Mumias MP beaten by police

By Agencies, March 31 2009
Mumias MP Ben Washiali was yesterday injured in a confrontation between the police and farmers who were demonstrating against poor cane prices. Mr Washiali claimed he was beaten by a police officer as he welcomed his Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale to Mumias town. The sugar giant is at the centre of a scandal over suspicious payments to Provincial Commissioner, Abdul Mwasera. The monthly payment of shs200,000.00 was paid by cheque drawn in Mr Mwasera's name for unkown "security" services while farmers are underpaid for their cane. More>>>

Raila rejects same pay with Kalonzo

By Vitalis Kimutai, March 31 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga will not accept the same salary as Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka. Instead, the PM is demanding that he be paid salary and allowances that are more than the VP’s and slightly less than what President Kibaki gets. More>>>

Wamalwa replaces Muhoho as KAA boss

By our correspondent, April 1 2009
Mr Mathew Wamalwa has been named as new managing director in an acting capacity following the retirement of George Muhoho. Mr Wamalwa will either be confirmed or ejected this Friday, Mr Chirau Mwakwere, the transport minister, told a news conference in Nairobi today. More>>>

Uganda police boat sinks in Migingo

By Nick Oluoch, March 31 2009
A boat taking fuel to the disputed Migingo island has sunk. Efforts to salvage the vessel failed and fishermen say the diesel was spilling into Lake Victoria, raising concern that the oil could kill marine life. The boat, owned by Ugandan police, was going to Migingo to supply fuel to soldiers on the island at the centre of row between Kenya and Uganda. More>>>

Butere to benefit from English goodies

A group of 22 men from St John's Hartford, Christ Church Greenbank and Christ Church Wharton are travelling to Kenya in August 2009 to take part in several development projects in the Butere district which we hope will benefit both the local church and community. The normally peaceful country of Kenya erupted into political violence following elections in December 2007. 1500 were killed, and hundreds of thousands made homeless. Some of the worst violence was in the area we plan to visit – it included the shooting (and injuring) of a teacher at Shiatsala Secondary. More>>>

Wako seeks US help in Anglo Leasing

By our correspondent, March 31 2009
Attorney General Mr Amos Wako has written to the US government seeking formal confirmation of the arrest of one of the key players in the Anglo Leasing scandal. Wako said Kenya would be interested in interrogating Bradley Birkenfeld to obtain evidence in the matter. More>>>

Shoeless Mumias man pays bill by toes to prove he's not a pauper

By Ramadhan Rajab, March 31 2009
People never cease to amaze, especially when they are out to prove a point. Revellers at a popular club in Mumias called Santana were tickled, not from the popular acrobats or the live bands, but from one Mr Wamukoya, whom they have nicknamed ‘chicken’ because he never wears shoes. More>>>

Wanjala, Akinyi released from tough Indian jail

By our correspondents, March 30 2009
Former assistant minister Raphael Wanjala arrived back home on Sunday from India where he was arrested on currency charges. A jovial Mr Wanjala flew in via Uganda on a Kenya Airways flight at about 5pm and was met by family and friends. The former Budalang’i MP said Ms Joyce Akinyi, with whom he had been arrested in India, was in Uganda and was due to travel by road on Sunday evening. Mr Wanjala and Ms Akinyi had between them $100,000 (Sh8 million) in cash which flouted Indain law which requires that sums over $5,000 must be declared at the port of entry. More>>>

Ministers, MPs break wealth law

By our correspondent, March 30 2009
Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament are among public officers who have dealt a serious blow to the war on corruption by defying the wealth declaration law. The Public Service Commission’s annual report shows that 28,000 civil servants did not declare their wealth, a 78 per cent increase over the 2005/06 period. More>>>

Bid to force MPs pay taxes

By Alphonce Shiundu, March 30 2009
Top public officials on Monday put up a fight to block a pay increase for MPs and end legislators’ tax holiday. Kenya Revenue Authority boss Michael Waweru and Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura appeared before the tribunal set up to review MPs’ salaries and argued that it was wrong for MPs not to pay taxes like other Kenyans. More>>>

Six admitted to hospital as cholera spreads in Kakamega

By Titus Maero, March 30 2009
SIX people have been admitted to Bukura Health Centre in Kakamega Central district after a fresh cholera outbreak was reported in the district. Among the victims are two pupils of Esokone Primary School and four other villagers from the school’s neighborhood. Kakamega Central District Disease Surveillance coordinator Kevin Lumwaji, said the latest cases may have been occasioned by feasting at a funeral within the precincts of the outbreak. More>>>

