President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated his call to Kenyans to embrace peace and live together in harmony even as the country gears towards the August 9 general elections.

The President emphasized that elections will soon pass and urged all people of goodwill to join hands in ensuring that politics do not disrupt the harmonious co-existence that has made Kenya standout as a peace haven in the continent.

“Politics will come and go. So let us conduct ourselves peacefully and in a respectful manner. Let us work towards ensuring that even after the elections we will live together as Kenyans,” the President said.

President Kenyatta was speaking today at Karinde in Kiambu County during the funeral service of the late Mama Loise Njeri Mbugua.

Mama Loise, who passed away last week aged 100 years, was mother to State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua.

The Head of State paid glowing tribute to Mama Loise Njeri Mbugua, describing her as a woman who imparted strong values in her family and the community in which she lived.

“We appreciate that Mama Loice was a principled person of integrity who upheld great values that should be emulated by all,” President Kenyatta said.

The President singled out State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua as a person who reflected Mama Loice’s rectitude in his work to foster harmony, peace and unity in all the areas he served.

“I have had the opportunity of working with Hon. Mbugua for many years. Even when he was a uniformed officer he never raised his voice to force people to do what he thought was right but always opted for dialogue.

“Even when we had serious political challenges in 2007, he worked hard to bring peace. This is the route he cherished even when he served as the Governor of Nakuru. This is a testimony that Mama Loice raised her children well,” said the President.

In his sermon, Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Moderator Rt. Rev. Patrick Thegu Mutahi challenged Kenyans to learn to live with each other peacefully at all times.

He reiterated President Kenyatta’s sentiments that peace is the most important element during the electioneering period.

Quoting extensively from the Bible, Rt. Rev. Mutahi called on Kenyans to love their country and work hard to maintain peace.

“Let us maintain peace. You have the freedom to support any party or any candidate. But before you vote for a certain candidate or party, remember to maintain peace. Vote peace first then your party and candidate of choice second,” he said.

He urged politicians to refrain from insults and utterances that sow the seed of hatred and disunity among Kenyans.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and senior Government officials led by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua as well as governors James Nyoro (Kiambu), Ann Kananu (Nairobi), Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru) and mourners from all walks of life attended the funeral service.

Mama Loice was laid to rest at her Karinde home in Kiambu County.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed the Ministry of Transport to collaborate with the St. John association to train at least 200,000 boda boda riders on first aid to boost the country’s first responder capacity.

The President also ordered the Ministry of Health to establish a framework of co-operation to co-opt 26,000 volunteers from the St. John Priory to strengthen primary healthcare, emergency preparedness and response interventions all the way to the community level.

President Kenyatta further directed: “…that the Ministry of Health facilitates the establishment of a national trauma centre and provide support towards equipping of the highway trauma centres to further strengthen collaboration with St. John Ambulance.”

The Head of State spoke today at the All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi County when he attended the investiture ceremony of St. John Kenya, where 31 members of the association were awarded for their service and sacrifice towards making the lives of Kenyans better.

He also asked the Ministry of Health jointly with the National Treasury and the Attorney General’s office to formulate amendments to the St. John Ambulance of Kenya Act (Chapter 259 of the Laws of Kenya) that will deepen the partnership between the State and St. John by providing a framework for exchequer support to the association.

The President, who is also the chief patron of St. John Kenya, commended the association for its exemplary service to the country.

“This feat has been realized through exemplary work that straddles various volunteer services; including ambulance services, highway emergency response, first aid and safety training, maternal healthcare advocacy among others,” President Kenyatta said.

In addition to directly and positively impacting the lives of millions of Kenyans through its services, the President said the St. John association has also inculcated in the hearts of millions of youth the value of volunteerism and service to others.

“So many men and women, in every area of life, have been led by the light of your duty and devotion; and we thank each and everyone of you for your exemplary service,” the President said.

Congratulating the awardees, President Kenyatta acknowledged and appreciated Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Sovereign Head of the Order of St. John, for recognising the 31 members of St. John Kenya whose names were published in the London Gazette of 20^th January 2022.

“May the sacrifices you make every day for your fellow mankind be an inspiration to many more to live by the values that underpin the Order’s commitment to service,” President Kenyatta told the awardees.

Speaking at the ceremony, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said his ministry considers the Order of St. John as a valuable partner in the country’s healthcare system.

