20150804 xnews

TUESday, AUGUST 4, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

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CJ mutunga puts corrupt judges on notice

judiciary boss warns of graft ‘creeping back’ in the corridors of justice, threatens officials with second round of vetting if vice continues

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NEWS

No women volleyball fixtures as action heads to Kiambu

national Special Olympic team returns home with 42 medals

Let us vote via SMS, diaspora tells IEBC

K

enyans living in the diaspora now want the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to allow them use phones to participate in the next general elections.

They have proposed M-Voting, an electronic

process of casting ballot by use of phone messaging services as the best method to enable those in diaspora to participate in exercising their democratic right.

Convener of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance Shem Ochuodho said many Kenyans in

diaspora have registered their concerns over the current voting system, which requires one to be physically present in the country in order to take part in elections.

“Many Kenyans have complained to me that they cannot participate in elections because

uhuru welcomes new envoys

they travel a lot. The interests of these people can only be served through M-Voting and it is time IEBC introduces that,” Ochuodho told an engagement workshop of those living abroad and the IEBC at the Silver Springs Hotel in Nairobi today. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Fascinating Art

Did you know that you can actually play fruit orchestra? Shock!

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President Uhuru Kenyatta poses for a group photo with new envoys when he met with them at State House Nairobi today. The president said Kenya is ready to strengthen mutual ties with friendly countries for the benefit of citizens.

x-news.co.ke

AWESOME AVRIL We cant get enough of this pop artiste in the blue number she wore to MAMA bash.

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NEWS

Eyes on university students in war against radicalisation TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

WE ARE ALL EARS: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi and his Interior counterpart Joseph Nkaissery follow proceedings during yesterday’s consultative forum on sustainable peace and security in institutions of higher learning at the Kenya Institute of Curricuilum Development in nairobi.

Top academic institutions in the country could be providing a safe recruitment ground for extremists groups, top security officials claim.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery yesterday told a consultative forum on sustainable peace and security in universities that higher institutions of learning need to be on the lookout, as students have now become the main targets of terrorist groups.

“These terrorists have turned their attention to our students since they are not armed.

Radicalization is one of our biggest problem in our institutions and we need to deal with it the best way possible,” Nkaissery told the meeting that was attended by his Education counterpart Jacob Kaimenyi and chancellors and vice chancellors of universities across the country.

His remarks followed revelations by the National Intelligence

Service, which also released five names of students in universities who have been coordinating terror attacks in the country.

NIS named Ahmed Iman, who is the head of video and propaganda within the al-Shabaab, as a student of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Lukeman Osman Isa, who participated in the recent Baure attack, as a student in a Ugandan university, Abdurrahman Abdulahi, who was among the attackers at Garissa University, was a student at the University of Nairobi.

Others named include Sadil Abdalla, a 3rd year university student International University of Africa School of Medicine and was arrested on his way to Somalia, and Abdul Hajira, who had disappeared for more than a year and then resurfaced to finish his Bachelor of Commerce degree at University of Nairobi. Hajira blew himself at the Pangani police

station in an attack that killed two police officers two years ago.

The revelation follows a claim by the director of the National Counter Terrorism Centre Issac Ochieng that some of University of Nairobi students are on the payroll of terror groups.

Mr Ochieng made the claim when he spoke at a forum aimed at curbing radicalization in higher learning institutions two months ago at the University of Nairobi. He said they have evidence to back his claims.

And Gen Nkaissery now wants the higher learning institutions to be more vigilant in handling the students, as they are now the main targets for terror groups.

Nkaissery said the government is at an advanced stage of holding talks with the necessary stakeholders on how to bring into law the facilitation of arming private security officers who will be a supplement to the government security.

Kenyans abroad now want to vote via phones TENDER NOTICE PROVISION FOR GENERAL INSURANCE TENDER NO.SK/001/2015-2016

Sports Kenya invites sealed tenders from eligible bidders for provision of General Insurance for a period of one year 2015-2016.

Interested and eligible firms may obtain further information and inspect the tender document at the office of the Supply Chain Management Officer located at Sports Kenya headquarters Kasarani, Nairobi during working hours, Monday – Friday 8.00am – 5.00pm.

A complete set of tender documents may be obtained by interested candidates upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Kshs 1,000.00 (one thousand shillings) only payable to the account office.

Prices quoted should be net, inclusive of all taxes and delivery cost must be in Kenya shillings and shall remain valid for 90 days from the closing date of the tender.

Complete tender documents in plain sealed envelope, clearly marked “Tender SK/001/2015-2016” should be addressed as shown below and deposited in the tender box situated on the 1st floor of the main office so as to be received on or before 18th August 2015 at 10.30am.

Documents can be downloaded from SK website www.sportskenya.org or suppliers@treasury.go.ke

From Page 1 He said they have confidence in the M-voting system and that they have the best Information Technology specialists who will ensure that there is no hitch during the voting process.

He said the diaspora ought to be treated like Kenya’s county number 48 and their views taken seriously.

“Kenyans in diaspora are also an integral part of this country’s economy.

Statistics at the Central Bank of Kenyan indicate that we remit about Sh200 billion every year and this is set even to increase in future,” Ochuodho said.

Kenyans in diaspora also formed a committee to help mobilise citizens living in foreign countries to register as voters in readiness for the 2017 elections. The creation of the committee follows a dismal response to the ongoing voter-mapping programme launched three months ago by the Independent Electoral and

Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that has attracted only a small number of people.

The forum dubed the ‘Diaspora Engagement Strategy Workshop’ by Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), in partnership with Volunteers Services Overseas (VSO) also focused on creating awareness amongst Kenyans in the Diaspora on investment opportunities (both at national and county levels), Strengthening Diaspora social economic political engagement on key policy areas, especially Diaspora voting and representation.

The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA) also announced the formation of a committee, to be known as the Legal/Voting Rights Implementation Committee that would be chaired by Minnesota-based lawyer Henry Ongeri.

Speaking at the same forum held in Nairobi this morning, Director of Diaspora in the ministry of

foreign Affairs Washingtone Oloo said that the ministry is providing all infrastructure needed in order to facilitate the participating of Kenyans in diaspora in the 2017 elections.

“As a ministry I can assure you that we will provide all the necessary infrastructure needed by the Independent and electoral Boundaries Commission in order to allow Kenyans from Diaspora to vote in the 2017”Oloo said.

Oloo revealed that they have so far mapped about 85 percent of Kenyans in diaspora and will share the information with IEBC in order to help them in planning for the 2017 elections.

“I can tell you that Kenyans are everywhere in this world but so far we have mapped about 85 percent of them, we will get a forum where we will share with IEBC the statistical date for effective planning of the 2017 elections,” Oloo said.

NEWS 3

CARTOONSPEAK

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

Supportive husbands have more satisfying marriages, new research confirms Supportive husbands and working couples tend to have more satisfying marriages, new research has confirmed. In spite of gender-specific roles like “breadwinner” and “home-maker”, it seems that working spouses experience the best of what marriage has to offer. This is also true with husbands who take on a more hands on approach in the raising of their children. In a Pew Global survey that included Kenya, Egypt, Spain, Germany, China, Indonesia, Mexico and Brazil, among others, it was discovered that in19 of 22 countries swear by the success of the growing trend. In fact, most people say that a marriage where both husband and wife have jobs and take

care of the house and children is “a more satisfying way of life than having the husband provide financially while the wife cares for the household.”

Eighty-one (81) per cent of Kenyans agree with 19 per cent either clinging to archaic traditions or preferring to stick with the roles that they find more rewarding. Experts from the Pew research group say that this view is “particularly widespread” in Western Europe. There, 91 per cent of couples in France and Spain and 85 per cent in Germany agree that the preferred marital model is one where a husband and wife both carry the household’s financial burden while taking on child care responsibilities.

Chief Justice Mutunga warns judges over graft Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has threatened judges with fresh vetting if the increasing cases of corruption in the Judiciary are not contained.

