A somber mood has engulfed the Mombasa media fraternity following the sudden demise of one of their colleague, Fatma Rajab.

Family members confirmed that Fatma had breathed her last on Saturday morning, after she was rushed to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital Intensive care Unit on Thursday.

Colleagues, family and friends gathered at the hospital on Saturday afternoon to escort the body of late Fatma Rajab to her family residence at Kashani in Kiembeni.

The body will stay at the residence, where it will be prayed for till Sunday around 11am, from where it will be taken for final prayers at Mkomani before burial at the same place at 1pm.

On Sunday, the funeral prayers will be after dhuhr (1pm) at Masjid Fat'h in Mkomani.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir and the Chief Executive Officer CGTRH Dr. Khandawalla waived off the hospital bill for the family.

Earlier on Friday, Fatma’s family had appealed for help to raise Sh1.8 million to assist her go for a heart surgery.

The 26-year-old journalist was diagnosed with Degenerative Boprosthetic Mitral Valve with Severe mitral Stenosis Mild Mitral Regurgitation condition back in 2014.

This forced her family to take her to India to undergo a surgery to rectify the problem.

She underwent a valve replacement operation that helped her for the last nine years.

Fatma had a prosthetic valve fixed in her heart, but the valve had degenerated over time and could no longer function and therefore required to be replaced immediately.

Unfortunately she passed away before the procedure could be carried on.

Colleagues and friends have paid tribute to the late Fatma describing her as a young and dedicated journalist who the media was yet to realize her full potential.

Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) coast chapter in a press release condoled with the family and the media fraternity in Mombasa.

"The Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) coast chapter has learnt with a lot of sadness the passing on of a Mombasa based journalist Fatma Rajab,”

"Her charisma and diligence in executing her duties will sure be missed by many in Mombasa,” read a statement by KCA coast chapter chairman Omar Abdalla.

Abdalla also thanked the media in Mombasa for coming together to highlight her plight as she appealed for assistance to raise funds for her much needed heart surgery.

"We extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends and the entire media fraternity in Mombasa and the region at large.Surely to Allah we belong, and to Allah we shall return. May Allah grant her Janatul Firdaus,” Abdalla said.

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A Mombasa based journalist is appealing for help to raise Sh1.8 million to assist her go for a heart surgery.

26-year-old Fatma Rajab is currently admitted at the ICU unit at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital where she expects to undergo the much needed surgery to help her get back to normal.

Fatma, a journalist at Mo radio was diagnosed with Degenerative Boprosthetic Mitral Valve with Severe mitral Stenosis Mild Mitral Regurgitation condition back in 2014.

Mitral valve stenosis occurs when the mitral valve in the heart narrows, restricting blood flow into the main pumping chamber.

This forced her family to take her to India to undergo a surgery to rectify the problem.

She underwent a valve replacement operation that helped her for the last nine years.

Fatma’s father Rajabu Ali said they (family) managed to afford the cost of the operation back then after getting support from family members, friends and well-wishers and also selling his inheritance house from his late father.

"I had to sell my late father’s house and also got support from family, friends and well-wishers to pay for the operation then.” said Ali.

Adding "Unfortunately the condition has re-occurred and we need Sh1.8 million which my family cannot afford for now,”

Fatma had a prosthetic valve fixed in her heart, but the valve has degenerated over time and can no longer function and therefore requires to be replaced immediately.

“If I had the money I could have taken back to India where she had the first operation to get the problem fixed, but unfortunately we cannot afford that”

“I am appealing to all Kenyans of good will to help me treat my daughter so that she can regain her health and go back to doing her work,” Ali appealed.

Her mother Mwanthumu Abdalla said Fatma recently developed complications after she started experiencing abdominal pain forcing them to rush her to the nearest hospital in Bamburi this week.

Things got worse and they had to rush to CGTRH where after close observations and x-ray reports, it was discovered that the prosthetic valve fixed in her heart had failed.

"We were working to raise funds for her heart conditions yet other complications have come up. Getting the Sh1.8 million is difficult for us.”

"I humbly appeal to our leaders and Kenyans at large to come to our rescue. My heart is heavy and in pain when I see my daughter in this condition, I will appreciate any support I get,” she said.

Doctors at the hospital have said Fatma is in stable condition but requires having the surgery done immediately.

