Ommy Dallah
Video: The Man Behind Joho's Image And Branding
Outgoing Mombasa governor Hassan Joho is among the most followed politicians in Kenya, on social media.
The governor enjoys a following of 1.2 million followers on Instagram, 1.4 million on twitter and 1.2 million on facebook.
The charismatic politician mainly endeared his followers with his class, opulence and refined taste of fashion and the finer things in life..
The gritty and witty governor is also a stylist, possibly Kenya’s most fashionable politician.
Well, we caught up with the one of the guys behind the brand (Joho), and shared with us what we don't know about the governor.
Watch the interview below..
Kingi Elected Speaker Of The Senate
Former Kilifi county governor Amason Kingi is the new Speaker of the Senate.
Kingi was on Thursday Kingi got 46 out of the maximum 67 votes to be declared the winner in a first-round victory.
The former county chief needed at least 45 votes to be declared the winner in the first round of voting.
According to house Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye the vote surpassed the two-thirds threshold of 45 votes.
The vote came after Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka changed his mid yet again and withdrew from the Senate Speaker race at the last minute.
Kingi who served as the governor of Kilifi for two terms will serve as the third Speaker of the Senate under the 2010 Constitution.
Top Kenyan Artists Join Forces In 'Only Love/Upendo Wa Kenya' Peace Song
Celebrated Kenyan artists including Sauti Sol, Mercy Masika, Evelyn Wanjiru, Size8Reborn, Khaligraph Jones, Samidoh, Wyre, Trio Mio, Nviiri The Storyteller and Bensoul came together to produce and release “Only Love / Upendo Wa Kenya” - a national peace and cohesion song for Kenya.
The song and video is a timeless reminder for Kenyans to work towards national co-existence.
Watch “Only Love / Upendo Wa Kenya
Advocating for peace, hope, love and unity before, during and after the 2022 General Elections in Kenya, the A-List artists joined forces with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to produce the song which is also part of peace education campaigns for the ECES pro-peace Kenya project funded by the European Union.
The Pro-Peace Kenya Project supports interventions of the NCIC and aims at preventing election-related conflict and violence in the General and Presidential elections of August 2022 and beyond.
The Project builds on the various experiences of collaborating partners working to promote peace and cohesion to prevent and mitigate conflicts and electoral related violence, as well as to build trust, inclusion, cohesion and political space, notably in view of supporting the “Road Map of Peaceful Elections 2022” published by NCIC.
Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director, ECES concludes, “We are so proud to have supported in producing this song and video during the 9 August 2022 General Elections amidst the unfolding tense atmosphere witnessed in the pre-electoral environment and the successful conduct of the polls which has now been concluded with the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the elections."
Adding "This song continues to champion peace and cohesion among Kenyans, while we urge all stakeholders to continue the commendable job of promoting peaceful participation of citizens before, during and after elections, he added.”
Grade Three Learners Embark On KNEC CBC Assessment Ahead Of October National Exams
National assessment of grade three learners ahead of the national competence based curriculum CBC exams has begun in earnest in line with the Kenya National examination council guidelines.
Grade Three learners studying the new competency-based curriculum must undergo Kenya National examination council KNEC assessment before proceeding to the next level.
The Kenya national examination council KNEC has directed Grade three Monitoring learners progress (mlp)National Assessment in integrated learning Areas(ILA)-2022,with the theme Molding a patriotic citizen for peaceful co-existence.
This has seen Schools with Grade three learners countywide have embarked on the monitoring Lerner's progress in line (Knec) guidelines of the competency based Curriculum CBC before the exams in October this year.
Among the schools that is monitoring the learners progress is Mary Joy Kindergarten and Primary school in Mombasa, where it's grade three Lerner's visited Mother's Vision children home in Mtwapa on Saturday as part of their assessment.
Mary Joy kindergarten and primary school head teacher teacher Evans Muasya said the school is making strides in adhering to the KNEC guidelines ahead of the exams in October this year.
"We have Our Grade three Monitoring learners progress (mlp)National Assessment in integrated learning Areas(ILA)-2022,with the theme Moulding a patriotic citizen for peaceful co-existence, therefore we are doing this in line with Kenya national examination council directive ,"said Muasya.
He said Grade Three pupils will sit a national exam in October before joining Grade Four under in the new Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).