Speaking after opening Judges Colloquium at Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, Mutunga warned judges and magistrates who continue to take bribes from members of the public that their days are numbered.

“Although the Judiciary has done well overall, one of the issues that seems to be seeping back, and which I wish to raise directly with you is corruption. It worries me, as it should worry you,” he said. He said he cannot allow corruption to fester the Judiciary.

“Bribe taking is one of the most despicable expressions of self-disrespect that I have ever seen and it must stop.

Corruption corrodes personal esteem, erodes public confidence in the institution.” said CJ. He disclosed that the Judiciary Service Commission continues to receive

complains of corruptions involving senior Judges and magistrates handling their cases. “If we continue engaging in this immoral sport, then I can assure you the vetting exercise will be back – and this time – in a more vicious form than the previous one,’’ warned Mutunga.

Mutunga said the Judges have the obligation of maintaining the moral duty and a professional obligation.

He said the Judges with questioned integrity will be sacked.

The CJ announced the establishment 14 new High Courts to deal with backlog of cases in the Country.

“Out of the 47 Counties, only 13 do not have High Court Stations. We shall move to establish these as well in the next round of recruitment that JSC is about to embark on,” said Mutunga.

Several Judges and magistrates have lost their jobs after the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board (JMVB) recommended their sacking over integrity issues.

BE WARNED: chief Justice Willy Mutunga has threatened judges with fresh vetting if the increasing cases of corruption in the Judiciary are not contained.

WHAT OTHERS SAID TODAY...

RAILA SHOPS fOR 2017 POLL GADGETS: ODM leader Raila Odinga is in talks with a German firm to provide a parallel electon system that will collect, transmit, tally and store presidential votes at the 2017 election. Apart from seeking to lease an electronic results transmission system, Raila is also shopping for a credible international company that will manage his social media and other new media platforms so he can interacxt with and tap into the creativity of young supporters. President Uhuru Kenyatta’s biggest vote at the 2013 general eledtion came from young people, who are hooled on all manner of electronic devices to access social...

STUDENTS kILLED IN ScHOOL ARSON HORROR: wo students have died and eight injured as the season of school arson sweeping across the country worsened. Arsonists, suspected to be students, torched a dormitory at Stephjoy Boys’ Boarding in Limuru, Kiambu County, on Sunday night. The 11pm fire quickly spread to two dormitories nearby. Seven of the injured boys were treated at Tigoni County hospital, about seven kilometres away, and discharged, while the eighth boy, who suffered more severe burns, was transferred...

HOUSE TEAM’S WARNING ON SH66 BILLION AUDIT PUZZLE: The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) faulted the Treasury and some MPs who have dismissed the report by the office of the Auditor General on public expenditure that was unaccounted-for, saying officials should instead be pressed to provide satisfactory answers. The committee took issue with Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich for allegedly attempting to cushion the indicted ministries and departments from parliamentary scrutiny for the billions in the...

NEWS BRIEFS

Court allows DPP to charge police officer over Embu speaker abduction The High Court has given the Director of Public Prosecutions the go ahead to prefer charges against a police officer accused of involvement in the kidnapping of Embu County Assembly Speaker Justus Kariuki Mate. Justice Mumbi Ngugi today ruled that the DPP is free to press charges against Nicholas Muriuki Kangangi once sufficient evidence has been obtained. The officer was arrested on May 20, 2014 on allegations that he abducted Mate at Utalii Hotel on May 19, 2014. But he filed an application seeking to stop his prosecution arguing that his rights were violated.

That was after he was charged before the DPP recommended that the case be withdrawn until sufficient evidence had been gathered. The accused argued that the charges against him cannot be sustained. But the judge said the DPP properly exercised his power in seeking to withdraw the case. “Such withdrawal should be allowed, so that in the event that the investigations alleged to be ongoing yield any credible evidence, the DPP would be at liberty to prefer charges against the petitioner,” Justice Ngugi ruled.

Suspect lynched, man wounded in city attacks A suspected thug was lynched and another man shot and seriously wounded in separate attacks in Nairobi last night.

The killing happened in Kayole where the victim was involved in a botched robbery at a local bar. Police say two of his accomplices to escape. And in Kariobangi, gunmen on a motorbike shot and seriously wounded a man in a shooting incident whose motive remains unknown. The victim was in a traffic jam in the area when the gunmen opened fire injuring him in the chest and arm. They then sped off thinking he was dead. The victim was rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital where he is admitted in serious condition.

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NEWS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

US airline in big game trophy ban The US airline Delta has banned the shipment of big game trophies on its flights following the international outcry over the illegal killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe.

The airline has announced that it will no longer transport lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant or buffalo remains.

It has not however given an official reason for its decision.

Delta flies direct to a number of African cities and was subjected to an online petition to ban such shipments.

Morocco migrant dies in suitcase A Moroccan man suffocated to death in a suitcase after his brother tried to smuggle him into Spain in the boot of his car, the Spanish government says. The 27-year-old man was on board a ferry from Spain’s North African enclave of Melilla to the mainland Spanish city of Almeria. The surviving brother, who has a French passport, has since been charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Ethiopia jails ‘terror’ Muslims A court in Ethiopia has sentenced 18 Muslims, including clerics and a journalist, to 22 years in prison under controversial anti-terrorism legislation. The 18 were convicted last month on charges including terrorism and conspiracy to create an Islamic state. They were arrested three years ago over protests against alleged government interference in religious affairs. Ethiopia’s government has often been accused of stifling dissent. It denies the allegation.

UK firm in Somalia payments probe A British oil company paid hundreds of thousands of dollars which went to senior Somali civil servants, according to a UN report. UN investigators say the payments

by Soma Oil & Gas amount in some cases to “acts that undermine Somali public institutions through corruption”.

UK’s Serious Fraud Office has launched an investigation into the allegations. The firm has denied any wrongdoing. The report details payments totaling $490,000 (about Sh49 million) from Soma Oil & Gas to the Somali Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, beginning in June 2014.

Cries of Kenyan families detained in South Sudan Families of five Kenyans who have been detained in South Sudan now claim to have been threatened by South Sudanese officials of dire consequences if they dare visit their loved ones in jail.

The families have said their attempts to rescue their sons have been hampered by the authorities in South Sudan.

They are also accusing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ignoring their plea to have their sons released. So far a human rights activist Wanjeri Nderu has been running a twitter campaign on hashtag #SouthSudanFive to rally the ministry to rescue them.

“South Sudanese officials have threatened to arrest us if we dare visit our relatives in jail,” a family member claimed.

Wanjeri says she has been

WE ARE IN DEEP TROUBLE: Families of five Kenyans who have been detained in South Sudan now claim to have been threatened by South Sudanese officials of dire consequences if they dare visit their loved ones in jail.

trying to reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office through their twitter handle but it went unanswered.

“I don’t understand how Foreign Affairs can respond

to me on Twitter and ignore the detained in jail,” The families claim since they were arrested 66 days ago no family member has seen them. The five Ken-

yans have been detained in South Sudan for 66 days without due process of the law & family members are seeking for answers.

“We are not saying the five

Burundi rights activist wounded in gun attack A prominent Burundi human rights activist has been shot and seriously wounded by gunmen on motorbikes, his family and witnesses say.

Pierre Claver Mbonimpa was attacked in the capital, Bujumbura.

He was a stern critic of President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid for a third term in office.

On Sunday presidential aide Gen Adolphe Nshimirimana was killed in an attack on his car in Bujumbura. He was in charge of the president’s personal security.

Burundi has suffered serious unrest since President Nkurunziza’s decision in April to seek a third term in office.

Opponents argued this contravened the constitution and there was a failed coup attempt in May. A presidential election was then held last month which Mr Nkurunziza won, but

which was boycotted by the opposition.

A relative of Mr Mbonimpa told the Reuters news agency that the activist was in intensive care in a Bujumbura hospital following the shooting which took place near his home north of the capital on Monday evening.

He was going home when suddenly a group of motorcyclists

encircled him and started shooting at him. Many of the bikers had guns,” the relative said.

