The independent electoral and Boundaries Comission (IEBC)  has refused to clear former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko on integrity grounds.

IEBC is citing Sonko's impeachment while serving as Nairobi governor as the main reason behind their decision not to clear him.

Speaking hours after IEBC rejected to clear him, at the Kenya School of government, Sonko asked his supporters not to give up as his legal team was employing all options including appealing to the dispute tribunal.

"We are disappointed by the way IEBC is conducting itself because I had been cleared in 2017 and elected to vie, we are asking why is the law being applied selectively.” questioned Sonko.

Sonko is now hoping to seek redress at the tribunal between 9 and 10 of this month failure to which he will be forced to seek alternative political decision.

"If you have been impeached you are not bared from contesting until you exhaust all appeal options," said Sonko adding that he will present his case at the director of legal affairs in the IEBC.

Sonko through his lawyer Titus Kirui confirmed that he is going to the dispute resolution tribunal saying they have not exhausted all options to be cleared.

"We had a small hitch,with the degree,they had raised issue that Sonko had no original degree certificate as well as certificate copy,but that was solved when documents were presented," said Kirui.

Kirui said the pending appeal in court over his impeachment matter will give answers to Iebc demands, saying as it stands, Sonko is still in the race for Mombasa governor.

"We have a window between 10 and 19 this month to have that resolved and we believe strongly that the governor and his running mate will be on the ballot," said Kirui.

Former Mombasa senator and UDA governor candidate Hassan Omar Sarai has pledged a sh 2 billion Biashara fund kitty to support small scale  businesses should he win the August 9 polls.

Speaking shortly after he was cleared by the Independent electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC at the Kenya School of government, Omar said top of his agenda is to revive Mombasa economy, create jobs for the youth as well as offer desired leadership.

"Our opponents are out of touch with the people's needs, our government will prioritize bettering the lives of the people by focusing on what their needs are,first we have a plan to review taxes and levies affecting the business community and setting a fund that will boost them," said Omar.

In his pledges, Omar says he will set up water desalination plants to purify water as he seeks to provide clean drinking water, equipping hospitals with medicine and paying well medics.

"Those who looted Mombasa wealth must return them, this is the most decisive elections of all time where people must not make the mistake they made the last 10 years of electing Joho administration which has done nothing." said Omar.

Nyali Mp Mohamed Ali and Omar accused Joho administration for allegedly colluding to deny UDA politicians spaces to mount their billboards.

"Politics of Mombasa are not going to be determined by billboards, we urge them to stop denying us a chance to erect our billboards, they only allocate us places that are not visible." claimed Ali.

Omar accompanied by his running mate Selina Karisa and other united Democratic Alliance UDA party leaders joins the crowded race in quest to take over leadership from Joho Administration.

A total of five governor candidates have so far been cleared by IEBC. They include Shariff Nassir (ODM), William Kingi (PAA), Daniel Kitsau (Independent) and Awiti Bolo (VDP).

"We urge Mombasa people to be ready for change, Mombasa has been under the hostage of few individuals and that must change, we are determined to deliver victory against our clueless opponents," Omar said.

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party running mate Martha Karua is on Tuesday expected to grace the 70^th anniversary of the Maendeleo ya wanawake organisation in Mombasa.

According to the organisers, over 100 members of the organisation from all over the country are expected to attend the event to be held at the Kenya School of government , Mombasa.

Public Service, Youth and Gender Cabinet Secretary professor Margaret kobia is also expected to attend the event.

Speaking during the inspection of the ground, Kilifi county Women representative Getrude Mbeyu said they will also take the opportunity to celebrate Karua’s nomination as Azimio’s Raila Odinga running mate.

"We will celebrate her for the appointment and also celebrate the development by women leaders in the country,"said Mbeyu.

Adding” Most of us as leaders are where we are because of maendeleo ya wanawake organisation, it made us to be who we are. We will also be taking stock of our achievements and howwe can continue empowering our fellow Women”.

