ODM Party Leaderand Azimio La Umoja presidential Candidate Raila Odinga has called on Mombasa residents  to embrace six piece voting to ensure that the ODM Party carries the day in the county in the August 9 General Election. 

According to Odinga, it will be unfair for residents to elect him as president and fail to elect ODM leaders arguing that was the only way to make the party strong and make work easy for him once he takes over the government.

“I don’t want to be a general without an army. I need my foot soldiers in the County Assembly, National Assembly, Senate and most importantly, the Governor so as to be able to deliver on my vision for the country." said Odinga.

Odinga was speaking at the Caltex grounds in Likoni where he paraded all ODM candidates from the county led by Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir who is eyeing the Mombasa governor seat.

"As you can see these are my foot soldiers here in Mombasa, we have Mishi, Abdulswamad, Badi Twalib (Jomvu) , Said Abdallah (Nyali) so do not let me down" argued Odinga

On his part, Nassir committed to comb every blade of grass in the entire county to rally the people of Mombasa to meet a minimum turn out of 95% in the election to ensure victory for Azimio.

Odinga was accompanied by other Azimio leaders including his running mate Martha Karua, Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, Kitui governor Charity Ngilu, Suna East Mp Junet Mohammed former Gatanga Mp Peter Kenneth among others.

ODM Nyali Mp aspirant Said  'Saido' Abdalla has embarked on extensive campaigns rallying residents to turn out in large numbers and vote for Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the August 9 polls.

Abdalla, who is seeking to clinch the Nyali constituency seat, said even the sick people lying in hospital will be facilitated to come out and vote for Odinga. He  expressed confidence that ODM will form the next government.

Abdalla said ODM has a clear manifesto that will deliver development to electorates. He asked his supporters not to gamble with their vote instead vote for a six piece pattern so that they can reap from development.

“Even the sick will vote, we are not going to leave someone behind, if there is a problem we will facilitate even the sick to be given priority to vote in their polling stations, because it is our obligation to ensure that in our strongholds people vote in large numbers,” said Abdalla.

Abdalla made the remarks during a door to door campaign in Mkomani where he expressed confidence that he will clinch the Nyali Mp seat the  in August 9 polls.

Abdalla will battle it out with incumbent Mp Mohamed Ali Alias Jicho Pevu of the United Democratic Alliance.

Abdalla asked residents to come out in large numbers in areas where ODM enjoys strong support so that they can vote Odinga as the fifth president.

“We don’t want a situation where Raila Odinga strongholds will have only 20 percent voters, we ask our people to turn out in large numbers because if they don’t vote, it means we are giving our opponents a chance to win,” said Abdalla.

He further cautioned politicians against making remarks that are likely to divide Kenyans.

He charged "It is our responsibility as aspirants seeking to occupy different seats to make sure that we preach peace. Here in Nyali, we are not going to accept anyone who wants to divide us because we believe we are one"

Orange democratic Movement ODM leaders in Mombasa have staged a spirited campaign for ODM leader Raila Odinga for presidency ahead of his mega rally in Mombasa on Thursday.

The leaders led by governor candidate Abdulswamad Nassir and Jomvu Mpo Badi Twalib asked Jomvu residents to prepare in large numbers to welcome Odinga saying he is the best suited to succeed president Uhuru Kenyatta.

“As a son of Baba Raila Odinga politically, I will be ready to welcome Odinga in Bangladesh, we want to show Odinga that this is the epitome of politics,” said Nassir while addressing a political gathering at Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Nassir said Mombasa is an ODM zone and will deliver victory to Odinga in the August 9 general elections. Nassir is seeking to succeed Governor Hassan Joho in Mombasa. Nassir challenges residents not to gamble with their votes, instead elect an ODM president.

“I want to ask the people of Bangladesh to come out in large numbers so that they can break a record, we want to see Bangladesh votes making Raila the president and making Nassir the governor for Mombasa,” said Nassir.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib slammed their opponents for their continued blame game on the transfer of port operations to Nairobi and Naivasha inland depots.Badi asked Mombasa residents to have faith with Odinga as he has promised to return port operations when he gets into power.

