Phyllis Omido, a Kenyan environmental activist, is among the recipients of this year’s Right Livelihood Award for her pioneering efforts in championing the environmental and land rights of local communities while setting vital precedents in environmental law.

For over 40 years, the Right Livelihood Award has honoured and supported courageous people solving global problems.

To date, 194 Laureates from 76 countries have received the Award, including Ukrainian human rights defender Oleksandra Matviichuk, Congolese gynaecologist and women’s rights advocate Dr Denis Mukwege and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Omido, known as “Mama Moshi” or the “Mother against Smoke” by the communities she engages with, became an environmental activist after working at a battery smelting plant that poisoned her, her son and the Owino Uhuru community.

Her advocacy has led to the plant and sixteen others being closed across Kenya.

Omido’s use of litigation, advocacy and media engagement in the smelting plant case has set vital legal precedents, affirming people's right to a clean and healthy environment and the state's responsibility to safeguard it.

Today, her activism goes far beyond Owino Uhuru. Empowering others to protect their communities, Omido leads a network of 120 grassroots Land and Environmental Defenders across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. She is currently spearheading a campaign against Kenya’s plan to develop nuclear power in Kilifi, a pristine oceanside district known for its coral reefs, fishing villages and rich wildlife.

"We need to look at the livelihoods of the fishermen and the women who are depending on carbon credits from the mangroves in that area,” said Omido.

Adding “Kenya has the capacity for renewables - we have sunshine every day of the year. There is no excuse as to why we should go into something that is going to harm the environment.”

Right Livelihood’s jury said that Omido was receiving the Award “for her groundbreaking struggle to secure land and environmental rights for local communities while advancing the field of environmental law.”

"t’s a time when communities are feeling dejected - a time when they are looking to me to give them hope,” said Omido.

“This Award will give them hope that their struggle is not unique to them, they are global struggles. There are people around the world watching the work that we are doing, and they are supporting it.”

Kenya Redcross Mombasa branch held volunteer awards over the weekend where outstanding Kenyans were awarded with accolades for sterling performance.

According to Kenya Redcross Mombasa Board Chairman Mohamed Noor, the awards honoured the  incredible volunteers , for their dedication and commitment to making a difference in the community.

Among those honoured during the event is Mombasa based philanthropist Mombasa cement.

The innovation of the year award went to Swaleh Mwadime Athuman. This award recognized  individuals and groups that have engaged in research development and innovative initiatives used in various counties/regions to deliver humanitarian response.

In the humanitarian media award category the award went to Amiri Mohamed Asmara. His media was recognized for continually having supported and worked with KRCS in covering and highlighting and delivering humanitarian response /services across the country.

In the community health Volunteer award, Clemncia Nyambura was awarded for improving health care, encouraging service that exceeds expectations as a result of innovation, creativity, and leadership, promoting visibility, and goodwill toward the hospital or health care system.

In the Implementing Partner award of the year, the award was awarded to the Danish Red Cross. This award recognizes all the entities that Kenya Red Cross is working with in a sub-granting model.

The Inclusion Award was awarded to Badi Mwalimu Mohamed .This award also recognizes groups, institutions, and entities that have been active in promoting access to services for special groups advancing the inclusion agenda.

The Junior Red Cross Award was awarded to Coast Girls High School. This is because they were among the best primary and secondary schools that have participated in active humanitarian work during the year.

The Community Service Award was awarded to Mohammed Dzombo .Dzombo was recognized as a celebrity and has done philanthropic work. The award is for well-known personalities, politicians, and individuals who have supported, participated, or participated in the Kenya Red Cross Society to voluntarily promote humanitarian work in the last one year.

Technical University Of Mombasa won the University of the Year Award after it emerged among the institutions with a high number of Red Cross volunteers. This is awarded to a public or private university that has a strong Kenya Red Cross Society University Club/ Chapter with the highest number of active Red Cross members and volunteers.

