Michael Werikhe, dubbed the Rhino Man

Remember Michael Werikhe?

By INGONEWS Reporter, Aug 30 2009
He died ten years ago. But Investigations by INGONEWS have revealed that Michael Werikhe, dubbed the Rhino Man due to his extra ordinary efforts at raising funds to save the rhino from extinction is alive. First there is the Michael Werikhe Foundation; then there is the Michael Werikhe Trophy run by the East African Wildlife Services but curiously, there is also, in flesh, Michael Werikhe, the minister for Housing in Uganda (left). Talk of reincarnation!

By Daily Mail, Aug 30 2009
This laptop may look chunky, but that's because it conceals not one but two equal-sized screens under its lid. The Spacebook is the world's first dual-screen laptop and will go on sale at the end of this year. The first pictures have emerged on the internet creating a buzz on technology blogs. Created by the Alaska-based company gScreen, the laptop will feature either two LED backlit 16in or 17in screens, with one sliding out from behind the other. More...

Dual screen laptop will go on sale soon but the revoluntionary contraption is likely to weigh a chunky 11lbs. It is made by Alaska based company gScreen.

By David Ohito, Aug 30 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has quietly put out word in his party that direct public attacks on Agriculture minister William Ruto should stop forthwith. Ruto similarly said he was keen to see ODM issues resolved amicably. Raila, who has seemingly toned down his language, including the threat that he would sidestep Rift MPs and engage their constituents directly, also called for truce. Behind the scenes, Raila and Ruto separately held closed consultations with select groups of elders from their communities the Luo and Kalenjin. Reports intimated the pressure is building up between the two leaders that each would be politically weaker without the other. More...

Outrage as cost of VP's house doubles to $5m

By David Okwembah, Aug 30 2009
The cost of building an official residence for Kenya's Vice-President has doubled to Sh383 million after the original contractor was fired for delays and poor workmanship. A new contractor, Italbuild Imports, has been named to complete the job after Public Works ministry kicked out Dimken Kenya Ltd. Public Works minister Chris Obure confirmed that Italbuild had been awarded the contract and would move to the site soon.

By our correspondents, Aug 30 2009
Deputy Prime Minister, Musalia Mudavadi has dismissed as a myth insinuations that he and Silas Jirongo, MP for Lugari and leader of Kaddu are locked in battle for Luhya supremacy. At the same time, Mr Mudavadi who is also the minister for local government dismissed allegations by Dr Bonny Khalwale, the Ikolomani MP, that the Shinyalu elections were rigged in favour of the winning ODM candidate, Justus Kizito. If anything, he said, “it is Kaddu supporters who were arrested while bribing voters at polling centres; my take is that the people of Shinyalu have spoken clearly that ODM is their party of choice, the whole thing about a Mudavadi-Jirongo battle is just a myth,” said the Local Government minister. “There have been cases where some people and especially the media indicated that the by-election was a battle between me and Jirongo. That is not true as the people of Shinyalu are the ones who have elected their MP and not an MP from Sabatia or Lugari,” he added. More...

By James Munyeki, Aug 30 2009
The Government is willing to consult with Rift Valley MPs before the planned eviction of illegal settlers from Mau Forest. Forestry and Wildlife Minister Noah Wekesa said the Government would not take any action that would lead to a political crisis. But at the same time, Mr Wekesa blamed the Kanu regime for the destruction of the forest cover. The minister was speaking at a ceremony to mark the completion of the Aberdare electric fence at Geta in Kipipiri, last Friday. More...

By Ali Abdi, Aug 30 2009
It is a rare case that illustrates extreme consequences of forced marriage of underage girls in parts of Northern Kenya. A school has defied education rules to fight this culture that deprives hundreds of young girls a chance to get an education. The school has allowed a girl, who was recently forced into marriage, then divorced, to return to class, with her baby. It is a rare case that has been drawing crusaders of girl child rights in Isiolo region to the school to support the girl and to use her case as an example to why forced marriage should be fought by all means. The head teacher Mr Mohammed Adiyo says he learnt that his pupil was pregnant last October 16. . More...

By Emmanuel Mwendwa, Aug 29 2009
Little is known about them locally, but a youthful Kenyan band Sauti Sol is edging closer to international fame. The group is on a tour of key European cities - Rotterdam, Stockholm, Amsterdam, London, Den Haag, Gothenburg, Helmond and Zandvoort. Sauti Sol consists of Bien-Aime Baraza, Willis Chimano, Delvin Mudigi and Polycarp Otieno. The band has already released a 13-track debut CD, aptly titled Mwanzo (beginning). More...

London shows: In London they'll play at African Centre in Covent Garden and Club Afrique on Sept 4 and 5. Make sure you get your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £15 for students and £20 for others and are available from the following persons:
DJ Dubwise: 07886 395 578;
Awinja: 07882 341 401 or; John: 07882 430 284.

By George Olwenya, Aug 28 2009
Census officials were last night forced to scamper for safety when they bumped into a hyena in North Alego, Siaya District. The officials led by senior supervisor Mark Mukhwana had to run for their dear life before jumping into their vehicle even as the beast ran in the opposite direction. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 28 2009
The Kenyan government has reportedly retained a top Washington public relations firm to improve its image in the United States at a reported cost of Sh129 million ($1.7 million) over the next two years. According to the Paris-based Indian Ocean Newsletter, CLS & Associates have added the Kenyan Government to their list of clients. More...

By Fred Mukinda, Aug 28 2009
A day after presenting its interim report to President Kibaki, the team of experts spearheading reforms in the force was yesterday summoned by Internal Security minister George Saitoti to discuss their proposals which would see Maj-Gen Ali removed after almost six years at the helm. More...

By Kenan Miruka, Aug 28 2009
Wild celebrations rocked Bomachoge and Shinyalu constituencies after ODM candidates Simon Ogari and Justus Kizito won in the just-concluded by-elections. In Shinyalu, ODM supporters led by Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Fisheries Minister Pual Otuoma celebrated Kizito’s 14,452 votes victory against Kadu’s Daniel Khamasi who secured only 5080 votes. The Interim Independent Electoral Commission cleared 11 candidates to vie for the Shinyalu seat that fell vacant following the death of MP Charles Lugano. In Bomachoge, Ogari beat immediate former MP, Joel Onyancha of PNU by 669 votes in a closely contested poll. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 28 2009
Four suspects were arrested in Shinyalu over voter bribery and double registration. Kakamega OCPD John Mwinzi said the party agents were arrested while buying voters in polling stations and are to be charged in court. "Four agents are under arrest as a result of voter buying, an activity we have received a lot of complaints on, from some candidates," said the IIEC Kakamega Co-ordinator Daniel Nyongesa. Compiling evidence The four were arrested at Injira, Muranda, Musingu and Munasio. More...

By Patrick Beja, Aug 28 2009
Kenya loses Sh60 billion annually as a result of congestion in Nairobi and the crisis was also developing in Mombasa. Architects now want the Government to relocate headquarters of ministries from Nairobi to decongest it. Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) Chairman Steven Oundo said the body advocated for the relocation of offices from the city to save the economy from losses resulting from traffic jams. "Why is the Ministry of Agriculture or Fisheries in Nairobi?" he posed. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 28 2009
The first search of Michael Jackson's bedroom a day after his death found marijuana, skin-bleaching and hair-growing ointments, anti-insomnia pills and empty bottles of several anti-anxiety drugs, according to court documents unsealed Thursday. A substance initially suspected to be tar heroin proved not to be a narcotic, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. Jackson who died of a drug overdose was due to be buried tomorrow on his 51st birthday but those plans are now on hold pending further investigations. He has been dead for nearly two months now. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 28 2009
From the time she was an 11-year-old, blue-eyed, freckle-faced blonde until she was a 29-year-old woman with two children, Jaycee Dugard was kept locked away in a backyard compound of sheds and tarps by a couple police say abducted her. Nobody else knew she was there except the couple that snatched her off the street in front of her house in South Lake Tahoe, California, in 1991, and took her straight to the soundproof shed, police said. She has two girls sired by the monster. More...