Kilifi county Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairlady Witness Tsuma said they will use the event to rally other women to vie for political seats.

“As Women we have been facing a lot of challenges in the political field and some of us have always refused to join politics because of these challenges but with what we have seen with Martha Karua I believe more Women will now come out” said Tsuma.

Last month, Karua attended similar celebrations in Kisumu and Garissa counties where she rallied Women to vote for the Azimio coalition in the August general elections.

Mombasa based fashion retailer Tajiri fashions has opened a new outlet.

The Tajiri for men outlet was officially opened on Saturday afternoon at a colorful event attended by several celebrities, at Nyali centre.

Among those present was popular fitness trainer Frankie Just gym it, Minto’s Salon and spa C.E.O Tonnie Mintos, film maker Daudi Anguka among others.

Speaking during the event, Nyali parliamentary seat aspirant Said Abdallah alias Saido who was the chief guest emphasized on the need to create a conducive environment for small businesses in the area and county at large.

"Nyali is safe and open for investments, it is encouraging to see our young people venturing into business, It is upon us as leaders and the county government to ensure that they do their business in a conducive environment" said Abdallah.

“Everyone wants to look good and we felt that there is that gap in Mombasa when it comes to men's clothing and that is why we decided to open this branch” said Nelly Okello, C.E.O Tajiri fashions.

Mombasa county deputy governor William Kingi has unveiled Amin Roble as his running mate in the Mombasa governor race.

Kingi is seeking to succeed his current boss governor Hassan Joho on a Pamoja African Alliance party (PAA) ticket, in the August general election.

Mr Roble is a graduate of Cranfield University in the UK. He holds a Masters degree in Air Transport Management.

He also holds a Bachelor Degree in International Business Management from the United States International University, Nairobi.

He has many years experience in the corporate world having worked at senior management levels in various companies including Silverstone Air Services. He has also worked in Tanzania both as a senior manager and consultant in hotel and business management.  He has also taught part time at University level.

Kingi described Roble as a man of outstanding personality and character.

"He complements my experience in academia and government with hands on knowledge of business. He is well versed with the shipping, transport having worked in the sector for years. His international training also broadens our joint perspective in improving the functioning of our county." said Kingi.

On his part, Roble described his nomination as a surprise noting that he is up to the task.

" Kingi has worked in the county government and knows where the shoe pinches, he is the right person take the office. If there is a time for real change in Mombasa then this is the time and we are the right duo for change since we also share the same values, vison and character." said Roble.

In his speech Kingi accused the current county government of being hostile to the business community vowing to create a conducive environment for businesses if elected the next governor.

Kingi charged " I know we as a county have not been friendly to the business community. It is a pity that the environment in Mombasa is not conducive for doing business and this is the main reason why some people have had to shift to areas like Kilifi to do business, I want to promise you that in my government, you will not be harassed , I will involve in the running of the affairs and ensure there is a conducive environment for doing business".

He further revealed that he will scrap the current county revolving fund and replace with it a special business fund for the youth, Women and persons living with disabilities

The long-awaited day finally arrived and President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in celebrating the 2022 Madaraka Day at Uhuru Gardens, which was the last national day celebration he commemorated as President and Commander in Chief.

The day was filled with pomp and color in terms of entertainment, with most Kenyans agreeing that the artistes and acts curated for this year’s programme represented diversity and inclusivity among various artists and music genres in Kenyan music.

The programme was a culmination of months of preparation, which began with auditions that were conducted a few months ago.

Among the performers were participants of the 2022 National Youth Talent Development programme who got to present productions they created during their various training workshops.

The show stopping programme featured artistes like Mutulani Kasheshe of Kungulu Kwangala fame, Iyanii and Trio Mio who stole the show with their new song Tunaweza in which top female rapper Femi One is featured too.

Seasoned musicians who performed include Les Wanyika, Maroon Commandos and Jozee Gogosimo.