Mr Mbonimpa is believed to be one of the few members of Burundi’s civil society opposed to the president who had not fled the country.

He is reported to have been jailed several times because of his activism and in April was held without charge for more than 24 hours by the intelligence services after he called for protests against the president’s efforts to secure a third term.

Correspondents say that Mr Mbonimpa’s work over the years for the rights of prisoners and others has won international acclaim and that chilling rumours of his death had circulated in Burundi before the shooting took place.

WOUNDED: Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, a stern critic of President Pierre Nkurunziza was attacked in the capital, Bujumbura.

relatives are innocent but we want the due process of the law followed,” they said this morning.

They also claimed that the five are being detained in a military camp and not in jail as would be the normal case.

They were arrested and detained in South Sudan for alleged involvement in a Sh20 billion scam. Their families claim they have been asked to pay a down payment of Sh6 million to be connected to a South Sudanese lawyer. They have not been able to raise the money.

The five were all employees of an ICT company based in Juba according to family members.

They were arrested together with their employer and since then, there has been no word about them.

THOUSANDS FLEE CALIFORNIA FIRES Evacuation orders have been given to 13,000 people in California as firefighters struggle to contain some 20 wildfires.

Some 9,000 firefighters worked throughout Monday in steep terrain and rugged conditions, officials said.

The biggest blaze - the so-called Rocky fire north of San Francisco - has already consumed more than 90 square miles (145sq km) of land.

On Monday afternoon the fire jumped a highway that been containing it.

The Rocky fire tripled in size over the weekend, with officials describing its rate of growth as unprecedented.

More than 134,000 acres of the parched state has been torched by wildfires this year alone.

That’s nearly three times the state’s 5-year wildfire average of 48,153 acres according to statistics posted by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. At least 24 homes were destroyed as the blaze was whipped up by winds that fuelled the flames, local reports say. “I’ve never seen a fire act like this one,” evacuee Vicki Estrella said.

“It’s amazing the way that thing spread.

There was smoke 300ft (91m) in the air.”

More than 6,000 properties currently lie in the path of the flames.

Four years of drought in the western US have left the landscape tinder dry. Coupled with unseasonably humid conditions, lightning strikes and gusting winds, this has posed a severe challenge for fire fighters and water-dropping aircraft.

While some progress has been reported in tackling the blazes, partially due to a slight fall in temperatures, there is no rain forecast.

xnews | Tuesday, AUGUST 4, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

BUSINESS

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

MEAN 101.7743 159.6217 111.7681 8.0269 33.8495 20.8796

BUY SELL 101.6750 101.8735 159.4478 159.7956 111.6467 111.8894 8.0161 8.0377 33.7674 33.9316 20.8101 20.9491

MAIN STORY

Central Bank approves Housing Finance’s new holdings company The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved the establishment of a nonoperating holding company from Housing Finance The new establishment -Housing Finance Group Limited - will result to the transfer of the mortgage finance business of the company to a new subsidiary, HFC Limited.

HFC is licensed to carry on the business of mortgage as well as banking services that will stimuli its expansion.

According to Steve Mainda, its new Board Chairman, the inauguration has come at the right time while celebrating their 50th anniversary.

“The re-organization supported by funds from the recent Rights Issue, will give the Group the impetus to register further growth and optimally deliver on its growth strategy,” Mainda said.

The re-organization led to appointment of Frank Ireri and Sam Waweru as the Group Managing director and Managing Director HFC Limited respectively though the existing shareholders will retain their share

which will be listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange.

According to him, the group restructure will allow the management to oversee the group from an entity that is better positioned to raise capital and channel it to the group’s entity as appropriate.

“This restructuring will also present HF Group with an easier route for acquisition and investment. The non-operating holding company will host the group brand and function as a shared service center for the subsidiaries,” Mainda said.

The HF has put measures in place to embark on rebranding exercise to support the identity of the group’s structure which will allow the group to offer banking, financial property and investment solutions across the value chain.

The Banking Act permits non-operating holding companies approved and regulated by the CBK to own more than 25percent of the equity of banks, financial institutions and mortgage finance companies whilst also investing subsidiaries engaged in other businesses, hence the reorganization.

APPROVED: The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved the establishment of a nonoperating holding company from Housing Finance.

US airlines to stop shipping poachers’ trophies after Cecil’s shooting in Zimbabwe

BARRED: Delta and American Airlines have banned the shipment of big-game trophies in a bid to quell poaching-related activities.

Capital alert A human rights group is seeking applications from organizations to empower young people, men and women to realize their sexual and reproductive rights.

AmplifyChange, seek to help individuals secure universal recognition of sexual and reproductive health and rights as human rights, enabling women, men and youths to realize their potential in supportive environments.

Following the illegal shooting of Cecil the lion by a US dentist in Zimbabwe, Delta and American Airlines have banned the shipment of big-game trophies in a bid to quell poaching-related activities.

The airlines announced that they would no longer transport lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant or buffalo remains.

Cecil was shot in July by US dentist Walter Palmer of Minnesota, the BBC reports.

As such, Zimbabwe is seeking his extradition and that of another doctor from Pennsylvania, Jan Casimir Seski, who is suspected of killing a lion in April.

Mr. Palmer is believed to have paid about $50,000 (Sh5 million) to hunt Cecil, who happened to be a major tourist attraction in the Hwange National Park.

Palmer says he thought the hunt was legal and was unaware Cecil was protected, but the killing triggered protests from

animal rights activists online.

“Effective immediately, Delta will officially ban shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide as freight,” Delta Airlines said in a statement.

Its announcement came as several other airlines indicated that they will be stopping the transport of all trophyhunting kills.

Grants to empower people on their sexual rights

They provide grants to directly fund local civil society organizations (CSOs) that advocate for better policy and action on neglected sexual and reproductive health and rights issues.

The grant is intended to contribute towards stronger civil society movement in support of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The focus areas will be in capacity building support in technical and organizational areas to civil society

organizations and groups, building evidence for advocacy, policy and accountability, enhancing communication to strengthen advocacy, strengthening coalitions and engaging new actors’ priorities, gender-based violence, including sexual violence and female genital mutilation, access to comprehensive reproductive health services for socially and economically marginalized and vulnerable.

Other areas of focus will address

causes of unsafe abortion and support of women’s rights to safe and legal abortion, sexual health of young people and girls, including comprehensive sexuality education and addressing child and early marriages CSOs in all countries in SubSaharan Africa and South Asia are eligible to apply for the grant program. The organizations must have been established for three years or more and have the financial and

organizational capacity to manage a grant between EUR 100,000 and EUR 350,000.

The application process consists of two phases where Organizations must first complete the online concept note via website then the selected groups will be invited to submit their full applications.

Eligible applicants are advised to visit amplifychange.org. The deadline for applications is 17 August 2015.

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BUSINESS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

PRICE DRIVER The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) have reported a drop in food prices slightly lowered the cost of living in July.

Experts indicate that the month of August may also offer some reprieve as the rate of inflation—the general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money— may continue to fall.

According a Reuters report, the food

Inflation dips, food prices to fall in August

and non-alcoholic drinks segment— which accounts for more than 30 per cent of the consumer goods index—declined by 0.60 per cent on a monthly basis.

Reuters indicated this may have been driven further down by a fall in the cost of maize, potatoes and cabbages.

The Bureau noted in a statement that inflation fell to 6.62 per cent in

the days leading to July, 2015, down from 7.03 per cent in the previous month.

The numbers have defied market expectations, which had predicted a slight increase in the cost of living.

Kenyans can expect to feel the effects of lower prices in the coming weeks but it is still uncertain whether the trend will continue.

PRICES DOWN: A trader outside her fruit stall in Nairobi.

Google, Safaricom partner to roll out Waze traffic app Tech giant, Google has partnered with Kenya’s Safaricom to launch a mobile app offering motorists realtime traffic information— based on crowd-sourced data from road users.

Waze is a free GPS-based mobile application that is already in use in other countries as a traffic information tool.

