Lutangula jailed for attempted incest with 7-yr daughter

By Nancy Akinyi, 31 Oct 2008
A man has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment for attempting to defile his seven-year-old daughter. Mr Joseph Lutangula was found guilty of the offence on May 15 at City Council quarters in Dagoretti, Nairobi. Kibera Chief Magistrate Maureen Odero said cases of child defilement were rampant between fathers and daughters, adding the sentence should serve as a lesson to many. Ms Odero in her judgement said evidence adduced before court showed the accused was found in a compromising situation with the minor and there was no doubt his intention was to defile her. The minor’s mother said she arrived home and found the accused in bed naked with the girl. More>>>

Waki report rejection sparks fury, disbelief

By Beauttah Omanga, Oct 31 2008
Fury, disbelief and chants of grand conspiracy greeted the apparent turnaround by politicians on the Waki Report. Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka and former MP Paul Muite led the condemnation, saying chances were that the International Court of Criminal Justice in The Hague would overlook Kenya. Kenya National Commission on Human Rights vice chairman Hassan Omar and Muite read conspiracy in the position taken by coalition partners. "It is clear that the coalition partners have colluded to defeat justice. This looks like a choreographed move," said the former legislator. More>>>

Top exec found riding boda boda for a living

By Peter Thatiah, Oct 27 2008
When Jason Musundi, then a senior official with a sugar factory in Western Province, retired in 2004, everyone in his village in Bungoma District looked forward to welcoming back home one of their loved sons. But Musundi stayed only for a few days and then vanished in his new car. Reports about his whereabouts started trickling in two years later, when his family heard that he had been seen riding on a boda boda bicycle in Mumias. When the family went to investigate a few days later, they discovered that he had actually become a boda boda operator. Musundi mirrors hundreds of men who venture into 'new' lifestyles often with devastating effects. More>>>

Shelve Waki report: MPs

By Joel Okwayo, Oct 27 2008
Three ODM MPs from Western Province have opposed the implementation of the Waki Report, saying it would wreck existing harmony in the Coalition Government. MPs Evans Akula (Khwisero), David Were (Matungu) and Ben Washiali (Mumias) said President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga should ignore the report as they were achieving their objectives of reconciling the communities. More>>>

Wako discredits Waki

The Waki report lacks sufficient evidence to try suspects both locally and internationally, Attorney-General Amos Wako said on Friday. “The Evidence the commission has gathered so far is not, in our assessment, sufficient to meet the threshold of proof required for criminal matters in this country,” he said in Nairobi at a human rights indaba. More>>>

Wanjala, Akinyi get bail

By our correspondent, Oct 27 2008
Former MP Raphael Wanjala may get temporary reprieve today after the court in New Delhi, India, ruled to grant him and his girlfriend Joyce Akinyi bail on Saturday. More>>>

Sterling pounded

By Robert Lindsay, Oct 27 2008
Sterling plunged against the dollar this morning, having fallen through $1.60 for the first time in five years on Friday. The pound lost a further 3 cents to $1.542 amid mounting fears of a prolonged UK recession. The same worries forced down the FTSE 100, which fell 185 points, or 4.7 per cent, in morning trading with banks and insurance companies leading the way. The oil price also dipped below $60 a barrel, the lowest level since Feb 2007. More

Parliament to swell by 30%

By our correspondent, Oct 23 2008
Parliament could get 60 more MPs if the House passes a proposed law to review constituency boundaries. The impetus with which MPs are pushing for the constituency boundaries’ review is being seen against the background of the desire for the country to opt for a parliamentary system of governance. The proposed 60 additional MPs would have a huge cost implication. With an MP earning Sh800,000 a month, 60 new MPs will cost the taxpayer an extra Sh48 million a month in salaries alone, besides other expenses like office space and personnel. More>>>

Wanjala, Akinyi still in jail

By Roseline Obala, Oct 23 2008
Former Assistant Minister Raphael Wanjala has not been released from an Indian jail although he has paid bail. The politician spent another day in jail as family members made frantic efforts to raise surety demanded by court. More>>>

Ex Minister defies govt on maize export

Kenyan middlemen including a former cabinet minister are exporting maize to Sudan Southern, despite a ban by the Government last week. More>

Waki report splits coalition govt

By our correspondent, Oct 23 2008
The question of whether or not to implement the Waki Report in full drew more fire on Wednesday, even as the international community sent a warning shot: "We are watching you." Politicians continued holding closed-door meetings over the report, which has the potential to rip apart the Grand Coalition Government and upset fragile peace. More>>>

Halala thanksgiving dinner date

By our correspondent, Oct 23 2008
Halala USA working with Halala New Jersey Chapter, are extending an invitation to all Halala USA members to attend our 2008 thanks giving dinner scheduled for Friday November 28th 2008 starting from 4pm-10pm. Venue - St Michaels Church Wayne 1219 Ratzer Road Wayne New Jersey 07470. Music will be provided by DJ Koplo/DK Kirambi from Chini Ya Mti and Prof. George Wajackoyah will be giving a motivational speech just after Rev. Esipila blesses the occasion. Those in the planning committee for Kakamega 2009 Conference will meet on Saturday November 29th starting from 10am Venue – [ 390 Park avenue East Orange NJ 07017]

Ex police boss passes on

By INGONEWS Reporter, Oct 23 2008
Former Commissioner of Police, Henry Matalanga is dead, his family has announced. Mr Matalanga died in Mombasa on Monday, October 20, 2008. He hails from Mumias District. See details in obituaries.

