BY MOSES MUNYOKI

Omar Abdallah is the new Chairman, Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) Coast region.

Omar popularly known as Ommy Dallah was elected as the new Chairperson by the region members in an election that was held in Mombasa.

He takes the leadership mantle from Baya Kitsao who has served in the position for a period of three years.

In his acceptance speech Omar vowed to work together with all team members and make the association beneficial to all its members.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all who voted for me and even those who didn’t  and I look forward to work with everyone as we endeavor to empower one another”, said Omar Abdalla.

Other officials elected during the election are Treeza Auma( Vice Chairperson), David Ngumbao (Secretary General), Charles Ogallo (Assistant Secretary), Ali Mwalimu (Treasurer). Moses Munyoki and Sharon Nyakundi were elected as committee members.

According to the KCA constitution there are ten Regional Committees composed of seven elected members namely; Central, Coast, Lower Eastern, Upper Eastern, Nairobi, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Western.

The Regional officials serves for a term of three.

Traders operating at the Mama Ngina water had  a rare chance to interact with President William Ruto who toured the facility on Thursday evening.

The president, accompanied by Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Mining Cs Salim Mvurya and Nyali Member of Parliament Mohamed Ali was welcomed by the traders who had spread their different merchandise for sale.

Elated by the hardworking traders, the president gifted them a sh 100,000 as lunch. The president is on the coast where he will traverse the five counties in the region including Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale and Tana River.

The president, who looked impressed by the hardworking traders, took his humble time to have a chat with them while enjoying some (Mahindi Choma)’roasted Maize, thanks to a young mahindi Choma hustler.

Nyali Mp Mohamed Ali said president Ruto’s visit is a testimony that the Kenya Kwanza government has put the interest of small scale traders at heart.Ali said the government will walk with grassroots businessmen and women to empower them.

“Elated and pleased to welcome H.E. President William Samoei Ruto to Mombasa this evening. Alongside the Governor of Mombasa, Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and other leaders.The president paid a visit to the hardworking small-scale businesses that form the heart and soul of Mombasa at Mama Ngina Drive. The President's presence is a testament to his commitment to uplift every segment of society and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Ali in a Facebook post.

The president began his five days coastal tour on Thursday starting with Mokowe Lamu., where he opened the county commissioner's office and presented cheques to the fishing community in the area.

The President is expected to issue title deeds in Kilifi County and later preside over the rededication ceremony of KNS Shupavu, a Kenyan navy warship that underwent a comprehensive refit at the Kenya Shipyards Limited in Mombasa.

On Saturday the President is expected to preside over the launch of the local vehicle assembly line and chair a meeting bringing together port users and other port stakeholders.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir has decried the bloated wage bill that has continued to haunt his administration.

The county boss says the county has Broken the public finance management act after the latest audit report, exposed Mombasa as an extravagant county in spending on wage bills.

“In the latest audit report and you will see me in the senate answering these questions, we have Broken the PFM act, our wage bill exceeds the acceptable percentage in terms of what is our revenue,” said Nassir.

Nassir says the county pays more than 100 Million shillings as salaries to staff attached to the coast general teaching and referral hospital alone. This means that 25 percent more than what it pays to all county employees.

“Currently as it stands the salaries of employees of county government of Mombasa is about sh 497 million that is before the casuals the community health workers and the rest, those who are attached at the coast general their salaries are at sh 100 Million,” said Nassir.

Nassir says as it stands the county is unable to hire more doctors nor can it increase salaries of medics due to the budget strains. The governor says that the coast general teaching and referral hospital should start working on a law to govern it.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir now wants the coast general teaching and referral hospital to come up with a bill to make it independent as other corporations. He assured that even after the transfer of payroll from county to CPGH their pensions will not be affected.

“The pensions remain, they will not be altered, a legal document will be done, to protect that the only issue we are saying is the transfer of the payroll from county government to CPGH on those employees working at the coast general teaching and referral hospital

The governor says he will not compel the hospital board to implement that, even as it emerges that the county governor wants the hospital to stand on its own. He says the changes could be effective if a proper law is followed.