‘Safaricom is keen to continue

to extend the benefits of our more connected world to our subscribers as we work to transform their lives by putting them closer to critical information,” said Sylvia Mulinge, Director, Consumer Business at Safaricom.

The app collates information generated by other users on the same route, to gather information on accidents, impassable sections of the

road route, traffic jams, which is then used to provide the end user with advice on potential alternative routes.

Acquired by Google in 2013, Waze is already used by 4.4 million motorists in 200 countries.

Mobile technology has evolved from being just a tool that enables interpersonal communication to being a value-added solution in many

sectors.

Using voluntary feedback from subscribers on the Safaricom network, Waze provides the user with a view of a map that has been layered onto Google Maps.

The maps provide real time updates on road conditions, and depending on the situation, the app can suggest alternative routes for users to take in order to get to their destination faster.

The partnership between Safaricom and Google

comes on the back of the announcement that Safaricom is planning to extend its 4G network to 15 major towns, and increase its 3G coverage countrywide.

The partnership leverages on the fact that there are over 11 million data subscribers on the network who access the internet through their phone.

“Partnering with like-minded organizations adds more value to our ambition to make people’s lives simpler.

Traffic information on Waze,

which is updated in real time, will save users the hassle of enormous amounts of time spent in traffic by offering alternative routes,” said Charles Murito, Country Manager, Google Kenya.

He said, “Waze will be the ultimate driving companion as it will track your progress in traffic jams.

Using a traffic bar, the application will calculate the amount of time spent in the jam and update your progress as you move along.

MICROFINANCE BANK

TARATIBU SAVINGS ACCOUNT

WAZE: Charles Murito (Country Manager, KenyaGoogle) & Julius Kundu (Internet & ContentSafaricom).

German car makers to acquire ‘Nokia Here’ from a $3.1 billion deal

This is an interest earning transactional account that allows you to deposit your money as you get it and withdraw as you wish.

Earn interest of up to 4% with a balance of atleast 5,000 Ksh

Germany’s biggest auto makers have announced they are buying Nokia’s “Here” digital mapping business for $3.1billion (Sh308 billion).

Nokia has been developing technology that aims to create self-driving cars, a trend that is picking up speed among tech companies and vehicle manufacturers alike.

Nokia’s “Here” platform uses cloud technology to build digital maps, which, in the near future, will allow vehicles to drive themselves, the BBC

reports.

“High-precision digital maps are a crucial component of the mobility of the future,” said Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of Daimler.

Despite their pre-existing rivalry, the automakers each plan to hold an equal stake in ‘Here’.

“No single carmaker can do it by themselves,” ‘Here’ said on its website.

Sean Fernback, the President of ‘Here’, said that the new ownership structure “will

allow us to accelerate our strategy, further scale our business and fulfil our intent to become the leading location cloud company across industries.”

Rajeev Suri, CEO of Nokia, noted that the move, combined with Nokia’s other tech-based initiatives, will help the firm become “a renewed company, with a world-leading network technology and services business.”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

ACCESS topstory

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fashionscoop

Celebrated video director J Blessing and his wife Chantelle lost their seven month old, Baby Kyle last week on Thursday.

J Blessing and son.

Chantelle and Kyle.

Rallying behind J Blessing and chantelle L

XAccess has learnt that Baby Kyle had been unwell and was admitted to the Aga Khan hospital, Nairobi for specialized treatment after being taken to a different facility.

Happier days.

osing a child is the most painful thing a parent can go through.

Imagine loving the child and cherishing him or her until they become your world then in a flash they are gone.

The news came as a shock to fans and friends who were not aware that the beloved couple had been in and out of hospital with baby Kyle.

J blessing is revered for his countless award winning gospel song productions while his wife Chantelle is best remembered for the one hit wonder with Abbass Kubaff, Toklezea.The two tied the knot secretly after months of rumored romance and shocked Celebvile even further by getting a lovely baby boy soon after. Fast forward to recent times and now XAccess has learnt that Baby Kyle had been unwell and was admitted to the Aga Khan hospital, Nairobi for specialized treatment after being taken to a different facility. The baby’s condition allegedly worsened mid last week and was admitted in the ICU where he passed on.

Sources close to the couple have intimated to XAccess that the baby was rushed to hospital on Tuesday last week and that J blessing and Chantelle asked family and friends to pray for their little one. They reached out to a pastor who to their shock asked them for seed money of Sh, 100 000 to pray for them.

They did not have Sh 100,000 for the

said specialized prayer.

Unfortunately God had a different plan for their little angel.

J blessings took to social media and posted a solemn picture of him and baby Kyle only captioned ‘it is well with my soul’ Condolences have poured in from Celebville from both secular and gospel artistes.

Many have taken to social media to share in the grief and rally support to offset the Sh 840,000 hospital bill incurred at the Aga Khan Hospital.

Tomorrow there will be a service at River of God Church, Parklands for baby Kyle then the burial after at Lang’ata Cemetery at 11am.

Meanwhile, well-wishers can donate funds via mobile money through Paybill number 303030 for the account 2025020971. As little Kyle flies to be with God and the other angels, we pray for J Blessing and his wife Chantelle. May they find the strength to keep walking. Man composes and God disposes. Grass will grow.

Chantelle with baby bump.

8

ACCESS

WEDNESDAY TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th NOVEMBER 4 2015 2014

Vegetable Orchestra

artshock

ARTWORLD

Technology has made iT easier for cloud 9 To sTarT and finish arT works quickly, especially larger orders.

OUR R00TS

W

hen you think of vegetables you think of healthy and clean eating. We are sure your mind does not think of an orchestra when trying to munch a carrot, right? In Vienna, Austria there is an orchestra that uses vegetables as their music instruments!

The Vegetable Orchestra was formed in 1998 and has been using vegetables to make music. There is no linit to what kind of music they can do with the vegetables. Their unique approach to music has made them travel around the world performing at different spaces. The instruments are carrot flutes, leek violins, cucumber phones, celery bongos and pumpkin basses. Who knew??

When

meets

fashiOn

Pokomo traditional wedding rituals

I

n the Pokomo community, the marriage process involved many conditions with the most important one referred to as “Maadha”. When a man found a woman he wishes to marry, he informed his parents who then, did a background check on. When this was complete and they were content with the findings, the groom’s family visited the other family with a perenkera, a small vessel containing tobacco. Giving the bride’s family the “perenkera” signifies that there is a woman in that home who is fit to be married by their son. At this point, they made their intentions clear and in return the bride’s family would set the grounds for the negotiations.

If the girl’s family gave consent, they would then bring a “hasi” which is a basket made using reeds as a sign that they are ready to proceed to the next level. Once both families were in agreement, the family of the groom arranged to return with a “jifu” as the second last step to finalizing the marriage. It is only after this that they bring “mahari” which is another name for dowry. This was done as a sign of respect to the parents especially for all the work that they put in raising their daughter. It is after the dowry payments that a wedding ceremony is conducted….

And that is even more elaborate!

W

ith the diversity in art, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between art and fashion as one has to have an artistic side in order to blend it with fashion. Up until august 2014 the now Cloud 9 was Tesh technologies. Part of their job description included printing promotional merchandise for corporates.

After getting numerous enquiries for branded apparel like hoodies and t-shirts, the idea to turn into cloud 9 was born.

Cloud 9 is a team effort. Conceived and hatched by four friends Collins Mesongo, Tesh Mbaabu, Emmanuel Miriti and Mutethia Michael. Because they each have different skills they have delegated someone for Graphic design, Web development and the other acquainted with fashion and design. This is what sets them apart from the rest.

Seeing as they like to give the customers that which lies closest to their heart, their art can be described as abstract with a “We also strive to tailor artworks with what people hold

close to their hearts.” Said Collins.

Some of their pieces reinforce this point as they have done a print dubbed “Team Mafisi” and “High on Life” which are phrases used by many in their day to day conversation. Other works of art that they have are a print of the continent of Africa and the map of Kenya.

