Chief Justice Martha Koome has assured that immediate steps were being taken to ensure the safety of court premises, especially to protect Judges, Judicial Officers and staff in the course of their duties.

Speaking during a special ceremony held at Makadara Law Courts to mourn and celebrate the life of Hon Monica Kivuti, who lost her life in the line of duty last week, the CJ noted that the tragic incident had exposed and amplified the Judiciary’s long-held security concerns and, more broadly, the safety of all who come to court premises, including other justice actors, court users and the public.

 “I want to assure you that we will do all in our powers to ensure that this does not happen again!” stated the CJ.   

CJ Koome said that the killing of a judicial officer in the seat of justice is unprecedented and amounts to an attack on judicial independence and the rule of law, values cherished by our Constitution.  

The CJ assured that the Judiciary will work on boosting security across all court stations using available resources.

Meanwhile, the CJ promised that the Judiciary leadership is engaging the Executive and Parliament to secure additional resources to support the implementation of past recommendations regarding Judiciary security.

She observed that the death of Hon Kivuti was one of the most difficult moments in the history of Kenya’s justice system.

"It will take time to recover, to undo the damage, and to heal the wounds and pain caused by this heinous act. But I am sure that our resilience will enable us overcome this cowardly attack and emerge even stronger,” said CJ Koome.

The CJ said that she had engaged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Office of the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional officers to reinforce the Judiciary Police Unit and reorganize it into a fully-fledged Police Unit under the leadership of a senior commanding officer with a functional Secretariat.

CJ Koome called upon the public to demand that the Judiciary finds centrality in the nation’s allocation of resources.

 “We must, as a nation, find the conscience to treat the Judiciary as a co-equal arm of government with the same resources extended to the Executive and Parliament. We cannot enforce governance without the Judiciary. We cannot have a secure country without a secure Judiciary,” urged CJ Koome.

The CJ noted that Hon. Kivuti died serving the cause of justice, living up to her calling on the altar of justice.

“Indeed, the fact that she was attacked while sitting and serving Kenyans in a tent and over lunch hour is a testament to her dedication and calling to serve the public,” Said Justice Koome.

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu remarked that what the Judiciary does was a constitutional duty and if Judicial officers get it wrong, litigants should appeal and not take matters in their own hands.

"If you think we are corrupt, don’t kill us, instead report us to the Judicial Service Commission and provide evidence to ensure we are removed from office,” said DCJ Mwilu.

The DCJ called on those responsible for providing security to act now and stop empty talks.

JSC Commissioner Everlyne Olwande said Hon Kivuti was a firm, fair, dedicated officer who had no dent during her time of service.

The Commissioner noted that Hon. Kivuti will have died in vain if necessary steps are not taken to improve safety of the judicial working space.

Speaking at the same event, LSK President, Faith Odhiambo stated that the brutal killing of Hon. Kivuti, a dedicated magistrate and esteemed member of the Judiciary, was an appalling act of violence that has shaken the legal community and the nation to its core.

"Her untimely death, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by judicial officers in the line of duty, is an affront to justice and the rule of law,” said Ms Faith

President, Kenya Magistrates Judges Association Justice Stephen Radido, said that the magistrate’s death should not be in vain and the country should allocate resources for provision of secure working conditions.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Renson Ingonga assured that talks were underway to provide a safe working space, not only for the judicial officers, but by all in the justice sector.

Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya assured that her office will offer all necessary support and put in measures to ensure that security is enhanced in all courts across the country.

All court stations across the country held similar events to celebrate the life of Hon Kivuti.

Pharmacists have called for scheduling of medicines in the country.

According to Dr Wairimu Mbogo from the Pharmaceutical society of Kenya this will help in preventing cases of drug abuse in the country.

" It is a recommendation from pharmacists that we should now start scheduling our products, because the products of risk we will consider them as narcotics, psychotropics and the controlled substances as per the law" said Dr Mbogo.

Adding " If you look at other jurisdictions they have categories of medicines which they call the OTC (Over the counter), then they have the pharmacy only medicines which you can either find in supermarkets in small quantities or by pharmaceuticals technologists. Then there is another category which is the pharmacists only medicine and the category of controlled and scheduled substances that are usually handled by pharmacists. If we can implement this model within the pharmaceutical sector we will resolve the issue of drug use and misuse in this country."

Speaking in Mombasa on the sidelines of the Pharmaceutical conference, Dr Mbogo also revealed that the society is currently educating Kenyan athletes on different kind of medicines and safe practice.