One dead as varsity students go on rampage

By our correspondents, March 30 2009
A death. Injuries. Burnt lecture halls and unprecedented destruction of property marked the nightlong rioting at Kenyatta University in Nairobi. The students - at both the main and the Ruiru campuses - simultaneously went on the rampage, only hours after the institution was opened following another strike last week, and destroyed a computer laboratory, vandalised most of the equipment before torching hostels. More>>>

Uganda beefs security on disputed Migingo island

By Nick Oluoch, March 30 2009
Four days after talks on Migingo collapsed, Uganda has beefed up security on the disputed island. Senior Kenyan and Ugandan officials failed to resolve the issue and tension is high on the island. Yesterday, Kenyan fishermen walked out on a meeting called by Ugandan security and fisheries officers meant to reportedly to introduce tough new taxation rules. The meeting came a day after a Ugandan police boat docked at Migingo. More>>>

Scandal of PC on mysterious hire by Mumias Sugar

By Dennis Lumiti, March 24 2009
SENIOR member of the provincial administration mysteriously gets Sh300,000 every month from a sugar company as payment for alleged Government security services provided to the firm. Western Provincial Commissioner Abdul Mwaserah is paid the cash via cheques in his name by Mumias Sugar Company for provision of security services by Administration Police (AP) officers at the firm’s premises at Shibale in Mumias District. Under normal circumstances, such payments for security services to private organisations are paid to the government and not to an individual as is apparently in the case of Mwasera.But according to documents availed to Kenya Times, the PC has been receiving the cash on a monthly basis. Sources within the company said the payment could be considered irregular, unless meant "for protection".  More>>>

Mutuli appointed Abeingo treasurer

By INGONEWS Reporter, March 24 2009
Abeingo Community Network has appointed Mr Moses Mutuli as Treasurer. Mr Mutuli succeeds Mrs Neccy Kikaya who has been assigned new duties. The decision to appoint Mr Mutuli was reached during a management commitee meeting held a couple of weeks ago in London. Until his appointment as Treasurer, Mr Mutuli was the chairman of the Youth sub committee. Mr Mutuli, an Oxford graduate is currently an actuarial consultant with Delloitte Touche in London. Click here to view his profile.

Other committee members include: Juvenal Shiundu (Chairman), Ms Frida Wandera (Vice Chair), Shadrack Bulimo (Secretary), Aggrey Kikaya (Organising Secretary), Marsha J Baraza (Projects), Fred Oula (Ethics), Bernard Watsulu (International Coordinator), Boni Wanda (Events), Topi Lyambila (Recruitment), John Baraza (Ex-officio), Dr Musa Ndengu (Ex-officio) and Caroline Ambwere (Asst. Secretary). The chairman announced that Abeingo Holdings has been registered in Kenya as a vehicle to marshall resources for investments. He invited members to buy shares. Look out for further details on this website.

Uganda trashes Migingo agreement

By Peter Atsiaya, March 24 2009
President Kibaki has been asked to declare his stand on the disputed Migingo Island. Questions have also emerged over the legality of a bilateral agreement between Kenya and Uganda on the island. This follows the continued presence of Ugandan troops on the island. Two MPs, who attended the talks in Kampala last week, said it was apparent Uganda had trashed the agreement and challenged President Kibaki to declare his stand. More>>>

Rebirth of tourism in Western

By Cosmas Butunyi, March 24 2009
West Kenya is gearing up for a rebirth of its tourism sector, which has for long remained dull. A body has been formed to expose the region’s many attractions, from the white sandy beaches of Takawiri Island in Lake Victoria to the depths of Kakamega forest in Western Province with its rare flora and fauna. More>>>

Mugo accused of tribalising Kemri

By Ramadhan Rajab, March 24 2009
The new board of management at Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) has been sworn-in amid claims of foul play. Former board chairman, Dr Joel Achiba, alleged their dismissal was meant to scuttle their efforts to appoint a new CEO and tracking stolen money. More>>>

Migori pupils skip classes to hunt for food

By Peter Atsiaya, March 24 2009
Hunger is beginning to take its toll on schools as pupils in parts of Migori District abandon classes to search for food. Migori District Education Officer Pamela Akello says absenteeism in schools is out of hand due to an acute shortage of water and food. More>>>

