201505018 xnews

MONDAY, May 18, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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CORRUPTION FREE Kingi, Mwakwere cleared of corruption claims

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SMART FARMING Pensioner ‘goes bananas’ on tissue culture profits

celebrity chat gospel singer bahati owes his success to god

NEWS

meddie kagere the star of the show as gor hammer allStars

rory McIlroy sets new record at the Wells Fargo tournament

Postpone elections, Uhuru tells Burundi P

resident Uhuru Kenyatta has urged his Burundian counterpart, Pierre Nkurunziza, to postpone elections due next month.

Mr Nkurunziza is under intense international pressure to postpone the elections due to

take place in coming weeks.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for May 26, while the presidential elections will take place a month later.

But the international community feels the situation in Burundi is not conducive for a free and fair election.

The US and the European Union have both called for the postponement with Belgium threatening to withhold grants for the elections if they are not put off.

Both the East African Community (EAC) and the AU have also echoed the calls to have

the elections delayed.

But Nkurunziza has insisted that the elections will go on as scheduled and that he will continue with his campaigns.

But that was before last week’s failed coup attempt, in which some army generals wanted to depose him. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

P.8

The Big Knot

David first saw Damaris two years ago, and he swore to win her heart. It took him a few months but he finally did it

P.10

Fashion parade PEERS: President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Burundi counterpart, Pierre Nkurunziza during a recent meeting.

Stars ‘bare it all’ at the Billboard Music Awards red carpet

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NEWS MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

Uhuru implores Nkurunziza to postpone polls From Page 1 And when he appeared for the first time in public yesterday following the coup attempt, Nkurunziza steered of both the coup and the upcoming elections and instead chose to talk on the growing threats of al-Shabaab attacking Burundi.

The Somali-based militants have threatened to attack Burundi which

is one of the countries with troops fighting the militants under Amisom in Somalia.

“We have taken the measures against al-Shabaab. We take this threat seriously,” he said while addressing journalists at the Presidential Palace in the capital Bujumbura.

Only his close aide Willy Nyawite talked about the crisis saying the

country’s electoral commission “could decide to delay the elections.”

And today, President Kenyatta phones Nkurunziza urging him to have the elections delayed, Kenyatta’s spokesman Manoah Esipisu said.

“President Kenyatta urged President Pierre Nkurunziza to heed and act in line with statement issued by EAC summit last week,” Esipisu said.

Mr Kenyatta, who made the call from South Africa, where he is on official visit, said it is the position of regional leaders the Burundi elections be postponed within the mandate of the current government.

It was the second time Mr Kenyatta was speaking to Nkurunziza in the last 24 hours.

Burundi has been rocked with

chaotic violence since Nkurunziza announced that he would seek a third term in office, a decision opposition and civil society groups says contravenes the constitution which provides for a maximum two terms.

Weeks of protests have left more than 20 people killed, mostly by police bullets as they try to quell angry protesters.

Al-Shabaab Kenya, S. Africa to recruiter partner on security arrested in President Uhuru Kenyatta and his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma (right), last evening agreed to strengthen the partnerships between the two countries on matters of security, trade, investment and industrialization.

Both agreed there was much more to be gained through partnership including creation of employment for the youth, integration of the East African community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the war on terrorism.

“We stand to gain more if we work together”, said President Kenyatta. The two presidents agreed to jointly tackle the menace of terrorism and radicalization through sharing of information.

“We must reinforce the message that, as Africa, we shall act together at all attempts to hit at us,” said President Zuma on terrorism

attacks by Al-Shabaab militia in Kenya.

President Zuma said there is need for improved cooperation in security matters and terror. “Africa must resolve to firmly deal with terrorism”, he said.

The two leaders met at the Official Residence of the President of South Africa, Mahlamba Ndlopfu, in Pretoria when President Kenyatta paid the South African leader a courtesy call on arrival there last evening.

Mr Kenyatta is today at noon scheduled to open the sixth Ordinary Session of the Third Parliament of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) at Midrand in Johanessburg.

The two leaders admitted youth unemployment in the two countries is a major challenge that needs to be addressed urgently especially through creation of jobs and industrialization.

On the Burundi crisis, both

Mombasa

Presidents reiterated the position of the East African Community (EAC) taken four days ago in Dar-es-Salaam to postpone elections within the mandate of the current government.

President Kenyatta said he had talked to Burundi President Pierre

Nkurunziza twice in the last 24 hours while President Zuma today’s proceeds to Angola for the International Conference on the Great Lakes region (ICGLR) summit convened by Angola over the Burundi crisis.

Kingi, Mwakwere cleared of corruption claims Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and former minister Chirau Mwakwere have been let off the hook after the Director of Public Prosecutions found little evidence against them in corruption allegations.

The two were included in the list of 175 public servants to be investigated over various corruption reports.

Kingi was accused of irregularly purchasing a residential house while Mwakwere was adversely mentioned in irregular

acquisition of Kenya Railways Corporation houses during his time as Transport minister.

But the DPP Keriako Tobiko over the weekend said there is insufficient evidence to sustain prosecution for the two. When I looked at the file, I agreed that the evidence did not meet the threshold to prosecute. That does not mean I did not have my suspicion,” he said.

This comes as good news for Mr Mwakwere, who can now resume his duties as Kenya’s

x-news.co.ke

ambassador to Tanzania, as he had been suspended over the matter.

“I have never ever committed such crimes… I have never sold or rented a Kenya Railway house; if anything they should be grateful that I took care of the asset as the Minister for Transport,” he said when he appeared at the EACC offices for grilling last month.

“It hurts because you’re presumed innocent until proven guilty. In this instance,

I was pronounced guilty before even being asked for my side of the story,” he said.

Tobiko, who said he received the EACC file on Mwakwere on Friday, has denied receiving any files on the suspended Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries under investigation for graft.

This is contrary to earlier reports that the EACC had recommended to the DPP the prosecution of three of the five suspended Cabinet Secretaries.

Detectives from the AntiTerrorism Police Unit (ATPU) have arrested a suspected AlShabaab recruiter in Mombasa.

The 45-year-old man was detained for allegedly being one of the people funding and recruiting youths to join the Al-Qaeda linked terror group.

He was picked up for questioning from a restaurant near Likoni and driven to his house on Saturday evening where a search was conducted for vital clues.

Mombasa County Commander Robert Kitur confirmed the arrest but could not divulge more information.

The suspect is the chairman of the Likoni Community Development Sacco that was registered last year, and which police believe has been used to recruit youths to join the Al-

Shabaab group.

His family members, who addressed journalists at the Makupa Police Station, maintained that he is innocent, saying he had no ties with AlShabaab or any other criminal gangs.

“He is innocent…all the accusations levelled against him are false,” one of the family members said.

On April 8, foreign exchange bureaus and money transfer agencies listed alongside firms and individuals listed on a terror watch list in the Kenya Gazette closed shop following a directive by the government.