The list also included The State House Choir and identified youth choristers and contemporary dancers from Nairobi region and its environs.

Masauti and Jovial performed their new song Pamoja at the State House Garden Party in the afternoon.

The programme began at around 8am with live performances from Les Wanyika and Maroon Commandos as the crowds walked in.

The main entertainment programme commenced at around 11.30am after the President had arrived and inspected the guard of honor.

The songs performed at Uhuru Gardens are full music productions that were recorded, mixed and mastered by select music producers.

The music videos were released on the same day of the event through the PPMC YouTube channel and they continue to rake in views as Kenyans keep on watching and sharing.

Here is a link of the released songs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgIQUPvj3QW9M-4hEOfgwHyBCmEZgC2is

Here is a link of photos from the event: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kLoJ_VJxz3gGpFJtGc5166VNdQnb8XzO?usp=sharing

Picture Credits: Permanent PResidential Music Commission

TESTIMONIALS

Word from Iyanii on the experience

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WgEEisJSLUZafuWba6JQy2ftwTRishdE/view?usp=sharing

“This was a beautiful experience since it is my first time performing in a National event before the President, dignitaries ad Kenyans at large. Performing on the platform has given my career a huge boost and through this I know I will inspire youth out there that everything is possible no matter where you come from. Through the rehearsals and preparation of the music projects, I have met so many different people from different tribes and cultures which is a new experience for me. I’ve got to listen to different types of music from all over Kenya which has made me appreciate our diversity and perspective. The unity of us all in putting together a wonderful performance is something PPMC really stressed about and I will not forget in my future endeavors as a career musician” - Iyanii

Word from Femi One on the experience

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VmOYnGQqPd9rviakNj0EIPFPpVEoTam8/view?usp=sharing

“I was very happy to be featured in this year’s Madaraka day. I performed alongside Iyanii and Trio Mio. I have never been on a song with them so thank you PPMC for the opportunity. It’s been a good learning experience, especially the patience and dedication required during rehearsals. I am very happy to see that Sheng can be embraced in national ceremonies and it’s a big thank you to Kenyans at large for the support.” – Femi One

Word From Vitimbi Crew

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CnjxnzzuodOhbrtZ7FRiGwu9R5v68kfW/view?usp=sharing

Bongo fleva crooner Ali kiba is known to be a down to earth, simple and humble person despite his social status.

Well, in a moving display of humanity, the singer stopped his Range Rover vogue to help a man push his cart in a pathway.

In a video shared online the 'Utu' hitmaker is seen joining two other people in pushing the cart through a hill before rushing back to his car.

Mombasa County was on Wednesday treated to very heated political campaigns during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations with politicians making strong bids ahead of the August 9 polls.

At the Mama Ngina waterfront, Orange democratic Movement ODM politicians led by Governor Hassan Joho slammed the Kenya Kwanza coalition for not being unrealistic with affairs of the coastal people.

Deputy president William Ruto led faction has for the past one week made extensive inroads at the Coastal region, making a lot of soothing pledges among them returning the operations of the Mombasa port to Mombasa should they form the next government.

But Governor Joho termed the sentiments by the leaders in Ruto's camp as mockery, urging coastal residents not to gamble with their vote, instead chose Azimio La Umoja Presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga.

Joho asked coastal people to elect Odinga saying he has the interests of the coastal people at heart, adding that Odinga has proven so by promising to appoint governor Joho in the Land ministry docket.

"We can't afford to abandon Odinga who is about to ascend to power,as a region we will be at the forefront in Odinga's government and this will give us an opportunity to negotiate for our people,"Joho said.

Mombasa county Governor aspirant Abdulswamand Nassir reiterated on the Mombasa economic recovery should he succeed Hassan Joho.

Nassir says should the Azimio la Umoja one Kenya coalition form the next government the coastal region will reap economic benefits.

Nassir emphasized that the region has suffered serious economic setbacks since the transfer of port operations to parts of upcountry.