 The university club/chapter must have made a difference in the lives of the vulnerable in the communities where the university is located in the last one year.

A new Kenyan crime film MTAA YANGU will premiere at leading cinemas countrywide, starting 6th of October 2023.

The action-filled film directed by Likale Washington Muyonga is centered around Kiprotich, a local gang leader and his gang members who harvest ‘tax’ from the locals.

Residents of Mwiki Town take refuge and security from Gunner ’G’ - another crime lord. As if the unrest wasn’t enough for the locals, they start to receive eviction leaflets from the area M.P. (Okelo) played by Nathan Songa and the Governor who have an intention of creating foreign investment. Mwiki Town is engulfed in unrest as the residents demand for their rights and place of home. 

Gunner ’G’ is forced to get into a talk with the M.P who turns a deaf ear to the plight of the residents. An entitlement G feels betrayed, especially for the fact that he helped the M.P win and get into power illegally. After their heated meeting, the M.P plots G’s murder using two rogue cops: Lurther and Ben. 

G finds love in Catherine Njeri; a resident of the area. In an operation, Ras; one of G’s gang members, kills Njeri’s brother. With the knowledge that this might jeopardize his relationship with Njeri, he decides to bury the truth about her brother’s death unbeknownst of the guilt that would tear him apart. He decides to send Njeri to a medical school as a means of running away from facing the truth and his guilt. To save the residents of Mwiki and his relationship, G hatches a plan to quit his life in crime. However, he first has to rob money from the M.P. Will he succeed? 

Mtaa Yangu will be available in Kenya at the following venues: Westgate Cinema, Prestige Cinema, Century Cinemax Junction Mall, Century Cinemax Garden City, Century Cinemax Two Rivers, Century Cinemax Sarit Centre, Motion Cinema Greenspan Mall, Anga Cinema CBD, Anga Cinema Diamond Plaza, Anga Cinema Panari Centre, Rupa Cinema Eldoret, Mega Cinema Kisumu and Nyali Cinemax Mombasa.

ABOUT THE CAST & CREW

LIKALE WASHINGTON MUYONGA

Likale is a film director, producer and writer with expertise in both film and theatre. Most of his work is available on YouTube with his most recent one ‘Tested’ being featured on MYMOVIES Africa. He has written the following films: ‘Tested’; ‘Daily Bread’; ‘Deep Ends’; and ‘Way out’.

MAKOVO MBATHA

He has played lead actor in a couple of short films by Intrigue Productions-’ACT OF CHARITY’ as Ambrose and Faith in ‘ALI’ . He has starred in a series by Tella Tale production called ‘KIJAKAZI’ as Fidel.

He has also been featured in ‘Jane and Abel’ on MNET.  ‘Wrath’, a series which aired on Fox Life, Tuko Macho; a web series that aired on NTV. Aside from that he is also a commercial model who has been featured on two television commercials; Shangwe Mtaani- a Safaricom TVC as lead, KCB Go-Ahead TVC and the current running Cholera Awareness TVC.

CATHERINE NJERI

She is a content creator and TV actor who has been featured in ‘Amollo’ as Rose (supporting lead). She also did advertisements for the Royal Dentist in Kisumu and HELB/ NFM. She has been nominated for the People Choice Awards 2023.

NANCY LUBANGA

She has been acting since 2017 and focused on stage performance until 2020 where she dived in the film industry. In 2020, she was part of the cast of ‘Daily Bread’ an outway Film and since then she has been featured in more than five films, the latest one being ‘Tested’  that premiered on Imax in 2022. She takes on challenging roles and has always portrayed them effortlessly. Nancy Lubanga holds a degree in Political science with information Technology.

VINCENT OTIENO

Vincent Otieno has been featured in a ton of films such as ‘Kina’ and ‘Selina’.

He mostly takes part in Gusii plays and is also known for his roles in different setbooks. He was featured in the film ‘Tested’ which is available on MyMovies Africa.

