In what started as a political bromance, President William Ruto and DP Rigathi Gachagua have enjoyed a cordial relationship ever since they assumed office on September 13th, 2022. Even before the 2022 general election, choosing Rigathi Gachagua as the DP was a good strategy. His main role was to attack and silence former president Uhuru Kenyatta. He did that homework well, thanks to his abrasive style of doing politics. The duo had a good relationship for the better part of last year, and the optics could not lie. This could be seen as the DP used to accompany the president in different functions. Other times, he could escort the head of state whenever he was jetting out of the country. If this is anything to go by, it is evident that they were reading from the same script. When Did the Rain Start Beating DP Rigathi Gachagua? Things started getting tough for DP Rigathi Gachagua this year when a section of Mount Kenya leaders debated who could deputize the head of state in 2027. Some leaders, led by Murang’a senator Joe Nyutu, recommended Honorable Ndindi Nyoro, Kiharu MP, to deputize President William Ruto in 2027. This can be attributed to the fact that Ndindi Nyoro is seen as one of the powerbrokers in UDA and a very close ally of President William Ruto. Later, DP Gachagua apologized to former president Uhuru Kenyatta and his family for badmouthing them before and after the 2022 general election. Remember that DP Rigathi Gachagua was a fierce critic of former president Uhuru Kenyatta. DP’s Damascus moment shocked many across the political circles. This sudden change of mind might have made President William Ruto change his strategy for his DP, Rigathi Gachagua. DP Rigathi Gachagua Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Mama Ngina Kenyatta. During the recently held tree-planting event, DP Rigathi Gachagua was conspicuously missing. He did not go to Bomet County as expected, where he was supposed to lead the tree planting process. The tree-planting event is among the 11 state functions he should have attended alongside the head of state. During all this while, his phone was off, and Kenyans started asking about the whereabouts of the second in command. After being away for a whole week, DP Rigathi Gachagua appeared on May 21st, 2024 in Endarasha Catholic Church, situated in Kieni constituency. He said that he had taken time to meditate, pray, and fast for Kenya inside Mt. Kenya. Since then, the DP has been in the limelight. He is often seen alone or accompanying the president during state functions such as the Madaraka Day event in Bungoma County. Who is Against Gachagua, and Will the Center Hold? DP Rigathi Gachagua is facing fierce opposition from the UDA party. Some of President William Ruto’s key allies are against the ‘one man, one vote, one shilling’ debate led by the second in command. Apart from Nyeri’s leadership and a few UDA leaders, the rest seem to antagonize DP Rigathi Gachagua. Perhaps this is why he has spearheaded unity talks in the Mt. Kenya region. With the dalliance between President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi growing by the day, DP Rigathi Gachagua must play his cards well not to undergo humiliation like his boss during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s second term. With Opposition Supremo Raila Odinga backing the ‘one man, one vote, one shilling’ push, a lot is bound to change politically. In the coming days, DP Rigathi Gachagua may find a new set of political friends. Watch this space!
Will One Man, One Vote, One Shilling Become a Reality Soon?
The debate about ‘one man, one vote, one shilling’ has caused jitters among the country’s top political class. In a move that surprised many, DP Rigathi Gachagua revived this debate on Sunday, 12th May 2024, arguing that he is a proponent of the one-man-one-vote-one shilling mantra as resources are all about the people. He added, ‘ The more you are, the more taxes you pay.’ Therefore, it is obvious that the more taxes a certain populace pays, the higher the amount they are bound to get. This discussion has rattled many, including the head of state. President William Ruto believes that resources should be distributed to all regions of the country, regardless of the number of people who reside there. With DP Rigathi Gachagua reading from a different script from his boss, questions linger on whether this revenue-sharing formula will ever become a reality. DP Rigathi Gachagua One Man, One Vote, One Shilling Explained Regarding the distribution of natural resources, some counties in Kenya feel more marginalized than others. For instance, those counties within the Mt. Kenya region, such as Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga, have been receiving a small amount of money compared to the number of people who inhabit those regions. The situation worsens when a constituency such as Ruiru, which has 800000 people, obtains the same amount of Constituency Development Fund as Lamu, which has about 14000 people. If the population size were to be considered, constituencies with more people would receive as much. That way, such constituencies could offer bursaries of higher amounts than the current amount they usually offer. This amount usually ranges between Ksh 2000 and Ksh 5000 per child. Additionally, this fund could finance different projects within the Mt.Kenya region. Back then, this revenue distribution formula was captured in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led BBI. Unfortunately, the BBI was declared unconstitutional by the court, further thwarting the efforts to bring about Ksh.54 billion more in the Mt. Kenya counties and about Ksh.100 million and Ksh.300 million per constituency. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta What is the Fate of One Man, One Vote, One Shilling Revenue Sharing Formula? Now that there is a new push for the One Man One Vote One Shilling revenue distribution formula, led by DP Rigathi Gachagua, there is hope that it will become a reality one day. In addition, since this mantra was one of those critical points discussed in the Limuru III meeting held on 17th May 2024, the discourse about this revenue-sharing formula is bound to change. On 6th June 2024, Azimio chief Raila Odinga threw his political weight behind the ‘one man, one vote one shilling’ push. That move alone surprised many political leaders in the ruling party and opposition alike. To make the ‘One Man One Vote One Shilling’ mantra a reality, DP Rigathi Gachagua needs to rally MPs from his political party to back the bill. On the other hand, Azimio Supremo Raila Odinga is likely to do the same. If this happens, we might eventually bid goodbye to the ‘one man, one kilometer, one shilling’ revenue-sharing formula. Note that the latter has been in use since the promulgation of the new constitution in 2010.