The companies listed as entities suspected to be associated with Al Shabaab were ordered to explain to the government their owners and associates.

Police officer killed in Umoja A police officer was shot dead by armed thugs’ in Umoja estate today morning. The officer was confronted at a bus stop by four armed men as he was waiting to board a matatu to his Race Course station.

The administration officer had left his house in East Capital apartments along Kagundo road before he was fatally shot on the head and chest.

Police spokesperson Zipporah

Mboroki said the officer died as he was trying to get back to his house.

“He was reporting on duty at Race Course in Ngong, and on reaching in matatu awaiting to board a matatu, four people confronted him and they shot him on the head and the chest,” she said.

The officer failed to reach his house after he collapsed and died as he was trying to make his way back to the East Capital Apartments.

Police are yet to arrest any suspect in connection with the 6.15 am incident although they have launched a manhunt.

NEWS 3

CARTOONSPEAK

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

Young people don’t want to be farmers

Nkaissery to rally North Rift MPs in peace caravans

Only one out of 20 young people actually wants to branch into the field of agriculture.

There are countless examples of successful young farmers scattered across various platforms, including the social media.

However, research compiled by the Institute of Economic Affairs says that not many people care for the field Though agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, employing 75 per cent of the working population, young people are not interested in picking up hoes.

Majority of the youth (41 per cent) want to work in the service sector.

Roughly 26 per cent wish to engage in entrepreneurial activities, while about 13 per cent wish to work in the social service sector.

Only 5 per cent of respondents said they want to work in agriculture.

“We believe that this has serious implications for the strategy Kenya has to follow,” said researchers from the Institute.

They added: “To fulfill the aspirations of youth we need to create jobs in the service sector.”

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery is expected to lead peace talks between North Rift communities today. Political leaders drawn from Samburu, Turkana, Pokot and Baringo are to convene at Lorengkipi in Turkana for the talks. Thereafter they are expected to hold peace caravans in the respective counties.

Millions gutted in Tuskys shop fire

Police deny role in Garissa Muslim clerics’ abductions

FREED: Muslim cleric Sheikh Khalif Abdullahi Madhobe. He went missing after being abducted by armed men believed to be undercover State agents but has since resurfaced after being released by his abductors.

IEBC kICkS OFF vOtER EDuCAtION

Police have denied holding a Muslim cleric who went missing after being abducted by armed men believed to be undercover state agents.

The denial has prolonged a court case in which the DPP sought to have withdrawn.

Sheikh Khalif Abdullahi Madhobe “resurfaced after being released” by his abductors which they claim were police officers.

His lawyer Gitobu Imanyara has since been given an opportunity to file a supplementary affidavit of proof that he was indeed in police custody.

Mr Imanyara reacted to an affidavit filed by inspector Charles Ogeto of the Anti-Terrorism unit where he denies “holding and or ever arresting” the Sheikh.

Prosecutor Duncan Ondimu had told the court to dismiss the case as the police had denied that the

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has kicked off its first ever voter education exercise that will run throughout this week.

The event which will be held simultaneously in all the 290 constituencies countrywide will help IEBC sensitise the public on the importance of participation in the electoral process, as well boost the ongoing voter registration. “This is part of the IEBC mandate of conducting continuous voter education as set out it Article 88(4) of the Constitution,” the electoral body said in a statement. The commission further

says other issues to be highlighted in the exercise will include inclusion and mainstreaming, party lists, political tolerance, dispute resolution mechanisms, electoral technology among others.

“The voter education week will be implemented nationwide through outreach programmes to schools, electoral technology exhibition, media campaigns, onsite service delivery, open stakeholders’ forum and town hall meetings,” it stated.

Chief executive Ezra Chiloba says the commission will remain focused and prepare for the 2017 polls in good time despite the

Sheikh had been in their custody and instead requested him “to file an official report with the National Police service to enable investigations to commence as to establish where he had been.”

The Sheikhs son Abdi Khalis Abdulahhi had moved to court to have the police compelled to produce his father stating that “three people who were dressed in civilian clothes but were armed and who refused to identify themselves other than stating they were security officers abducted my father.”

Yesterday, in an affidavit in response to the petition the police said that from the description given, there was no proof that the abductors were police officers or agents of the state. There has been an outcry amongst Muslim leaders in Garissa about the increased seizure of clerics by unidentified state agents.

challenges it is facing. Chiloba says they will use about 36 billion shillings for the polls, including the budget for registering and voting of Kenyans in the diaspora. He says they intend to register 11 million more voters before the general elections, increasing the number of voters to just over 25 million.

In the 2013 General Elections, the overall voter turnout was 85.99%. The Commission intends to improve on this commendable turnout through educating the public on the need to exercise democratic and civic rights through voting.

Property worth millions of shillings was destroyed when fire razed down a section of Tuskys supermarket, Mfangano Street branch in Nairobi. Nairobi County fire engines and others from private institutions fought the fire which broke out at midnight on Saturday for close to an hour before finally containing it. Nairobi Central OCPD Paul Wanjama said the cause of the fire is yet to be established. No one was injured in the incident.

Four suspects gunned down in weekend crimes Four suspected thugs were gunned down in separate robbery incidents in Nairobi over the weekend. Two of the suspects were shot dead on Saturday night in a botched robbery in Ruaraka while two others were killed in a similar incident in Dandora on Sunday. Police say they recovered a homemade gun from the Ruaraka victims who they had apprehended for a while before opening fire. In Dandora, police say the suspects were in a group of four that had been attacking and robbing residents when an alarm was raised. Officers who were on patrol reacted and managed to kill two and recovered part of the stolen property and a homemade gun.

Nine killed in Texas shootout Police in the US state of Texas say nine people have been killed in a shootout between rival biker gangs in the city of Waco. The incident happened at the Twin Peaks Sports Bar and Grill in a shopping area called the Central Texas Market Place.

Police said eight had died at the scene and a ninth in hospital.

At least 18 others were hurt. Up to five gangs were involved. Police spokesman Sgt W. Patrick Swanton said the fight started with punches and then escalated to chains, clubs, knives and finally firearms.

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Mortgage Arrangements with

xnews | MONday, MAY 18, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

BIZ BRIEFS

BUSINESS

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

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

KCB shareholders approve new structural changes Kenya Commercial Bank Limited (KCBL) shareholders have approved the formation of KCB Group Limited, a non-operating holding company that will own the Bank and all its other interests including its regional subsidiaries.

The move will see KCB Limited, the current company, transfer its banking business to a new subsidiary, KCB Bank Kenya Limited.

“The directors of KCB consider that the reorganization and implementation of a non-operating holding company is in the best long-term interests of shareholders and of the KCB Group as a whole,” KCB Group Chairman Ngeny Biwott (pictured right) said.

“We believe that this will result in operational efficiency and better financial performance of the KCB Group,” he

added.

The new Group holding company will oversee KCB Bank Kenya Limited, the regional Banking units in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan and two more existing subsidiaries; the investment banking arm, KCB Capital Limited and the bancassurance unit, KCB Insurance Agency Limited.

