spa needs Premier by Dead Sea will treat you to facials, massages, nail care and skin care including waxing. Pamba Salon and Barber shop is coloured in deep earthy tones to relax and soothe your mind while getting pampered and treated. Karen Crossroads seems to place more emphasis on quality as opposed to quantity which means that there is no proper structure for the presence of a food court. But trendy Artcaffé has a coffee shop at the mall offering coffee shop staples, Italian cuisine and fast food options for anybody looking for a quick bite. The restaurant supplies an up market ambience, great decor and fantastic menu items although the pricing tends to be on the steep
yes, Cynthia nyamai paid the 2.4 m Kempinsky offer
Cynthia Nyamai
Remember a while back when everybody was thrown into a frenzy about the Villa Rosa Kempinsky Sh2.34 Million Valentine’s Day offer? Well, the lady who scooped up the offer, Cynthia Nyamai exclusively confirmed to X Access that she will be indeed going to Kempinsky for a much needed rest and relaxation with her beau.
side of affordable. Hidden gem, Open House Indian Restaurant is located at the top floor of the mall. Fragrances from the eatery are memorable, offering authentic Indian meals cooked in the traditional way. There are menu options for vegetarians but everything maintains its flavourful flair. Just Juice caters to health enthusiasts by selling only organic and fresh products, juices, frozen yoghurt and smoothies all on the menu. Medical services at Karen Crossroads are provided by Mimosa Pharmacy in one of their more spacious stores. The pharmacy covers heart health, weight management and even offers travel advice. Optivision services shoppers with eye care and could teach anyone a thing or two on interior design. The shop is contemporary and the stock is up to date. It deals in designer eye wear such
as Fendi, Ray Ban, Jimmy Choo and Dolce & Gabbana. Financial services are provided by Equity Bank, Imperial Bank, Crossroads Forex Bureaux, Co-operative Bank and Pesa Point. There are some special stores at the mall that deserve a mention. Pak Vision sells mobile phones, phone accessories and PCs. There is the very well stocked Magna wines and spirits shop for anyone that is looking for drinks and something fun for a night in. The mall is a bit out of the way for anybody living near the central business district and traffic is tricky. The parking lot can also get a bit messy but the mall clearly shows what a self-supporting community Karen has become. In addition, the mall does not get crowded, and things move fast and easy, saving time for any shopper. Just in case you are around that area don’t be shy, pop in for some exclusive shopping.
HOT What is ay up to? TOPICS
Tanzanian singer AY has been in the country for a few days now. The singer,and compatriot Shaa are in the country for the Maisha Magic Superstars shoot. However, AY has been spotted in the studio with various Kenyan artistes from Avril to Sauti Sol. What really is going down? Sauti Sol posted photos with AY and Shaa saying they were part of something phenomenon. Keep it X Access as we find out what they are all up to.
AY and Sauti Sol
ACCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
your Comprehensive gig guide.
WEEKENDPLANNER
today
make it happen
sunday
WHERE: Nairobi Museum WHEN: 9pm - 11pm WHO: Fena Gitu, Dela Maranga HOW MUCH: Sh500
FirsT Lady’s haLF maraThon
Beyond Zero
WHERE: Nyayo National Stadium WHEN: 6:30am HOW MUCH: Sh1,500
Dela Maranga
today
saturday
rooftop sundowner
WHERE: Casual Bite Cafe WHEN: 2pm HOW MUCH: Free entry
Idd Aziz
WHERE: The Treehouse WHEN: 6pm - 7am WHO:Blinky Bill, Afro Simba Band HOW MUCH: Sh1, 500
sunday
The vagina monologues WHERE: Alliance Française WHEN: 3pm - 6pm WHO:Maryanne Nungo, Milan Kantai HOW MUCH: Sh500
Out&About
WHERE: PAWA254 WHEN: 6 pm - 10 pm WHO: Idd Aziz and Gregg Tendwa HOW MUCH: Sh500 Advance Sh800 at the door.
saturday
mardi gras Coffee Tasting
Experience magical Kenya with
racheal Muthoni ‘I thank God for having such an awesome family, who help out with the blog. but I am the one who does most of the writing’
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hat started out as a joke, quickly turned into something big. It was back in December 2012 when Rachael Muthoni decided to venture into blogging. She is passionate about travelling and conservation and decided to start Safari254.com to showcase Kenya as a world class tourist destination. Armed with her love for travel, a camera and psyche she started touring different places in the country to show the world what Kenya has to offer. “I love travelling and going out.