Doctor Hassan Ali, the resident medical officer at the medical ICU unit said after conducting observations of Fatma when she was brought in this week, they discovered symptoms of heart failure immediately started her on anti-failure drugs.

"One of the drugs she was using had a side effect causing her abdominal pain and bleeding. We have put her on medication to counter that as she is still on anti-failure drugs too,” said Dr. Ali.

The doctor said Fatma is now in stable condition compared to how she came in, but the surgery has to be done immediately.

"She is conscious, alert and her breathing is okay. The challenge remaining is that we have to get the valve replaced immediately, this can be done within our center and we are preparing for that,” he said.

The cost of the operation at the hospital can be less than a million, but the same operation is costing Sh1.8 million at Karen Hospital where Fatma had her scan that revealed the return of the heart failure symptoms.

“We have a good cardiothoracic team here to handle such cases. The patient is fully in ICU, she has to be fully stabilized and once we do that she will be ready to go for the operation,” Dr. Ali said.

On Friday, fellow journalists thronged the Coast general hospital to donate blood to help in the surgery of the colleague.

As the world welcomes 2024, the spotlight shines on Ayo Dee, an emerging Kenyan talent poised to make waves internationally. 

Hailed by many as the next Burna Boy, Ayo Dee is set to captivate audiences worldwide, supported by his home country of Kenya. Ayo Dee burst onto the music scene with his debut EP, "Ready the EP," in 2022, featuring hits like "Mary Jane" and "Turuturu," captivating Kenyan audiences and establishing his unique sound.

Kicking off the new year with a bang, Ayo Dee has dropped the lead single, "Wanjiru Wants My Baby," from his highly anticipated second EP, "Connect the Dots," - the song was officially released on January 1st, 2024.

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/pLQjwUdiSVs 

This track, a masterful fusion of reggae vibes and Afro Fusion, delves into the theme of making conscious life choices, challenging societal conditioning that can hinder personal growth and prosperity. Accompanied by a vibrant music video, "Wanjiru Wants My Baby" showcases Kenya's top music talents, uniting as a community dedicated to conscious artistry and growth.

ODM leader Raila Odinga has warned President William Ruto against interfering with other arms of government and that by attacking Judiciary he has crossed the line.

Speaking during a press conference at Maakazi hotel in Mombasa, Mr Odinga displeasure at President Ruto’s continued attacks on the Judiciary after his Nyandarua County sentiments where he intimated that his administration would no longer follow court orders as he accused the Judiciary of taking bribes in order to sabotage the government.

Mr Odinga challenged President Ruto to learn that his best insurance is to obey the law and there is no other way about it and we will not allow him to invent any other way other than the law.

Mr Odinga accused the President of trying to capture the judiciary by intimidating judges and magistrates not to hear cases against his policies, dismiss such cases or always rule in his favour. 

“It was my hope that after the tumult and pain experienced in 2023 and from which Kenyans are still deeply suffering, the Kenya Kwanza administration would begin this New Year with much more reflection and humility that would plant hopes that vital lessons have been learnt and 2024 would be better. We were wrong,” said Mr Odinga who is also ODM party leader.

Odinga was flanked by Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Mombasa women representative Zamzam Mohamed, county senator Mohammed Faki and Mombasa county speaker Aharub Khatri.

Mr Odinga accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of corruption and that Mr Ruto should be the first to respect courts since his entire political career has been saved by the Judiciary. 

“When he was charged with fraud and stealing of Kenya Pipeline land, it was the Judiciary that saved him. When he was sued to stop his presidential bid with President Uhuru Kenyatta on account of commission of crimes against humanity, it was the judiciary that saved him. And in 2022, the Judiciary sanctified his power grab after he rigged elections. It is ridiculous to now hear the biggest political beneficiary of judicial decisions in Kenya's history now accuse the institution of sabotaging him,” said Mr Odinga.

He added, “President Ruto wants to establish an absolute dictatorship. Kenyans know we have been here before when judges heard cases in the dead of the night, way past official working hours and sent opponents of the state to jail and those not obeying executive rule got transferred, sacked or even got poisoned.”

Mr Odinga claimed that the threats that Kenya Kwanza regime continues must be seen in their correct context as a scapegoating and diversionary tactic from the pressing social and economic pressures that the regime has subjected the people to. The Azimio la Umoja leader said President Ruto cannot convince Kenyans that the Judiciary is more corrupt than the Executive branch of government, which he leads and that he should respect the independent body. 

