Ommy Dallah
I'll Defend My Seat, Mombasa Women Rep Asha Mohamed Declares, As She Embarks On An Extensive Campaigns
Mombasa women Mp Asha Mohamed Hussein has launched her political campaigns in the quest to defend the Mombasa women representative position.
Speaking during the issuance of school bursaries and empowerment fund to women groups , Hussein also popularly know as 'Ashu' warned her opponents to brace for a tough political duel.
She will contest on an Orange democratic Movement ODM party ticket.
The legislator who first won the seat in 2017, asked women to support her ambition ahead of the August 9,2022 general elections.
"Just like other women in other parts of the country, nowhere is written that one should not seek re-election for women rep, and therefore I want to announce to you that I am in the race again, to defend my seat,"Ashu announced .
She exuded confidence that she will floor her opponents both in the nomination and the general elections. Ashu said she will traverse the entire Mombasa county rallying electorates to elect her.
"I am strong and am not afraid of anyone, let my opponents know that I am ready to face them once again," said Ashu.
She said her office has continued to deliver and give service to all people without discrimination, especially in the distribution of NGAAF funds.
"We have an obligation as women to ensure that we support one another, I want to ask all women in Mombasa county irrespective of their tribe and origin to back our coarse." she said.
The ODM legislator also asked electorates to elect, her party leader Raila Odinga as he seeks to succeed president Uhuru Kenyatta.
"Our party has a presidential candidate who is Raila Odinga, he is the best bet for president and as a people and supporters of our party, we ask you to campaign for Odinga to become the next president," She added.
She made the remarks as Odinga alongside his Azimio la Umoja brigade are set to hold a mega rally at the famous Tononoka grounds, Mombasa county on Sunday.
Skyward Express Holds Football Tournament
Skyward Express has today held its first ever curtain raiser league tournament in Lodwar.
The event dubbed Skyward Express League Curtain Raiser Edition 1 is set to run today the 19th and tomorrow the 20th.
The event will run at the Prisons play ground.
“As Skyward Express, we are here to nurture talent and empower the youth in Lodwar, one of our key destinations” Abdinasser Mohamed Remarked.
Kenyan Film Maker Cynthia Abdallah Set To Release Film Inspired By Maragoli Culture
Filmmaker Cynthia Abdallah is set to unveil her one of a kind documentary titled Inyumba yu Mulogooli.
Ms Abdallah says the “aim of the documentary is to educate and to preserve stories from the Maragoli community. To create dialogue about the origins of our communities and how we ended up where we are.”
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She added, “The project was inspired by the incessant tales from my grandfather. His knowledge of Muraguri (Mulogooli) and his insistence that this story be told so that the future Maragoli generation can understand how they came to be, and who they really are.
Their journey, their customs, their traditions. His belief in the timelessness of the story and his cultural efforts within the cultural society in Vihiga county.”
So raw and real is the documentary that it is told in the local language, Kilogooli (Lulogooli), it brings together the Maragoli community and sparks debate about Mzee Lubang'a s account.
Ms Abdallah notes, “We have watched numerous other documentaries on other tribes in Kenya. But we are yet to see one that explores this particular community.”
She continued, “Preserving our indigenous languages is key and this documentary does exactly that. It is also the first of its kind to speak about who we are as people, where we come from and where we are headed.
Other documentaries tend to generalise the luhya community. The second largest tribe in Kenya. This one singles out the second largest luhya sub tribe and delves deeper into its culture.”
To watch the documentary, you will need to pay Ksh 100 to access it on video streaming site Sharaha Videos.
“The documentary will be 40 minutes long. A lot of work has gone into the project and these funds will go towards documenting even more local communities. Tell more stories and appreciate the tales that the old generation keeps so well preserved,” she said.
Ms Abdalla said she opted to partner with Shahara in the distribution of the video because, “Shahara is setting the pace for digital content in Kenya. It is accessible and has made it easy for local content producers to get their products out into the market. The transparency and accessibility of the people in charge are quite appealing and it makes it easy for content creators to speak directly and openly about the vision for our content. Not to forget the fact that content creators can finally get paid for their hard work.”
The making of the documentary came with its own challenges.
Ms Abdallah explained, “Translating kilogooli (Lulogooli) into English has been the most challenging part. We have spent almost three months ensuring that this is done to a good standard as we would like to create credible translations for the rest of the listening tribes in Kenya. Our viewers should be able to understand the story with the meaningful translations that will be provided and simple voiceovers.”