“We see the implementation of the new structure as promoting the Vision 2030 initiative towards a Nairobi International Finance Center, the regional hub for financial services that is expected to encourage foreign direct investment into the country and the region”, the Chairman said at the lender’s Annual General Meeting held in Nairobi.

Airtel out to provide internet access to over 1M students

BRAINS BEHIND THE APP: Easy Taxi staff.

Young taxi-flagging app gaining traction The Easy Taxi app has seen its uptake rise as thousands of consumers are drawn to the convenience it offers.

The app is fast becoming a tool that many city residents cannot live without.

It can be accessed through iOS, Android and Windows phones.

The tool is used to locate the nearest taxi, allowing stranded travelers the option of staying in one place as they wait for their ride to arrive.

Easy Taxi’s uptake has been so commendable that the firm has recorded thousands of downloads over the past few months. Out of these, at least 7,000 people are transported

monthly.

Peng Chen, the founder and Managing Director of Easy Taxi Kenya says that the app cuts across the board as far as their targeted customer’s are concerned.

“Our customers do not fall under any demographic,” he explains. “If you are a driver but got too drunk to drive, you are our potential customer, if you are running late for a major interview and the bus ride may take too long, you are our customer, going to a restaurant in the middle of the night and you do not know where it is? Call us.”

“Our solution is not making

people leave their favourite taxi drivers,” he adds. “We just want people to use the app in case the driver is not around.”

The company has also diversified its services to include a wider client base.

They recently added sixseater cars to their list of vehicles, which can be accessed through the app.

This has enabled them to tap into Kenya’s tourism industry, since the option mostly targets people travelling across the country on safaris.

Easy Taxi also works with other companies to promote its services. The company has in the past, partnered with

the Blankets and Wine event allowing those attending.

The uptake of the service has been driven by customers looking for fast and convenient cab services.

“We are only available in Nairobi at the moment, and our biggest strength has been Nairobi’s love for technology,” notes Chen.

The app, however, has an established presence in 33 countries, including Nigeria, Brazil, The Philippines, Taiwan and Egypt, making it the world’s biggest taxi booking and tracking app.

The app is expected to be delivered in other major cities in the country soon.

Airtel is looking to provide free internet access to students across the country.

The company has, so far, connected more than 90 schools to its grid, impacting the lives of 200,000 students.

Its plan is to link more than one million students to internet facilities.

“This shows the commitment that Airtel has to this program which aims to improve the quality of learning in institutions,” Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi said.

Youssefi said that educational content available online boosts the learning process by providing more clarity on different concepts, topics, and facts.

“It is about making dreams

come alive for hundreds of thousands of school-going children by ensuring that they have the freedom to connect to the world of information, helping them to learn better and open up a new world of opportunities for their future,” he said.

The Airtel boss noted that if Kenyan graduates are to compete in the 21st century workplace, they must have access to 21st century resources in the course of their education.

“Students now have enormous exposure to uncounted numbers of journals and text books.

Hence, there is no need to buy books as they can search for any books that they want and download them or the content.”

BuSINESS DIARY Entrepreneurs Forum at the iHub The iHub will hold an entrepreneur’s forum on Saturday, May 23, 2015 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The event will be hosted

by Prof. Bitange Ndemo, a member of the iHub board of advisors.

The affair involves a series of entrepreneurship talks and will pull in experts from different sectors to highlight the opportunities

within their industries.

Prof. Ndemo is a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s School of Business and former Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology.

The event will take place on the 4th floor of Piedmont Plaza, along Ngong Road in Nairobi.

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BUSINESS MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

Pensioner goes bananas on tissue culture profits Vihiga County may soon earn a new sobriquet, that of the ‘County of Bananas’.

Traditionally, farmers in the area made money or at times no money, through growing traditional crops like maize and beans. The profits have however been far from gratifying.

However, Margaret Amimo who is a retired teacher in the county has chosen to go bananas - for a gamechanger.

Her light bulb came in 2009 when she heard about tissue culture bananas and decided to give it a try.

Margaret who grows over 200 stems of the high yielding, disease tolerant tissue culture bananas has been focused on a journey that has made her become a pioneer farmer in value addition not only in Vihiga County. She has gotten ultimate national recognition as well, through the Elgon Kenya National Farmers award.

She has formed a group of 40 farmers called Hamisi Horticultural Development Group (HHDG) which processes bananas into flour and makes a variety of products which include cakes, biscuits, crisps, doughnuts, bread, ugali and, chapattis.

The group operates a banana processing plant at Serem market, a revolution that has transcended boundaries and won admiration beyond Vihiga County.

“The aspect of value addition has been the best thing that has ever happened to our group. We are not only increasing the shelf life of our bananas, but also realising more income than we did when we were selling the raw bananas,” said Margaret who is also the group’s secretary.

The group doesn’t only grow and process bananas.

It also provides ready market for other farmers outside the group at a better price. The group says that food processing and value addition are the key weapons in winning the war on food insecurity in the country.

therise

Crown Paints

For the second week running, Crown Paints Kenya Ltd took the week’s position of top gaining stock, rising a notable 19.57 per cent. The stock closed the week at a price of Sh165.00 from its closing price of Sh138.00 a week prior. Year-to-date Crown paints remains one of the best performing stocks at the NSE having made a gain of 48.65 per cent so far this year.

The announcement of a 2 for 1 bonus

thefall

Pan Africa Insurance Having previously issued a profit warning

share dividend following the company’s Pan Africa Insurance Holdings Ltd took full year results has continued to spur this week’s position of top losing stock as investor interest on the counter. a result of depreciation in the insurance Book closure for the bonus issue is slated company’s share price by -26.02 per cent. for 24th June 2015.The company recently The share continued to trend downwards released their audited financial statements in the week’s final days of trading as the for the full year ending 31 December 2014 market factored in the dilutive effect of the that showed strong growth in revenue additional shares introduced through the of 17.06 per cent as compared to FY13 bonus issue. numbers.

Analysis by Amana Capital info@amanacapital.co.ke

relating to the company’s 2014 full year results, the insurance firm saw its earnings per share fall by -30.50 per cent in 2014.

The fall was primarily attributed to a decrease in unrealised gains in equity investments as compared to 2013 as well as subdued demand that resulted in lower property sales performance.

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

ACCESS celebchat

fashion parade

‘Music for me was something God put in my life to save me’

Three years ago he was struggling to be known. Today he is the biggest breakout gospel star in 254.Scandals aside, the father of three recently staged a comeback home concert in Mathare and simply says ‘I am here to serve’.

W

ho is Bahati?

Bahati tena!(Laughs) Bahati is God fearing, loves life and loves people.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is real. I try as much as I can not to be fake because I believe real recognises real. Everyone in the world is real to themselves and the moment I get real I reach many people.

My greatest inspiration is God then myself because I try to be real to myself.

