201505019 xnews

TUESday, MAY 19, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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FIGHTING CRIME Nkaissery unveils new plan to curb drug trafficking

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BACK AND BETTER WESTGATE MALL SET TO REOPEN IN JULY AFTER REFURBISHMENT

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FASHION SCOOP COUTURE BY MAGGY RELEASES A CASUAL-OFFICiAL COLLECTION

NEWS

AFC Leopards’ coach, LOGARUSIC decries off-THE-field drama

Luis Enrique targeting treble after BAGGING La Liga TITLE

Shame of Sh578m Kenyan Ivory seized in Singapore S ingapore has seized an illegal shipment of ivory and other exotic animal parts believed to have been smuggled from Kenya.

According to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority in Singapore, the animal parts worth $6 million (Sh578m) were stashed among bags of tea leaves in two 20-foot containers while transiting through the city state of Vietnam.

Investigators discovered 1,783 pieces of raw ivory tusk hidden among the bags.

Inside the containers were four pieces of rhino horn and 22 teeth believed to be from

African cheetahs and leopards.

According to the authorities, the haul weighed 3.7 tonnes and is the largest seizure of illegal ivory in Singapore since 2002, when six tonnes of ivory were intercepted.

According to AFP reports, shipping of ivory has been banned since 1989 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to which Singapore, a major hub for seaborne trade, is a signatory.

In April last year, local authorities intercepted a shipment of illegal ivory worth SGD 2.0 million (Sh14m), labelled as coffee berries,

transiting from Africa, according to the statement.

A similar cargo, also from Africa, worth SGD 2.5 million (Sh181.5m) was uncovered in January 2013.

Ivory ornaments are coveted in Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand and China despite fears that the trade is pushing wild elephants to extinction.

Rhino horn is prized for its supposed medicinal properties.

Kenya has been grappling with unending wildlife crimes which have threatened the elephant and rhino population.

Despite major interventions to establish special divisions to handle the crime, the trend of poaching has remained alarming.

In June this year, the judiciary is set to establish the International and Organised Crimes Division of the High Court of Kenya to deal with organised and trans-national crimes such as wildlife, terrorism, piracy and other crimes that have a trans-border element.

P.9

Sparkling stars Popular boy-band Sauti Sol still rising, earn 2015 BET Awards nomination

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DISASTROUS TRADE: Some of the ivory and other animal parts seized in Singapore.

x-news.co.ke

Confident man Kipchoge Birech says he will break the 10-year 3000m steeplechase record

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NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Obama storms Twitter with a new account US President Barack Obama has just launched his own Twitter feed, the White House has confirmed.

His Twitter handle @POTUS (President Of The United States) had within hours of registration attracted more than a million followers.

“Hello, Twitter! It’s Barack.

Really! Six years in, they’re finally giving me my own account” is his first tweet.

The President’s official feed, run

by Organizing for Action staff, has 59.3m followers.

The account @BarackObama was launched in 2007, and the tweets the President writes himself are signed with the letters BO. “The @POTUS Twitter account will serve as a new way for President Obama to engage directly with the American people, with tweets coming exclusively from him,” reads

an entry on the White House website log.

“President Obama is committed to making his Administration the most open and participatory in history, and @POTUS will give Americans a new venue to engage on the issues that matter most to them.”

President Obama is currently following 65 people, including Bill Clinton, George Bush and @FLOTUS, the First Lady’s

account - but not Hillary Clinton or UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

Former Pope Benedict XVI attracted nearly 280,000 followers to his English Twitter account on its first day when he launched it in December 2012.

The account is now run by Pope Francis and has 6.1m followers.

It follows eight other accounts, which all belong to the Pope and tweet in different languages.

Nkaissery unveils new plans to curb drug trafficking Airlines on whose flights drug-traffickers are found will be sanctioned and receive other penalties.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said that the airlines will be held responsible if a drug suspect is arrested in their planes at various airports in the country.

He said the airlines must own up and ensure they take responsibility by checking their clients before offering them services.

“This is our responsibility together; we cannot allow these companies to ruin our young men and women,” said Nkaissery.

He said the action will be taken across all forms of transport used to ferry drugs into the countries.

“All those ships and planes they use, we must take an action on them,” he added.

Nkaissery said the government will not fear taking action against any of the airlines that operate from the airport or those transiting.

He said the government will destroy a ship that was carrying drugs in Mombasa early this year. Investigations, according to the minister, have been completed and the owners of the ship are known.

“Once we complete our investigations, and we find out that you are destroying our people with the drugs, we will sell your property so that we can rehabilitate those who have been addicted,” he said.

However, NACADA chairman John Mututho accused the government of failing to take action against the drug-lords who he says are well known to the government agencies.

Mututho said that drug lords and dealers are known to the authorities. He said the Government has been reluctant in fighting the vice.

“These people are known, do we need a conference to announce them?” he asked.

Nkurunziza sacks ministers after failed coup attempt Burundi president Pierre Nkurunziza has sacked three cabinet ministers, as protests resumed in the country’s capital Bujumbura after last week’s failed coup.

The President’s spokesman denied that the dismissal of the defense, external relations and trade ministers was linked to the coup attempt.

Soldiers fired in the air to disperse protests against Nkurunziza’s bid to vie for a third term in elections due next month.

Mr Nkurunziza returned to his country from Tanzania last week, after a period of unrest.

The sacked MPs’ replacements have already been appointed, with

Emmanuel Ntahomvukiye named as the defense minister.

It will be the first time Burundi has a civilian in charge of the military.

Presidential spokesperson Gervais Abayeho said Mr Nkurunziza has a constitutional right to reshuffle his cabinet whenever he feels it is necessary.

However, observers believe the appointments may deepen the ongoing political crisis because the outgoing defense minister is a former soldier with a huge following.

Yesterday, soldiers fired live rounds in the air as protesters chanted for President Nkurunziza to drop his plans to seek a third term in

elections.

Some businesses were closed and activities stopped in the Nyakabiga, Musaga and Mutakura neighbourhoods of Bujumbura.

These protests have continued even today.

However, life carries on as normal in areas where the president is popular.

NEWS 3

CARTOONSPEAK

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

Youth are responsible for more than half the crime in Kenya

300 arrested in Eastlands swoop over police death

More than half the crime in Kenya is committed by people between the ages of 16 and 25.

According to a study by the Institute of Economic Affairs, crime in Kenya is “strongly associated” with young people since roughly 53 per cent of all offenses and misdemeanors are committed by the youth. Most of these crimes (89 per cent) are committed by males with 11 per cent committed by females. One of the Institute’s publications, dubbed the Kenya Youth Fact Book, has revealed that there are ‘female crimes’ and ‘male crimes’. Women commit basically three types of crimes including infanticide and procuring abortions, concealing birth, using dangerous drugs and performing acts of criminal damage.