"We do not want to see our athletes getting disqualified after taking legitimate medicine to treat something else before they go and run and we end up being blacklisted. We have agreed that we will go down to our people and educate them."

On the issue of unlicensed pharmacists and outlets, Dr Mbogo said they still remains a major challenge calling on the government to work closely with the society to help fight it.

"We have our own self regulation measures as pharmacists and that is why you have been seeing crackdowns on illegal and unlicensed outlets." argued Dr Mbogo

One of Mombasa's oldest restaurant, singh restaurant will be closing it's doors in July.

Operating since 1962, Singh restaurant has been an iconic spot especially for the lovers of Punjabi cuisine.

According to a statement from the proprietor Darshan Singh Wilkhu the rising cost of running the business has pushed them to shut down the establishment.

"Over the years, we have had the immense joy of serving millions of customers from around the world, including ministers and celebrities who came to enjoy our traditional home-made dishes. We have had the pleasure of serving generations of families in the years since Singh Restaurant started." reads the statement.

Adding "Unfortunately, since the pandemic, we have faced significant increases in costs (licenses, food, drinks, energy bills, rent, and more). I have done everything possible to absorb these expenses so that our customers could continue to enjoy our food at reasonable prices. However, to sustain the business further, we would need to raise prices significantly, which goes against the ethos of Singh Restaurant. My father instilled this core ethos into Singh Restaurant, promoting quality over profit, and that has remained consistent throughout the years."

"At 81 years old, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved with Singh Restaurant. However, due to my age, a desire to spend more time with my children and grandchildren, and to honor my father's legacy, I have made the difficult decision to close Singh Restaurant in Mombasa after 62 years of service. We plan to serve our last customers on July 9, 2024."

Mr Darshan who inherited the business from his late father Dalip Singh Wilkhu remained confident that his sons will maintain the name and legacy of the restaurant.

Darshan "But this is not the end for Singh Restaurant. My sons, who have grown up with Singh Restaurant as an integral part of their lives, are already discussing ways to bring our beloved dishes to you at the same affordable prices. We hope Singh Restaurant will evolve further, and we will keep you informed about our progress.."

Today, uber-talented singer ShineTTW released his highly anticipated new EP, ‘The Chosen   One’. This 8-track album is not just a collection of songs, but a profound declaration of intent, showcasing ShineTTW's immense talent and versatility that sets him apart in the African music scene.

‘The Chosen One’ is a rich ensemble of diverse sounds from across the world, intricately woven together by ShineTTW's unique musical perspective. Following the successful release of the project’s lead single, ‘Sakura’, the EP promises to leave listeners spellbound by Shine’s enchanting vocals and atmospheric production. The project also reflects the artist’s Afro Sentio style—a distinctive twist on Nigerian R&B and pop music that offers a chill, sensual, and enthralling listening experience, designed to create an out-of-body sensation for fans.

‘The Chosen One’ is a story of my journey and my declaration of who I am as an artist. It's about standing out and embracing the path I chose. Each track is a showcase of my musical range and the emotions that define my music. It's a celebration of feeling, perceiving, and experiencing life through sound,” said ShineTTW.

Born Chukwuma Chinaza Ferdinand, the Anambra native has been passionate about music since his secondary school days, where his prowess earned him a tag as the ‘entertainment student’. His previous singles, including the crowd-pleasing 'Alinko', the conscious 'No Religion', and the stylish 'Designer', have all received widespread acclaim, cementing his status as one of the most promising new voices in the Nigerian music industry.

This EP is a must-listen for anyone looking to experience the innovative and calming artistry of one of Nigeria's brightest rising stars.

Fast-rising artiste Vasa is back with a bang, dropping his latest single, "Trabaye," featuring the sensational Mavin-signed artiste and "Ngozi" crooner, Crayon. This track is the lead single off Vasa’s forthcoming project, Book Of Vasa, slated for release in just a few weeks.

In "Trabaye," Vasa joins forces with Crayon to deliver a track that promises to dominate the airwaves. Vasa is known for his silky melodies and introspective lyrics, bringing a fresh and dynamic energy to this collaboration. Crayon’s distinctive style, rhythm, flow, and appealing vocals add an electrifying layer to the song, making "Trabaye" a standout hit.

Vasa’s rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable. Signed to Ize Records, he has consistently impressed and showcased his range, from romantic ballads like "Bolanle" and "Treasure" to the more aspirational single, "50-50," which amassed over 200,000 streams on Spotify and led to an intriguing remix featuring Bella Shmurda.