Karua says CJ is dishonest

By Lucas Barasa, March 24 2009
Relations between the Judiciary and its parent ministry sunk to an all-time low after Ms Martha Karua on Monday said that most judges got their jobs due to “favouritism, cronyism and incompetence”. In a blunt press statement, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister accused Chief Justice Evan Gicheru of dishonesty and standing in the way of reforms to introduce merit in judicial appointments. More>

Shitanda collapses

By Maseme Machuka, March 23 2009
Housing Minister Soita Shitanda collapsed and was taken to hospital in what the family attributed to his diabetic condition. The minister’s wife, Betty, who addressed the media at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi, confirmed Mr Shitanda was diabetic and had collapsed at the parking lot of the United Kenya Club on Saturday. "He had not even parked. He was looking for a parking area when his sugar level went down and collapsed. He was rushed to hospital by good Samaritans," said Mrs Shitanda. "He is now fine. Doctors have assured us that all is fine. I think tomorrow (Monday) morning, he will leave hospital," she added. More>>>

Western loses Sh500m to pyramid conmen

By Joel Okwayo, March 23 2009
Western Province residents were conned of over Sh500 million by pyramid scheme operators, Provincial Co-operative Officer Nathan Mukhweso has said. He said over Sh71 million was collected by operators in Vihiga District, while victims in Kakamega District deposited another Sh272 million and those in Bungoma lost over Sh150 million with figures from Busia and Lugari districts yet to come in. More>>>

Wasteful state lodges

By Abiya Ochola, March 23 2009
Millions of shillings in taxpayers’ money is being spent annually in maintaining State lodges that President Kibaki rarely uses, The Standard can reveal. More>>>

Useless teacher trainees

By Benjamin Mundi, March 23 2009
Trainee teachers have to take an extra year at university to satisfy new requirements imposed by the Teachers Service Commission. The TSC, the main employer of teachers, has told universities that they are teaching trainees irrelevant courses, causing a shortage of tutors in some subjects. More>>>

Budalang'i floods alert

By Dave Opiyo, March 23 2009
The weatherman has warned of floods in parts of Nyanza and Western provinces at the start of the long rains, which are expected this week or in the first week of April. Higher rainfall is experienced in Bungoma, Butere, Mumias, Vihiga, Kakamega and Busia. More>>>

Luhya MPs table demands for Kibaki ahead of visit

By Stephen Makabila, March 21 2009
Eighteen MPs from Western Province have met President Kibaki to lay strategy ahead of his two-day visit to the province from Wednesday. The MPs led by Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi tabled issues they expect Kibaki to address. Issues raised during the meeting include dilapidated roads, the collapsed Webuye Panpaper Mills and the creation of new districts. The leaders also appealed for at least 13 new districts. The province has 20 districts. Panpaper employs more than 2,000 people and indirectly supports over 30,000 others. More

Illegal sugar floods market

By Willis Oketch, March 21 2009
A blacklisted sugar importer, Matt International, has released 13,000 tonnes amid protest by the market regulator. Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) director Billy Wanjala said Matt had released the sugar in breach of a court order. More>>>

Wajackoyah addresses Jewish congregation

By Carl M. Bendroff, M.Ed. and Jaclyn Bendroff, California, March 14 2009
On Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2009, at Congregation B’nai Israel in Tustin, California, Professor George Wajackoyah of Kenya was interviewed before the congregation and several guests by Rabbi Elie Spitz.  The guests included a group of 11 and 12 grade students from Tarbut V’Torah (a Jewish Community Day School in Irvine, CA), along with their parents, teachers, and the school’s Rabbi. The students, staff, and the school’s Rabbi will be visiting Kenya this summer (2009) as Ambassadors of the Oprah Winfrey Foundation. More>>>

It wasn't me - Ruto By Mutinda Mwanzia, March 20 2009 Agriculture Minister William Ruto has said he has not received any letter from the United States of America slapping a permanent travel ban on him. A defiant Ruto said he would not speculate which Cabinet minister the US Government had banned, adding the country had a right to deny or allow entry to anyone. More>>>

William Ruto: Denies he's banned going to US.