Adding, “Another challenge would be the travel and weather conditions. It took the crew a few hours to access the burial site of Mulogooli. It was also quite rainy during this period but the crew managed to overcome this.”
Despite the challenges, Ms Abdallah pointed out that the greatest highlight of producing the documentary was “the journey to the villages. The interactions with the elders and the immersion into the Maragoli way of doing things.”
She continued, “Many members of my crew are not Luhya. So traversing the plains into unknown territory was not only exciting but also eye-opening.”
ABOUT CYNTHIA ABDALLAH
Cynthia Abdallah is a Kenyan author of the poetry chapbooks, My Six Little Fears and The Author's Feet and the short stories collection titled The Musunzu tree and other stories. Her work has appeared in numerous online magazines and print in Kenya and abroad.
Kenya Is Safe And Open For Business, President Kenyatta Assures Investors
President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured global investors that Kenya is open and safe for business.
Speaking when he launched celebrations to mark the Kenya National Day at the Expo 2020 Dubai, President Kenyatta said his administration has put in place a legal framework for investment that provides adequate investor protection in line with most international standards including safeguards for property rights.
He added that Kenya enjoys political and economic stability, a fully liberalized economy, a large domestic consumer market, a youthful, skilled and productive labour force as well as a modern infrastructure network.
“These attributes have made Kenya the location of choice for multinational companies and a leading destination for foreign direct investment in the region,” the Head of State said as he kicked off activities to showcase Kenya’s rich cultural and economic diversity at the global exposition.
A total of 192 countries are participating in the six-month world exposition in Dubai, with every country allocated a national day of honour.
At the same time, President Kenyatta reiterated that Kenya is keen to build new trade relationships with the Gulf Cooperation Council states and other countries participating in the expo.
“We seek to harness the opportunities offered by this expo to build new business partnerships, attract new investments and bring tourists to Kenya to enjoy our world-renowned attractions,” the President said.
Noting the goals Kenya’s Vision 2030 which include transforming Kenya into a newly industrializing middle-income country by the year 2030, the President said trade, investment and strong partnerships with the private sector are key in realising the vision.
He expressed confidence that as the largest economy and business hub with sufficient capacities in trade facilitation and logistics to service over eleven hinterland countries in the Eastern and Central Africa region, Kenya is in a strong position to expand its trade and economic horizon for the benefit of its people.
“It is against this background and in the spirit of Vision 2030, that we are here, to promote business-to-business partnerships and establish linkages between private and public sector institutions,” President Kenyatta.
In his speech at the Kenya flag-hoisting ceremony, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan who is also the and Commissioner General of the Expo 2020 Dubai said Kenya and the UAE enjoy boast of a strong relationship based on shared values and vision since its establishment in the early 1980s.
“We are pleased to be among Kenya’s top trading partners globally,” Sheikh Al Nahyan said, terming President Kenyatta’s presence at the exposition as a reflection of the strengthen of the close ties between the two countries.
The UAE Minister welcomed ongoing discussions to establish a new framework for cooperation in a wide range of areas of priority to the two countries including food production, infrastructure, digitization and renewable energy.
Sheikh Al Nahyan commended Kenya’s pavilion at the expo, saying under the theme “feel the energy of Kenya” the pavilion provides an opportunity for the world to discover Kenya’s economic potential and gives an insight into key sectors such as agriculture, innovation and tourism.
Later at an interview at the Expo 2020 Dubai grounds, President Kenyatta expounded on the available opportunities for global investors in Kenya ranging from agriculture, green energy and manufacturing.
University Degree Qualification Debate Resurfaces As Mombasa County Governor Race Heightens
University degree qualification for gubernatorial aspirants has once again sparked debate in Mombasa with a section of aspirants calling for thorough scrutiny of academic papers for all contestants.
Mombasa governor aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has asked the Independent electoral and boundaries commission to do a thorough check of all academic papers of his opponents to ensure their validity.
Without mentioning names, Shahbal said a degree qualification was significant for all governor candidates and thus the need to ensure his opponents have the right papers to qualify for the governor seat.
“There are many leaders, who are vying today, and they have problems with certificates, you can’t have masters without a bachelor’s degree as some are claiming, but they should know that the days of forging degrees have long gone, they should know that,” posed Shahbal.
His sentiments were echoed by Kisauni Member of Parliament Ali Mbogo, who is also vying for Mombasa governor, raising concerns over questionable degree academic qualifications for some of aspirants.