My brother is actually the one who advised me to start a blog on my travel escapades and I am glad I heeded to his advice,” beams Rachael. The blog is a collaborative effort between her and her siblings. “I thank God for having such an awesome family, who help out with the blog, although I am the one who does most of the writing,” said Rachael. What catches your eye once you log onto her blog is top notch organization. The blog categories are strategically arranged at the
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Rachael and her sister
top, which saves on time as you do not have to keep scrolling to find something. The site is easy to navigate and takes a short time to load. You can choose to read about worldwide, local and African destinations, game parks, hotels, restaurants and different cultures that Rachel has been privileged to encounter. The blog is also consistent and regularly updated. The breathtaking high quality images of the tourist sites show Kenya for what it is, magical. Her reviews are well written with crisp pictures
to accompany them. Rachael manages to infuse a personal touch to the blog which brings it to life and makes it a pleasurable read. Be warned, you will find yourself clicking the next button and before you know it, you will have gone through the entire blog just to read about her exciting adventures. If you want to experience the 254, the little paradises, the little hidden hotels or just looking for ideas on where to travel, this should be your first stop. You will not be disappointed.
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ACCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
FASHIONScoop
MaurEEN iS a faShioN bloggEr (thEfuNShioNMiStrESS.coM), Who lovES to play drESS up. ShE lEt uS iNto hEr ElEgaNt-chic cloSEt.
What is your best fashion accessory? Earrings- they have the ability to add some much needed oomph into an outfit. u ld yo wou How ibe your r desc n style? edgy, io fash , elegant, ich le Simp the box, c f out o ix of m It’s a ing lately th every
What is your guilty pleasure (fashion wise)? Short shorts. I love to show off my legs and maybe the climate also has a thing to do with it too but I always find an excuse to wear them.
CLOSET RAID
Which one do you prefer denim or chiffon? Denim because they are timeless and blend well with other outfits.
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Which fashion advice do you live by? Be yourself, trends will come and go so choose what trend to adapt and which one to just look at as it passes right in front of you to extinction!
Nancie Mwai
TOP 10
NEWS
TRACKS THIS WEEK
Juliana kanyomozi
Rank
mauReen bandaRi
hose fashion style do you admire locally and internationally? Locally, Nancie Mwai- She is fierce and interprets trends really well. Internationally, Victoria Beckham-she really knows how to put together classic outfits and always reminds you that less is more. Which fashion trend have you sworn never to try out and why? Culottes... they are a weird type of clothing. What is the last item you wear before
leaving the house? That has to be my perfume- it is my signature move, more like I am signing out of the house. Which is your favourite colour? I do not have one but I love all bright colours as they complement my skin tone. Who is your favourite fashion designer locally and internationally? Locally, Achie Otigo- she is so creative it amazes me sometimes. Internationally, Michael Costello.
TiTle
aRTisTe
1 2
Woman Love Phobic-
Julianna Kanyomozi H_art the band
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
African King (Re Mastered)-
Fena Gitu P-Unit Kristoff Ft Frasha & Rabbit H_art the band Victoria Kimani Alikiba The Kansoul Kagwe Mungai
Weka WekaDandia NikikutazamaShowChekecha Drum Creeper-
PLAY 9 FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
WEATHERFORECAST
DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Recent events in the love and romance department may have you feeling like you aren’t getting your needs met, Capricorn. Romantic partnerships should uplift and support your dreams, not something you make personal sacrifices for just to maintain. AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 You may think your actions are noble and well meaning, but you may be creating a scenario that has no basis in reality. People could be impressionable, but that doesn’t mean you should take advantage of this by promoting your own interests at the expense of another’s.