"The theme of the assessment is about patriotism, therefore the learners must demonstrate patriotism where they perform, so by sharing foodstuffs with the needy is part of the patriotism,” said Muasya
According to Veronica Wavinya, one of the Grade three teachers, said part of this year's KNEC guidelines is to collect items for donations to needy and less fortunate people within the community.
"By donating foodstuffs to the orphans, they will be demonstrating patriotism. As a school we have chosen, mother vision children's home, (mtwapa),"said Wavinya accompanied by other teachers during the food donation exercise at the Mtwapa based children's home.
Speaking after receiving the donations Mother's vision Rescue center manager Damaris Ndirangu expressed her joy for receiving donations that will support the over 26 needy children in the institution.
"We are happy that the CBC has come with new tasks that will also help the needy benefit from the donation by schools, this act also boosts morale of the needy pupils, and makes them feel part of the society,” said Ndirangu.
The children's home was started in 2006 by the late Susan Ngige who passed away in April this year. The institution hosts total orphans and those neglected by their parents. The Children center has been offering a good environment to CBC learners who get the exposure to integrate with the less fortunate in the society.
"This center offers good opportunities to schools that would want their CBC children to come and integrate with our children, we also get that opportunity to benefit from assorted food stuffs they donate,” said Ndiragu.
The new curriculum – which embraces a 2-6-3-3-3 system – involves two years of pre-primary education, three years of lower primary, three years of upper primary, three years of lower secondary, three years of senior secondary and three years in tertiary education
AliKiba Cancels US Shows After Contracting Covid-19
Tanzanian crooner AliKiba has cancelled his major US tour shows after testing posting for COVID-19.
The singer was scheduled to begin his US tour on September 2 to October 1.
He was to perform in major cities including Washington, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Kansas city, Manchester, Houston.
According to a statement from the singer, the shows have now been pushed to a later date following his diagnosis.
"To all my fans who have been patiently waiting for the commencement of my only one king US tour 2022 which was meant to commence on the 2nd September, Im truly saddened and devastated to say that I have tested positive for Covid-19" reads the statement.
Adding "Hereby we are forced to postpone and reschedule to the soonest date possible. Nothing is more important to me that the health of my band, crew and you my fans. I have an immense love for you all and I sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused".
Mombasa Governor Elect Nassir To Receive County Status Final Report On Friday As He Awaits Assumption Of Office
Mombasa governor elect Abdulswamad Nassir will receive the County status final report on Friday as he awaits his assumption of office on 15th September.
A number of challenges facing the county of Mombasa awaits governor elect Nassir as he awaits his swearing in to officially assume office
Apart from addressing issues directly affecting the residents, Mr Nassir will also be required to align some of his development plans with that of the national government considering that the county hots key government infrastructure such as the port of Mombasa.
Mr Nassir said once he receives the report, he will conduct an audit to determine unpaid debts and number of workers in the County to weed out ghost workers.
Speaking during his first public function after elected as Mombasa governor during the August 29th election at Star of the Sea Secondary School, the governor elect promised to repay the accrued debt which is estimated at Sh4.29 billion according to Controller of Budget report dated February 2022.
“I am in the process of receiving County reports and by Friday I would have made progress ahead of my swearing in slated on 15th September according to plans. Once assume the office, I will prioritise pending bills starting with those which have not been paid in the past eight or nine years,” said Mr Nassir.
He added, “On workers’ welfare, my administration is not intending to recruit any new workers but instead we shall employ who have been working as casuals while those who have been in permanent category, we shall promote them as a way to motivate them.”
To address issue of delayed salaries, the governor elect said he will invite different financial institutions to enter into an agreement for overdrafts incase of fund delays from the National Treasury.
CS Balala Leads Mombasa Leaders In Mourning Late Brother And Former Assistant Minister Salim Balala
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala led a host of Mombasa leaders in mourning his eldest brother Sheikh Salim Balala who passed away due to a long illness.
Speaking at the Kikowani Cemetery during the burial, Balala said his brother who worked as an assistant minister in the first president of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta cabinet was as a humble person who nurtured many.
“Shaikh Salim was a nominated member of parliament from 1964 and he was then appointed in 1966 to 1974 as assistant minister for finance and economic planning and then later appointed chairman of the National assurance so he was in the government for a long time,” said Balala.