Wanjala, Akinyi freed from Indian jail

By Cyrus Ombati, Oct 22 2008
Former Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala and businesswoman Joyce Akinyi who were jailed in India, have been released. The two were released following intervention by Kenyan authorities. Sources at Foreign Affairs Ministry said the two were released on bail. It was unclear if the two would be allowed to return, given the pending case. Authorities in India were investigating what Wanjala and Akinyi intended to do with Sh7.59 million found on them when they were arrested on Moi Day. More>>>

Cracks appear as Raila, Ruto differ on Waki Report

By our correspondents, Oct 22 2008
A falling out appeared imminent in the Grand Coalition Government over the implementation of the Waki Commission’s report. Prime Minister Raila Odinga sharply differed with Agriculture Minister William Ruto when he said post-election violence suspects must face the Special Tribunal for Kenya, or answer for their alleged crimes at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Mr Ruto, on his part, dismissed the Waki Report on post-election violence as "shoddy" and "missing the point by a very big margin". But speaking to the BBC, Chief Mediator Kofi Annan said forgiveness would entrench impunity. More>>>

Livondo wants new judge

By Evelyne Kwamboka, Oct 22 2008
A Lang’ata parliamentary loser wants a different judge to hear his election petition against Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Mr Stanley Livondo, on Tuesday told the court he wanted another judge other than Justice Alnashir Visram hear the petition. Through his advocate Gibson Kamau Kuria, he said the petition would not be fixed for hearing before the Court of Appeal delivers its decision. More>>>

Malaba, Busia to be upgraded

By Mwaniki Wahome, Oct 22 2008
The government plans to construct a one-stop border post at Malaba and Busia to facilitate trade with Uganda. Uganda will construct similar facilities on its side of the border. The project is part of the International Development Agency funded initiative dubbed East Africa Trade and Transport Facilitation. Development credit with a total funding of $120 million was negotiated in 2005 and included harmonisation of border procedures and setting up of one-stop border posts to be managed jointly by parallel organisations in the two countries. More>>>

Kenyan sacked over Sh26m UN corruption scandal

By our correspondent, Oct 22 2008
A Kenyan employee of a United Nations procurement office allegedly directed some $350,000 (about Sh26 million) in contracts to companies linked to her husband, other relatives and friends. The claim was made by a UN anti-corruption task force whose findings were reported in Tuesday’s edition of The Washington Post. The Kenyan is also accused of soliciting kickbacks for supplies tenders. The woman and a colleague were sacked following discovery of the alleged scandal. More>>>

Leaders reject Kibaki's amnesty call

By Beauttah Omanga, Oct 21 2008
Leaders reacted with fury to President Kibaki’s proposal that those implicated in the Waki report be pardoned. LSK chairman Okong’o Omogeni, lawyers Paul Muite, Wanyiri Kihoro and Harun Ndubi said implementation of the Waki report was a must if the country was to avoid a recurrence of post-election violence. More>>>

Touts attack transport officials

By Benson Amadala, Oct 21 2008
Two officials of the Transport Licensing Board were injured after rowdy touts attacked them during a crackdown on defective passenger service vehicles. The touts in Kakamega descended on the officials and traffic police officers yesterday near the Somken petrol station on Sudi road, protesting at the impounding of the vehicles.A commotion erupted after the touts pelted the officials with stones and roughed up a woman officer, snatching her cap. More>>>

Big three: Kibaki, Kalonzo and Raila at Kenyatta Day Celebrations in Nairobi. More>>>

Seed company grabbed

By our correspondent, Oct 21 2008
The Controversy that has threatened to destabilise the operations of Kenya Seed Company has taken a new twist. Fresh details are now emerging, threatening chances for a quick solution between the govenrment and a group of its shareholders led by the company’s former MD Dr. Nathaniel arap Tum. More>>>

Night prayers banned in Kisumu

By our correspondents, Oct 21 2008
Nyanza PC Paul Olando has banned night prayer meetings (kesha) in Kisumu town and its environs. Mr Olando also slapped a ban on discos in residential estates, saying they were a nuisance to residents, especially at night. "Although we support freedom of worship it is not written in the Bible that people must pray for 24 hours. More>>>

Teso gets university

By our correspondent, Oct 21 2008
Moi University is set to open a constituent college of Health and Biological Sciences at Alupe in Teso District. Prof K. ole Karei said the campus would have nursing and pharmacy faculties. The campus will be built on 600 acres. Prof Richard Mibei, who represented the vice- chancellor, said other faculties like social science and humanity would be set up later. Amagoro MP Sospeter Ojaamong urged students in the area to enrol with the college. More>>>

Court tells Wetangula to shut up

By our correspondent, Oct 20 2008
Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula must be cursing the courts (where he has practised law most of his adult life). For the second time in as many months, the court turned the tables on him as he struggles to fight off a petitioner, ODM’s Major John Koyi Waluke. The Court of Appeal on Friday said it would not determine his appeal on merit. The court, ruling on a suo moto (its own) issue, struck out the appeal. More>>>