“For those who wish to walk this journey with us, and I wish we will go the same, for those who wish they cannot, we will simply have to rearrange ourselves, it’s simply as that, I simply fail to understand that we are removing payroll from the county government of Mombasa to the coast general hospital, that amount of money will be coming from county government of Mombasa, we need to be seen as a county that is following financial prudence,” said Nassir.

Bamburi Rifle Club in Mombasa county was proud to host another International IDPA Tier 3 championship dubbed Euro Africa Ultra Match.

The BRC chairman highlighted that the Ultra match brand is an Annual continental championship that was collaborated by shooting sports officials from Europe Africa and Asia.

 “It is a great honor for BRC Kenya to host the championship in Africa branding our country to be a  sport shooting and tourism destination.

Switzerland Swissaaa.org representative Andy Pfenninger disclosed that the Euro-Africa event in Kenya was a big success and Kenyan sport shooters were exposed to compete with international shooters during the event.

He concluded that the championship circuit started in Italy in May followed by Kenya in July and the last round will be in December 2023 in Thailand.

Shooter Geoffrey Pesa emerged victorious in the Pistol Caliber Carbrine (PCC) master category with 357.55 points at the Euro Africa IDPA Level 111 Championship that attracted 171 shooters at the Bamburi Rifle Club over the weekend.

In the PCC marksman category the winner was Kilonzo Soi with 520.95 points after facing no challenge from his class at the global event held at the Bamburi Rifle Club in Mombasa on to July 20-23,2023.

Competing in PCC novice category Ramadhan Mahamed scoped the top slot with 646.01 points while Timimi Suhayb was second with 676.18 points. Third position in the PCC novice category went to Machira Lucy with 739.45 points.

In the Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) master category, Mike Kiptanui was declared the winner with   525.17 points and the second position went to Eric Wachira 526.40 points. While seasonal shooter Inspector of Police Mohammed Aden trailed at position three with 548.86 points.

In the ESP expert category, Agnes Muchiri won for the category with 540.10 points.  Mohammed Noor Ahmed was second with 567.11 points and third position went to Dhruv Shah with 682.39 points.

ESP Novice category Milan Shah won with 811.03 points, second slot was won by Anthony Maingi with 2028.44 points.

In the Carry Optic (CO) master category was won by industry shooting instructor Sammy Onyango with 513.93 points. CO expert division went to Tony Karanja after amassing 740.94 points.

The Sharp Shooter class went to Omar Moosa with 694.93 points and the Back Up Gun (BUG) category novice division with only one competitor went to Peter Njoroge with 902.83 points.

In the revolver category, Novice competition Joel Githaiga was declared the winner with 1374.12 points.

In the Special Division Senior Stand category Joakim Kimachu was first with 573.47 points with no other competitor challenging him in the category.

The Stock Service Pistol (SSP)Expert category was scoped by Peter Muli with 535.60 points. Morris Muriithi was second with 611.35 points and James Thou got 633.82 points respectively.  The SSP master category went to Damiel Mutiso with 556.15 points and Moses Rono with 573.76 points.

Shooter Meshack Mwendwa competing alone in SS class scoped 618.40 points to be declared a winner.

Contesting in SSP marksman division Charles Mugendi won with 679.37 points, second was Tonny Munene 1101.66 points and the third position was bagged by Peter Okul with 1105.65 points

Former Taita Taveta governor Granton Samboja is back on the airwaves. The veteran broadcaster turn politician has announced his return to the radio with a Gospel show.

The new show dubbed “ibada Ya Anguo’ airs every Sunday at Anguo radio station that he owns, located at Voi in Taita Taveta county.

This is the first gospel show for Samboja since he left the office of the governor of Taita Taveta County. Those who know him say he is best at hosting Rumba music shows.

“Maishani Mwangu ninaye yesu,Kwenye Raha na karaha,”said Samboja popularly known as ‘Mshapa’. In his show, he preaches and plays gospel tunes as he interacts with his listeners.

But his latest change of tune to host gospel show has left many wondering. Samboja has previously worked at Radio citizen and Milele fm among others.