The Kenyan Tax Burden: Saving the Economy or Driving Away Investors?
The Finance Bill 2024, which revealed the government’s taxation plans for the next financial year, has sparked a huge debate in the country. One thing stands out: many Kenyans, including workers, churches, and business people, oppose it. According to a Poll by Infortrack, Kenyans say that the country is headed in the wrong direction, citing the taxes proposed in the Finance Bill. 63% of Kenyans are not happy with the tax regime and the state of the economy. Over 80% of Kenyans opposed the 16% VAT on basic commodities like bread, VAT on financial transactions, motor vehicle tax, and the disclosure of personal data for taxation purposes. The cost of doing business, high cost of living, and unemployment rates are major concerns for Kenyans in the Finance Bill. The Proposals in the Finance Bill risk putting Kenya at a high risk of job losses and an economic crisis as businesses threaten to exit the Kenyan market. More and More Companies Leaving Kenya Digital ride-hailing platforms such as Bolt and Uber have already threatened to leave the country over the Significant Economic Presence Tax (SEP) set at six percent. According to the platforms, if Parliament approves the SEP’s proposals, they will face unsustainable operational costs. Uber App SEP is meant to tax the income from multinational companies with a substantial economic presence in Kenya. The tax will be imposed on non-resident persons earning income from services rendered in Kenya through digital marketplaces. Uber and Bolt’s representatives argued that increased taxation would eat out their small earnings and affect even the drivers’ income. This would eventually lead to a total collapse of operations and job losses, which is not good for a country already struggling with high unemployment rates. Uber and Bolt are not the only companies that have threatened to leave the country. Many multinational companies, some of which have been in the country for over 60 years, are packing up and leaving. GlaxoSmithKline is one of the companies that had earlier announced that it would be exiting the Kenyan market due to the high cost of doing business. Bayer, a biotechnology company with over 200 employees in the country, also announced its departure. Procter and Gamble, a multinational manufacturer of home products, also made the heartbreaking announcement of leaving the country. An illustration of taxes going high According to the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya is still facing more job losses as taxation continues to hurt businesses in the country. But what is Kenya gaining from the high taxes that are worth driving away investors and causing massive job losses? Well, they argue that it’s the only way to save the economy, which is already on its deathbed.
Paris Olympics 2024: Is Russia Trying to Disrupt the Event
Russia is using fake news and a false AI-generated documentary to undermine the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France. The Russian government has been on the neck of any nation seen to support Ukraine in any way, and the Olympic Games is a touch point to stoke fear about security at the event. Could the country be retaliating after its athletes were barred from participating in the games using their flag but as neutral competitors? Microsoft released news that propagandists in Russia had created a 60-minute documentary. The video imitated American and French intelligence agencies issuing false security warnings telling people to avoid the events. The documentary gives the impression that the games might be ruined by terrorist attacks. The Microsoft report stated that the Russian disinformation started towards the end of 2023. It was presented in digitally generated images that showed graffiti in Paris, which was a threat against Israeli athletes attending the games. These instances referenced the 1972 killings where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian militants in Munich. It is described as the most alarming disinformation shared by Russians impersonating militant groups, falsifying threats to the event while the Israel-Hamas war intensifies. The campaigns are spread by two Russian-supported groups named Storm-1679 and Storm-1099, also known as “Doppelganger.” Storm-1099 has used forged French News Websites to amplify Russian claims of potential violence during the games and International Olympic Committee, I.O.C., corruption allegations. Similarly, in June last year, the same group, Storm-1099, created a feature film they called “Olympic has Fallen” to belittle the I.O.C. leadership. Microsoft claimed that the movie used phony AI-generated sounds of American star Tom Cruise to narrate it and a Netflix logo and tricked other American celebrities into endorsing it with the help of the customized video message website Cameo. Olympics has Fallen Video poster However, the video was removed from YouTube, which has caused the groups to shift to other sites like Telegram. The initiative made it evident that the content producers put in a lot of work on the project and were more skilled than other influencer campaigns so far. It is also alleged that the tactics used to spread fake news could also be used during U.S. and European elections. Officials from France and the U.S. have monitored the campaign. According to an American official, Russian disinformation propagated by the Kremlin through social media still poses a threat to the security of the U.S. and its closest allies. French President Emmanuel Macron has also voiced his concerns over the documentaries. Speaking when opening the new Olympic swimming center, the president undoubtedly believes Russia is working tirelessly to release such propaganda. “Every day, Russia is putting out stories that we are not able to do this or that, implying that the games will be at risk.” Portal Kombat, a network of websites formed in Russia, is suspected of disseminating fake news. For instance, the assertion that French soldiers are currently operating in Ukraine and that President Macron aborted his trip to Kyiv due to concerns of an attempted assassination. Why France is Targeted It seems that the Storm-1679 group is now producing easier-to-make, shorter videos. The videos were centered on demeaning Ukrainian refugees living in the West, but they moved to the Olympics when French President Emmanuel Macron started to explore deploying his military to Ukraine openly. President Macron with other government officials and swimmers