Khalwale criticises varsity for honouring Kibaki, Raila

By our correspondent, Oct 20 2008
MPs Gitobu Imanyara and Bonny Khalwale on Sunday said the President and Prime Minister needed to be held accountable for failing to act against known perpetrators of violence from their parties. The two MPs whose parties are allied to PNU criticised the University of Nairobi for honouring the two for the peace accord they signed early this year. More>>>

Namwamba pleads for Wanjala

Gumo booed by villagers

By Peter Atsiaya, Oct 20 2008
People’s love for free things can go to their heads, making them forget common courtesy. Regional Development Authorities Minister Fred Gumo recently found himself on the receiving end of villagers’ ire. He was heckled after rejecting their demands for free rice from a local miller. Mr Gumo, who was addressing a meeting at Kadenge Grounds in Alego Usonga, Siaya District, at the weekend, turned down pleas by villagers to use his position to prevail upon the management of Dominion Farms to give them monthly rations of free rice. More>>>

Minister associates Atwoli with corruption

By Isaac Ongiri, Oct 20 2008
Daggers are drawn between Labour Minister John Munyes and workers over who will sit in the new NSSF board of trustees. Mr Munyes said the Government would tomorrow appoint a new board as investigation into financial scandals at the workers’ fund get underway. But the minister warned Cotu and the Federation of Kenya Employers against nominating those who served on the dissolved board. He claimed that the board was involved in corruption in the last three years. More>>>

Schools ranking axed

By Peter Ngare, Oct 20 2008
The national examinations council has abolished the system of ranking schools performance.This means that candidates starting examinations on Tuesday will not know how their schools faired nationally come the results next year. This will apply to both the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) that starts on Tuesday and the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), which starts on November 11. Mr Paul Wasanga, the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) chief executive, said the candidates will also be the first lot to get new result slips. More>>>

Wanjala, lover arrested in India over money racket

By Michael Mugwang'a, Oct 18 2008
Former Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala and the woman at the centre of a property wrangle with her estranged Nigerian husband have been arrested in India and are being held in prison. On Wednesday, the Nation learnt that Ms Joyce Akinyi and Mr Wanjala have been behind bars in New Delhi for a week now after they were allegedly arrested in the city with bundles of American dollars after police swooped down on a money laundering racket. A source in New Delhi on Wednesday narrated how she met Akinyi - whose divorce case with Mr Anthony Chinedu is pending in court - at the Tihar prison in New Delhi on Tuesday. More>>>

Six ministers face interrogation

Samuel Siringi, Oct 18 2008
Prominent politicians are named in a secret list in a sealed envelope to be presented to former UN secretary General Kofi Annan on Friday.Contents of the envelope, the Nation learnt, include six current ministers and five MPs, who, it is recommended, should face a special international tribunal set to be named within 60 days. More>>>

Otuoma, Were differ on Mudavadi

Fisheries minister Paul Otuoma on Saturday differed with an MP over the issue of ODM party leadership. Matungu MP David Were had told a gathering in Butula that the post of deputy leader was Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi’s, but Fisheries minister Paul Otuoma asked legislators to stop the debate on party leadership. More>>>

Kenyan nurses cheated in Lesotho

By our correspondent, Oct 15 2008
Every year hundreds of Kenyan nurses go abroad in search of greener pastures. But, as they have found out, the pastures are not greener after all - their search for better life still remains elusive. In February and April, 59 Kenyan nurses were dispatched to Lesotho for employment. They were all smiles at the ‘golden’ opportunity. But barely a year later, the nurses cannot wait to return home for what they term a raw deal. More>>>

Millions mark hand washing day

Millions of children around the world are marking the UN's' first Global Handwashing Day. The UN says it wants to get over the message that this simple routine is one of the most effective ways of preventing killer diseases. More>>>

Estate bars outlawed

By Beauttah Omanga, Oct 15 2008
Internal Security Minister George Saitoti has ordered immediate closure of estate bars. Prof Saitoti directed the Provincial Administration to ensure nightclubs were also closed. "Estates are meant for residential homes not bars," directed the minister. He said bars must be confined to designated areas. He expressed concern that mushrooming of bars in estates had led to the moral decay among the youth. "Bars in estates are known to be dens of criminals who terrorise residents at night. They are also used to peddle drugs to children," said the minister. More>>>

Two shot dead in Karua carjack incident

By our correspondents, Oct 15 2008
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Martha Karua says she is taking seriously an incident where thugs attacked her official car. The Monday night incident saw the officers kill two of the attackers who tried to carjack her official car along Kiambu Road in Evergreen area. The Narc-Kenya leader said she was aware some people were unhappy because of her intention to vie for the Presidency in 2012. More>>>

Boy reaps misery from love of busaa

By Peter Orengo, Oct 15 2008
A shamba boy who siphoned a brewer’s traditional liquor got the beating of his life after his thieving ways were discovered. The boy, who does manual jobs for residents of Siritanyi village in Bungoma District, had been keeping tabs on the woman’s residence, patiently biding his time to steal some of her busaa. He devised an ingenious method of siphoning the drink by using a 20m long plastic pipe like a straw. The woman, who is locally known as Mama Pima, had left for an errand but when she returned, she found a pipe dipped inside a busaa jerrican that was almost empty. Perplexed, she followed the pipe until she stumbled on the comatose body of the 16-year-old lying on the ground. More>>>

Two jailed for making love to goats

By our correspondent, Oct 15 2008
Two men were sentenced to three years in prison each for involvement in unnatural acts in Kiambu. In the first case, Mr Anthony Njoroge Nguru was found guilty of having carnal knowledge of a goat at Kirigiti village in Kiambu. Njoroge is accused of committing the act on a nanny goat belonging to Mr Stephen Gitau Kimunya on July 14.