Since he lost his governor re-election bid to now the current governor Andrew Mwadime, Samboja has remained a low key politician with limited public appearance.

Samboja pursued Journalism before starting his career in the media industry. He ventured into other different interests apart from media in his passion and determination to be the best he can.

His first media house to join was the Royal Media Services and he was a great leader who soldiered on the placement of Radio Citizens to its competitive position a few months after it was established.

His courage and zeal to service delivery saw him appointed by President Uhuru to serve as the chairperson of Coast Water Services Board in 2015.He later resigned from the position in February 2017 and joined politics, he would later serve as a one term governor before losing in the 2022 general elections.

Samboja, who contested on Jubilee Party ticket, lost to independent candidate Andrew Mwadime, Samboja got 23,701 votes against Mwadime's 49,901.

The Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) has urged journalists covering the anti government demonstrations to be mindful of their security.

According to KCA this is a very tough time for local journalists.

In a statement, KCA Chairman William Janak also called on media houses to ensure there are proper safety measures for their journalists.

"As KCA we know that journalists are undergoing alot of difficulties during the demonstrations over high cost of living by the opposition, our recognition of this gives us the chance to tell journalists to be careful in situations of conflict because demonstrations are situations of conflicts" said Janak 

Adding " This is a very dangerous time for journalists we would like them to take care of their safety and security. If there are dangerous situations where one thinks they should not get involved we advise journalists not to get involved".

Janak further called on government to ensure that journalists are protected in the cause of their work taking issue with incidents where security officers posed as journalists saying it puts journalists in danger.

Janak charged "We have seen police officers now mixing with demonstrators especially those on plain cloths and pretending to be journalists, this is dangerous to journalists. We condemn the attempt by security agencies to try to pose as journalists and after doing that they pounce on demonstrators , this puts journalists in danger and can even be attacked by demonstrators." 

Uber is set to introduce a new security feature, audio recording.

According to a statement from the company,  the new feature  will allow a customer  to record trip audio and share it with the Uber Support team in the event of a safety incident.

"This feature will be launching soon, adding to our strong safety toolkit, and has been built taking your peace of mind into consideration." reads the statement.

Adding "If you ever feel unsafe while on a trip, you can record audio directly through the Safety Toolkit in the newest version of the Uber app. If a safety-related incident occurs, you can send the recording to the Uber Support team. Your privacy is protected and the audio will only be reviewed if you request that the Uber Support team review it.

"Our team can only listen to an audio recording if you choose to share it with us through a safety ticket - available in the app. All audio recordings are encrypted and stored securely on your device. Neither you nor your driver will be able to access them and Uber will not access which we have not been asked to."

This comes amid concerns over the safety of customers when using the online taxi applications.

The government has ordered for the closure of all Primary and Schools in Nairobi and Mombasa counties on Wednesdays.

According to a joint statement from Interior minister Kithure Kindiki and his Education counter part Ezekiel Machogu there are credible security intelligence of some criminal elements who are planning to unleash violence and terror to members of the public tomorrow during Azimio protests in Nairobi and Mombasa.

The statement further states that the said individuals are planning to carry out their activities in schools.

"The ministry of education shall announce the resumption of learning in the schools upon assessment of the security situation tomorrow" reads the statement

ODM leadership in Mombasa county has insisted that Azimio La Umoja demonstrations are still on tomorrow (Wednesday).

Speaking to the press on Tuesday Azimio leaders led by Mombasa senator Mohamed Faki maintained that they will participate in the Azimio demonstrations planned for Wednesday even as the security apparatus outlaws it.

Faki said police who disrupt them as they exercise their democratic right of picketing, will be held personally accountable asking the police to stick to their role of maintaining law and order.

“Mombasa has been peaceful and we shall continue to make it so, but that peace should not be construed that we have no right to protest when our rights are violated, we shall defend our rights by coming out to demonstrate,”Faki added.

The leaders who spoke in Mombasa yesterday also codenamed the withdrawal of security detail to a section of Azimio leadership terming it illegal and a violation of their constitutional right.

“Some of the Mps security has been withdrawn, we don’t want to name them but already of them have been withdrawn, we say this is not allowed,” said Faki adding that police should not violate the right to picket.