NATHAN SONGA

Nathan Songa is known for his roles in ‘Kina’ as Otieno Kotieno; ‘Pepeta’ as Bishop; ‘Betterdays’ as Bodyguard; ‘KBC NextMeal’ as Alex; ‘Lion Roar No More’ as Shekh Asad; ‘Mino’ as Kinoni the fighter; and ‘Zora’ as Bishop.

SASHA OREGE

Sasha Orege is known for her role in ‘Zora’ as Mama Pipi and is also featured in an Ariel advert. Apart from that is also a mother of two, a seasoned poet and an Evangelist.

VICTOR OBOK

Victor Obok is a highly acclaimed filmmaker,  TV producer, Director, Cinematographer and Editor with a proven track record of success. Victor has demonstrated his expertise in film and video projects from pre-production to post production having created an impressive body of work over the years. His recent work as Director and DOP on UNDUNGU has garnered several awards in different festivals and he was nominated in the best short film category in the prestigious Kalasha International Film and TV Awards.

Pwani Fm Presenter Dalilah Athman has landed a new job with the Ministry of East Africa Community , ASALs & Regional Development.

Dalilah who has been hosting the breakfast show at Pwani fm has now been appointed as the Assistant Director Regional Liaison Integration, State Department EAC, Ministry of EAC, ASALs & Regional Development.

She is set to officially leave the radio station this Friday before assuming her new job.

Delilah also worked for Bahari fm where she was popular for her daily taarab show 'Tuko Bomba'.

Prior to her time at Pwani fm,  she was attached at DW Radio as a news producer, based in Bonn, Germany.

Kenya Red Cross  Society in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya and Khetia’s Supermaket held a 3 day humanitarian media sensitization forum with journalists based in Busia County.

The forum that attracted over 25 journalists both working for local and international media houses took the scribes of the border county through the fundamentals and basics of humanitarian work  and as well as basic first aid training.

The members of the fourth estate were also taught the ethos of exhibiting both professionalism and humanity during emergencies as well as preparedness for the same.

The journalists took part in a food distribution exercise in the flood prone Budalang’i Sub County as a culmination of the training where more than 70 households benefited.

KRCS West Kenya Regional Manager Hellen Cheruto indicated that  majority of the residents of Bunyala West and Bunyala South have been immensely affected by since December 2019.

“Today we are gathered here to offer a helping hand food packages, and we have distributed packages to 36 households in the Siginga location,” she said, adding that 34 more households from Sango Island will also benefit.

Cheruto added that KRCS has been working closely with the local administration, Kenya Red Cross volunteers, and Community Health Promoters to sensitize the community on El Nino rains and sound early warnings with a view to reducing the potential effects of the heavy rains that are likely to occur during the period.

With the Elnino rains around the corner the capacity building to the journalists has come in handy in terms of preparedness as the skills attained will be applied by the scribes while in the field.

Busia County CEC Member for Public Service Management Pamela Awori confrimed the county has made necessary arrangements through the Disaster Management Committee to cushion the locals from the negative effects of El Nino.

Bunyala Deputy County Commissioner  Dr. Paul Papa thanked the Red Cross for supporting the flood victims expressing expressed confidence that the Sub County leadership is prepared for the expected El Nino rains through a number of trainings conducted by various stakeholders.

The community members of both Siginga and Sango expressed their gratitude to the journalists and the partners for their kind gesture and further urged the government to come up with a long term soulution to the flood menace in Budalang’i.

Dear Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi, Mindful Kenya, a beacon of hope in the realm of mental health, reaches out with a heartfelt request, inspired by your life’s work and relentless passion for uplifting the vulnerable.

Our healthcare workers and police force stand on the frontline every day, braving emotional and physical storms to protect our beloved nation. But in their valiant efforts, they too bear the scars of mental trauma.

They see pain and suffering daily, confront life-altering decisions, and carry the weight of our nation's safety on their shoulders.

