The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was on Tuesday officially admitted into the East African Community (EAC) during the 19^th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State and Government chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta virtually.

Welcoming the newcomer to the EAC, President Kenyatta termed the admission of DRC into the EAC a historic event that demonstrates the agility of the community to expand beyond its socio-cultural boundaries to new people and trade centred partnerships and collaboration that will expand opportunities for citizens of the region.

“Today as chairman of the EAC, I proudly and warmly welcome our brothers and sisters from the DRC to the EAC and look forward to joining hands in strengthening our community together. Working together, we have more to gain than when we are separate.    

“Indeed, the combined population and GDP of our community will grow by 50 percent and 25 percent respectively, implying a corresponding expansion of the market for goods and services. These numbers imply expanded market opportunities for producers located within EAC under the Customs Union,” President Kenyatta said.

The President added that the expanded community will attract more investments across all sectors, a move that will create more wealth and employment for the people. 

He pointed out that with the inclusion of DRC, the EAC will be in a better position to combine resources to develop the much-needed infrastructure, especially the main transit corridors running from east to west. 

“The said infrastructure is crucial in facilitating cross-border movements of goods, people and physical capital as envisaged in the EAC Common Market,” the President said.

With a larger market of about 300 million people, President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the community will achieve better outcomes brought about by the economies of scale and pooling of productive human and financial resources.

Speaking during the summit, other East African leaders commended President Felix Tshisekedi of DRC for working hard to ensure his country joined the community noting that the action he took is not only beneficial to his country but the region at large.

Leaders who included Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda), Paul Kagame (Rwanda) and Samia Suluhu (Tanzania) thanked the EAC Council of Ministers and the Secretariat for speeding up the process that led to the admission of DRC into the community.

“The joining of East Africa Community by DRC is an event of great significance. I have been involved in these efforts for almost 60 years and this is really very pleasant that DRC has finally reconnected formally with EAC,” said President Museveni.

On his part, President Kagame said the admission of DRC into the EAC is in line with the community’s quest to widen and deepen integration for the region and the continent at large noting that Rwanda is ready to play its role in ensuring the success of the community.

“Rwanda commends the Council of Ministers and the Secretariat for speeding up this process. I urge all EAC organs to accelerate the full integration of DRC into our organization in line with the roadmap approved by the Council of Ministers,” he said.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu said the decision by President Tshisekedi to seek admission for his country into the EAC will provide an opportunity to entrench peace and security in DRC.

“To my brother Felix Tshisekedi, I commend you for the decision to seek admission to the EAC. And to the people of DRC your country’s decision to join EAC will accord you a great opportunity to extend space for peace and security, prosperity and solidarity within your country as well as the region,” she said.

In his inaugural speech at the EAC summit, President Tshisekedi thanked the EAC leaders for welcoming him to the community and assured of his commitment to working closely with them for the development and prosperity of the region.

President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was represented at the summit by Vice President Prosper Bazombanza while President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan was represented by Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

The summit designated President Kenyatta, the EAC Chairman, to sign the treaty of accession of DRC into the EAC by April 14 this year.

Former Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) Chief Executive officer Ezekiel Mutua is now the CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).

Mutua's appointment was announced by the MCSK board on Monday mornin.

"The Board of Directors of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS, as its Chief Executive Officer, effective Friday 25th March 2022." reads the statement.

Adding "Dr Mutua's appointment follows rigorous competitive interviews in which he emerged top among the candidates who were interviewed for the position," read the statement in part."

In the statement, the organisation noted that Mutua was the most qualified owing to his background in the media industry.

"Dr. Mutua’s appointment follows rigorous competitive interviews in which he emerged top among the candidates who were interviewed for the position. Dr. Mutua brings to MCSK great wealth of experience in leadership, media and communications, having served in various top leadership positions, both in the public and private sectors,” said Lazarus Muli MCSK Board Chairman.

On his part Mutua said he is happy to rejoin the creative industry.

"I have received with profound gratitude my appointment to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK). Happy to rejoin the creative industry, this time not as a regulator, but as a promoter and defender of the rights of musicians." reads his statement.

Netflix celebrated the second season of Bridgerton with an exclusive gathering of Africa’s ‘elite ton’ (March 26, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa).

Kenyan star Kate Kamau present at the A-List event was an esteemed guest to Queen Zozi Tunzi and joined by sophisticated tastemakers and beautiful people who make up the city’s glitterati.

Billed ‘A Bridgerton Affair’, the event was held at the Inanda Club, Johannesburg. 

The “Love Doesn’t Play by the Rules' theme saw the guests transported to the sparkling charm of the Regency era, with a distinctly African flair. 

