The Deputy President of Kenya, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, has been making inroads to Mount Kenya in recent times, seeking unity in the region. To many, this move comes as a surprise, considering that he rallied the electorate of this region to vote against Raila Odinga in 2022 and instead vote for His Excellency William Ruto, who deputized former president Uhuru Kenyatta at the time. His continued onslaught against former president Uhuru Kenyatta and anyone associated with the 4th president has suddenly come to an end, and DP Rigathi Gachagua is now asking the residents of Mount Kenya region to remain united and not to let anyone divide them. If the recent activities and speeches by the second in command are anything to go by, then something might be in the offing. Here is what DP Gachagua stands to gain following his recent Mt. Kenya unity calls. DP Gachagua speaking in a forum 1. He Wants to Moderate the Dalliance Between President Ruto and Musalia Mudavadi His Excellency Musalia Mudavadi hails from Western Kenya and is one of the key leaders in the Kenya Kwanza government. At the moment, he holds the Prime Cabinet Secretary position and also doubles as the cabinet secretary for foreign affairs. Due to his office, His Excellency Musalia Mudavadi has been having a cordial relationship with the president, even accompanying the president on most of his trips outside the country. This dalliance does not sit well with the second in command as some political analysts say that the Mount Kenya region might be short-changed in the process. This means that the western region might end up reaping more from this government in the form of projects and clearance of pending sugarcane bills amounting to Ksh.110 Billion. Since politics is all about numbers, DP Rigathi Gachagua now believes that unifying the Mount Kenya region can make the president recognize that his deputy has numbers and that they also need development projects in their region as well. A good example is the completion of the stalled Mau Mau road. 2. He Wants to Be Recognized as the de Facto Mount Kenya Leader Unlike his boss, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua was a one-term MP before becoming the deputy president of Kenya. Some believe that, like the current president, he needed more time in politics to clinch that seat. From the way he used to articulate himself to his dress code, among many other aspects that made people fail to believe that His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua could be Mount Kenya’s de facto leader and, most probably, the region’s next kingpin. DP Gachagua addressing the crowd However, he has dropped his aggressive and abrasive style of politics and is now a new man politically. If this is anything to go by, the electorate from this region can rally behind him as we head towards the 2027 polls. Conclusion It seems that His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua has reached a Damascus moment and has even apologized to the first family of the former president, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, for badmouthing them before and after the 2022 general elections. If the former president throws his political weight behind DP Rigathi Gachagua, the latter might end up as a Mount Kenya kingpin and perhaps a future head of state. Watch this space!
The Pain, Stigma and Infertility among Kenyan Women Struggling with Endometriosis: The Story of Njambi Koikai
On Tuesday morning, the media fraternity woke up to the sad news of the death of one of their entertainment superstars, Jahmby Koikai. Jahmby died on Monday night while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital. Jahmby was well-known for her steadfast love for reggae music, where she pulled off a spectacular show. Known by her stage name Fyah Mummah, Jahmby was always transporting her fans to a reggae universe. Her love for the mic, together with her deep understanding of reggae music, was more than she needed to conquer the world of reggae. But behind her love for reggae lay deep scars and pain she endured during her struggle with a rare but extreme condition known as Endometriosis. The reggae star has shared her long struggle with the disease for two decades. Njambi Koikai Prior to her demise, Njambi had undergone a series of surgeries both locally and abroad trying to fight the disease. In 2018, she stayed in Atlanta, USA, for more than a year while undergoing specialized treatment. The radio host recounted undergoing up to 21 surgeries and had declared herself a miracle for staying four years without surgery since she came back from the US. Njambi’s story is not an isolated case, as many women in Kenya and Africa are battling the disease. Many suffer in silence thanks to the limited knowledge, stigma, and normalization of period pain. Understanding Endometriosis and the Stigma Around It Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when layers of tissue covering the uterus grow outside the body. The layers usually grow around the fallopian tube, ovaries, and other tissues around the uterus. The result is intense pain, especially during the menstrual period. Scientific illustration of how endometriosis looks like Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, heavy bleeding, and painful sex. Sometimes, the pain can be so severe leading to loss of consciousness. But it doesn’t end there; women with endometriosis struggle with child-bearing as it’s hard for them to get pregnant. The disease first manifests at puberty when a girl gets her first period and lasts until menopause. Currently, there is no known cause of endometriosis, and nothing can be done to prevent it. The cure for endometriosis is also not available, as medication and surgical procedures are only meant to relieve the symptoms. The symptoms are also variable and broad, making it hard for doctors to diagnose them. The Struggle of Kenyan Women with Endometriosis According to World Health Organization (WHO), roughly 10 per cent of women of reproductive age are diagnosed with endometriosis. 