Every studio session is a chance given to me by God. Take us through your music journey Music for me was something God put in my life to save me. I have been in this industry for three years. I just came the other day and my start was not that easy.

I started music because of the hardship I was going through. The song that God used to introduce me to the industry was Mama. It was one of the realest songs I ever wrote.

How was it going back to perform home for the first time?

The best performance I have ever had! It was a moment I was going back to the community that gave me so much. This is the community that brought me up, taught me how to be humble and taught me how to hustle. I wanted to say thank you.

People came out to support and it showed me that what I do is being appreciated. That is the best thing, to know that there are people behind you, they are my family.

How has being a dad been so far?

It gives me a different feeling. It reminds me every time that there are guys who

are looking and watching. I have changed; I am not the same Bahati, I am a better Bahati. I have become more responsible and I cannot do some of the things I used to do. Despite my age I am trying to put myself in the shoes of being a father and a parent. It is hard sometimes when it comes to the issue of discipline. At what point do you cane them and at what point do you talk to them?

But I am learning and I believe this is my calling.

Why adopt?

Why not? My main focus was not the papers, my concern was to have the kids back to school, clothed, fed and loved. If their parents are to come forward, I will release them in peace.

Who inspires you in the industry?

In Kenya there are many people doing good. There is the likes of Jemimah Thiong’o and Wyre. They have achieved a lot and you know this industry has a lot of fights and they have been able to withstand all that. I also admire K i r k Franklin.

There has been talk that gospel artistes focus on making money instead of using their gift to preach the gospel.

What is your take on that?

Everyone views it differently. I think guys are trying. We are not in an easy industry. Your gift is what brings food to your table. So I do not understand all this

Bahati: factfile

Real Name: Kevin Bahati Kioko age: 22 RelatioNship: Single Best Food: Chapati and Beans Best Book: The Bible.

Best Quote: Mwanangu unaweza lolote ukijikaza utafika popote- Mama Bahati Bahati has been nominated in three categories for this year’s Groove Awards. To vote for Bahati in the Male Artiste of the Year category, SMS Groove 1A to 811. To vote for him in the Song of the Year category SMS Groove5A to 811. To vote for him in the Video of the Year category, SMS Groove 12A to 811.

I am a servant of God

complaining about money.

Can you tell us what exactly went down with Willy Paul?

I will say this, everything I wrote on social media was true. I forgave him and

moved on. After all everyone has a different dream and my dream is to be a voice to the African child.

What is next for Bahati?

I am doing Barua za Bahati

tour which I officially launched in Mathare. I am now ready to face the world.

The tour will go to Thika, Coast, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Machakos.

8

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY MONDAY, MAY26th 18, 2015 NOVEMBER 2014

FASHIONScoop the BIGKNOT

‘I H

first saw Damaris two years ago in church. She was selling bags and it took me time, 8 months to be exact to get the courage to ask her out,” said David.

“But once I got the guts we were inseparable. After one year I decided she was the one and I proposed,” said David.

The atmosphere at Word of Faith Church, Kiambu was electric. David came in dancing with his parent as his best man danced behind them. David was dressed in a blue suit with a white shirt red tie and a blue half coat. His best man was also in the same attire.

The church was decorated with pillars of flowers on the aisles. Blue and red was the running theme.” I chose the colours because they go well together,” said Damaris.

The dancing did not stop there! The entire party were in on the routine to the surprise of many. The groomsmen were dressed in blue suits with white shirts and red ties. The ladies were dressed in blue knee length dresses with high neck

mY namE sounDsJaY EVEn cuTER WITh YouR I’m Black FashIon Z Junk mTV lasT quIZnamE nEW aDDED YoRk To IT.

detail. Spotting red kitten heels and matching clutch bags.

It was time for the lady of the hour to walk in. She looked every bit a princess in her white ball gown which had on lace appliques that shone when the dress hit the light. She had chosen a cathedral veil that trailed behind her. Damaris too settled for red heels that tied in the look perfectly.

She told XAccess about her dress, “I have always wanted to look like a Disney princess so this dress was to achieve that and it did perfectly.” The princess theme was not left out of her maid of honour either as she was clad in a blue and red tutu dress with blue shoes.

You could see the joy and admiration on David’s face, he was trying not to get emotional as he watched his wife to be walk down the aisle. “She looked beautiful and I was trying to not cry,” David told XAccess later.

With the jovial ceremony done with, the couple headed for their photo shoot at Kigwa Conference centre as the rest

of the guests were ushered to St. James Cathedral for the reception.

It came as no surprise when Damaris waltzed back having changed into a halter top mermaid gown that gave her the flexibility to move around. “I like it because it is easy and it is not as bulky and it brings out my body shape,” beamed Damaris.

You know you are having a good wedding when even a big down pour does not change the joyous mood. The rains came in torrents but the dancing did not stop. The cake was delicious and the couple mixed and mingled with everyone stopping on each table to take selfies and share a hug.

“The day has gone perfectly and we would not change a thing about it,” said David.

As for their honeymoon plans, that was David’s secret and he was not telling seeing as his wife did not also know the plans.

X Access wishes the couple the best in marriage.

David and Damaris FAIRYTALE WEDDING

‘I have always wanted to look like a Disney princess so this dress was to achieve that and it did perfectly’ —Damaris

ACCESS MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

CENTRESTAGE

review of top weekend gigs.

HOT

9

TOPICS

Ink and Pixels: The Wild and Wondrous Tale of Kenyan Comics

Jaguar and Sudi write a letter to the president

It is no secret that Jaguar and the president are good buds. But that has not detered Jaguar from incorporated the lyrical and vocal genius in Sudi Boy to write a letter to the president. Dubbed Barua Kwa Rais the song tells the president the problems Kenyans are going through. This could well be the turning point Jaguar has been waiting for, it is fresh and different.

Oliver Mtukudzi coming to Kenya Legend, Oliver Mtukudzi will be in Kenya soon. He is set to headline the 7th edition of Koroga Festival on 7th June 2015. He will be performing backed by his band The Black Spirits.

The award winning Zimbabwean musician promises a good show for his fans here in Kenya.

T

he Goethe-institut was on Saturday converted into a comic arts Centre, splashed with exhibitions of cartoon and comic book work from artists from different generations.

Graced by legendary and neo cartoonists, the Ink and Pixels event was undisputedly the place to be for every aspiring large scale cartoonist.

Some renowned artists in attendance included Kham the creator of the popular 90s comic ‘Babu’, Eric Muthoga of the comic book “Shujaaz” and Godfrey Mwanpembwa, the creator of the cartoon “Gado”.

The well-organized event which witnessed a fairly good turnout kicked off at 1pm. Some topics addressed during the panel discussions include publishing

of comics in Kenya, genres of comics, opportunities, and challenges faced by comic and cartoon artists in the country.

It was unanimously agreed that the biggest challenge to the arts is the scraping of the Art and Craft subject from the Kenyan education curriculum.