The Mps who participated in the briefing include Rashid Bedzimba, Mombasa senator Mohamed Faki, Mombasa women rep Zamzam Mohamed among other MCAs.

“Kenyans have a right to picket if their welfare is not considered, and we wish if the president could withdraw those sentiments he uttered asking leaders to protect their areas fearing the demonstrations, “said Faki.

This as it becomes apparent that Kenya Kwanza leadership in Mombasa plans to counter the protest planned by Azimio La Umoja in Mombasa.

Led by East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Hassan Omar, UDA leaders said they will not sit pretty and watch Azimio goons paralise business activities and the general economy of Mombasa.

“We can’t accept you to cause economic turmoil in Mombasa, I want to tell our women representative , senator and the ODM Mps that enough is enough, let them do it,  we will be behind the police patrolling and to see who dares,” Omar said.

Adding " He (Raila Odinga" has already killed the economy in his Nyanza backyard now he wants to destroy our economy in Mombasa, we cannot allow it"

Omar who is also the UDA Vice Chairman accused ODM leadership in Mombasa of taking advantage of the poor for their self greed.

“We will not accept any minute of protest, even if its three minutes, we have reports that they are planning demonstrations  in Bangladesh, Maweni, Kisauni,and Majengo they want to use the poor to benefit themselves, we will be on the streets ourselves to protect our property,” claimed Omar.

Omar spoke at a meeting with UDA leaders at Kizingo where he said they will cooperate with security apparatus to ensure no one dares to destroy or cause harm in Wednesdays planned demonstration.

Omar who was accompanied by  former Starehe Mp Charles Njagua alias Jaguar  asked residents to continue with their businesses as usual since they will corporate with Authorities and security apparatus to tame goons planning to  disrupt peace in Mombasa.

 “We have talked to regional commissioner Rhoda Onyancha to ensure peace reigns in coast, and leave politics for us, we will fight politically on behalf of our people and our government,” said Omar. 

Logo's Hope, the World's largest floating bookfair is set to make it's maiden voyage to Mombasa.

It will dock at the Mbaraki wharf and will be open to the public from 23rd August until the 3rd October from Tuesday to Sunday. A preparation team is in the country.

This comes 18 years after its identical sister ship Duolos made a similar visit to Mombasa.

Constanza Figueroa, a member of the advance team said during a press briefing that the ship operated by GBA (Good Books for All) goal is to share knowledge, help, and hope in every port it visits. It has so far called on over 150 countries and territories.

“Visitors to Logos Hope are offered an expanded selection of over 5,000 different titles of books at affordable prices. They cover a wide range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, languages, and faith.

With children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases, and more, the book fair has something for everyone,” said Figueroa.

She added that the ship has an international crew including Kenyans and staff of volunteers from around 60 different countries who live and work on the ships, devoting one or more years of their lives to serving on board.

She extolled Kenyans for their hospitality urging them to replicate the same gesture to more than 300 volunteers that will arrive aboard the ship.

The ship crew will promote literacy and education, cross-cultural cooperation, and social awareness, and reflect God’s compassion for the world.

“The ship crew will provide aid, and community care, and partner with local community groups to bring hope to people,” said Figueroa.

Nicolas Civilotti, an advance team member said the vessel is currently sailing to Muscat, Oman after visiting Abu Dhabi, it will visit Seychelles before coming to Mombasa.

Civilotti said ship crew will transfer knowledge, and get in touch with local organizations dealing with health to make donations.

Walid Timimi, Marine Services Manager, Inchcape Services said they are working with a multi-stakeholder committee to prepare for the ship’s arrival.

“We are glad we have a couple of Kenyans working on board in the engine room and hopefully as they are here they will partner with so many organizations as part of that they have engaged the Bandari Maritime Academy, in August they will be a joint training for the seafarers,” said Timimi.

He added that there are numerous opportunities that Kenya will tap into while working with GBA.

 “We are glad that GBA has considered the new ship will be coming to Mombasa this time, and hopefully it will open more doors for more of their ships coming to this side of the world,” said Timimi.