30-40 per cent of women with endometriosis suffer infertility. The Kenyan women battling endometriosis deal with pain and heavy bleeding. The bleeding can sometimes last up to three months, causing them anxiety and depression. Those of school-going age find it hard to attend classes when bleeding and in pain. The working class lose their careers due to underperformance and absenteeism from work. A woman with pelvic pain holding her tummy Women in Kenya struggling with endometriosis not only have to deal with a lot of pain but also face stigma from family and friends. They go through rejection and lose friends because of infertility. Others face rejection due to the belief that the condition results from a curse. Many of these women even lose their marriages as they can’t fulfill their partners’ sexual desires due to painful intercourse and several months of nonstop bleeding. The women say they never enjoy sex and are often forced to endure extreme pain instead of pleasure. The biggest desire for women living with this condition is to one day lead a normal life. Others desire to have children and be called moms. While Kenya still struggles with limited knowledge of endometriosis, the country continuously shows tremendous efforts in creating awareness. Recent campaigns have seen the country at the forefront, creating awareness of the disease. The specialists also continue to urge women who experience painful periods to shun the belief that pain during menses is normal. It’s important to seek the services of a gynecologist as soon as possible to determine what could be causing the painful periods.
The Losses vs. Gains: Weighing the Health Effects of Muguka Over the Economic Gains
“We will not die so others live.” Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s statement clearly shows the stance of coastal leaders regarding muguka. The governors from the coastal counties, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, declared war on muguka by banning the product from entering their counties. Despite the government interventions, which deemed the ban of muguka null and void, the governors have refused to relent. The war on muguka has left traders stranded. They’re constantly blocked from entering the market, which results in huge losses. According to the traders, muguka is their source of livelihood, and blocking them from accessing the coastal market will lead to huge job losses. Mombasa governor speaking on Muguka ban Despite the traders’ cries, the leaders have remained adamant. According to the coastal leaders, including MCAs, women representatives, and religious leaders, muguka has serious health effects and is destroying future generations. Is what these leaders say about the health effects of muguka justified? What about the livelihood of the people who depend on the sale of muguka? The Health Effects of Muguka (Khat) According to the renowned psychiatrist, Prof Lukoye Atwoli, people experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disturbed thoughts when they chew khat. The professor adds that khat users also report increased alertness, reduced feelings of hunger and fatigue, and a general sense of well-being when chewing. Muguka is categorized as a psychostimulant, which means it causes psychoactive effects. Its primary substance is called cathinone, a class of plant compounds called alkaloids. The substance is structurally related to amphetamine, which is a stimulant drug associated with symptoms such as alertness, cognitive function, and attention. When a person chews khat, the cathinone in it goes to the brain, where it acts to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which responds in the same way as it would in dangerous and stressful situations. It causes the brain to release stimulating neurotransmitters that cause the feeling of well-being, excitement, joy, talkativeness, and mental alertness, among other things. The plant also affects the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and endocrine systems, causing symptoms such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, narrowing of the coronary arteries, sleep problems, and suppressed appetite. Fresh muguka According to The World Health Organization (WHO), khat creates dependence, leading to the continuous desire to keep using it. Nacada classified muguka as a drug based on its chemical composition The side effects of chewing khat are include increased alertness, mood changes, talkativeness, paranoia, manic behavior, psychoses, and increased blood pressure. Young people who use khat have an increased risk of experiencing high blood pressure. The drug can also cause faster breathing, rapid heart rate, increased body temperature, heart palpitations, etc. Even though the research about the use of khat