Ann Kananu has officially taken over as the third Governor of Nairobi City County.

This is after she was sworn in on Tuesday in a brief ceremony officiated by Lady Justice Lilian Mutende at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).

She takes over as the first female governor of the Capital Nairobi.

In her oath of office, Kanani vowed to deliver quality services to the millions of Nairobi residents and uphold the constitution of Kenya.

“I shall strive to uphold the constitutional provisions, notably:  Chapter 6 on leadership and integrity; Article 10 on National Values and Principles of Governance; and Article 232 on Values and Principles of Public Service. I can confidently state that with your support, I am up to the task and I will serve you to the very best of my ability,” stated Kananu.

Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office at COMESA grounds within KICC, Kananu also promised to cushion Nairobi residents and businesses from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My tenure comes at a time when the City, like the rest of the country, is reeling from the social and economic impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Individuals, households, communities, and businesses have suffered immensely through loss of lives, livelihoods, and freedom,” she said.

“As your Governor and as a mother, I feel your pain! And it is for this reason that during my tenure in the office, I have focused on cushioning Nairobi residents and businesses from the impact of the pandemic."

The new Governor further urged City residents to take advantage of the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive and ensure their families and friends are vaccinated.

Kananu is now the first female Governor of Nairobi City and the third woman Governor in Kenya since the onset of devolution in 2013.

“I am privileged to join governors Charity Ngilu and Anne Waiguru as the country’s first female Governors. Today marks yet another milestone for women and girls in Kenya. It’s, therefore, our hope that this day serves as an important mark to encourage more women to come forward to participate in the governing of this great nation and provide leadership,” she said.

Kananu has been in office since January 2021 as acting Governor and deputy Governor following the removal of Mike Sonko from office in December 2020.

Kananu had been nominated as Deputy Governor by her predecessor Mike Sonko.

Among those who attended the functions included Cabinet Secretary- Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Ms Margret Kobia and Chief Administrative Secretary-Ministry Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Ms. Rachel Shebesh.

Others were Chairman Council of Governors Martin Wambora, NMS boss General Lieutenant Mohamed Badi, Nairobi City County Assembly Speaker Hon. Benson Mutura, Deputy Governor Nyeri County Ms. Caroline Karugu, Nairobi Assembly leadership, Members of Parliament among other guests.

Award-winning Kenyan Star, Khaligraph Jones has announced his partnership with Galactic Kenya, a leading mobile phones and accessories shop.

The partnership deal includes sale of Khaligraph's branded mobile accessories such as Headphones, USB cables, power banks and ear phones among other things that will be available at various outlets within and outside Nairobi. 

Speaking about why he chose Galactic Kenya, Khaligraph said, "Everything is built on relationships and my partnership with Galactic is based on the friendship that has existed between us over the years. This venture is something new, fresh, game changer and it's going to elevate the game, industry and Kenya as a country. "

"I and the entire Galactic team are thrilled that such a distinctive industry professional as Khaligraph Jones agreed to partner with us on this venture, " said Sam K, President of Galactic Kenya.

Adding "Khaligraph brings his exceptional brand in the 254 entertainment scene and also his energy to our growing company. This partnership will particularly help our team boost strategic and brand positioning in the tech and music industr ."

Fans and revelers were later treated to an afternoon of music, dance competition from various dance crews. 

Galactic Kenya mobile accessories are affordable, durable and of good quality and can be found at their experience store along Kenyatta Avenue, next to The Stanley Hotel and other dealership shops within the city center. 

A war of words ensued on Sunday night  between Tanzanian star musician Harmonize and his  former boss Diamond Platnumz signaling a deepening feud between the two artists.

It all started after Diamond Platnumz who had been nominted for the MTV EMA Best African Act award took to social media to congratulate singer Rayvanny for his performance during the award ceremony held in Hungary.

In a strongly worded message , Diamond Platnumz bragged that Rayvanny is so far the first African artist to perfom at the awards ceremony calling on fellow youths to appreciate each other and avoid drugs a message that was translated as a direct jab to his former friend turned rival Harmonize.

Diamond Platnumz lost the award to Nigeri'as Wizkid

"The first Afirican Artist to Perfom #MTVEMA @rayvanny Chui ? ?.... Niwakumbusha Msanii wa Kwanza Africa Kuperform MTVEMA anatokea Tanzania, Mkoa wa Wasafi na sasa ni Raisi wa Next Level Mh @rayvanny ... Vijana wenzangu Tujifunzeni Kuwa na Nidhamu na Fadhila ili Sanaa zetu zitufikishe mbali zaidi na tusiishie kwenye Mihadarati....? #WCB4life #NextLevel #Tetema" psoted Diamond Platnumz.

The message did however not go down well with Harmonize who in turn also responded through instagram story.