Men, on the other hand, tend to commit five kind of crime, including robbery and theft, homicide, offenses against morality, assault and corruption. “Juvenile offenders’ involvement in crime is mostly influenced by family deficiencies,” an excerpt from the Fact Book indicates. Other causes of crime include poverty and peer pressure. “A study of more than a hundred juvenile offenders indicated that family structure significantly predicts delinquency,” says the Fact Book. The study revealed that adolescents, especially boys, in single parent families were more likely to commit crimes than those who had both parents.

More than 300 people were last night arrested in police operations in Buruburu, Umoja and Donholm estates following the killing of a senior police officer earlier in the day. The operation also covered Kayole and nearby areas and police say they are looking for the gang behind the killing. Inspector Zadock Kamala’s body was found in a pool of blood next to a residential apartment minutes after he had been shot by unknown assailants. Police say the attackers ambushed him at about 6am yesterday as he headed for his place of work in Dagoretti.

Pipeline woman wounded in Mpesa raid

Cleric linked to Garissa killings flirting with 30-year jail term

IN LEGAL FRYING PAN: Muslim cleric Hassan Mahat Omar at Milimani law courts on Monday 20 April 2015.

ChIlDREN TARgETED IN S. SUDAN CoNFlICT, UN WARNS

An Islamic preacher police linked to the Garissa University attack was yesterday charged in Nairobi with inciting Muslims to kill non-Muslims and faces a 30-year jail term if convicted.

Hassan Mahat Omar, the prosecuFromthe Page 1 tion said, committed offence on or before March 6 at Al-Hidaya Mosque in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate.

The offensive utterances, although not included in the particulars of the charge sheet which was read out in court, are allegedly contained in a compact disk titled Sheikh Hassan and which the police say the preacher personally published.

Yesterday, prosecutor Danile Karori opposed his release on bail saying he was a terror suspect.

“He faces a serious charge of inciting Muslims to kill non-Muslims and another case of being found in

Children as young as seven have been killed, abducted and raped in the recent South Sudan violence, the United Nations’ children’s charity says.

Survivors believed the attacks in Unity State were carried out by groups linked to South Sudan’s military, UNICEF said.

Fighting between government and rebel forces has escalated in recent weeks, displacing more than 100,000 people.

The Red Cross has warned of a looming food crisis as thousands flee fighting around the rebel stronghold of Leer.

“Survivors reported to UNICEF

staff that whole villages were burned to the ground by armed groups, while large numbers of girls and women were taken outside to be raped and killed including children as young as seven,” the charity said in a statement. “ At least 19 boys - some as young as 10 years of age - and seven girls were killed. Others were mutilated or recruited to join the fighting and take care of stolen cattle.”

The South Sudan government has so far not commented on the report.

Government forces recently

possession of explosives, of which point to the involvement of the accused person in offences against the public. We also ask the court to take judicial notice of the numerous terrorist attacks that target non-muslims and deny him bail,” Mr Karuri submitted. Mahat was arrested a month ago and detained for investigations over his involvement in the Garrisa university terrorist attack in which 147 students were killed. The police had claimed he financed one of the worst terrorist attacks in the country and that he had been in “constant” communication with Moahmmed Kuno a leader of the Al Shabaab and the suspected mastermind of the Garrisa University attack. Senior principal magistrate Grace Mumasi deferred ruling on whether the suspect may be released on bond or not to Friday May 22.

launched an offensive against rebel forces in Unity state and fierce fighting has also taken place in Upper Nile state.

On Monday, the Red Cross warned that the displacement of civilians in Leer was happening just as the country’s crucial planting period was under way.

“The upheaval will no doubt negatively impact residents’ ability to plant food that would be used to feed their families next harvest season,” it said.

The Red Cross called on both sides not to target civilians “and let those trying to escape hostilities travel unimpeded”.

A middle aged woman was last night shot and seriously wounded in a robbery on an Mpesa shop in Pipeline, Nairobi. The woman is said to have resisted the robbery prompting the shooting in which she was wounded in the stomach.

She was rushed to Mater hospital where she was admitted and doctors say her condition is stable. Police say the gang escaped on foot soon after the shooting without stealing anything from her.

Seven officers injured in road accident Seven police officers were injured after a vehicle that they were travelling in was involved in an accident along Mombasa Road, Nairobi. The officers attached to the Wilson Airport were headed to their residence in Embakasi when the driver lost control of the bus causing the vehicle to roll. Police say the officers are admitted in hospitals in the city with multiple injuries although they are all in stable conditions.

Court demands witnesses in envoy Fonseca murder case The High Court has expressed concerns over the prosecution’s failure to present witnesses in the murder trial of the late Venezuelan envoy Olga Fonseca. Judge Roselyn Korir complained that the State had failed to act to secure Venezuelan witnesses as earlier agreed.

The prosecution led by Tabitha Ouya was directed to present a list of Venezuelan witnesses who will be expected to testify.

It was further asked to explain how the witnesses were identified. The embassy had complained over the slow pace of the murder trial.

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Salient Features Salient Features All Bedroom ensuite Spacious lounge with open Plan Kitchen Gym Sauna Manicured gardens Swimming pool Borehole water Elevators

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Mortgage Arrangements with

xnews | Tuesday, MAY 19, 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 95.9712 150.8744 109.7469 8.1184 31.1761 21.0481

BUY SELL 95.8806 96.0618 150.7189 151.0300 109.6306 109.8633 8.1077 8.1291 31.0946 31.2576 20.9761 21.1200

Westgate Mall to reopen in two months’ time The Westgate Shopping Mall is set to reopen its doors this July.

The mall has been closed for the last two years following a tragic terror attack. Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service hosted at the Shopping Mall’s foyer, Director Alex Trachtenberg confirmed that tenants taking up space at the mall will soon be moving in ahead of the reopening.

Ashleys Beauty Centre CEO, Terry Mungai, confirmed that her company has booked a space at the mall that is five times bigger than the one she had before.

Mrs Mungai, one of Kenya’s leading entrepreneurs said: “as patriotic Kenyan business people, we are confident that Westgate Mall will arise from the ruins to greater heights.”

Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Atul Shah, confirmed that the retailer will be commencing its store step up from next week.

“The fall of Westgate following the attack two years ago was a big blow to our business. I am, however, glad to confirm that our customers, among other partners, have enabled us to overcome the challenges,” said Shah.

RENEWED VIGOUR: Dr Joyce Gikunda(L) of Lintons Beauty World and Ashmi Shah(R) share a light moment with Christ is the Answer Ministries Presiding Bishop David Oginde during an interdenominational Prayer meeting at the Westgate Shopping Mall.

Government fails to stop disputed project in Lang’ata, Cofek says

CITY PLANS

DISPUTE PROJECT: The hotel’s construction had been stopped by the Water Resources Management Authority.

