Coastal leaders have disagreed with Shipping and Maritime Principle Secretary Nancy Karigithu's remarks that lack of basic English language skills inhibit locals from getting employed at foreign shipping lines.

Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir termed the remarks as ‘mediocre’ said that the MPs are confident that Coastal youths have exemplary abilities in working at the blue economy. 

"I am really disappointed, the level of mediocre thoughts coming from the PS. When you have a PS whose mediocre and degrading thoughts are going to insult the whole region then that person is wanting," he said. 

Nassir added that, the biggest reason why most Coastal youths fail to secure jobs at the blue economy is not proficiency in English speaking but is the failure for the PS to implement the laws that were passed by the National Assembly. 

He noted "The biggest challenge in our youth in the Coastal area not getting this jobs is not the fact we cannot speak English, we can teach you English. The biggest challenge is your incapability to enact the laws that are already there.”

Nassir further promised to follow up the issue on the National assembly after it’s one week recess.

‘’The difference between me and others is that I just don’t speak on public dias, I demand for answers in the national assembly so you will have to come to the national assembly and tell us what you meant when you told us we don’t know how to speak English” he added.

At the same time, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki said  the PS should have given out her help to the youths to pursue further English studies when she was working as the director at Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and not blaming them.

“She had the opportunity to bring change while serving at KMA. KMA is a parastatal at the Coast region it is not in Kiambu, Turkana or Nyanza. She should have focused on helping the Coastal youths.” said Faki.

Adding ‘This is an insult and neocolonialism”

The Senator argued that marine operators have the ability to learn several languages based on the nature of their jobs. 

" Everyone has got their language, we also have China ships, so does it mean job speakers will have to be fluent on many foreign languages," said Faki. 

Kisauni Mp Ali Mbogo argued the Coast region has always produced some of the workers on the international shipping lines and the sentiments by PS Karigithu are misleading and unfortunate.

"The president came up with the a good initiative of blue economy which will help our youth but with the likes of Karigithu this will be impossible, her sentiments should not be coming from a leader more so from the government" said Mbogo.

Adding "Let Karigithu go and read the ISO standard for maritime communication protocol which talks about the basics of international communication for seafarers"

On his part Nyali Mp Moahmmed Ali said gone are days when English was considered a language for the educated, superior or sophisticated people.

“The youth need jobs, they need a fair chance to prove their skills. Cutting them out because of the language they choose to express themselves in is being ignorant. PS Karigithu you are a total disgrace, selfish, tribalist”. said Ali

Youths took the remarks as insults and a way to marginalize the region. 

"English is not a measure to success, after all we have other youths who go to work at Middle East countries but get conversant with the local language, said Jacob Chigoh from Kwale County.

The PS made the remarks during a live interview with a local Tv station while marking World Maritime Day on September 24, she said there are numerous job opportunities in the industry but the youth are hindered by lack of basic English communication skills.

Religious leaders have a duty to safeguard the pulpit from politicians who take advantage when they to come to worship in church.

The Head of the Anglican Church of Kenya [ACK] Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit cautioned religious leaders not to allow politicians to use the church pulpit when they attend church service.

He said at the end of the day the message of the church is projected and not of the politicians in the church.

“The media is also to blame for focusing on what the politicians are saying rather than what the church has projected,” he pointed out.

Ole Sapit urged the media to stop airing what the politicians say when at the church service but the day’s sermon.

He spoke during the celebration to mark 50 years since the inception of Anglican Province of Kenya held at the Mombasa ACK church in Mombasa county during Sunday service.

The ACK leader accused the media of being part of the politicians’ game by focusing on the remarks made by the politicians while ignoring the day’s sermon.

Ole Sapit who was flanked by ACK Mombasa diocese Bishop Alphonce Baya and his Malindi counterpart Bishop Lawrence Kavutsu Dena said it’s a collective responsibility from both the media and religious leaders.

He said religious leaders are called to serve the society equally without discrimination and that it’s hard to close the door to worshipers who wanted to come to church.