and male reproductiveness is still very limited, researchers believe that men who consume large amounts of khat have the possibility of experiencing erectile dysfunction. Economic Benefits of Muguka Countless residents from the Mbeere area in Embu County have been relying on muguka as their source of livelihood. From farmers to traders, muguka has been a source of wealth for many people, not only in Embu but the entire country. According to the governor, approximately 65,000 farmers grow muguka in Embu County. Muguka is one of the highest-earning crops in the region, apart from Coffee and tea. The plant provides direct employment to the people in the region and earns them easy cash. Muguka traders sorting and packaging The coastal counties are the biggest market for the product, estimated to contribute a whooping Sh22 billion to the country. According to Embu governor Cecily Mbarire, Mombasa County earns approximately Kshs 1 million per day from muguka transport levies. According to muguka traders, the plant is a major economic driver, supporting various auxiliary businesses, including the transport and retail sectors. Demonstrating their displeasure about the ban on muguka, the traders argue that the crop has been their lifeline for generations. They pay school fees, medical bills, and daily expenses from the trade of muguka. There’s a Need for Urgent Government Intervention Muguka is undoubtedly a cash cow for the country, but is it worth it for users’ health? The country must weigh the health effects versus the economic benefits associated with its sale and use to end the discord between traders and the leaders opposing its distribution. It’s high time the government recognized the health concerns about the consumption of muguka and came up with measures to regulate its use and create awareness of the product’s health effects. The regulations can include health education, awareness campaigns, warning labels, and information on health hazards.
What Are the Proposed Changes in the Finance Bill 2024?
Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto aims to spend a whopping Ksh. 3.9 trillion in the finance year 2024/2025, which is bound to start on 1st July this year. To realize this budget, the government is targeting to collect taxes from Kenyans amounting to Ksh.3.353 trillion. Ksh.2.913 trillion will be collected as ordinary revenue, while the balance will come in the form of appropriations-in-aid. To raise the 2.913, several tax proposals have been introduced to the Finance Bill 2024. In this article, we shall discuss these proposals in detail so that you can get to know them better and understand what you can expect moving forward. Read on to know more. 1. Motor Vehicle Tax Proposal This proposal caught many motorists by surprise. They now have to pay 2.5% of the value of their motor vehicles whenever they renew their insurance annually. As a motorist, brace yourself to pay at least Ksh.5000 and not more than Ksh.100000 per year for your car if this proposal is not changed. 2. Digital Marketplace Tax Proposal If you usually operate a digital platform or marketplace, you have to tighten your belt as you will be taxed whether you are a non-resident or a resident of Kenya. However, the tax rates differ as non-resident individuals will pay 20% tax while their counterparts will have to part with 5% of their income. Glasses, calculator and a wallet with money ontop of a laptop 3. Significant Economic Presence Tax Proposal Suppose the Finance Bill 2024 becomes law, it will change the provisions on Digital Service Tax (DST) and, in its place, bring on board a new tax known as the Significant Economic Presence tax. The latter requires you to pay a tax of 30% of the profit made from offering services or doing business on a digital marketplace. If this proposal sees the light of day, those who operate and make money from digital platforms will have to part with more bucks to meet this tax requirement. 4. Introduction of 16% VAT on Financial Services Proposal Earlier on, we had several financial services that used to be VAT exempted. However, with the new Finance Bill 2024, some of these financial services will be subjected to a 16% VAT. Some of the services that will be affected by this tax include: Handling and process of cheques Telegraphic money transfer services Issuance of debit and credit cards Issuance of promissory notes, bills of exchanges, postal and money orders Offering financial services on behalf of another entity to earn a commission. Making foreign exchange transactions Logo of Money transaction companies in kenya 5. 20% Exercise Duty on Money Transfer Services Proposal Back then, money transfer services were subjected to a 15% tax. However, the Finance Bill 2024 aims to increase that percentage to 20%. Some of the services that will be dealt with a blow include the money transfer services offered by entities such as banks, financial service providers, and other agencies. Final Thoughts If the proposals suggested above are anything to go by, the cost of living is bound to go high. This is because the final consumer of the services mentioned above will bear the brunt of everything. Whether it is motor vehicle tax or exercise duty tax, all these taxes are meant to adversely affect the ordinary Kenyan. Since the Finance Bill is still being debated, most Kenyans wish that some of those proposals can be amended to suit their needs at the moment.
