Ommy Dallah
Uhuru Calls For Expedition Of The Peace Process In South Sudan
The Head of State spoke Tuesday evening at State House, Nairobi when he hosted US Special Envoy for South Sudan Amb Stuart Symington and his UK counterpart Bob Fairweather who paid him a courtesy call.
The two envoys briefed the President on the South Sudan peace process and thanked Kenya for its leading role in the long search for peace and stability in the young African nation and the region.
Amb Symington, a former US Ambassador to Djibouti, Rwanda and Nigeria, said Kenya's longstanding support has contributed to the progress made in the journey of returning South Sudan to the road of peace and stability.
He urged the President to continue giving the peace process positive influence by rallying South Sudan leaders to implement the remaining aspects of the Khartoum accord.
On his part, UK Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Bob Fairweather praised parties to the South Sudan peace pact for taking bold steps to end conflicts and forge a stable, peaceful and progressive nation.
The British diplomat assured the President that the Troika nations of Norway, the US and the UK will continue working closely with Kenya and the region in search of sustainable peace and stability in South Sudan.
President Kenyatta assured the two diplomats of Kenya's continued support for the peace process saying the country will leverage on its UN Security Council membership to assist her young neighbour and the region achieve stability.
The President was joined in the meeting by Foreign Affairs CS Amb Raychelle Omamo and the Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua while the special envoys were accompanied by British High Commissioner to Kenya Amb Jane Marriott and Mr Eric Kneedler, the Charge d' Affaires at the US Embassy in Nairobi.
Separately at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta met former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn who delivered a special message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The former Prime Minister briefed the President on a number of subjects top among them Ethiopia's internal conflict involving the Federal Government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), the simmering border conflict with Sudan and the progress made in resolving the regional stand-off over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on River Nile involving Sudan and Egypt.
President Kenyatta expressed concerns about the stability of the region citing several emerging conflicts and assured the visiting Ethiopian leader that Kenya will continue supporting regional efforts to resolve the challenges.
On the Tigray conflict, President Kenyatta welcomed the measures being taken by the Ethiopian Federal Government in addressing the humanitarian situation in the region.
The former Premier was accompanied by Ethiopia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Amb Redwan Hussein and the country's Ambassador to Kenya Meles Alem Tekea in the meeting also attended by Kenya's Foreign Affairs CS Amb Raychelle Omamo.
Popular Nollywood Actor Ernest Asuzu Is Dead
Popular Nollwood actor Ernest Asuzu is dead.
According to reports, Asuzu who grew into fame as with his several bad boy characters died on Tuesday night.
Asuzu began his acting career in the ’90s and rose to prominence after he starred in the 1997 Nollywood classic, ‘Rituals’.
He was the toast of Nollywood until his career nosedived after he came down with a stroke in 2015 and it affected his speech. He was also bedridden for three years thus keeping him out of the limelight.
Apart from acting, Asuzu was also a musician, he launched a music album, a 7-track album titled, ‘The Truth’ in December 2020.
Koffi Olomide Back In Tanzania For Another Collabo, With Nandy
After a successful collabo with Diamond Platnumz (Waah), Congolese singer Koffi Olomide is back in Tanzania for another coallbo, this time with the African princess, Nandy.
Koffi arrived in Daresalaam on Monday evening to a lavish reception by Nandy and her team.
Upon arrival, Koffi presented Nandy with a personal present of perfumes.
Addressing the media at the Julius Nyerere International airport, Koffi revealed he has been attracted by Nandy's talent and voice and that he has been following her work for a very long time.
‘‘Am happy to be here we need to do a video for Africa..Nandy is special because she sings very well I appreciate quality, good music, good looks and beautiful daughters too,’’ he said.
On her part Nandy noted "Mopao is here for a video shoot, the song is ready and actually it was supposed to be the first one before the one with Diamond Platnumz (Waah) but as you know all these things need planning and logistics but I believe it's now the right time , so fans should just watch out for another hit".
In an earlier interview with this blog (Ommydalla.co.ke) Nandy revealed that she has alot of surprises for her fans which includes international collabos.
Watch out the interview below..
Mombasa Radio Presenter Drops Mic For Swagger Cane
Former Sauti ya Pwani radio presenter Zubeda Farid has quit the media industry to join local administration.
She is now the assistant chief for Mlaleo sub- location.
Farid is among the six new administrators recently posted in Nyali sub-county.
Others are Angela Leng’rdal who is now the assistant county commissioner for Frere Town, Evans Agutu assistant chief Mwagutu sub- location, Samuel Baya Kadzenga (Mbungoni), Suleiman Hamisi Fundi (Kadzandani) and Hilaria Farrar (Frere Town, assistant chief).