Scandal of police leasing guns to robbers in Bungoma

By Bernard Kwalia, March 20 2009
Senior police officers in Bungoma are in a tight spot after investigators revealed that police uniforms recovered from robbers at Misikhu, Bungoma East, last week belonged to an officer who was killed three yeas ago. Sources indicated that some rogue officers in the region were leasing out their firearms and uniforms to robbers. More>>>

EPZs turn into death traps

By Mwaniki Wahome, March 20 2009
With tax holidays and other incentives that would make local start-ups green with envy, you would think beneficiaries of one of the greatest policies ever cranked to boost foreign investment could be having it nice. But soon companies realised that it took more than incentives to survive in the EPZs, as China and India started flooding the market with low-priced garment products, snatching key contracts in the US and Europe from Kenyan firms, whose goods are expensive due to high cost of labour and energy. More>>>

A govt in darkness

By our correspondent, March 19 2009
The Kenya Government is yet to receive an explanation from the United States over the travel ban slapped on a Cabinet minister. Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula said the government was not consulted before the decision was made and only read of the travel ban in the media after it had been announced by its envoy, Mr Michael Ranneberger. More>>>

Greedy MPs want their wages doubled

By Alphonce Shiundu, March 19 2009
Two Kenya MPs have demanded a salary increase before their pay is taxed. The lawmakers want a minimum pay of Sh1.5 million before the taxman is allowed to take his cut. Speaking Wednesday while presenting their views to the tribunal tasked with reviewing MPs’ pay and those terms of service, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo and his Kangundo counterpart Johnstone Muthama said that increasing the salaries was the only way to make the MPs support the tribunal’s recommendations. More>>>

Raila pleads for Africa ahead of G-20 Summit

By Topi Lyambila, March 19 2009
A select group of African leaders on Monday called for greater consideration of the continent’s plight in the global economic meltdown now sweeping across the world. Kenya PM Raila Odinga said the World cannot afford to departmentalise global issues. He was speaking at the historic Lancaster House soon after meeting with British PM Gordon Brown to brief him on African concerns ahead of the G-20 summit in London. Others in the delegation included the presidents of Tanzania, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone. More>>>

Kenyan minister banned for life from travelling to US

By INGONEWS Reporter and David Ohito, March 18 2009
A manhunt is on for the "corrupt" minister permanently excluded from ever setting foot on American soil yesterday. Panic has gripped the Cabinet and the guessing game is fever pitch as to exactly which minister the Americans have delivered the hammer blow. Thundered the US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger: "Those engaged in corruption must be held accountable. This proclamation is only one tool at our disposal." The spotlight starts with two ministers at the centre of the latest scandals to rock Kenya: Agriculture minister, William Ruto and Energy Minister, Kiraitu Murungi. Ruto recently survived a no confidence motion in parliament but the jury is still out on Murungi. More>>>

Kenyatta university closed after student riots

By our correspondents, March 18 2009
Kenyatta University main campus has been closed indefinitely after students there went on the rampage and stoned motorists along the busy Thika-Nairobi highway. The students were protesting at the university’s decision to bar colleagues from registering for exams.They told journalists that the management had given them until last Friday to pay up all their school fees and balances before they could be registered. More>>>

Ugandan troops still on Migingo despite order to vacate

By our correspondent, March 18 2009
Ugandan police are yet to vacate disputed Migingo Island even after the signing of a bilateral agreement to that effect last week. Migingo Beach Management Unit Chairman Juma Ombori said the officers are still on the island, situated on Lake Victoria. More>>>

This one promises to be nasty and brutal

By Alex Ndegwa, March 18 2009
President Kibaki’s family has turned its fury on the Standard Group with an ultimatum for an apology over footage aired in connection with the 2006 infamous raid. The President’s four children have given KTN seven days to retract the entire news clip showing a statement by former Kabete MP Paul Muite on March 2, 2009. Through Mohammed Muigai Advocates, the Kibaki children have threatened legal action if the apology - whose prominence and content they shall determine - is not forthcoming. More>>>

President in chopper scare

By Benson Nyange, March 18 2009
There was a security scare in Kitutu Chache constituency in Kisii North district on Wednesday afternoon when a helicopter carrying President Kibaki was forced to abort take off following engine trouble. The pilot of the military Puma helicopter brought it back to ground soon after take off when thick smoke was seen billowing. More>>>

Kogelo now a protected area

By our correspondent, March 18 2009
The government has declared Nyang’oma Kogelo, the village where United States President Barack Obama traces his roots, a protected area. In a gazette notice published on Friday, Heritage minister William ole Ntimama also declared the Vigango and Tuluap-Sigis, in the Coast and Rift Valley provinces respectively, protected areas. More>>>