during the opening of Olympic Aquatic Center. For the first time, the president stated that if the terrorist threat increases, there will be backup plans for the July Olympic inaugural ceremony. “We will be ready,” the president said. The 26 July ceremony is currently scheduled to occur aboard boats in the Seine River. Over 300,000 spectators are expected to watch from the waterfronts. Experts have cautioned that there is a high risk of a terrorist strike on this occasion. French officials have spent months considering how Russia might sabotage the Games. Russian intelligence-affiliated hackers interrupted the 2018 Winter Olympics inauguration in South Korea, and French officials are bracing for further cyber-attacks this year. Following threats against highly publicized football matches in Paris and an Islamic State attack in Moscow in March, France increased its terrorist warning level. For the Olympics, France has also stepped up security. Though the Russian disinformation campaign aims to intimidate people into staying away from the Olympics, neither French nor American officials are issuing warnings to that effect. Shifted Target in the U.S. and Europe Microsoft researchers and U.S. government officials have discovered several Kremlin-affiliated organizations disseminating false information against the U.S. and Europe. President Putin Aides to Russian President Vladimir V. Putin oversee some of them. Others work for Russian intelligence. Others are people who go undercover as nonprofit organizations. Another group is former employees of the St. Petersburg-based troll farm Internet Research Agency, which disseminated election-related propaganda in 2016. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the agency, was a mercenary organization founder who spearheaded a revolution against the Kremlin before dying in an aircraft crash last year. Storm-1679 creates close to eight short films weekly. They are produced in French and English, imitating Al Jazeera, B.B.C., and other renowned channels. They are quick to spread news events such as protests in any part of France, while others amplify the possibility of an attack in Paris. To an unsuspecting online audience, the videos may seem to be legitimate C.I.A. videos with their logo, but they are not. In one of the videos, the group reported that 24% of the tickets issued have been returned due to fear. With the Olympic date drawing near, the French government cannot sit back and watch. The legislative branch has proposed creating stiff laws that would punish any individual or organization caught spreading propaganda. On the other hand, French people and others who are preparing to participate in the event have a role to play. There is a need for “internet hygiene.” Ensure you consume content from verified news channels. When you come across a video
What Measures Should the Government Take To Lower the High Cost of Living?
Since the Kenya Kwanza administration took power, most Kenyans have been grappling with the high cost of living. Whether one works in the formal or informal sector, we can all feel the heat. Although the country was not doing well economically before the 2022 general elections due to a prolonged drought in the same year, after President William Ruto clinched the presidency seat, things moved from bad to worse. The Kenya shilling started depreciating against major trading currencies. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the global supply of foodstuff items such as cooking oil was disrupted, further increasing the cost of living. Despite these challenges, the government can still take several measures to lower the high cost of living. Below are some helpful measures the government can undertake to mitigate this situation today. A person holding kenyan money 1. The Government Should Lower Taxes on Various Basic Commodities One factor that has hurt the budget of many Kenyan households is the high prices of basic commodities. For instance, if the Finance Bill 2024 is gazetted, consumers will likely have to part with Ksh.160 more for every liter of edible oil. This will become a reality once the 25% on exercise duty proposal on both refined and raw cooking is unamended. If this happens, the price of meals, even in hotels and roadside sellers, will increase significantly, further hurting the common man on the street. Other essential commodities that might witness a sharp rise in cost include diapers, bread, etc. If the government is interested in lowering the already high cost of living, it should lower or exempt taxes on most of these basic commodities. 2. The Government Should Increase Per Capita Income With little or no income, most people cannot afford the basic necessities of life. For this reason, the government should aim to increase per capita income so that most people can afford to pay for different commodities and bills even when inflation has increased. One way to do this is by creating employment opportunities for young people. Additionally, the government should be an enabler of business so that those in this sector can make more profits and afford a decent lifestyle. Policies that encourage people to immerse themselves in entrepreneurship should be enhanced so that those who do not have a formal job, can venture into this field and generate an income. By doing this, joblessness will be a thing of the past and the economy will grow tremendously. A team of entrepreneurs 3. The Government Should Continue Lowering the Cost of Farm Inputs Agriculture is the backbone of the Kenyan economy. For this reason, the government is making efforts to ensure that farmers purchase farm inputs such as fertilizer at a relatively lower price by offering the Free Fertilizer Subsidy Program. In addition to this program, the government should make other farm inputs affordable so that farmers can produce more on their farms. This will not only increase food security in the country but also make food items more affordable. Since most Kenyan households spend about 60% on food items, this amount will reduce, thereby enabling them to save more and cater for other expenses. Final Words Like other countries, Kenya has faced tough economic challenges in the past. Although these challenges have contributed significantly to the current high cost of living, implementing the ideas mentioned above can help make Kenyans’ lives easier. In the coming days, we hope the government will put into practice those ideas so that Kenyans’ disposable income can increase and lower the cost of living.