In the second incident 28-year-old Mr John Kabaiya Kiarie was charged that on May 19 , he had carnal knowledge of another goat at Riabai village. He caused laughter at the court when he claimed the reason for doing that was because the animal had stared at him suggestively. More>>>

Kivuitu faces the big chop

By our correpondent, Oct 15 2008
Bungling Electoral Commission officials (above pictured) now face the chop after a ten man committee was formed yesterday to implement the Kriegler report in full. A 10-member team led by President Kibaki and PM Raila Odinga was given two weeks to draw an implementation plan. The committee will include the eight Kofi Annan peace mediators. The Cabinet gave the President and the Premier the go-ahead to fully implement the recommendations of the Independent Review Commission headed by South African retired judge, Mr Justice Johann Kriegler, whose verdict was that the ECK should be overhauled. More>>>

Sh 2.8bn debt chokes Mumias sugar farmers

By Isaac Ongiri, Oct 13 2008
Mumias Sugar Outgrowers Company is facing financial difficulties due to bad debts. It is feared these constraints could affect the operations of over 80,000 sugarcane farmers contracted to it. Chairman Basil Khalumi, who spoke to The Standard, blamed the outgrower’s financial woes on Sh2.8 billion owed to it by a miller. "We are in trouble because someone has refused to pay us. This has made things very difficult," he said.

Khalumi spoke as it emerged the outgrower faced difficulties paying its retirees after two cheques it paid to Retirement Benefits Authorities (RBA) allegedly bounced. "I am not aware of the cheques you are talking about. All I know is that we may have faced some little problems due to a debt dispute between us and the miller," the chairman added. The company’s Financial Manager David Afadi confirmed the organisation had been destabilised by bad debts. More>>>

Mumias Sugar farmers are struggling because they are owed shs2.8bn by a miller.

Third stockbroker in trouble

By Mwaniki Wahome, Oct 14 2008
The Capital Markets Authority yesterday moved to forestall the collapse of yet another stock brokerage firm and replaced its executive director. Discount Securities Limited with branches in Kakamega, Bungoma, Mumias, Kitale, among others, has been facing financial problems and was placed under the management of auditing firm, KPMG. More>>>

Maize export banned

By Beauttah Omanga, Oct 14 2008
The Government has banned maize exports. This comes as it plans to import 130,000 metric tonnes of the cereal from Tanzania and South Africa this month. Agriculture Minister William Ruto said the country was facing a maize deficit and exports would worsen the situation. "Government officers at border points and Kenya Revenue Authority personnel must ensure compliance of the directive," said the minister. Ruto also said a contract to import 1,500 tonnes of fertiliser would be signed this week. More>>>

Justice Cockar is dead

By Sam Kiplagat, Oct 14 2008
Long-serving Industrial Court judge Saeed R. Cockar has died aged 81. Mr Justice Cockar, who died last Saturday, solely served at the Industrial Court for close to three decades, earning the title “workers saviour”. His competence was recognised nationally not only in the field of law, but also in sports. More>>>

Coat of arms may change

By David Ohito, Oct 14 2008
The national emblem, symbol of the Government’s authority could change if Parliament adopts an amendment Motion. The Court of Arms, the highest visual symbols of state may be altered for the first time since its creation at independence. Nyatike MP Omondi Anyanga (ODM) has drafted a Motion seeking to define and standardise the coat of arms, and entrench it in the Constitution. He also wants its usage restricted. More>>>

UK banks nationalised

By our correspondents, Oct 13 2008
Gordon Brown called an end to the days of overblown City salaries today as he pumped £37 billion of taxpayer money into the partial nationalisation of three of the country's biggest banks. Under the emergency refinancing, the three banks participating in the scheme – Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), HBOS and Lloyds TSB – have agreed to scrap boardroom bonuses for the current year and tie future rewards to performance. Nor will they pay out any dividends until the Government's interest in preference shares has been fully repaid. More>>>

Ugandan gorillas invade Teso farms

By our correspondent, Oct 13 2008
Gorillas from Uganda have invaded Asinge location in Teso district. They have destroyed crops and attacked the residents. Chakol division officer Carol Omoto said the beasts were moving in large numbers and invaded the location this week. He told the Saturday Nation at the Amagoro district headquarters on Friday that the animals had mauled two people, injuring them. “The gorillas usually frequent the location every year when they know that food crops planted along the border are ready for harvesting,” Ms Omoto said. More>>>

Machine prints light

By our correspondent, Oct 13 2008
On a bank of the Mohawk River, a windowless industrial building of corrugated steel hides something that could make floor lamps, bedside lamps, wall sconces and nearly every other household lamp obsolete. It's a machine that prints lights. The size of a semitrailer, it coats an 8-inch wide plastic film with chemicals, then seals them with a layer of metal foil. Apply electric current to the resulting sheet, and it lights up with a blue-white glow. More>>>