"We want a stake of the port as a region, that is the battle that is ahead of us,” Said Nassir. The mvita Mp slammed those opposed to the Azimio la Umoja coalition that they are enemies of the Mombasa region because the coalition agitates for social and economic rights of Mombasa people.

"We are defining where the difference is between us and you, if we continue to keep quiet on matters of public important, we will have no reason to seek leadership,"said Nassir saying he has been on the fore front to agitate for port operations to return to Mombasa.

The leaders drummed up support for Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga maintaining that coast I still an ODM zone.

"We are assuring the ODM leader that we will deliver all the seats in Mombasa, we want to paint Mombasa orange because the region has been a bed rock ODM," said Zamzam.

Governor Joho also took the opportunity to laud Odinga for promising him the Land CS docket, in the next government. The two times governor said he will use his docket to solve land challenges that are facing the coastal people.

“Raila said if he forms the government he will reward me the lands ministry,I want to state that when we enter into the government, demolitions will be a thing of the past in the coast and other parts of the coast, “he added.

Joho was categorical that some areas like Alidina in Jomvu, Kwa Bullo and Shauri Yako in Nyali where a lot of people live like squarters. He said land grabbers have no place in Odinga government.

“If you got land illegally, we will repossess it and hand it back to the public, and if there are idle lands, we will buy it and distribute it to Kenyans,” said Joho.

At the same time governor Joho bailed out patients with medical pending medical bills at the coast general Teaching and Referral hospital.

Joho said patients who can’t cater for their medical bills, should be released immediately.

 “I therefore want to order that if there is any sick patient treated today and has no money to cater for bills, must be released for free,”said Joho.

The governor then asked his preferred successor Abdulswamand Nassir to supervise the exercise.

“My brother just go so that you can continue with the legacy we have set to give free services,…serikali si ni yetu,hospitali si ni uetu,pesa si ni zetu iko shida hapo..Joho posed, asking Nassir to ensure no victimization.

Similar celebrations were also held in Changamwe, Likoni  and Jomvu sub counties.

Tanzanian fast rising star, Singer, songwriter and producer Robby Vibez dropped the lyrical video to his single Mona.

The audio which is self produced is about love as the artist expresses his feelings to a beautiful girl named Mona whom he can't stop thinking about. 

The video was produced by Kelly Films. 

WATCH : https://youtu.be/TVG4TVuQucU 

Speaking about the song, Robby says, " I am happy to start on this exciting musical journey, and I believe the fans will receive me with love by listening and sharing my music out there. It's been a long time coming but I am grateful that I chose the right time to go out and conquer." 

Mona Lyrical video is currently available on all digital platforms and YouTube. 

Robby Vibes is currently working on the remix of Mona with one of the biggest artistes in Africa and will be out soon. 

Mombasa is among six counties in the country likely to experience electoral violence during the 2022 General Elections.

According to a report by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) the chances of Mombasa experiencing violence stand at 71.5%. In the report, Nairobi leads with 78.9% followed by Nakuru, Kericho, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu.

The report released on Tuesday in Nairobi points out an ongoing emergence and re-emergence of organised criminal gangs -especially juvenile gangs, goons and militia.

'I note with satisfaction that this report is aligned with our Roadmap to a Violence Free Election and to key policy instruments including the Commission’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan." said NCIC C.E.O Dr Skitter Ocharo.

Adding "Everyday we are reminded of the task bestowed upon us by Kenyans, which we constantly strive to deliver,despite the many challenges we face. We are proud that once again, we have taken lead in pointing out key areas of focus".

The report also stated that Kenya's national electoral violence index for 2022 is 53.43 percent, with 31 counties likely to have peaceful elections.

Counties rated as medium high risk are Narok Marsabit, Laikipia, Lamu, Baring, Isiolo, Meru, Nandi, Samburu, and Bomet.

Embu county was named as the lowest risk of poll-related violence.

The research was conducted between January and April.