Capital alert The United States Agency for International Development (USAID/Kenya) has offered Kenyanbased organisations funding worth between $2 million (Sh192 million) and $7.5 million (Sh722 million).

Those applying are advised to visit “grants.gov” and search for

The Government has failed at stopping the ongoing construction of a multi-storey hotel and office block in the Lang’ata area.

The building is located opposite T-Mall at the Lang’ata Road and Mbagathi Way junction, the Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) reports.

It is owned by Mosiara Trading, a company associated with Bobasi MP, Mr Stephen Manoti, Cofek reports.

The building’s developer ignored the stop order and the construction is currently under way.

Cofek claims that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) gave a conditional green light for the developer to set up shop next to a nearby river on what is arguably “a very fragile environment.”

Meanwhile, the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) gave a stop-order for the project

that was dated October 24, 2014.

The stop order is based on the fact that all developments must be situated at least 30 metres from the banks of a river.

Following the move, Mr Manoti wrote to the Authority almost a month later, offering to make some compromises.

He offered to provide a 3-metre corridor along the river bank, which will be “utilized for planting of flowers and greenery for the sustainability of environmental conservation,” reports Cofek.

So far, an access bridge has been built over the river, whose banks are constantly eroded whenever its water levels rise.

Cofek states that the construction is “part of the reason Mbagathi Way and its adjacent roads were impassable” following last week’s floods, which were caused by heavy downpour.

USAID avails Sh722 million funding to local NGOs

funding opportunity number: RFA623-14-000002 for details.

The grants will be used to help further an ongoing movement dubbed the Power Africa initiative under an annual drive dubbed the Global Development Alliance Program.

Power Africa is a movement that aims to provide electricity to households across the continent.

“USAID anticipates entering into 2 or 3 partnerships [with Kenyan organisations] over the course of a 3 to 5 year period,” a statement from Funds for NGOs has revealed.

The Power Africa movement will support local initiatives that focus primarily on topics like “Financing Strategies for Power Production” and “Support Small Scale Power Projects and Rural Electrification.”

It will also provide funding for winning proposals that focus on

“Power Sector Policy Reforms”, “Power Sector Training, Mentoring, Networking and Internships” as well as “Power Sector Risk Mitigation Strategies”.

All concept papers submitted to USAID must be in English.

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BUSINESS TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

China’s property slump gathers pace The property sector in China continues to tumble, evidenced by the drop in prices of new homes for the eighth consecutive month in April.

Seventy major cities in China experienced a price fall of 6.1 per cent from a year ago, the same rate of decline as in March.

The property sector accounts for about 20 per cent of China’s economy and it has been identified as one of the biggest risks to the country’s slowest growth in a quarter of a century this year.

In smaller cities, which account for about 60 per cent of national sales,

prices also continued to lower.

A large inventory of unsold homes is weighing on the once most lucrative market.

The drop of home prices will continue to add pressure on policymakers to ease and introduce new measures to boost the economy.

Chinese authorities had initially eased tax rules and down-payment requirements in March and earlier this month, the central bank had also cut interest rates for the third time since November to pick up lending.

But despite their efforts real estate investment growth eased to its lowest

rate since 2009 in the first quarter of this year.

But not all cities were affected, in Beijing home prices did rise for a second consecutive month in April, while Shanghai’s prices rose for the first time in a year.

AAR targets lifestyle change with new cashback product AAR Insurance today unveiled a new medical insurance product that also offers financial benefits. Dubbed AAR Proactiv the product will see policyholders receive over 50 per cent of their total premiums paid after three years if they do not utilise the entire cover.

The product which is designed to reward clients in cash for staying healthy and taking charge of their health by embracing all parameters of wellness is the first of its kind in the East African market.

The company has also encouraged Kenyans to take control of their health as a critical step in reducing the financial burden caused by increased cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“In light of the recent alarming rise of non-communicable diseases in the country, where the NCDs are attributed to nutritional habits and lifestyle changes, AAR Insurance appreciates that with lifestyle change, we can avert some of these trends with the overall objective of nurturing a healthier nation,” said AAR Insurance Managing Director Caroline Munene.

Rising incidences of NCDs have seen a surge in medical claims in the recent past.

The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) reports that insurance companies paid a total of Sh20 billion to settle medical claims in 2014.

AAR Insurance paid over Sh2 billion

LEFT TO RIGHT: AAR Group CEO AGeoffrey Nzau, Insurance MD Caroline Munene and Nurse Veronica Nderitu during the launch.

in such outpatient claims last year.

Medical claims linked to NCDs are expected to rise in coming years unless decisive action is taken to encourage Kenyans to proactively manage their health.

“AAR Proactive seeks to empower our clients to cost-effectively manage their outpatient spends with a cash back reward in the event they do not utilize their outpatient limit after

PRICE DRIVER Following the recent increase fuel prices across the country, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has installed a hotline number for people to report any distributors that operate above the maximum allowable prices.

In a bid to crack down on unscrupulous fuel marketing companies, the Commission has unveiled the number 0708 444 000, which will allow consumers to report any discrepancies within the market.

Last week, the ERC announced an

the period of three years,” Munene explained.

The new product comes with other benefits such as enabling the client to make decisions on which health facility to visit as well as empowering individuals to evaluate the necessity of hospital visits. This will allow them to reduce their health expenditure.

Group CEO AAR Insurance Holdings, Mr. Geoffrey Nzau says:

“it is estimated that NCDs account for 27 per cent of deaths in Kenya annually.”

NCDs are also responsible for reducing productivity, curtailing economic growth, and aggravating poverty. The main risk factors for NCDs in Kenya are exposure to tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and excessive consumption of alcohol.

In addition to the new product, AAR Insurance plans to roll out a wellness campaign that will include checkups and nutritional talks. Wellness is an active process of making deliberate choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life. The firm will also partner with fitness centers such as gyms which AAR clients can access at attractive rates to encourage them to exercise regularly.

ERC SETs UP hotline for exposing crooked fuel traders

overall increase in the price of fuel across the country for the month of May. The Commission announced that the price of super petrol will increase by Sh3.54 a litre across the country for the next month, while diesel will be Sh1.86 higher.

Kerosene will increase by Sh2.03 per litre.

The ERC Director General Joe Ng’ang’a said the increase was attributable to increase in the international crude oil prices that went up by seven per cent leading to

an increase of between 2.7 percent and 5.2 percent in the landed cost of refined petroleum products.

The Commission’s move to set up the hotline follows complaints from consumers after some distributors failed to reduce their prices during the previous ERC announcement, which was made a few months ago.

Following last week’s announcement, a litre of petrol in Nairobi will now retail at Sh92.89.

A litre of diesel will retail at Sh79.34 a litre while kerosene will sell at Sh59.24.