Technology has made it easier for cloud 9 to start and finish art works quickly, especially larger orders.

Whereas individual handmade pieces take long in an ideal world; theirs could take even under an hour to complete for as long as the original design is approved.

With the m a n y clothing pieces t h a t

Tesh

are emerging in the market, cloud 9 still seeks to be unique “We’ve always had the urge of being unique yet true to consumers.” Adds Tesh. Having had their fair share of ups and downs, they are not about to take chances with quality.

Cloud 9 believes that the art industry is still young and has so much potential.

If artists believe in themselves and stay true to their art, they think that this will have a massive impact. “In the next 5 years the art industry will contribute a substantial percentage to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, “Michael who is in charge of production asserts adding that Cloud 9 will be ready to take on the world when that time comes.

Truly, art can be simple and complicated at the same time. It doesn’t have to be the art that we are accustomed to as sometimes we get lost in that which we know and fail to venture into new realms.

9

ACCESS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

aboutLove

online profile putS off potentiAl dAteS due to their cleArly defined (And unreAliStic) demAndS.

HOT TOPICS

beyonce

Is Beyoncé pregnant?

Beyoncé is, yet again, sparking pregnancy rumors as she touched down in New York City stomach covered in a flowy dress along with her husband, Jay Z, and 3-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy. Arriving at West 30th Street Heliport, the 33-year-old superstar was snapped covering her stomach with her laptop, while wearing a loose maxi dress and a baggy jean jacket. Fans are now getting excited at the possibility that Queen ‘B’ could be expecting baby number two. It’s also been a month since Beyonce posted her last full-body pic on Instagram, leading some to suspect she’s hiding a possible baby bump. The last glimpse of her bikini body was posted on July 1. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect since we’re less than a month away from the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, taking place on August 30 in Los Angeles. Who could ever forget Beyonce’s epic pregnancy announcement at the 2011 VMAs during her performance of “Love on Top?!”

Gwen Stefani files for divorce

Gwen Stefani has filed for divorce from husband Gavin Rossdale. The couple have been married for 13 years and have three sons together. In the divorce papers, Gwen cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. The couple are seeking joint custody of their sons and Gwen is said to be open to offering spousal support to Gavin. Another one bites the dust.

Happy Birthday Size 8

Today, the wife of DJ Mo is celebrating her birthday.

The one time hot secular singer turned gospel is currently pregnant with her first child with husband DJ MO. Happy Birthday Size 8!

Gkon is fishing at the coast Up and coming rapper G Kon known for his Mtu Mbaya Sana has now teamed up with Coast heavyweight, Susumila to bring another new joint, Ng’ang’ana. The song is set to drop on Friday.

Susumila is known for his song, Hidaya that is currently rocking airwaves. Will the song be a hit?

ASK dr X Dear DR X,

My husband passed away five years ago. He left me with two children a boy and a girl. I have now accepted his death and I want to move on. But I feel guilty every time I go out on a date or I meet someone new. I feel like I am cheating on my husband.

What do I do? Help me.

—Kate.

If you thought you would never come across your ex after your breakup, think again.

ha

loVer beWare:

t

type oF men to looK out Fo r onlIne

he fake profile pro One look at the fake profile pro’s social media accounts leads to the conclusion that the man must have undergone some training in advertising. In fact, his profile looks more like a resume. Beware though, this is the kind of man who dedicates a lot of effort to sprucing up his profile because he has skeletons in his closet in real life, and tries to hide these skeletons behind his picture perfect online profiles.

He is either a chauvinist or a wife batterer. In extreme cases, he may be hideous looking at best.

The pushover This guy is the perfect description of an emotional wreck. His online posts are mostly sensitive, with indirect attack quotes from the Bible popping up here and there, could be aimed at an ex or exes.

The pushover is the kind of guy who assumes that the two of you

are exclusive after one day of chatting. Did we mention that he sends online messages nonstop, and has the potential of tracking you down to your work place just so he can send you flowers?

The perfectionist This is the kind of person whose online profile puts off potential dates due to their clearly defined (and unrealistic) demands about the kind of partner that they want.

They are also particularly rude, telling off anyone they deem below their level.

Don’t be fooled though; the attitude is just a defense mechanism developed following a messy heartbreak in the past.

Your ex If you thought you would never come across your ex after your breakup, think again.

Just like you, your former lover may be looking for a new love interest online and dating

sites are likely to recommend you to one another since your preferences match, after all, that is what made you an item in the first place. As such, don’t be mad if your online dating sites suggest you date your ex again, it might be a sign that the two of you are actually meant to be!

The ‘one’ This man is everything you have ever wanted.

He shares the same interests, same sense of humor and he even has the same taste in music like you do.

He is also born again, rich and he cringes at the thought of infidelity.

In short, he is too good to be true.

You need to be careful with this type of man…he is most likely a conman who has conducted intensive research on the qualities women seek in men so as to lure unsuspecting women into his trap.

I am ready to date agaIn but I am too guIlty to try, help!

Dear Kate,

I am sorry for your loss. It will take time for you to adjust and feel comfortable enough to date someone. You had been with one person for a very long time now you have to adjust to living alone. That can be stressful for any person.

Don’t push yourself too hard, make

baby steps. Your husband would want you to find happiness. You are not cheating on him. So go ahead and get back out there. Date again.

When you find the right person, you will know but keep trying.

Send your agonising queries to adhyambo@x254.co

DR X.

10

ACCESS

TUESDAY, JAUGUST 4 2015

FASHIONScoop

the 2015 mama after party red carpet.

with a All white ld, go touch of n point always o nytime. a anywhere AVRIL- Is looking good in this curve skimming dress.

AMANI – Playful floral knee length dress was all she needed to look this good.

KENZO – Nailed it with the African stitch shirt and fitting jeans.

aLL tHat GLamoUr…

n VIVIAN’s little black cocktail dress works for her.

Our rating: H H H

filmlab

mission impossibLe Rogue Nation

BEST... rating: PG 13 Genre: Action and Adventure cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg time: 2hrs 12mins

This will definitely keep you glued to your seat as Tom Cruise proves once again that he has not lost his mojo. Ethan assembles his team to deal with a threat. A rogue syndicate is threatening to take over and create a new world order. The operatives of the syndicate are as highly trained as Ethan’s team. Now he has to think ahead to outwit them and keep the world safe.

airobi Kenya hosted the first ever MAMA awards after party at the Carnivore Simba saloon this past weekend. The red carpet was abuzz with celebrities taking either the walks of fame or shame. It was an evening of partying and the ladies dressed to kill, while the men, let’s just say they were killed and H_art the band were the first casualties. Not all of them though, others stepped out in style

rating: PG 13 Genre: Mystery and Suspense cast: Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Carly Chaikin

rating: R Genre: Comedy, Action, Adventure cast: Chris Hemsworth, Ed Helms, Chevy Chase time: 1hr 39mins.

mr robot

vacation The film falls short of expectations. Rusty Geiswold decides to take his family for a vacation. He feels everyone deserves a break from their hectic life. He also wants to reconnect with his family and spice things up with his wife.

But things don’t go as planned.

H_ART THE BANDPut together all the colors they could find and messed up.

Our rating: H H

Mr Robot will keep you glued to your seat.

A young computer programmer is recruited by an organization that wants to take down corporate America. His boss calls himself Mr. Robot and endeavors to teach the corporate world a lesson.

Our rating: H H H

PLAY 11 TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Don’t be afraid of hurting other people’s feelings as you express this emotion. You’d be doing yourself and other people a disservice by not revealing the true scope of your emotions. The other parties involved may not have all the facts necessary to make the most educated decision.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 If someone asks you to help move a couch, you’re likely to be able to pick the whole thing up by yourself. Don’t sell yourself short. You have more internal strength than you reveal to others.

There’s no need to hide it any longer. Make use of this great power.