Condemned maize may be fit for consumption after all

By Gitonga Marete, March 18 2009
The controversy surrounding 6,350 tonnes of maize which a government agency has declared unfit for human consumption deepened Wednesday as details emerged that it might be declared fit after all. The Kenya Bureau of Standards declared the maize unfit for human human consumption but independent labs indicate otherwise. More>>>

Marende angers villagers over MPs taxation

By Allan Kisia, March 17 2009
House Speaker Kenneth Marende stunned villagers in Emuhaya Constituency as he defended MPs over taxation. He explained that legislators pay taxes on their salary and not their allowances. "Who among you pays Sh53,000 in taxes every month?" Mr Marende asked. The villagers, who had gathered to raise money to complete a church building, mumbled in displeasure. Six MPs, an Assistant minister and Ida Odinga attended the harambee at Mumboha in Luanda at which more than Shs1m was raised. More>>>

HIV testing at night get popular

By Vitalis Kimutai, March 17 2009
Ever heard of a Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) centre that operates under cover of darkness? Following the low number of people visiting VCT centres in the South Rift during the day, a referral hospital came up with a unique approach - night testing. More>>>

Traders angry over water bills

By Cosmas Butunyi, March 17 2009
Manufacturers in Western Kenya are locked in a dispute with the Lake Victoria South Water Services Board after it raised the cost of water. More>

Migingo row prompts action from Wetangula

By Lucas Barasa, March 17 2009
Kenya plans to demarcate and survey all its international boundaries to avoid future conflicts, Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula has said. Mr Wetangula said the boundaries will be marked to beat an African Union 2010 deadline for countries to do so. More>>>

Karua blasts Wako

By Alex Ndegwa, March 17 2009
Justice minister Martha Karua has told off the Attorney General, Amos Wako over his push for more powers to oversee investigations. More>>>

Kakamega - one year later

By Allan Kisia, March 16 2009
Following the hotly disputed December 2007 presidential election, an unprecedented wave of violence hit the country. In Western Province, many investors, who lost property to looters and arsonists, are yet to recover more than a year later. Investors were forced out of business while some had to move to other parts of the country to find new sources of livelihoods. More>>>

Muite dares Kibaki family to sue him

By Oliver Mathenge, March 16 2009
The legal tussle between Kenya’s first family and lawyer Paul Muite intensified Monday with President Kibaki’s four children threatening to sue the former MP. However, Mr Muite through his lawyers told the four not to await his apology adding that he was looking forward to the intended suit. More>>>

Govt of waste

By our correspondents, March 16 2009
A government facing a huge budget deficit is spending Sh3.4 billion on items such as flowers, gifts, office tea and questionable meal allowances. Some ministries are spending as much as 24 per cent of their recurrent budget on “hospitality supplies”. More>>>

Anxiety as Migingo talks start

By our correspondents, March 13 2009
High-powered negotiations on the contentious Migingo island kick off in Kampala, Uganda, today. This comes a day after a Ugandan newspaper quoted a minister saying the meeting would only formalise Kenya’s consent that the Lake Victoria island was in Uganda. More>>>

9,000 unpaid teachers face starvation

Majority of the more than 9,000 primary school teachers employed last year are yet to receive their salaries, The Standard has established. Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) yesterday said the teachers were ‘starving’. More>>>
Meanwhile, the government has released Sh3.7 billion to the Free Secondary Education as schools nearly ground to a halt. More>>>

End looms for Indian reign at Panpaper

By Jaindi Kisero, March 13 2009
The Orient Paper Ltd - the Indian conglomerate that has had a stranglehold on the running of the Webuye-based Pan African Paper Mills in Western Kenya for the past 40 years - is facing its severest test ever, with relations between the company and the government at their rockiest. It has emerged that the existing contract gives Indians an unfair advantage over other investors. More>>>

Gluttons 'vomiting on our shoes' revisited

By Shad Bulimo, London, March 11 2009
The former British High Commissioner to Kenya, Sir Edward Clay has clarified that when he made his famous “vomiting on our shoes” speech in Nairobi five years ago, he was referring not just to donors but to Kenyans as well. Sir Clay made this clarification during the UK launch of the “It’s Our Turn to Eat – a story of a Kenyan Whistleblower” (read John Githongo) in London on Monday.