CS Kagwe noted that the spirit of volunteerism permeated from St. John has now taken root in the Ministry of Health through community health volunteers and other workers.

The Prior of St. John Kenya, Paul Ndung’u, also spoke during the ceremony that was also attended by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Mr Ndung’u said St. John Kenya has continued to expand its programmes to keep up with the changing demands in communities.

He said the priory supports and runs a number of community projects across the country including raising awareness on the need for people to look after their health and make first aid part of everybody’s life.

Tanzanian songstress Nandy said ‘I do’ to her longtime boyfriend Billnass in Zanzibar, few weeks ago.

The two got engaged in a ceremony attended by only family members and close friends.

Documenting their special day on social media, the Nimekuzoea crooner shared numerous pictures of her and her man in matching outfits, showing off her massive ring with the caption, “MRS. WILLIAM NICHOLAUS LYIMO”.

Well, the singer who is currently ruling the airwaves with her latest song 'Siwezi' has finally revealed her weddind date.

In an interview with Ommy Dallah, Nandy spoke about the wedding and her latest song.

Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal has unveiled former Jomvu deputy county commissioner Selina Maitha as his running mate in the Mombasa governor contest.

Shahbal, one of the frontrunners eyeing the ODM ticket in the quest to succeed Governor Hassan Joho, confirmed picking Selina Maitha as his running mate in the August 9 elections.

In a colorful event held at Majaoni in Kisauni attended by a host of Mijikenda elders and religious leaders,Shahbal said his decision to settle for Selina as his running mate was reached after consultations with Mombasa county elders.

Selina is a younger sister of the former minister, who died in 2004 while on a work trip to Germany.Shahbal expressed hopes with her political potential to steer him to the top seat.Shabal through his Gumzo na Shahbal campaign slogan in the grassroots resulted in her nomination.

“I now announce that Selina Maitha is my running mate for Mombasa governor, before settling for her we were advised by elders, we sought advice from everyone, and we did that according to their advice,” said Shahbal.

Shahbal said his agenda is well cut out to change the lives of Mombasa people. He said the needs for Mombasa people will be solved through a people centered leadership that will work harmoniously with everyone.

“We are determined to improve health status in Mombasa, set aside money to boost struggling local economies, empower women groups, youth and the elderly, because the government will listen to everyone without discrimination, “said Shahbal.

Shahbal once again asked the ODM party to exercise democracy in determining the ODM ticket flagbearer, and not to pinpointing individuals. He said the people should be given an opportunity to decide who they want to rule them in Mombasa.

“We don’t want rhetoric,the people of Mombasa have suffered enough, this is the time to change our leadership because Change Must Come in Mombasa, we don’t fear anyone because we are ready to face them,”Shahbal said in reference to his nomination opponents.

Speaking after being officially unveiled, the deputy governor said she wants to follow the roots of her brother who she says was instrumental in her young life as the last born of the Maitha Family. She says her dream was to serve the people of Mombasa same way as his elder brother Karisa Maitha did.

The deputy governor said her decision to deputize the governor was arrived at after a thorough soul serving and advice she got from the neighbors, religious leaders from Mombasa.

“My brother was instrumental in my life,he introduced me to politics when I was a small girl, we used to interact a lot and I used to see how he helped people, he was my role model. And now that I have joined politics, I will serve the people of Mombasa the same way and I believe together with Shahbal,we will transform this country,” She said.

She says her mission is to mobilize women votes so that Shahbal can become the next governor of Mombasa and actualize his dreams together so that she can see Mombasa economy thrive and Mombasa people get empowered.

“We must see change this year, we must change the lives of our mothers, our youth and our elderly people, I am equal to the task given to me by Suleiman Shahbal and I ask for your support in this journey,” said Maitha.

She had been a deputy county commissioner in Machakos and held the same position in acting capacity in Kalama sub-county until January this year.She made her debut in public administration as a district officer in Kiambu, a position she held from 2004 to 2006.

She later held similar positions in different regions in Kilifi, Bomet and Narok.The duo is now warming up to succeed Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho in the August 9 polls.Shahbal will be making a third stamp in the gubernatorial contest after twice unsuccessfully contesting against Joho.

Other politicians in the race for the ODM ticket are Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir and Deputy Governor William Kingi while former Mombasa senator Hasan Sarai is eying on United Democratic Alliance UDA ticket.

Mombasa governor aspirant Suleiman Shahbal is set to officially unveil his running mate today (Thursday).