“Those who are rebuking Odinga should know that Odinga has strong supporters in Mombasa who are determined to install him as the fifth president,” said Twalib.

Badi said Jomvu is ready to welcome Odinga in Jomvu where the Azimio presidential candidate has planned a mega Rally at Bangladesh grounds on Thursday this week.

“For the first time Odinga will step in Bangladesh,and we are ready to show him that we are ready for victory,”said Twalib.Twalib is seeking reelection in Jomvu constituency through an ODM ticket.

A three High court judge bench has directed the independent electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to clear former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko to vie for Mombasa county governor.

High court judges, Olga Sewe, Ann Ong'injo' and Stephen Githinji gave a judgment on a case that governor Sonko had moved to the High Court to contest the IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee’s decision that locked him from contesting for Mombasa County’s top job.

Justice Stephen Githinji ruled on Wednesday, July 13 that the electoral commission acted unfairly by locking out the former Nairobi governor even after the governor has satisfactorily met the requirements

The judge said IEBC was unreasonable for refusing to accept certified copies of Sonko’s academic certificates outside the stipulated timeline, saying that was not a basis to lock him out.

At the same time Githinji said Iebc Chair Wafula Chebukati acted unconstitutionally in giving a press release barring Sonko to be cleared.

This means that the race to succeed governor Joho will not be an easy ride to already cleared candidates like ODM's Abdulswamad Nassir, United democratic alliance( UDA) Hassan Omar and VDP party Awiti Bolo.

The court noted that IEBC was inappropriate not to clear Mike Sonko on the three basis that he suited his degree certificate late, arguing that the Commission should have considered flexibility of the matter.

"This court has set a very good precedent on how matters of impeachment should be handled, justice has prevailed, what we urge is that the orders should be fully complied by the Iebc," said Wilfred Nyamu a lawyer representing Sonko.

Sonko was locked out of the race after both the County Assembly of Nairobi and the Senate impeached him over gross misconduct allegations.

The lawyers hailed the high court for standing for justice and setting a direction on handling impeachment matters. The lawyers now asked the court to compel Iebc to swiftly clear and Gazette Sonko name for the August 9 polls.

"The petitioner has already suffered enough mental torture so in the interest of justice to the petitioner, the Iebc to shifty been compelled to gazette Sonko to vie,"said Wilfred Nyamu.

Speaking outside the court, Kisauni  member of Parliament and Sonko's running mate Ali Mbogo  asked their opponents to brace for a bruising battle in the August 9 polls.

"Justice has prevailed at last and we want to ask our people that we have only one task ahead that is on August 9 to vote,let's get ready to show them dust,"Mbogo said.

Mbogo said Mombasa was suffering from under development because of the people who have no leadership vision saying the Wiper party candidature will deliver victory.

Sonko is set to battle it out with ODM's Abdulswamand Nassir,UDA Hassan Omar among other contestants in the quest to succeed governor Hassan Joho.

However IEBC has requested to lodge an appeal against the judgement. The court heard that the submissions to gazette Sonko will be heard on July 18 next week.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today said the Government will set up a national automotive council to facilitate implementation of the National Automotive Policy that is geared towards boosting the local assembling of motor vehicles.

Speaking when he launched the locally assembled Euro 4 Mitsubishi L200 pickup at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the growth of the country’s automotive industry.

“…I take note of the issue of getting the council established and that is something we shall see if we can do before we leave office to ensure that we create that enabling environment for the necessary institutions that will see this particular industry continue on its growth trajectory and becomes once again predominant part of the Kenyan economy,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State encouraged stakeholders in the industry to continue working with the Government to ensure it achieves its objectives of reviving and stabilizing the automotive sector.

He thanked Mitsubishi, Associated Vehicle Assembly (AVA) and Simba Corporation for being true partners in the country’s efforts in growing the industry.

“I really appreciate the partnership that we have had that has led to a revival of this industry that was once-moribund and for me to give you my assurance and my commitment that we shall continue to work together to reach the targets that we envisioned way back in 2019.