Religious Fanaticism and What Kenyans Go through in the Name of Salvation
One of the things you can never argue and win with a Kenyan is a topic about religion. You can only choose to be a believer or a non-believer. And yes, if you don’t subscribe to some people’s religious ideologies, you will be branded a sinner. But what has religion not done for Kenyans and Africa as a whole? If you view it from an expert point of view, you’ll understand that religion is the biggest disease ailing Africa. Many churches are not holy places anymore; they are businesses where the language of money dominates more than biblical teachings. Pastors use all kinds of tactics to milk money from their congregants. They quote a few bible verses of how the poor widow gave everything she had. They’ll tell you how 10 percent of your income doesn’t belong to you, and you’re stealing from God by keeping it. These tactics are to guilt trip you into giving away your hard-earned finances. Money aside, we’re not new to stories where pastors ask women for sexual favors in return for spiritual intervention. Videos often circulate on social media showing how some pastors pray for their congregants while touching their fundamental body parts. Don’t mention fake miracles showing people standing directly from wheelchairs or even the dead resurrecting. Pastor praying for a woman These stories only leave us with one question; how can sane people allow themselves to be used like that? The answer is simple: religious fanatism. Religious Fanatism and the Damage It Has Done to Kenyans If there’s one freedom that has been abused in Kenya, it’s the freedom to worship. People have gone to dangerous lengths to exercise this freedom. They have exercised their faith and beliefs in completely unreasonable ways. The story about Shakahola took the media waves by storm earlier last year. Paul Mackenzie, let’s not give him the ‘pastor’ title, was accused of religious radicalization back in 2017, only to be released back to society in 2021. During his earlier arrest, parents had accused him of advocating for their children not to go to school. Pastor Paul Mackenzie After he was released, Mackenzie was again back in the limelight in early 2023. This time, the story was extremely terrifying. Everything began with a family looking for their two missing children. A simple search for the children led to the discovery of hundreds of shallow mass graves with 600 people missing. This was later to be called a massacre in Shakahola. Mackenzie gave his congregants a false hope of Christianity, getting them to fast to death. People came from all over Kenya, some from Kisumu and Kakamega all the way to Malindi, where the fake pastor even gave them land. Some believers sold their property back home, abandoned their careers, and cut off family ties to join the pastor. Mackenzie made his congregants believe that fasting to death was their way of achieving eternal life and meeting Jesus. The fasting started with children, who were denied food and water until they breathed their last. Parents followed suit, fasting for days until their bodies couldn’t handle it anymore. Shakahola mass graves being exhumed Dating from April last year to date, more than 400 bodies have been exhumed from Shakahola, with scores still missing. How much harm did the preacher manage to cause within just two years? While the Shakahola case is regarded as the worst form of religious extremism ever witnessed in Kenya, it’s just another example of how Kenyans have become gullible to religion. Many are highly brainwashed by the so-called ‘men of God’ and are unable to make sound decisions. These people are not ready to listen to any advice and become extremely defensive if you question their religious ideologies. Kenyan and the entire Africa still have a long way to go as far as Christianity and religion are concerned.