By Beatrice Obwocha, Aug 27 2009
The Ogiek community and the Government are set to reopen a bitter row over land. Members of the community have vowed to stay put, despite a notice given to all illegal settlers on the Mau Forest Complex. Ogiek People Development Programme Executive Director Daniel Kobei said about 15,000 Ogiek members living in the complex are not illegal occupants as mentioned in the notice from Kenya Forest Service. More...

By Robert Nyasato, Aug 27 2009
The number of people diagnosed with swine flu in Kisii has risen to seven after one more person tested positive. The latest victim is a grandfather to one of the six students of Riakworo Secondary School who were diagnosed with the disease soon after they returned from the National Music Festival in Mombasa, last week. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 27 2009
Facebook has agreed to make worldwide changes to its privacy policy as a result of negotiations with Canada's privacy commissioner. Last month the social network was found to breach Canadian law by holding on to users' personal data indefinitely. Facebook has now agreed to make changes to the way it handles this information. More...

By Martin Vogl, Aug 27 2009
A new family law in Mali is causing a furore, partly because it no longer stipulates that wives have to obey their husbands. Such has been the anger in the majority Muslim country that President Amadou Toumani Toure has sent the law back to parliament for MPs to re-consider. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 27 2009
Parliament slashed the Attorney General’s travel budget by Sh1million in a historic and symbolic protest against the sloppy performance of the State Law Office and Chief Government Legal Advisor. Wako was a lonely man yesterday when Parliament’s Justice Committee Chairman Abdikadir Muhamad launched an assault on his record accusing him for failing to honour summons. The AG, without success, tried to punch holes in Abdikadir’s proposal by saying the committee had not recommended such a reduction in its report to Parliament, normally presented during the approval of Budget estimates. Former Justice Minister Martha Karua described Wako as a person ‘who lives abroad but works in Kenya’ to demonstrate the AG’s many travels abroad. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 27 2009
The International Criminal Court has acquired the services of the Waki Commission personnel to ease its investigative process. The investigators, who worked in the Commission of Inquiry into Post-Election Violence (CIPEV), will help the ICC as it prepares to prosecute the Kenya post election violence suspects. Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo added that the court has also hired Swahili translators. Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara has since started fresh efforts for local trials and Mr Kilonzo on Thursday called on Kenyans to support him. More...

By Kipngeno Cheruiyot, Aug 27 2009
The row over Nairobi City Council purchase of cemetery land at Athi River continues to draw heated controversy. The Ministry of Land has now distanced itself from a valuation report that placed the price of the land at Sh325 million. And in a fresh twist, we have also established the transfer of the land was done twice, casting doubt on who between the alleged owner, Henry Kilonzi, and Naen Rech Limited owned the land before it was transferred to the council. Papers in our possession show the land it sold to the council was not theirs at the time of tendering.

By Kenan Miruka, Aug 27 2009
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has complained of alleged massive violations of the electoral conduct ahead in the Shinyalu and Bomachoge by elections. In a letter addressed to IIEC chairman Ahmed Isaack Hassan, party secretary general Anyang Nyongo cited a number of violations to the electoral law and the provisions of the political parties act. In the letter, ODM alleged a senior government official in Shinyalu who hails from Bomachoge had met presiding officers swapped from Bomachoge allegedly to assist a PNU candidate. The seat fell vacant following the death of area MP, Charles Lugano in May this year. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 27 2009
With only eight days left before forceful evictions, panic has gripped Mau settlers but curiously, Dr Noah Wekesa under whose docket the 14-day quit notice was issued, has denied any involvement or approval of teh notice. Instead, Dr Wekesa, the minister for Wildlife Services blamed the advert on his Permanent Secretary and Raila’s. "The matter was discussed by the two Permanent Secretaries who did not refer it to me or any other person." He expressed regret the notice issued by KFS pitted him against the PM, saying the two Permanent Secretaries should have let him look at the notice before it was released. Wekesa added: "I will respect what the President and the Prime Minister say. I am their servant." More...

By Lynda Bulimo, Aug 26 2009
Jamaica is a place I’ve always been intrigued about since I was young. Growing up in London, I had many Jamaican friends and teachers. The parents of my Jamaican friends spoke with a very distinct accent, and I knew it wasn’t very “African”. So where in the world could they possibly be from? In my naivety, I thought all black people come from Africa. This is true given what I now know about the history of the Trans Atlantic slave trade. So I was delighted to get the opportunity to visit the beautiful Caribbean island, to see for myself just what makes Jamaica tick and get an insight into how life is like there. More...

By Sasha Bulimo, Aug 26 2009
On the evening of Friday, August 8th 2009, my family and I made our way to the airport. I was so excited and thrilled that we were “actually” going to Jamaica, the land of relaxation and music! Well, that’s just my opinion, if you ask anybody who hasn’t been to Jamaica, I guarantee you that they would say the same thing! There is much more to Jamaica than that. We had no time to waste because one week flies quickly in Jamaica. So we had to quickly organise our priorities. Bob Marley is a legend in Jamaica and come rain or thunder, we had to pay homage to the legendary king. More...

By our travel reporter, Aug 26 2009
It was a first one for Robert Ayieko and his friend, Albertina Mutheu Kasoa. The couple are seen here in enjoying horse riding in the Canadian resort of Banff National Park in Alberta over the weekend. ''I've always admired horses and when an opportunity to ride on one arose, I couldn't hesitate,'' said Mr Ayieko who moved from London to work in Calgary eight months ago.

Besides riding horses, Mr Ayieko and Ms Kasoa also tried water rafting and visited the caves in the vast park. They stayed at a place called Dead Man's Flats! What a name you wonder but that is Canada for you. No one is forgotten. Banff is the premier tourist attraction in the province of Alberta.

By our correspondents, Aug 26 2009
Up to 500 voters who registered twice will not be allowed to vote in tomorrow's by elections in Shinyalu. The seat fell vacant following the death of the area MP, Charles Lilechi Lugano in May this year. Western Provincial Administration Police Commandant Elijah Osodo said a combined force from the police would be deployed in all the polling centres to maintain law and order and ensure that electoral offenders are barred from voting booths. "We have prepared a list of the double registered voters in the two constituencies and they will not be allowed to take part," he said. More...

By our reporter, Aug 26 2009
A total of 11 candidates will be seeking to win the by election scheduled for tomorrow in Shinyalu constituency. The seat fell vacant after the area MP, Charles Lilechi Lugano died in May this year. The candidates seeking your votes are:

Justus Kizito (ODM); Amutavi Bebetu (New Ford-Kenya), Patrick Chungani (PNU), Daniel Khamasi (Kaddu), Chris Milimu (Ford-People), Ayisi Ingoi (Narc-Kenya), Gerishon Machanja (Afford-Kenya), Ambrose Lusuli (Kanu), Silas Andega (New Vision), Agwili Segero (Ford Kenya), Jennifer Shamalla (UDM).

By our correspondents, Aug 26 2009
Census failed to take off at Osieko beach on Lake Victoria after enumerators from Bondo and Budalang’i districts clashed over who would conduct the exercise. Bondo DC Mohamud Salim and local statistical officer John Asudi had to rush to the area yesterday morning to sort out the dispute. Meanwhile residents of Migingo Island were counted amid tight security by Uganda police. Two enumerators, accompanied by two elders, moved door to door on the one-acre island under the watchful eye of Ugandan security officers. More...

