Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has accused Mombasa ODM leaders of incitement.

Speaking to the media on Monday at Pembe za Ndovu, Miraj accused the ODM politicians of inciting Mombasa residents against the government.

Miraj defended the government on the demolitions of houses in Changamwe.

"Chanagmwe is among the estates that were earmarked for affordable house by the former governor Hassan Joho, it is unfortunate that some politicians led by the Women representative have now decided to play politics with the issue." said Miraj.

Adding "Let us stop inciting our people and playing cheap politics. The residents were given notice earlier and some even vacated before the developer came on site. I condemn the police who used force to remove the people from the houses. As Mombasa residents, we are not going to be left behind in the affordable housing project by the government."

The government on Friday last week carried out a demolition exercise in Changamwe to pave way for the disputed affordable housing project.

The tenants say they had been asked to move into complete affordable housing units, on a deposit of Ksh50,000 and monthly rent of Ksh15,000 which they referred to as expensive.

The legislator also accused the leaders of trying to discriminate Mombasa residents on party lines.

"It is very sad to hear our speaker of the county assembly say that school bursaries should only be given to ODM delegates, shame on you Mr Speaker, this is very wrong" said Miraj.

" You cannot discriminate our Children just because of politics, they all deserve the bursaries. Imagine if President could be taking developement projects to only where there are UDA governors, what would happen." 

On Saturday, during Mombasa ODM delegates meeting, Mombasa county assembly speaker Aharub Khatri said the ODM delegates should be given priority in the issuance of bursaries.

"Let us be honest, we need to plan for our people. When issuing out bursaries and other developement projects we need to give them to our ODM members. It is very sad our people miss the bursaries because they have been issued to other parties" said Khatri.

In an electrifying press conference and cocktail hangout held on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024, 22Bet proudly announced the renewal of the brand ambassador deal with iconic Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones. Simultaneously, the event saw the unveiling of the newest addition to the 22Bet ambassadorial family, the talented and dynamic Nadia Mukami.

Khaligraph Jones, whose association with 22Bet has been marked by mutual success and innovation, expressed his delight at the continued partnership. "Renewing my contract with 22Bet is not just a continuation of a collaboration; it's a testament to the shared vision and excitement we bring to fans. I look forward to another chapter of pushing boundaries and creating memorable experiences together."

Nadia Mukami, the latest entrant into the 22Bet family, exuded enthusiasm at the announcement. "Joining 22Bet as a brand ambassador is an honor and an exciting challenge. I believe in the power of entertainment and sports to connect people, and I am thrilled to be part of a brand that understands and embraces this connection."

General Manager of 22Bet, Joash Ajuoga, expressed his confidence in the renewed partnership with Khaligraph Jones and the addition of Nadia Mukami. "Khaligraph Jones has been an outstanding ambassador for 22Bet, embodying our brand values and connecting with our diverse audience. With Nadia Mukami joining the team, we are confident in the synergy of talent and creativity that will further elevate our brand and engage our users."

Githinji James, Head of Marketing at 22Bet, echoed Joash Ajuoga's sentiments. "We are excited about the fresh energy Nadia Mukami brings to 22Bet. Her influence in the music industry aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing a dynamic and entertaining betting experience. Together with Khaligraph Jones, we are poised to set new standards in the industry."

Bloow CEO Wyre, present at the event, commented on the successful collaboration, stating, "Our partnership with 22Bet has been nothing short of extraordinary. Khaligraph Jones's renewal and the addition of Nadia Mukami reflect the dynamic and innovative spirit of both the brand and the artists. We look forward to creating impactful and memorable experiences for fans in this continued journey."

The press conference and cocktail hangout were a celebration of the thriving collaboration between 22Bet, Khaligraph Jones, and now, Nadia Mukami. Fans can anticipate an array of exciting initiatives, promotions, and exclusive content as the partnership unfolds in the coming months.

Offering an antidote to the January blues and general empirical trepidation that’s all too easy to fall prey to, Ohangla producer and singer Javan MacAjudo returns with “Jend Hera”.

‘Jend Hera’, a Luo word that translates to an abyss of love, is already trending on YouTube with over 40,000 views. It is also trending on TikTok with over 10,000 videos using sound recording.

Javan is not only a singer but a producer who has worked with various artists including but not limited to Prince Indah on the song ‘Te Amo’, Aqeeno Chogo, Koffi Macadory, Kaka Talanta, Eddah Ayon, and many more.

Having wrapped up 2023 with chart-topping productions from Zacky Jaimbo and Eddah, plus his first-ever award for Best Music Producer at the annual Marwa Awards, Javan’s attacking the new year with some fire in his belly. If he required an elixir, it sounds like it’s done the trick.

He is currently the most sought-after Ohangla musician and producer, from gracing major events in the country to producing chart-topping songs. Javan’s energy, delivery, and storytelling contribute to his song's overall replay value.