EXPLANATION: ERC Director General Joe Ng’ang’a said the fuel increase is due to increases in international crude oil prices.

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

ACCESS topstory

fashion

scoop

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The season for beautiful women and (some men) competing for coveted crowns is underway.

Miss World Kenya, is no doubt a favourite among many.

Idah Nguma the current, holder of the crown, did us proud at the international level when she clinched the 7th position,

Miss Kenya, Lydiah Marcella, being crowned.

PAGEANT SEASON IS BACK:

IdAH NGuMA MISS WORLd KENyA

GAyLyNE AGuyI

JACquELINE MISS TOuRISM 2014

T

onight, one major beauty pageant, Miss Kenya, is set to be officially launched.

“This year, we have made a few changes, we will not be conducting county to county auditions, those interested will have to register online or come to our offices and fill in the forms.” Pageant organizer Tony Chirah told XAccess.

Tony says they noticed that thecounty to county auditions were limiting and yet they run a national competition.

Online registration, he reckons will bring everyone on board and offer a fair chance while giving them more contestants to choose from.

That is however not the only change in the pageant, the final will see three

SHAMIM NABIL MISS WORLd KENyA 2011.

WHO WILL BE THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL?

beauty queens crowned; Miss Earth Kenya, Miss Kenya International and Miss Kenya Grand International. All these beauty queens will represent the country at the international levels of the competitions later in the year.

Another pageant to watch out for is the Mr and Miss University.

According to organizer Leakey Odera, the crown holders from different Universities all over the country get the chance to compete for the coveted crowns. The finals are set for May 31st.

The hopefuls have been involved in different charity activities and Leakey says this is to prepare them for the bigger mantle. Miss Tourism Kenya is another pageant that is bound to capture attention. From Debra Sainapei

to the current queen Jacqueline Jeruto, the competition has become a national pride.

“We are still working out on when is the best date to start the auditions, but it will definitely be in July” Rosemary Kawera, Miss Tourism National coordinator told XAccess.

Miss World Kenya, is no doubt a favourite among many. Idah Nguma the current, holder of the crown, did us proud at the international level when she clinched the 7th position, the highest any Kenyan contestant has ever been in the recent past. She also came first in the Beauty with a Purpose category. Terry Mungai Miss world Kenya franchise holder has intimated that their auditions will begin in June.

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ACCESS

WEDNESDAY TUESDAY, MAY26th 12, 2015 NOVEMBER 2014

ARTWORLD

a work of art is a scream of freedom.

Are these real swimmers?

artshock

G

OUR R00TS

ustavo Silva Nunez is an artist based in Valencia, Spain. He creates realistic paintings of people swimming. At first glance, one might think that it is just a picture of someone swimming but on closer inspection they are lifelike paintings!

Using light and reflection, Gustavo is able to make the paintings appear lifelike. He further adds to the realistic aspect by posing with the paintings in interactive ways making it look as if he is holding on to the swimmers or shielding himself from the water splashes.

happens when

ART passion meets TaLEnT

F

The sacred Kikuyu birth ceremonies

The kikuyu people placed much importance when it came to child bearing. Important rituals were practised in accordance to various situations and child’s gender.

Shortly after giving birth to a child, a mother was expected to announce by screaming; four times if the child is a girl and five times if it is a boy. This symbolised the sacred number of the Kikuyu.

On the other hand, the father would cut four or three sugar canes. The juice from these sugar-canes was given to the mother and child; and the waste scraps were placed on the sides of the house. On the right if the child was a boy, and left for the girl.

The placenta and umbilical cord were deposited in an uncultivated field and covered with grain and grass. This signified fertility, strength and freshness and using it was like a silent prayer that the mother’s womb should remain fertile and strong for the birth of more children!

After birth the child was then washed and oiled. If the birth had been difficult the father would sacrifice a goat and medicine man was called to purify the house.

The mother and child were then retained in seclusion four a number of days. During this time only women relatives and attendants were to visit the house and no member of the family was allowed to wash himself in the river, no house was swept, and no fire was to be fetched from one house to another.

or as long as Jayson Cherere Kinyanjui can remember, the pencil and paper have always been his best friends.

The massively talented drawer started doodling even before joining pre- school.

Perhaps this is why he did not study art as a subject but kept on drawing. Jayson is currently awaiting graduation from Multimedia University of Kenya where he has studied Mass Communication but can not hide the joy on his face having sold most of his portraits.

“When I sold my very first piece, it felt like a day in a spa getting a massage,” says Jayson when we asked him whether he has financially benefited from his art.

Apart from being astoundingly gifted, Jayson also has an entrepreneurial spirit. He is currently working towards opening his very own gallery ‘La Galeria Lobo” which is Spanish for Wolf Gallery.

The question of where he draws his inspiration is a tough one for him though.

“That’s hard to tell,”

responds Jayson in deep thought. “Sometimes I used to think it was from great artists like Picasso. Later, I thought it was my interest in wolves, which actually made me name my gallery after the wolf, but I still can’t tell. All I can say is that I dream of my art and I paint my dreams.”

He also has a very wise opinion of what makes his work unique. “It is practically everything about my work that makes it different. Just like fingerprints, there is no artist that resembles the other. It is not for me to dictate my uniqueness, but for people to spot it.” Jayson only uses oil, charcoal and a pencil to ‘paint his dreams’ depending on the type of portrait he wants to create. Depending on many things such as size and t h e type of

portrait desired, it takes Jayson an average of two days to complete a wall portrait.

Giving an artist’s perspective, he elaborates that the industry situation is currently bad.

According to him, there is lack of talent development in the curriculum and alienation of the arts in the education system. He says that in Kenya, the system ignorantly dictates that you have to be a doctor in order to be considered a useful and successful person. He would like to see Art and Craft reintroduced in schools.

With a glimmer in his eyes, he goes on to describe his greatest milestone so far.

“I am honored to be currently exhibiting at the National Museums of Kenya every now and then.”

Some of the artists he looks up to in the art scene include Lydia, the Curator of Arts at The National Museums of Kenya and Patrick Mukabi from the Go-down Studio.

‘It is practically everything about my work that makes it different’

ACCESS TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2015

‘I See my boyfrIend onlIne All dAy long, but when I teXt hIm he doeS not reply.’

9

aboutLove

Hot topIcS

Sauti Sol does it again with a BET nomination

S

auti Sol have been nominated for the BET awards 2015! The news was announced late yesterday on the BET Awards website. They are the only East African act to make it into the nomination list of the prestigious awards. They have been pitted against AKA (South Africa), Stonebwoy (Ghana), Fally Ipupa (Congo), WizKid (Nigeria), The Soil (South Africa) and Yemi Alade (Nigeria). The awards are slated for Sunday June 28th.