Mogul Rupert Murdoch Marries for a Fifth Time at the Age of 93
Guess the fifth time is a charm, Media mogul Rupert Murdoch at the age of 93 gets married for the fifth time to a retired Russian Molecular Biologist Elena Zhukova aged 67 in a small ceremony held at his vineyard in California. Wedding photos release show the couple looking lovely and happy. They kept it simple yet classy as Murdoch is seen wearing a black suit, yellow tie, and a pair of Reebok Flexagon running shoes. His beautiful wife wore a simple off-shoulder white gown with white heels. Murdoch and his family’s net worth is estimated to be around 20 billion as per Forbes’s richest people. His media empire includes The Sun, The Wall Street Journal, and Fox News among others just to mention a few. In November 2023 he handed over his media empire to his son Lachlan as he shifted to a retired life. Even though Murdoch seems to have found a companion at last it begs the question why has he married so many times? And why bother getting married at such an old age? We may never really get the answers to these questions but here is a deep dive into his past 4 marriages. Patricia Booker Rupert’s first wife Patricia was an Australian flight attendant, the two got married in 1956 and were together for roughly 10 years. They divorced in 1967, they had one child together a girl Prudence, Rupert’s firstborn. Anna Maria Torv The same year that Rupert got divorced he went ahead and married his second wife Anna who was a newspaper reporter. Rupert and Anna were married for 30 good years before they decided to call it quits in 1999, having had 3 kids together two sons James and Lachlan, and one daughter Elizabeth. Wendi Deng At this point, he was on a roll and just two weeks after his divorce was finalized with Anna, he married his third bride Wendi in the same year 1999. This blissful union lasted for 14 years they got divorced in 2013. Rupert and Wendi had two daughters together, Chloe and Grace. Jerry Hall This time he decided to take some time before choosing his next wife. In 2016 he marries for the fourth time to a model Jerry Hall who was Rolling Stones Frontman Mick Jagger’s longtime partner. In 2022 Jerry filed for a divorce from Murdoch. They lasted for roughly 7 years and had no kids. Mogul Rupert Murdoch’s four ex-wives and current wife Elena Zhukova After dating for less than a year they announced their engagement in March and got married in June of this year. The two met at a family event that Rubert’s third wife Wendi hosted in the summer of 2023. It’s reported that before Elena, Rupert was engaged to another lady Ann Smith who is a dental hygienist turned radio host in 2023. Soon after they announced their engagement, they called it off. Rupert Murdoch’s love story raises different concerns among readers; Authenticity of Love Skeptics might question the authenticity of the relationship, suspecting motives other than love, such as financial gain or social status, especially considering the significant age difference likely present. Dependency and Care At 93, the practicalities of daily life and health care are significant factors. Critics might argue that this marriage could place an undue caregiving burden on his new spouse or be an arrangement for convenient care. Societal Norms and Ageism This marriage challenges societal norms about age and relationships, potentially sparking debate about whether there should be age-related boundaries or ethical considerations in marriage. Questionable Judgment Marrying for the fifth time at such an advanced age might raise concerns about his decision-making capacity and whether he is fully aware of the implications of his choices. Impact on Previous Families The new marriage might be viewed as dismissive of his previous spouses and families, raising questions about his respect for past relationships and commitments. Mogul Rupert Murdoch and wife laughing Inheritance Concerns His repeated marriages could complicate inheritance issues, potentially leading to disputes among his children, previous spouses, and the new wife over his estate. Potential Exploitation There might be concerns about potential exploitation, with the possibility that his advanced age makes him vulnerable to being taken advantage of emotionally or financially. Final Thoughts Rupert Murdoch’s love life is a clear example of what most people experience and that is trying to find that perfect one to spend the rest of your life with. There is no such thing as a perfect spouse and it is never too late to find your person.
Is the Newly Introduced Motor Vehicle Tax a Blessing or a Curse?