MacAjudo has been doing music for over a decade now and this is just a reintroduction for a self-proclaimed Ohangla genius who is doing it his own way.

His delivery and lyrical fortitude allow his listeners to move their feet to his sound even if they can’t relate to selling a brick or ducking the police.

His vocals are tender yet injected with soulful depth and vulnerability, amplifying the emotional resonance of the song.

Watch ‘Jend Hera’ produced and performed by Javan MacAjudo below:

https://youtu.be/_xR6ySqs0BQ?si=nc8vNXmnY6TzcC7E 

Eight former and current officials of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have bee charged with alleged fraud involving a sh 62 million tender. 

The eight represented by lawyer Jared Magolo were presented before Mombasa Chief magistrate Alex Ithuku and denied the charges leveled against them by the director of public prosecutions

They were charged with 10 counts including fraudulent acquisition of public property, conflict of interest , money laundering, obtaining contract from a public institution by false pretence, forgery, and uttering false documents among others.

According to the charge sheet, between April 2, 2014, and June 2, 2015, the officials interfered with tender number KPA/036/2014-15/CE-for building works that was reserved for the disadvantaged group for Sh62,732,772.74.

Rose Cherotich  an  Account signatory of Chemiso East Africa, Robert Bosuben a Senior Clerical Officer at the Civil Engineering Department, Idd Arube an agent of Chemiso East Africa and Yobesh Oyaro – Former Head of Procurement and Supplies, Norah Mugambi - Member of the Evaluation Committee were released with sh 2 million bond and one surety or alternative cash bail of sh 500,000.

Others are Athanase Wambari a Member of the Evaluation Committee at  KPA, Azenath Kwamboka Mageto - Agent of Chemiso East Africa and David Angwenyi Member of the Evaluation Committee, KPA were released on a sh 1 Million bond or sh 100,000 cash bail.

Oyaro is accused that between April 2, 2014, and June 2, 2015, at KPA, being Head of Procurement and Supplies, failed to comply with the law relating to procurement.

He failed to ensure that a contract was in place before the issuance of purchase and service orders concerning the tender for building works reserved for people with disability.

They used a disability card bearing a name purporting it to be a genuine card from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.

Bosuben, Cherotich and Mageto are accused of jointly and knowingly engaging in an arrangement in connection with Sh62,732,772.74 received with respect to tender number KPA/036/2014-15/CE.

The court heard that they used some local bank account numbers to conceal the source of the said amount whilst having reason to believe that the said monies are proceeds of crime.

Bosuben and Nanyang are also accused of fraudulently registering a business under a government portal, a fact you knew or believed to be false.

They are accused of fraudulently misrepresenting facts to influence the award of tender.

The ninth suspect, David Arika, has since retired and the prosecution could not reach him in time, however ,he will be summoned to appear in court on February 9.

The matter as directed by magistrate Alex Ithuku will be heard on February 2,after all the evidence statements are presented to the court.

They were arrested on Tuesday night by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives based in Mombasa.

The Ministry of Education has warned politicians against discriminating students based on their parents voting location.

Education PS Belio Kipsang regretted that some students have  been denied bursaries and scholarships because of their parents voting location.

Speaking in Mombasa during a meeting with education stakeholders , PS Kipsang called on politicians to treat the students equal with no discrimination.

"Our Children are not voters, our Children do not vote and therefore there should be no reason why one would want to use the pattern of voting to disadvantage our Children." said Kipsang

Adding "The focus is on the child a nd not the parent. Nobody should use that to disadvantage our children. The bursaries are for our Children so let us not punish them for what they don't  know. Our Children are non aligned to all issues concerning their parents"

PS Kipsang also revealed that the ministry is revamping the Jomo Kenyatta foundation to co-ordinate all the bursary and scholarship programmes in the country.

Kipsang noted "The foundation will build a data base of all beneficiaries so there is no double dipping, a Child does not benefit from the scholarships, bursaries and Elimu bursaries. With the empowerment of the foundation we shall ensure that going into the future issues of bursaries and scholarships are concluded early enough before students report to school "

His sentiments comes amid concerns from parents after their Children fail to secure bursaries from Mps and governors due to their voting patterns and exact areas where they have registered as voters.

The PS further condemned the recent actions of headteachers being attacked by parents.

"We shall ensure the security and safety of our public servants is guaranteed. We are not going to allow any form of violence towards public servants. However we are also not going to protect any incompetence especially from our teachers" said Kipsang.

The Mombasa county government has advised members of the public to take preventive measures following the outbreak of red eye disease.

According to a statement from the county health department, several cases of the disease also known as conjunctivitis has hit the county.

"Several causes of conjunctivitis have been reported in our facilities" reads a statement from the health department.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye, is an inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.

It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants.

How do you prevent and control Conjunctivitis?

