By Victor Ogalle

For six successive seasons a majority of the ASAL Counties did not receive sufficient rainfall with this tagging along a myriad of social and economic effects. Since mid March 2023 running through the beginning of April, the East African region has experienced heavier than usual rain quantities that have resulted into  flash floods across the Northern and Southern parts of the country.

Traditionally flood prone counties were Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Tana River, Garissa, West Pokot, Narok, Kwale, Baringo, Migori, Taita Taveta and Homabay.

However this list is increasing as four more countries have been joined the list i.e Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera and Wajir.

The government through various agencies such as the National Drought Mangement Authority and humanitarian players like the Kenya Red Cross have been responding to this developing situation.

According to Maurice Anyango the Upper Eastern Regional Manager for Kenya Red Cross Society they began interventions that spiral back to 2022. This include integrated medical outreaches, relief food donations and cash for health support.

While in most past of the county the rains have come with good tidings in terms of agricultural productivity as well water and sanitation in Northern Kenya the rains are wrecking havoc.

With  already  over 2.5 million livestock dead in the ASAL counties in Kenya the little that survived have since been swept by flash floods leaving communities with nothing.

The worst affected parts of Marsabit county are Golbo, Obbu and Sololo wards with villages such as Laqi, Ambalo and Badan Rero left without road access after the floods cut off the areas.

This technically means that food insecurity will be on the increase as well the number of displaced people who have also lost hosehold and personal belongings.

A Kenya Red Cross report from joint assessments with county Governments showed that  about 4,616 livestock have been lost nationally due to floods. Infratsructure has equally been damaged and swept away.

 “In Marsabit county over 350,000 households have been affected in the three wards of Moyale Sub County and a further 8000 in the entire Marsabit county, by the floods which emanate from the neighbouring Ethiopian Higlands,” confirms Maurice Anyango.

Kenya Red Cross in partnership with  Airbus Foundation conducted the relief food airlift programme to the far to reach areas of Laqi, Ambalo and Badan Rero. The airlift programe  saw 315 households receive food aid that was airlifted from Dambalafachana area.

While humanitarian organisations have been putting in measures to mitigate the atrocities of the floods in Marsabit county another impending danger that the communities are glaring at is an infestation of waterborne diseases mainly cholera  due to carcases that were not properly disposed.

The communities are also experiencing food insecurity due to a multi-year ongoing overall drought situation.

Access to clean and safe water is equally challenge as the water resources could be contaminated due to toilets being swept away leaving the community members with nowhere to ease themselves.

A spot check in North Horr and South Horr indicated that Hygiene Promotion at this point in time is among the key interventions needed as well provision of non-food items to supplement the few household items salvaged by the community members.

Galma Roba aged 67 years narrates how since his childhood he has never experienced such harsh climatic conditions. “I had over 200 cows and goats but after 2021 all my cows dies and I remained with 40 goats. We woke up one morning and they had been swept away by floods. I am now living like pauper with nothing I can call mine as I am being housed by my younger brother”, Shares Roba.

Data from the National Disaster Mananegement Authority as at 27^th of March, at least 36,432 people had been affected by the floods across 19 counties in the country among them West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Marsabit, Samburu, Kakamega, Narok, Turkana Mandera, Kisumu, Nyamira, Kisii, Isiolo, Wajir, Kiambu, Siaya, Bungoma and Nairobi.

In the Rift Valley it is feared that landslides may occur especially in places where massive environmental degradation has happened due to rampant tree felling.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a manhunt for a suspected international fraudster after the suspect conned two business premises in Mombasa.

In a detailed sequence posted on the DCI KENYA official social media pages, the DCI stated that detectives based in Mombasa have launched a manhunt for for the individual of South Sudan origin.

They believe the suspect is an international serial fraudster with fraud cases stretching from as far as Melbourne in Australia, to  Kampala, Uganda and Nairobi in the country’s capital.