Balala said Salim who died at the age of 84 played was an inspiration to him and other many leaders who emulated his leadership style. The deceased was prayed at the Masjid Shibu in Mwembe Tayari during the 10 am prayers and later laid to rest at Kikowani Cemetery in Mvita.
“I was too young when he went to politics, I joined politics in 2002,so I got inspiration from his honesty and integrity and his commitment to serve the country during his time, is among the people who fought for this country and served under Jomo Kenyatta,” Balala said.
The late was the father to Taufiq Balala who is the current Mombasa county executive minister of transport public works and infrastructure.
Former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho said Mombasa was privileged to have visionary leaders who opened the political path for many young leaders.
“He was the first leader to sprout in Mombasa, and he will be remembered for his contribution to nurturing young politicians, as Mombasa we have lost an elder and we want to condole with the family,” said Joho.
Some of the leaders who attended the burial include, Kaloleni Mp Paul Katana, Mombasa speaker Kharub Katri, Mombasa senator Mohamed Faki, Mombasa businessman Mohammed Jafar, former Mombasa mayor Ahmed Mohdhar and Coast regional coordinator John Elungata who delivered president Uhuru Kenyatta’s message of eulogy among others.
In his condolence message, President Kenyattta described Salim as a great leader who had a clear vision for the country’s growth and development.
“In this hour of great sorrow and grief, I convey my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends,” Uhuru said.
Uhuru added that Salim was a person of enormous influence and his wise counsel and guidance will be missed by many.
“As we mourn and pay homage to this visionary leader, let us also celebrate his life and achievements.”
Zuchu Is Back In The Studio, Working On New Song
Popular Tanzanian singer Zuhura Othman Soud, alias Zuchu is working on new music!
On Wednesday the 27-year-old singer shared a series of Instagram Stories from a recording studio.
In the video Zuchu could be seen busy in a studio recording the new song.
The last time Zuchu released a song was July.
CS Balala Loses Elder Brother
Tourism cabinet secretary Najib Balala is mourning the death of his elder brother, Sheikh Salim Mohamed Abdallah Balala.
The late Sheikh Salim is father to former Mombasa county Transport CEC Taufiq Balala and prominent lawyer Mohammed Balala.
The late Sheikh Salim was a nominated Member of Parliament and also served as an Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning from 1966 to 1974 under late President H.E Jomo Kenyatta.
On Wednesday, Taufiq Balala tweeted that his late father was admitted at Premier hospital and desperately needed blood.
"Desperately looking for blood for my ailing fathee, blood group B- , help!" tweeted Taufiq.
"It is with great sadness to announce the death of my eldest brother, Sheikh Salim Mohamed Abdallah Balala." he posted
The late Sheikh Salim will be laid to rest on Thursday at the Kikowani muslim cemetery.
Uhuru Goes For Lunch, Tours Mombasa Streets With Azimio Leaders
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday made his first public appearance after the August 9 presidential election.
The outgoing president took a stroll along Mombasa streets after having lunch at the famous Barka restaurant in Mombasa. He was in the company of several Azimio leaders.
The president, donned in blue and green checked long-sleeved shirt, a pair of blue jeans and white sports shoe.
He walked along side Azimio leaders who had pitched camp in Mombasa to campaign for Abdulswamad Nassir, the ODM Mombasa governor candidate.
The leaders were led by outgoing Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, new kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro and Mombasa governor elect Abdulswamad nassir.
President Uhuru walked from Barka restaurant all through the road towards makadara grounds greeting amazed crowds that had gathered beside the roads to see him.
A jovial Uhuru was seen waving to the crowns as they walked and laughed with Joho and Nassir.
He however, after walking about 200 meters, failed to address the crowds that had gathered to see him, getting into his vehicle as his convoy sped off out of the CBD.
Earlier on, the president held a closed door meeting with the leaders at the Mombasa governor office.
Details of the meeting remain unclear as no media was allowed inside.
The meeting comes barely a day after Abdulswamad nassir was declared winner of the Mombasa gubernatorial elections held on Monday.
Present in the meeting were outgoing Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, new Kilifi governor Gideon Mung'aro and Mombasa governor elect Abdulswamad Nassir together with his deputy Francis Thoya.
Other leaders present were Mombasa senator Mohammed Faki, Mvita MP elect Mohammed Soud Machele, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Badi (Jomvu), Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu), Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaris, former Murang’a women representative Sabina Chege among others.