“Mr Ruto’s latest strange rage to the Judiciary is too critical to the well-being of our country and our democracy, making it extremely important that we call Mr Ruto out and tell him that he has crossed the line. Kenyans will recall that when the Supreme Court made its contemptuous ruling against Azimio la Umoja’s presidential election in 2022, we said we strongly disagreed, but accepted it in the interest of furthering the rule of law, democracy, stability and healing of our nation and him should follow our steps,” said Mr Odinga. 

He added, “It remains our position to date that disobeying court rulings is a sure path to chaos and the collapse of a nation. If there was ever any doubt about the malevolent intent of the Kenya Kwanza regime in regard to the Constitution of Kenya, the attack by Mr Ruto on the Judiciary removes all the doubt.”

Mombasa County government is planning to install smart (automated) gates at the Kongowea market in a bid to fight corruption.

According to Mombasa Governor, Abdulswamad Nassir the county government has been losing some money daily from gate collection due to corruption.

Speaking to the media at his office on Wednesday, Nassir revealed that the county will soon advertise for the tender of installing the automated gates.

"I did my own investigation and realised that the number of cars that pass through our cess points and those getting in the market do not tally and this also prompted the decision. We will know how many cars will be getting into the market, there will be cameras apart from the smart gates." said Nassir.

Adding " We are soon advertising for the tender. We need to bring sanity, there is no way that some cars pay to drop goods at the market while others do not. I currently do not have the right figures off head but we are losing alot"

The smart gates will only allow a motorist to pass through after they have made their payment.

The governor also called on all stall owners within the market pay their rents accordingly revealing that the county has formed a special enforcement team that will be enforcing the payments starting next month (February).

"It is not fair for you to expect good services from the county yet you don't pay the rates. My intention is not to increase the rent but just to make sure that everyone pays what they are supposed to pay, things will not be the same from next month (February."

"The expenses that we use to run the market is way above what we collect. It is important for every single person to play their part."

Kitui senator Enoch Wambua has accused  President William Ruto of lying to Kenyans that they were going to lower the cost of living.

Wambua said to the detriment of Kenyans, the cost of living has been unbearable for the entire Kenyan population.

He said under the President Ruto administration, the cost of basic commodities like unga, bread, cooking oil and fuel are way beyond the rich of many Kenyans.

“The Kenya Kwanza regime took over the reins of power on a lie that it would be a mwamanchi government”

“As it were, this regime has not only turned its back on the people, it is eating its own children,” said Wambua.

Wambua was speaking in Mombasa Sunday afternoon as he delivered his four-point agenda end of the year media address titled ‘For the Love of my Motherland’.

The senate deputy minority leader said that several negotiation attempts by the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance to truthfully address the cost of living puzzle have been thwarted with impunity by the KK administration.

First was during the aborted bipartisan talks and later at the revived national dialogue committee.

Wambua said that Azimio la Umoja – OKA leaders have clearly demonstrated their determination to lessen the burden of life weighing heavily on the shoulders of ordinary Kenyans.

“All these attempts have fallen on the deaf ears of an administration that does not care at all about the suffering of Kenyans,” said wambua.

The senator accused the international community for failing to help the cause of ordinary Kenyan citizens.

He said that there is a universally accepted principle called the responsibility to protect where under this principle, when governments are either unwilling or unable to protect their own citizens, the international community is expected to exercise a duty of care and move in t save the suffering masses.

“The big brothers who in yesteryears stood in the gap for the ordinary citizens against the excesses of previous governments are today either looking the other way or overdoing each other in singing praises to the Ruto administration,” he said.

Senator Wambua said that in the Kenyan case, as citizens scream for help, the international community especially representatives of the United Kingdom and United States of America governments in Kenya, are busy giving the thumbs up gesture to president ruto and his administration.

The senator also accused the executive of capturing parliament.

Wambua said that if previous administrations were guilty of capturing parliament, the Kenya Kwanza regime will go down in history as the regime that drove in the final nail on the coffin of parliamentary independence.

“Without shame, MPs elected on parties affiliated to Kenya Kwanza and a bunch of self-seeking Azimio-OKA members have found comfort as lapdogs and puppets under the full command of president William Ruto,” said senator Wambua.