By our reporter, Aug 26 2009
The storm swirling around tribe in the census questionnaire was yesterday magnified by Ida Odinga, the wife of Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. When asked to state her tribe, she was adamant she was half Luo half Luhya. The enumerator, Collins Opiyo was forced to record Luo because her father is Luo. Ida's mother, Rose Ayuya is from Kisa in Khwisero, Kakamega. She was first African trained nurse and the first African to open a bank account in Kakamega in 1937. The account is still open until today.

By our correspondents, Aug 26 2009
The national population census got off to a rocky second day as several incidents threatened to undermine the exercise. Shortage of census materials, uniforms and badges, boundary disputes, heavy rains, cultural challenges, and unco-operative citizens were some of the hiccups at the beginning of the national population tally that entered day two, Tuesday. These incidents did not, however, deter enumerators as senior census officials led by the Director General of the Kenya Bureau of Statistics Anthony Kilele reassured the public they were addressing the challenges and that all Kenyans would be counted.

By our reporter, Aug 25 2009
Martin Shikuku, former member of parliament for Butere is bereaved. Honourable Shikuku's first born Omusirikwa died over the weekend. She was 51 and married in Idakho, Kakamega. She was the daughter of Shikuku's first wife, the late Joska Indeche from Shiatsala, Butere District, Western Province. Hon Shikuku is currently a fellow in Cambridge, England writing his political memoirs. Burial arrangements are underway and details will be posted as we get them.

By our correspondent, Aug 25 2009
Michael Jackson's personal physician Dr Conrad Murray could be charged with manslaughter within days after the Los Angeles Coroner's office ruled that the singer's death was homicide. A homicide ruling by the LA County coroner would not necessarily mean a murder was committed - but it would make it more likely that criminal charges would be filed against Conrad Murray. Dr Murray is likely to face a charge of involuntary manslaughter which carries a maximum sentence of four years under Californian law. He has admitted administering the powerful sedative propofol to the singer on the day he died to help him sleep. More...

The multi-talented Sauti Sol is something you have ever experienced before. The African acoustic band consists of 4 members; Bien-Aime Baraza Alusa, Willis Chimano, Delvin Mudigi and Polycarp Otieno who met in high school and originally started as an accapella group. When they cleared their O-levels in the year 2005 they decided to take up music professionally. The band is inspired by the choices, consequences and challenges that the Kenyan youth face and the need to revamp the music industry with a different unique sound that cuts across all age groups. Musically, they are inspired by Fadhili Williams, Daudi Kabaka and other established African artists such as Salif Keita and Lokua Kanza. They are playing gigs in Europe this August and September.

By our reporter, Aug 25 2009
Sauti Sol are scheduled to rock European capitals with their innovative African soul and funk. They are scheduled to play in the UK, Holland and Austria (click here to see full schedule). In London they'll play at African Centre in Covent Garden and Club Afrique on Sept 4 and 5. Make sure you get your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £15 for students and £20 for others and are available from the following persons:
DJ Dubwise: 07886 395 578;
Awinja: 07882 341 401 or;
John: 07882 430 284. They will also be selling thier album called "Mwanzo".

By Alphonce Shiundu, Aug 25 2009
Some members from the Pokot and Maasai communities had reservations in counting the women as adults and wanted them lumped together with the children, Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya told the PM and his wife Ms Ida Odinga. There were also reports that some communities had refused to divulge the number of children in their households saying it was a taboo for them to count children and even the animals in their possession. More...

A US-based Kenyan teacher has joined CNN’s exclusive club of heroes. The leading television channel ran a documentary, ‘CNN Heroes’, on August 14 featuring Mr Jude Ndambuki’s computer-for-trees work with his Help-Kenya project. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 25 2009
The world’s oldest pupil, Stephen Kimani Maruge, 89, was on Monday buried, 10 days after succumbing to cancer. Though a cloud of grief briefly hung over Arashi farm in Subukia, it was soon dispersed by the legacy left by Mr Maruge, who entered the Guinness World of Records for enrolling in primary school at 84. More...

The relatives of 11 Kenyans arrested by Ugandan security officers on Migingo island at the weekend for protesting at the theft of their phones have asked the government to facilitate their release. However Uganda yesterday sent in eight more security officers from Bugiri . More...

Tests have revealed Caster Semenya's testosterone level to be three times higher than those normally expected in a female sample, BBC Sport understands. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 25 2009
The online encyclopaedia Wikipedia is on the cusp of launching a major revamp to how people contribute to some pages. The site will require that revisions to pages about living people and some organisations be approved by an editor.

By Aly Jamah, Aug 25 2009
The food crisis could get worse than earlier thought as a result of low production levels, industry players have warned. They cast doubts on the Government estimates that the nation will produce at least 20 million bags of maize this year, saying the real figure was much less. Despite a bumper crop in 2006, maize production in the country has been declining sharply. Kenya requires at least 37 million bags a year, while it is only producing between 25 and 30 million bags. More

By our correspondent, Aug 25 2009
The last batch of census materials for Western Province arrived in Kakamega on Monday morning, just hours to the start of the national count. There was a mix-up after materials meant for Butere, Kakamega Central and Kakamega North districts were dispatched to Busia. Acting Western Provincial Statistical Officer George Ondaje, however, said everything was set despite the hitches. Security along the Kenya-Uganda border has also been tightened. More...

By Allan Kisia, Aug 25 2009
Agriculture Minister William Ruto led an ODM team in campaigning for the party’s parliamentary candidate in shinyalu. The minister dispelled fears ODM risked falling apart because of differences between him and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. "Raila was in Shinyalu on Saturday, I am here now, and we are all campaigning for the same candidates. That shows we are still working to improve the party," he said. More...

The Wanga kingdom split in the 18th century when ailing Nabongo Osundwa summoned his two sons, Kweyu and Wamukoya and gave the former a spear that symbolised who was the chosen heir. When Osundwa died, Wamukoya led a mutiny that established a rival kingdom, Wanga Mukulu. The most recognised nabongoship is however Wanga North ruled by Mumia Peter II.. More...

By Vincent Bartoo, Aug 23 2009
The firestorm between Prime minister Raila Odinga and Agriculture minister William Ruto raged on with the Eldoret North MP stepping out backed by 22 tough-talking Kalenjin MPs. They came from different political parties - including Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement - to deliver the message that the region had struck a common chord and would sing him one song and one tune. Mr Ruto set the ball rolling by declaring the Kalenjin community was in Rift Valley Province by right and were not squatters. More...

Shame of 56 sick hospitals

By our correspondents, Aug 23 2009
A new audit has exposed the sorry state of Government hospitals. Most have dilapidated facilities that can barely cope with emergencies and do not adhere to clinical guidelines. According to the audit, 56 hospitals scored below 50 on emergency preparedness against a score of 100. Shockingly, 18 hospitals did not have any form of emergency preparedness and scored zero. More...

By Kepher Otieno, Aug 23 2009
ALS Dash 8 has launched services between Kisumu and Nairobi, bringing to four the number of airlines operating that route. The airline will fly in and out of the lakeside town to Wilson Airport in the mornings and evenings daily. Each flight has capacity to carry 37 passengers. Kenya Airways, Fly 540 and Jetlink have been the only airlines plying the route. More...

By James Anyanzwa, Aug 23 2003
The population census rolls off tonight against the backdrop of serious challenges such as insecurity and movement of people due to drought and famine. It is the fifth census since Kenya attained Independence. The exercise, at the end of which the country will know the number of its citizens, besides accessing other vital data that constitute a cornerstone of economic and infrastructure planning, is billed to cost Sh7.4 billion. More...