“We must differentiate between a field and a church pulpit which is a worship place and is a cleansed area,” he pointed out.

The world’s fastest-growing smartphone maker, realme has introduced realme Buds Q in the Kenyan market.

This following realme’s commitment to becoming a tech-trendsetter brand that dares to leap using “mobile phone + AIoT” dual-drive strategy to create a trendy lifestyle for the younger generation.

The uniquely designed buds created in collaboration with the renowned French artist Jose Levy, feature a 10mm dynamic bass boost driver, 119ms super-low latency gaming mode, 20-hour long battery life and IPX4 water and sweat resistance allowing one to comfortably work out or do any kind of sporting activities without getting them damaged.

realme Buds Q come in a case that supports a micro-USB port for charging and incorporates a water drop magnet that complements the elegant curves of a premium frosted texture.

With the 20-hour playback, you can connect it to any device and listen to hours of music, movie-streaming, and video gaming.

Better yet, the buds can be linked with the realme Link app, supports super-low latency mode, comes with touch controls, and has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

They are available in 3 classic colors: Quite Black, Quite White, and Quite Yellow and are priced at Kshs 3,999.

To celebrate the roll out realme is running a major Giveaway on their Instagram page @realmekenya.

Following the recent launch of the realme C15, the first 6000mAh battery smartphone with Quad Camera, realme Buds Q are available for every purchase of the phone on Kilimall.

That is, if you are looking for the perfect piece of listening devices that boasts true sounds and rumbling bass, for free, all you have to do is buy yourself the elegant, trendy, and innovative realme C15. 

Customers can get more details on the @realmekenya Instagram page and Google search using the keywords: 'realme' or 'realme Buds Q' for more info. The winners of the giveaway will be announced on 27th October.

Tanzanian singer Benpol has announced he has converted to Islam.

The moyo mashine hitmaker said he has changed his name to Behnam Paul .

He converted to Islam at a local mosque in Daresalaam on 23 October 2020 (Friday).

The artist broke the news to fans via instagram where he posted a photo wearing islamic clothing Kanzu and a white robe praying in a mosque,and captioned it  "BISMILLAH-HIR-RAHMAN-NIR-RAHIM''.

This comes just few days after his ex Kenyan lover Arnelisa Muigai took to social media to state that they were not in good terms after months of speculations from fans.

"Somebody called me, asking if I was aware 'my husband' was live, talking things she couldn’t understand, she even sent me screenshots," she wrote.

Adding ''Unfortunately, I never got to watch but it makes it clear that we are not in good terms. I am a person who likes to protect my image and all I know is that I like being respected and any husband should do the same to their wife."

This message came barely two weeks after their wedding photos surfaced on social media and just few months after Arnelisa unfollowed him on instagram.

South African artist Sun-El Musician is one of the most unique DJs and music producers in Africa.

Known for his distinctive Afro-house sound and ‘golden ears’ in scouting, producing and signing phenomenal South African voices to his label El-World, he releases a new single titled – NEVER NEVER featuring El-World star Nobuhle.

 The song is an addictive, high-energy and feel-good song that will have Africa dancing.

This single is off his upcoming album ‘TO THE WORLD AND BEYOND’ - set for release in December 2020.

Stream NEVER NEVER: https://platoon.lnk.to/never-never

Produced by Sun-El himself, this is his third release off the album following the previously released tracks “Ubomi Abumanga” featuring Msaki and “Uhuru” with Azana.

Pre-add album: https://apple.co/37l7tEg

Sun-El Musician is well known for the movement he has created in building the Afro-house sounds. 

This year he held the #1 position in South Africa for his recent single “Ubomi Abumanga” as well as introduced South Africans to Azana, the newest sensation off of his label collective.

The first two singles off the album have already done extraordinarily well, with the first single reaching #1 in South Africa on the Apple Music Top 100 on release day and staying there for 10 days.

Speaking on his release as he works on his second album, Sun-El says, “Behind the scenes I saw a lot of talent not getting a chance. I said as soon as my window comes I'll make sure I tag along and work with people I believe in.”