On Monday the new administrators held a familiarization meeting with the area Mp Mohammed Ali.
Farid also worked for Radio Rahma and Radio Salaam.
Uhuru Calls On Kenyans To Support The Police
President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenyans to support the police and other security agencies in maintaining law and order saying the officers are doing a great job of keeping the country safe.
At the same time, the Head of State reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the National Police Service (NPS) is adequately resourced to effectively and efficiently discharge its solemn mandate.
“Police officers are not enemies. They are our friends. It is upon us, as citizens to obey the law and do what we are directed to do in line with the law. If we continue that way, I am confident that our nation will be safe and prosperous,” the President said.
President Kenyatta spoke Tuesday afternoon in Ngong, Kajiado County where he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the National Police Leadership Academy.
The construction of the academy will take one year at an approximate cost of Kshs 1 billion and is being financed by the Central Bank of Kenya as part of long and broad symbiotic partnership between the NPS and financial institution.
The ultra-modern facility, to be constructed on an 18-acre parcel of public land within Embulbul township, will include accommodation facilities for 220 persons, lecture rooms, an auditorium with a seating capacity of 450 people, kitchen and dining amenities as well as sports and recreational facilities.
The President noted that the construction of the leadership academy is part of ongoing reforms in the police service to make it more effective, efficient and responsive to the demands of 21st century law enforcement.
“On assumption of the leadership of our country, my Administration adopted a comprehensive reform program for the security sector which was intended to reposition it to serve Kenyans better.
“Since then, we have improved the funding of the police security sub-sector two-fold in addition to significantly promoting the welfare and capabilities of the security sector,” the President noted.
He outlined the acquisition of over 3,000 leased police vehicles, the construction and equipping of a modern forensic laboratory and recruitment of more officers as some of the milestones achieved in reforming the law enforcement agency.
The President hailed the partnership between NPS and the Central Bank of Kenya in setting up the college saying the initiative is a good example of how the whole-of-Government approach is working under his Administration
“Today’s occasion is the most recent evidence of how Government institutions can come together to build synergy and enhance service delivery,” the Head of State said.
President Kenyatta pointed out that the Government has also placed emphasis on multi-agency approaches to security management by clearing the structural bottlenecks that hampered the seamless delivery of security services in the past.
“In the recent past, I have commissioned the National Air Support Department and the National Security Telecommunications Service, which are initiatives aimed at harmonizing and enhancing efficiency of our multi-agency security operations,” the President said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, who also spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, thanked President Kenyatta for advancing a wide range of reforms that have boosted the effectiveness of the country’s security sector.
“For the last three years, Your Excellency, you have been implementing a very transformative agenda in terms of how the police are going to be managed and equipped to work and deliver results,” Dr Matiang’i said.
Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr Patrick Njoroge and NPS Inspector General Hilary Mutyambai also spoke at the event attended by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku among other local leaders and senior Government officials.
Femi One Releases 'Donjo', First Major Project For 2021
Femi One has just released the video for her single, Donjo.
The track which was produced by Ricco Beatz is the perfect mix of hip hop and dancehall while maintaining Femi One’s signature sound.
The song displays her lyrical prowess and playful wordplay which her fans have come to love.
Donjo is sheng for sweet or enjoyable and in the song, Femi One shares her version of a good and enjoyable party.
The visually colourful yet expressive video was directed by Trey Juelz. It is the picture-perfect video with visuals showcasing Femi One’s fun side with dope dancing.
“Being One most successful artist in East Africa, Femi One has grown and natured her sound and voice over the years across the region. We are happy and confident that is one of the success stories from Kenya and Africa ” said Dennis Njenga head of talent management at Kaka empire
On her part Femi One noted “We took all the time learning and perfecting my art and sound over the years, I believe we have established the brand Femi One as a diverse and versatile artist ".
Adding "I have more in-store with a major announcement coming out soon from my management. Enjoy DONJO and thank you for the continued support ”.
WATCH DONJO ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTEsGnaAJ1A
Top German Model Anne Sophie Offers To Pay Full Scholarship For Kenyan Students
A top German model, Anne Sophie has announced that she will be paying full scholarship for two students from Children’s Garden Home and School in Nairobi.
Speaking during a visit to the school, Sophie challenged local celebrities to also reach out to the less fortunate children through education sponsorship, especially those from poor backgrounds.
Sophie who has been in the industry for more than 10 years and modeled for some of the top international brands like Vogue, Celine and Vivienne Westwood, promised to mobilise her European colleagues in the industry to support needy children in the country.
“We should use our positions in the society to help the less fortunate children,” she added.
She further expressed her love for Kenya and said she would be visiting often to give back to the society.