By Elisha Otieno, Aug 23 2009
Eleven Kenyans, including traders and fishermen, were arrested at the weekend by Ugandan authorities guarding the disputed Migingo Island in Lake Victoria. More...

By Stephen Makabila, Aug 23 2009
Former minister Joseph Otiende, who served in President Jomo Kenyatta’s regime, describes the Cabinet then as lean, disciplined and focused. Otiende was in the first Cabinet of 15 members and served between 1963 and 1969. He says though some ministries were considered more important, the team worked harmoniously. Some of the ministries considered top were Home Affairs headed by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Justice and Constitutional Affairs under Tom Mboya, Finance and Economic Planning under James Gichuru and Otiende’s Education. Otiende also served in the Health and Housing Ministry before quitting politics. More...

BLOOD samples of the patient admitted in Mbale Hospital suspected of having Ebola have been found free of the virus, the Uganda Virus Research Institute has said. More...

By Hannah Strange, Aug 23 2009
In Venezuela, beauty pageants are big business. In the country's many beauty schools, vast sums of money are spent on training and transforming hopefuls with an almost military dedication. More...

By Baraka Karama and our reporter, Aug 21 2009
A Luhya community has found a way of promoting unity, eradicating idleness and earning an income from tourism. Cock fighting, a traditional Luhya sport is now organised regularly in Butsotso, Kakamega as a spectator sport. Chief Andrew Nikoli says the event is organised regularly to promote unity in the community. "We try as much as possible to encourage our people to spend most of their time watching the event rather than engage in vices such as drinking illicit brews and smoking bhang. The chief says the event also has its cultural importance and is regarded with high esteem in the Luhya community. "There is no Luhya man or woman who doesn’t know the importance of owning a cock. If you don’t have any in your home then you will not be respected," he notes. The ceremony is one of several major tourist attraction events in Western Province. The western tourism circuit has classified cock fighting alongside the bull fighting of Kakamega as must-see events. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 21 2009
The Kenya government is putting together a team of security officers from three agencies in readiness for expected evictions in Mau Forest, the Nation has learnt. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 21 2009
Last week’s two-day strike cost Kenya Airways a massive Sh600 million in lost revenue. The strike paralysed local and international flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at airports in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 21 2009
The new world 800m champion Caster Semenya has been asked to undergo gender tests by the International Association of Athletics Federations after finishing significantly faster than the other competitors in the women's race. It may be thought that determining if someone is a man or woman would be as simple as looking to see if they have breasts and a vagina or a penis. But in reality it is far more complex.. More...

Michael Jackson will be buried in a private service at Forest Lawn-Glendale on Aug. 29, a spokesman said in a prepared statement Tuesday. Guests will be limited to family and close friends. Details about the burial and the whereabouts of Jackson's body have been tightly guarded. More...

Stanley Livondo (left) and ex-VP, Moody Awori

By Titus Maero, Aug 20 2009
PARLIAMENTARY candidates in the Shinyalu constituency yesterday stepped up their campaigns ahead of the August 27  By-Election. The PNU National Strategy and Planning officer Stanley Livondo is in the area leading a campaign team to drum up support for the party candidate  Patrick Chungani. Livondo was at a Kakamega hotel yesterday with Chungani  trying to map out the campaign strategy as the political heat gained momentum. More...

By Daniel Edyengu, Aug 20 2009
Medical workers in Mbale Hospital have been put on high alert following the admission of a patient suspected to have Ebola. Joseph (second name withheld) was referred to Mbale from Tororo Hospital at 11:00am on Tuesday after his condition deteriorated. More...

The Lockerbie bomber has left Scotland on board a plane bound for Libya after being freed from prison on compassionate grounds. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, was jailed in 2001 for the atrocity which claimed 270 lives in 1988. The decision to release Megrahi, who has terminal prostate cancer, was made by the Scottish Government. The White House "deeply regretted" the decision and some of the US victims' families reacted angrily. More...

News International, parent company of The Times, is to shut thelondonpaper, its free evening title, after concluding that it could not sustain the freesheet in the depths of the recession. The closure will affect 60 full time staff. More...

Burial societies are making a come back in Zimbabwe.
Burial societies return to Zimbabwe

IRIN, Harare, Aug 20 2009 - On the last Sunday of every month, Zwodwa Mpika, 52, puts on her blue dress and matching brimless cap, the uniform of the burial society she belongs to, and sets off for the meeting. She has rarely missed a gathering since her husband died in 2006, and her regular attendance has earned her the position of secretary of the Zibuthe Burial Society, located in Sizinda, a suburb of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city. Burial societies, to which most low-income families in urban centres belong as an alternative to buying conventional funeral insurance, are beginning to show signs of revival after tottering on the brink of collapse in the country's decade-long recession. More...

By David Ohito, Aug 20 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s office finally got its grip on Government operations and the whip to crack the whip while executing his constitutional supervisory and co-ordinating mandate. With the stamp of executive authority - signified by President Kibaki’s endorsement and public exposition of functions - Raila’s role in rebuilding and managing Kenya was rolled out. More...

By Wahome Thuku, Aug 20 2009
Thousands of teachers hoping to secure jobs as interns may have to wait longer following a High Court decision suspending the recruitment. The ruling came as the Education Permanent Secretary Karega Mutahi was meeting Provincial Directors of Education and District Education Officers to plan for the exercise that was scheduled to kick off Friday. More...

By Peter Leftie, Aug 20 2009
The Cabinet has approved eighteen multi-billion shilling projects to address the food, water and energy crises and create over one million jobs. The Sh250bn projects will be implemented by regional development authorities under minister, Fred Gumo. More

Beginning of the end: Prime Minister Raila Odinga, President Kibaki and Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi during the launch of the PM’s office strategic plan at KICC, Nairobi Wednesday. Photo: Tabitha Otwori

Agriculture minister William Ruto will return 20 acres of ADC land “if indeed he was allocated,” two of his Ministry officials said Thursday. More...

By Joel Okwayo, Aug 20 2009
Teachers in Western Province lament delays in remitting their dues to various funds by TSC. Kakamega Teachers Benevolent Fund Secretary Francis Omety says the fund has repeatedly delayed processing members’ educational and medical loans due to failure by the TSC to remit members’ dues. According to him, money meant for teachers in Kakamega is sometimes deposited in the accounts of teachers in Kajiado District. More...

O'Kubasu named in land deal By our correspondent, Aug 20 2009 Justice Emmanuel O'Kubasu is also among those named in the irregular allocation of Agricultural Development Corporation farms alongside prominent politicians. A list tabled in the House names Cabinet ministers William Ruto and William ole Ntimama as some of big political players who were allocated State farms. Other politicians mentioned in the document presented to Parliament are Agriculture Assistant Minister Kareke Mbiuki, MPs Isaac Ruto, Boaz Kaino, Wilson Litole and one G K Saitoti (not clear if it is George Saitoti, minister for internal security). More...

Court of Appeal Judge, Emmanuel O'Kubasu - named in the land report

By our correspondents, Aug 19 2009
The Planning Minister has defended the controversial question on tribe during the National Census. There has been heated debate on stating of one’s ethnicity during the August 24 exercise, with some calling for its removal. Yesterday, Mr Wycliff Oparanya and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) said the data would help in planning for health, education and cultural issues. Speaking in his Butere Constituency, Oparanya said the Ministry of Health, for instance, uses tribe to determine some common diseases among a community and plan for health provision. More...