Why Kenrazy is not happy with Ghafla

G

IS

ossip blog Ghafla yesterday alleged that Mbilikimo Mkora singer Kenrazy was sleeping around with fans from towns and cities he performs at. Ghafla even shared screen shots to support their claim. But Kenrazy came out to defend his honour with claims that the blog writers had tried to blackmail him by asking him to send money or risk being exposed for infidelity.

Luckily Kenrazy fans seem to be on his side bashing the blogger and asking them to stop breaking homes. Nothing is a miss seeing as Kenrazy’s better half also knows as Sosuun gave the blog a very Sura ya kazi response all the while supporting her husband.

ruining your relationship?

M

ariam wants to break up with her boyfriend of close to one year. According to her, her boyfriend has very poor communication skills when it comes to text messaging.

“If he loved me enough, then he would never ignore my messages, even if I text him consecutively in close succession,” she angrily told XAccess.

This is just one lady who is of the popular opinion that if he loves you as much as he says he does, he will never ignore your text messages.

The question is how much texting is too much? This is a very serious issue in relationships in this digital era. The problem arises when there is conflict of interest, where the lady in a relationship demands timely replies to her text messages, while the man sees her getting angry over such a petty issue.

Just like Mariam, Celine is also miserable in her relationship.

“I see my boyfriend online all day long, but when I text him he does not reply. I’m left wondering who then is he talking to all that time?” rants Celine. “Sometimes he even leaves me ‘hanging’ yet he remains online.”

The Whatsapp messenger has only added to relationship problems, given

Kenrazy

Obinna’s new video Follow Me drops today

K

enya’s leading entertainer Obinna Ike Igwee is a happy man. The comedian turned singer announced that his new video #Follow Me will be dropping today at mid night. The video was produced by Kevin Bosco Junior while the audio is courtesy of Pacho.

Prezzo breaks musical hiatus and gets back to studio

Self-proclaimed king of bling is back in the game. The artiste posted a photo of him in studio in the booth saying, “Back to the lab.

I want to appreciate those who been loyal and believed in Prezzo…”

ASK dr X Dear Dr X,

WhatsApp

its very efficient stalking features.

Using Whatsapp, one is able to track the other person’s activities such as when they are online and whether they have received and opened a message, therefore indicating whether the person has deliberately ignored a message!

Most ladies take offense in unreplied messages because they believe that their man should never be too busy for them, and God forbid that he leaves her ‘hanging’. On the other hand, men take offense when their ladies reprimand them for unreplied texts because they say texting is tedious and endless.

How then, do we create a common ground?

UnDeRstanD one anotheR Men need to understand that women are engineered to attach emotions to everything, including abstract objects.

To you, that simple text message may just be words, but to her, it is as intimate as a face to face conversation.

Women attach value to little and seemingly unimportant things, but that is what helps them keep it together.

Women on the other hand should understand that most men are unable to multitask. You might be able to cook and text at the same time, but for a

man, that is almost like a super power, so give him a break.

He may not tell you directly, but when you keep texting your man every 5 minutes, he starts thinking of you as a nag.

Men, set RUles If you find yourself in this specific situation, you need to set rules regarding texting.

A man should tell his lady when he is less busy during the day, so that his lady can know the appropriate time to hold text message conversations.

Additionally, you should at least notify your lady that you are busy when you receive a message from her, and you will get back to her later on. It may still be offensive to some, but she is likely to get less angry at you.

GiRls, Get a life Most of the time when we are idle, we look for people to keep us busy, without considering that they are already occupied themselves; then we get mad at them for being busy.

When you find yourself something to do, you will not have time to get angry at your man for not replying your texts. In fact you might find that the roles have been reversed and you are the one who is too busy to reply your boyfriend’s text messages.

How do I move on after a paInful dIvorce?

I recently got divorced from my wife of five years.

She cheated on me with my boss and now I feel like I cannot trust any woman again. I loved my wife so much and I thought she felt the same way but things did not work out as planned. Now that the divorce is finalised I am not sure what to do with myself. I feel I should move on but every time I go on dates with other women I find myself comparing them to my wife and wondering if they will cheat. The relationships I have had have not gone past the six month mark. Help!

—Divorced

Dear Divorced’

Sorry about your wife’s betrayal. Moving on after a breakup can be hard. While it is understandable that you are unable to trust again, you cannot live alone in this world. You will eventually have to start dating again and

fall in love. Give yourself time to heal. What most of us do wrong is that we always jump into a different relationship immediately we break up with someone. You need to let yourself heal and lay off the dating scene for a while.

You will find that when you

Send your agonising queries to drx@x-news.co.ke

have taken time off you will be able to be more open minded towards other people and ready to trust again because you let go of the hurt. So take time off then get back into the dating scene slowly. Do not be in a rush.

DR X.

10

ACCESS TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

FASHIONScoop

Maggy’ COLLECTION.

Keeping it all business.

A little mix and match.

Casually formal.

Something for the casual Fridays.

SUIT IT UP WITH MAGGY A

fter launching three collections, late last year, Couture by Maggy is back with a new collection; casual-official.

The collection is unisex and the design cuts explore a versatile detail that enables one to work during the day and party in the night.

For fabrics used include merino-wool, merinosilk and cotton, soft but classy fabrics that are easy to manipulate for desired cuts. She also chose colours that are easy to mix and match or pair. We found it enchanting.

Ex MAcHInA

filmlab

Rating: R genre: Drama, Sci-Fi Cast: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac Time: 1 hr. 48 min

Rating: R genre: Action & Adventure, Horror Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult Time: 2hrs

BEST...

A great watch and it does not lose the audience mid narrative.

A good way to spend two hours learning about Artificial intelligence. Caleb is a programmer who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he wins a competition to spend a week with the company’s brilliant and reclusive CEO. What Caleb did not know is that he was chosen to help in an experiment that could potentially change the world.

Our rating: H H H

MAd MAx rUrrY rOAd This movie will blow your mind away. Definitely worth a watch and more. Humanity is broken and living in the desert. Two rebels want to change how things are run and stop the suffering. Max is a man of action and few words while Furiosa is a woman of action whose only wish is to go back to her homeland.

Our rating: H H H

PITcH PErfEcT 2 Rating: PG-13 genre: Musical & Comedy Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld Time: 1 hr. 54 min.

Our rating: H H

Pitch Perfect 2 has its own comedic moment wins but it does not quite live up to the installation of the first film. The Barden Bellas are riding high on their success when an embarrassing performance makes it all disappear. To regain their reputation, they decide to enter an international competition that no American group has ever won.Very cliché’!

PLAY 11 TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Some news that comes to you from a friend or colleague could shake you up today, Capricorn.

