It's official. Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been handed a direct nomination ticket by the Wiper Democratic Movement to vie for the Mombasa County governorship in the August General Election.

This brings to an end the debate that has been ongoing for weeks now in Mombasa whether Sonko will be in the ballot for the Mombasa governor seat.

The flamboyant politician was handed the ticket by Wiper leader Kalonzo on Thursday in Nairobi in the presence of Kisauni Mp Ali Mbogo who was also eyeing the Mombasa governor seat on a wiper ticket. Mbogo will now deputise Sonko.

"Our consensus efforts continue to bear fruit. The National Elections Board is very pleased to announce that Gov. Mike Sonko. and Hon Ali Menza Mbogo have agreed to work together to deliver Mombasa county Governorship." said Musyoka.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2803-mbogo-dismisses-sonko-over-plan-to-vie-for-mombasa-governor-seat

Sonko will now battle it out against Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar (UDA) and Mvita MP Abdulswamad Sharif  Nassir (ODM), Mombasa deputy governor William Kingi (PAA) and former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar (UDA).

A group of aspirants under Azimio One Kenya alliance from Mombasa have opposed the call by ODM leader Raila Odinga for six-piece voting in the county.

The aspirants mainly from wiper party, Jubilee party, Kanu and the Pamoja alliance party termed the call by Odinga as divisive asking him to recant his statement and apologise.

Addressing the media on Thursday morning, the aspirants demanded to be treated as equal partners in the coalition.

On Tuesday while handing over nomination certificates to ODM candidates from the Coast region at the Treasury square Mombas, Odinga once again called on ODM supporters to vote using the six piece system, by voting for only ODM candidates.

"Raila Odinga is the Azimio one Kenya alliance party leader and presidential candidate , he is not an ODM party candidate . The ODM party no longer has exclusive rights to Odinga, any attempt to claim exclusive rights to Odinga diminishes his candidacy to a party affair." said Mombasa Deputy Governor William Kingi who is eyeing the Mombasa governor seat on a PAA ticket.

Adding " All aspirants within Azimio stand with him, campaign for him and he should reciprocate by standing with them as a father to al. We urge Odinga to shun status quo politicians who are only interested in personal gain."

The aspirants also want to involve in all political activities being spearheaded by the ODM leader in the county.

"We also reject all attempts to zone off the coastal region as this has been used by brokers to advance personal interests in the past. Consequently we call upon the leadership of the Azimio one Kenya alliance to desist from retreating into past zoning practices that have led to division, If any Azimio candidate wins, Baba wins." charged Kingi.

On her part, Wiper party aspirant for the Nyali Mp seat Millicent Odhiambo emphasized the need for Odinga to treat all aspirants equal and campaign for them too.

"Raila made a decision to get into a coalition, he is now in a polygamous marriage and he needs to change his ways and treat all wives and families equal. He is our father." said Odhiambo.

Amina Abdallah, who is eyeing the Mombasa Women representative seat on a Jubilee party called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to also hit the ground and starting campaigning for jubilee aspirants.

"Let the president also come out and start campaigning for his people and if things will not work out then let everyone campaign for themselves and not just one candidate." said Amina.

East African Popstar Nadia Mukami released her sophomore EP BUNDLE OF JOY on Thursday 21st, April 2022 exclusively on Africa’s leading streaming service Boomplay.

The hearty project celebrating motherhood is a follow-up to her highly successful debut EP AFRIKAN POPSTAR released in 2020.

The 4-track project features top and emerging Kenyan Afro Pop & Afro Dancehall stars including Arrowboy, Iyanii, and Latinoh in a series of jams celebrating motherhood, chronicling her trying and rewarding journey through her pregnancy and motherhood.

Speaking on the project Nadia noted, ‘’The project expresses my new life phase. I am experiencing new joy and appreciate the gifts given to me. It also expresses my gratitude to God for the blessings I have received.”

Adding “The project will showcase me as a new mom and how I will navigate it. Fans should expect to feel all the emotions that I had as I poured my heart out in the EP. I am opening up to my fans and letting them experience my journey with me’’.

Listen to the album here: http://Boom.lnk.to/NadiaMukamiBOJ

Watch Zawadi Music Video here: https://bit.ly/NadiaZawadiVideo

The Afro Pop laced and Bongo-tinged EP opens up with ‘Acha Mungu Aite Mungu’, a spiritual intro full of gratitude for God’s blessings as she carried on her pregnancy.

‘Kai Wangu’ features partner and Afro Dancehall star Arrowboy in a deep retrospection on motherhood filled with unfettered anxieties and excitement of growing a family of her own.

