Ommy Dallah
Mutua Meets Uganda High Commissioner To Kenya Hassan Galiwango To Quell Uganda Kenya Simmering Diplomatic Row
Kenya Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary nominee Dr Alfred Mutua on Tuesday held a meeting with Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya Hassan Galiwango amid disturbing tweets made by President Yoweri Museveni's son currently serving as the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People's Defence Force.
Mutua met the commissioner in the wake of social media condemnation over remarks made by the commander of Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Muhoozi, who is President Yoweri Museveni's son, had Monday issued a veiled threat suggesting a possible incursion into the Kenyan territory, a move that sparked condemnation by Kenyans.
Some of the legislators led by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon Uganda's ambassador to Kenya over the matter.
But on Tuesday,Mutua posted on his social media having met with the Kenyan commissioner and assured that all was well. In his first hard-hitting tweet that whipped up an uproar, Muhoozi said it wouldn't take the Ugandan army two weeks to capture Nairobi.
“This morning I shared a social cup of tea with Amb. Dr Hassan Galiwango - Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya. We discussed interesting matters. All is well,” Mutua said.
Cherargei said the sensational statements made by President Yoweri Museveni's son currently serving as the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People's Defence Force threatened the unity of the East Africa Community.
“I expect by morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon the Ugandan ambassador to shed light on Gen. Muhoozi's social media outbursts and subsequent apology. This is undermining the spirit of unity of EAC," Cherargei said.
Muhoozi, 49, rose to his current rank following his appointment in June 2021. It was the second time Museveni was promoting his son in the hierarchy of the army in six months.
The controversial commander of Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said he has no plans to attack Kenya after his father advised him against making such an ill move.
Photos: President Ruto Gets New ADC
The new ADC is Colonel Fabian Lengusuranga from the Kenya Army.
Col. Lengusuranga takes over from Stelu Lekolool who has been promoted to Brigadier and redeployed to the Department of Defence headquarters.
Lekolool was Uhuru's ADC until September 13, when William Ruto ascended to power.
Col. Lengusuranga was commissioned in 1999.
The new ADC is deputised by Lt. Col. Damaris Agnetta also from the Kenya Army. She takes over from Racheal Nduta Kamui who has also been promoted to a full Colonel and deployed to DoD.
The former ADC and his deputy were from the Kenya Navy.
The ADC is the military officer who stands behind the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces during official functions.
Two Femcee Greats Come Together: Femi One Features Wangechi For Lip Service
Friday marked an important day for Hip-hop in Kenya;especially female hip hop.
After eight years since their last collaboration, Greatness album hitmaker Femi One teamed up with the super dope Wangechi to deliver pure heat on Lip Service .
Just as the song title suggests, the two have used their signature flow and punchlines to pass their message across. In the year 2014, Femi One and Wangechi met on the set of the King Kaka megahit Lig Soo, since then they have both had numerous successes on their individual paths
"It is a great thing to see two female greats coming together to create such a dope song, we needed to do this for our fans and I know you will all love it. Big up to Wangechi, it is always a pleasure creating magic with you!" Femi One on Lip Service.
Watch the visuals
GSU Unit Wins Discpline Forces Title In Mombasa Shooting Competition
General Service Unit won the discipline forces title at the Kenya Shooting Sports Federation and Bamburi Rifle club 2022 league level 3 championship in Mombasa County.
At the national competition, the team garnered 195 points and was awarded sh 150,000 after scoping the title followed by the Prison team on the second position with 156.8 points and Kenya Police service with 122.1 points.
The Prisons received sh 100,000 while Kenya Police Service received sh 50,000 from Bamburi Rifle club who sponsored the awards.
During the Chalbi industries Ltd sponsored knockouts contested with a newly Kenya manufactured gun –Duma with an award of USD 500, the Kenya Police Service under the team leader inspector Mohammed Aden scoped the top prize.
In the championship, 7 teams participated among them Chalbi, Kenya Defence Force, Directorate of Criminal investigation (DCI),Kenya Police Services , Administration Police, National Gun Owners Association (NGao) and host Bamburi Rifle Club (BRC).
During the BRC International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) level 3 handgun match production category, the 2021 overall winner of the IPSC shooter Master Ibrahim Ndungu scored 1123.57 points to win the match. Inspector of Police Mohamed Aden scored 981.35 points to score the second position while the third position went to Issa Issa with 968.60 points.