The businessman turn politician has settled on former administrator Selina Maitha as his running mate.

Shahbal has been teasing on social media that he will be making a major announcement today thus keeping his supporters at suspense.

Selina Maitha who is the sister to former powerful Coast politician Karisa Maitha served as the Jomvu deputy county commissioner (DCC) before she resigned on February this year as required by law.

She also served as the Kilifi North DCC. She once served as the personal assistant (PA) to the Coast regional commisioner.

Maitha will be unveiled at the Majaoni grounds at a ceremony to be attended by politicians allied to Suleiman Shahbal including Chanagmwe Mp Omar Mwinyi and former Kisauni Mp Rashid Bedzimba.

The Sarova Stanley Hotel has been presented with the coveted Thai Select Award for its Thai Chi Restaurant. Thai SELECT is the accreditation that certifies not only the food, but also the hospitality and atmosphere of a Thai restaurant.

Managing Director Sarova Hotels and Resorts Jimi Kariuki received the award together with Sarova Food & Beverage Director Shailender Singh from Her Excellency Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat, the Ambassador of Thailand to Kenya at Sarova Stanley's Thai Chi Restaurant.

The Thai SELECT is awarded by the Ministry of Commerce, the Royal Thai Government to guarantee the authentic Thai taste of Thai food products and Thai restaurants in Thailand and overseas. The award is divided in 2 categories; Thai ready-to-eat/ready-to-cook products and Thai restaurants.

To receive the recognition, Chefs must be carefully trained in the preparation of authentic Thai meals. Through training and inspections, high standard Thai Restaurants worldwide have achieved this distinction.

A piece of Thailand in Nairobi, Thai Chi has previously been awarded as the most authentic Thai restaurant in East Africa. The delectable Thai specialties prepared by experienced chefs from Thailand make Thai Chi one of Nairobi's most elegant dining establishments.

The restaurant has been in existence for 16 years serving a range of Thai Cuisine in the heart of the city.

Shazam, one of the world’s most popular and highly rated music apps, today launched a suite of concert features, making it easy for users to explore upcoming live music shows and increase exposure for artists.

By simply Shazaming a song, searching for it in the Shazam app or on the Shazam website, users can find concert information and tickets on sale for upcoming shows nearby.

They can also launch a Shazam Artist page to explore dates, times and locations of upcoming live shows, tap on any concert to view additional tour information, share show details, and add events to their calendar.

The entire experience is seamless and secure. 

"Shazam has a long history of innovation in music discovery and connecting artists and fans," said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats.

Shazam’s new features leverage concert information from Bandsintown, a world-renowned event recommendation and artist discovery platform serving over 68 million music fans and 560,000 artists, managers, labels and booking agents.

“As live music returns, we’re on a mission to help artists get more visibility for their shows,” said Fabrice Sergent, managing partner of Bandsintown.

Adding“Pent up demand from fans eager to go back to concerts is being met by an unprecedented level of live shows from artists on tour.”

Users’ excitement for Shazam’s music recognition features—including its iconic “Tap to Shazam” button, its Music Recognition control for Control Center on iOS, Shazam from Notifications on Android and more—have driven its long-lasting global popularity.

Shazam now counts over 225 million monthly active users, with more than 1 billion song recognitions per month and over 50 billion total since its inception.

Artists, fans and the global music industry follow Shazam's wide variety of charts that reflect both early and global music trends. Shazam's yearly predictions also offer a good indication of which artists have the potential of making a splash.

Last year, Shazam selected Australian hip-hop artist Masked Wolf among its 5 artists to watch.

His track “Astronaut In The Ocean” has now been Shazamed over 12 million times, and was crowned most-Shazamed song of 2021 globally.

Availability:

• Shazam’s new concert pages are available in the iOS and Android apps, and onShazam.com
• Artists can now make available their tour information to Shazam via Bandsintown For Artists, and continue to access unique Apple Music and Shazam audience insights onApple Music for Artists.

Tanzanian King of The Decks & Producer And now a music executive just released his most anticipated single “Naumwa”. Which translates to English Means “Being in Pain”.

He is trying to explain how this lady he is in love with is making him have sleepless nights whenever he sees her, and wishes to spend the rest of his life with her though she is playing hard to get.