Bandits shoot policeman dead

By our correspondents, Oct 13 2008
An Administration Police officer was on Friday shot dead by bandits in Kabolet village at the volatile West Pokot and Trans-Nzoia border. He was gunned down while pursuing bandits who had raided the village and escaped into the expansive Kabolet forest with livestock . Villagers suspect Pokot rustlers who were armed with AK-47 rifles laid an ambush in the forest and killed the officer, who was in the company of colleagues. The body was moved to Kitale District Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem. More>>>

Sex pests warned to keep off school girls in Matungu

By our correspondent, Oct 13 2008
Chiefs in Matungu Division have been asked to crack down on men who make schoolgirls pregnant. Raising the red flag on the trend, district commissioner Anne Ng’etich told chiefs and their assistants that they risked losing their jobs if the vice was not nipped in the bud. District education officer Mohammed Kamaya said about 20 pregnant pupils dropped out of school recently. The warning was issued at a meeting called after six schools were affected by the problem. More>

Former Kisumu East MP, Nyalik dead

By our correspondents, Oct 13 2008
Former MP for Kisumu Town East, Mr Walter Osellu Nyalik has died and was buried in Buoye Kolwa village at the weekend in a funeral that saw guns drawn to protect current MP, Shakeel Shabbir. Trouble started when Mr Robert Otuge, a civic leader, termed the MP as "disrespectful to his constituents". More>>>

Home test kit for HIV now available in Africa

By INGONEWS Reporter, Oct 11 2008
People in Africa can now avoid the stigma associated with HIV by using the ground breaking self test tool kit now available on the continent. The company in charge is Diagnotic Health Testing LLC which has been appointed by Early Detect Inc, the US industry leader in home diagnostic test kits, the sole distributor of the home diagnostic test kits in Africa for a range of disease conditions including HIV/Aids.  DHT is owned by Kenyan born, George Wajackoyah, Prof Helen Mugambi and Mr Ivano Stamegna.

The availability of self test kits is a major breakthrough because majority of people in Africa do not voluntarily go to the VCT clinics for fear of being cast as either immoral or bewitched. With this kit, it is expected that take up will be strong as individuals will keep health matters private. Malaria is still by far the greatest threat on the continent. The malaria kit is aimed at diagnosing early symptoms and seeking treatment before it gets fatal.

From left: Raymond Lee, Attorney at Law (Greenberg Traurig), Charles Strongo, President & CEO (Early Detect), Ivano Stamegna, Investor (Early Detect) and Principal Diagnostic Health Testing LLP ("DHT") and Prof George Luchiri Wajackoyah, Principal, DHT.

Law maker charged with assault

An MP’s trip to Mombasa to investigate issues around the hijacked ship hit a snag when he was arrested. Nyatike MP Edick Omondi Anyanga was on Thursday arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and arraigned in court to answer assault charges. More>>>

In memory of Niva and Lidonde

By INGONEWS Reporter, Oct 12 2008
The traditional Lidonde and Niva Sports Foundation annual tournament has changed its format this year. It will be held on 28 December 2008 and traditionally, the best. team has always had to advance to higher tournaments. The All-Star Tournament mission is different. There are always one or more good players in any (losing) team. One or more below-par players can, likewise, be identified in any winning team.More>>>

Sambu wants Kibaki thrown out

By our correspondent, Oct 11 2008
A Motion seeking to determine the legality of President Kibaki’s tenure will be thrown out if introduced in Parliament, the Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, has said Kalonzo said the Motion by Webuye MP Alfred Sambu (ODM) had no constitutional backing and would be rejected in principle. It seeks to compel Parliament to establish a committee to determine if President Kibaki is in office legally. Sambu is adamant the Motion is not inspired by malice and has challenged those criticising him to wait for its contents before rushing to condemn him More>>>

Gangsters raid Kiminini Church

By Osine Obare, Oct 9 2008
Gangsters raided Kiminini Catholic Church in Trans-Nzoia West District, drank wine and stole Sh300,000 meant for a church project. Six men, armed with AK-47 rifles, accosted parish priest Francis Opondo moments after a funds drive had been conducted. The priest was in the company of some faithful outside his residence when the thugs struck. They frog-marched him into the house and ordered him to surrender the money at gunpoint. They then helped themselves to wines and unleavened (sacramental) bread. After empting several bottles, they roughed up the priest and his visitors before escaping into a maize plantation. More>>>

UK to punish greedy fat cats

By Philippe Naughton, Oct 9 2008
Bankers and financiers who take irresponsible risks should be “punished” for their actions, Gordon Brown said today. Following yesterday’s massive Government bailout for the banks, the Prime Minister spoke of his anger at the way some in the City had behaved. More>>>

Clan tussle delays airport expansion

By Winsley Masese, Oct 9 2008
A 15-member committee has been formed to facilitate the implementation for expansion of Kisumu Airport. This follows a protracted tussle between Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and members of Kogony clan, who are demanding Sh2.6 billion compensation for their land, against Sh15 million they had been given. More>>>

Judges baffled by mysterious deaths of convicts as lawyers quit

By Wahome Thuku, Oct 9 2008
Three Court of Appeal judges are baffled by mysterious deaths of members of a seven-man gang convicted of robberies and rape. Four of them arrested and convicted in 1995 died in prison. The fifth, Bernard Omunda Marichuana, is confined to a wheelchair after falling ill in prison.