TUESday 4/08/2015

sunny

22

22ºC 62%

WEDNEsday 5/08/2015

More sun than clouds

23 6:37 am 6:41pm

25ºC 52%

6:37 am 6:41 pm

THURsday

21

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

Yesterday’s Solution

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 People won’t be too sympathetic to your emotional sob story today, so keep it quiet. Whining will most certainly get you kicked off the train altogether. The energy of today is teaching you to toughen up. Don’t take it personally, but realize that there are important lessons to learn.

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 An aggressive approach is what’s needed, and you have the ability to deliver the goods. Trying to do everything yourself may seem like a great idea at first, but you’re better off enlisting help so others can feel more involved and you can concentrate on doing a better job on fewer tasks.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 It’s a prime target for the abrasive words being tossed around. Your sensitivity leaves you feeling alone and naked in the harsh atmosphere. You might be better off staying in bed. If you decide to go out, be prepared. Know your weaknesses so you can use your energy resources most efficiently.

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 A position involving power and authority is opening up, and you’re the perfect one for the job, Gemini. You have the emotional and physical boost you need to feel good about your leadership abilities. This is a time to take control of the situation.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 The problem with today’s energy is that there just may be some sticks and stones tossed in your direction. Be on the lookout for such airborne adversity. Powerful forces are operating with emotional aggression. War can break out if you aren’t careful. Try to maintain the peace.

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Remember that selfishness isn’t always considered negative. Sometimes it’s healthy and necessary to take on a self-centered role. Remember that you need to take care of number one at all times.

Don’t try to pick a fight when other people also demonstrate this behavior.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 “Stirred” may be too light a word. Put on your armor and get ready to do battle. Others may cower when they see what’s going on outside, but you will want to jump into the fray. Strong emotions are the weapons of the day. Everyone knows that you have a strong arsenal in this department.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Move in for the kill today, Libra. Don’t stop until you succeed. Don’t let other people’s insecurities become yours. Have confidence in yourself and the way you act around others. Just because someone else feels sad, that doesn’t mean you have to just to make him or her feel better.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Get it out in the open. Keeping it inside is only eating away at your internal mechanisms. Stop worrying about the consequences and make the move. Today is a day to be bold and aggressive.

Other people might respond similarly, so if you dish it out, be sure you can take it.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 You will get that chance. Enlighten others with your wealth of knowledge. Take control of the conversation and accept the mental challenge of trying to win other people over to your side.

Whether you’re successful or not, you will have a good time trying.

MUSTREAD When Rain Clouds Gather — by Bessie Head

Makhaya is a young South African man who has just been released from jail.

He is unable to put up with the harsh treatment the black people in his country are subjected to so he decides to flee. He goes to Botswana hoping to find peace of mind.

Makhaya ends up in the village of Golema Mmidi, in the heart of rural Botswana. He is welcomed to the village by Denorego who introduces him to Gilbert, an agricultural expert who has stayed in Golema Mmidi for three years trying to change the traditional agricultural practices to modern ones. Makhaya begins a journey of exploring himself and the new land he now calls home.

12

PLAY

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1. Mineral that forms in sheets 5. Sportscaster Rashad 10. Stress test tests 14. “____ two minds about it” 15. One way to cook fish 16. Part of speech 17. Acts out 19. Disorderly road?

20. Agitated?

21. Consume with gusto 22. Nuts 26. Mobster John known as the “Teflon Don” 30. His machine won a gold medal in the Paris Exhibition of 1867 34. ___ fours 35. Threads 36. Half a latin dance 37. Reacts to pain 39. Tie 42. Creamy drink 43. Word of woe 47. Capped nut 48. Road blocker, maybe 51. Ploys 52. Schwarzenegger, by birth 54. High-level sci. class 57. Like Rubens 62. Creepy one 63. Bob Dylan hit 66. Paris pop 67. Fixes firmly 68. Mideast royal name

69. Some cameras 70. Scary movie locale, for short 71. Port on the eastern Mediterranean Down 1. Actress Rogers 2. Poker player’s challenge 3. La ____ Nostra 4. Place for B-2s and B-52s, for short 5. Crop-eating pest 6. Emulated a dragon 7. Dallas player, for short 8. Seasoned pro 9. U.S. cabinet dept. formed in 2002 10. Printer’s punctuation option 11. Diving bird 12. Spiritual advisor 13. Jacket fastener 18. Star, in France 21. Raised rails 23. Italian sky color 24. Word with first or financial 25. Ultimate 26. Prom wear 27. ___ rings (fried side) 28. Latin ballroom dance 29. RN’s specialty 31. Spanish eights 32. Word in a motorist’s question 33. Pockets 38. Asian outbreak of 2003 40. Wasn’t just given 41. Fort Worth inst.

44. Afire 45. Kenya’s cont.

46. Shuts up 49. Forfeits 50. Half a quartet 53. As ___ resort 54. iPhone buys 55. Lemon zest source 56. “Boy, is it cold!”

58. Computer game of the 1990s 59. Sophie B. Hawkins’s “As ____ Me Down” 60. Lizard’s ending 61. Jekyll’s alter ego 63. Apparel size abbr.

64. “___ That Jazz” 65. “Sounds delicious!”

Sunday’s answers

YOURSAY

From inception, IGAD has failed to deliver on the S.Sudan crisis It was great of Kenya’s president Uhuru Kenyatta to urge South Sudanese leaders and citizens currently living in Kenya, to come back home and help in rebuilding and restoring peace in the country.

However, from inception of

this man made catastrophe which engulfed the whole country (South Sudan), there was a national call for peace which was misplaced and entrusted to be mediated

by East Africa regional bloc known as IGAD assuming that durable and lasting

peace solutions would be found. IGAD fell short of its responsibilities and obligations to address the root causes of the conflict.

All the indicators from commencement of IGAD mediators’ trial to broker peace deals were not

FIND THE KEYWORD IN RED AND SMS IT TO 22333 Barua Muganga RINGTONES: 30 KSHS PER DAY Nipe Nafasi You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this Glory to Glory link using GPRS or WAP & download your content.

Nanena KENYAN HITS! Adonai KENRAZY Visita, Madtraxx, DNA & Jay A Dumbala Remix KEN4 Zawadi GLORIA MULIRO Msaidizi GM4 Sitalia Tena KEN WAMARIA Fundamentals KT4 Bongo Lala RUFF4 RUFFTONE & GSU Mungu Baba Sitalia Tena MERCYLINAH Uwepo Wako LIN4 Hatarudi Nyuma MARION SHAKO Milele SHA4 Mapenzi GERALDINE ODUOR GER4 Dongo Dongo Solo EUNICE NJERI Ulibeba EN4 Penzi Langu EMMY KOSGEI Sobei Cheiso KOS4 Matokeo Worship You BMF FT MERCY WAIREGI BMF4 Born Again ALICE KAMANDE Sambaza KAM4 Lingala Ya Yesu DADDY OWEN Defender DAD4 Fanya Kitendo MOG4 MOG Tosheka Muziki Ni Dawa DK KWENYE BEAT Kereka DK4 Makeke JOAN WAIRIMU Ningwendete VAN4 Kitanzi LK4 LOISE KIM Queen Miss Hizo N.D GITHUKA Ahuirania GAK4 Naona Mbali Ti Mundu BETTY BAYO & MR SEED BET4 Nime Wasamehe Ndirakurekie SIMON SIM4 Hakuna Silaha JOAN WAIRIMU Kinyukia Kahora VAN4

Ex: HC4 to 22333

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TIB4 HC4 GON4 GIT4 WT4 JC4 HOB4 HOK4 JAG4 SIM4 DUM4 DUM4 LIT4 PIG4 GM4 KEB4 BOM4 GIT4 RING4 JG4 GM4 ALA4 GON4 SOL4 SK4

This is a subscription service. Cost per message is KSH30. Content Delivered daily. A Joining fee of KSH30 applies.