Wambua said that drafters of the 2010 constitution made explicit provisions for the separation of powers between the three arms of government that is the executive, legislature and the judiciary.

One arm of government he said therefore cannot and must not be allowed to load it over the other two arms of government.

“One cardinal role of the legislature is to tame the excesses of the executive in defense of the masses,” he said.

He cautioned his colleagues in parliament that they were attracting and inviting curses on themselves by blindly passing legislations that an average Kenyan in an ordinary setting knows that such legislations are aimed at oppressing the poor.

Concerning the road map to 2027, the senator said that Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is the president that Kenya has been waiting for.

Wambua said that political parties forming the Azimio OKA must swing into action in the new year with one accord and make bold steps towards forming the next government to save Kenyans from the inept, clueless and incompetent Kenya kwanza administration.

“We can no longer continue pretending that we do not know who our best bet for the presidential race in 2027 is. We can no longer continue to pretend that all the Azimio-OKA principals stand an equal chance of beating Rut on the ballot,”

‘I refuse to live in a make-believe world. We must confront our reality and deal with it today, not tomorrow,” he said.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has mourned the death of his advisor on port affairs Gilbert Langat.

Langat who doubled up as the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa CEO passed on Sunday at his Kericho home after a long illness.

In a statement, Nassir said Langat's ideals and vision for a Port that bears benefit for its host county will remain a guiding force in national discourse in the future.

"Gilbert’s work helped open minds and bring people together, blending national patriotism with pragmatic governance of county affairs to capture our attention and ignite our imagination on the possibilities of the Port of Mombasa." said Nassir.

Adding "He was a trailblazer in his field, as Chief Executive Officer of the Shippers Council, and his legacy lives on in Kenya and across the region. While he will be dearly missed, we trust his ideals and vision for a Port that bears benefit for its host county will remain a guiding force in national discourse in the future."

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen joined Nassir in mourning Langat.

“His business acumen saw him steer the Shippers Council to new heights, contributing a great deal to the growth of trade in the region. A team leader par excellence, Langat worked tirelessly with the Government, the private sector, and development partners to improve the efficiency of port services in the country and the wider region”. said Murkomen in a statement.

As millions of Kenyans gear up to usher in the new year 2024, fireworks are expected to rock different parts of the country.

A quick spot check shows most of the entertainment spots, recreational parks, and churches have lined up different activities.

GTC/AVIC is set to spend a staggering KES 150 million for a grand New Year's Eve (NYE) fireworks show which will be done off their build.

The show is designed and choreographed by Jays Pyrotechnics.

Kenyans are eager to witness the historical fireworks.

  "I will spend New Year's Eve with my family at the newly refurbished Mama Ngina Water Front. I can't wait to capture the moments," said John Mureithi, a resident of Nairobi on holiday in Mombasa.

On his part, Mombasa Deputy Commissioner Ronald Mwiwai said that security has been heightened across the island.

 "Anybody arrested for robbing others will face the full force of the law.  I urge you to show love to our visitors and the less privileged members of the society since coastal residents are known for their kindness, let us not lose the honor this city is known for,” said Mwiwai during a press briefing at Mama Ngina Water Front.

Organizer of the Mombasa International (MIfest) Charles Kitula says they have been running different activities since Christmas day and the event will culminate on New Year's Eve.

 "Holidaymakers should expect a lot of entertainment, mouth-watering coastal cuisines, and cultural heritage," said Kitula urging Kenyans to come out in their numbers.

A Kenyan girl stranded in India is seeking assistance from well-wishers to help her raise Sh6 million in order to undergo a third kidney transplant.

Young Fyona Wanjiku has been in India since March 2022 hoping that she will undergo the much needed operation to save her life.

This is after the operation failed to take place twice due to lack of funds after they exhausted the money raised by family, friends and well-wishers to help her in her medication.

Wanjiku was scheduled to undergo the third transplant in December 28, 2023, but this could not take place due to lapse of her NHIF Edu Afya medical cover.

The operation was earlier scheduled to for July 28, but could also not take place. She is now set to undergo the transplant in January 8, 2024 if funds are available.

Despite the pain and agony she is undergoing, she remains hopeful that she will recover as she appealed to Kenyans and well-wishers to come to her rescue.  

In a video recorded by her father Walter Njoroge in her hospital bed in India, Wanjiku has also appealed to President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua to intervene and help her undergo the operation.