Two lawyers representing the convicts have withdrawn from the case, citing personal reasons. The second one withdrew on Wednesday saying she knew three of the victims.The others were Peter Musango, Pascal Taabu, David Onyango, John Anjala, Moses Wakulwa and Jackson Muchomba. More>>>

Wetangula defends deportation

By our correspondents, Oct 9 2008
Kenya is under no obligation to explain the deportation of the author of a book that discredits US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, the Foreign Affairs minister said On Wednesday. Mr Moses Wetang’ula said the decision to deport Dr Jerome Corsi, an American himself, was taken by the Immigration Department. More>>>

Michelle Obama speaks out

The wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told CNN's Larry King on Wednesday that she is not offended by a much-publicized comment made toward her husband in Tuesday night's debate. More>>>

Kisumu rotting in sewage

By our correspondents, Oct 8 2008
As the clock ticks towards the World Habitat Day on Monday, Kisumu residents remain a worried lot. More than half the town does not enjoy the benefit of a sewerage line, according to statistics obtained from the Lake Victoria South Water Services Board. The case is worse in slums, where less than 20 per cent are covered. The absence of the service has had a profound effect on the environment, with Lake Victoria as the worst casualty. Human settlements officer at UN Habitat Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga says a recent review of towns in the Lake Victoria Basin showed that most councils lack water and sewer services. More>>>

Shitanda, Kombo clash over promotion of election body official

By our correspondent, Oct 8 2008
The decision by the Electoral Commission to promote one of the men at the centre of last year’s disputed presidential election results has generated a fresh controversy. Cabinet ministers Charity Ngilu and Soita Shitanda questioned the decision on Monday, wondering why the commission decided to promote Mr Suleiman Chege before the Government acted on the Kriegler report which recommended ECK’s overhaul. Mr Chege is the new ECK secretary - a post at the level of a permanent secretary. He replaces Mr Jack Tsola, who retired from the commission in May. However, nominated MP Musikari Kombo supported the appointment arguing that the ECK needs continuity since Mr Tsola had retired. More>>>

Policeman shot dead in Mumias

By our correspondent, Oct 7 2008
A senior Administration Police officer was shot dead in Mumias District by gangsters at the weekend. The incident occurred outside a bar that the criminals, who were posing as police officers, had raided at Mayoni trading centre, about four kilometres from Mumias Town. Butere-Mumias deputy police boss Jackson Muthengi said the victim, senior sergeant Kiplimo Kandie, and two other officers had dashed to Green View Bar after they were informed about the raid. More>>>

Bunyore gets a university

By our correspondent, Oct 7 2008
The Masinde Muliro University is set to open a campus in Emuhaya district. A secondary and primary school have been relocated to create room for the new campus at Ebunangwe village. The university’s Vice Chancellor Professor Barasa Wangila said the campus would open its doors to students in November. Area leaders have lauded the move. More>>>

Anti Obama author held

By Rob Crilly, Oct 7 2008
A leading American neo-conservative author has been detained by immigration authorities in Kenya as he tried to launch a book smearing Barack Obama. More>>>

Mt Elgon leaders row over IDPs

By Bernard Kwalia, Oct 7 2008
Mt Elgon leaders are divided over the compensation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the area. MP Fred Kapondi has accused the provincial administration of favouring some people to benefit from the Sh40.2 million allocated to the victims at the expense of genuine IDPs but outgoing DC Muhammed Biriki denies the claims. More>>>

Electricity bills to fall by 50%

By our correspondents, Oct 7 2008
The Government, alarmed by the economic impact of high electricity costs, plans to remove Value Added Tax from bulk fuel used for power generation. The final touches to the tax proposal were being made on Monday by top civil servants in the ministries of Finance and Energy. Some experts say the move could cut electricity costs by as much as 50 per cent. More>>>

Western falls short of food targets

By Stephen Makabila, Oct 7 2008
Land sub-division and the high cost of inputs is to blame for reduced food production in Western province. Despite favourable good weather conditions and rich soils, the province faces a recurring food crisis. Experts say poor crop husbandry and preference for cash crops is having a toll on commercial farming. "The smaller the land under cultivation becomes, the lower productivity because farming becomes subsistence," says Mr John Cheruiyot, the Western Provincial Director of Agriculture. About 10 years ago, farms under crop production ranged between five and 30 acres, but currently the average ownership is one acre to five acres, thus reducing productivity levels. More>>>

Global financial crisis hits a 20-year low as UK banks lose 40% of their wealth

By our correspondents, Oct 7 2008
The global financial crisis deepened again today as shares in British banks plummeted by up to 40 per cent and 300,000 British savers were blocked from accessing their money in the Icelandic bank Icesave after it collapsed. Alistair Darling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is expected to make a statement on the continuing crisis this morning from Luxembourg, where he has been attending an EU finance meeting. More>>>