Their mental well-being, often neglected, is at significant risk. Enter Mindful Kenya’s vision: affordable, accessible, and regular mental health screenings.

With a cost of less than 100 shillings monthly, we've devised a system that detects early mental health challenges, ensuring treatment is timely, less painful, and affordable.

But to truly make a difference, we need the support of insurance companies a formidable challenge without the backing of a powerful voice.

Your support not only amplifies the urgency of this initiative but also galvanizes institutions like MAKL (Medical Administrators Kenya Limited) and NHIF to play their part in this transformative journey.

This is where we seek your intervention, Pastor Dorcas. With your influence and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Kenyans, you can be that powerful voice.

By advocating for our cause, we can ensure that our frontline heroes receive the mental health support they so desperately need.

The benefits of such screenings are manifold:

1. Early Detection: Timely identification can prevent a minor issue from snowballing into a debilitating condition.

2. Improved Overall Health: Mental well-being is intricately tied to physical health. Addressing one can positively influence the other.

3. Enhanced Productivity: A contented and mentally healthy individual can function better, bringing more efficiency to the workplace.

4. Reduced Stigma: Regular screenings normalize discussions around mental health, thus gradually diminishing the associated stigma. Imagine a Kenya where our protectors are mentally resilient, where they serve without the shadow of untreated trauma looming over them.

You, Pastor Dorcas, with your legacy of empowerment and care, can help make this dream a reality. In the words of Psalm 82:3, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” Our heroes, though strong in their service, need defense against the unseen battles of the mind.

Join us in this noble endeavor. Let’s ensure a brighter, healthier future for our unsung heroes.

With utmost respect and hope, Mindful Kenya

International Kenyan music group, MATATA, celebrate another achievement as their track “Not Today” has been added in the official soundtrack playlist of the anticipated EA SPORTS FC 24 video game, formerly known as FIFA, set to drop on 29th September 2023.

Other international artists on the soundtrack include Major Lazer, Major League DJz featuring Brenda Fassie and Stormzy, among many other international artists. 

They shared their excitement ahead of the announcement, “Dreams do come true and ours has become a reality. This achievement surpasses any plans we had for our music. We are still in disbelief!” 

MATATA’s selected track, “Not Today” is a reggae-dancehall tune off their successful debut album ‘Super Morio’. The song features Liam Bailey - Reggae artist from the UK. Earning this coveted and prestigious spot in the soundtrack playlist of the EA SPORTS FC 24 video game means a lot for MATATA. 

Being featured on the EA SPORTS platform is indeed a significant achievement, and it highlights the music group’s growing influence beyond the continent. Their unique and captivating artistry, that resonates with fans globally, lead to this exciting collaboration set to further amplify their reach. 

“Not Today” encapsulates the essence of the group’s vibrant and unique musical style, making it a perfect fit for the high-energy atmosphere of the video game. This achievement is a testament to MATATA’s dedication to creating music that transcends borders and resonates with audiences globally. 

The inclusion of the track as one of EA SPORTS FC 24 soundtrack playlist underscores the video game's commitment to showcasing diverse musical talents from around the world.

MATATA is the fastest-rising Kenyan music group on the international scene. They released their anticipated debut album SUPER MORIO in 2022, following a successful career trajectory filled with hit releases and back to back tours between Kenya, Norway and Europe.

With SUPER MORIO they curated a hero-anchored body of work that echoes their Kenyan heritage, ingenuity and zeal while highlighting their victories and struggles in the pursuit of their dreams.

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has embarked on an aggressive membership drive for the UDA party in Mombasa ahead of the party primaries.

Miraj who is also vying for the party Chairmanship position in Mombasa has already started registering new members mainly targeting Women and the youth within the county.

The senator has been holding a series of meetings with several groups of Women and youth to galvanize her support.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/3411-miraj-joins-race-for-mombasa-uda-chairperson-post

According to Miraj Mombasa should no longer be perceived as a strong of a particular party.