By Allan Kisia, Aug 19 2009
ODM’s crusade in Shinyalu is set to go full throttle as Cabinet ministers hit the campaign trail in the constituency. The party’s parliamentary candidate Justus Kizito said several ministers have confirmed they will campaign for him. Other candidates are Amutavi Bebetu (New Ford-Kenya), Patrick Chungani (PNU), Daniel Khamasi (Kaddu), Chris Milimu (Ford-People), Ayisi Ingoi (Narc-Kenya), Gerishon Machanja (Afford-Kenya), Ambrose Lusuli (Kanu), Silas Andega (New Vision), Agwili Segero (Ford Kenya), Jennifer Shamalla (UDM). More...

New Kenya is littered with famished faces, carcasses and death; a result of prolonged drought and corruption.

Hundreds of wild animals in the expansive Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha face starvation as famine ravages. Several animals have died in the park and surrounding areas due to lack of pasture. Rivers Njoro, Makalia and Nderit, which were the main sources of fresh water to the park, have dried up. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 19 2009
The emergency programme targeting 10 million Kenyans in the danger bracket was launched as reports filtered to newsrooms that famine had claimed two more lives in Homa Bay, which is not even in the traditional food crises hotspot. The two are said to have died on Saturday and Monday after going without food for more than three days in Komenya Village, East Kagan, Rangwe constituency. They were identified as Nicodemus Odak Ouso, 87 and his neighbour Teresa Ougo Ondigo, 85. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 19 2009
The Parliamentary Finance Committee is opposed to Government plans to buy a stake in the currency printing firm, De la Rue Currency and Security Print Ltd. Committee chairman Chris Okemo told Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta in Parliament they are not convinced "that is the way to go" and wondered why Government was eager to buy into a multinational it has been doing business with. Okemo urged the Government to shelve the deal because De la Rue, which has maintained a stranglehold over currency printing contracts, is still subject of a Parliamentary inquiry and the report is yet to be tabled in the House. More...

New Kenya: Starved of food, Mrs Anna Apodo of Kamenya, Rangwe constituency is staring death in the face. Photo: Titus Munala

By Samwel Siringi, Aug 19 2009
More than 500,000 children in Kenya have been pushed out of school, largely by the biting food shortage, according to a new report. The number of out-of-school children stands at two million, up from 1.5 million, says a group of local non-profit organisations engaged in education. The Elimu Yetu Coalition said the rise in drop-out rates posed a major threat to the free learning programme.More...

By Emma Morton, Aug 18 2009
A WIFE is pregnant with TWELVE babies, it was claimed last night. The unnamed mum-to-be - a teacher - is said to be defying medical advice by vowing to give birth to ALL six girls and six boys. More...

By Chris Smyth, Aug 19 2009
Sir David Attenborough clearly conjures up different associations. Explorers who discovered a new species of giant rodent-eating carnivorous plant have named it after the TV naturalist. Nepenthes attenboroughii, a previously unknown variety of pitcher plant discovered on a remote mountain in the Philippines, is so big that small rodents could be trapped inside and slowly dissolved by flesh-eating enzymes. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 19 2009
The government has launched an ambitious recovery plan that is expected to drastically transform the country’s social, political and economic landscape. Under the plan, the government will give priority to several key areas that will drive the country’s growth and development. More...

By Stewart Maclean, Aug 19 2009
The gold medal favourite in tonight's women's 800m World Athletics Championships race is today facing claims that she is really a man. South African Caster Semenya, 18, is set to race in tonight's final in Berlin after sailing through a semi-final on Monday in her first major international sporting competition. But the teenage sensation has sparked controversy over her strikingly muscular physique, and today insiders claimed she would be gender tested following the final in Berlin. Officials at the world athletics body, the IAAF, confirmed that organisation is aware of the controversy. A spokesman said the IAAF were unable to intervene in tonight's race, but sources claimed Semenya will be tested. More...

Gender cheats If Caster Semenya, the 18-year old from South Africa is unmasked to be a man running as a female at the Berlin IAAF meet, she (or it he?) will not be the first one to cheat on gender. Polish athlete Ewa Klobukowska (left) was revealed to be a man in 1967 while Dora Ratjen of Vienna was too outed in 1938 to be a man named Hermann Ratjen. It's all to do with fame and fortune.

By our correspondents, Aug 18 2009
More than 28 Kenyans have died in conflicts related to resources like food and water. In Taita, a man stabbed his uncle to death over a packet of two kilos of maize flour (see separate story). Elsewhere people resort to coping strategies such as eating wild foods to survive while the rich have too much on their plates and fridges. Cattle carcasses are strewn across marginal districts and those of wild animals litter sanctuaries. More...

By Tom Matoke, Aug 18 2009
Planning minister Wycliffe Oparanya has directed that all minority tribes be given a separate code even as controversy rages on the government's decision to include the question on ethnicity in the national census. The groups are: Ogiek, Terik, Njemps, Ndorobo, Malakote, Wanyayoya, Galjeel and the Sanyee ethnic groups from Coast and Rift Valley Provinces. More...

By David Ohito, Aug 18 2009
Former Finance Minister Chris Okemo says Kenya’s problem is an accumulation of failed policies over time. "The problems are not new. Energy shortage occurs annually and we refuse to have affirmative action." "Kenya is not the only country affected by drought. Many others are, but their wise plans help them. The solution lies on improved budgetary allocation for agriculture and investing in infrastructure." Okemo said. Economist Mr Osano Kute says, "Even the military and National Youth Service interventions will not yield much. The army would have made a difference if they drilled boreholes and supplied food." More...

By Sammy Kitula, Aug 18 2009
Football Kenya Limited on Monday suspended its secretary-general, Sammy Obingo, over allegations of misappropriation of funds. FKL chairman Mohamed Hatimy told Daily Nation on Monday that the national football governing body also launched investigations into the two recent international friendlies involving Harambee Stars, where the vice is suspected to have been committed. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 18 2009
As the Mau Forest controversy continues to occupy political centre stage, former president Daniel arap Moi whose family has been named as part of the forest grabbing cartel over the weekend gave the chronology of the excisions of land in the forest since the era of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. The first allocations, he said, took place during the Kenyatta regime. “The first land buying in the forest took place in 1974 when Jackson Angaine was minister in charge of lands,” said the retired president. “What was the role of the forest officers then? Why did they not stop them from encroaching on the reserve?” More...

By our correspondents, Aug 18 2009
In Mogotio district, the Lembus community has moved to court rejecting creation of the district. They argue that Mogotio and Ngumbereti locations should not be included in the new district. They would like to remain in Koibatek District. They say that if the two locations, which are in Mogotio constituency, are included then the constituents will be marginalised. The residents have held demonstrations to echo their opposition to the new district. The newly posted district commissioner is yet to set foot to the administrative zone owing to a court order barring him from doing so. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 18 2009
The creation of new districts in the vast Rift Valley province has been a source of conflicts and tension among residents. In the past three years, the Government has established more than 30 new districts, often without consultation. In some areas, residents do not know which district they belong in and where to go for services like registration for national identity cards. Recent recruitments of officers to carry out the population census further exposed the challenges brought about by the new districts. More...

By Barbara Among, Aug 18 2009
Kenya is free to count its nationals on the disputed Migingo Island. The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, James Mugume, said Uganda had no objection to a request from Kenya to carry out a census there. “The question of counting the Kenyans is not an issue; everybody knows who is a Kenyan and who is not. The beach management unit at Migingo can help where it is needed,” Mugume said. He dismissed reports in Kenyan media that Ugandan security officials on the island would not allow enumerators there. More...

By Oliver Mathenge, Aug 16 2009
Andrew Ligale's Boundaries Commission is broke and may ground to halt if cash is not injected into its kitty urgently. The boundaries commission chairman Andrew Ligale yesterday said the Sh351 million was yet to be released and they did not think it would be enough. “When we sat down as a commission, we drew up a budget of Sh1.3 billion for every financial year. It means we were allocated a quarter of what we expected,” said Mr Ligale. More...