"Vijana ni vyema kujifunza ukimsaidia mtu sio lazima umdai fadhira maana kama ndio hivyo basi Tanzania yote inanidai pia ukishapokea mamillioni ya shillingi 600M ukishavutia unga yakiwa yanakalibia kuisha ni vyema kuyauliza au kuyadai fadhira. Pia vijana jitahidini kutofautisha kipi ni hatari kati ya mihadarati na huo unga unao wakondesha . Vijana jitahidini kutofautisha kati ya wewe mwenye miaka 11 na wenye miaka 6 umefika wapi mana baar ni zile zile kichenipati ni zile zile huku USA licha ya kuvimba kote mkiwa jiji la mama Samia. Vijana ni vyema kuendelea kuwalipa wakina mama Levo waendele kutukana watu unaotaka wakuheshimu huku ukiamini watakufa kimziki bila kujua unawalipa promotion. Vijana jifunze kupost msani wako akitoa wimbo sio kuumia kwa kutolewa collabo na sio kutafuta pakutokea kupitia kijana mwenzio sio vizuriii kaka" posted Harmonize.

Adding " Mkishakosaga tuzo zisizo nunulika msikimbilie ngada haraka. Rudini studio subirieni Afrima".

The two singers have been in a beef ever since they parted ways when Harmonize left Diamond's Wasafi label and formed his own label, Konde Gang.

In an interview with clouds fm in 2019, Harmonize revealed that he had to pay the label Tshs 500 million (Kshs 22M) as stipulated in his contract in order to get rights to his masters and part ways with Wasafi.

Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir was overwhelmed with emotions as he attended the burial of one of his four employees who perished in a grisly road accident on Saturday evening.

The MP could not hold back his tears as he laid to rest Mr Ali Naaman, a trusted close confidant who served him for more than 10 years when he joined politics.

Filled with emotions with tears rolling down his cheeks, the MP's aides had to escort him back to his car as he couldn't speak or even address the media after the burial.

Mr. Naaman is one of the four people attached to the MP's office who perished in a road accident after the car they were travelling in rolled following a tyre burst between Koreni and Milihoi along the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road on Saturday evening.

Others who perished in the accident include Ellison Musyoka, Carol Wayua Mueni and Athman Mohamed.

Musyoka and Athman were laid to rest at the Kikowani Muslim Cemetery after dhuhur prayers according to Muslim customs with funeral angements for Carol currently underway.

The four were set to join another team which arrived in Lamu County earlier for ODM leader Raila Odinga's Azimio la Umoja rally in Mkunguni Square.

The burial ceremony brought together a host of Mombasa politicians including Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, senator Mohammed Faki, businessman Suleiman Shahbal, former senator Hassan Omar, former Nyali MP Hezron Awiti, Nyali MP aspirant Said 'Saido' Abdalla among others.

Jomvu MP who spoke on behalf of Mombasa Mps and Governor Hassan Joho, condole with the families of the four describing the moment as a sad one not only to Nassir's team but Mombasa at large.

"This is a big loss to the county, the four died in line of duty while serving the MP, also receive greetings from governor Joho who is currently in Norway, he sends his condolences to Nassir and the berieved families," said Badi

Mombasa senator Mohammed Faki also sent his condolences to the families describing the four as people who dedicated their lives to serving the people of Mombasa.

"They had dedicated themselves to serve the people of Mombasa in their different capacities, we pray that Allah pardons their mistakes and gives them eternal rest," said Faki.

Suleiman Shahbal who is also eying the Mombasa Governor seat on an ODM ticket, cancelled his planned political activities on Sunday to join Nassir and team in mourning the four.

Shahbal called on Mombasa people to view this incident as a lesson not to put hatred in politics as all politicians from different political factions were present to stand in solidarity with the MP.

"Yes I cancelled all my political activities today to come join my brother Nassir in mourning, this is a big grief that has affected the people of Mombasa. I humbly appeal to Mombasa people not to hate each other because of politics, as you can see we are all here together despite our political differences," said Shahbal.

In a rare show of solidarity, Mombasa businessman and gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has cancelled all his political meetings that were scheduled for today (Sunday) to mourn four employees of his main political rival . Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir.

The four Ali Namaan, Elson Musyoka, Athuman Mohammed and Carol Mueni died in a road accident on Saturday evening in Lamu.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/2537-mp-nassir-loses-four-staff-in-road-accident

"We have canceled all our political activities that were scheduled for today in Tudor, Mvita Sub County. This is to allow us to mourn with the family and friends of Abdulswamad Nassir’s team members who perished in the Lamu accident." said Shahbal.

Three of the four, Ali Namaan, Elson Musyoka, Athuman Mohammed will be laid to rest today after the afternoon (Dhuhr) prayers, according to muslim traditions

Meanwhile several politicians from the county led by Governor Hassan Joho have  come out to send their message of condolences following the deaths.

"It is with deep sorrow that I receive the news of the tragic road accident that has led to the death of four members of Hon. Abdulswammad Shariff Nassir's team, Mr. Ali Omar Naaman, Ms. Carol Wayua Mueni, Mr. Athman Mohammed Omar and Mr. Elyson Musyoka. I extend my profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies to their families and Hon. Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir for this devastating loss. " posted Joho.

