Kilifi Governor Amason Jeffah Kingi has welcomed the ODM Party decision to replace him with Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire as the new ODM chair in Kilifi.

Kingi who has fallen out with the party over the formation of a coastal political party thanked his party leader Raila Odinga for according him the opportunity to serve as the ODM chair in Kilifi for the last 9 years.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Kingi said that during his tenure he made sure that the ODM Party became the dominant party in Kilifi County.

"I steered the party to great success and made sure ODM became the dominant party in the county a fact that was confirmed during the last general elections when Kilifi became the only county in the country to deliver a clean sweep for the ODM party in all elective positions," said Kingi.

The ODM party on Tuesday confirmed that it had removed Kingi as its Kilifi County Chair replacing him with the Ganze MP days after the party's youth league chair Samir Nyundo resigned from ODM.

Kingi has been at loggerheads with the party and his Mombasa counterpart Governor Ali Hassan Joho over the formation of a political outfit for the coast people.

The two had earlier resolved that the coastal people needed to have their own political party to bargain for a seat at the national table come the 2022 general elections a move that saw ODM party leader camp and lead a series of meetings to try and consolidate his support in the region.

The move saw Mombasa governor backtrack on the mission as he announced that he will face it out with Raila for the ODM presidential ticket in 2022. 

However Kingi has remained adamant forging forward to form a political outfit for the coast.

Kingi has openly declared his support for the newly formed Coast Integrated Development Initiative that brings together a number of political parties drawn from the coast including Kadu-Asili, Shirikisho Party of Kenya, Umoja Summit Party, Republican Congress Party of Kenya and the Communist Party of Kenya.

The Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire, who deputised Kingi will now take over as the party strategizes on how to strengthen ODM amidst threats from the newly formed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party associated with deputy president William Ruto that has been making inroads in the coastal region.

"I hope and pray that the incoming chair and his team will match and/or break my sterling record, I wish the party the very best not just in Kilifi County but across the country as it prepares itself for the 2022 general elecstions. God bless." Said Kingi. 

International advocacy organization, Global Citizen, has revealed many of the artists set to perform at Global Citizen Live events in Lagos, Nigeria as well as festivals in Paris, France and New York City, USA on September 25.

Across six continents, artists will help rally citizens in demanding that governments, major corporations, and philanthropists work together to defeat poverty and defend the planet by focusing on the most urgent, interrelated threats hitting those in poverty the hardest climate change, vaccine equity, and famine.

In Lagos, Global Citizen is working with the Lagos State Government to create a limited-capacity event in celebration of Nigerians working on the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The show will be filmed in advance with a fully vaccinated audience.
 
These events, with more to be announced later in August, are components of a once-in-a-generation, 24-hour worldwide event on September 25.
 
Broadcast and streaming partners include ABC, ABC News Live, BBC, FX, iHeartRadio, Hulu, YouTube, TIME, Twitter, and more (air dates and times to come).

African Artists donating their time and talent - whether live or filmed in advance - include Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Davido, Femi Kuti, Made Kuti and Tiwa Savage, alongside Adam Lambert, Alessia Cara, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Black Eyed Peas, BTS, Camila Cabello, Christine and the Queens.

Others are Coldplay, Cyndi Lauper, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, DJ Snake, Duran Duran, Ed Sheeran, Green Day, H.E.R., Hugh Jackman & Deborra-lee Furness, Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Keith Urban, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Lorde, The Lumineers, Meek Mill, Metallica, Rag'n'Bone Man, Ricky Martin, Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd, and Usher from locations in Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, New York City, Paris, London, Seoul, Los Angeles, Sydney and more to be announced.
 
Coinciding with the UN General Assembly (Sept) before the G20 Meeting (Oct) and COP26 Meeting (Nov), these events focus on interconnected issues: vaccine equity, climate change, and famine.
 
Global Citizen Live will call on leaders to deliver by September: 1 billion trees planted and preserved to help prevent global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels by curbing emissions and supporting 1t.org; 1 billion vaccines to the poorest countries; meals for the 41 million people on the brink of famine.
 
“As we humans spend billions of dollars in search of newer worlds in outer space, Global Citizen Live brings us back down to earth by reminding the global community that charity should begin at home and we must preserve our earth and be our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We owe it to ourselves and generations yet unborn. Space can wait!” - Geoffrey Onyeama, Foreign Minister of Nigeria.
 
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “Lagos State is thrilled to be a part of Global Citizen Live. With the challenges of rising poverty, hunger and vaccine inequity facing Africa, we need businesses and governments around the world to respond to the call of citizens, stand in solidarity with the people of Africa, and commit to defending the planet and defeating poverty and inequality.”
 
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: "Over 75% of the more than 4 billion doses administered to date have occurred in just 10 countries while only 1% of people in low-income countries have received a dose. We cannot disregard this gross inequity or become complacent.”
 
On his part singer Femi Kuti said “ What is taking place on the continent right now is a tragedy. There is no reason that 1% of Nigerians have been vaccinated against covid while countries talk of booster shots. The G7 urgently needs to donate at least 1 billion doses by September. It’s time for our leaders to lead and act now.”
 