‘Saluti Kwa Mama’ featuring Iyanii is an engrossing ode to motherhood, highlighting the struggles and celebrating the joys of raising a child.

The project’s outro ‘Zawadi’, features label mate and rising singer Latinoh on an overwhelming appreciation of God and her husband for the precious and magical gift of her newborn that surely sets her on the next chapter of her life.

Released alongside the engrossing lead video ‘Zawadi’, the project is also a befitting honor to her late children Lola and Safari.

The singer together with partner Arrowboy recently launched the Lola & Safari Foundation aimed at supporting young mothers experiencing challenges with pregnancy and childbirth.

The release is a project under her stable, Sevens Creative Hub

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday rebuked politicians who are quick to identify problems without offering solutions to the needs of Kenyans.

In what looked like an indirect hit at his deputy William Ruto, the president said leaders holding leadership positions should not cry like babies.

“You are already in leadership and you are seeking a more powerful position then you should be in the frontline to solve current problems, not complain and criticize all the time,” he said.

Uhuru said Kenya needs leaders who are able to identify problems and offer solutions, not mere critics who have nothing to offer.  

“The problem with this Kenya is that the so-called leaders are quick to pinpoint a problem but have no solution to those problems. So, when they read in the newspapers about fuel, maize etc. they are the first ones to call press conferences to complain about the prices,” Kenyatta said.

He called on those seeking various elective/leadership positions in the coming August Elections to be problem solvers and not just talkers

“This country needs problem solvers not problem talkers. You are a leader and you are the first one to complain then the ordinary mwananchi is left wondering so what? We need people who are willing and committed to providing solutions because problems will never ever. Today you sleep thinking you have solved all your issues, another one emerges tomorrow,” President Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta made his remarks from Mombasa County during the 45^th Head Teachers Conference just two weeks after DP Ruto faulted the delayed disbursement of fuel subsidies to oil marketers blaming a nationwide fuel crisis on ‘monopolistic cartels, economic saboteurs and incompetent public officials.

Ruto said the crisis which became more pronounced two weeks ago could have been averted had public officials charged with dispensing subsidies done so in a timely and efficient manner.

American multinational technology company, Google has announced over 100 job vacancies for it's newly opened office in Nairobi.

This follows a decision by the tech giant company to invest sh 115 billion in Africa in order to support and grow the technology space in the continent.

The firm is now looking for product managers, software engineers, senior UX designers and UX researchers who will be tasked with solving technical challenges.

Some of the tasks will include improving the smartphone experience for people in Africa while improving its infrastructure across the continent.

"We’re looking for talented, creative, and collaborative people who can help solve difficult and important technical challenges, such as improving the smartphone experience for people in Africa, or building products that will help everyone to thrive together." reads a statement from the firm.

The new Nairobi centre is now Google's second big research and development investment in Africa, after the AI and research centre in Ghana opened in 2019.

To apply interested Kenyans can visit Google's website.

Award-winning hip hop artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist King Kaka has linked up with the world’s top leading smart life brand Itel as it’s Brand Ambassador.

Itel, which is committed to providing budget-friendly, good quality consumer electronic products , made the announcement on Tuesday at an exclusive press conference held at Radisson Blu Hotel Arboretum.

“We are thrilled to announce the partnership with King Kaka. He mirrors the values of versatility, perfection and innovation that we steadfastly follow at itel by following the brand values and spirit.” Explains Mr Ray, Country Manager, itel Kenya.

King Kaka in his speech said: “Itel are true innovators, and that’s always something I’ll value. Throughout my career and with my music, I’ve tried to follow my own path, and I respect Itel for doing the same.”

King Kaka’s manager and Kaka Empire’s managing partner, Dennis Njenga, also made some remarks regarding the partnership

“King Kaka’s brand is all about inspiring the young generation to believe they can become anything they want. He started from humble beginnings and went on to become one of the biggest brands both locally and internationally.” He said.

Itel aims to help its customers and communities enjoy a better life by simplifying access to technology around the world. King Kaka will amplify this as the rapper has always believed that the greatest achievement we have as humans is to serve others. 

Multi-award winning Kenyan entertainer and performer Chimano, has released his anticipated debut EP HEAVY IS THE CROWN, alongside “Hallelujah”- the project’s lead single and music video.

Written by Bien-Aimé, the pop single with a classic feel echoes the EP’s concept of self-love and self-acceptance.

Chimano says, “It's a wonderful song that generally speaks to everybody in humanity. It also speaks to me.“

Adding “It’s a message to myself where I am putting myself first and walking this journey of life with my true self and like-minded individuals and anybody who wants to join us on this amazing journey. And yes, the real Chimano has arrived!”