By Patrick Mayoyo, Aug 16 2009
The Bomachoge and Shinyalu by-elections are widely seen as tests of how well the new Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) in Kenya is prepared to conduct free and fair elections. As campaigning enters the final week, there have been reports of voter bribery, night campaigns, violence and other electoral malpractices. However, if events in the recent weeks are anything to go by, the new electoral body has demonstrated that it has the nerve to confront challenges that left its predecessor with egg on its face. In Shinyalu, the Safina candidate, Samuel Muhati, was disqualified for allegedly seeking to contest before resigning as a teacher. More...

By Vitalis Kimutai, Aug 16 2009
Prime minister Raila Odinga was at it again - touring the heartland of Rift Valley without welcome or even company from the region’s parliamentary representatives. Raila was again accompanied by a lonely political voice from Eldama Ravine, former Nominated MP Musa Sirma, as he cut through South Rift’s tea plantations for a church service and later a rally in Konoin Constituency. More...

By Kepher Otieno, Aug 16 2009
Kalenjin and Luo elders communities now want to reconcile Prime Minister Raila Odinga and MPs from the Rift Valley. The elders, who met in Kisumu on Monday, described as "unacceptable" the war of words between the PM and MPs allied to Agriculture Minister William Ruto over the Mau forest evictions. The move comes in the wake of war of words between Rift Valley and Nyanza MPs over the planned eviction of Mau forest settlers. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 16 2009
Barely a week after the creation of the new Gem District, excitement has turned into bitter rivalry between groups fighting over the location of the district headquarters. The controversy took a new twist after a group of scholars from the constituency bitterly opposed recommendations by area MP Jakoyo Midiwo to have the district headquarters at Wagai and not at Gem divisional headquarters, Yala. More...

Prof Mary Abukutsa-Onyango is fronting a campaign to transform people's eating habits from the modern to the traditional. Photo: Mike Goldweir

By IRIN, Aug 7 2009
A Kenyan horticultural scientist hopes that a group of leafy green plants, previously dismissed by some as weeds, may have a significant impact on reducing malnutrition and poverty levels in Kenya. Mary Abukutsa-Onyango has identified six local greens - described as African indigenous vegetables - that are very high in nutrients and easy to grow in local conditions. Her laboratory tests show the vegetables are nutritionally as good, if not better, than the “exotic” greens such as spinach and cabbage, which were introduced to Africa from abroad and have become widely accepted as staples. More...

Amaranth is an old cultivated crop originating on American continent. The Aztecs, Incas and Mayas considered amaranth as their staple food together with maize and beans. It used to be one of the most important crops in America before Spanish colonialists conquered it and further cultivation of the crop was banned. At present amaranth is grown in the USA, South America, India, China and Russia. The Czech Republic is the most important grower in Europe. This plant is valued for the positive chemical composition of seed that does not contain gluten. Amaranth is very interesting crop from the point of its high production potential. It grows intensively, photosynthesises fast and effectively, does not suffer from major diseases and is tolerant to various extreme conditions. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 7 2009
A Greek woman accused of setting fire to the genitals of a British tourist in Crete is due to appear in court. The woman admitted assault after dousing the man's private parts in alcohol and igniting them, but says she did so after being sexually harassed. Police on the Greek island say the tourist was drunk and had waved his genitals at several girls before allegedly groping the suspect.

The man suffered second degree burns and is recovering in a private clinic. The 26-year-old suspect handed herself over to police, claiming she had acted in self defence. She has won praise on Crete for what has been seen as defending her honour, the BBC's Malcolm Brabant said. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 7 2009
A "massively co-ordinated" attack on websites including Google, Facebook and Twitter was directed at one individual, it has been confirmed. Facebook told BBC News that the strike was aimed at a pro-Georgian blogger known as Cyxymu. The attack caused a blackout of Twitter for around two hours, while Facebook said its service had been "degraded". More...

Kenyans take refugee at Dukana in Chalbi district. They're fearing attacks from members of Oromo rebels fighting Ethiopian forces. Photo: WILLIAM OERI

Oromo TV coverage sparks diplomatic row with Ethiopia

By Peter Leftie, Aug 7 2009
Ethiopia sent a stiff protest to Kenya on Thursday, seeking to stop the Nation Media Group from airing a television programme on a rebel movement fighting the Addis Ababa Government. Kenya’s ambassador, Franklin Esipila was summoned to the Ethiopian Foreign ministry as the government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi launched a diplomatic offensive to block NTV’s four-part investigative report on the Oromo Liberation Front, which went on air last night. Ethiopia warned that airing the programme could undermine relations with Kenya. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 7 2009
Civil society is demanding the resignation of President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga for failing to establish a special tribunal to try culprits associated with post-election violence. A coalition of more than 30 civil society groups said choosing Cabinet to deal with important matters was evidence the leaders were incapable of rallying support from Parliament. On Tuesday, Cotu secretary general, Francis Atwoli also issued similar demands. The chorus is increasing after the National Council of Churches of Kenya kicked it off last week. More...

By Mutinda Mwanzia, Aug 7 2009
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has said it will not recognise the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission terming it compromised, impotent and a waste of public resources. The council argued TJRC was the Executive’s project and, therefore, cannot be expected to deliver much, since some of those implicated in post-election violence report are in the Cabinet. More...

By our correspondents, Aug 7 2009
A Nakuru man was elated yesterday to receive a response after waiting nine years. In 2000, the then student of Moi University, Mr Godwin Kipkurgor wrote to the Clintons in White House proposing to marry their daughter, Chelsea and offered 40 goats and 40 cattle as dowry. No one took him seriously but yesterday, the former first lady, now secretary of state, Hillary Clinton answered him. Amused by the unexpected question from Mr Fareed Zakaria of CNN, who was moderating a public forum at the University of Nairobi yesterday, Clinton said, it would be up to Chelsea to decide, as she is "very independent". But she would dutifully pass on the message to her daughter, she said. More...

By Alphonce Shiundu, Aug 6 2009
The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has insisted that America will not interfere with the running of Kenya’s coalition government. Mrs Clinton was speaking at a public talk in the University of Nairobi on Thursday. Mr Martin Oloo of the Law Society of Kenya sought a clarification on America’s position regarding free and fair polls and the emerging trend where disputed elections transform into power-sharing deals. The US Secretary replied that once the elections are done, her government is “left with a very tough choice.” While on one hand imposing sanctions would punish the voters, working with an illegitimate government casts doubts about the consistency of America’s foreign policies. More...

ByMurad Ahmed, Aug 6 2009
The micro-blogging site Twitter has come under attack this afternoon, taking it down for more than an hour. On the site's corporate blog, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone said: "On this otherwise happy Thursday morning, Twitter is the target of a denial of service attack. More...

Man found himself tied up with penis stuck to his middle with glue after wife and girlfriends' revenge, US court documents say. More...

By David Ohito, Aug 6 2009
It was an interesting but tense moment for President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (Agoa) forum. Raila who previously said Africa did not need any more lectures on governance himself delivered a similar lesson. The PM belaboured his election experience saying Africa held elections frequently, although this never translated into democracy. To demonstrate fuss over democracy in Africa Raila said: "In Africa elections are never won. They are only rigged and the loser never accepts defeat." More...

Joseph Odindo: New Nation Media boss

Samuel Kivuitu, disgraced former electoral chairman is a man haunted by his past sins of rigging presidential elections.