The Afro-House royalty contribution to the South African music industry is immense as he takes the sound to the international scene.

ODM leader Raila Odinga has called on the African Union to expedite probe into the injuring and killing of peaceful protesters in Nigeria.

In a statement shared on his facebook page, Raila expressed his concern over the killing of protesters terming it as worrying and unacceptable.

"The police brutality and abuses that have gone on in Nigeria for the last couple of days, leading to multiple deaths and injuries of unarmed civilians are extremely worrying and unacceptable. There can be no excuse for that amount of brutality on unarmed civilians protesting misconduct on the part of the police." reads the statement.

Adding "The brutality meted out on protesting civilians is a sad reminder of how precarious and threatened Africa's march towards democratization, respect for rights and freedoms and the rule of law remains. Yet it is clear that as a Continent, we won't achieve much without strict adherence to these ideals."

The former Prime Minister want those responsible for the killings be held responsible .

"I therefore wish to call upon the African Union and Nigerian authorities to investigate the violence and murders that have gone on and hold the perpetrators to account. Africa and its institutions must stand up for and condemn the brutalization of its citizens at home with the same energy and vigour it responds to the violations of its citizens abroad." he says.

Raila is the second African leader to raise his voice over the issue after Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“I join all well-meaning persons in calling for calm and the use of dialogue in resolving the #EndSARS impasse in Nigeria." he posted on twitter Wednesday evening.

Adding " I have spoken with President Buhari, who is committed to this end, and has begun the processes that will lead to reform. Violence, be it on the part of the police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery."

Witnesses and the rights group Amnesty International said several people were killed and wounded when soldiers opened fire.

An indefinite 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Lagos and other regions.

On Friday (Fri 16^th October 2020), the powerful film “SOFTIE” that follows the life of Kenyan photographer and political activist Boniface Mwangi, his wife Njeri and their kids, premiered nationwide in Kenya, at Prestige Cinema, Nairobi.

The star-studded opening night screening was attended by a host of guests including film industry professionals, influencers, production crew and Kenya’s top media personalities, thespians and activists.

Press Images from the opening night: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/16ClBz4wFObYGb64-ZE6ONeBSZFbRzMa-

The film is now showing at Eldoret (Rupa Cinema), Anga Diamond Plaza, Unseen Nairobi, Prestige Cinemas and Motion Cinemas, Donholm.

Full “SOFTIE” film airing schedule: https://www.softiethefilm.com/watch

Softie official soundtrack “Naona Mbali” by King Kaka, Dan Aceda, Miriam Ayoo & Juliani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DInQcdhkawA

At the heart of the film lies the tale of how Boniface, nicknamed “Softie” in his childhood years, has long fought injustices in his country Kenya.

He is daring and audacious, and recognized as Kenya's most provocative photojournalist. But as a father of three young children, these qualities create tremendous turmoil between him and his wife Njeri Mwangi whose loyalty to her family is hard as a rock.

It’s a story of perseverance and love, evoking mixed emotions while exploring the themes of family, sacrifice and patriotism.

Directed by Sam Soko, the film chronicles a 7 year journey beginning with chaos filled street protests and culminating in Boniface’s decision to run for a political seat in his old neighbourhood Starehe.

 He soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. His wife, Njeri, has long been silent in the background.

The decision to run put her and the family on the spot. This brings forth a central question that many of the world’s brightest and most effective changemakers have had to ask themselves, ‘What comes first - family or country?’

The film premiered at Sundance in January 2020, winning a special jury prize for editing. 

Softie was also the opening night film at the Hotdocs Film Festival and at the Human Rights Festival held in Berlin, where the film also won The Willy Brandt Documentary Award for Freedom and Human Rights on 10th Oct 2020. 

The film also bagged the award for Best Feature Documentary at the Lunenburg Doc Fest on 1st Oct 2020.

The jury described the film as “a beautifully crafted and edited documentary that highlights the extraordinary dreams of a young Kenyan activist.” It has been greatly reviewed, citing its conscientious story telling of Kenya’s struggle with political tribalism. 

