Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has defended himself from alleged gang-rape allegations against a city blogger.

Nassir who spoke for the first time since the alleged incident happened two weeks ago said that neither he or his mother and any of his family members or political lieutenants are behind the alleged sodomy allegations against the said blogger.

Speaking at his offices in Mombasa hours after his County executive Committee member for Lands Mohammed Hussein Mohammed alias Amado was released by coast region DCI officers after they picked him up for interrogations, governor Nassir maintained that he has always been a man of peace and is not in any way involved in the said actions leveled against him.

"I have been in politics for over a decade and throughout my life, neither I nor any of my family members have ever crossed the line of meting violence on anyone,” said Nassir.

He added, “My stand has always been that even when I go to public platforms, my policy is a policy of never mentioning anyone or talking vulgar. It is a bit shocking that it’s now being deemed for public perception that both I and my 74-year-old mother would be part and parcel of a heinous act of this magnitude.”

The governor alleged political mischief behind the allegations stating that he is more than ready to comply with authorities in a bid to clear his name and his family.

He said that days prior to the incident, his family home where his mother stays which is adjacent to hi house was raided with the intruders only going away with a phone and a laptop.

He further stated that his family car was followed by unknown men. Both incidents he said have were reported to the police and no one has been apprehended to date.

“When all these had happened, a video started circulating talking about my mum and wife and the words used are unprintable. We sat with family and agreed to leave it to Almighty, but it is unfortunate that this is being used for political motives,”

"For those who don’t know me and what my values are, I have passed through worst, I have been abused, people have tried to physically harm me and my family but we have been calm. I have every intention of clearing our names, I have all intention of ensuring all those behind this misalignment will equally be booked,” Nassir said.

While responding to allegations that the blogger was denied treatment at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nassir alleged that this was not true adding that some powerful politicians were calling the doctors issuing threats to them even though the blogger had not yet been taken to the hospital.

“This country has a history of people being coursed and coached to talk about things, we saw this when president Ruto was taken to Hague. As much as I feel sorry for what happened to this young man, in the spirit of my family we not only forgive and forget, but we leave it to the Almighty,” he said.

He further alleged that the said blogger has sent him over 800 messages using different numbers, and he has never responded to any of the messages.

The matter has attracted much attention online with a hashtag demanding justice for the blogger trending at number one with over fifty thousand tweets on X for the better part of Monday.

"I am truly heart about my mother being dragged and abused just for giving birth to me. One day, we will all be looking at each other and I really pray and hope that the police will get to the end of this and we will get to the bottom of this,” he said.

More than 1,000 women have benefited from free health screenings and consultations at a 4-day medical camp held at Mbagathi County Hospital.

This initiative, led by the Rotary Club of Lavington in collaboration with Decker Med Africa Trust, focused on critical yet neglected women’s health issues such as cervical and breast cancer screening, general consultations, counseling, and eye care services.

The camp, which specifically aimed to improve access to healthcare for underserved women in the Kibra area, has been a vital resource for the community. Wambui Karanja, President of the Rotary Club of Lavington, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Decker Med Africa Trust in making these healthcare services available to women who often face barriers to access.

“The response from the community has been overwhelming. Many women who would otherwise not have access to such services came forward, and it’s evident that there is a strong need for these health screenings,” said Wambui.

The medical camp is a significant part of the Rotary Club of Lavington’s broader “Dignity Project,” an initiative aimed at improving women’s health and well-being in Kibra. In addition to healthcare, the project plans to provide mentorship programs and establish a center for producing reusable sanitary products, addressing the ongoing health challenges women face in the community.

Njoki Kariuki, Project Director and President Nominee of the Rotary Club of Lavington, emphasized the long-term vision of the project, stating, "This camp aims to do more than just provide immediate medical care. Our goal is to raise awareness about women’s health, empower them with the knowledge to maintain their well-being, and ensure they have access to the necessary resources for prevention and treatment."