"The self-styled millionaire with various names  including Don Solomon a.k.a. Mukisa Okello a.k.a. Tony Taban Suleiman Malish a.k.a. Yee a.ka.a Big Papa is wanted for depositing a bad cheque of Sh599,950 in favour of Naivas Limited and fraudulently obtaining 10 television sets of 55”  from Naivas Mwembe Tayari branch, on March 8, 2023," the DCI said.

It is believed that around the same time, Big Papa also fraudulently obtained assorted steel rods from Bayfair Hardware at Bombolulu in Mombasa valued at Sh842,000, by depositing a bad cheque of similar amount at the hardware’s bank account. 

Part of the consignment was recovered at Mulolongo and one suspect charged vide CR 345/56/2023 at Shanzu Law Courts.

According to the statement, Don Solomon as he is also referred to has previously been arraigned at the Milimani law courts for forgery and being in the country illegally.

He has also been accused of obtaining services from top 5-star hotels  in the capital city and sneaking out without paying. 

"In one such establishment along Chiromo Road, the man on the run failed to pay a bill of Sh1.045 Million after spending days  at the luxury facility," said part of the statement.

Big Papa who flaunts a flashy lifestyle is believed to have also heartbroken the hearts of a dozen city girls who fell for his life on the first lane antiques.

"In Uganda, he is believed to have previously gifted a TV host a sleek automobile, that was later discovered to have been stolen from Congo DRC by Ugandan authorities," the statement said.  

The suspect is also accused of fraud and related offenses at various banks in Melbourne Capital, Victoria State in Australia.

The DCI have called on any Kenyans who might be aware of his whereabouts to report immediately as Big Papa who is currently on the run was recently spotted in Roysambu’s Mirema Drive where he is believed to be dwelling and has since evaded a police dragnet twice. 

The Kenya Ports Authority(KPA) on Wednesday donated food stuffs worth Sh3 million to vulnerable communities in Mombasa, Kwale and Lamu counties.

KPA managing director Captain William Ruto flagged off the consignment at the KPA headquarters with each county expected to receive food items worth Sh1 million.

Adressing the media shortly before the flagging off, Ruto said KPA as an organisation believes in partnership and extending a helping hand.

"KPA espouses care as a fundamental value in our operations, business relations and communion relations and that is why we believe in partnership and extending a helping hand to the community" said Ruto.

Adding "This is also a response to the call by the government to all corporations to extend a helping hand to people facing adverse climatic conditions."

The food in Mombasa was handed over to the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (SUPKEM) to assist needy faithfuls observing fast in the holy month of Ramadan.

"Ramadhan is a month of fasting, prayer and spiritual growth. We also strengthen our relations and our unity as a community is encouraged during this period. We are encouraged to show our compassion and care by remembering the needy in our community," Ruto said.

The food items to be distributed include maize, wheat flour, rice, cooking oil and beans.

On Thursday the distribution will take place in Kwale as the exercise is expected to be carried out in Lamu County on Friday.

Supken national vice chairman Sheikh Muhdar Khitamy lauded KPA for the gesture saying that the donation will go a long way in assisting needy families currently observing the fast.

Sheikh Muhdhar alluded to the fact that the country is undergoing a tough economic time making it difficult for many families to afford three square meals every day.

"The food will go along way in helping the Muslim families who will benefit. We as Supkem laud KPA for this initiative and call on more corporations to follow suit," said Muhdhar.

Sheikh Muhdhar also lauded president William Ruto for his efforts to stabilise the economy.

He lashed out at the opposition for their demonstrations against the government, calling on them to embrace dialogue and join in helping revive the economy.

"Demonstrations will not end hunger and help in lowering the cost of living. We need to have peace and encourage our leaders to embrace dialogue in resolving issues," he said.

Nigerian-born music superstar, business visionary and international nomad Mr Eazi has announced the formation of a new pan-African music group, Choplife Soundsystem. 