FRIday 6/03/2015
sunny
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PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Things in the love department may be looking up for you, Pisces, but beware that you aren’t getting pushed around. Your partner could feel the need for more freedom in the relationship, while you’re hoping to find more commitment. Take it one day at a time.
27ºC 25%
SATURday 7/03/2015
More sun than clouds
29 6:40am 6:48 pm
27ºC 21%
6:40 am 6:48 pm
Sudoku
TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Try to get more grounded in your actions regarding love and romance, Taurus. At the same time, however, your freedom-loving, adventurous side may feel the need to roam more freely. This is a tough combination of energies to work with, so do your best to find a balance. GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 When it comes to romantic relationships, you feel a bit unsure and inadequate, Gemini. It could be that you’re indecisive about how to proceed. There’s a strong urge to take charge, but also a tendency to slow things down and let others take the lead. CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 When it comes to love and romance, things are definitely in your favor, Cancer. The thing to be aware of today is that there might be some manipulation on the part of someone close to you. Take care that someone else’s need for freedom isn’t negatively affecting your relationship.
VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Grab what you want, but don’t squeeze too hard. Maintain an important balance between showing someone you care by taking them under your wing and allowing them the freedom to be their own person. Sensitive feelings are operating today, so proceed with care.
MUSTREAD Peace and Conflict — by Irene Sabatini
Roberto is a 10-year-old with a hyperactive imagination that knows no boundaries. He lives in Switzerland with his Zimbabwean writer-mother and Italian father who is always on the road. Roberto is ever curious and constantly wants to know what is happening around him. He knows all about what the Red Cross does and where his father has gone for missions. He also knows the book his mother is writing about Vampires. But she is considering trashing it because she feels the characters lack depth. Roberto also knows how much time his brother spends in front of the mirror. All that is remaining is finding out if his neighbour is evil like everybody says he is. But would a man who is evil leave a medal for Roberto? Then Roberto’s aunt, Delphia, suddenly vanishes in Zimbabwe. He takes it upon himself to find out what happened to her.
LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Matters involving love and romance might not go exactly the way you’d like, Libra. You could be waiting for your partner to make the next move, since you’re unsure of which way the relationship is progressing. At the same time, it may be that your partner is the one waiting for you. SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Things should be going well for you in the love and romance department, Scorpio, but you could find that today things get a bit tenuous. While you want things to be clear and planned out, it could be that your partner longs for more freedom and spontaneity. SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 People may be wondering how to proceed while you’re off doing your own thing. Don’t go in one direction and leave someone else behind, Sagittarius. In matters regarding love and romance, you may have to slow down and communicate with your partner.
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. Oh the allure of the internet-Pamela Musyoka, Nairobi 2. There is a mouse on my back, nother, heeelp! Dickson Michael, Nrb 3. Online dating...Age?21 Children? None? Norman Musiili, Nairobi
More footbridges will check pedestrian deaths It surprises me to hear that the Ministry of Transport is “alarmed” at the number of traffic-related deaths (page 6, March 5, 2015). The ministry expects Kenyans to use footbridges to avoid accidents yet there are so few of them. No one is willing to walk an
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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 may find that you’re indecisive when it comes to issues concerning love and romance, Aries. For some reason, you have a tendency to pull one way and then the other, yet neither way seems very rewarding. Don’t feel like you have to take concrete action at this time.
LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Things regarding love and romance may be a bit dicey for you, Leo. You may find that you have to make a few adjustments in order to remain on the same page as your loved ones. Neither one of you may feel like taking the lead at this time, causing some hesitation in the relationship.