The ladies’ production division was won by Agatha Muchiri with 545.11 points, second position went to Alice Njuguna with 500.58 points and Sharon Waruru 283.71 points respectively.
In the senior production division, Memba Muriuki won with 953.50 points followed by James Thuo and Gikonyo Mwangi with 691.44 and 646.41 points respectively.
Moreover, in the super senior Mahamad Ramadhan sailed to win with 455.62 points as the sole competitor.
Likewise, in the standard division, Sammy Onyango shot to win with 1073.77 points. Behind him was Mahir Omar and Mohammed Omar with 985.03 and 877.76 points respectively.
On the part of the ladies, Josephine Matoi emerged the winner with 617.21 points closely followed by Grace Wanjiku 478.85 points and the third position was won by Grace Kitinya 476.56 points.
The senior standard division competition went to Sammy Onyango with 1073.77 points ,second was Samuel Chacha with 936.38 points and Daniel Mutiso 909.72 points.
Under the open category, Sunny Syan won with 1097.46 points. The second and third positions went to Mahir Omar with 985.03 points and Mohamed Omar with 877.76 points.
For the ladies open, Irene Ndunda was the victor with 428.59 points and Pauline Gatitu with 114.80 points to emerge second position.
Super senior position, Sunny Syan won with 1097.46 points as the sole competitor in the open division.
Also, in the production optics division, Samier Muravvej earned 717.58 points to lead followed by Moosa Khan with 510.58 points.
In conclusion, in revolver division the front runner was Joel Warei with 193.13 points. Distant second was Robert Kabukuki with 103.28 points and Mark Aziz third with 0.765 pints respectively.
Other winners, in the BRC IPSS level 3 PCC match, Geoffrey Pesa became the overall winner to beat Simon Sunkuyia to the second position and Catherine Kavana to the third position.
The ladies in the same category saw Catherine Kavana taking the first slot leaving the second and third slot to Teresia Kathikwa and Eddah Chepwegon.
Chairman Kenya Sports Shooting Federation (KSSF) Mohamed Shoaib Vayani said there will be an upcoming event the Jamhuri shot in December 2-3, 2022 at Stone Athi.
The Chairman lauded the Bamburi Rifle Club for modernizing their range and bases to world-class standards in readiness for level 4 and 5 competitions in the future.
Mombasa Residents Urge Governor Nassir To Prioritize Health
Mombasa county residents have asked the county governor Abdulswamad Nassir to enhance health services and ensure proper functionality of all public healthcare facilities in the county.
The residents led by Capital Youth Caucus Association secretary general Evans Momanyi, said the health department has been facing various challenges that need urgent intervention.
Momanyi urged the governor to make this as a priority during his first 100 days in office.
"I know the governor is a man who will save the situation, he has already given us hope since he took over especially with how he has been handling the garbage issue, we urge him to now also focus on health" said Momanyi.
Momanyi also urged the governor to make sure that he retains the current chief officer health department Pauline Odinga saying she has been spearheading some changes in the department.
Momanyi charged "We have faith in madam Odinga, she has been working hard to ensure that service delivery is improved and we believe if she works closely with the governor then we will see alot of changes in the department"
On her part Amina Suleiman, a resident from Likoni sub county called on the governor to ensure that he tackles the maternity services in county facilities saying they need an overhaul.
"As mothers we have been facing alot of challenges when delivering to an extend that we feel like giving up, some of the nurses are nude, some facilities lack medication and this are the things we want our governor together with madam Odinga address" said Suleiman.
Adding "Some of us cannot afford the services offered in other facilities and that is why we have no option but to seek services at the county facilities, what we can only ask from our governor is to please help us have better services."
Last week governor Nassir formed a taskforce on Healthcare Systems in the county.
The taskforce chaired by Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda is expected to audit and give back recommendations within two months.
“The Healthcare Task Force will provide a longtime strategic plan, suggesting ways of improving the health coverage and revealing what ails Mombasa’s healthcare system,” the governor said during the unveiling of the taskforce.
The task force consists of a representative from the Kenya Medical Associations, Mombasa Civil Society Organisations, the National Health Insurance Fund and six Community Health Volunteers representing each subcounty, the chief officer from public medical services and public health and the county Secretary.
The team is also expected to audit the current public healthcare human resource deployed and make recommendations to address skills gap, assess and recommend on addressing disease patterns and also formulate lasting solutions towards achieving universal health care that is affordable and accessible.