 Symbolizing the space that Gibbzy sees himself in life, “Naumwa” escalates the sounds of freedom, confidence and a feeling of self belief in the person he is becoming and a word of encouragement to his fans to always go for what their hearts desires. Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Gibbzy himself.

The single solidifies Gibbzy’s place amongst the greats and furthers the evolution of his sound, songwriting, production and engineering in general.

Describing the music, Gibbzy says it plays as the sound of a young African who’s hungry for success.

 The leading DJ and Producer , Gibbzy remains one of the most prolific, popular and elegant Dj’s to come up at a very high speed in a very short span of time out of Tanzania and East Africa at large.

About Gibbzy

Gibbzy is a Tanzanian Born and bred DJ and Producer based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

He’s gained recognition through his Deejaying and Production having started at a very young age and has performed at the biggest concerts and clubs in Dar es Salaam. He is currently the official Deejay of one of the leading Alcoholic Brands in Tanzania.

He also gained much recognition from his debut Single “Masiara” a a feel good song which samples sounds from Amapiano. Charting on different playlists on Apple Music and Spotify.

Coast region is among the three (3) regions affected by the new changes in police command.

The new Coast regional police commander is Titus Karuri who was moved from Central, swapping positions with Musyoki Manase.

The changes were announced  by Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai on March 18.

The new Rift Valley police commander is Tom Odero. He had been serving at the National Counter Terrorism Centre and swapped positions with Fredrick Ochieng.

Former Nairobi police boss Augustine Nthumbi was moved to police headquarters Vigilance House as a liaison officer there.

The acting police boss for Nairobi is James Mugera.

According to Mutyambai, the changes were aimed at boosting operations in the country.

Content House Kenya has released Turkana Sessions—a musical journey through the astounding culture and landscape of Turkana.

This project brings together Turkana artists: Jackson Nakuwa, Mourine Apuu, Jackson Ekori and Elizabeth Korikel in collaboration with Nairobi's Eddie Grey in an exploration of the region’s musical heritage.

All 10 songs off the project are performed live and were recorded in live form, by the breathtaking shores of Lake Turkana, in the pyramid hills at Eliye and the grass flats of Kerio, all in Turkana County.

Eddy Grey’s soulful guitar rhythms marry with authentic Turkana sounds to provide a rich and captivating showcase – depicting what is possible when we look at new ways of presenting our traditional art forms through high and quality production.

Link Ikabore Ekwang’: https://youtu.be/krU8ByuBE3I 

Link Aluwai Etori Ayong’: https://youtu.be/3Xv_Fww6q-o

New songs dropping every week on the Content House Kenya YouTube channel

From songs about courting, reconciliation for couples, weddings, peace, losing livestock, beauty and how it transcends age, resources and diversity of Turkana to another - discouraging men from pursuing school-age girls; the 10-song project cuts across societal themes close to the day-to-day life of the communities living in Turkana.

Through storytelling, the artists tackle different topics and life situations in a clever way.

“At Content House, bringing the voices of marginalized people to the forefront is one of our key missions and this project does that in beautiful and unexpected ways. We started out in the region working in photography and film, but always during breaks the artists broke into song and we knew we had to find a way of incorporating it into the larger project,” said Jackie Lebo, project director at Content House.

While Northern Kenya has historically been in the news for conflict and poverty, the region is also endowed with great beauty and cultural heritage.

Its stark, arid landscape is home to Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world.

The lake’s distinctive green waters led it to be named the Jade Sea and its craters and crocodile-filled islands make it one of the most unique places to visit in the world.

Turkana Sessions is the third project from The Artists Xchange, a companion project of the feature documentary Turkana: Races for Resources http://www.turkanafilm.com/ which will be released in 2023.

The project follows the series: The Flyest Wedding in Africa and Floating, Flying http://www.turkanafilm.com/artistsexchange/ off The Artists Xchange undertaking that brings together artists from Turkana and Nairobi to produce work that responds to the issues facing the region.

The artists work in various disciplines including music, video art, film, fashion, visual art and photography.

This is a time of great change in Turkana to bring art to the forefront.

There is an opportunity for artists from the Turkana and beyond to be part of discussions of the most urgent issues of their region.

With all the valuable minerals being found in the region, communities need to be treated as equal partners.

They are the custodians of a rich heritage that can inform a uniquely African thinking for what these natural resource finds mean to us.

It is time to change the narrative on Northern Kenya, show the world its art forms and inspire Kenyans to look to their roots for inspiration.