Sunday
entire kilometre so that they can safely cross a road on the bridges. If the ministry can’t afford more of the bridges, they can at least give us some zebra crossings. I want to use the shortest path available when crossing the road. I understand that zebra
crossings along highways are impractical, but there are many areas where they can be set up. —Concerned citizen, Nairobi
10
PLAY
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
CROSSWORD Across 1. Taco Bell offering 8. Word on a coin 13. X-Files co-star 14. Raver 16. Tallinn native 17. Relative of a gazelle 18. Ownership units 19. Went wild 21. Super Clark and others 22. Online info sources 23. Old Peruvian currency 24. Lay eyes on 25. Mork’s “goodbye,” when doubled 26. Pocatello’s place 27. Galas 30. Lean-___ (makeshift sheds) 31. Uncool 33. Buddy of ‘Barnaby Jones’ 35. Actor Lowe 36. Remove from power 40. Civil rights activist Medgar 42. Klutz’s utterance 43. Mil. address part 46. Eliot protagonist 47. Monitors, for short 48. Showing to good effect 50. Popeye’s gal 52. Maneuver 53. Cheers for el toro 54. Arctic covering 56. Failed suddenly 57. Creator of Donkey Kong 58. Wine glass parts 59. Argentine writer ___ Sábato
Down 1. Backsides 2. Rating for gasoline 3. Most concise 4. Mellows, with “down” 5. Rival of Hertz 6. Gene material 7. “The Fountainhead” novelist 8. Quick salon jobs 9. Expressway access 10. Due 11. Stop running, as water 12. Jerry Lewis special 13. Secretary’s workplace 15. Cockpit items 20. Here in Mexico 22. Word with club or belt 25. Greek goddess of victory 26. Publishing abbr. 28. Masonry containers 29. GM cars of the 1990s 31. Short stories 32. Not insubordinate 34. Hunts 35. Common advice from tech support 37. Winston Churchill, politically 38. Crisis telephone service 39. Rotational speed meas. 41. Annul, as a driver’s license 44. Inventor’s protection 45. City in northern Spain 47. Some college students 48. Sew with loose stitches 49. Outer (prefix) 51. Gr. 1-6 52. Volunteer State: Abbr. 55. Arctic ___ (map abbr.)
DAILY WISDOM “He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would fully suffice.” — Albert Einstein “One who walks in another’s tracks leaves no footprints.”
— Proverb
“The most damaging phrase in the language is: “It’s always been done that way.” — Grace Hopper “Only dead fish swim with the stream.”
— Malcolm Muggeridge
“Forgive him, for he believes that the customs of his tribe are the laws of nature.” — George Bernard Shaw “One dog barks at something, and a hundred bark at the bark.” — Chinese Proverb “If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.” —Anatole France “No man can cause more grief than that one clinging blindly to the vices of his ancestors.” — William Faulkner “If everyone is thinking alike then somebody isn’t thinking.” — George S. Patton “One of the greatest pains to human nature is the pain of a new idea.” — Walter Bagehot
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS
Sport FRIday, MARCH 6, 2015
How to play
1. Register SMS the word ‘GAME’ to 79079. You will receive a message confirming that your SPESA account has been opened. 2. Top up your account Deposit money in your MPesa, Airtel Money, Orange Money or Yu Cash. Once deposited send the amount you want to your SPESA account, using MPesa Paybill 955100, Airtel Money Paybill SPORTPESA, Orange Money Paybill 079079 or Yu Cash Paybill 107079 3. Place a bet Send an SMS in the following format to 79079: GAME ID#(OUTCOME i.e 1, X or 2)#AMOUNT OF MONEY. For instance, in tomorrow’s match between Manchester City and Chelsea, if you want to bet Sh100 for a Man City win, you will send the following SMS to 79079: 6112#1#100
Weekend matches predictions
Chievo vs Roma
Cesena vs Palermo
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2015
SUNDAY,MARCH 8, 2015
Chievo put on an organised display to earn a point against Milan as they distance themselves from the bottom three. Roma seem to have run out of steam and were fortunate to hold Juventus at Olimpico. Garcia’s side are a shadow of the side who were demolishing all who stood before them just a few months ago. XSport: 1-1 Ivy: 2-1 Roma Steve: 1-0 Chievo Game ID: 8679 Pick 1(Chievo X (Draw) 2 (Roma win) win)