Esther Baraga, Director of Development at Decker Med Africa Trust, emphasized the collaborative effort required to bring the camp to life. She stated, "The camp would not have been possible without the crucial partnership of Mbagathi County Hospital, Nairobi City County, and the Ministry of Health. EssilorLuxottica provided free prescription eyewear to patients with vision disorders. We screened and treated top ophthalmic conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, allergic ophthalmitis, and conjunctivitis."

Other notable partners included Mr. and Miss World Kenya, who played a key role in creating awareness for the camp. Kakuzi Ltd and Lab and Allied generously donated medication, while organizations like SHOFCO, Milele FM, and Green Card Mtaani were instrumental in mobilizing the community.

Esther emphasized the need for expanded support, stating, "In our pursuit of universal health coverage, we encourage other counties to engage in partnerships with us. Furthermore, we appeal to stakeholders for in-kind contributions or financial support to amplify our impact within our communities."

Renowned Kenyan fashion stylist Brian Babu has teamed up with Regalia Apparel, a local fashion powerhouse founded by David Gachie and Joseph Mureithi, to release an exclusive capsule collection named ‘Uwili’.

This highly anticipated collection is now available for purchase, offering fashion lovers a unique blend of artistic design and high-quality craftsmanship.

The ‘Uwili’ collection was launched at an intimate hangout on Saturday, September 21st 2024 at Embe Creatives in Lavington. 

The event brought together a host of Kenyan fashion and media industry personalities, celebrities and industry stakeholders alongside friends and fans of Babu and the brand, to celebrate the launch of their fashion project.

The ‘Uwili’ collection takes its inspiration from the natural balance of day and night, reflecting the contrast between light and darkness caused by the earth’s rotation.

Each garment in the collection is partially bleached, with the lighter sections symbolizing the reflection of sunlight during the day, and the darker parts representing the night’s fading glow.

The collection not only embodies this duality in its aesthetic but also emphasizes the balance that humans seek in their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Brian Babu and Regalia Apparel have seamlessly fused their unique expertise to deliver a collection that is versatile and unisex, making it accessible for everyone from age 16 and up.

“We intentionally created these pieces to be worn by anyone,” says Babu.

Adding “This collection is for individuals who want to look great, effortlessly transitioning from day to night.”

Brian Babu is known for his unparalleled eye for original and authentic fashion.

Over the years, he has collaborated with some of Africa’s top artists, including Sauti Sol, Diamond Platnumz, and Mr. Eazi, consistently showcasing his mastery in creating trend-setting custom looks.

Regalia Apparel, co-founded by designers David Gachie and Joseph Mureithi, is a brand that prides itself on authenticity, designing and dyeing garments from scratch. Their meticulous stitching and garment dyeing process ensure that each piece is crafted with care and precision.

This partnership began organically, with Babu reaching out to Regalia for a custom garment for an event. After realizing their mutual dedication to high-quality design, the idea of a full collection emerged. The result is ‘Uwili’, a collaborative effort that merges fabric decoration and cutting-edge design to create standout fashion.

The new collection includes a range of stylish, unisex pieces that offer something for everyone. Priced affordably, the ‘Uwili’ collection ensures that high fashion is accessible without compromising on quality or craftsmanship.

“We’re excited to share this collection with the world,” says Regalia co-founder David Gachie. “It’s a true reflection of the balance we sought to create in both style and function, ensuring it works for every occasion.”

Brian Babu and Regalia Apparel are no strangers to fashion collaborations. Together, they’ve worked on various projects, including custom garments for Bensoul’s performance at Blankets and Wine (August 2024) and styling for the Sol Fest dancers in 2023.

Their shared dedication to fashion innovation continues to push the envelope, showcasing the magic that can be created when brands come together.

With this collaboration, both parties aim to highlight the power of symbiotic relationships in the fashion industry. “We want to show that when brands come together and share ideas, the results can be nothing short of magical,” adds Babu.

President William Ruto has called for bold reforms at the United Nations Security Council to tackle the rapidly evolving global challenges. 