"We want to make our party strong here in Mombasa. We will achieve this by only having a good number of members" said Miraj.

Miraj took to her social calling on Mombasa residents to come out in large numbers and register with the UDA party.

Miraj will be battling out with Eala Mp and UDA National Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar for the position.

UDA is expected to hold it's primaries in December

Sarova Hotels & Resorts Kenya is known for its wonderful cuisine.

The success since the inception of Thai Chi Restaurant at the Sarova Stanley in 2007 has inspired the hotel chain to deliver similar excellence into a new neighborhood, expanding its restaurant story beyond just hotels.

Thai Chi by Sarova will be the first restaurant within the quiet upscale Lavington area offering Thai Cuisine at 102 Manyani East Road.

Celebrating dining traditions that are as much about togetherness & community as they are about diverse cooking styles and flavors, the restaurant will focus on well-established Thai & Pan-Asian culinary delights, taking its inspiration from the classic dishes of 5 Far East Countries –Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, China & Korea.

The restaurant is brought alive by an abundance of lush vegetation & its design is structured around the existing flora.

Natural ventilation has been prioritized by maximizing open spaces and the organic ingredients used in the kitchen are ethically & sustainably sourced from local farmers & communities.

Tasteful oriental motifs & contemporary designs are incorporated into the design while soft mood lighting casts warm glows in the evening in both the interior & exterior spaces.

With a casual yet elegant service model, quick and efficient service which is a hallmark of Sarova Hotels will be delivered with a smile while the menu offering will be stewarded by a specialty chef from Thailand.

"We have worked hard to create a menu that reflects our passion for quality, creativity and diversity. We are more than just a restaurant; we are a community.” said Jimi Kariuki, MD Sarova Hotels & Resorts Kenya during the restaurant’s launch.

Thai Chi By Sarova officially opened its doors on Tuesday 12th September 2023. It will operate on Tuesdays to Fridays from 11 am to 11 pm and on Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays from 8 am to 11 pm. The restaurant shall remain closed on Mondays.

The Sh6 billion Buxton Point will Saturday be officially handed over to homeowners making its developer the first to deliver an affordable housing project in partnership with the government.

The award-winning project is being developed by GulfCap Real Estate in partnership with the County Government of Mombasa. It will be the first project to be delivered in the country under the Affordable Housing Program (AHP).

“We are proud to be the first private developer in partnership with the government to hand over an affordable housing project of this magnitude in Kenya. This achievement underscores our dedication to making quality housing accessible to all, improving the quality of life for countless individuals and families,” said GulfCap Real Estate CEO Chris Ochieng.

Mr Ochieng said Phase 1 of Buxton Point, comprising 584 units, has been successfully completed and the official handing over of the project to its proud new owners will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2023 “marking the beginning of a new era in affordable housing in Kenya.”

“On the official handing over day, we will have a vibrant array of activities for residents and their families. From children's play areas to basketball tournaments and swimming activities, there will be something for everyone,” added Mr Ochieng.

He said they have appointed a dedicated lifestyle manager who will be assisting homeowners enroll into different lifestyle clubs created to help residents enjoy the lifestyle we have created at Buxton Point.

Some of the clubs include; Basketball club, soccer club, swimming club, indoor sports club, gym, aerobics, yoga, walking warriors club, book club, music club, bible and Quran study clubs among others.

“What sets Buxton Point apart is not just the quality of our homes but the sense of belonging we foster within our community. By offering a diverse range of amenities and lifestyle options, we empower residents to live life to the fullest,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the launch of Phase 2, which will see the construction of an additional 1400 units will hence begin.

“To contribute to the cascading effect of the project and spice up its outlook, Phase 2 will involve the construction of 16 floors that will provide our clients with a fascinating sea view from their apartments and appreciate the beauty of Mombasa,” said Mr Ochieng.

The development of Phase 2 which is currently being sold will involve rooftop terraces and an elevator which will be installed to allow access to the high-tower buildings.