The proposed 2024 Finance Bill has introduced several new taxes, the key among them being the motor vehicle tax. Unlike other Finance Bills that have been tabled on the floor of the house, this one seeks to introduce a 2.5% annual tax on the value of cars possessed by Kenyans. If you own a car, you will be expected to part with at least ksh.5000 and not more than ksh.100000 on an annual basis based on the value of your car. The newly introduced motor vehicle tax will be paid on your car once you get a new insurance cover. With all this proposal in place, questions linger on whether the new motor vehicle tax is a blessing or a curse to Kenyans and the government in general. To get a clear perspective, read the article below, and you will be good to go. The proposed motor vehicle tax is a curse due to the following reasons: 1. It is Expensive for Motorists If the above-mentioned proposal is not amended before the gazettement of the Finance Bill 2024, Kenyan motorists will have to dig deeper into their pocket, considering they have to part with more bucks on top of their usual insurance covers that they take annually. Depending on the value of your car, this cost is bound to rise, thereby hurting your budget in the long run. If you are always on a budget when it comes to motor vehicle expenses, you have to look for alternative ways of earning an income to cater for the newly introduced motor vehicle tax. Matatus in a bus stop 2. Suppress the Uptake of Comprehensive Insurance Covers When it comes to insurance coverage, most Kenyans prefer comprehensive covers for their motor vehicles, which come with many perks. According to AKI CEO Tom Gichuhi, if the new motor vehicle tax proposal passes, the insurance industry will suffer as the uptake of comprehensive insurance is bound to reduce drastically. This is a big blow to the industry considering the fact that the insurance sector has witnessed significant growth from 2.2% in 2020 to 2.3% in 2022. From the agents to reinsurance brokers, several intermediaries will be hurt by this proposal. 3. Increased Pressure on the Public Transport Sector Since the motor vehicle tax will be expensive for most motorists, a good number of them will opt to use public transport to commute from one place to another. According to Patricia Mutheu, CEO of Matatu Owners Association (MOA), the public transport system in Kenya is on the verge of collapsing, thanks to corruption and dilapidated infrastructure. If car owners shift to public service vehicles, the sector might be adversely affected, suppose the current issues facing it are not solved in the first place. Summary Although the new motor vehicle tax proposal might enable the government to collect Ksh. 58 billion to finance the proposed budget of 3.9 trillion, which is bound to cause more pain to Kenyans. From making Kenyan motorists pay higher premiums alongside their usual insurance covers to mounting pressure on the already straining public transport sector, the new proposal is likely to cause many problems. If the proposal passes, brace yourself to grapple with the above-mentioned issues.
ALL EYES ON RAFAH: A Viral Social Media Trend on Israel War
The past couple of months have been nothing short of devastating for Palestinian nationals, which has seen losses of life, destruction, and pure turmoil for each individual in the affected areas. An AI-generated image has been shared 46 million times on Instagram story admin continuous strikes on Rafah. This comes after the International Court of Justice ordered a halt fire on Israel after its offensive killed 45 people this week in al-Mawasi western Rafah, which was previously declared a safe zone. Another strike killed 21 people in displaced camps in the same region, 12 of them being women. Israel has since killed close to 40,000 people, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza from October 7th, 2023. It’s notable to know that this war didn’t begin this year or last year; it’s been going on, on an off-and-on basis from the late stages of the 19th to early 20th century up to now. The current brawl between Israel and Palestine is an ongoing political and military conflict about land and self-determination in its territory. All this has had its effects on both sides, especially Palestine, with the highest number of civilian lives lost. This goes back to 1917 with the Zionist movement, they garnered support from imperial power Britain that issued a declaration dubbed Balfour that was in support of the Jews settling in Palestine. During world war1 British-occupied Ottoman that was later formed into mandatory Palestine. This accounted for the mass immigration of Jews that led to tension between Arabs and Jews, resulting in Intercommunal conflict. Due to the conflict, an Arab revolt in 1936 was called for, where they demanded independence but were later suppressed. Destruction in displaced camps In 1948, the Palestine war was triggered again and resulted in the expulsion of most Palestinian Arabs. In 1967, The Dive Day War led to various attempts to try and resolve the Palestine-Israel conflict alongside Israel’s Arab rift. The negotiations between the Israeli government and the Palestinian liberation organization, which was a two-state solution according to the Oslo Accords of 