From Showbiz to Politics: Why More Kenyan Celebrities Are Eyeing the Seats
After enjoying several years of showbiz and gaining a good number of fans, many Kenyan celebrities decide to venture into politics. According to the celebrities, their political ambitions are driven by the desire to serve the community and bring positive change in the legislation. The desires are also fueled by the thirst for new career paths. So far, celebrities who have taken the path of politics have seen huge success, and this seems to serve as inspiration for others. Many have vied for parliamentary, county assembly, women representatives, and senatorial positions. The quest for the seats has since resulted in success and failure in equal measures. Celebrities and personalities who successfully secured political positions in the last elections include Phelix Odiwour, aka Jalang’o, for Langata MP, Charles Kanyi, aka Jaguar, for Starehe MP; and Mohamed Ali, for Nyali MP. Of course, the list is endless. However, it looks like fame and a huge fan base are not enough to successfully secure a political position in Kenya. Celebrities such as Bahati, with a huge fan following did not manage to secure a seat as Mathare MP. Others who have tried and failed include Jasper Muthomi, aka MC Jesse, Anita Sonia, and Njambi Koikai. The Celebrities Eyeing Political Seats in 2027 With more than two years left to the next general elections, the country is already witnessing several celebrities making the announcements. The celebrities have come out in large numbers to announce their bids for the 2027 political seats. Others such as Eric Omondi are already doing service to the community to gain some traction. Eric Omondi Eric Omondi is one of the celebrities who want to turn over their career page and test their abilities as leaders in the country. The renowned comedian has been at the forefront lately, fighting political injustice and doing various kinds of charity work. Omondi hinted that he might vie for a Langata MP position come 2027. Kevin Kioko, aka Bahati, hopes to come back with renewed energy after failing to secure a parliamentary seat in 2022. Bahati has his eyes set on a gubernatorial position. The musician hinted at joining Zetech University to acquire a degree, one of the requirements to vie for a gubernatorial seat in Kenya. KRG the Don, believed to be one of the richest figures in showbiz, is another candidate coming in 2027. The Don wants to vie for a parliamentary position but did not disclose his target constituency. KRG The DON These are just but a few celebrities who want to venture into politics with others who debuted, while some have tested the water before. But the question remains, why the switch from showbiz to politics? Why Kenyan Celebrities Want Political Seats One of the driving forces behind Kenyan celebrities’ political ambitions is to build stronger voices for the youth. Many of the celebrities are young men and women who have been on the receiving end of political injustices that youths in Kenya have had to deal with. Kenyan youths queuing for an interview People in showbiz tend to understand youths better, as most of their fans are in this age bracket. Young politicians have been termed the driving forces and voices of the young generation, and as such, they’re the engines for change. Gone are the days when only older men, believed to have experience, wisdom, and power, could clinch political seats. Youths as young as 23 have shown great strides, beating the older generation to become some of the best country leaders. The young politicians believe that getting more young people into politics means having more policies for the young generation. It’s also a means of empowering the entertainment industry and protecting its people. The bold moves by the Kenyan celebrities who want to throw their hats in the ring and become politicians clearly show the determination the youths have to make the country better.
What Kenyans Stand to Gain From President Ruto’s Trip to South Korea
Just one week after leaving the United States of America, President William Ruto traveled to South Korea on June 3rd, 2024, alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto and other government dignitaries to attend the Korea-Africa Summit. The main aim of this summit was to build a much-needed strong relationship between Africa and South Korea. This way, Korea and Africa can take advantage of each other’s strengths to spur mutual growth, counter global challenges, and remain united for the sake of peace and tranquility in both regions. The president is expected to come with a bag of goodies, and here is what Kenyans can expect from his trip to South Korea: 1. Development Funding Kenyans now have a reason to smile as both states signed Ksh.63 Billion concessional development funding that will help finance stalled projects in the country. One of those projects that will benefit immensely from this funding is the Konza Digital Media City Project, which will receive Ksh.30 billion. If this project is completed as expected, Kenya’s digital ecosystem will undergo a paradigm shift, with an increase in creative and digital economic opportunities. This means that young people will benefit as they learn how to use modern technology and commercialize their services. If this is anything to go by, Kenyan youths are bound to reap more at the Konza Technopolis. Apart from the Konza Technopolis development, other sectors that stand to benefit from this funding include the dualing of Machakos Junction-Emali Road(78km), the development of the BRT Line 5, and the Vaccine Production Project, among other ongoing projects being carried out by both states. William Ruto and other dignitaries after signing the agreement 2. Better Working Conditions for Those Working in South Korea Kenyans who have opted to work in other countries often decry mistreatment by their employers for no just cause. To ensure that this stops, President William Ruto has asked South Korean head of state to fast-track the implementation of a bilateral labor agreement that outlines the laws and terms of engagement an employee from Kenya ought to adhere to once they get employed in South Korea. The Kenya-Korea Bilateral Labor Agreement also outlines when the employment contract will end so that the concerned employees can make adequate plans for the same. With this agreement in place, Kenyan employees working in South Korea can be assured that their working conditions will likely improve as we look into the future. 3. Improved Balance of Trade For many years, Kenya has been a net importer. Although the balance of trade currently favors South Korea, President Ruto is ready to reduce that imbalance. If this happens, we might end up exporting more products to South Korea than we are doing at the moment. An improved balance of trade means that Kenyans exporting products to South Korea will be able to make more money from the sale of their products. Final Thoughts President William Ruto’s trip to South Korea was not in vain. From getting development funding to a promise of improving the balance of trade, Kenyans have gained a lot from that trip. In the coming days, Kenya is likely to deepen its relations with South Korea for the mutual benefit of both states and their citizenry.