Behani Unveils Breathtaking Debut Single LET EM KNOW in East Africa
Pick CECs Who Can Deliver, Mombasa Residents Tell Governor Nassir
A section of Mombasa residents has urged the county governor Abdulswamad Nassir to ensure he nominates executives who can help him deliver services to residents.
The residents led by Capital Youth Caucus Association secretary general Evans Momanyi said the county needs development orientated executives who will help address the challenges facing residents.
Addressing the media, Momanyi cited the health department saying the department is currently facing a serious crises.
"We need changes in the health department. our nurses and doctors are demoralised. Our county health facilities are currently in a very bad state. Our mothers are having a hard time delivering in the county facilities" said Momnayi.
His sentiments were echoed by Jackline Wamboi who said mothers delivering at the Coast general hospital are forced to seek for medication outside the facility.
"Why should a mother who has delivered be left unattended and others forced to buy medicine elsewhere, when you have no money in your mpesa then you are denied services. Why should we as mothers suffer." said Wamboi.
On his part bunge la wananchi deputy chairman Cornelius Mkoba called on governor Nassir to ensure that he brings fresh individuals to his cabinet.
"We want our governor to emulate what president Ruto has done, come up with new new faces and do away with the old faces. " said Mkoba
AFRIMA 2022: Public Voting Starts Sunday Sept 25 PWC To Audit Awards Process
The voting portal for the 2022 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) will be opened on Sunday, September 25, at 21:00 (CAT), to the public, globally, to decide the winners of each of the 39 award categories.
The International Committee of the All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA), in conjunction with the African Union Commission (AUC), made this announcement, on Friday, encouraging African music lovers to vote intensively using the voting portal live at www.afrima.org, before the portal closes on December 10, 2022, which is the eve of the awards.
More information on the voting process, which would also be audited by the International auditing firm, PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PWC), can also be found on the website, as well as AFRIMA’s social media (Instagram/TikTok - @Afrima.official; Facebook - Afrimawards; Twitter - @afrimaofficial).
Like it did at the AFRIMA 2021 edition, the PWC, which has audited other major global awards including the Oscars, will audit the voting portal, collate the votes and present them at the awards.
According to AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President, Mike Dada, “AFRIMA’S core values of FACE IT – Fairness, Authenticity, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transparency remain at the heart of our operations. With PWC, we are further reinforcing these value drivers, ensuring that we remain as inclusive, credible and authentic as always.”
Recall that the list of nominees were unveiled globally, last Wednesday, revealing a total of 382 nominations across all 39 categories. The nominations, which have been greeted with positive acclaim across the world, are the fruit of a rigorous 10-day adjudication held by AFRIMA’s 13-member jury, in July.
Also, only entries within the validity period of August 20, 2021 to August 5, 2022, were considered for nomination for this year’s awards.
According to AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President, Mr Mike Dada, the awards body remains the ultimate recognition of African music globally, also serving as a muse to other award bodies across the continent.
“We are not oblivious to the fact that there are some other award bodies that copy our nominations every year. As the ultimate recognition of African music, globally, we are a source of inspiration to both music gatekeepers and music lovers across the entire industry. AFRIMA continues to blaze the trail in celebrating African talent and developing our creative ecosystem, and this year’s edition is a step further in that direction,” he said.
On her part, the African Union Commission’s Head of Culture, Mrs Angela Martins encouraged music lovers to vote decisively and objectively.
She said, “We have done our part. It is left to you the fans to now decide your winners. Remember that these categories are highly competitive and are based on merit. Let your votes help the best person(s) emerge as champion.”
The 2022 All Africa Music Awards will now be held from the 8th to 11th December, 2022. A special announcement will be made on the host country and location for the awards, on 30th September, 2022.
The AFRIMA awards ceremony will feature a 4-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour aimed at celebrating
Africa, recognising talents and expanding the economic frontiers of the culture and creative industry on the continent. The event is scheduled to commence with the welcome soiree, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the host city tour, Africa Music Business Summit, and the exclusive nominees’ party and concluded with the live awards ceremony broadcast to over 84 countries around the world.
African music lovers can take part in the events on social media, live stream on the AFRIMA website at www.afrima.org and visit the social media platforms (IG/TikTok - @afrima.official; Facebook - Afrimawards; Twitter - @afrimaofficial; LinkedIn - AFRIMA) ), and they can watch the event coverage by tuning in to their local and cable TV providers.