The President said the current multilateralism system has proven inadequate in addressing crises such as climate change, inequality and debt, and continues to falter in providing any, let alone timely, solutions.

He pointed out that, without immediate action, humanity will face an unprecedented global crisis.

“Today, we have no choice but to reject outdated systems and re-imagine a framework of international cooperation that works for all 8 billion people,” he said.

President Ruto was speaking on Sunday during the Summit of the Future plenary at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York, United States.

The President said there was a need to redesign the international financial system, strengthening partnerships for common security, bridging the digital divide and investing in human capacity. 

He noted that it was unfortunate that only 17% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets are on track largely due to unmet financial commitments. 

"Developing countries, particularly in Africa and the Global South, are facing severe funding shortages, and the gap is widening,” he said.

The President explained it was time the historical injustice of Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the UN Security Council be addressed as a matter of justice in the ongoing UN reforms.

The President informed the General Assembly of the advancements made by the Kenya-led Multinational Support Mission in Haiti, saying that despite limited resources, the contingent has achieved tangible progress.

"What looked like mission impossible is now a present and real possibility for peace in Haiti,” he said. 

President Ruto said Kenya is keen on increasing its forest cover to 30% in 2030 by planting 15 billion trees, an effort largely led by the youth. 

"Two weeks ago, I launched ClimateWorX, a programme that will employ 200,000 young Kenyans in sustainable public works, focused on ecological restoration and infrastructure,” he said. 

Earlier, during the Summit of the Future's interactive dialogue session, President Ruto said there was a need to address structural and monetary issues that cripple multilateral financial institutions and disproportionately affect developing countries. 

hese, he said, will include limited fiscal capacity, rising debt, unfair credit ratings and uneven interest rates that threaten the realisation of SDGs.

"The fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain next year might be our last chance to make significant reforms to meet the SDGs,” he said.

GulfCap Real Estate hosted a high-profile investor brunch at Ajmal Restaurant, BBS Mall, Nairobi, unveiling their newest lifestyle development, 289 InCitys uites. 

The event attracted local business leaders, potential investors, and notable dignitaries, including Hon. Yusuf Hassan, the Member of Parliament for Kamukunji, HE. Jabril IbrahimAbdulle, the Somalia Ambassador to Kenya and Mohammed Aden, CEO of Eastleigh business community.

The guests emphasized the transformative impact the development will have in the community and setting the standard of real estate developments in Kenya.

GulfCap Real Estate, known for its award winning developments across Kenya, showcased 289 InCity Suites as the epitome of modern living, offering a range of studio apartments and duplexes in 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom configurations.

The project reflects GulfCap’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled living experience that promotes the values of peaceful lifestyles, continuous growth and building generational wealth.

Hon. Yusuf Hassan endorsed the 289 InCity Suites project as a golden opportunity for investors, encouraging them to partner with GulfCap Real Estate (GCRE) to take advantage of this unique venture

“This is not just another development; it represents a golden opportunity to invest in a project that promises significant returns and positively impacts the community,” Hassan remarked.

Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Somali ambassador to Kenya congratulated GCRE on the launch of 289 InCity and lauded the developer for its innovation, leadership and commitment in creating transformative real estate investments.

GulfCap Real Estate, through Honorable Suleiman Shahbal, Chairman of the group, and Ahmed Bajaber, Director- who were present in the meeting- emphasized its vision to create landmark projects that foster community growth.

Chris Ochieng, CEO remarked “289 InCity suites will be a city within our city which will partner with and promote the thriving businesses and urban tourism opportunities, forever changing the face of the area”

Hawa Shaffi, key representative of GulfCap, detailed the value proposition of 289 InCity Suites, emphasizing the strategic location within a thriving business hub and proximity to major transport networks.

Investors can expect competitive rental yields and capital appreciation,backed by GulfCap’s experience in managing large-scale developments.

With prices starting from as low as KES 2.49 million, 289 InCity Suites offers a rare opportunity for investors to secure a property in a fast-growing region, complemented by high-end amenities such as a clubhouse, sports courts, and 24-hour security.