By Peter Leftie, Aug 6 2009
The Nation Media Group has announced changes in its top management. Mr Wangethi Mwangi, its long-serving editorial director, is retiring after 29 years of service. He is replaced by Mr Joseph Odindo, who has been the group managing editor. Mr Mwangi, who joined the Nation as a sub-editor in 1980, has shaped NMG’s journalism in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as the group’s top editor. Mr Gitahi also announced the appointment of Mr Tom Mshindi as managing director of Nation Newspapers Division. Mr Mshindi has been managing director of the group’s Uganda subsidiary, Monitor Publications. He is a former chief executive officer of the Standard Group and started his career at the Nation. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 6 2009
Ninety two returning officers were appointed at the eleventh hour during the 2007 elections, a thing former Electoral Commission Kenya chairman Samuel Kivuitu says was a “serious” mistake. In an interview on Wednesday, Mr Kivuitu said the 92 were mainly appointed as deputy returning officers and lacked necessary qualifications. “They were not trained like others. Some were not gazetted. This is a serious mistake that I discovered late,” Mr Kivuitu said, adding that he was sick when the appointments were done and that he was embarrassed when he noted it later. More...

By Njeri Rugene, Aug 6 2009
Several Rift Valley members of Kenyan Parliament have denounced an agreement reached at a meeting between President Kibaki and Kalenjin MPs over the Mau Forest Complex evictions. A Cabinet minister, seven assistants and five MPs said the agreement was not binding to the people of Rift Valley. Heritage minister William ole Ntimama, assistant ministers Katoo ole Metito, Ndiritu Muriithi, Lee Kinyanjui, Josephat Nanok, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Joseph Nkaissery, Simeon Lesrima and the five MPs said the Mau issue should be separated from national healing and reconciliation. More...

By Shad Bulimo, Aug 5 2009
One of the problems facing Luhya unity is the fact that we did not come from the same father and mother unlike say, the Kikuyu or Luo. Each Luhya sub tribe was a nation by itself. One way forward is to forge unity in blocks starting with those tribes that are closely related geographically and linguistically. This may take the form of Marama, Tsotso, Wanga, Shisha (Kisa), Nyore, Idakho, Isukha, Manyala ( Ndombi), Kabras (Abalasi) Maragoli, Tiriki forming one block; and Bukusu, Tachoni forming another block with the third block consisting of Busia tribes of Manyala, Samia, Bakhayo and Marachi.
Organisations like Abeingo Community Network can play a crucial role in uniting the Luhya. More...

By Simon Naulele, Aug 5 2009
A primary school teacher in Soroti district was on Monday caned by angry parents who grabbed him drinking enguli (potent gin) during working hours. Sam Odongo, a 39-year-old social studies teacher at Owalei Primary School, was beaten up and later dragged to Opuyo Police post to record a statement. “He must have received up to 70 strokes but he never cried. The man is very strong,” said a parent who participated in ‘disciplining’ the teacher. More...

By David Ohito, Aug 5 2009
Twenty top government officials are banned from travelling from the UK. The British High Commissioner Rob Macaire revealed yesterday that these include ministers, top civil servants, and entrepreneurs whose conduct and dealings are questionable. Traditionally, the rest of the 27 European Union states reciprocates visa bans on foreigners by one of their members, which raises the prospect some Kenyan ministers, despite their official assignment, would never be allowed to step in EU states, and in all probability, the US, too. Last year, America also slapped a similar ban. More...

By Anderson Ojwang, Aug 5 2009
Two Anglican Bishops have expressed disappointment at the nomination of gay priests as bishops by leaders of Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, US Bishops Rev Thomas Kogo of Eldoret and Stephen Kewasis of Kitale said they would not recognise the bishops, one of whom is a lesbian and were opposed to such nominations. More...

US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton addressing the Agoa conference in Nairobi yesterday. She said US is disappointed by the slow pace in prosecuting perpetrators of post election violence. She also said US investors want to invest in country with transparent governance and strong independent institutions. Photo: Fred Onyango

By David Ohito & our reporter, Aug 5 2009
The United States has termed attorney general, Amos Wako and Kenya Anti Corruption Commission boss, Aaron Ringera moribund and toothless. The US assistant secretary of state for African affairs Johnnie Carson said: "Under the watchful eye of Kenya’s long serving Attorney General (Amos Wako) - a man who has served loyally under President Kibaki and President Moi - not one government official or serving politician has been successfully prosecuted for corruption in two decades. Of Ringera, Carson said: "Kenya’s six-year-old Anti-Corruption Commission has demonstrated a record similar (to Wako’s) success rate." On the Kenyan courts, Carson said: "Kenya’s court system has also shown a willingness to play along with the AG’s style of politics. In Kenya, there is a saying that sums up the public attitude towards the nation’s courts: "Why hire a lawyer when you can buy a judge?" said Carson. More...

LUHYA WEDDING WITH A DIFFERENCE

LET'S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT HERE. JUST HOW MUCH DOES A WEDDING COST? IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU WANT AND HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD, I HEAR YOU SAY. AND YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU'RE DEAD RIGHT. I DON'T KNOW WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE. BUT WHOEVER THEY ARE, THEY HAVE PROVEN THAT YOU DO NOT NEED EXPENSIVE LIMOUSINES OR HIRE CHURCHES AND COMMUNITY HALLS TO SOLEMNIZE YOUR MARRIAGE. PLENTY OF LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THESE PEOPLE. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Is this YOU? Do you know them?

By our correspondents, Aug 4 2009
President Kibaki set the ball rolling for the abolition of the death penalty, with his directive to relevant Government organs to urgently review its relevance in our laws. At the same time the president removed the hangman’s noose on some 4,000 deadly criminals who will now serve life imprisonment. Life imprisonment in Kenya ranges from a day to upwards of 50 years, meaning some of the convicts could leave the prison gates soon. The last convict was hanged in 22 years ago. More...

Thousands of Filipinos lined up in monsoon rains Saturday to pay their last respects to former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, putting aside deep divisions to honor the icon who ousted a dictator and sustained democracy against great odds. More...

By Ngumbao Kithi, Aug 4 2009
More than 80,000 school children have gathered in Mombasa for the 83rd national music festivals. The extravaganza at the Aga Khan Secondary School will showcase music from the country’s 42 communities. Kenya National Music Festivals Executive Secretary Peter Asige Silingi described the music festivals which started yesterday as the best chance of breaking cultural barriers that have over the years led to ethnic clashes. More...

Scores of protesters gathered outside a Sudanese courtroom Tuesday as the trial of a woman who faces 40 lashes for wearing clothes deemed indecent was postponed. Lubna al-Hussein, who says she was arrested for wearing pants that were too tight, faces a new trial date of September 7, her attorney. More...

New HIV strain found

Gorillas have been found, for the first time, to be a source of HIV. Previous research had shown the HIV-1 strain, the main source of human infections, with 33m cases worldwide, originated from a virus in chimpanzees. But researchers have now discovered an HIV infection in a Cameroonian woman which is clearly linked to a gorilla strain, Nature Medicine reports. More...

By David Ohito, Aug 4 2009
The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commissioners finally took oath of office yesterday. The commissioners face a Herculean task of unmasking the mysteries of Kenya’s historical injustices and murders. Even within the Cabinet, no one knows what the exact mandate or powers of the TJRC beyond some vague promises to review the laws to make them ''more representative and effective.'' Critics see Government as running away from punishing impunity while lawyers have poked holes in the Government’s fresh strategy backing the TJRC option. It was not immediately clear why the Government did not approve of the recommendations of its own sub-committee, which comprised reputed and experienced lawyers in the Cabinet. More...

By Beauttah Omanga, Aug 4 2009
Teaching has gone high-tech with the launch of a digitised curriculum. Education Minister Sam Ongeri yesterday unveiled a programme that could deal publishers and booksellers a major blow. It provides access to content on subjects in the school curriculum over the Internet. More...