At the time, Kenyans and the donor community were getting frustrated at what they saw as a continuation of the same style of Moi Era politics characterised by huge financial scandals. Kenyans had expected the Kibaki administration to bring Goldenberg culprits to account; instead they were accosted by yet another mammoth scandal in the name of Anglo Leasing in which billions of shillings disappeared into ghost accounts abroad on dodgy defence contracts. President Mwai Kibaki had swept to power under the Narc umbrella promising zero tolerance on corruption and even appointed a well respected anti corruption campaigner, John Githongo, then boss of Transparency International to lead the graft fight.

But it soon became apparent to Mr Githongo that major financial scandals were being sanctioned at the highest echelons of power and the political will to fight the vice was no longer available at State House where he was based. Frustrated, Mr Githongo fled Kenya to England fearing for his life. He dropped in at his old friend’s residence. The rest, as they say is captured in a gripping account in Michaela Wrong’s book: It’s Our Time to Eat.

Top Malaba pupil stranded

By Stephen Makabila, March 11 2009
Each passing day is torture to Iten Simon Lekol, a brilliant Turkana boy who topped Malaba township, Western Province, in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, last year. Lekol, 14, attained 398 marks, which are sufficient to allow him join Nakuru High, which is a national school. Unfortunately, almost two months later, he still reports to his former primary school every morning, hoping to get assistance. More>>>

Clergy admits misleading flock

By Moses Njagih, March 11 2009
Some religious leaders have admitted misleading their flock into joining pyramid schemes. Members of the clergy yesterday told a taskforce into the operation of pyramid schemes that con artists, masquerading as religious organisations, took advantage of the Church’s influence. More>>>

Nyanza's wasted brains

By our correspondent, March 11 2009
Although they were admitted to top schools, some of Nyanza’s best performers in last year’s KCPE are unable to join Form One due to lack of school fees. By Friday, more than 20 students who scored at least 390 marks had visited The Standard offices in Kisumu, seeking help. The most sad case is Josephine Atieno’s. She reported to Alliance Girls High School but was sent home because she only had Sh6,000. More>>>

MP advocates polygamy to fight HIV

By Maureen Mudi, March 11 2009
Politicians have been known to give impractical advice in the fight against HIV/Aids but one now says he has a better solution. "Let us embrace polygamy," was Likoni MP Masoud Mwahima’s advice to women on Sunday. More>>>

Ruto abandons Raila, seeks alliance with Kenyatta

By our correspondents, March 10 2009
Sharp divisions emerged in the Orange Democratic Movement on Monday with 14 Rift Valley MPs declaring they would not back Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the 2012 elections. This comes a day after Mr Ruto was quoted in a section of the press accusing Mr Odinga of sponsoring a censure motion against him in Parliament over the maize scandal. Meanwhile, an assistant minister has admitted organisng alliance talks between Ruto and Kenyatta. More>>>

Mudavadi angry with 2012 campaigners

By our correspondent, March 10 2009
Deputy prime minister Musalia Mudavadi has told his cabinet colleagues to stop campaigning for 2012 elections and instead address serious issues affecting the country. In an apparent reference to recent endorsement of Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Agriculture’s William Ruto for the presidency and their alleged planned alliance ahead of 2012, Mr Mudavadi said: "As a nation we should come to terms with serious issues facing us." More>>>

Prof Norah Olembo appointed to new Kemri board

By Ramadhan Rajab, March 10 2009
The Government has dissolved Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) board of management over disappearance of Sh463.3 million. Health Minister, Beth Mugo replaced the team with new members, who will serve for the next three years. Dr Sopiato Likimani, a HIV and Public Health consultant, was appointed chairperson and Prof Ruth Nduati a pediatrician, Prof Samuel Sinei, a gynaecologist, Dr Peter Nyagonchonga Omboga, Prof Norah Olembo, Dr Edwin Chokwe Muinga and Prof Kimumbu Thairu are members of the new board. More>>>

Govt runs out of money

By Samwel Siringi, March 10 2009
The free education programme could be paralysed after the government said it did not have the Sh10 billion needed for the first term of 2009. The money, Education permanent secretary Karega Mutahi said on Monday, had been spent to import food because of the current drought. Asked when the money would be available, Prof Mutahi said he did not know. “It is a question we should not be asking now given the magnitude of the food shortage in the country,” he said. More>>>