The group will also consist of UK-based, Kenyan-born afrobeats selector and tastemaker DJ Edu, as its resident DJ, along with an informal crew of contributing DJs, artists and producers from across the continent.

Mr Eazi will be the primary vocalist on Choplife Soundsystem recordings, and will also serve as its MC or Minister of Enjoyment at live events.

Choplife Soundsystem derives its name from the popular West African pidgin slang phrase chop life, meaning “enjoy life,” along with the traditional soundsystems that are the backbone of Jamaican music culture.

In Jamaican parlance, a soundsystem is a mobile crew of DJs and MCs, typically financed by a prominent local businessperson, who present music together at public events, such as street parties, clubs and festivals.

Recent years have seen international outfits like producer Diplo’s Major Lazer project put their own spin on the format, functioning as both creators and performers of original music, as well as a tastemaking DJ crew.

With Choplife Soundsystem, the always-visionary Mr Eazi is putting a modern, African twist on soundsystem culture, incorporating genres like amapiano and afrobeats to curate the ultimate African party experience— both on original studio recordings and at curated live events.  

Inspired to take the vibe and spirit of his successful Ghana holiday party Detty Rave on the road, Mr Eazi “soft launched” Choplife Soundsystem with events in Cotonou, Benin; Stockholm, Sweden; and Kigali, Rwanda, in 2022. Mr Eazi will announce further details about Choplife Soundsystem, including new music releases, partnerships and live events, later this Spring. 

“I’m going back to where I started from, hosting the biggest parties at uni,” Mr Eazi says. “That’s how I started singing. I am looking forward to this new and fun ride, and I can’t wait for all the music to start dropping and the accompanying live experience” 

Tanzanian songstress Nandy has gifted his husband rapper Billnass a brand new Range Rover sport on his birthday.

Billnass turned a year older on Tuesday.

In a video shared online, Billnass who was blindfolded was taken to a decorated venue, where his surprise was awaiting him.

In the video Nandy is seen cutting a ribbon before unveiling the vehicle.

Mombasa county government officials have reported an outbreak of Rotavirus in the county.

Rotavirus spreads easily among infants and young children. The virus can cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Children who get rotavirus disease can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized.

Addressing the media at his office flanked by county health officials, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir said 3 cases have so far been confirmed positive out of the 75 reported cases in the county.

"You can imagine with a bed capacity of about 50 and we have so far surpassed 75" said Nassir.

Nassir revealed that Kisauni sub county has recorded the majority cases.

The county boss called on residents to maintain hygiene. 

Nassir announced the launch of a vaccination for the virus for all Children in the county.

Mombasa businessman and EALA Mp Suleiman Shahbal, Public service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, are among several politicians and celebrities attending the wedding of flamboyant singer and entrepreneur Esther Akothe, popularly known as Akothee currently ongoing at the Windsor Golf Hotel in Nairobi

Others who are also attending the invite only are Migori First Lady Dr. Agnes Ayacko, Kisumu First Lady Madam Dorothy Nyong’o, radio presenters Alex Mwakideu, and Chriss Da Bass, Janet Mbugua, comedian Njugush, actress  Sandra Dacha among others.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga's wife Ida Odinga, Langata Mp Jalango, nominated senator Caren Nyamu, comedian Eric Omondi, media personality Lilian Muli were also in attendance.

Early last month while arriving from France where she had gone shopping for her gown, Akothee revealed more about her marriage and love life putting an end to speculations that were rife on social media.

She is getting married to her Caucasian lover Dennis 'Omosh' Schweizer.

"I have tried getting married three times, but it never worked out. I was only once married once to the father of my children. The other two white exes I was with, never married me." she told bloggers at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport.

Mombasa County government is set to launch a special program that will award thousands of students from the county towards their education costs if they complete community service work. 

Announcing the plan during a Quran recitation competition in Jomvu, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir noted that this is one of his many youth-related policy which his administration intends to implement in the county.