Following the widespread success of his remix "50-50" with Bella Shmurda, Vasa continues to push boundaries and showcase his versatility. At just 19 years old, Vasa, born Freedom Ali, has already carved a niche in the vibrant Nigerian music scene. His unique ability to blend Afrosoul with contemporary sounds has earned him a dedicated fanbase, critical acclaim, and recognition from notable successful music artistes such as Zlatan.

Drawing inspiration from musical greats like Tuface Idibia, Jon Bellion, NF, Koffee, and Burna Boy, Vasa's sound transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences worldwide.

Keep an eye out for "Trabaye" as it hits the airwaves and prepare for the highly anticipated Book Of Vasa.

Changamwe Mp Omar Mwinyi Omar Mwinyi has challenged the Mombasa county government to invest heavily in sports activities to boost it's fight against drug abuse.

Speaking on Thursday at the Kenya School of Government Mombasa, Mwinyi said Sports is critical in bringing up responsible youths able to eke a living and putting them away from the vice.

"Right now there is a debate goin on concerning the banning of a certain drug, I don't want to mention it's name because it belongs to the same category as all other drugs. Mine is just to tell the Mombasa to ensure that they invest heavily in sporting activities to help our youth stay away from these drug" said Mwinyi.

Adding "During our days we used to have local football teams in each and every area in Mombasa. Nobody had time for drugs because we would spend most of our time in the playing fields and not idling around taking the drugs."

On Tuesday Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya launched a  10-day campaign against consumption of Muguka in the county.

The campaign  which will involve political and religious leaders, stakeholders will include radio and Tv talk shows, street protests, community and school engagements. visiting rehabilitation centres, offering counseling services among other activities.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/3751-mombasa-joins-10-day-campaign-against-muguka

Mp Mwinyi further called on the Mombasa county government to come up with a strategy to improve the intake of students from the county to universities.

Mwinyi argued that education is also another avenue of fighting the vice of drug abuse.

Mwinyi charged "It is so shameful that the number of university intake in Makueni county alone is more that all Coast counties combined, something needs to be done." 

He added "If you round our county now, you will see students at home because of lack of school fees, let the county government change it's ways and strategies on issuance of bursaries and scholarships."

Pharmacies and Chemists are among the weak link in the war against drug abuse.

According to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua some pharmacies have been selling drugs over the counter without prescription thus contributing to abuse of drugs

Speaking during the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya's International Scientific Conference 2024 in Mombasa, Gachagua said existence of rogue pharmacists in the industry pose a major challenge in the war against drug abuse.

"I want to say that I'm leading the fight against drug and substance use. And one of our weak points are pharmacies and chemists, some properly licensed and run by professions yet they dispense drugs that are supposed to dispensed against prescription over the counter" said Gachagua.

Adding " We have alot of young people even in this town of Mombasa getting alot of syrups and mixing them with other things to get a very dangerous combination that is harmful to our Children. I want to call upon all those professionals who run pharmacies and chemists to live up to your oath and do the right thing. Please don't dispense drugs that are supposed to be dispensed by prescription over the counter "

The deputy president expressing government’s willingness to deploy security forces in all the 47 counties to work with the licensed pharmacists to root out those conducting the business illegally.

“There are quacks who have opened pharmacists that are not licensed and not ran by professionals. We are asking you to work with us and we are willing to pair you with our county security teams to crack down on unlicensed pharmacists and chemists. Shut them down and take those running them to jail.”

“We are ready to give you law enforcement officers in all the 47 counties to shut down all unlicensed facilities across the country. Those professionals who lease out their licenses, how do you do that? It is insulting to yourself. Those are merchants who don’t care. Please be professional and let us respect our professionals. Don’t allow merchants in such a noble profession?”

The deputy president also appealed to members of the Pharmaceutical  Society of Kenya to exercise the moral obligation of not allowing their licensed facilities to be the dens where drugs that are harmful to humanity get their way into the hands of unprescribed users.

He noted the need for everyone to exercise individual responsibility and contribute where possible in the effort to rid the country of the drug abuse menace.

After a week of anticipation and intrigue, Kaka Empire is thrilled to officially announce the signing of Azeezah Hashim, renowned media personality and events MC, to our dynamic roster of talent.

Azeezah Hashim, a powerhouse in the media and events industry, has made a name for herself with her dynamic presence, exceptional hosting skills, and engaging on-screen charisma.

She brings with her a wealth of experience and a magnetic personality that has captivated audiences across the nation.