The issue of finding a balance between religion and humor was also discussed based on the Charlie-Hebdo journalists’ massacre by terrorists.

Charlie-Hebdo had published an offensive cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad.

If you missed the Ink and Pixels event on 16th May, worry not as it was only the opening.

More exhibitions and discussions are set to take place on 22nd and 29th May at the same venue.

AFRO FUSION AT SKYLUX Saturday was a night filled with glamour and beauty at Skyluxx Lounge. The Lounge was the setting for the ultimate welcome of Bongo artiste Vanessa Mdee to Kenya. The artiste who recently quit her radio gig to focus more on her music has been doing a media tour in the country for the last one week. Notable artistes like Kristoff, H_ART the Band, Yvonne Darq and Visita were in the house to offer their support and maybe negotiate a collabo or two.

Celeste Wamiru

Some renowned artists in attendance included Kham the creator of the popular 90s comic ‘Babu’, Eric Muthoga of the comic book “Shujaaz”

EXPATS NETWORKING @ VILLA ROSA KEMPINSKI

Fena Gitu and her Manager

Daniel and Selma Kristoff and a friend

Kristoff and a friend

Amor Thige and Vanessa Mdee

Laura Oyier launches luxury water Perennial bill defaulter, Laura Oyier is now a business woman. Access was invited to her exclusive event on Friday where entry was by payment and location was undisclosed until payment is done!

On this Friday she launched

her own brand of luxury water that will cost a whopping Sh. 800 for a 1 ltr bottle. The bottle is plain with a tag like picture of Laura hanging from the side of the bottle. We are told this is in conjunction with Aquamist.

HOT TOPICS

Inter Nations is the first community for expatriates that brings them all together to network and share experiences. The community was founded in 2007 by three young German entrepreneurs who were former expatriates. It has grown to become one of the biggest expatriate networks in the world with over one million expats connected all over the world. Last Friday Villa Rosa Kempinski hosted one of the meet ups of expats living and working in Kenya.

Happy Birthday Gabu!

Gabu also known as Buganya is celebrating his birthday today. He is the one third of the successful group P-Unit that also include Frasha and Bon-eye.

The all boy group also known as Wagenge Hao are responsible for hits like Gentleman and Weka Weka.

Biko and Celia

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ACCESS MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

FASHIONparade

@ the BillBoard Music awards.

deNica Joan Rivers is spinning in her grave.

NicKi MiNaJ We expected an outrageous outfit from her but she looks stunning.

JeNNiFer loPeZ There is a reason she is called the Queen of the Red carpet and this just confirms it.

GORGEOUS!

ZeNdaYa Her stylist should be arrested for letting her leave the house like this.

Baring it all

rita ora Yes, it can get this skimpy!

Las Vegas was the latest venue for a Hollywood star-studded red carpet as Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) took place last night.

The fashion memo was “Bare it all” and they did. Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Zendaya and Rita Ora were showing off their bodies in skimpy outfits. If it was a competition for the skimpiest of them all, Rita Ora would have won, hands down!

lyriclab

Najidai

Just when we thought we were getting over the sheer craze, Jennifer Lopez shows up in a long sleeved number that covered just the right body parts, pulling us back in. But it was Denica, the Nigerian pop star and the queen of bleaching, who left us all bewildered. Wearing a multi-coloured jumpsuit that had a ton of embellishment and accessories, she looked a little crazy, to say the least.

KaleKye MuMo

Best...

It is hard to pull off a triple collabo but this could just do the magic. iddi singer, The song describes how people are jealous of the love received from a deliah sweetheart. The lover is urged not ipupa and to listen to people’s gossip because the relationship is based on true landan love. The artistes further insist that they will not pay attention Balla to people who call them proud because of the love received from their loved ones.

taYlor swiFt We have to admit, she rocked that jumpsuit.

In this song radio presenter turned songbird is urging believers to ask God to set them free from misery.

Kalekye also sings of the promises of God, which mainly include bringing back what has been lost. She also reminds us to always be thankful for what we have.

What has changed in her life? Will this hit?

african all stars We are the world

This is an emotional rendition of the song that has been done by several artistes around the world, most recently by 25 international artistes dubbed ‘25 for Haiti’ after the devastating Haiti earthquake. The song calls for people to unite and love each other in times of need. The African artistes’ version is dedicated to stopping Xenophobia in South Africa and Ebola in Western Africa.

Rescue

PLAY 11 MONDA0Y, MAY 18, 2015

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Today your feelings are likely to be focused not only on those close to you but also on all the world’s population. A feeling of unity with the billions you’ve never met could overwhelm you now. You might want to write down your impressions so you can refer to them later.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 This includes love for family, friends, partner, and all life forms. The reality of spiritual advancement through love is all around you. Your artistic sensibilities are very high, so you might want to write, draw, or paint something that captures your thoughts and feelings.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 You’re feeling especially loving and passionate, Pisces, and likely to want to pursue a romantic encounter with the special person in your life. Money matters look positive, as your intuition regarding money management has been working well and is likely to continue.

WEATHERFORECAST m0nday 18/05/2015

sunny

24

tuesday 19/05/2015

More sun than clouds

24

25ºC 61%

6:27 am 6:31pm

24ºC 68%

22 6:27 am 6:31pm

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

Frisday’s Solution

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 If you are, expect your relationship to develop a new spiritual bond. New friendships, particularly with people who share your interests, are on the horizon. The coming years will be a time when everyone will have to pull together. Today you get a head start.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 This is an ideal day to begin a creative venture, Taurus. You’ve had many ideas and creative urges. Today it’s time to choose one and take the first step to making your vision a reality. You will find that the form will change. This is no reason to be discouraged.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 You could look especially attractive, so don’t be surprised if you draw admiring looks from strangers. Romantic novels and movies could seem appealing now, but you’re more interested in the real thing. If you can, try to schedule alone time with the special person in your life.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Your energy might turn toward beautifying your home, Cancer. Perhaps you’ve decided to repaint or go in a completely new direction in your decorating taste. Posters or other souvenirs of foreign lands might also be especially appealing now.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 You’re feeling especially affectionate now, Leo, particularly regarding those closest to you. It might not be a bad idea to get on the phone and talk to people you may not have seen in a long time. They will be glad to hear from you!

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 You may want to squander it on gifts for yourself and others rather than put it to more practical use, which is perfectly fine! Books may be especially appealing, particularly those on new spiritual or metaphysical ideas. Set some time aside for a little reading.