Kenya slips in human rights index

By Isaac Ongiri, Oct 7 2008
Kenya’s ranking on matters of human rights remained dismal at the height of complaints of state funded torture by human rights lobby groups and the Muslim community. The country’s overall performance at this year’s Ibrahim Index of African Governance, released in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday, fell two places to 17. Last year Kenya was ranked at 15. More>>>

Boda boda's flying flag to be arrested

By Peter Atsiaya, Oct 6 2008
Since the formation of the Grand Coalition Government - early this year, boda boda operators in Nyanza have found a new way to celebrate their exodus from the opposition. They now fly miniature national flags on bicycles and motorbikes. But this seems not to have impressed the provincial police officer Anthony Kibuchi. He has warned bicycle and motorbike taxi (boda boda) operators and private motorists against flying the flags and termed it "law violation albeit out of ignorance". The Nyanza Provincial Police Officer said it was illegal to mount national flags on bicycles, motorcycles and private cars. He ordered them to remove the flags or face the law. More>>>

Kenyans sold as slaves abroad

By Ken Opala, Oct 6 2008
Thousands of Kenyans are being driven into modern slavery abroad in their desperate attempts to escape from worsening economic conditions at home.

Nation investigations show that nearly 20,000 Kenyans fall prey to human trafficking cartels yearly and are living in appalling conditions in North America, Europe and the Middle East. The case of a 14-year-old girl rescued in the United Kingdom is a stark reminder of the growing trade in humans. More>>>

Bungoma civic boss charged with defiling a minor

By our correspondent, Oct 6 2008
A councillor in Bungoma District has been charged with defiling and assaulting a schoolgirl. Malakisi town council vice-chairman Nelson Okumu Wekesa appeared before senior resident magistrate Robinson Oigara at a Kimilili court to answer the charges. The minor, a Standard Seven pupil, is said to be four months pregnant. More>>>

Security fears in Saboti over IDP resettlement

By Osinde Obare, Oct 6 2008
The Government will deploy 50 police officers at Gitwamba in Saboti Constituency to facilitate the resettlement of displaced people (IDPs). Internal Security Minister George Saitoti told IDPs at Gitwamba in Trans Nzoia West they would be protected from armed crooks. Gitwamba borders Mt Elgon forest and was troubled by the now decimated Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) militia. "A major security operation will soon be launched to deal with and weed out the SLDF militia in this district," said Prof Saitoti. He said a police station would be put up in the area to boost security for those who want to return to their farms.

Cardinal Otunga's power lay in his powerlessness - Njenga

By our correspondent, Oct 6 2008
Retired Catholic Archbishop John Njenga has hailed the late Maurice Cardinal Otunga as a great but humble leader. Bishop Njenga said Otunga had the potential to become a pope but he never made it his habit to call to attention everything that he did. He said Otunga possessed extraordinary humility. "In spite of his position in the church’s hierarchy, he never advertised himself or exerted his weight everywhere he stepped. In this way he became powerful by appearing powerless," he said. Njenga said when Otunga spoke even the State took him seriously and listened. More>>>

Did you know that Machakos was Kenya's 1st capital?

By Iassac Ongiri, Oct 2 2008
Plans are under way for a centennial celebration for Kenya’s first capital city Machakos. Mr Mutula Kilonzo, the Nairobi Metropolitan Minister, revealed preparation has begun to celebrate the town’s 100 years of existence. "Machakos is a very important town in Kenya’s history being the first host of the country’s administrative headquarters," said Mutula.

He added: "This is the town, from where the country’s first colonial governor operated as from 1908 until the railway line reached Nairobi.A building within the town used by the colonial ruler as official office, the minister said, would be conserved and turned into a tourist attraction . More>>>

Judges don't want to pay tax

By Jillo Kadida, Oct 3 2008
Kenya’s 55 judges are up in arms against a decision by the Government to implement a proposal to tax their salaries and allowances before Parliament passes the law. The High Court and Appelate judges are accusing the Government of ambushing them with the deductions, which were effected in their September pay. A crisis meeting to discuss the issue is expected on Friday after their attempts to meet Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura on Tuesday failed. More>>>

Wetangula furious with foreign envoys over Kivuitu's team

By Antony Kariuki, Oct 3 2008
Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula has termed as “shameless blackmail” calls by diplomats for the resignation of Electoral Commission of Kenya officials. In a hard hitting statement, Mr Wetang’ula said it was unacceptable for Western ambassadors to visit the ECK chairman Samuel Kivuitu and demand for his immediate resignation or face a travel ban to their respective countries.More>>>

Abeingo looks to a bright economic future

By Topi Lyambila, Oct 1 2008
The Abeingo Community marked its second year in existence with and AGM held in London at the weekend. The well attended function included an AGM prior to the Summer Party at the same venue. The entire Executive led by Chairman Juvenal Shiundu was voted back into Office, with Fridah Wandera coming in as Vice Chairperson. As part of the organisational revamp, several proposals have been put in place including the appointment of regional coordinators to boost member registration which was deemed low during the past year. The Coordinators will be charged with the responsibility of overseeing member recruitment and creating awareness within the regions they represent. More>>>

Abeingo now truly the Luhya gateway

By Shad Bulimo, Secretary, Oct 1 2008
Abeingo Community Network was formally launched on October 7 2006 at a ceremony in London attended by Musikari Kombo, then Minister for Local Government now nominated MP, David Aooko Were, MP for Matungu (then assistant minister for information), Barack Muluka the publisher, Athanas Manyala Keya (now an assistant minister for gender)  and the late David Zalo, the music maestro.The organisation was launched after a group of Luhya’s met in London on 1st August 2006 and felt that as a community we can no longer just sit and wait or blame the government for our poverty and economic misery. More>>>

Kivuitu's team banned from travelling to US

By Joseph Murimi, Oct 2 2008
Pressure continues to pile on ECK chiefs to quit, with the US imposing a travel ban on the 22 commissioners, and EU negotiating a soft landing for them. This comes ahead of the commissioners’ meeting with EU ambassadors to Kenya in Nairobi, this morning.