To celebrate this exciting new chapter, Head of Talent, Dennis Njenga and CEO King Kaka hosted Azeezah, along with the Kaka Empire team, for a warm and intimate welcoming dinner at the prestigious Mister Wok restaurant.

The event was a vibrant mix of camaraderie and celebration, marking the beginning of a promising collaboration.

"We are beyond excited to welcome Azeezah to the Kaka Empire family," said Dennis Njenga. "Her talent, professionalism, and vibrant energy align perfectly with our vision and values. We are confident that this partnership will bring about innovative and groundbreaking projects."

King Kaka, CEO of Kaka Empire, echoed these sentiments: "Azeezah is a trailblazer in the media industry, and we are honored to have her join us. This collaboration signifies our commitment to expanding our horizons and continuously delivering top-notch entertainment and talent to our audience."

Azeezah expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership: " I am overwhelmed with joy as I say this! Joining Kaka Empire feels like the perfect next step in my career. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to creating magic together with the amazing team."

This signing is a testament to Kaka Empire's dedication to nurturing and promoting top-tier talent in Africa and beyond.

Mombasa county has joined the 10-day campaign against Muguka.

The campaign running from June 10 to June 20, seeks to highlight the negative impacts of the stimulant especially on the youth.

On Monday, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya launched the campaign at the Kibaoni Social Hall in Kilifi town.

Speaking to the Press at the Governor's office on Tuesday, Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya said Coast leaders have been forced to come up with the campaign after the government 'ignored' them.

"We have realised that the national government has decided to ignore us on this. The president has been meeting leaders from areas where Muguka comes from, just yesterday he had a meeting with leaders from Meru but has ignored to meet the six governors from the Coastal counties" said Thoya.

Adding " For us we have now resolved that the issue of Muguka is no longer about the leaders but our people and that is why we are starting this campaign , it will be a nationwide campaign starting with our Coast counties. We have now decided to get out of the boardrooms and go to our people and educate them on the effects of Muguka and why we should not allow it in our region."

The campaign which will involve political and religious leaders, stakeholders will include radio and Tv talk shows, street protests, community and school engagements. visiting rehabilitation centres, offering counseling services among other activities.

"If the government does not want to listen to the leaders, then it will now be forced to listen to the people. We know it is not going to be an easy fight but we are ready for it. Prepare for a major announcement after this campaign" said Thoya.

The campaign will also include advocating for support  for the draft Crops (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes removing miraa from the list of scheduled/ cash crops.

Thoya accused the government of being insensitive to the concerns of leaders from the Coast region.

"The reason why the president is engaging leaders from Meru and Embu is because he got majority of his votes from those areas, if at all he could have got majority votes from the Coast then he could be here speaking to us" argued Thoya.

Stanbic Bank Kenya has launched the "Switch Campaign," an initiative aimed at mobilising deposits and rewarding new and existing customers.

During the campaign period the Bank will award new and existing clients with cash rewards amounting to KES 7.2 million.

The 'Switch Campaign' positions Stanbic Bank as the ideal partner, offering a range of benefits tailored to clients' diverse needs.

Salaried Kenyans can open new accounts, while existing clients can reactivate their dormant accounts and enjoy enhanced banking experiences and rewards.

Abraham Ongenge, Head of Personal and Private Banking, Stanbic Bank Kenya, said, “Stanbic is committed to providing financial solutions that drive growth. To this effect, we have designed a deposit account that provides access to additional loan and protection services. With a digitized and seamless account opening process, we are enabling financial inclusion and equipping individuals with the right tools for sustained growth.”

The "Switch Campaign" will run for three months, during which select participants will win cash prizes. Every month, three lucky New-to-Bank Salary Switch participants will receive KES 200,000, KES 100,000, and KES 50,000 for the winner, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up, respectively.  Similarly, three existing clients will win a similar amount every month for increasing their deposits”, he added.

The Grand Draw will be done at the end of the three-month campaign period, with the grand draw winner receiving KES 1,000,000. In total, 66 participants will win cash prizes during the campaign period.

Individuals can quickly and conveniently open a Stanbic Account through the Stanbic Mobile APP. Stanbic Bank offers accounts with retrenchment cover, a crucial feature that ensures financial security in case of job loss, for as little as KES 200 per month. Moreover, Stanbic Bank clients can access cash advances from KES 30,000 and unsecured personal loans up to KES 6 million, all through the mobile app.

Additionally, Stanbic Bank ensures a smooth transition for personal loans, including unsecured, secured, and home loans.

This includes the provision of home loans up to KES 10.5 million with a fixed rate of 9.5% per annum and a maximum repayment period of 25 years.