On his part, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki eulogised the four as hardworking and committed Kenyans.

"I extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the departed and to my Brother and Colleague Hon Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and to the people of Mombasa generally." said Faki.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib posted "On behalf of my family and Jomvu constituency I wish to express our heartfelt condolences and symphaties to Hon Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Mvita constituency Office for the untimely loss of four of their office staffs through a fatal road accident that happened today at Mpeketoni,Lamu County."

Mombasa county Women Representative Asha Mohammed termed the deeaths as huge loss to Nassir's team and the families of the departed.

"To Hon Abdulswamad Shariff and team nasema poleni sana. Mungu awalaze pema panapolazwa wema. My condolences" posted Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali.

Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar who is also eyeing the gubernatorial seat posted "Our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and Mvita MP Hon. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir following the passing on of his team members through a road accident. May the Almighty bless their souls, place them in heaven and give their families courage to bear this great loss."

Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir is mourning the loss of four employees who died in a road accident in Lamu on Saturday.

The four were part of Nassir's team heading to Lamu for ODM leader Raila Odinga's rally set for Sunday.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2535-raila-returns-to-coast-weeks-after-ruto-s-tour

They died after the tyre of the car they were traveling in burst and rolled near Mpeketoni

The four include Nassir's long serving employee and adviser Ali Namaan, Elson Musyoka  (Driver), Athuman Mohammed and Carol Mueni from the media team.

More to follow...

ODM leader Raila Odinga returns to the Coast region to woo residents to back his 2022 presidential bid.

Raila arrived in Mombasa on Saturday and was received by Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir, he also held a brief meeting with party officials led by the ODM Mombasa chairman Mohammed Khamis Dhee.

On Sunday, Raila is expected to visit Lamu for a series of rallies in Mpeketoni, Mkunguni and Witu.

He is also expected to visit Malindi, Kilifi and Mtwapa on Monday before heading to Mombasa, Kwale and Lunga Lunga on Tuesday.

"Coast region remains our (ODM) stronghold. We will be having a major rally at caltex grounds in Likoni on Tuesday" said a source on condition of anonymity.

Raila's visit comes just weeks after Deputy President visited the region few weeks ago.

Ruto held rallies in Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Mombasa.

Mombasa businessman and politician Suleiman Shahbal has asked leaders to shun divisive politics that may cause violence ahead of 2022 polls.

Shahbal said there is an urgent need to embrace mature politics and insisted the country is bigger than any individual.

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of officials of the Boda Boda safety association of Kenya [BAK] Mombasa chapter held at the famous Tononoka playing ground, Shahbal cautioned the electorate not to allow anyone to divide them and cause chaos and skirmishes before and after the polls.

“Let us respect others' opinions, do not insult someone just because you don't agree with them. Mayhem has no place in the current political dispensation,” he pointed out.

Shahbal who is set to make his third attempt at the county gubernatorial position to succeed incumbent Hassan Ali Joho challenged the electorate to learn to tolerate each other before and after the 2022 general elections.

He condemned the violence which marred Deputy President William Ruto’s campaign tour in Kisumu county.

His sentiments were echoed by Mvita sub county police commander Joseph Ongaya who said the police are ready to face anyone causing violence and disturbing peace.

The law enforcement officers are ready to face and deal with those who break the law ahead of next year’s polls,” he pointed out.

He also warned the association members not to be used by politicians to cause chaos before and after the 2022 polls.

Regional low-cost carrier Jambojet has announced the introduction of In-flight Entertainment (IFE) service for their passengers.

The IFE service, in partnership with Global Onboard Partners, enables customers to access content stored on the IFE box through their mobile and other electronic devices like laptops via a wireless network only available in the aircraft.

“Passengers spend an average one hour on the flight. The in-flight entertainment system will feature Jambojet Destination Explorer and also have videos, games, and reading material to keep them entertained, informed and engaged during the flight,” said Karanja Ndegwa, Managing Director and CEO, Jambojet.

“The in-flight entertainment service also offers an opportunity for corporates and other potential advertisers to promote their goods and services on the platform through video or static image placement,” he added.

With exclusive offers, rewards, and dynamic maps to help passengers find the best places to stay, food to eat and attractions to visit, passengers can use Jambojet Destination Explorer to make the most out of their travel experience and see the best of each incredible destination in Jambojet’s network. 

About the new partnership, Global Onboard Partners CEO Kirk Adams says, “Today, we warmly welcome Jambojet as our latest airline partner.  Jambojet is an innovative, forward thinking and a digitally focused airline that flies to some of the most popular destinations in Kenya.” 

Mr Adams continued, “Our innovative platform has been designed to provide a win-win for everyone through the delivery of destination experiences and special offers to passengers, through important new revenue streams to airlines and at the same time, providing greater access to tourism and hospitality partners to participate at affordable prices and receive direct contact with passengers.”

Jambojet currently flies to seven local destinations namely Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Lamu and Ukunda (Diani) from its hub in Nairobi. The airline also flies to Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.