1993-1995, have dwindled in the recent past to date. The conflict took a breather and then reincarnated in 2006, and this time, it was most catastrophic. Palestine split into two parts: the Fatas and the Hamas. During this time, the Israelites and Hamas have fought five wars up till now. On the other side, Israel has been experiencing a political crisis since 2019. Peace negotiations started in 2013 but were later suspended, with the latest war beginning in 2023-2024, which is currently counted as one of the five wars. When the recent conflict began affecting civilians, they moved from the attack-prone areas. As they kept advancing, so did the Israel attacks, which pushed Palestinians to Rafah, where they are currently seeking refuge from the war. Woman holding a plac card protesting Israel keeps advancing and attacking innocent and vulnerable Palestinian nationals despite international condemnation and intervention. Israel keeps shrugging off attempts by the UNSC and the ICJ’s orders to stop the ongoing attacks on Rafah, which have pushed nearly 1 million desperate Palestinians to Gaza, many of whom have been displaced multiple times; the recent attack has left 45 dead as the situation becomes more intense. Those being told to stay in camps where they have set up tents to avoid being bombed find themselves moving because there’s nothing like a safe zone during this war. Israel t keeps bombing everywhere, from hospitals to camps. International communities have called for an immediate cease-fire. Israel is relentless and keeps advancing to Rafah. The military stated that Rafah was a safe zone, but in the past week alone, there have been more than three attacks on Rafah where people have had to stay inside their houses to avoid being shot by Israeli drones. This has prompted people to go on social media and create a campaign to end the genocide happening in Rafah with the hashtag ‘ALL EYES ON RAFAH’
The Fight Against Muguka Continues As County Reinforcement Team Blocks Entry
Even after the president declared the ban against Muguka in the coastal counties null and void, it seems like the fight is not over yet. Muguka traders and county officials continue to have standoffs as lorries ferrying Muguka to Mombasa are denied entry. On Thursday, violent confrontations were witnessed as muguka transporters and county enforcement teams classed. This was after the trucks ferrying the products were blocked at the cess collection point located in Miritini. The county teams had mobilized organized youths to act as their reinforcement in blocking the traders from accessing the market. This happened after the traders and transporters overpowered the county reinforcement teams on Wednesday and forcefully gained entry into the Kongowea market. County officials had blocked roads using their vehicles in attempts to prevent the trucks ferrying muguka from entering Mombasa. This caused a huge fight between the traders and county officers, forcing the County Traffic Unit to intervene. The traders later gained entry into the market. However, they were not lucky on Thursday, as the county seemed to have come prepared with a heavily mobilized team of youths. The youths had mounted roadblocks and armed themselves with stones, waiting patiently for the transporters. The transporters, on their part, came prepared with a convoy of bodaboda escorts ready to force their entry. The loaded trucks seemed to have acquired goons from Mazeras and Mariakani ready to help. As the convoy of loaded trucks and bodaboda goons approached the cess collection point, they were shocked to encounter the heavily prepared county reinforcement team. The youths immediately charged into the convoy, hauling stones, broken bottles, and all types of objects. The county team seemed to have won the match, as the lorries loaded with muguka were forced to turn back. Soon after the chaos, the transporters blocked the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway with a huge bonfire in protest. They later retreated to Mariakani, where they offloaded the Muguka to sell to residents in the area. The traders cried of massive losses as they were unable to access the bustling city market. Muguka being prepared for the market Speaking in Miritini, the Director of the Inspectorate in Mombasa County, Charles Changawa, said that the county team is ensuring that the traders of muguka pay cess in accordance with county laws. Changawa says they’re determined to ensure safety and decorum and will not allow the traders to gain forceful entry into the market again. The fight against muguka in the coastal cities seems not to be ending soon as different bodies continue to urge the government to ban the product. Religious leaders from Mombasa point out the detrimental effects of the drug on the community, which include increased divorce rates, poor school performance, and dropout. They say that banning muguka will safeguard society and future generations. The former Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim adds that the fight against muguka is medical and not political. Farah says that the chemical formula in muguka and miraa is the same as toxic drugs and should be banned, just like shisha and marijuana. NACADA had classified muguka as a drug based on its chemical formula.