GulfCap Real Estate’s track record of success, including their award-winning Buxton Point project, reinforces investor confidence in 289 InCity Suites.

The event concluded with a networking lunch, where potential investors explored further opportunities with GulfCap’s property advisors.

With an emphasis on community, connectivity, and style, 289 InCity Suites is set to redefine urban living within 10 minutes of Nairobi CBD.

More than 800 pupils from Kitere Primary School are set to benefit from classroom renovations, new desks and piping of clean water within the school, courtesy of the ‘Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Kama Bingwa campaign’ grand prize victory.

The renovations and piping will be funded by the extra KES 1 million awarded to Kepher Okoth, the grand prize winner in the campaign.

Mr. Okoth, a 24-year-old motorcycle repair man, was awarded KES 5 million last week, along with an extra KES 1 million meant to support a community project of his choice through the Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Kama Bingwa promotion.

To help realize his dream, Safaricom Foundation has contributed an additional KES 1.3 million, bringing the total to KES 2.3 million, to complete the water supply project and install handwashing points for the pupils.

“We designed this campaign in such a way that whoever wins a million shillings and above, received an additional cash from Safaricom Foundation to support community projects of their choice. Kepher Okoth, who was our grand prize winner of KES 5M, received an extra KES 1M and he has chosen to renovate his former primary school.  In addition to the KES 1 million, the Safaricom Foundation has also contributed KES 1.3 million to fully complete the project." said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief officer, Consumer Business, Safaricom.

Adding "30 more customers from across Kenya, also won KES 1 each, and received an additional KES 250,000 each to support community projects of their choices. This way, the benefits of this promotion extend beyond individual winners to positively impact wider communities,” 

Additionally, the pupils of Kitere Primary school also received school bags crafted from recycled Safaricom billboard materials. This is part of Safaricom’s sustainability program geared towards environmental conservation through recycling.

Meanwhile, Kepher Okoth, the grand prize winner, could not hide his joy as he received a heroic welcome home.

“I want to extend my gratitude to Safaricom, not only for awarding me as the grand prize winner, but also for providing KES 1 million to support my community. I have chosen to support my former primary school by renovating and furnishing a few classrooms and addressing their longstanding water supply challenges. The school has long relied on collected rainwater and students bringing water from home. I believe that starting today, students will no longer need to carry jerrycans of water each morning and afternoon as we once did, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the school,” Okoth said.

For the school management, Okoth’s win is a huge blessing and a relief. “We are deeply grateful to Safaricom and Kepher, one of our former students, for their generous support. We especially appreciate Kepher for choosing to support this school. This generous contribution will be a tremendous blessing, benefiting hundreds of pupils and teachers who have long endured these difficulties,” said John Kennedy Kodongo, Head Teacher, Kitere Primary School.

Other community engagements to be done in Migori county this week as part of this celebration include a medical camp to offer eye care consultations, breast cancer screening, general doctor consultations and child health consultations to residents of Migori.

Patients with Fistula related issues will also get free surgeries courtesy of a free fistula camp. Further, Safaricom will visit hospitals in Migori to distribute mama-packs to new mothers.

Ministers responsible for tourism across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region have launched the much-anticipated Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034, marking a transformative step for the region's tourism industry.

The launch ceremony, hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together high-level dignitaries, including the IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, ministers of tourism Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Regional Director Antonio Pedro.

Jointly developed with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the STMP lays out a strategic vision for sustainable tourism across the IGAD member states, aiming to position the region as a competitive and cohesive tourism destination on the global stage.

It further underscores the plan’s role in driving socio-economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting regional integration.

Speaking at the event, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu underscored the immense tourism potential of the IGAD region, citing its rich cultural heritage, unique archaeological sites, and diverse natural landscapes.

"Despite these remarkable assets, our region's global tourism share remains limited. The STMP 2024-2034 is a comprehensive response to this challenge. It seeks to attract investment, foster regional cooperation, and establish tourism as a cornerstone of economic development," said Dr. Workneh.