Anglo Leasing, the scandal that just won't go away

By James Anyanzwa, March 10 2009
Taxpayers are likely to lose in excess of Sh5 billion in penalties alone this year in an Anglo Leasing Finance scandal related suit. Worse still, the amount demanded by a Cyprus-based business tycoon could go higher if the principal and interest charges are factored. It is the continuing wave of the untouched scandals that eat into Kenya’s savings even as Treasury pretends no money was lost. More>>>

Migingo is Kenyan, says Moi

By our correspondents, March 9 2009
Former President Moi says the disputed Migingo island belongs to Kenya. And two MPs appealed to Moi to intervene and avert a confrontation with neighbouring Uganda over the island on Lake Victoria. Kenyan fishermen have complained of harassment by Ugandan security forces. On Saturday night, the officers confiscated fish from 30 fishermen. MPs Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti) and Simiyu Eseli (Kimilili) said Kenya must assert its authority over the island. More>>>

Here is a chance if you want to work in Africa

By our correspondent, March 9 2009
Careers in Africa Recruitment Summit will be held in London between May 22 - 25. The summits have become the world’s most significant and successful recruitment initiatives for the African region. Over recent years, thousands of graduates and professionals have secured jobs through these Summits, making them must attend events for anyone looking to develop a rewarding career in Africa. More>>>

Retirement age now 60

By Beauttah Omanga, March 9 2009
Civil servants will now retire at 60 instead of 55 as from April 2009, the Government has said. Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno said the new move would ensure skilled people remain in service longer.

The minister said pushing up the retirement age would in the short-term reduce the increase of the number of new pensioners. Persons with disabilities will be allowed to work to age 65 if they so wished. More>

NGO officials killed after Mutua condemns them

By our correspondent, March 6 2009
Two NGO officials were shot dead Thursday night hours after Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua accused their organisation of fundraising for Mungiki abroad in a day that was characterised by chaos by the sect members in various towns. Oscar Foundation Executive Director Kamau King’ara and Programmes Co-ordinator Paul Oulu were killed at about 7.30pm as they drove on State House Road in Nairobi. At his weekly briefing earlier yesterday, Dr Mutua claimed that Oscar Foundation was behind the illegal demonstration. More>>>

In Meru, Churches accept miraa offerings

By our correspondents, March 6 2009
St Francis of Assize Catholic Church in Kamiruru near Maua, Meru, is a buzz with activity. It is Sunday morning and Christians make a procession to give offerings at the altar. They bring beans, maize, money ... anything that will help the church raise funds for its running. And some, walking steadily in the procession, are clutching bundles of miraa, wrapped in banana leaves.Although it is legal in Kenya, khat is illegal in many countries such as Denmark, Finland, France, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany. More>>>

Muite dares Kibaki, Michuki to sue him

By Peter Orengo, March 6 2009
Former Kabete MP Paul Muite has instructed Mr Gitobu Imanyara to act as his lawyer in the event the first family sues him. And Muite dared the family and Environment Minister John Michuki to take him to court. More>>>

220 exam candidates cheated in Western

By our correspondent, March 5 2009
In Western Province, 220 candidates will not get KCSE result because of cheating, according to the provincial director of education, Mr Kenneth Misoi. Among the schools are Malava Boys’ High in Kakamega North District, where the results of 114 candidates were cancelled, Kisoko Girls, where 90 candidates are affected and Bishop Sulumeti Girls Secondary where 17 candidates got no results. The candidates got in trouble with the exam council for having access to the examination papers before the scheduled time, or using mobile phones to cheat. More>>>

20 arrested over witchcraft killings

By our correspondent, March 5 2009
Twenty people have been arrested over last week’s lynching of five people in Kanunda village, Kisii District, over witchcraft allegations. Kisii deputy police boss Manasseh Musyoka said four of the suspects will be charged with murder. Police are still hunting for three more prime suspects who are on the run. “We are not going to let any suspect free.” More>>>

Halala plans a mobile health clinic in Western

By Felix Makachia, March 5 2009
Over the Weekend HalalaMD held there monthly meeting, which was to foster and carpet the upcomming Halala USA AGM in August. They invited Prof. G. L. Wajackoyah who together came handed with Dr. Wambulwa MD, Dr Ennanuella Cherisme MD, and Immigration Lawyer  James Shaw PhD. Dr. Wambulwa and Dr. Ennanuella said that they are pleased of HalalaUSA's plan of a mobile clinic in western Kenya. More>>>