A Woman Never Drunk Yet Had High Alcohol Blood Level: The Mystery of Auto-Brewery Syndrome
Think about how confusing and infuriating it would be to be called intoxicated repeatedly when you haven’t touched a drop of alcohol. While this might seem like the stuff of a strange dream to many people, it is a real problem for some. That is what Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS) is all about and not many people know about it. ABS is a rare medical condition in which alcohol is produced internally in the body for no apparent reason, thus causing high blood alcohol levels without drinking any booze from outside. The story of a woman in Toronto has become very popular as she tried to find out what was wrong with her due to these strange symptoms. The Toronto Case: A Baffling Medical Mystery In Toronto, a woman faced a puzzling predicament when she kept testing positive for high levels of alcohol in her blood although she had not imbibed any alcoholic beverages. According to a Yahoo Lifestyle report, doctors & other healthcare professionals would tell her she was intoxicated multiple times and she would state otherwise with proof of non-consumption from her side. Understanding Auto-Brewery Syndrome Auto-brewery syndrome, also called gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare medical condition in which alcohol is produced within the body as a result of carbohydrates fermenting in the gut due to yeast. This according to Healthline could mean getting drunk without actually drinking any outside alcohol. Carbohydrates are metabolized into ethanol by yeasts such as Candida which are then absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood alcohol levels. A woman in a hospital holding her stomach Problems in Identifying Symptoms and Diagnosis The signs of ABS can be very different, which makes it hard to recognize. Patients may have moments where they feel light-headed or confused, changes in their mood or behavior, and look like they’ve been drinking alcohol. In an article published on CNN Health, these warning signs often result in patients being misdiagnosed or mistreated since they’re frequently mistaken for drunkenness. in most cases, they’re even blamed for excessive drinking. It usually takes a thorough past medical record, tests measuring alcohol levels in the blood, and looking for unusual yeast growth within the digestive system before diagnosing the disease. The Journey of the Toronto Woman Getting a correct diagnosis was quite a struggle for the lady from Toronto. The fact that she kept being disbelieved by health workers every time she sought their help. This clearly shows that ABS is not only rare but also shrouded in doubt. Her illness was only identified after she had gone through some specific tests that indicated high levels of fermenting yeast in her intestines. Treatment and Management Usually, coping with ABS means altering your diet. Take antifungal drugs, and use probiotics to lower the level of yeast and reduce fermentation in the intestines. According to Healthline, individuals are often told to stay away from foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugars as they can worsen fermentation. Structure of the digestive system Sometimes symptoms can be greatly lessened and future episodes of intoxication may be avoided through lifestyle changes as well as medication. Raising Awareness The case involving a woman from Toronto highlights the need for more people in society and the medical field to know about Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS). If ABS is identified more regularly, it means there will be better treatment options for patients with this weird condition and that would improve their lives too. Parting shot The Toronto woman’s journey through the her journey of Auto-Brewery Syndrome shines a light on a rare and mystifying condition that challenges our understanding of the human body. Her struggle in seeking answers amidst disbelief and misdiagnosis not only led to her own healing but also sparked dialogue within the medical community. As the awareness of ABS grows, her story stands as a testament to the power of patient advocacy and the importance of never giving up in the face of medical mysteries. In the end, her struggle transforms into a beacon of hope, guiding others toward a path of understanding and proper treatment, and reminding us all that sometimes, the most extraordinary answers lie within.