“….our determination to ensure that future Government also continue with the same policy because this is not only good for increasing the manufacturing capacity of the country but also good in terms of skills transfer, in terms of creating jobs for our people and in terms of creating new opportunities,” he said.

Noting that the country used to have one of the most vibrant automotive industry in the region, President Kenyatta said the Government will remain steadfast in ensuring policies aimed at bolstering the growth of the industry continue to be implemented.

“We had all these people who were out there making break pads, we had people making windscreens, we had people making suspensions and shock absorbers and all these things. It is my hope that as we continue to increase the number of vehicle assembling plants, we will also have the backward linkages that would also enable some of these other industries that were a critical cog to local assembly revived, restored and brought back into play,” President Kenyatta said.

Industrialization Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) David Osiany said the implementation of the National Automotive Policy will ensure the country regains its position as a regional automotive manufacturing hub.

He said the industry has the capacity to produce 30,000 vehicles per annum but regretted that the assembly plants are currently producing a paltry 6,000 units, accounting for less than 25% of the production capacity.

“The industry has been able to provide 100,000 direct and indirect jobs to Kenyans. The industry also contributes about 30 billion per annum to the government through taxation,” the CAS said.

Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Yasuhisa Kitagawa said his country is committed to its partnership with Kenya to ensure all  designed projects are fulfilled for the benefit of the citizens of the two countries.

"Mombasa city where the L200 is assembled is an area that Japan has very strong commitment through giant projects such as the expansion of port facilities and development of Special Economic Zones," Mr. Kitagawa said.

Simba Colt Corporation Limited Chairman Adil Popat said AVA has increased its production from 2000 units to 7,500 units  in the last three years

A solution designed by one of the world's brilliant minds, MLBC is a vehicle who's intent is to transform Africa into a global powerhouse.

Mandla Lamba started Verityhurst (Pty) Ltd a private equity firm that has one investor, that is Dr Mandla Lamba of course.

Verityhurst was founder 15 years ago with a sole principle of investing in listed equities, Verityhurst was formed in 2007 by Dr. Mandla Lamba who was later joined in by a Billionaire who is an Eastern Cape, South African Parliamentarian Thembekile Mzantsi who serves as a partner and Chairman of Verityhurst.

Thembekile Mzantsi is a South African Billionaire Politian who owns R5 billion worth shares in Agilitee. 

The duo have run Verityhurst for 15 years and it invested in over 11 companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, 6 companies on the New York Stock Exchange, 9 Companies of  the Nasdaq in the US and 22 companies on Lindon Stock Exchange. Verityhurst has invested over $2.7 billion globally over the past 15 years.

Changamwe Member of Parliament Omar Mwinyi has received an endorsement by over 10,000 employees of the Export processing Zone (EPZ) in his quest for re-election.

EPZ workers led by the tailors and textile workers union Secretary Changamwe branch Richard Musaa are optimistic that the Mp will address their plight once reelected.

"As members of the union, we have unanimously agreed that we will vote for Mwinyi because he has always stood with EPZ workers,we are optimistic that he will continue to support our union,” said Musaa.

Speaking at St. Charles Lwanga secondary school grounds, Mwinyi said his duty before the general elections is to ensure a union to regulate the needs of EPZ workers appropriately is formed.

“Most leaders have disregarded your struggles and that is why we need to have a union that will address your issues and concerns,” he said.

He pledged sh.5 million in the upcoming harambee to ensure nothing hinders the operations towards the Sacco formation.

“I assure you we will have another harambee before the elections which will aim at establishing a Sacco and buying a minibus for sports activities,” Mwinyi said.

 He insisted that the county government of Mombasa has more than enough money to help finance the education of students in Changamwe. He asked the union workers to stay united and invest in other income ventures so as to sustain themselves.

“Our Mombasa County Government is financially able to allocate sh.100 million to Changamwe Constituency that being the case no child in Changamwe will miss an opportunity to be educated,” Mwinyi assured.

"We will plan a Harambee contribution and my OLED will be sh 5 million to support you buy a bus and invest in other ventures,” said Mwinyi who also promised to continue with infrastructure development in the area.

Among the proposals by EPZ workers is that the Mp help them form a SACCO among those mentioned by the secretary.