MUSTREAD The Bonds of War — by Wambalye Weikama

When he was young, JB was shipped off from his homeland Rwanda to Uganda to escape the violence in his country. His adopted family was broken up and now he will never get to see them again. In Uganda, he meets up with an Uncle who takes him in. Thinking life has settled down for him, life takes a change for the worst when he is kidnapped and conscripted to an armed group fighting the Ugandan government. He becomes a child soldier against his will. While in the army he meets other young boys and girls who were also taken from their homes to fight for a cause they have no idea how it started. He meets Alexander, who is the kidnapped son of an American diplomat. The two become good friends with JB acting as the big brother and guardian to young Alexander. Together, the two fight to survive and hope that one day they will be free.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Your charm and social skills are at a high level, and your joviality and gift for conversation should make you a welcome guest at any social event. And you should be invited to a lot of them - perhaps too many! Enjoy this special time of sociability and friendship.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 You face other people with a profound, spiritual love. They will return it! You might want to write down your thoughts or draw pictures of whatever pops into your mind, even if you don’t feel you have talent. It’s more important to keep a record for you than set things down for posterity.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 This could be a lot of fun for you. You could make some new friends. You’re naturally inclined toward humanitarian concerns, and these might be the focus of some animated discussions today. Take in all the information and consider it later. Right now your mind is overwhelmed!

INSTAMOMENTS 1

3

2

4

wednesday

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

Friday’s winning photo

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

winning captions

1. You still think of me as a Christmas meal? I don’t think son-Paul Mugo 2. Who is the man, the goat is the man-Job Omulo, Nairobi 3. We shall keep fighting until all goats are equal to humans-James N. Nrb

12

PLAY

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Neutral shade 5. Syllables before “di” or “da” in a Beatles song 9. Flowed slowly 14. Mai ____ (cocktails) 15. Penn of film 16. Irritant 17. Not clear 19. Moslem prince 20. “___ say more?”

21. Driver’s change of direction 23. Sales goal (abbr.)

25. Tribbiani on “Friends” 30. “Anything goes” 33. Diamond stat 35. Couch potato’s aid 36. Turbine blade 37. Patty or Selma, to Bart 39. Puccini classic 42. Taboo act 43. Scratch 45. Horse chow 47. Marx follower?

48. Jail terms 52. Clean a kitchen floor, perhaps 53. Abbr. in a help-wanted ad 54. Authors Alec or Evelyn 57. In the cooler 61. Island off the Sorrento Peninsula 65. Diploma, informally 67. “Everytime ___ You” (Perry Como song) 68. Western lawman Wyatt

69. Suffixes for mountain and musket 70. Bong producers 71. Holy Frenchwomen: Abbr.

72. Small fish Down 1. Vingt-___ (game) 2. Christmas tree hanging 3. Sushi ingredient 4. Familiar with 5. German direction 6. Belle’s admirer 7. Beverage that’s good with gâteau 8. Negates 9. Reception amenity 10. Computer reseller (abbr.)

11. The mark of Zorro 12. Festive night 13. ___ Spiegel 18. Conservatives, with ‘the’ 22. Dixie soldier 24. Reason to sue 26. ___ Hubbard (“Dianetics” author) 27. Stella ___ (Belgian beer) 28. Aquarium dwellers 29. Computer information holder 30. Bedtime for junior, maybe 31. Thai tongue 32. Physicist Freeman 33. Fervent 34. Myanmar, once 38. Canvas covering 40. Rotating part 41. To ____ (precisely) 44. Knuckleheads

46. Poke around 49. “___ rabbi walks into...”

50. Musical works 51. Showed anxiety 55. Mountain pass 56. “Neither ____ nor there” 58. Home furnishings chain 59. Sun. newspaper insert 60. “____ petit placidam sub libertate quietem” (Massachusetts motto) 61. Smoke, in slang 62. Latin lover’s verb 63. Writing tool 64. Bylaw, for short 66. Some 45’s, briefly

Friday’s answers

YOURSAY

Why are calls to other East African countries this expensive?

I, honestly, do not understand why it costs Sh25 per minute to call someone in Tanzania and yet it costs only Sh5 to call the United States. I know that our mobile service providers have connectivity issues within the region but this is getting ridiculous.

I spend Sh200 to call my relatives across the border but I can talk to a stranger thousands of kilometers away and it won’t even cost me more than the price of a packet of milk.

I keep hearing how Kenya has

The cheap politicking going on is stunting our economic growth The ‘political noise’ being currently made by our leaders, notably the Deputy President, William Ruto, and CORD leader, Raila Odinga, is damaging to the development of our country.

We rely on these people to give us development advice but they are busy trading insults against each other from all corners of the country. I, particularly, have issue with the involvement of the DP in the War-of-words,

because he is a public servant.

Mr. Odinga doesn’t owe us any particular form of service and might perhaps be free to conduct himself in whichever way he feels. However, that is not to say that he does not have responsibility to Kenyans. He has people who cling to every word he says, and it will be advisable for him to present himself responsibly.

—George Shaw, Nairobi

made revolutionary steps in the field of mobile technology but I am yet to see those strides made when it comes to regional connectivity.

I don’t know if the Government or the service providers are addressing the issue but I certainly hope someone is.

It is pure madness when I can call Mumbai for Sh5 while a call to Burundi, which is merely a stonethrow away, compared to India, will cost me 5 times as much!

Somebody help us! ­—Dennis Mukabane, Nairobi

WE NEED OUR ROADS FIXED The state of most Nairobi roads is abysmal and the County government should do something about it! Traffic jams are bad enough without potholes drunk drivers and heavy rains making the drive home feel like a suicide mission.

Who is addressing the flooding issue right now? Has the County government hired contractors to fix our drainage problem or is this another “Budalangi situation” that will go unnoticed for another year?

We don’t give the government 30 per cent of our hard earned money

so elected officials can sit in their offices debating politics! We want every road fixed, renovated, restored and maintained. If the County cannot sustain itself, then what is the point of paying taxes that only line the pockets of corrupt officials?

I dare the government to prove me wrong and get things done.

But I doubt that Nairobi County officials have the gall to do so.

Send your letters to news@x-news.co.ke | Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

—Priscillah Mong’are

SPORT 13 MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

VICTORY DANCE: Gor Mahia players celebrate a 5-0 drubbing of Nakuru AllStars. Inset: A distraught AllStars coach, Peter Okidi.

Kagere gets the headline after Gor win

Kenyan Premier League Champions, Gor Mahia were held to their third draw of the season by Western Stima at the Moi Stadium, in Kisumu on Sunday afternoon.

The champions as a results failed to open a ten point gap at the top of the league after 11 rounds of matches.

K’Ogalo missed the chance to stretch their lead at the summit further after being kept at bay by the well drilled Henry Omino side, as the Green Army descended on the lakeside city to support their side in their spiritual home.

Having beaten bitter Nyanza rivals Sony Sugar 1-0 midweek, Gor’s attacking force was particularly blunt with the absent Michael Olunga, who fired a hat-trick in Harambee Stars Under-23 ultimately fruitless 4-1 rout of Botswana on Saturday felt.

Rwandese international, Meddie Kagere who is first

becoming a crowd darling, fired goalwards from close range in the 72th minute but his s h o t was snuffed out by Gabriel Andika in the Stima goal.

Elsewhere, a brace from former AFC Leopards midfielder Charles Okwemba saw Ushuru FC beat bottom of the table Nakuru All Stars at the Kasarani Stadium.