You might find that what you learn casts doubts on concepts you’ve embraced for most of your life. Think about it when you’re more relaxed and you might find it isn’t so radical after all.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Today you may see that nearly every couple you know is quarreling, Aquarius. You may have a few differences with a current or potential partner, but this is nothing to worry about. You’re tense and edgy because of outside pressure, so your fuse might be a bit shorter than usual.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Your entourage is likely to be tense and anxious, and you’re no exception. You may need to stay in the environment until you’ve accomplished your objectives. You will probably want to spend your evening at home in front of the TV, doing and thinking absolutely nothing. Relax!

WEATHERFORECAST TUESday 19/05/2015

sunny

24

WEDNEsday 20/05/2015

More sun than clouds

23

24ºC 65%

6:28 am 6:31pm

24ºC 69%

6:28 am 6:31pm

THURsday

23

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 You and a current or potential partner may disagree on whether to spend some time together alone or go out with friends, Aries. If you’ve both had a rough day, you’re likely to be rather tense and apt to snap at each other. A compromise may be the best answer.

Sudoku

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 A relaxing evening at home may be just what you need, Taurus, but a colleague might ask you to attend a business-related event. Don’t be afraid to say no. There will be plenty of colleagues there. At the most, put in a quick appearance and then leave.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 Today you may try to contact several people, Gemini, none of whom may be available. You might particularly want to reach a female friend or relative who lives far away. This could prove frustrating, as you have some interesting news for her. Keep trying.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Whether or not you should make a specific expenditure could cause some tension between you and a partner, Cancer. You may think that it isn’t feasible now, while your friend is determined to go for it. This isn’t the day to try to reach an agreement in this matter.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 You’ve probably had a stressful day and really don’t feel up to it. Your friend may try to induce you to come by making you feel guilty. Don’t fall into that trap. Go only if you feel that the value of the occasion overrides your need to rest. Your friend will forgive you if you say no.

VIRGO Aug 23- Sep 22 Today you might receive some uncomfortable intuitive signals from one or more of your friends, Virgo. Sensing the tension in others could save you some grief, as people may be stressed and likely to lash out over nothing. It’s best to focus on solitary pursuits if you can.

MUSTREAD Crossbones — by Nurrudin Farrah

Jeebleh returns home to Mogadiscio to see old friends and reminisce on his golden days. He is accompanied by his son-in-law, Malik, a journalist who wants to cover the region’s skirmishes. When they arrive, Jeebleh is shocked. This is not the home he remembers leaving behind. Meanwhile, Malik’s brother, Ahl arrives in Puntland in search of his stepson, Taxliil. Puntaland is the hotbed of piracy and Taxliil was recruited by an Imam allied to a religious terrorist group in Minneapolis. The brothers team up to find Taxliil. The closer they get to the boy the more dangerous it gets. Will they be able to locate the boy in time before the Ethiopians invade Somalia?

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Today you may attain a goal you’ve been hoping to reach for a long time, Libra. They’ve probably suffered too many frustrations recently, and your success only reminds them of this.

Give them some time to settle their own affairs and they will congratulate you.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Today you may be anxious to spend time with your family, Scorpio, but there could be some chores you need to do first. This could stress you out quite a bit if you let it. Roll up your sleeves and handle whatever needs to be done and then hightail it back to your Earth.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Someone might lend you a book on a rather obscure subject that you can’t understand. In fact, you might find the book - or anything else you try to read - boring! You don’t want to hurt your friend’s feelings. Put the book aside and try again later.

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

Yesterday’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. Charges-no helmets, no jackets for kids, no reflectors, idiot of a father 2. This is how airheads are made-run perfecty good kids through the wind 3. Wonder what their mother would do on seeing them running the freeway

12

PLAY

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Small bite to eat 5. Fury 10. ____ Odie (“The Princess and the Frog” voodoo priestess) 14. “Heroides” writer 15. Cardiology concern 16. Actor Rickman 17. What a hero does to a villain 19. Big name in toy blocks 20. Pseudo-fat 21. Like chicken à la king 22. Like some reactions 26. Sloop slip 30. Morning latte, for some 34. Maestro Seiji 35. Erotic 36. Colorado native 37. Veronica portrayer in “Heathers” 39. _____ Christie 42. Finale 43. Toon collectibles 47. “That’s ___!” (director’s cry) 48. Iceland’s capital 51. Is atilt 52. Certain notation 54. Explorer or actor Sebastian 57. Hardest to see 62. Bear’s antithesis 63. Big Dodge of the past 66. Earth sci.

67. Lawn products brand 68. Field-related prefix 69. Crunchy sandwiches

70. Uganda neighbor 71. Dmitri’s denial Down 1. De ___ (afresh): Lat. 2. Ellipse 3. Trigonometry curve 4. Centers of ops.

5. Spin like a dancer 6. Thrift-shop transactions 7. “That feels great!”

8. Uno plus due 9. Elevations (abbr.)

10. Ill will 11. Sir ____ Guinness 12. Gandalf, for one 13. “And giving ____, up the chimney...”

18. Butch Cassidy, for one 21. Chip go-with 23. Storm center 24. Harrison or Reed 25. Spanish food brand 26. Shaded shelter 27. Online reading 28. Quaid or Travis 29. Tango team 31. ___ Sweet (aspartame) 32. Hawke of “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” 33. Swings a scythe 38. “...not room to swing ____” (far from spacious) 40. Principal ore of lead 41. Electrify 44. Mendes or Gabor

45. Women’s ____ 46. Missing many details 49. Rounded hills 50. Speck 53. Small Hawaiian island 54. Defunct NYC punk club 55. Author of “The Mammoth Hunters” 56. Clean, as with paper towels 58. Tehran is its capital 59. Custardlike 60. Parched 61. Horse’s pace 63. Korean War soldier 64. “___ we there yet?”

65. Feature with a high elev.

Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY

Kidero’s Gov’t has skewed priorities Dr Evans Kidero is running Nairobi County like a class prefect. That’s appalling. The county is spending millions to install malfunctioning (for all we know) security cameras, disrupting traffic flow with queer decongestion projects, yet there are numerous gaping man holes all over the city, leaky sewer lines and a drainage system which as good as inexistent. The county taxpayers are confused about the governor’s skewed priorities We feel like we are just being mugged indirectly every time we have to part with parking fees in hard shillings, yet after the rains the cars won’t move an inch after being soaked in flood water.

Mind you, the county Askaris will still arrest you for stepping on a flower pot that doesn’t even have any flowers.

— Benjamin Kiptoo, Imara Daima

Committee to fight Where are Nairobi’s Cholera a waste of pavements? time and money So I hear that leaders from 47 Counties will meet to discuss ways to “fight Cholera” later this week. This is utterly ridiculous. The amount of money wasted forming a committee and sending these so called “experts” to the capital makes no sense.

I thought the country had some sort of a medical response unit. Why is Red Cross Kenya not at the helm of this crisis? There is a vaccine for cholera, in case our County representatives and MPs were not aware.