“You can’t be a governor without a degree, people should stop misleading others, they know themselves and they should fear God and tell people the truth,” claimed Mbogo.
Addressing political aspirants at a separate event last week, Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir said that he is currently undergoing his masters degree.
"I know this is going to give some people heart attack. As we speak, I Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir despite preparing for the coming elections, I'm currently undergoing my masters. Education is something that is continuous" said Nassir.
On Wednesday, while addressing Mombasa county political aspirants, Shahbal also warned his political opponents to brace for a bruising political battle in his quest to quest to succeed Mombasa governor Hassan Joho
Speaking at Wesley Methodist hall in Mombasa, Shahbal said he was confident of winning the ODM party primaries and be the party's candidate for the post of Mombasa governor in the main election.
The two time Governor Contestant who lost in 2013 and subsequently in 2017 to governor Joho, asked his main rival, Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir to stop bragging about his closeness to party leader Raila Odinga, instead, prepare for fair defeat in when the party holds its primaries.
“Those bragging that they already have party certificates should prepare for defeat, this time round nobody should take us for a ride, we will be there to ensure we get the ticket because we mean well for this county,” said Shahbal.
The businessman rallied the aspirants to stage an extensive grassroots campaign for him so that electorates can put into leadership leaders with vision to steer ahead Mombasa development.
"This is my third time to vie, and I believe I have a vision that can change the lives of residents of Mombasa, if we put the right leadership in Mombasa, the experience we got in 2013 and 2017 is enough to win the seat,” added Shahbal.
Shahbal says residents of Mombasa have long suffered from lack of services owing to what he termed as bad leadership in Mombasa County.
"Mombasa has various problems which need to be addressed as they come, and leaders should take responsibility where they can, we have a big problem of lack of jobs, if as a leader you are unable to produce jobs, what else can you offer,” said Shahbal,in reference to his opponents.
Raila Odinga To Lead Azimio La Umoja Brigade For Series Of Campaigns In Coast Region
The Azimio La Umoja Brigade has planned a series of political rallies at the expansive coastal region to rally for support in the August 9 2022 general elections.
The brigade will traverse the coastal counties in a campaign blitz to drum up support for Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
According to a schedule released by Raila Odinga presidential campaign secretary Dennis Onsarigo ,the Azimio brigade will kick off with a rallies in Kilifi county on Saturday before proceeding to Tononoka grounds Mombasa on Saturday 20th.
The team will then head to Kwale on Monday and later to Taita Taveta county on Tuesday February 22.
Odinga has been marketing his Azimio La Umoja initiative, imploring Kenyans to foster unity and peaceful coexistence ahead of 2022 general elections.
Mombasa governor Hassan Joho is set to lead the campaign team in the coastal tour after a successful stint in the Western and Nyanza region.
The return to coastal tour comes as the former premier seeks to consolidate his base that backed his three previous presidential bids.
However,the political supremacy has been dampened by the infiltration of the united democratic Alliance UDA. During the tour, the Azimio team is set to instill confidence ahead of the party primaries.
Earlier this Month, deputy president William Ruto toured the coastal region where he held series of political rallies to popularize his Kenya Kwanza political faction. Ruto enjoys the support of Mps Aisha Jumwa( Malindi ),Benjamin Tayari (Kinango),governor Salim Mvurya Kwale,Khatib Mwashetani of Lungalunga among other legislators.
In an interview with this blog, Kilifi county ODM youth leader and Senator aspirant Fikirini Jacobs said "This is our time as ODM Kilifi not as AZIMIO. When we mention Azimio in Kilifi we also embrace those who stabbed Mzee in our presence the other day and went out to form their own party that has always stood against ODM."
Adding "If Mzee is coming for AZIMIO well and good but me and my people we will welcome him and participate as ODM and any slight opportunity we will get will be to remind our people that we are in ODM."
Raila Odinga Debuts Campaign Song
ODM leader Raila Odinga has finally released his much awaited campaign song, 'Leo ni Leo'.
The song is a rendition of the popular Luhya song Lelo ni Lelo composed by Benga star Emmanuel Masindi.
The song has consistently featured in Raila’s campaign rallies.
In the video, Odinga, cladded in a bomber jacket with Kenyan flag colours is seen singing and dancing surrounded by band members who are also dancing to the tune.
The audio was recorded at FP Records in Kawangware by upcoming producer Festus Papai aka Papa FP and video shot in Karen and Kawangware, directed by Nezzoh Montana.