Cesena fought for their lives to beat Udinese on home soil and are a point away from safety in their fourth league win of the season. Palermo were outplayed in Sicily and had to settle for a point against fellow Serie A newcomers Empoli. The Sicilians quickly settled back to top flight Italian football following a year in Serie B XSport: 2-1 Cesena Ivy: 0-0 Steve: 1-0 Palermo Game ID: 5957 Pick 1(Cesen X (Draw) 2 (Palerm win) win)
Odd
4.60
3.42
1.82
Bet Amount
Odd
3.31
3.31
2.19
100
100
100
100
100
100
Possible win (KSh)
Bet Amount
460
342
182
Possible win (KSh)
331
331
219
Aston Villa vs W.Brom
QPR vs Spurs
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015
Queens Park Rangers did not drop into Relegation Zone even after failing to feature in Gameweek 27 due to Tottenham’s Cup Final duty. But QPR suffered 1-2 fall to Arsenal in game week 28 and host Spurs at Loftus Road. Spurs sat out EPL action in Gameweek 27 due to Cup Final commitments. After a 3-2 win at White Hart Lane, Spurs will seek a repeat performance to maintain a Top 4 push. XSport: 2-1QPR Ivy: 2-1 Spurs Steve: 1-1 Game ID: 1294 Pick 1 (QPR X (Draw) 2 (Spurs win) win) Odd
4.29
Bet Amount
100
Possible win (KSh)
429
Aston Villa finally snapped a seven-game losing streak with victory at West Brom. They will look to sustain the momentum of the win when they meet Baggies for FA cup quarter finals. West Brom’s fivegame unbeaten run in all competitions ended on Tuesday with a one-goal stumble to Villa. XSport: 2-1 West Brom Ivy: 2-2 Steve: 1-0 Villa Game ID: 3158 Pick 1 (Aston X (Draw) 2(W.Brom win) win)
1.82
Odd
2.46
2.85
2.55
100
100
Bet Amount
100
100
100
359
182
Possible win (KSh)
246
285
225
3.59
Nottingham vs M.bro
Wolves vs Watford
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015
Middlesbrough became the new Championship leaders after taking full advantage of Derby’s latest slip to beat Millwall 3-0 at Riverside. On the other end, Dougie Freedman-led revival at Nottingham hit a bump on the road in a 2-1 loss at Charlton. Frederic Bulot’s first-half double ensured Michail Antonio’s goal came on a losing cause. XSport: 2-1 Boro Ivy: 0-0 Steve: 1-0 Nottingham
Watford moved up third with a 1-0 success over Fulham. Troy Deeney’s ninth-minute strike prove the difference as Bournemouth jumped above Norwich into fourth with a 2-1 home win to set a clash against hopefuls Wolves. XSport: 2-0 Watford Ivy: 1-0 Wolves Steve: 1-1
Game ID: 2466
Game ID: 9183 Pick 1 (wolves X (Draw) 2 (Watfor win) win)
Pick Odd
1 (Nottin X (Draw) 1 (Middle win) win) 2.63
Bet Amount
100
Possible win (KSh)
263
2.38
Odd
2.27
3.08
2.82
100
100
Bet Amount
100
100
100
314
238
Possible win (KSh)
227
308
282
3.14
12
SPORT FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015
Kenya Cup semis go to Nakuru Kenya Cup top tier league enters its semi-finals this Saturday, at the Nakuru Athletic Club with two matches slated to take place at the venue. Defending champions Top Fry Nakuru host the double header by virtue of topping the log and are pitted against surprise package Kabras Sugar in the late kick off. The last time these two sides meets was on 15th November in Kakamega, Nakuru just edging the league debutantes 13-10. Both sides reached the playoff in contrasting fashion, Nakuru finishing the regular season unbeaten, 13 wins from 13 outings placing them top of the log while Kabras who were playing in the Nationwide league last season booked their place in the last four with a 61-24 mauling of Pan Africa Strathmore Leos that saw them secure the final playoff berth on the last day of the league phase. The day’s early kick off will pit KCB against Pan Africa Strathmore Leos. The bankers finished second at the close of the league phase, winning 12 of their 13 outings. The only blemish on their record was a 23-20 loss to Top Fry Nakuru in an enthralling fixture played at the same venue on Saturday 21 February 2015. They beat the Leos 3817 when the two sides met on 7th February and will be out to do the double over the Leos as they look to reach a second successive Kenya Cup final, having fallen 20-13 to Nakuru is last year’s final. The Leos finished the league phase third on the log and will look to avenge the match day eleven loss to the bankers as they look to return to the championship match for the first time since losing 39-3 to Nakuru in the 2012/2013 Kenya Cup final.