Fury of a president over wife, mistress

By Alex Ndegwa, March 4 2009
President Kibaki last evening reacted angrily to remarks touching on the First Family. In a rare press conference at State House, Nairobi, Kibaki said he had "gotten in this foul mood" after listening to some remarks aired on television on Monday. "I want to make it very clear that I have only one dear wife Lucy," an agitated Kibaki said, as the First Lady stood besides him. More>>>

Top girl brings glory to a tiny Bungoma village

By Allan Kisia, March 4 2009
Velma Nanyama put a tiny village in Bungoma in the spotlight after she emerged the best girl in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Nanyama’s home in Sango resembled a tourist attraction, as it drew a cross-section of visitors. Traditional Luhya song, Mwanawamberi, rent the air. She was the number four top national candidate. Elsewhere, Rodgers Andati sparked dance and jubilation in Mumias, after it emerged he was the top boy in Western Province. More>>>

Mumias Sugar to be privatised

By our correspondent, March 4 2009
A Bill seeking to privatise all sugar factories in the country has been approved by the Cabinet, Agriculture minister William Ruto has said. By the end of April, a consultant will have been hired to advise the government on how the ailing sugar factories can be restructured to make them viable, he added. More>>>

ODM threatens to pull out of coalition

By Lucas Barasa, March 4 2009
A new battleground threatened to open up in Kenya's Grand Coalition Government on Tuesday when the Orange Democratic Movement party (ODM) demanded renegotiation of the power-sharing accord. More>>>

Luhya bishops root for media freedom

By Allan Kisia, March 3 2009
Religious leaders in Western Province want the Government to explain why it raided the Standard Group offices three years ago. Bishop Beneah Salala of ACK Mumias Diocese said the Government should clear the air, adding that Kenyans would not relent in their quest for the truth. Bishop Titus Khamala of Cornerstone Ministries said the Government action move was oppressive and an impediment to development. More>>>

Mukhongo is top girl

By our correspondent, March 3 2009
Alliance Boys' Maugo Nyauma Mark (above), is the top candidate in the 2008 Kenya Secondary Schools Exams while Kenya High's Mukhongo Nanyama Velma is top girl at position four overall, and the only one in the top ten category. More>>>

Man, 60, dies of hunger

By Renson Mnyamwezi, March 3 2009
An elderly man has died of hunger complications in Taita as the district continues to grapple with persistent food shortages. And a schoolboy died and three family members were admitted to hospital after eating meat from a cow suspected to have died of anthrax. More>>>

13,000 advocates face the axe

By Kepher Otieno, March 3 2009
Thirteen thousand advocates risk being struck off the roll for allegedly withholding clients’ money. Advocates Complaints Commission Chairman Joseph King’arui disclosed that the advocates are required to defend themselves against allegations. More>>>

I won't resign: Wako

By David Mugonyi, March 3 2009
Attorney-General Amos Wako has defended his record, saying his conscience was clear and that he would not step down after a UN official called for his resignation. On Monday, Mr Wako said there was no offence he had committed to warrant his resignation. More>>>

Wako smiles his way through storms

By Njonjo Kihuria, March 2 2009
Attorney-General Amos Wako narrowly survived the transition from the Moi administration to the Narc government. Lawyers and politicians privy to the happenings in the early Kibaki administration told the Sunday Nation that after Narc came to power in 2003 a Cabinet minister set a plan in motion to remove Mr Wako. More>>

AG on the spotlight

By Mugumo Munene, March 2 2009
Ever-smiling Attorney-General Amos Wako rarely speaks in public. Friend and foe agree that he has a way of smiling through the roughest of storms that periodically whirl through his chambers. Because he has been in office since May 13, 1991, AG looks like the initials of his first name. Today, he is the most senior public official carried over from Moi’s Kanu administration. More>>>

Raila's son sues MP

By our correspondent, March 2 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s son Fidel Odinga has sued Kaloleni MP Kazungu Kambi for associating him with the maize scandal. More>>>

Marende tells off MPs over Annan

By our correspondent, March 2 2009
National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende has differed with MPs who are questioning the role of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in local politics. ODM MPs who attended a homecoming for Nambale MP Chris Okemo claimed the party got a raw deal in the Grand Coalition Government, but Mr Marende told them to serve Kenyans and stop crying foul since they were in Government. More>>>

Nambale erupts into song, dance

March 2 2009
Attorney General Amos Wako and House Speaker Kenneth Marende during the homecoming party of Nambale MP Chris Okemo at Buyofu primary school in Western Kenya at the weekend. Photos - Ouma Wanzala