In a significant moment during the event, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, was named IGAD Tourism Champion for a three-year term.

His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in steering the tourism sector towards sustainability, promoting economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.

The STMP launch aligns closely with IGAD Vision 2050 and other regional socio-economic frameworks, aiming to cement tourism’s place as a key driver in the IGAD development agenda.

As the IGAD region embarks on this journey, the success of the STMP will rely on the active collaboration of member states, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

UNECA’s Regional Director reaffirmed the importance of partnership and shared responsibility in ensuring the plan’s success.

Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a 67 per cent decline, the sector has demonstrated its resilience. For Africa, we reached 92 per cent of pre-crisis tourist levels by 2023, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Moreover, Africa’s travel and tourism market is projected to reach revenues of $23.37 billion by 2024, growing at 7.49 per cent." said Pedro.

Adding " The vision laid out in the Masterplan should not be insurmountable to achieve. It however requires intentional actions that will unlock the capabilities of the tourism sector to drive sustainable growth and development. To begin with, infrastructure development is crucial."

Car & General Trading Limited has introduced Piaggio electric three-wheelers at the Kenyan Coastal city of Mombasa.

The Piaggio Ape Electrik vehicles were unveiled during a flag off ceremony at the Treasury Square in Mombasa.  Ape E-City FX Max for the passenger segment was unveiled.

Currently, Mombasa has close to 15,000 passenger three wheeler units on the road that run on ice engines, making it a key transport mode for the region.

Car & General is the appointed sole distributor of Piaggio three wheelers in Kenya since 2002. Car & General pioneered the use of three-wheelers as taxis in East Africa.

On its part, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL) is a subsidiary of the Italian Piaggio Group and India’s leading manufacturer of small commercial vehicles as well as pioneers in the three-wheeler electric mobility.

The electric three wheelers were unveiled by David Chesoni, the Managing Director of Car & General and Hon Mohamed Ali Osman, the CECM – Tourism, Trade and Culture of the County Government of Mombasa.

Speaking at the launch, David Chesoni said, “Car & General is committed to its mantra of making our customers smile in every street, in every town with quality products and after-sales services.  This aligns with Piaggio’s philosophy of providing path-breaking last-mile transport solutions, even as we lead Kenya’s three wheeler EV mission. We feel the new range is an entrepreneur’s best bet to reap maximum benefits.”

The vehicles come with low maintenance costs, one year warranty, advanced technology and a long range at 120 kilometers on a full charge.

The electric three wheeler will definitely maximize the earnings of owners ensuring optimum value for customers through better range, grade ability and load-carrying capacity, as well as providing a competitive total cost of ownership. Operating the Piaggio electric three wheeler will save up to KSh 26,000 per month on fuel and service.

On his part Mombasa’s CECM for Tourism, Trade and Culture CECM Mohammed  Osman said, “E-mobility and green energy solutions uptake will cut down emissions thus alleviating challenges of climate change.”

The launch was attended by C&G dealers, corporate customers, financers, local and national government officials, industry associations, among others guests.

Meet Nyabiya Syekei, a talented 12-year-old singer and actor from Nairobi, Kenya, who is making her official music debut with the track, "Jiamini".

Nyabiya will perform this song at the highly anticipated "Our Generation 2024", an international children’s song competition set to take place in Kazan, Russia, from October 5th, 2024.

Nyabiya Syekei is Kenya’s first and only representative at this year’s edition of the competition, which brings together children from over 10 countries worldwide.

"Jiamini," meaning "Believe in Yourself" in Swahili, encourages children to have faith in their dreams and work hard to achieve them. It’s a fitting anthem for a competition designed to celebrate the voices of the next generation.

Watch "Jiamini" by Nyabiya Syekei on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HX6c0x3vzcg 

The song was written by Yviona Reign, with audio production by Motif Di Don and video directed by Rahim from Elixir Nation.