Do you hear me, Kidero? There is a Vaccine! Get the relevant people on the ground and start immunizing our children!

I just used Google and came up with a dozen ways to treat and prevent Cholera.

Our leaders don’t need to discuss the disease. They need to send the real experts to the field and stop it from spreading.

— Valerie Shiundu, Nairobi

I’m not an engineer but I assume that every road needs a pavement so that pedestrians have a path to walk on without the fear of getting run over by passing vehicles.

So where the hell are Nairobi’s pavements?

Has the County Government fallen asleep or is there not enough money in the budget for a few kilometers of tarmac?

I’m sick and tired of living in an urban area that looks like a rural disaster every time it rains.

Why bother paying taxes if

the government isn’t fixing our roads? I can’t be going to work every morning looking like I crawled out of a pit latrine!

That said, there is a short stretch along Othaya Road, leading to Lavington, where workers have placed muddy piles of soil where the pavement should be.

Someone from the County government needs to get off their ass and get rid of that mud!

— Anonymous, Nairobi

Someone needs to arrest these corrupt police officers A significant number of our “boys in blue” are corrupt. It is an open secret that Nairobi is riddled with dirty cops. While some of us are content to pay the occasional bribe so that they leave us in peace, their

greed is getting out of hand.

I think I have the right to walk the streets at 3:00am in the morning, as long as I’m not posing a danger to society.

Our police officers have developed

a habit of arresting people for nonexistent offenses. It is high time someone arrested them for abusing their power.

So many of my friends have been arrested by crooked cops

Burundi will be just fine The current goings on in the tiny East African nation of Burundi is sadly reinforcing the mistaken perception that the country, just like their Rwandese neighbours could be hurtling down a dark path towards genocide. It is very important that the press continues to monitor events in Burundi, as the ramifications of the Kibeho massacre will inevitably affect the delicate ethnic balance in the country.

Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, is now almost entirely inhabited by Tutsi, and two of the last three Hutu presidents have suffered violent deaths. Still, the country has not descended into genocide. This distinction bears testament to the differences between the two states. The opportunity for preventive action still exists in Burundi.

— Justus Mutavi, Nairobi

for “loitering” outside their own homes. It used to cost Sh500 to convince them to leave us alone.

Now they want Sh10,000.

The Police Force should vet every single officer and sack the ones

with a track record of corruption.

They can easily find the crooked cops by asking civilians in their area to point them out.

— Esther Obango, Adams Arcade

I don’t understand how our intelligence office works

I recently read the story of a suspected alShabaab aide in Parliament being arrested and later released on bail (Senate terror suspect now freed on cash bail, X News: Friday, May 15, 2015). At the time of arrest police said they had enough evidence to justify the detention, but by the time the court was re-

leasing him, no proper case had been filed.

This leaves me suspecting that it was all a publicity stunt to make someone appear to be working hard. It might also have been a cover up for some inefficiencies in some offices.

I really can’t be blamed for making my own conclusions. Can I? — Bernard Onsomu

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

AFC Leopards’ coach decries off field drama AFC Leopards issues off the pitch are greater than coach Zdravko Logarusic could comprehend despite their recent good run on the pitch.

The coach further said that it’s not upon himself but the club management to sort the mess.

“The problems are so many for me and the players, my work is to read the players on the pitch, and not sort out money issues. Players need motivation to keep going,” he added.

“Even if you look at the other team in the league, its only us with bigger issues, without such recurrent problems maybe we can win the league sooner than expected,” said the coach after guiding his side to second in the table after 2-0 win over Muhoroni Youth over the weekend.

Jacob Keli fired Ingwe to the lead after only two minutes with a superb halfvolley before skipper Jackson Saleh doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime to lead Leopards to make the week somehow better for the side that was who were bailed out by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho after being stuck at their hotel down at the coast in commanding the right headlines.

“It’s like we are competing from a disadvantaged position, the sooner the house is oput in order the better for everyone involved,” said Logarusic whose side are nine point behind league leaders Gor Mahia with 30 points.

NOT AT EASE: AFC Leorprds coach Zdravko Logarusic. The Ingwe boss is concerned about the clubs off the pitch issues.

SPORT 13 TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Sunderland’s Adam Johnson ‘to deny’ child sex charges England and Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson (above) will deny having sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, a court has been told.

The 27-year-old, from Castle Eden, County Durham, was arrested in March.

His solicitor told magistrates in Peterlee he intended to deny three counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 and another of grooming.

The player was released on conditional bail to appear before Durham Crown Court on 3 June.

The court was told the three counts of sexual activity with a child are alleged to have taken place on one night in January at two locations in County Durham, while the grooming offence was said to have happened between December and February.

Born in Sunderland, Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10m in 2012.

Mensah slapped with four month ban over Evian transfer Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah has been handed a worldwide ban from football for four months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over his transfer from Udinese to Evian four years ago.

The court ruled in favour of Italian club Udinese, stating Mensah’s transfer to the French side as a free agent was illegal because the Ghanaian was still under contract at the time. Mensah’s ban takes effect from 29 April and will expire on 29 August 2015.

It means Mensah will miss the start of next season but crucially for Ghana, he will also be absent from the 2017 Nations Cup qualifier against Mauritius, scheduled for Accra on 14 June.

News of Mensah’s ban from all football activity comes as a double blow for the player, whose club Evian were relegated from the French top flight on Saturday.

24 year old Mensah joined Udinese from Free State Stars in South Africa after impressing for Ghana during their 2009 World Youth Cup victory.

However, Mensah struggled to get into the Italian team and instead spent time on loan at Granada before his transfer to Evian.

The Ghana Football Association say they have not been officially informed about Mensah’s ban as yet and are waiting to hear from the Court of Arbitration for Sport and Fifa.

IN ACTION: Michael OlungaJonathan in a pastMensah match. in club action.

BANNED: Ghanaian defender

BRING ON JUVENTUS: Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique. He says that Barca are already focusing on completing the treble after sealing the Spanish title.

Luis Enrique targeting treble after La Liga win Coach Luis ‘Lucho’ Enrique says Barcelona are already focusing on completing the treble after sealing the Spanish title.

The Catalans beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to ensure rivals Real Madrid cannot catch them at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final on 30 May before the Champions League final against Juventus on 6 June.

“We have two more titles to win but we have picked up the one for consistency,” said Enrique, 45.

It means former Barca midfielder Enrique, who replaced Tata Martino last summer, has the chance to emulate Pep Guardiola by winning three major trophies in his first season.

Enrique experienced challenges off the pitch during his first few months in the role, facing criticism in January for leaving Lionel Messi and Neymar on the bench as Barca lost to Real Sociedad to leave Real Madrid in control of the title race.

“We started 10 months ago with many changes at the club which doesn’t understand the idea of transition and was coming off a season having not won anything,” said Enrique, who was also reported to have fallen out with star man Messi during training in January.