By Stephen Makabila, Aug 4 2009
Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya has urged Kenyan refugees in Uganda to return home for the national census. More than 1,800 Kenyans, who fled during post-election violence last year, are still camping at Kiriandong refugee camp in Masindi District of Western Uganda. More...

By Simon Naulele, Aug 4 2009
THE Paramount chief of Teso, Augustine Lemukol Osuban, has commended the Government for repealing a land bill that was contradictory to the Teso customary land tenure system. Clans manage customary land on behalf of the Teso. More...

By Daniel Wesangula, Aug 3 2009
In just five months, life for residents of Webuye Town in Western Kenya has turned into a nightmare following the closure of the Pan African Paper Mills in February. The locked shops and clusters of idle youth underscore the decline of a once vibrant trading centre on its way to becoming a ghost town. When Pan Paper opened its doors in 1970, residents of this western town saw it as a harbinger of good things to come. And, for several decades, business did boom especially in bars and restaurants. Webuye was well on its way to becoming a major town in the region. Vivienne Keya, a 25-year-old environmentalist who was born in the area, concedes that things were good for awhile, but that the good life came at a price. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 3 2009
Plans requiring would-be-citizens to earn enough points to stay permanently in the United Kingdom were revealed by the Government today. The new points based test for citizenship - an extension of the already successful Australian-style points based system - will award migrants pointsfor building up different attributes and skills. Proposals include reward for economic contributions, skills and English language proficiency above the level already expected. More...

By Peter Atsiaya, Aug 3 2009
Sixteen MPs, including four Cabinet ministers, have criticised Egypt and Sudan for holding the Nile Basin countries hostage over the signing of a new Nile Treaty. The leaders accused the two countries of intimidating other countries sharing the Nile waters over the treaty meant to spell out the use of Nile waters. Cabinet ministers Dalmas Otieno, James Orengo and Paul Otuoma and the MPs said it was unacceptable for Egypt and Sudan to restrict other countries on the use of Nile waters. More...

By a correspondent, Aug 3 2009
One person died on Saturday when a light aircraft crashed in Nairobi's Highrise estate, off Mbagathi way and injuring two on board. According to an eye witnesses, the plane lost control hitting electrical power lines. It then bumped into a four-storey flat sending it into flames before crashing on the open grounds. More...

By Francis Ngige, Aug 3 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga got backing from some Meru MPs led by Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi. The MPs told Raila on Saturday they would consider supporting him for the presidency since President Kibaki would not be running in 2012. Early last year, Mr Murungi promised vice president, Kalonzo Musyoka his support for 2012 presidential elections. All leaders who spoke at a church function that Raila attended lauded the Prime Minister’s firm stand on saving the Mau Forest. More...

By Kepher Otieno, Aug 3 2009
Ugandan surveyors return this week to conclude the joint survey on the disputed Migingo Island. East Africa Co-operation Minister Amason Kingi said the team would return with firm instructions to stay on until the exercise is concluded. More...

By Lucianne Limo, Aug 3 2009
More than 20,000 Ogiek could lose access to their ancestral land following plans by the State to rid the Mau Forest of human settlements. The Ogiek are one of the last remaining indigenous communities who have lived in and around the Mau for hundreds of years. In May 1999, the Ogiek moved to court seeking a declaration that the proposed eviction violated their rights but in February 2000, the High Court summarily dismissed the Ogiek lawsuit on grounds the community was exploiting forest resources. More...

By David Ochami, Aug 3 2009
People involved in 169 schemes including 16 whose owners tried to convert them into co-operative societies to evade detection when the meltdown began in 2007, was compiled by June, but could not be tabled in Parliament for legal reasons. On July 23, Mr Nyagah told Parliament because the matter was before court the doctrine of sub-judice disabled him from tabling the report. But on Thursday Speaker Kenneth Marende ruled orders given to Kenya Business Community Co-operative Savings and Credit Society Ltd are not blanket for they refer only to aspects of the taskforce report. More...

By David Ochami, Aug 3 2009
In June, Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale claimed 20 people committed suicide following the collapse of the schemes. He said the schemes were associated with prominent people, including President Kibaki’s ally Stanley Murage and chairman of the Interim Boundaries Review Commission Andrew Ligale. Mr Ligale denounced the claims and it is not clear if his name is in the report. Others named by the MP are former minister Njeru Ndwiga, former diplomat Mary Odinga, a Dr Ndamwe and Mr George Donde. Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi linked Trade Minister Amos Kimunya’s wife to the scam and asked Nyagah to confirm whether the Government was protecting her and others from investigation. She denied the connection. More...

By our reporter, Aug 3 2009
The ink has hardly dried on the cabinet decision to establish truth commission in fulfilment of Rome Treaty obligations but already three cabinet ministers have pulled away from their collective decision. Lands minister James Orengo, Forestry and Wildlife minister Dr Noah Wekesa and his Planning counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya said over the weekend masterminds of the post election violence will still be tried by the ICC at The Hague. More...

By Topi Lyambila, Aug 1 2009
Partnership for productivity seemed to be the underlying theme in this years Expo which opened in London last night. Kenya Minister for Housing Hon. Soita Shitanda graced the Delegates Dinner accompanied by Kenya High Commissioner HE Joseph Muchemi. The vibrancy was infectious as the drums rolled out for this year’s exhibition held at the Holiday Inn Regency Park Saying he is glad to be associated once again with Expo, the Minister reiterated Kenya’s determination to improve the Housing sector by implementing the Kenya Slum Upgrading programme. More...

By Francis Kokutse, Aug 1 2009
It reads like the plot to a novel but it is true. An African Chief killed two European intruders on his land and was punished by hanging. His head was cut off and sent across the Atlantic to far-away Holland. But for the work of a daring researcher, the head would still have remained in a bottle where it has been preserved since then unknown to any of his people. That has been the story of Nana Baidoo Bonso II, the Ahanta chief from Busua, a small town hidden by coconut trees along the western coast of Ghana in West Africa. Only a coastal town until now, Busua is located 214 kilometres away from the capital, Accra, and is set to rewrite its history with the arrival of head of Baidoo Bonso II who was court martialled and hanged for killing two Dutch soldiers in 1838. More...

By Maseme Machuka, Aug 1 2009
President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have been asked to dissolve government and resign following the debacle over prosecution of post election violence suspects. The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) termed Cabinet’s decision to recommend the truth commission to settle the post poll chaos as an "act of subverting justice and indicative of a country that is regressing into a failed state." Secretary General Peter Karanja said the handling of post poll aftermath is shocking. More...

By Willis Oketch, Aug 1 2009
The soldiers who planned the aborted 1982 coup used to brief their co-conspirators at the Eastleigh Airbase football pitch, a former soldier revealed to The Standard on Saturday. Okodo Otieno, who admits he was a member of the Revolution Council of Change (RCC), says Ochuka formed the movement with the knowledge and support of prominent politicians. He says he has no regrets, as it was a precursor to more freedom "in the country and the army itself"."This is why I still respect ex-coup leader Ochuka," says Onyango, who is the Deputy Secretary General of Transport and Allied Workers Union. More...

By our correspondent, Aug 1 2009
Three minority communities from Coast Province have threatened to snub the forthcoming national census if President Kibaki fails to honour a promise to give them a code number. The agro-pastoralists communities. The communities are: Munyo-Yaya, Milwana and Malakote from Tana-River District. More...

By Meeme Joshua, Aug 1 2009
THE Government will survey and demarcate Mau Forest Complex after relocation and compensation of legal occupants of the controversial forest reserve.In a statement to newsrooms, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said Government would compensate bona fide settlers who have acquired land as third parties and hold legal title deeds. More...