Former ‘Queen of the Universe’ Zozi Tunzi stepped effortlessly into the role of her Imperial Majesty, Queen Charlotte, with Donovan Goliath portraying her Royal Guard, Brimsley and Coconut Kelz representing scandal sheet author, the infamous Lady Whistledown.

Likoni based football club, Bulls Fc was crowned champions of the Shahbal super cup, walking away with Ksh1 Million.

Bulls Fc managed to beat their rival Ziwani Fc with a single goal scored by Zakaria Mwakisua, in the second half of the game

The tournament which was sponsored by Mombasa county governor aspirant Suleiman Shahbal attracted a total of 128 teams from the county.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/2643-ksh-1m-up-for-grabs-in-suleiman-shahbal-football-tournament

Speaking during the finals held at the Mbaraki sports club, Shahbal said the aim of the tournament was to scout for players who will form  a Mombasa united football club.

"The winner of our next tournament will get ksh 10 million after we take over the leadership of the county government, God willing" said Shahbal.

Shahbal promised to nurture local talks once elected as the next governor of Mombasa.

"Our stadium is currently in a very bad state but I promise to ensure we have enough stadiums and football academies in our county. This tournament is just the beginning." charged Shahbal.

Several local leaders including Mombasa Women representative Asha Hussein, Changamwe Mp Omar Mwinyi, former Mombasa mayor Ahmed Mohdhar also attended the finals.

Mombasa governor Aspirant Abdulswamand Nassir yesterday pledged to continue governor Hassan Joho developments should he be elected to succeed him in the August 9 polls.

Nassir said he will not discredit any development projects initiated by Joho administration; instead he will deploy resources to ensure they are completed.

The Mp said despite his opponents in the governor race being the biggest beneficiaries of Joho’s campaign machinery, he said his bond with Joho is unbreakable. The Mp noted that his opponents got favours from Joho administration but are yet to show any potential.

“I want to tell you that my politics is not about rhetoric’s but development, for those saying that I am a friend to Joho must know he is not only a friend but also a brother, but despite all that, his office is supporting my opponent, but that cannot make us enemies,” said Nassir.

Nassir’s  opponent, Suleiman Shahbal;s company won tenders to redevelop the Buxton estates which are being built in Mvita.The business man also got a boost after former Joho’s political adviser Idris Mohamed moved to be Shahbals adviser.

“I have been with Joho at his lowest times and at his happiest time, but apart from that, I did not get favors from Joho government, and politics will not sway us apart. Let the truth be said, even a contract to supply pencils was not given to me, but by opponents benefitted,” said Nassir.

Speaking in Changamwe after meeting the community members, Nassir says he will form a people centered government that will serve all without discrimination.

“My interest is nothing else except the people, if we have managed to touch and uplift people’s hearts while I am an MP, expect a lot more when we take charge of governor leadership,” said Nassir.

Nassir said the economy of Mombasa has deteriorated and during his first days in office, he will prioritize economic empowerment for the people by putting in resources for uplifting their economies.

“When I told Mombasa people that I have a plan for contesting the governor position, they came in thousands, wanting me to come to their aid in bettering the economy and leadership of Mombasa,” said Nassir.

Nassir said he is ready to floor his opponents who he says have lacked the agenda of Mombasa people. Nassir claims the SGR cargo haulage to Nairobi ICD has badly affected the economy of Mombasa.

 Nassir was on saturday endorsed by the Luhya community living in Mombasa in is quest to succeed Governor Hassan Joho in the August 9 polls.

The Mp is contesting for governor post against businessman Suleiman Shahbal,Kisauni Mp Ali Mbogo,Mombasa deputy governor William Kingi and former Mombasa senator Hassan Sarai.

Nassir emerges as the most popular gubernatorial candidate, thanks to the Mombasa Info track survey released on March 20.

According to the report, Nassir's popularity stands at 48 percent ahead of his bitter rival, businessman Suleiman Shahbal with 18 percent.

The poll results come out at a time when there is a heated supremacy battle between Nassir and Shahbal over who should fly the Orange democratic ODM party ticket to succeed Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.

The report dubbed ‘Mombasa Custom Countytrak’ also places United Democratic Alliance UDA’s gubernatorial candidate Hassan Sarai third with five (5) percent followed by Kisauni Mp Ali Mbogo with four (4) percent while Mombasa Deputy governor Dr William Kingi comes last with 1 percent.

In the distribution of the results per sub-county, Nassir's popularity stands at 42 percent in Changawe,49 percent in Jomvu,40 in Kisauni,46 in Nyali,53 in Likoni,62 in Mvita totaling to 48 percent

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.