“I am begging and appealing to them and all Kenyans to help me finish my medication so that I can come back home,” said Wanjiku.

Wanjiku was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure when she was just six years.

She got her first kidney transplant from her father back in 2011 when she was 7 years old. Unfortunately the kidney failed in 2018 and she was forced to undergo a second transplant to save her life.

In the process of waiting to undergo the surgery, her mother was overwhelmed and passed away in 2019 due to a heart attack, leaving behind Wanjiku and her younger brother Eldon (now 15).

She successfully underwent the surgery in February 2020, but two years later her body refused the kidney and was flown back to India in March last year with the hope of salvaging the kidney.

The kidney could not be saved and she was forced to seek another donor to undergo a third kidney transplant.

“After getting the third donor, the funds had dwindled making it hard for the third operation to take place,”

“Our plea is that we do not have any money, NHIF is not there for Fiona and it looks like without funds, Fiona the, father and the donor will be forced to come back to Kenya and we wait for God’s will,” said Jayne Githere, a family friend.

Githere, a family friend to Fiona and her father, was addressing the media in Mombasa on Friday as she appealed for Kenyans to help the family.

Before leaving for India last year, Fiona was a student at Star of the Sea Secondary School in Mombasa. She was set to sit her KCSE exams this year.

“She (Fiona) is a child who has been left behind in education just because of her sickness. We thank her fellow students at the school who have been very supportive helping to raise money for her medicines,” Githere said.

She said despite NHIF ending the Edu Afya cover, the fund has come through for the family in the previous two operations.

Fiona’s father said that he has severally tried to reach out to the ministry of health and other government offices, but his efforts have borne no fruit though he remains hopeful help will come their way.

“We tried looking for the president during his recent visit to India, we met with members of his team but we could not get to him,”

“Hopefully the president will hear Fiona’s cry and help in bring her back home as we urge other Kenyans and well-wisher to help join in assisting us in any way,” he said.

Kenyans willing to assist the family can send their contributions through Paybill number 222111 Account number 1913797.

Contributions can also be channeled through Fiona’s father M-pesa line 0716727012 (Walter Njoroge) or through the treasurer Jayne 0722411510.

Smiles in the villages as Terik community donates Christmas merchandise to the needy

It was a joyous moment in various villages of Nandi and Vihiga counties during christmas day, as the Terik Community Worldwide in collaboration with well wishers came together to provide christmas merchandise to the needy.

Speaking to the press after the excercise, Solomon Choge, the coordinator of the Terik Community Worldwide, said they formed a WhatsApp group of at least 300 people who then contributed a minimum of KSh 100 each to aid the 100 needy fafamilies.

"Our aim as the Terik community in conjunction with our friends was to celebrate Christmas by remembering the less fortunate than us, who struggle to meet their basic needs and face hardships every day. On other occasions we assist with school fees, medical bills among others, but this month we focussed on Christmas. We donated to all people regardless of tribe or other affiliations, and that is what Christmas is,” Choge said.

Ken Ngetich , a member of the Terik Community technical committee said they had traversed atleast 20 villages distributing the christmas gifts. 

“The families we visited were so happy, and that really touched my heart. I am thankful to all members of the community for uniting for a noble course. We hope to reach a more wider coverage next time as many people in the villages are really struggling to put a meal on the table.” Ngetich said.

The team of well-wishers distributed foodstuff to 101 families in Nandi and Vihiga counties, benefitting at least 300 people directly. 

“I was not sure what i will feed on this Christmas, things have been thick, some days i do not have anything to eat.Thank you for this food," Kezia Nyangweso ,a beneficiary from Gambo village.

"I am overwhelmed with joy. Be blessed." Samson Eboi, Muguya village 

"I can now celebrate like the rest,with the hard economic times, i had not planned for any meal." Sarah Tenai from Kapsengere village.

Terik tribe is a marginalized community in Kenya declared by the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2000 to be in danger of extinction.

Terik language is amongst the Kalenjin sub tribes and it is spoken in parts of Nandi South of Nandi County and Vihiga County.

Some of the professionals, politicians and friends that joined the community in contributing to the course included Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, MPs Marriane Kittany (Aldai), Julius Melly (Tinderet), Prof. Maritim Songok, KEMRI Director General and CEO, Prof. Haroun Mengech and Shoka Millers.