According to Nassir, this will help in preventing students from engaging themselves in vices like drug abuse during school holidays.

"We have alot of our youth who have destroyed their lives while still at school and it this is reason why I have directed the department of education to come up with this special program and see how we can easily implement it" said Nassir.

In the program students who involve themselves in community work will earn points which will later be converted into monetary and support the students in their education.

Nassir noted "With this program, our students will involve themselves in sports or serving the community whenever they break for holidays and as county government we will reward the students, for every day that the students involve themselves in the service then they will earning points which at the end will be converted into money which will be paid to the school"

Adding " We intend to start this program this coming school holiday".

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday joined Christians in marking the Easter Sunday.

Uhuru who was accompanied by his wife Margaret Kenyatta attended a church service at the St Francis Catholic church Nyali, Mombasa.

The former head state joined other worshipers in songs, prayers and taking the holy communion.

Uhuru interacted with worshipers after the service and wished Kenyans a happy Easter holiday.

"A happy Easter to all of you" Uhuru told journalists who were waiting for him outside the church.

Rachel Habona Maliwa famously known as Pokomo Princess is a young Kenyan music artist currently based in Malindi, Kilifi county.

She has recorded several songs including Unavyonipa, Sio Shida zangu, My Boy, Tsea, Moto among others.

Early this year she got two nominations at the  E360 Awards, she was nominated as "The breakthrough female artist of the year” and her song 'TSEA' nominated as "The song of the year.”

In an exclusive interview with Ommy Dallah, Rachel opens up about her music and more.

1...Briefly describe yourself, who is Rachel?

Rachel is a Kenyan Songwriter, Recording & Performing Artist populary known as Pokomo Princess.

2...How old are you?

When it comes to age , we ladies are always sweet 16, we don't grow old at all.

3... Why the name Pokomo Princess?

The name is derived from my background, where it helps me to represent my community with taste of our culture in music and arts. 

4...What first got you into music?

Music has been there in my lineage though I started loving music at a tender age of 13 years while in Church Choir.

5...Who inspired you to make music?

This is something that is rooted in our family where my father and grandparents were all musicians.

6...How would you describe the music that you typically create?

My music is more African culture, expressing love of my land fused with urban taste that soothes the mind and soul.

7...What is your creative process like?

My creative process is not complicated, it is  about daily activities, life experience and educational, where you know truth doesn't contradict at all.

8...Who would you most like to collaborate with?

When growing up I used to have several artists in mind but with time and life experiences, things have changed and I learnt alot of creating my own foundation first before collaboration, though am open for anyone who need to feature me in their projects.

9...If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

Like I have said earlier, through life experience I have learnt alot on that, life experience is the best teacher, I would prefer the new artists who are starting up now, though right now am working on building my own foundation in all areas of music plus entertainment scene.

10...What is one message you would give to your fans?

There is alot in store and I appreciate alot their support since day one. I would wish them to get in touch with me on all  my social media platforms which is  'Pokomo Princess' where they will also be posted on all my new projects. NAWAPENDA SANA'. God Bless you.

11...Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

I can't deny that, because sometimes I just find myself singing a new song.

12...What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Music is too much sauce in me, though am an accountant by profession, I could be in that area or doing some farming.

13...Which famous Musician do you admire?

I mostly get into likes of Celine Deon, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, and other few artists in Africa, Nandy and Nyota Ndogo, I May not sound exactly like them but they stand to a place where they speak both inner peace and physical. 

14...If you could change anything about the Kenyan industry, what would it be?

If I were to change anything in our Industry, I would change the process of all, from creations, sound, market and way of reaching out audiences which I can’t say more about it because am working towards the change.

15...What’s next for you?

Change is envitable, that will let my fans to keep posted on all my digital platforms to see what is cooking plus I got alot in store. Check out Pokomo Princess on all social media platforms.*