MADE OF STEEL: KCB’s Allan Omuka blasts his way past the Impala defence in a past Kenya Cup encounter. Kenya Cup top tier league enters its semi-finals this Saturday, at the Nakuru Athletic Club with two matches slated to take place at the venue.
Komen, Kirui for Rome marathon
TAKING LEAD: Peter Kirui leading the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon.
John Komen and Peter Kirui have been entered for this year’s Rome Marathon on March 22. Komen has the fastest personal best of the entire field, but his 2:07:13 was achieved four years ago. In his most recent marathon, he clocked 2:14:27 to finish second in La Rochelle. Kurui could also be one to watch. The 25-year-old has a PB of 2:08:56, set on Italian soil in Turin in 2011. Ethiopia’s Habtamu Assefa will be seeking to extend the country’s domination of the race with Shume Hailu and Ayelu Lemma won both races in the Italian capital; last year the third time in the race’s history that both titles were won by Ethiopian athletes. Assefa, who represented Ethiopia at the 2012 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, has a personal best of 2:08:28, set at the 2013 Dubai Marathon. Similarly, Teshome Gelana’s best of 2:07:37 dates back several years and he hasn’t run faster than 2:10 since September 2010. But the former Houston winner is consistent and earlier this year finished second in Tiberias in 2:12:33.
FIRST AND FAST: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta leads participant in the First Lady Half Marathon on 9 March 2014. The local organising committee has said that more than 20,000 participants are expected for this year’s event.
More participants expected at second edition of the First Lady’s Half Marathon The local organising committee for the First Lady’s Half Marathon has said over twenty thousand participants are expected to line up for the half marathon set for this Sunday in Nairobi. This year’s edition will see a change in route where athletes will start the race at Nyayo National Stadium, then head to Kenyatta Avenue, Upper Hill, Kenyatta National Hospital,
Madaraka then through to Mombasa road before heading back to the Nyayo National Stadium for the finish. The race has three categories 2km, 10km and the 21km. The marathon, which is in its second year aims at collecting 600 million shillings which will go towards buying 27 fully-kitted mobile clinics to be distributed to 27 counties that are yet to benefit from the proceeds of the
first marathon. Meanwhile Athletics Kenya have shelved the second national relay series scheduled for the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani, on Saturday. A communique from Riadha House revealed the event will now be held on March 14 at the same venue. Earlier, AK had insisted the event would go on despite the First Lady’s Half Marathon race been a day later.
Court order against KPL to stay in force until March 13 A court injunction against the Kenyan Premier League will remain in force until March 13 when the court is expected to rule on pending applications tied to a civil suit filed by the rival Football Kenya Federation. Lady Justice Aburili will deliver the ruling.
The rival parties have until Monday to submit written applications to the court to argue their case. Ruling of a case by suspended FKF vice-president Sammy Shollei and Nairobi delegate Dan Shikanda will be delivered on Friday. More than 100 fans packed Milimani High Court in Nairobi to monitor proceedings
of cases involving the football crisis that centre on the composition of this season’s Premier League. FKF and KPL have failed to strike an agreement within a 48 hour deadline set by Justice Aburili on Tuesday. KPL attempted to lift the orders on grounds that there was material non-disclosure and misrepresentation. Their application is
expected to be argued next week. The last meeting of the rival parties mid last month ended in acrimony when KPL stormed out claiming FKF were keen on using numerical advantage to force down an 18-team league format through a vote. KPL, who are insisting on a 16-team format, played the opening round of
the 2015 KPL before suspending the games pending the determination of the ongoing civil suit. The FKF league kicked off last weekend after the federation promoted 14 Nationwide Super League sides to replace KPL teams that failed to meet their deadline to register with the federation.