Phone must be WAP/GPRS ENABLED to download ringtones. Errors will be billed. To DEACTIVATE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, SMS STOP followed by the keyword i.e. STOP HC4 to 22333 or *100#. A deactivation fee of KES 30 will be charged unless passive deactivation is requested.Customer Support: 0711035333 or 0734488668 , SUN - FRI, 8:30AM - 6pm, SAT 9am - 5pm. or email: ke@smshelp.info.

realistically applicable to resolve the South Sudanese crisis due to the fact that some countries from East African regional bloc are engaging in combat operations within South Sudan sided with SPLA Juba under the pretext of protecting country important

installations, like oil facilities, airport, public infrastructures and evacuation of their nationals.

In my humble view as concern citizen I am recommending that the two principal of the warring parties must take courage and heart to

compromise most of their demands for the sake of peace to return to South Sudan. The ordinary Citizens of South Sudan are the one paying heavily the high price for this senseless war.

-Malek Cook-Dwach, S.Sudan

Preventing child sexual abuse should be a major public health initiative Cases of child sex abuse are on the rise, the recent case being that of an ‘anonymous’ MP who has allegedly been raping his daughters, even in his wife’s knowledge.

If it were a higher priority, identifying children at risk could be done in pediatrician’s offices and emergency rooms. Risk factors include neglect and psychological mistreatment.

Mandatory reporting of child abuse is a legal obligation by health care professionals; other forms of violence that include children should be illegal but are not. Domestic violence,

witnessed by children, is a common antecedent to other forms of abuse. However, it frequently goes unreported because the abused person (most often a woman) does not report the abuse. Another implication for child sexual abuse is sex trafficking.

It’s time for compulsory parenting education at every birth and for increased training of health care professionals for identification and monitoring of those at risk — time, in other words, to begin protecting our children.

Winnie Kagwiria, Fedha

Nairobi County roads are a death trap Nairobi County roads are a death trap and the Kenya Roads Board should do something about it.

It was recently reported that Nairobi has the highest number of road-related deaths in the country with over 200 reported fatalities over the past few months.

We need streetlights, zebra crossings, fly-overs and a host of other safety-related features if we want to save lives. We also need police officers and patrol units to stop attacking innocent drivers for minor offences. They need to chase

down the real criminals; the drunk drivers and those who are using the wrong lanes along our roads.

We also need decent roads. The Board needs to sort this pothole problem once and for all.

And when did Nairobi become a rural area?

I see murram roads everywhere and muddy streets, which can easily be tarmaced, cobbled or replaced with brickwork.

Someone on the Board is half asleep and desperately needs a rude awakening.

—Dennis L., Nairobi

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

I​ OC promises zero tolerance if doping allegations are found true The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will act with “zero tolerance” should allegations of widespread doping in athletics be proven, says President Thomas Bach.

This comes following reports by a German TV that leaked controversial data from ​​International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). More than 800 athletes - one in seven of those named in the files - have recorded blood tests described by one of the experts as “highly suggestive of doping or at the very least abnormal”.

Bach said: “At this time we’ve nothing more than allegations and we have to respect the presumption of innocence.”

The blood-test data, covering the period between 2001 and 2012, was leaked by a whistle-blower to a German broadcaster and the Sunday Times.

“If there should be cases involving results at Olympic Games, the IOC will act with zero tolerance with our usual policy,” said Bach.

German broadcaster ARD/WDR obtained access to the results of 12,000 blood tests from 5,000 athletes.

The files - seen by the BBC - show a third of all medals in endurance events (146, including 55 golds) at Olympics and World Championships were won by athletes who recorded

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

suspicious tests, according to independent experts who have analysed the data.

More than 800 athletes - one in seven of those named in the files - recorded blood tests described by one of the experts as “highly suggestive of doping or at the very least abnormal”.

The data is not proof of doping - but the revelations raise more serious questions over whether the sport is doing enough to combat cheating.

Sports nutritionist Eleanor Jones says blood doping can help endurance athletes by increasing their ability to transport oxygen around the body.

“It works like giving blood, except that after you’ve replaced that donation naturally in your body, you then reinfuse the blood that you removed originally, so you might have 110% of your normal blood volume.”

WE’LL CRACK WHIP: Thomas Bach, president of the

International Olympic Committee (IOC) speaks to the media during a photo call at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, on Friday, July 24, 2015.

LEFT OUT: Kenya Prisons women volleyball team in previous international action.

No women volleyball fixtures as league action heads to Kiambu​ There will be no women’s matches during the 7th leg of Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league set to take place on August 21 in Kiambu County.

According to the fixtures released yesterday, only 10 league matches, all men’s fixtures will be played in Kiambu as the league hits the final bend before the national play-offs to be held in Mombasa later in the year.

Top women clubs like Kenya Pipeline, Kenya Prisons, KCB and Nairobi Water had problems rising competitive squads for the league matches after a number of players from these clubs were called to the national team. The national teams, A and B are currently preparing for the All Africa Games set for September 4-19 in Congo Brazzaville and the August 22 to

SPORT 13

September 6 world Cup to be staged in Japan.

National division one (men) leaders Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have been paired with 2013 champions General Service Unit (GSU) in Kiambu. GSU who returned to action in the last leg held in Bungoma after two months absence will be looking to carry their good form, which saw them, beat defending champions, Kenya Prions in the crucial match.

KPA is also on ascending form that has seen the Dockers lose only one match out of their last 10 outings, which places them top of the summit with 26 points while GSU who have played three matches less are seventh with 16 points. Forest Rangers may leapfrog the Warders should they win their match against Cooperative Bank.

National Special Olympic team returns home with 42 medals After begging for money from well-wishers and the government to help them honour this year’s Special Olympics in Los Angeles, Team Kenya immersed a massive 42 medals; 22 Gold, Two Silver and 18 Bronze in the just conclude World Games in Los Angeles, USA. The outstanding performance was realised despite the fact that this team had to literally beg the government to approve their Sh300m budge, which the ministry reluctantly did after some well-wishers jumped in to help purchase the air tickets and accommodation for the Kenyan delegation.

The delay in approving the budget severally disrupted their training but they weathered the storm to make Kenya proud when the team posted the country’s best ever performance in the Special Games.

Onesmus Mutinda, Susan Gatwiri and Alex

Komen both brought double Gold in the men’s full marathon and 10,00m (Mutinda). Gatwiri and Komen​both won the women a​ nd men’s 5,000m and 3,000m​races respectively.

Mutinda had rested for over 30 minutes before his closest rival crossed the finishing line in the men’​s full marathon where he clocked 1:18.06 to​​win the country’s Gold in the distance that has been dominated by Kenyans. He doubled his medal tally when he timed 32:46.10 in another endurance race to grab the men’s 10,000m.

Kenya also returned home with two Gold in the football (5-A-Side) in both genders. The men’s team beat Iran 3-0 while the women’s side overpowered Switzerland 5-0 to win Gold. Other medals were realised in the men’s handball (Bronze) and women’s 200m where Joylin Jeruto also won the Bronze.

JOLLY: Kenya’s Five-A-Side Special Olympic football team members celebrating a goal against Iran.

14

SPORT TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

Chatthe upbeat as th 6 KNRC leg revs to Machakos this weekend Jaspreet Singh Chatthe who leads the Kenya National Rally Championship with 113.5 point will be looking protect his lead during the sixth round of the national championship set to take place in Machakos this Saturday.

Chatthe is however expected to have stiff opposition from Ian Dancun who is second with 74.5 points and Baldev Singh Chager (64.5)

who will lead other top drivers in the KNRC Premier Division like, defending champion Baldev Chager, six times champion and Rajbir Rai, Carl Tundo and Finnish Tapio Laukkannen.

Division 1 also promises thrills with “Shamba Boy” Mahesh Halai (Subaru N12) gunning to protect his lead ahead of former two times 2WD Champion Jasmeet Chana.

There will be yet another battle royale in the classic category where leader and champion Jonathan Somen is enjoying a seven-point lead against veteran Aslam Khan.

Somen and Aslam are using the 2015 KNRC season to prepare for the biennial East African Safari Classic Rally.