The veteran put the taxmen ahead directly from a free kick in the second minute before he repeated the same trick deep into ten minutes of added time to round the victory in the only scoring game in the KPL on Sunday.

Sony and KCB also shot blanks in Awendo in the other result in a low scoring weekend that started with the barren stalemate between Muhoroni Youth and City Stars.

Ronaldo hat trick not enough to help Real beat Barca to title Cristiano Ronaldo scored his seventh hat-trick of the season to give Real Madrid victory at Espanyol.

Ronaldo fired low under Kiko Casilla to make it 1-0 but Espanyol equalised through Cristhian Stuani after an error from Madrid keeper Keylor Navas.

Marcelo made it 2-1 with a firm drive before Ronaldo added the third from 12 yards.

The Portugal star then headed in his third from James Rodriguez’s cross.

Trailing Barcelona by four points before kick-off, Real needed to better their rivals’ result to take the title race to the last match of the campaign.

Los Blancos did their bit but they needed a favour from neighbours Atletico Madrid, which did not come as Barca won 1-0 in the Spanish capital.

Ronaldo’s treble took his tally for the season to 45 in La Liga - four ahead of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who hit the winner for his club.

Ronaldo’s first came when he latched on to Karim Benzema’s through ball and beat Casilla with a left-foot finish.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti chose to drop Iker Casillas in favour of Navas but the back-up goalkeeper was at fault as Espanyol equalised.

His heavy touch after Pepe’s back-pass allowed Stuani to close him down. A scuffed clearance fell to Sergio Garcia who fed Stuani to score from close range.

Espanyol were level for six minutes before Ronaldo cut the ball back to Marcelo and the Brazilian full-back rifled in his first league goal of the season.

Four minutes later, Ronaldo scored his second when substitute Javier Hernandez - on loan from United - raced on to

Marcelo’s long ball and hooked the ball back for his team-mate to score.

Ronaldo, 30, completed his hat-trick in stoppage time with a downward header at the back post after Rodriguez’s cross from the left but it proved in vain as Barcelona saw out the victory they needed to end Madrid’s championship chances.

It means Madrid have won La Liga only once in the past seven seasons.

MAN OF THE HOUR: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his hat-trick for Real Madrid against Espanyol.

Mcllroy sets new record at Wells Fargo tourney Rory McIlroy won the Wells Fargo Championship by seven strokes, setting a new tournament record score of 267.

The Northern Irish world number one, 26, finished on 21 under par with a final round 69 in North Carolina to earn his second win at Quail Hollow.

America’s Patrick Rodgers and Webb Simpson tied for second on 14 under.

“Everything is firing on all cylinders for me,” said McIlroy.

“I’m a more controlled player these days. I’ve learned how to finish things off.”

He added: “I felt if I made six birdies there was no chance of anybody catching me.

“I did what I wanted the last few weeks, got a couple of wins,

got myself up the Fedex Cup standings and solidified my positions in the rankings.”

It was an 11th PGA Tour victory for McIlroy, who shot his lowest career round of 61 on Saturday to lead by four strokes going into the final day and break his own Quail Hollow course record, set in 2010.

A bogey at the par-three second, where he three-putted, was his first blemish since the first round but he made the turn at 19 under.

He held form to ease past the previous tournament record of 16 under set by Anthony Kim in 2008.

McIlroy, who won the WGC match play title two weeks ago, now has six top-10 finishes in his last eight PGA Tour starts.

14

SPORT MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

Injera in costly celebration ...apologises after ruining Sh10million camera lens Kenya’s Collins Injera has apologised for his celebrations after his 200th try at the London Sevens which led to damaging a Sh10.65 million camera lens.

The Kenyan vice-captain Collins Injera literally left a costly mark on the London rugby sevens tournament after celebrating his 200th international try by pulling a pen out of his sock and signing on a television camera.

The try took Injera, who is third in the alltime list of scorers in the sport, to within 30 of leader Santiago Gomez Cora of Argentina. His celebrations came after scoring in a 24-12 win over Japan at Twickenham on Sunday.

The practice is common in tennis, but winning players sign a protective covering instead of the lens and do not use permanent markers.

“I had no idea the camera lens had no protective covering, I was indeed carried away and didn’t actually know the kind of damage I had done at the moment,” said Injera.

Kenya closed their disappointing 2014-15 HSBC World Series campaign by turning on

the style on Sunday to win the Bowl trophy of the season ending London 7s.

In a season characterised by many lows, Injera left the UK tour with the honour of notching his 203rd career try in the elite rugby sevens circuit as Shujaa ran out 26-7 winners over Argentina in the third tier decider.

The win saw Felix Ochieng’s side collect eight points to finish 13th overall on 46 points, a deep drop from last season where they were ranked seventh on 84 points.

As Shujaa lick the wounds, former head coach, Mike Friday guided USA to their first Main Cup title when his charges demolished Australia 45-22 in the gold medal match leaving Kenya wondering what might had been had he stayed put.

Fiji who were already confirmed series winners beat home team England 26-12 in the third and fourth play-off and will be joined as automatic qualifiers for the 2016 Rio Olympics by Plate finalists, New Zealand who hit South Africa 26-14 for that title.

EXPENSIVE MISTAKE: Kenya Sevens Collins Injera after scoring a try against Wales last year. INSET: Overjoyed Injera writing on a Sh10m camera lens with a permanent marker after scoring his 200th try.

Djokovic humbles Federer to retain Rome Masters title

First Lady’s Half Marathon champion Georgina Rono World number one Novak says she will be preparing Djokovic continued his hard for this year’s Frankfurt domination of men’s tennis Marathon, after reigning with a 6-4 6-3 win over supreme in the sixth Tea For Roger Federer to win the Health Kericho International Italian Open final.

Marathon on Saturday.

The pair went toe-to-toe in The men’s race was won by the opening set but Serbia’s Barnabas Kibii. Both winners Djokovic broke in the 10th took home Sh1.5million. game to seal it.

Rono, a third finisher at 2012 Full of confidence, he broke Boston Marathon battled the Federer early in the second hilly and sloppy course inside set and the Swiss player the tea plantation to win her never recovered from that. second local race in 2:35:12, Djokovic soon set up two three minutes ahead of match points and sealed Beatrice Cherop. Philomena his fourth Rome title when Chepchirchir who returned a Federer forehand went to competition after serving a

six-month doping suspension closed the podium in 2:38:59. wide.

“The race was tough because It makes it 22 consecutive I had to maintain the lead wins for the Serb and he after opening the gap so early will go into the French but my experience helped Open, which starts next me win. The race had worthy Monday, in confident competitors the likes of mood.

Chepchirchir but I had to do He traded blows with my best,” Rono stated.

Federer from the opening The women’s race saw stages and, at 5-4 ahead, Chepchirchir compete in converted his first break of her first race after being the set with a return winner suspended by Athletics that clipped the edge of the Kenya for testing positive tramline. “So far, this is the for banned substances at the best season of my life,” he 2012 Prague International said. “I don’t know how it Marathon where she finished will go at Roland Garros, second. but I’m very confident.