1. Hand Hygiene:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, with unwashed hands.
2. Avoiding Eye Rubbing:
• Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce germs and irritants.
• Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to rub or itch your eye if necessary.
3. Personal Hygiene:
• Do not share personal items like towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup.
• Wash bedding, towels, and other personal items frequently, especially if someone in the household has conjunctivitis.
4. Protective Measures:
• If you have conjunctivitis, avoid close contact with others, and consider staying home from work or school until symptoms improve.
• Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from irritants and reduce the spread of infectious particles.
5. Good Respiratory Hygiene:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Dispose of tissues properly and wash hands immediately afterward.
6. Avoiding Contamination:
• Do not share items like eye drops, contact lenses, or contact lens cases.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that come into contact with your eyes, such as eyeglasses and those that come into contact with your hands such working surfaces, doorknobs, staircase rails and light switches.
7. Seeking Medical Attention:
• If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching, discharge from the eyes , or blurred vision, seek medical advice promptly.
• Follow healthcare provider instructions for treatment and follow-up care.
8. Stay Informed:
• Stay informed about updates from health authorities regarding conjunctivitis outbreaks, prevention strategies, and treatment options.

In the latest episode of Living Golf, host The Jazzy Golfer visits Kenya to explore the country’s golfing history and how younger players are being inspired to take up the sport.

Kenya has a long relationship with golf and Jazzy visits Muthaiga Golf Club, one of the top courses in the country. Bo Ciera, Men’s Captain at Muthaiga speaks about its past, “Over the years it used to be, I would say, a golf course that was for the white settlers, but has transitioned to just encompass everyone. And today you have a mix of the Africans, Asians, Caucasians, and it's just a melting pot of the different cultures and just creates a very vibrant club with an international background.”

Part of that new generation of players is Regina Gachora, President of the Junior Golf Foundation in Kenya. She explains how the sport is changing, “So, we are seeing golf moving from more male dominated to a family sport where husband, wife and children are now playing golf together. And we're finding a lot of first-generation juniors.

But the kids are now playing golf through our junior golf program, and that is going to be the future of golf in the country. And it's what's going to spur the evolution of golf in Kenya.” She continues, “I want it to be demystified as an elite sport. I want it to be a sport for all.”

Another course in Kenya that is embracing the new is the Karen Country Club which is actively seeking young members. Collins Were, the Men’s Golf Captain at the Karen Club, talks about introducing more children to the sport, “We are coming from a place whereby we did not have children playing much golf at the club, so we made a deliberate decision to change our bylaws a few years ago to allow children more access to the course.”

13-year-old junior Belinda Wanjiru tells Jazzy about why she likes to play golf, “What I like about golf is the unity it brings to our community and the new friendship. It brings also endless integrity. And it also brings a sense of faith in one another, trusting the other person to tell you the right goal or the right feeling instead of like cheating their way around the system.”

Wanjiru says her aim for the future is to play in the Ladies PGA Tour, “My long term goal is to hopefully make it to the LPGA Tour and show that it doesn't matter your background or where you're from, you can still make it on tour because I feel like on tour there's not much of like Kenyan or African players, especially the ladies in the ladies section.”

In this episode Jazzy also visits Uganda to meet a golf influencer and coach, and travels to Mauritius, which has long been one of the go-to destinations for discerning golfers. Now, with the opening of a new Championship standard course, there is a whole new reason for professionals and amateurs to visit.

South African Amapiano Super Producer, De Mthuda, is on track with his first release of 2024 sharing the music video of “Muntu Wam”.

The new release is a smooth Amapiano cocktail brewed by De Mthuda alongside Kabza De Small and Da Muziqal Chef.

The video sees De Mthuda whisking his bae to a beautiful private villa as he goes on to profess his love with a series of romantic gestures. While this story unfolds, viewers are treated to collaborators, Sino Msolo and Murumba Pitch’s appearance on site.

Call it strategic timing as it drops while Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, the “John Wick” hitmaker sets up and captures the amorous mood in his latest well-crafted and captivating music video. “Muntu Wam” is directed by Big Shark, who brings a cinematic touch to each scene – adding to the sense of romance in the story on-screen. The video also showcases the beauty of local travel in South Africa and is complemented by a vibrant and colorful wardrobe. 

“Muntu Wam'' is the lead single of his well-received album ‘Baba Yaga’ - that dropped December of 2023 and has already made an impact globally, receiving massive love from fans all over the world with Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa popping up as some of the top countries with major album streams.

The success of this new hit single speaks for itself as it has scorched the digital Charts since ‘Baba Yaga’’s release, reaching over 630,000 streams on Spotify and nearly 150,000 on YouTube in less than a month.

STREAM ‘BABA YAGA’ ALBUM

The video for “Muntu Wam” is now available for streaming online and will be premiering across African music television channels. You can be one of the first to watch it by streaming and sharing it today.