“There is no way that a trainer of a top club will not receive criticism during the year and I knew that.

“We knew that we wouldn’t be given time but we did our best.”

14

SPORT TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

STEEPLECHASE ACE: Jarius Kipchoge Birech of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the mens 3000m Steeplechase during the Diamond League at Alexander Stadium on August 24, 2014 in Birmingham, England.

Shanghai champ daring to shatter decade-long record Kenya’s Jairus Kipchoge Birech is confident the over a decade long 3,000m Steeplechase record will soon be broken.

Birech spoke after leading a 1-8 finish at the second IAAF Diamond League meeting in Shanghai on Sunday.

The diamond league winner says the current crop of athletes are more than capable of assaulting the record of 7:53.63 set by former Kenyan Saaeed Shaheen formerly Stephen Cherono of Qatar.

“I already have a good feeling and I want to train harder for the season. I am confident of running a new PB and get gold in Beijing,” the 22 year-old said.

“The field in Shanghai was very strong maybe Olympic champion Ezekiel kemboi was the notable absentee. But my assessment is that there is a great potential of lowering the world record this season,” Birech said.

A bold piece of front-running from Birech brought the defending Diamond Race champion an impressive victory over a raft of fellow Kenyans in a world leading time of 8:05.36.

“I like running from the front which has worked for me before, I will keep running that way and hope to better myself,” he said.

Birech next outing will be the Eugene diamond league at the end of this month.

Birech ready to wreck steeplechase record Veteran Aussie batsman to retire after Ashes Australia batsman Chris Rogers says he plans to retire from international cricket after this summer’s Ashes in England.

The 37-year-old had a fiveyear wait between his first two Test appearances but has been a regular opener alongside David Warner since 2013.

“I’ve been fortunate to have this second go at it and have loved every moment of it,” he said. “But time calls on everyone and I think it’s nearly up for me.”

Rogers, who has had spells with Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Middlesex and Northants in the County Championship, added: “I think to go out in the Ashes and in England where I’ve played a lot of cricket is pretty fitting.”

In his 20 Tests for Australia, Rogers has scored 1535 runs, including four hundreds, at an average of 39.

Sir Clive Woodward in contention for French job

ADIOS: Australia batsman Chris Rogers in a past action. He has revealed plans to retire from international cricket after this summer’s Ashes in England.

Sir Clive Woodward (above)is in contention to replace Philippe Saint-Andre as head coach of France, according to reports in the French press.

Woodward, who oversaw England’s 2003 World Cup triumph is said to have met with bosses at French rugby’s Marcoussis headquarters last month and is one of eight shortlisted candidates. Toulouse boss Guy Noves remains the front-runner for the job. Saint-Andre is set to leave his position after this year’s World Cup. The former Sale and Gloucester coach

has failed to impress since taking over Les Blues in 2012, having won only 15 of his 37 Tests in charge. Woodward coached England from 1997 to 2004, leading them to World Cup success in Australia. The former Leicester centre was also in charge of the British and Irish Lions during their 3-0 tour defeat by New Zealand in 2005, before time spent working in football with Southampton and for the British Olympic Association (BOA). He left his post as BOA director of sports in October 2012 after the Olympic Games.

More silverware for Volleyball ace Maiyo

BIG IN QATAR: Kenyan International Philip Maiyo poses with silverware after he steered Al Arabi Volleyball Club to their second Emirs Kings Cup Gold medal in his less than a year stay in the Qatari league.

Kenyan International Philip Maiyo added another silverware to his cabinet when he steered Al Arabi Volleyball Club to their second Emirs Kings Cup Gold medal in his less than a year stay in the Qatari league.

The Cup came barely two weeks after the national team Captain lifted the Qatar Volleyball League cup with the side he joined last year from Turkish league last December.

The win which he dedicated to the national team and ‘my Kenyan family’ is his fifth title with Al Arabi “Am happy to have five titles with AL Arabi in less than a year am dedicating this win to Kenya National team.” he wrote on his social media account.

Maiyo who missed Kenya’s All Africa Games qualifiers held in Rwanda early this month is expected to turn up for his former employers Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the domestic league.

Maiyo was also part of the ‘ALL STAR’ Professionals team that played against the national team in an sendoff match against Qatar national team in honour of time Qatar captain Said Juma who hanged his boots Sunday.

Murray amazed at Mauresmo criticism Andy Murray says he was “amazed” by the level of criticism his appointment of Amelie Mauresmo as coach attracted.

The Briton, 28, became the first leading male player to employ a female coach when he hired the Frenchwoman.

“I knew it would be a big DOUBLE HIGH FIVE: Andy Murray and his new coach Amelie Mauresmo.

story at the beginning but I thought it would die down quicker than it has,” Murray said.

“I was very surprised at the amount of criticism she received for each loss I had. I couldn’t believe the negativity towards her personally.”

World number three Murray employed Mauresmo, who won two Grand Slam titles and 25 WTA titles, last June after previous coach Ivan Lendl quit three months earlier.

When the appointment was announced, Australian player Marinko Matosevic

said he would never have a female coach because he did not rate the women’s game.

Murray said some of the negative comments he had heard were “an eye-opening experience for me”.

“I know a lot of the players were surprised because I do hear what goes on in the locker room,” he added.

“Some comments did make it into the press before it was officially announced, that some people thought it was a joke I was playing along with. To me, it’s amazing to hear that.”

The Scot says he has now “become very passionate about getting more women in sport, giving women more opportunities”.

He said: “I wasn’t thinking of it being a ground-breaking move or having an influence that could cross over into other sports. Then, after seeing the response to it, and some of the things that have been said, I can see it is.”

xnews | tuesday, May 19, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

birech out to smash some records this year P14

DISMISSED: Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas is shown a red card during their Premier league match against West Brom. Chelsea lost 3-0.

Baggies thrash Chelsea as Fab sees red

West Brom inflicted a third league defeat of the season on champions Chelsea in an eventful game at The Hawthorns.

Saido Berahino opened the scoring with a fine 20-yard strike, before Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas was sent off for kicking the ball against Chris Brunt.

Berahino added a second from the spot after he was brought down by John Terry within seconds of the restart.

Brunt rounded off the win with an angled shot from a quick corner. With Chelsea having already secured the title and West Brom safely ensconced in mid-table, the result had no major significance

for either side, but the game began with an intensity that belied the meaningless nature of the contest. Berahino had not found the net in his previous eight Premier League matches but he recaptured the sparkling form he showed earlier in the season with a superb goal after just nine minutes. The 21-year-old received the ball from Joleon Lescott on the edge of the area and turned before curling a stunning shot into the bottom corner.

Chelsea responded well but their hopes of extending their 16-game unbeaten run - the longest in the top flight this season - were rocked when Fabregas was dismissed in farcical circumstances.

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