Masinde Muliro Stadium Ready for Madaraka Day
Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County is now set and ready for the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1st. Just a few hours before the celebrations kick off, the team on the ground confirms that all the necessary arrangements are in place. Dr Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security, who was also leading the National Celebrations Steering Committee confirmed that they were satisfied that the stadium and other facilities were well renovated and prepared for the celebrations. The stadium underwent strict structural upgrades over the last four months, turning it into a state-of-the-art venue fit for the celebrations. It boasts a seating capacity of 40,000. Masinde Muliro Stadium is expected to host 12,700 residents, with the VVIP lodge carrying up to 2,000 guests. While speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the PS said that the stadium was 96 percent complete and was undergoing final touches. He added that the Matulo Airstrip in Webuye was also 96% complete and the runway was in good condition. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka also said that the airstrip was ready and only undergoing the final installation of the perimeter wall. In addition, the PS confirmed that the State Lodge was 100 percent complete and ready for the luncheon. The lodge has since been handed over to the national government in readiness to welcome the guests who will attend the celebrations. Dr Omollo said that the theme for this year’s celebrations will be food security. According to the PS, the government is already taking measures to reduce food production costs, eliminate cartels, and improve the region’s agricultural productivity and food security. The enhancement of the stadium aims to provide locals with modern amenities and establish it as a premier venue for international sporting events. This, in turn, will contribute to the economic growth of the area, offer aesthetics, and boost national pride. The Bungoma County Governor recognized the efforts of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Youth Service (NYS) in completing the stadium. He welcomed all Kenyans to Bungoma for the celebration of Madaraka Day. Earlier this year, the chair of the National Celebrations Committee Anne Ngétich told Kenyans that the Nation will mark all important days the county and sub-county levels. This, however, accepts Jamhuri Day, which is celebrated in Nairobi. Marking Madaraka Day at the Masinde Muliro Stadium is a way of honoring the fallen hero, Masinde Muliro. Having been named after the freedom fighter, the stadium is indeed a historic site.
Indonesian Man Discovers He Married His Fellow Man After 12 Days of Marriage
An Indonesian man finds out that his ‘Wife’ is not a woman. The 26-year-old man known as AK got the shock of his life after finding out that his new bride Adinda Kanza was a man posing as a woman just 12 days after they tied the knot. As per the report in the South China Morning Post, AK and Kanza met on social media in 2023 and later on agreed to meet in person. They dated for a year and during their meetups, Kanza always wore Muslim attire and a niqab, which symbolizes her devotion to her faith in Islam. AK never thought anything of it as it is tradition for Muslim women to cover up. Ak and ESH on their weding day These two eventually got married, Kanza claimed she had no family so no one came from her end. AK began to feel uneasy as Kanza continued to hide her face from him and refused to interact with his friends and family. ‘She’ refused to consummate their marriage giving different reasons from having her menstrual cycle to being sick. AK had enough and decided to investigate who Kanza was, to his disbelief he found out that her parents were very much alive and were not aware of the marriage between the two. He also found out that Kanza had been cross-dressing since 2020 and was actually a man whose real name was ESH. A man who dresses as a woman When the police did their investigations Kanza revealed that she married Ak to steal his family assets, how she would have archived this still remains a mystery. Kanza was arrested and is currently facing fraud charges that could result in four years in jail under the local law. Police were in disbelief as Esh truly resembled a woman mostly when she wore her makeup and spoke in a high-peached voice that resembled that of a woman. If you look at their wedding photos, Adinda looks exactly like a real woman, police said in a statement. He also has a gentle voice and tone, so there was no suspicion at all about him being a woman. Netizens were in total disbelief that a man pretending to be a woman could deceive so well to the point of actually getting married. Others felt sympathetic to Ak as he had suffered both financial and emotional loss at the same time ridiculing his situation.