In a relatively slow race that

Kenyans turn up heat in Shanghai Diamond league

LEADING AS THEY FOLLOW: Eunice Sum winning the 800m at a 2014 IAAF event.

Kenyans turned on the style at the second IAAF Diamond League meeting in Shanghai on Sunday to lay down a marker for the forthcoming World Championships that will be held at the Chinese capital on August.

World champion Eunice Sum, World’s silver winner, Silas Kiplagat and Diamond League winner, Jairus Kipchoge launched their international track season with victories whilst former World Junior champion, Viola Kibiwott was only beaten to second by a stunning solo effort from Ethiopia’s sensation Almaz Ayana.

Kiplagat, who did not defend his Commonwealth title last year in Scotland after an injury plagued season started the Kenyan charge for honours when he led a podium sweep in the men 1500m race.

A controlled kick over the last lap gave Kiplagat victory in a world leading time of 3:35.29 as eight men fought for the line down the home straight.

The Kenyan kicked off his Diamond Race defence by coming from behind to defeat compatriot Hilary Ngetich whose ran a PB of 3:35.40 in second with Collins Cheboi third.

UNIMPRESSED: Strathmore boss Meshack Senge

Strathmore coach feels let down by team Strathmore University boss Meshack Senge was a disappointed man after his Gladiators fell to a 2-0 beating by the Green Sharks on Sunday.

Goals from Leon Magomere and Samuel Mucheke helped the Sharks register their first win of the season as they dominated the Gladiators.

“There are areas we need to work on especially losing possession and failing to recover on time. My side is relatively young but I expect better from them,” said Senge.

“Working ourselves to the top is what I expect from my side,” he said.

Elsewhere, the Strathmore ladies picked a slender 1-0 win over Sliders, with Yvonne Karanja scoring the lone goal with six minutes remaining on the clock.

Earlier, on Saturday, the match between United States International University Africa (USIU-A) and Wazalendo played out to an entertaining six-goal draw.

The students from Thika Road came back from two goals down to level, with Bill Olang and Brian Makokha

De Gea on his way to Real, van Gaal almost confirms Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has given the clearest indication yet that they face the prospect of losing goalkeeper David De Gea to Real Madrid.

De Gea went off with a hamstring injury during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. at Old Trafford, which makes him a doubt for United’s last match of the season at Hull City next weekend - and means he may have played his final game for the club.

Real have earmarked the 24-year-old Spain international as the successor to veteran keeper Iker Casillas, and he is

sure to be tempted by the possibility of rejoining his family and girlfriend in his homeland, according to Van Gaal.

The Dutchman said he did not know if Real had made an offer but added: “De Gea is Spanish, he is a Spanish international.

“He is still behind Casillas but now a Spanish club is coming. His girlfriend is Spanish and his father and mother come over every week or two weeks to watch him – it is difficult for him.” he United boss insisted he would not be doing any more to persuade De Gea, who has one more season left on his contract.

cancelling Elly Mwanzi and Nelson Shilaku’s earlier strikes.

Lawrence Okubasu recorded the third for USIU before it was cancelled by Wazalendo’s Job Ondiro later on.

All results Saturday : Thika Rovers 2 Karate Axiom 1, Wazalendo Youth 4 U0N 1, USIU-A 3 Wazalendo 3 Sunday: Strathmore University 1 Sliders 0, Green Sharks 2 Strathmore University 0, USIU-A 0 Park Road 0.

PSG crowned French Ligue 1 champions Paris St-Germain were crowned French champions for the third consecutive season after a hard-fought away victory over Montpellier.

PSG needed only a point to be certain of becoming only the fourth Ligue 1 club to win three consecutive titles.

France midfielder Blaise Matuidi and Argentina forward Ezequiel Lavezzi gave the visitors a two-goal cushion.

Montpellier forward Anthony Mounier pulled one back for the home side but Laurent Blanc’s men held on.

Now, PSG are aiming to become the first team to win a Ligue 1, French Cup and

French League Cup treble.

They lifted the Coupe de la Ligue with a 4-0 win against Bastia last month and face second-tier Auxerre in the Coupe de France final on 30 May. Elsewhere a goalless draw at Vitoria Guimaraes was enough to give Portuguese champions Benfica consecutive Primeira Liga titles for the first time in 31 years.

Porto’s 1-1 draw with Belenenses left manager Jorge Jesus’s team three points clear with a superior head-tohead record with one match remaining.

xnews |MOnDAY, MAY 18, 2015 | www.x-news.cO.ke

INJERA APOLOGETIC AFTER COSTLY LONDON 7S CELEBRATION

PG.14

LOS CAMPEONES: Barcelona players celebrate winning the Spanish La Liga title after a 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid at Vicente Calderon Stadium.

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Barça on course to historic treble

...as Messi magic at Atlético Madrid hands Catalans 23rd La Liga crown Lionel Messi’s strike gave Barcelona their 23rd Spanish title as they beat Atletico Madrid to regain La Liga. Messi’s 41st league goal of the season ensured that Real Madrid will finish second – despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat trick against Espanyol.

With one game left Barca hold a four-point lead ahead of rivals Real.

Luis Enrique’s treble-chasing side play Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish cup final on 30 May, before facing Juventus in June’s Champions League final.

Defending champions Atletico had gone close to opening the lead before Messi exchanged passes with Pedro and fired low into the corner.

The Barcelona players and staff celebrated on Atletico’s Vicente Calderon pitch after reclaiming the crown which they lost to Diego Simeone’s side on the final day of last season exactly a year

ago And they could yet repeat the feat of 2008-09, when they won a historic treble under Pep Guardiola.

The Catalan club have scored 108 goals so far in the league, with a fixture at home to relegationthreatened Deportivo La Coruna still to come.

Their front three of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez - who missed the trip to Atletico through injury - have been prolific, netting 115 goals between them in all competitions.

Barca had a trophyless campaign last time round under Argentine coach Tata Martino, but Enrique has turned the club’s fortunes around in his first season in charge.

However, the former Barca and Real midfielder - who played at the Nou Camp between 1996 and 2004 - had to overcome a difficult period in the New Year before eventually guiding Barca

to the title.

The 45-year-old coach faced heavy criticism for leaving Messi and Neymar on the bench as Barca, then adrift of Real Madrid in the title race, lost at David Moyes’ Real Sociedad.

There were suggestions that the move led to a row between him and talisman Messi, who was forced to deny reports he wanted to leave Barca.

But since that turbulent week in early January, Enrique has steered Barca to 29 wins and just two defeats in 32 matches across all competitions as they now target the treble.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real side were hoping Barca would slip up at Atletico in order to take the title race to the final day. But although Ronaldo took his tally to 45 goals in the league in a 4-1 victory over Espanyol, Messi’s moment of magic was enough for Barca to win their fifth championship in seven years.

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