Kenya Bans Indian Film For Promoting Homosexuality
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has banned an Indian comedy film 'Bodhaal Do' for promoting homosexuality contrary to the Kenyan constitution.
In a statement , KFCB rated the film 'RESTRICTED' noting that it had been scrapped from all media outlets within the country’s borders and any broadcast of the same would be a violation of the law.
“While this film is acceptable in its country of origin, India, the Board has rated it as RESTRICTED in Kenya as it propagates a worldview that is in dissonance with our constitution, culture, values and norms and could easily expose vulnerable consumers to perversion,” read the statement by the board’s acting CEO Christopher Wambua.
Adding “On this score, any films or broadcast content appearing to legalize, advocate, normalize or glorify the act contravenes the laws of our land. The film is, therefore, unacceptable and an affront to our culture and identity as Kenyans.”
“The film in question, therefore, overtly disregards our laws, constitution and sensibilities as a people. Moreover, the film tries to directly influence the viewer into believing that homosexuality is a normal way of life.”
Kenyan-Norwegian Duo Unganisha Drop Debut EP 'Kucheza'
Being a pan-continent duo is hard enough, but add in a global pandemic and making music together might seem impossible, right? Well, Labdi Ommes and Bernt Isak Wærstad are consistently confounding that idea as the Kenyan-Norwegian collaboration Unganisha.
The duo have released their debut EP ‘Kucheza’ alongside the music video to “Chunya”, which follows up "Leko" and "Lwang'ni Hotel" – their successful singles from last year.
The EP title, Kucheza!, plays into this idea of experimentation, collaboration and the fusing of different cultures.
Translating to "play" in English, Unganisha explains, "We called the EP Kucheza! because that's our approach to making music with Unganisha, we play a lot and experiment freely with few limitations."
Adding "It's never that serious... that's our working philosophy and we have carried that spirit into the EP."
Chunya on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jX3YVha2H-we
Lwang’ni Hotel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Leko on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Meaning "to join or fuse together" in Kiswahili, Unganisha came together when traditional singer and orutu player Labdi was introduced to electronic producer Wærstad through a mutual friend, and they started to exchange ideas via Whatsapp.
This eventually led to songs, and the pair met when Music Norway funded Labdi's trip to Oslo Afro Arts in 2017. With only two days to put a show together, intense collaboration was necessary and Unganisha was born that day.
Labdi, a leading Kenyan female Orutu (a kind of one-string fiddle) player is formally trained as a visual artist and this means that Unganisha works hard on creating exciting and bright visuals to accompany the music.
Bernt is endlessly experimenting as a producer, and together they try to make the duo as unpretentious as possible.
They attest, “Unganisha is definitively more than just the music. We also get inspired by learning about each other's cultures and spending time together in both Kenya and Norway.”
From the opening track "Chunya", Unganisha's spirit and ethos is clear - an unrelenting love of rhythm and dance music (both in the western club sense and in the East African tradition), applied to Labdi's absorbing singing voice - part angelic, part chant.
The singles "Leko" and "Lwang'ni Hotel" [featuring drummer and singer Kasiva Mutua] are joined by the soulful "Duoguru" and the riotous, colourful closer "Koro", once again featuring the rhythms of Kasiva. The whole five tracks together is heady, irresistible and impossible to stay still to - dancing is mandatory.
Unganisha makes music that refuses to be boxed in. "We’re not trying to make a specific genre or style of music, we always feel very free to explore any direction which feels interesting to us," the duo explains. "Our music is sort of outside of our individual egos and our working philosophy is 'anything goes'".
Dennis Onsarigo Appointed Raila's Head Of Communications In Presidential Campaign
Former KTN Investigative reporter Dennis Onsarigo has been appointed as ODM leader Raila Odinga's press secretary
Onsarigo who also served as the Director of communications and official spokesperson for the County of Taita Taveta will now be in charge of coordinating Odinga's presidential campaigns communications ahead of the August 9, elections.
Through his official social media pages, Odinga announced the appointment of Onsarigo on Sunday.
"Mr Onsarigo is a professional bringing journalism and media consulting experience spanning fourteen years to the table" reads the statement from Odinga.
Adding " He will coordinate all media relation needs of the Raila Odinga 2022 campaign secretariat including media engagement and management, media liaison between the secretariat and coalition partners and work closely with mainstream media in dissemination of news and information."