Watch “Hallelujah” on YouTube

In the new video, the celebrated style icon impresses with his ever eccentric fashion sense, donned in a bedazzled blazer effortlessly swaying to the lyrics of this melodious track.

It’s a singular scene with strong visuals in dark hues that later turn to red with streaks of lights - making him shine in the spotlight and solo appearance.

Chimano says of the video, “The visuals behind this song are just simple and juxtaposing being centered internally and externally.”

The 7-track EP, reminiscent of sounds inspired by late 80s and early 90s music, also features previously released feel-good hit single: “Friday Feeling”, “Hallelujah”, “Freedom”, “Beautiful”, “Loser”, “Mad Love” and “Stereo”.

The overarching theme and inspiration in each of the EP tracks is the concept of truthfulness in one’s self-identity.

This EP is the beginning of a new chapter for Chimano.

He reveals, “I needed to have courage to be myself fully because of my new-found conviction. I needed to be that for others, and to inspire them to see that they can also be themselves.”

Adding, “The crown in this case is on you and me. If you go through life in kindness, standing up for your dreams and aspirations, respecting your fellow human beings and respecting the right of others to live unrestricted as long as it's not an infringement on your human rights - then you have a crown on your head.”

Stream ‘Heavy Is The Crown’ EP

Chimano says of HEAVY IS THE CROWN, “It feels good to be authentic, at peace and centered. It’s a good place for me to be in and to stick to my values. This EP is who I am. I am coming out of my shell. It takes time for who you are to shine bright from your soul, from within, to the outside - a lot of people will relate to this.” 

As a member of Grammy-certified Kenyan music group, Sauti Sol, working on this iconic EP was revolutionary for Chimano.

He had started writing some songs off the EP up to three years ago but didn’t know where they would fit. It was until Sauti Sol’s ‘Alone Together’ project came along that Chimano found a home for his own and personal sound and lyrics.

Even though Chimano unveils his vulnerability to the listener, he confidently relays a fine project with a strong impulse to impel people to look within themselves and listen to their inner voices.

Those lost in the path of their self-actualization can find their purpose in life or what they want to achieve in their careers and lives. The journey to this takes time but with patience you will get there. 

Immerse in the funk, soul, richness and diversity of Chimano’s HEAVY IS THE CROWN new body of work, with epic visuals, art direction and lyrics about self-acceptance, love, freedom, redemption and gratitude.

It’s a risqué EP that challenges toxic masculinity, prejudices and hypocrisy.

Chimano sums up, “It's hard to ignore the burdens society puts on you but by believing and focusing on yourself while being kind to others, you have crowned yourself and don't need anyone to validate that. I have fully started to express myself and deep down for me this is an expression of happiness and freedom.”

Mombasa businessman turn politician Suleiman Shahbal has been petitioned to rescind his decision and contest as an independent candidate for Mombasa governor.

 Shahbal dropped his bid for Mvita Mp  Abdulswamad Nassir saying that that he resolved to back the lawmaker after the party leadership, led by Raila Odinga, called for consensus-building to ensure ODM retains the ticket.

On Tuesday, Shahbal almost shed tears when he met his emotional congregation of electorates at the Tononoka social hall who demanded him to join the race as an independent.

The supporters kept on chanting his slogan 'Change must come' as they asled him to run for the governor seat as an independent meeting.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2802-shahbal-steps-down-for-nassir-in-mombasa-governor-contest

Some of the speakers who attended the meeting could not hold their tears as the governor candidate delivered the heartbreaking message. Many believed that he was the change that Mombasa deserved.

“We are sick and tired of begging in Mombasa, the county has no development because of poor leadership and implanting of leaders, nothing will change even with Odinga as the president for Mombasa,” said Amina Abdalla, a women rep aspirant.

His running mate Selina Maitha a;sp asked Shahbal to change his mind and go independent. Maitha said many electorates feel betrayed by the decision, and the business man ought to listen to the plight of the majority.

This happens as a group of women, youth and the elderly from Mombasa have embarked on a petition signing to compel Shahbal rescind his decision and vie as an independent candidate.

“We the people of Mombasa County want Change. We believe that Shahbal is the only one with the desire and ability to bring change. We need jobs and a friendly business environment. Your decision to step down for another candidate is not welcome,”said Hamisi Baya, one of those that have signed the petition.

The group has expressed its dissatisfaction with the governor aspirant saying he out to have consulted his supporters before he dropped his bid.

“We commit to supporting you through campaigning for you, voting for you, supporting you financially where necessary, and protecting the votes on the day of the election,”|he added.

Hawa Shafi, another petitioner, said he believed that Shahbal would bring the change that Mombasa has disrespected for the ten years governor Joho has been in power.