What Is It About the Bahatis That Sets Them Apart From Other Celebrity Families in Kenya
In the lively world of Kenyan give-and-take of stars, the Bahati family takes a very singular place enchanting the great attention of ordinary people and the media. This popularity is not a mere result of their participation in show business, but also of different sides of their private life and social activity. Here are the main features distinguishing Bahatis from other star clans in Kenya: 1. Dynamic Family Structure and Public Persona Kevin Bahati, a musician, and his wife Diana Marua are the leaders of the Bahati family. Their family structure is ever-changing and relatable, something that many Kenyans can identify with. Their public story is centered around their marriage and path to becoming parents. Kevin Bahati, who started off as a gospel artist, and Diana Marua, a social media influencer, have created a family brand that mixes traditional values with contemporary showbiz way of living. This hybrid model has attracted a large number of people ranging from Bahati’s die-hard fans who love his songs even to young social media enthusiasts who adore Diana. 2. Transparency and Relatability One thing that stands out about the Bahatis is how much they let people know about their lives. Kevin and Diana revealed, according to an article in Standard Media, that they have not hidden anything when it comes to their marriage or the journey of being parents. The couple’s honesty has created a strong bond with their fans who feel acknowledged due to them being true about both the struggles and victories they face. What sets these popular persons’ family apart from others who also have children is the fact that Kevin and Diana can talk openly on matters like challenges faced in marriage; dilemmas experienced while bringing up kids as well as juggling work among other things thereby endearing themselves more deeply into people’s hearts. Diana, Bahati and their three kids 3. Pioneering Reality TV Presence Additionally, they joined the world of reality TV— and this marked them as true game changers. According to Nairobi News, Netflix will be airing a reality show featuring the Bahati family. This move not only means a lot to the Bahatis but also signifies a major step forward for Kenya’s creative industry. They are expected to give a closer view into their daily activities through the show which will also help to entrench their place even further in the hearts of Kenyans as the de facto king and queen of local pop culture. 4. Strategic Media Engagement The Bahatis have deftly utilized social media, as well as other platforms, to keep themselves current and interact with their fans. By making appearances on both traditional and mainstream news outlets, they ensure that they stay part of the public conversation. This kind of media involvement in different levels pulls in people from all walks of life; those who commonly watch TV and even the tech-savvy youths who are more into digital content creation and consumption. 5. Social Impact and Advocacy Not just entertaining, the Bahatis have also been known for their social impact efforts. It is inspiring that Kevin Bahati managed to rise from rags to riches as a musician who is celebrated and at the same time a philanthropist. The Kenyan audiences are moved greatly by the programs on charity that the couple runs alongside nurturing family relations and taking care of children. They differ from other famous families in that they can mix fame with valuable social giving which matters more than being involved superficially. Bahati with a disabled child 6. Cultural Relevance and Adaptability The ability of the Bahati family to remain culturally relevant and adaptable in an entertainment industry that is rapidly changing should not be overlooked. They have managed to move from traditional forms of entertainment to creating digital content hence keeping up with the global trend. They can change with time to fit their environment hence they are always interesting both to the old and the young generation. Final Thoughts The Bahatis present themselves as a unique couple in Kenyan showbiz because they are relatable due to their family dynamics, open nature, being media pioneers, strategic interactions, social influence, and cultural adaptability. These different traits blended together make people have various opinions about them but generally they are loved since the majority can associate with what this duo represents; which in turn builds more bridges across diverse groups thereby strengthening their position further within Kenya’s entertainment space.
Charges That One Could Face for Assaulting a Police Officer in Kenya
A video trending on social media of a 19-year-old University student who gave a cop the beating of his life has gained mixed reactions amongst Kenyans. Ian Ngige Njoroge, who was caught on camera assaulting traffic police, has been arrested and charged with several crimes. He was accused of causing grievous harm, resisting arrest, and robbery with violence. Njoroge allegedly stole the police officer’s mobile phone worth Ksh 50,000, a battery that belongs to a police communication gadget, and resisted arrest. Ian Njoroge in police custody The police report detailed that the police officer was on duty along Kamiti Road at Mirema Junction controlling traffic when he spotted a motor vehicle making a U-turn on the road, obstructing other road users. When he approached the said motor vehicle, the driver hit the road curb and got stuck. During the stop, the traffic police officer boarded the vehicle and, according to the report, directed the driver to the Kasarani Police Station. While driving the motorist drew a sword from under the seat. Fearing for his life, the police officer is said to have jumped out of the car and fled, with the motorist in hot pursuit after him. Upon catching him Njoroge began kicking and punching him as he lay helpless on the ground. Ian Njoroge commiting the crime and after being arrested The first-year student at the Technical University of Kenya committed the act in the company of four others who are yet to be arrested. He denied the charges before Milimani Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi. Njoroge has been charged under the Traffic Act with obstructing other motorists while driving and carrying excess passengers in his vehicle. He has been charged under section 296(2) of the penal code, which carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction. When Njoroge was interrogated, he gave his reasons for his actions by stating that He was just angry and they did not understand each other because the officer wanted a lot of money, which he could not get The defence team representing Njoroge told the court that officers who arrested the suspect handled him in an inhumane and ruthless manner. They also stated that Njoroge was molested in his house at the time of the arrest. Njoroge pleaded not guilty to all the charges and is currently being held at Industrial Area prison, awaiting trial as investigations are being completed. This comes as yet another 24-year-old man in Kakamega was on Tuesday handed a seven-year prison sentence for physically assaulting