Although the EU representatives in Nairobi refused to divulge details of the agenda of today’s meeting with ECK chairman Samuel Kivuitu and his team, impeccable sources intimated to us the ambassadors would be asking them to consider resigning to allow for reforms of the electoral system.The source from an EU country told The Standard the meeting would explore options for the commissioners to give them a ‘safe exit’ following the bungled General Election, last year. More>>>

Villagers flee as dead man re-appears

By Boniface Gikandi, Oct 2 2008
Villagers fled in terror after a man who had been presumed dead and buried resurfaced. The appearance of Mr Jefferson Kamau on a hot, sunny afternoon at Makutano market in Murang’a South District scared residents, many of who had even attended his ‘burial’ at Kagundu-ini village in Kandara Division.

A watchman had allegedly fatally hit Kamau with a club after a scuffle in Makutano prior to his disappearance. Residents said his ‘body’ was taken to Thika District Hospital Mortuary where it was identified and taken home for burial by his relatives in July. More>>>

Maize harvest may rot on farms due to storage snag

By Osinde Obare, Oct 2 2008
Maize farmers in the North Rift cannot deliver their harvest because the National Cereals and Produce Board has not opened its depots. They have appealed to Agriculture Minister William Ruto to order for the immediate opening of the stores. More>>>

Funeral business booms at Garden Square Restaurant

Restaurants and bars are registering good returns from providing mourners with meeting space. Mention Garden Square, a well-known restaurant in Nairobi, and what comes to mind is friends and relatives meeting to plan funerals of loved ones. More>>>

New Police Force to be launched in Nairobi

By Isaac Ongiri, Oct 1 2008
The Government has announced plans to launch a new police service to be in charge of the proposed Nairobi Metropolitan. Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Mutula Kilonzo yesterday said the initiative is in line with the policy of making Nairobi a model city in Africa. Prof Saitoti and Mr Kilonzo said a pilot plan for a secured city is already in place with hundreds of integrated Closed Circuit Television gadgets already mounted in strategic parts of the central business district. The ministers were speaking at KICC, during a consultative summit for district commissioners and district officers whose areas fall within the proposed city. More>>>

Majali, Wesonga give notice of teachers strike

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has given the Government one month to review teachers’ salaries. Knut Acting Secretary General Lawrence Majali has warned that if Government fails to honour its pledge, they will call a countrywide strike.

He, however, asked teachers to be patient as the union negotiates for better remuneration. Majali disclosed that the Teachers Service Remuneration Committee has been meeting since May. "We are hopeful the Government will fulfil its pledge," Knut Chairman George Wesonga added. Majali asked teachers to spare their September salaries for any eventuality in case they down their tools. "Teachers should wait for direction from the National Executive Council on the way forward," said Majali. More>>>

Woman of Peace programme to be launched in London

By Benjaline Akeng'a, Oct 1 2008
We would like to invite the Abeingo ladies for the Launch of the Woman of Peace programme launch to be held this Saturday, October 4th 2008 from 10 am to 4pm in Colindale at the Grahame Park at Joy Bringers. Woman of Peace is an offshoot of Family Transformation International (FTI)- Kenya is an of -shoot of the Family Transformation International headquartered in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Woman of Peace aims to restore and protect the covenant of marriage; heal, restore and equip families to become an environment of love, acceptance and forgiveness where each person may experience hope  and a sense of security and fulfillment in their value as a person  and their purpose and destiny in life.

The nearest tube is Colindale or if coming by British Rail, alight at Mill Hill Broadway then take Bus 303 to Grahame Park By Bus: 204 From Edgware, 303 from Edgware to Grahame Park. The address of Joy Bringers is c/o The Novo Centre No. 12, The Concourse Colindale, London NW9 5XB Tel: 020 83584672. Email: Joybringersus@yahoo.co.uk

Discredited 8-4-4 education system faces the big chop

By Benjamin Muindi, Oct 1 2008
The Kenya Institute of Education has embarked on the final review of the current curriculum. According to KIE boss Lydia Nzomo, the review findings will determine whether or not the country’s education system needs a new curriculum. Ms Nzomo told the Nation that the current one had been implemented in full cycle, since 2003 upto 2006, with its review covering different classes in both primary and secondary schools. “The process of summative evaluation has started and KIE is polishing the tools that will be used in gathering relevant data,” she said.

The body is expected to present the findings of this review in January 2009, for Kenyans to determine if there is a need for a change in the education system. A curriculum is the set of courses, course work and content offered in schools. More>>>