In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is a youth-focused music platform that recognizes and rewards the work and talents of African artistes across generations.
AFRIMA primarily stimulates conversations among Africans, and also the rest of the world, especially on the potential of the creative arts for fostering real human enterprise, as well as contributing significantly to social cohesion, as well as sustainable development in Africa.
The Programme of events is in line with the AU Agenda 2063 which outlines Aspiration 05 as the development of the arts and culture sector including its cultural and creative industries, to boost the development of the African economy.
Mombasa County Embarks On Anti-Suicide Campaign
Mombasa county in collaboration with suicide attempt survivors has embarked on a campaign an anti-suicide and mental health campaign seeking to sensitize the public and instil hope.
Mombasa county Director of Gender Esther Ingolo said the campaign to sensitize the public has been informed by the rising cases of attempted suicides reported in Mombasa.
"This month is a suicide awareness month, we have decided to bring survivors to speak to victims of gender based violence so that they can talk to them because we know what they went through has caused a lot of pain," said Ingolo during a sensitization forum held at a Mombasa hotel on Saturday.
In Mombasa at least 1,700 attempted suicide cases have been recorded with women leading with the largest number followed by children and men.
"Majority of suicide cases reported to us are related to intimate betrayal within couples, because many opt to committing suicide for feeling neglected," said Ingolo, adding that men are coming out to speak for themselves.
"On average per week we can get 50-60 cases from all parts of Mombasa and Coast, this is alarming but what we want to sensitize people is to have hope in life and care about one another," said Ingolo.
On her part Queentah Wambulwa a survivor and the founder of Girls for girls Africa mental health foundation called on the public to come out and get sensitized should they find themselves suffering from depression.
"We are trying to create awareness of gender based victims and allow survivors tell their stories and how people can counter mental health," said Wambulwa.
Wambulwa said the cases of mental health are within family set ups where teens feel neglected by the society and family members.
According to Wambulwa the event coincided with the September suicide awareness prevention month which is observed globally.
"This forum is important because it will help victims manage their situations, we have seen the vice rising amongst young people and that is what has informed this sensitization campaign," said Wambulwa.
Distressed members of the public are now advise to reach call the toll free line 0800720587 to speak to psychologists for free within Mombasa.
Somerset Westview Nairobi launches “Sip, Eat and Paint” Sunday Brunch at its International Cuisine restaurant, La Mascotte.
Serviced Residence Operator – Somerset Westview Nairobi has introduced “Sip, Eat and Paint,” a Sunday Brunch packed with delicious food, dedicated kids play area and immersive activities for the whole family.
Available every 3rd Sunday of the month, from 12:30 noon to 4:00 pm in the opulent surroundings of the Apart’hotel’s La Mascotte Restaurant, Nairobi brunch enthusiasts can enjoy a mixed cuisine both African and Continental, alongside a variety of creative cocktails and mocktails.
The Sunday Brunch experience is enhanced with a special kids’ fun area filled with an array of activities including balloon art, painting and bead work, which the children can take home with them after the brunch.
Before digging into the delicacies, guests both young and old can also take a dip in the heated pool and start the brunch on a fun-note. Live jazz music and free-flowing drinks elevate the brunch.
The brunch is priced at Kshs 4,000 per adult and Kshs 2,000 per kid, however guests can earn a 10 per cent discount on their total food and beverage bill, if they enrol in Ascott’s loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR).
ASR points are earned when you book for accommodation in any of the Ascott’s 400 ASR participating properties globally.
Ascott operates 16 addresses in the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Central Asia, including Ascott Corniche Al Khobar, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residences Jeddah and the newly opened Somerset Downtown Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia.
Somerset Maslak Istanbul in Turkey; Ascott Park Place Dubai, Citadines Culture Village Dubai and Citadines Metro Central Dubai (Franchise) in United Arab Emirates; Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain; the new stylish Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat in Oman, the recently re-launched Somerset West Bay Doha in Qatar; Ascott’s first foray in Central Asia – Somerset City Centre Atyrau in Kazakhstan; and the recently launched Somerset Westview Nairobi in Kenya, which earmarked the brand’s entry into East Africa.
The ASR membership comprises Classic, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, and with every tier upgrade, members will receive more benefits such as bonus points, complimentary room upgrades, airport transfers as well as early check-ins and late check-outs.