Samburu Women Allege Sexual Abuse from the BATUK Soldiers
A Parliamentary committee formed to investigate the atrocities of the British army continues to reveal shocking information regarding what Kenyans went through at the hands of the troops. Victims from Samburu County revealed to the committee that they’ve been left with deep scars from sexual abuse. Many women from the county are raising children they got from sexual abuse. The women reveal that they have to deal with trauma and neglect as a result of the abuse. The residents want the government to conduct speedy investigations of the allegations and ensure the victims get justice. One of the victims is Jenerica Namoru, who is currently raising a five-year-old white child she bored with a British army soldier. Jenerica alleges that the BATUK soldier sexually assaulted her leading to her pregnancy. The soldier disappeared after the training, and any attempts by Jenerica and her father to get help from the British Army Training Unit have been futile. Jenerica is one of the many cases of the atrocities that the BATUK soldiers committed while undergoing training in Kenya. The parliamentary committee investigating these atrocities assured victims that they would investigate till the end and ensure mothers and their children get justice. The parliamentary committee was formed to investigate the conduct of the BATUK since its inception. The committee is tasked with investigating the soldiers’ alleged ethical breaches, including corruption, discrimination, fraud, and abuse of power among others. The committee will also investigate allegations of human rights violations including, killing, torture, mistreatment, and unlawful detention. They’re also tasked with assessing BATUK’s operational integrity, including their safety standards, adherence to military standards, and compliance with the law. The investigation began after a petition by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR) calling on the National Assembly to ensure accountability on the part of the British army in cases of human rights violations. KNHCR noted that the soldiers committed numerous crimes including murder, assault, rape, and maiming. The parliamentary committee hearing on British Army atrocities Among the atrocities and human rights violations being investigated include the murder of Agnes Wanjiru, allegedly committed in 2012 by a BATUK soldier. The case came to the limelight in 2021 and was taken over by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). This case and many others have fueled perceptions among Kenyans of impunity and unaccountability within the BATUK. Since the probe began in Laikipia and Samburu counties, the committee has received over ten petitions implicating the British army. Victims of the atrocities can only hope that the committee will help them get justice.
Cheruiyot’s Body To Remain in Mount Everest, Family Says
The long-awaited statement from the family on whether Cheruiyot’s body will be retrieved from Mount Everest was finally made on Wednesday. The family of the heroic mountain climber said that Cheruiyot’s body will remain at Mount Everest. According to the family, it will be expensive and dangerous to retrieve the body of their kin. While they describe the decision as painful, they confirm that they made it after consultation and considering the circumstances involved. They then came to the difficult and painful decision to let Cheruiyot’s body remain where he died. Cheruiyot died on the Summit of Mount Everest after he went missing for hours and lost communication with his guide. According to the family, Cheruiyot might have taken a fall at 8,848 meters, believed to be the most dangerous spot on the Mountain. The family confirms that it would be risky to try and retrieve the body from that spot and they wouldn’t want to endanger any more lives in the process. They are comforted by the climber’s deep love for the mountain and find solace in that he will be resting at his happy place. Cheruiyot was an enthusiastic mountaineer who went to great heights to achieve his quest for the mountain. He had climbed different mountains before and achieved great milestones. One of them was becoming the first African to climb Manaslu up to 8,163 meters without supplementary oxygen. Cheruiyot dressed preparing to climb Everest Cheruiyot had climbed Mt Everest more than ten times before and later decided to launch the “Big Project 2024: Everest No Ox.” The project was his mission to test human capacity by climbing the tallest mountain in the world without supplementary oxygen. While he was aware of the danger ahead, Cheruiyot’s love for the mountain pushed him forward. Unfortunately, he did not live to celebrate the success of the mission as it ended in his death. According to his friends and fellow mountaineers, he indeed died a hero. More than 300 people have died in their attempt to climb Mount Everest. Over 200 bodies remain unretrieved from the mountain following dangerous conditions and expensive costs. It will take over Ksh9 million to retrieve a body from the mountain and up to eight people to carry it. Cheruiyot’s body is among those that will be left unretrieved from Mt Everest. According to the mountain officials, the bodies left at the mountain do not decompose owing to the extreme weather conditions. Unretrieved bodies in Mt. Everest Due to the danger and costs involved, many families, now Cheruiyot’s included, prefer to leave their loved ones there and carry a memorial service back home. Cheruiyot’s family will hold a memorial service for their kin in Nairobi and at his home in Nandi County, Chepterit Village. The family appreciates the condolence messages they’ve received from friends, relatives, and the community, including the KCB Group where the climber worked. They also thank Seven Summit Treks for their support and guidance throughout the entire period.