a police officer. He was reported to have assaulted a police officer while on official duty, causing him bodily harm as per the P3 form produced in court. The accused initially declined to take a plea deal on two different occasions before eventually pleading guilty to all four charges against him. Upon delivering his judgment, the Magistrate noted that the offence of assaulting police officers is becoming rampant nationwide, and, therefore, a custodial sentence is the most suitable for deterring the community and any person intending to commit such an offence in the future. What to Keep in Mind Before Assaulting a Police Officer in Kenya. Legal Consequences Assaulting a police officer is punishable under the Penal Code of Kenya, which can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment. According to Section 103 (a) of the National Police Service Act No. 11 (A) of 2011, offenses related to the assault of police can attract a fine not exceeding 1 million shillings, imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or both. Any person who assaults a police officer either in (a) resists or willfully obstructs a police officer in the due execution of the police officer’s duties; (b) resists or willfully obstructs any person acting in aid of the police officer; (c) attacks an animal belonging to the Service; or (d) intentionally or recklessly, destroys police property, shall be liable conviction to a fine and jail term stated above. A conviction for assaulting a police officer will result in a criminal record, which can affect future employment opportunities, travel, and other aspects of life. Rights of the Accused You have the right to a fair trial and legal representation if accused. The Kenyan Constitution guarantees these rights. Chapter 14, section 244 (a) and (e) Of the Kenyan constitution requires police officers to strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline among its members and foster and promote relationships with the broader society. Engage a lawyer if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law; this is crucial in navigating the legal system and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Lawyer talking to his client Justifiable Use of Force The law allows for self-defense if you prove that the force used was necessary to protect yourself from immediate harm. However, this is subject to legal scrutiny and must be proportionate to the threat faced. Act wisely and have proof that it was self-defense. Legal Definitions According to the Penal Code (Chapter 14, Section 244), assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer while performing their duties is a crime. Assault that causes severe injury or involves a weapon can be classified as aggravated, leading to more severe charges and penalties. Circumstances of the Incident Gather any available evidence, including witness statements and video recordings, which can be crucial in defending your case. It is important to note that the incident’s context will be closely examined, whether during a lawful arrest, a public protest, or any other situation. Alternative Dispute Resolution In some cases, alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation might be possible to address grievances without resorting to violence or criminal activity. Official complaints mechanisms should be utilized to address any grievances against police misconduct through bodies like the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). Impact on Public Perception Assaulting a police officer can negatively impact public perception, possibly influencing jury decisions and social standing. This will mostly lead to you being convicted in a way that serves
What Vaccine Shortage Means to Kenyan Children and Mothers in Kenya
During the formative years of any individual, one of those things that counts the most is vaccination. With proper vaccination, your immune system will be strengthened to fight an infection in case a bacteria or a virus invades your body in the near future. When it comes to vaccines for kids, hundreds of Kenyan children are at risk of missing the much-needed immunization due to an acute shortage of these life-saving doses for the last 2 months. This has been caused by a delay in the clearance of unpaid debts owed to global suppliers by the government and a reduction in the amount of money meant for the procurement and distribution of vaccines from the annual budget of Ksh 2.6 billion to Ksh. 1.2 billion. Unfortunately, the vaccine shortage poses several problems for over 1.6 million Kenyan mothers and children. Here is how the vaccine shortage has affected them: 1. Parents Have to Travel Several Kilometers to Acquire a Vaccine for Their Kids Back then, a parent just needed to visit the nearby health center, whether it was a level 1 or level 2 hospital, and could easily get a vaccine for their kid. However, this is no longer the case, as parents from 10 counties have to travel far and wide to access a vaccine or two for their kids. Social health worker administering vaccine to a child A good example is Estalina, who travelled 40 Km from Marigat town to the neighboring county to access a vaccine for her baby, who is 10 weeks old. This is because she could not get the rotavirus and DPT vaccine for her baby in Marigat town. Unfortunately, she narrates that mothers can only secure one vaccine at a time, not two or even more. Upon immunization, the parent had to return home and wait until next month for her to get the other dose. That alone denies parents peace of mind and also causes them to waste time that could have been used for other productive activities. 2. Increase in the Risk of Infection For Babies and Young Children The immunity of babies and young children is not strong enough to fight infections on its own. For this reason, it needs to be strengthened when they are at a tender age so that they can combat infections such as polio, measles, diphtheria, and tuberculosis, among others. Failure to immunize babies and young children with the necessary vaccines in good time makes them vulnerable to the above-mentioned life-threatening diseases. If this is not checked, your child can even die. Is There Hope For Kenyan Children and Mothers? Yes. Kenyan children and mothers have a reason to smile as the Ministry of Health received over 8 million of doses of various vaccines on Wednesday 5th June 2024. Key amongst them include 1209500 doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine,1 million doses of the Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine,3,032000 doses of the Oral Polio vaccine, and 3129000 doses of BCG vaccines. This comes after the Ministry of Health allocated Ksh. 1.25 billion to procure several childhood vaccines to deal with the acute shortage witnessed in the country recently. Currently, these vaccines are being distributed to 9 regional vaccine stores situated in different parts of the country first. Thereafter, they will be distributed to various health centers where mothers and children can easily access them. These vaccines are expected to be available from the second week of this month. Until then, mothers and children will continue grappling with the abovementioned challenges.