The two times Mp is seeking a third stamp in the constituency through the ODM Party in the August 9polls

Celebrated and award winning Nigerian star Timaya has had a stellar year with Cold Outside still dominating global charts and his last album “Gratitude” getting various nominations across the continent almost two years after release.

He recently crowned that success with the iconic Ferrari 458 and a majestic penthouse mansion in Ikoyi.

Timaya is currently all about securing the bag as he follows up all the success with his new single fittingly titled “Get My Money Right”.

The song depicts where Timaya is currently in his career, which is a square focus on his music and Getting his Money Right while avoiding any distractions or hate from the public generally.

Besides getting his money right, Timaya isn’t bothered about much else as he states on the song “Wait till I get the money right. Live My Life, I no follow you dey fight. You are gonna hate but you all go dey alright”.

Timaya has recently expressed his goal of becoming the first African Billionaire in Entertainment and his mind seems set to pursue this goal if his new single is anything to go by.

The spotless produced record is the second official single off his upcoming album titled “ChuloVerse '' which is due for release this summer.

‘Get My Money Right’ is out  on all streaming platforms. 

Legendary Tanzania rapper - turned- politician Joseph Haule, stage name Professor Jay is back to his feet.

The former Mikumi Mp was discharged from hospital early last month after undergoing treatment for 127 days.

Prof Jay was admitted at the Muhimbili hospital in Daresaalam in the second week of January (2022) in a critical condition with his family calling for the public to raise funds for medical bills which had risen to the tune of Sh4 million (Kshs 202,322) per week, forcing the Tanzanian government to intervene with President Samia Suluhu announcing that government would take care of all his medical bills for the entire period of his treatment at the facility.

In a video posted Sunday evening on social media, Prof Jay is seen to be in a very jovial mood interacting with friends at a party.

Muslims in the country marked Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations with calls for unity as the country stares at a heated August 9,2022 general elections.

Kenya's Chief Kadhi,Shaikh Ahmed Muhdhar led Muslim faithful at the Morning prayers held at the Ronald Ngala primary school grounds where in his message

urged Kenyans to stay united and live in harmony as well as help the less fortunate.

“We urge Kenyans to continue coexisting in harmony because this is a very important day in our lives as muslims, let’s unite and help those who are needy,” urged Shaikh Muhdhar.

Muhdhar who was flanked by a section of Mombasa political leaders  urged Kenyans not to be divided and instead unite for a peace of the country. 

"Without any victimization we urge everyone to love his neighbors and share,we also pray God to lead out nation as we hear to elections so that we can continue being blessed with peace,"said Muhdhar.

Mvita member of Parliament and Mombasa governor candidate Abdulswamad Nassir emphasized on the unity of the Mombasa people irregardless of race, religion or tribe.Nassir asked the media to focus on important issues that would foster Peace Mombasa and shun incitement.

“We are calling for unity on this day in which we consider this day as one of the most important in our Islamic tradition, a day like this we need to forgive each other and be like the one large family we are known to be,” said Nassir.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib said as the nation stares at the general elections,Kenya should exercise their democratic right by voting in ODM leader Raila Odinga because he has stood with Muslim community.

"Raila Odinga has demonstrated his will to stand with the Muslim community, therefore we believe once elected he will champion for our rights,"said Twalib also drummed up support for Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir to succeed governor Hassan Joho in the Mombasa governor post.

He added “Even as we celebrate this day with those in need, I would like to urge our youth to be very cautious of activities that tend to threaten peace as we must be our brother’s keeper,” stated Twalib.

Other leaders who joined the clamour for peace is business man Suleiman Shahbal who asked Mombasa residents to stay united and not to accept to be invited by politicians.

At the same time goat traders made a killing as residents flocked to purchase goats for feasting at the Kikowani area.

The city center and around Mwembe Tayari was on Sunday also packed with Muslims and other locals as they scrambled for consumeble  goods.

Eid-ul-Adha is festivities where Muslims all over the world mark the end of Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.The celebrations normally take place on Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

In the first 10 days of the holy month, Muslims are to undergo holy rituals called Hajj in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, while those at home are supposed to fast and pray.