It has since played at a couple of prestigious festivals including CPH:DOX, FullFrame and even won Best Film at the Encounters International Documentary Festival  and Best Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2020.

The DIFF win means that “SOFTIE” now qualifies for consideration for the Oscar documentary shortlist for the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

The next ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on April 25, 2021.

Boniface encourages all Kenyans to go watch the film.

He says, “It’s a very important film for Kenyans to watch because it shows what happens behind the scenes in an activist’s family life and their daily struggles,” noting, “It took seven years in the making”.

For Njeri Mwangi, having their private family life on screen has been a difficult and rewarding experience.

She says, “ This film is not just a single story but the story of what women and mothers and wives like myself give to the cause of what they too believe in but whose contribution is not counted as significant or acknowledged as prominently as their partners.”

The world of Music has finally matched Kenya’s finest songbirds- Nadia Mukami and Sanaipei Tande who have literally taken over the airwaves with their newest track- Wangu.

Written by Nadia and produced by Alexis on the Beat in Sevens Creative Hub, Wangu is in no doubt a definition of a perfect match. It is exactly what you get when you combine quality with quality.

In melodious vocals exchange, aided by cutting edge visual work by J blessing of Pink Lab video the Kiswahili lyrical queens drive home a message on squabbles between wives and side chicks in 3 min and 35 sec of fever pitch edutainment.

From the opening verse and all the way to the end, mellow voices of Sanaipei and Nadia invite you closer to the music, massaging your ears from the outer to the inner, and then to the brain, leaving your body relaxed and itching for a replay button.

For Nadia who is fast gaining global audience and popularity thanks to her fluency of swahili lyricism and soothing melodies, “Wangu featuring Sanaipei Tande” is her dream collaboration as she always looked up to her as a mentor.

VERSE 1

(Nadia)

Wewe nani, unanipigia simu kama nani

Eti niachane mume wako nani 

Unajua Nadia kweli mi ni nani? 

(Sanaipei) 

We ni nani, unampigia simu kama nani eeh

Ata utoe vya ndani

Atarudi hapa kwangu tu nyumbani eeh

(Nadia) 

Anapenda vidogodogo

Mwenzako anavimumunya 

Mwanamke unapenda zogo

Tafuta jambo hilo la kufanya 

CHORUS

(Nadia) 

Oh oh ni wangu

Huyu nasema ni wangu 

Oh oh ni wangu

Kubali yaishe ni wangu

(Sanaipei) 

Oh oh ni wangu

Huyu nasema ni wangu

Oh oh ni wangu

Mwishowe yataisha ni wangu

VERSE 2

(Sanaipei) 

Hivo vimesegi na kuficha simu havinishtui 

Atachoka nawe, kwengine aende, yule hakagui 

(Nadia) 

Kelele ya chura haizui ng'ombe kunywa maji

Kwangu habanduki

Kwako hatoboki

Nakwama naye

(Sanaipei) 

Anapenda wife material

Mwenzako anakudanganya

Mwanamke una kasoro 

Tafuta jambo hilo la kufanya 

CHORUS

(Sanaipei) 

Oh oh ni wangu

Huyu unasema ni wangu

Oh oh ni wangu

Mwishowe yataisha ni wangu

(Nadia) 

Oh oh ni wangu

Huyu unasema ni wangu 

Oh oh ni wangu

Kubali yaishe ni wangu

BRIDGE

(Nadia) 

Mi sitakoma, koma, koma, koma 

MI sitakoma koma koma mama ye

(Sanaipei)

Ntakukomoa komoa komoa komoa 

Ntakukomoa komoa komoa msichana we

CHORUS

(Sanaipei) 

Oh oh ni wangu

Huyu unasema ni wangu

Oh oh no wangu

Mwishowe yataisha ni wangu

(Nadia) 

Oh oh ni wangu

Huyu unasema ni wangu 

Oh oh ni wangu 

Kubali yaishe ni wangu