“I am a strong believer of positive change, I believe in Shahbal because he is the change we need in Mombasa. I listened to his agendas and felt that he is the solution to our problems,” wrote Hawa in the online petition that has so far received over 1,000 signatures.

Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir is now the undisputed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party flag bearer for the Mombasa gubernatorial race in the August polls.

Nassir was given the party ticket following negotiations that saw his political rival and businessman Suleiman Shahbal drop his bid to support him.

South African pure-play software testing company, Inspired Testing (www.InspiredTesting.com), is on a continent-wide drive to attract, develop and place Africa’s digital talent on the global stage.

The company is on a determined path to ensure that African talent plays a meaningful role in the 4th Industrial Revolution and believes that the continent’s digital-savvy talent is the answer to a worldwide software skills shortage.

Andre Barnard, Chief People and Culture Officer at Inspired Testing says, “ Our endeavour to further grow into other territories means that we’re unlocking employment opportunities for software testers from the likes of Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia and from other countries on our continent.”

“We want to partner with potential employees, be they senior or intermediate automation engineers or graduates seeking to further a career in software testing.” says Barnard.

Inspired Testing describes the candidates it seeks as ideally in possession of an ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) Certification or willing to acquire this qualification within 3 months, coupled with a readiness to grow and engage and someone who wants to take control of their progression in software testing.

The company aligns a career map for each employee and is committed to advancing them from a “start” to a “vision” position in their career.

Barnard says that the company’s employees and its leadership are known for possessing a “mentality of abundance”.

He describes this notion as, “Being intentional in always giving away our best.”

“Our purpose is to make way for potential, “says Barnard when asked what Inspired Testing had to offer persons seeking employment at the organisation.

He went on to explain that truly making way for potential has to go beyond just paying a market-related remuneration.

Noting  ”It comprises access to leadership, a functional mentorship programme, the opportunity to upskill and self-develop, with funding assistance from the company, and global work exposure to multinational companies of varying sizes.”

Inspired Testing’s global clients span across Legal, Banking, Financial Services, Telecommunications, e-Commerce and Retail sectors, to name a few.

Barnard points out that the business verticals that they currently service have grown exponentially during the Covid-19 pandemic and the strategic migration and deeper advancement to digital-first platforms and operations have indeed created quite an upsurge in the software industry, thereby creating the need for more resources in software testing as a discipline.

Inspired Testing also runs The Inspired Academy, that tailor makes programmes and curriculums designed specifically for the upskilling of clients’ software testing teams and individuals who wants to advance their career.

The academy, borne from the organisation's desire to positively impact both society and the industry sector they operate in, has seen many successfully completed training courses in the six months passed.

The programmes run here directly contribute to ramping up software testing skills sets and often leads to career progression for the incumbents.

The Orange Democratic Movement ODM party members of the Mombasa county assembly have welcomed the installation of Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Sharif Nassir to succeed governor Hassan Joho.

The both sitting and aspiring MCAs have vowed to elect and rally behind Nassir as the next Mombasa governor terming him as a leader who has been tested in leadership.

Speaking during a press conference at the Treasury square the MCA's have slammed former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar for calling Nassir as a project.

According to Tudor ward MCA Tobias Samba, Nassir is the best candidate for the Mombasa governor seat.

Samba also called on Omar to focus on his campaigns and stop attacking Nassir.

 “Abdulswamad has been tested and proven. We have all seen what he has achieved in parliament as chairman of the public accounts committee. In Abdulswamad we have trust.”  said Samba.

Adding “Omar is a non issue in the Mombasa race, he has no impact. We are going to defeat him because Mombasa is a ODM strong hold.”

On his part, Likoni MCA Athman Mwamiri noted "Nassir is a project of the people therefore we want to ask his competitors to brace for a tough political duel in the August 9 general elections.”

According to Fatma Kushe,a sitting MCA said the ODM party will sweep all elective seats in Mombasa. Kushe said the instalment of Nassir is a complete deal that he is the best bet for Mombasa.

"Abdulswamad is not going to answer you, we are his foot soldiers and the ones who will answer you. You are the weak candidate and not Nassir.” Said Kushe

Adding “We are confident that Nassir will form the next county government and all seats for elective positions will go to ODM party," said Kushe.

The MCAs have vowed to conduct extensive campaigns for Nassir in Mombasa to ensure he becomes the next governor.

"As aspirants of ODM we will prove to them that no any other part will be in the county assembly except ODM party alone. Infact Hassan Omar’s party has the weakest candidates in the MCAseats "added Allan Katana Majaoni MCA aspirant who won the ODM ticket.

On Sunday, Former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar said the United democratic Alliance UDA party with clinch key political positions in the August 9 polls.