The two students who will benefit from the scholarship Aisha Mwajuma and Esther Njoki were brought up in Children’s Garden Home and School and are waiting to be admitted in college.
On his part the director of Children’s Garden Home and School, Moses Ndun’gu welcomed the gesture saying it would go a long way in helping underprivileged children in the society.
According to him, most of the children are from the slums of Kibera, Kawangware and Kangemi.
Kenyan Indie Soul Artist Muthaka Joins A.I Records
A.I Records (K) Ltd/ Universal Music Group Kenya, is glad to announce the signing of contemporary indie-soul singer and song writer Christine Muthaka, stage name ‘Muthaka’.
“We are extremely excited to start this new journey with this amazing young talent and help her achieve greater heights in her career. She has everything it takes to put Kenya out there in a genre that most artists wouldn’t dare touch.” John Andrews quotes.
The mellow voiced, 22-year-old songwriter officially started her career through live performances, usually in the company of a live band.
It was in one of these Live Performances, that her undeniable angelic voice caught the ear of the label, and a new musical journey was born of Muthaka and the label.
Asked about her influences Muthaka says, “I call my music Contemporary Indie Soul- and the indie feel I got from listening to a lot of country music growing up the likes of Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and John Denver. Then the more contemporary styles I would say I was influenced by Mumford and Sons, and Vance Joy.
Vocally though I grew up studying vocalist super houses like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Abba and Leona Lewis. Then as I got more involved in my own music I shifted to the likes of H.E.R, Tori Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and Adele.
Asked about her genre of music, Muthaka was quick to voice out that music is that place you should get lost in when you need an out. “I want my music to be that silent friend any person regardless of gender, age, race can just find solace in, that’s why I love indie soul kind of music” she sums it up.
John Andrews, the General Manager A.I Records & Universal Music Group Kenya said, “Soul music is like a sweet symphony to the heart, and to me that is what music should be. The India Arie’s, Gladys Knight’s, Aretha Franklin’s have defined to us what music should be. And that is why I’m excited to start this chapter of our label with Muthaka.”
Muthaka will release her debut single “Why Don’t You Love Me” on the 29th of January 2021, which is also off her debut album, due to be released later in the year. The song is drawn from a real-life experience and looking back, Muthaka smiles about the whole experience. The lyrics might remind us of some situation-ships we have all found ourselves in.
Freshley Mwamburi Remixes His Evergreen Hit 'Stella Wangu'
Rhumba Icon Freshly Mwamburi has kicked off the new year with a surprise project - the visuals to the remix of his ever fresh hit song Stella Wangu.
In 1992, Freshly Mwamburi released Stella Wangu, a timeless classic hit that is forever etched in the hearts of Kenyans.
The record is a love/hate story avidly put together – and every year on 17th, May, Kenyans reminisce about this great classic.
The world class music video was shot at Golden Palm Hotel - Kenol and other parts of Kenya to showcase the beautiful sceneries of our country Kenya.
The video was directed and shot by Eric Ahoy better known as Mtu Cinema in conjunction with DJ Qariz.
The music video has been choreographed by the renowned Kenyan dancer and choreographer Arthur Chiluba.
Stella Wangu’s remix video has come to life courtesy of Engineer Njau Njoka, who oversaw the audition process to get the right cast and also funded the project with the aim of re- introducing Mwamburi into the music scenes, empowering him to continue with his music career.
Watch The Video Here: https://youtu.be/
About Mwamburi
Mwamburi Mwakachola popularly known as Freshly Mwamburi (Kazi Ngoma) was born on 7th November 1958. Born and raised on the slopes of Kilimanjaro in Wundanyi - Taita, he came into the music scene in 1980 and has had a successful music career spanning over 40 years. He cites Franklin Boukaka as one of his musical influences.
The hit song Stella Wangu thrust him into national limelight and enabled him to extensively travel and perform across Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania in the 90's.
Kenyan Midfielder Henry Ochieng Joins Watford Fc
Kenyan Under-23 international midfielder Henry Ochieng has joined Watford football club.
Ochieng has joined the English Championship side until the end of the season and will play for the club’s academy.
"We are pleased to confirm the signing of Kenya U23 international @HenryOchieng_, who joins our academy" reads a tweet from Watford Fc.
On his part Ochieng expressed his joy for joining the club.
"Delighted to have signed for @WatfordFC looking forward to the new journey ahead" posted Ochieng.
The Kenyan footballer made his senior debut in 2016 for Leyton Orient after spending time at academies at the same club and in West Ham. He has also played for Welwyn Garden City Fc, Wingate and Finchley F.C ( England) , Braintree Town F.C. (England) ,and Cork City FC (Ireland).