The 2015 KNRC series has been to more than eight counties. The first

REASULTS 1. Jassi Chatthe 113.5 2. Ian Duncan 74.5 3. Baldev Singh Chager 64.5 4. Jas Mangat 60 4. Rajbir Rai 60 6. Tapio Laukkanen 58 KNRC NAVIGATORS 1. Gugu Panesar 105.5 2. Ravi Soni 73.5 3. Gareth Dawe 51 4. Tim Challen 46 5. Tim Jessop 42 KNRC CLASSIC DRIVERS 1. Jonathan Somen 46 2. Aslam Khan 39 3. Alastair Cavenagh 37.5 4. Stefano Rocca 31.5 5. Ranjeet Sehmi 27 KNRC DIVISION 1 DRIVERS 1. Mahesh Halai 69 2. Jasmeet Chana 67 3. Amaanraj Singh Rai 64.5 4. Izhar Mirza 50 4.Tejveer Singh Rai 50 KNRC DIVISION 2 DRIVERS 1. Dennis Mwenda 121.5 2. Asad Khan “Kalulu” 118.5 3. Eric Bengi 57 4. James Kirimi 54 5. Jonathan Somen 31 KNRC GROUP N DRIVERS 1. Baldev Singh Chager 98.5 2. Ian Duncan 83.5 3. Onkar Singh Rai 65.5 4. Dennis Mwenda 47 5. Asad Khan 43 KNRC 2WD DRIVERS 1. Eric Bengi 87.5 2. Leonardo Varese 83.5 3. Sammy Nyorri 82 4. Raju Sagoo 60.5 5. Alex Lairang’i 60

round of the Championship was organised by Equator Motor Club (EMC) in Chemase with Britain and Finland Champion Tapio emerging the winner, while the 63rd KCB Safari Rally held courtesy of Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) traversed five counties including Meru, Machakos, Kiambu and Laikipia. This was followed by the third event, which was organised by

Kenya Motor Sports Club (KMSC) in Kitengela, Athi River and Isinya terrains. Mombasa Motor Club (MMC) organised the fourth rally at the expansive Rukinga Ranch and Voi regions. After a two-year hiatus, Eldoret Rally 2015 was back in the national calendar revisiting the world-famous Flourspar-Nyaru stage, which was synonymous with the WRC Safari Rally back then.

English Premier League transfer spendings still Sh52b less this season

MADRID TRIO: Real Madrid trio of Bale (C), Ronaldo (L) and Benzema (R).

Manager Rafael Benitez does not expect forwards Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema to leave the club.

Bale, Benzema will stay at Realmadrid - Benitez Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez does not expect forwards Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema to leave the club.

Welsh international Bale, 26, has been linked with a move to Manchester United and France’s Benzema, 27, with Arsenal.

“I’m not going to talk about offers,” said Benitez. “Everything is well and he’s (Bale) going to have a good season with us, I’m sure.”

On Benzema, he added: “My answer is

that I think Benzema is going to stay with us. I’m very happy with him.”

Bale’s future has again come under question as Angel Di Maria is close to a £44.5m move from United to Paris StGermain.

“Gareth is a huge player for us and I know that he’s happy,” added Benitez.

The Spaniard was speaking before Tuesday’s game against Bale’s former club Tottenham in a pre-season tournament

also involving AC Milan and hosts Bayern Munich.

However, Benitez would not comment on any potential move for Manchester United’s 24-year-old keeper David De Gea. “I’ve said in five previous press conferences that I don’t want to talk about players who are in other teams,” he said.

“We have three very good keepers. I can talk about them, not other goalkeepers.”

Transfer spending in the English Premier League has reached Sh79 Billion £500m this summer, Sh52, 930 Billion (£335m) shy of last summer’s total with four weeks until the transfer deadline.

Raheem Sterling move to Manchester City for an initial fee of Sh.6.6 billion (£44m) has been the highest so far.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has hinted at a “surprise” signing despite spending £83m already.

“A new record is likely as clubs look to benefit from the

new TV deal,” said football finance expert Rob Wilson.

The transfer window shuts at 18:00 BST on Tuesday, 1 September. Starting from 2016-17 the Premier League TV rights deal increases from 48 Trillion £3.018bn to 811 Trillion (£5.136b) for three seasons.

The bottom club will pocket Sh.15.5b (£99m) per season with the champions earning more than £150m in prize money, even before extra money is paid for featuring in a TV match.

TOP 3: L-R; Memphis Depay, Raheem Sterling and Christian Benteke are some of the key signings in the EPL this season.

SPORT 15

Nadal beats Fabio Fognini to win Hamburg Open, his 3rd 2015 title Rafael Nadal defeated Italian Fabio Fognini 7-5 7-5 to win the Hamburg Tennis Open and clinch his third title of the year.

Nadal, playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon, had already lost to Fognini twice on clay this year.

But he won a tight final that saw 12 breaks of serve to extend his run of having won a European clay-court tournament every year since 2004.

It is the 67th singles title of the 29-yearold’s career and his third in Hamburg,

where he last won in 2008.

“It was a very tough final, it is an important title for me” said Nadal, who suffered cramp as he tried to conduct a post-match interview on the court.

Nadal, who has suffered from injuries this season, had not competed since he was knocked out of Wimbledon in the second round by qualifiers Dustin Brown The Spaniard squandered a 3-1 lead in the final set but saved two set points before finally

defeating the eighth seed in two hours 34 minutes.

“It was a great match, many great points, many breaks, we fought hard,” added Nadal, who now has 47 titles on clay and will move up to ninth in the world rankings on Monday.

ONE MORE: Rafael Nadal secured his third title of the year with victory in Hamburg.

Ashes 2015: England pin hopes on Wood to replace Anderson Mark Wood will continue to have his fitness monitored by England’s medical and coaching staff before Thursday’s fourth Ashes Test after getting through two bowling sessions at Trent Bridge on Monday following a painkilling injection to his left ankle.

The Durham fast bowler was replaced by Steven Finn for the eight-wicket win over Australia at Edgbaston – a

result that saw England take a 2-1 series lead with two Tests to play – amid concerns over the 25-year-old’s workload and longstanding discomfort in the joint.

The attack leader Jimmy Anderson has been ruled out of the fourth Test because of a side strain suffered in Birmingham and Wood is the preferred choice among the coaching staff to step into the breach and has been

tipped by the head coach, Trevor Bayliss, to share the new ball with Stuart Broad.

The England squad used their scheduled day off on Mondayfor batting practice, gym work and a game of football at the training ground of neighbouring club Nottingham Forest in the evening. Wood had two sessions with the bowling coach, Ottis Gibson, following a pain

jab understood to have been delivered last week.

No ill-effects were reported, although Yorkshire’s Liam Plunkett, whose last Test came against India at Lord’s 12 months ago, and the uncapped Derbyshire leftarmer Mark Footitt are on standby should Wood suffer any problems during two further days of practice this week.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

xnews | tuesday, auGust 4, 2015 | www.x-news.co.ke

IOC presIdent prOmIses zerO tOleranCe If dOpIng allegatIOns are true P13 HIGH FLYER: John Stones shows the kind of defensive quality, for Everton against Villarreal in Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial, which has attracted interest from Chelsea.

Stones should join United-Rio

E

verton defender John Stones should join Manchester United instead of Chelsea, according to former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand.

The Toffees have rejected at least one £20m bid from Chelsea for 21-yearold England international Stones, with United also thought to be interested.

“If he goes to Chelsea, he’s not playing every week,” said Ferdinand.

“If you tell any young footballer to leave a club to sit on the bench, you’ve got to be a lunatic.”

Since joining Everton from Barnsley in 2013, Stones has made 44 Premier League appearances and earned four England

caps. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has said he is determined to keep hold of the centre-half.

Ferdinand added: “He’s at that stage of his development where he wants to play every week.

“If he goes to Manchester United, he plays every week so that’s the right club for him.”

Ferdinand, who played 453 times for United, believes Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal needs defensive improvements.

United have Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as central-defensive options, while Daley Blind also played there during pre-season.

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