“I am very excited to perform at the Global Citizen Live concert this year. The timing for this call for unity couldn’t be more important,” said Angelique Kidjo.

Adding “There is an urgent need for us to work together across the globe and take action to protect our planet. Mother nature has a way of warning us. We need each other now.”
 
Global Citizen Live is part of Global Citizen’s overarching Recovery Plan for the World, a year-long campaign to help end COVID-19 by calling on governments, philanthropists, and the private sector for financial commitments to kickstart a global recovery.

Ahead of October’s G20 Summit, and COP26, the Global Citizen Live campaign will call on world leaders, major corporations and foundations to defend the planet and defeat poverty

After being silent for close to one year, Kenyan media personality and singer Sheila Mwanyigah who goes by the stage name Nikki has made a comeback, dropping her latest release, featuring King Kaka.

Just like her previous songs, the new release titled 'Searching' is a a soothing soft mellow love song.

In the song, Nikki sings about wanting to starting over with her love interest, to reignite a dead spark.

The song has been co-written by Xeniah Manasseh, Sheilah Mwanyigah and king Kaka and produced by Mutoriah.

Watch the video below

Popular Malaysian singer Siti Sarah Raissuddin died of Covid-19 on Monday morning , just three days after delivering her fourth child. 

The news was shared by husband comedian Shuib Sepahtu, 36,who  posted on Instagram: "5.15 in the morning, 9 August. My angel of heaven has gone forever. Do recite Al-Fatihah for her."

Siti Sarah was hospitalised on Aug 4 after experiencing severe coughing and decreasing oxygen levels and had to be put in a medically induced coma to help deliver her baby.

The baby was delivered safely, however, the mother never got to hold her newborn. The Singer was 36 years old at the time of her death.

The singer, her husband and three children aged between six and 10 had tested positive for the virus on July 25. They reportedly contracted it from a domestic helper of the family.

Known for her ballads such as Kesetiaan and Semakin, the popular singer was still active on Instagram last week, looking healthy as she shared recipes and make-up tips.

On Aug 1 and July 26, she uploaded videos of her husband and children getting tested for Covid-19.

The singer’s death caused shockwaves throughout Malaysia that reached all the way to the monarchy as the king and queen released a statement on Facebook expressing their condolences to Siti Sarah’s family.

Bongo sensation Rayvanny alias Vany boy has over a few weeks gotten Said Salim aka Saido supporters talking when he commented on a number of Saido's Facebook posts.

Through an official verified Facebook account under his name and with over 1 million followers, he has been seen posting comments hailing praises for the charity efforts made by the politician.

Saido, the cousin to Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho is contesting the Nyali MP seat for a second time after he was trounced by Mohammed Ali alias Jicho Pevu in 2017.

Celebrity endorsements have been the new norm in Kenyan politics with politicians using top celebrities to amass support for their political bids.

For the Joho's, theirs has gone a notch higher to engage super stars from neighboring Tanzania in their campaigns.

Joho in 2017 while campaigning for a second term engaged the likes of Ali Kiba, Ommy Dimpoz, and Mboso Khan among other Kenyan artists during his campaign trail.

Ever since Rayvanny started commenting on Saido's posts, the Said Abdalla Foundation Facebook page has received alot of traffic.

Initially the post would receive between 250 to 500 likes with a few hundred posts, but ever since Rayvanny started commenting numbers have shot to 5000 likes and slightly over 1000 comments in each post.

In one of the posts, Rayvanny commented 

"Kiongozi Bora Nyali, M1. #SAIDO"

At one point some fans questioned whether it was Vany boy commenting.

Samuel Bky Eze posted "sio Rayvanny anatumia hiyo acaounti"

Ajima Wendy posted " hii ni yake it has been verified alaa"

With speculations running high, many are waiting to see if the page is genuinely run by  Rayvanny and if he will accompany Saido in any of his campaign programs next year when the Independent Electrical and Boundaries Commission announces the official beginning of campaigning.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has advocated for the strengthening of the international legal regime and institutions as part of global efforts to end the challenge of maritime insecurity.

At the same time, the President appealed for the cessation of geopolitical rivalries saying tensions between nations were creating an environment that aids maritime insecurity.

“Competition between established and rising powers leaves us all, worse off. Instead, we need a strengthened emphasis on observing international law and resisting the lure of promoting proxy rivalries in pursuit of narrow interests,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke on Monday during the virtual United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on maritime security. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India whose country holds this month's UNSC presidency.

Noting that threats to maritime insecurity such as terrorism, piracy and robbery at sea are predominantly a factor of land-based instability, President Kenyatta proposed the establishment of secure maritime routes and economic zones by strengthening the potential of countries to resolve domestic and regional security challenges.

"International cooperation should prioritise equipping and training effective national coast guards. A properly contextualized regional and sub-regional approach is the way to go,” the President said.

He reminded the UNSC that rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions occasioned by climate change threatens the existence of some small island states and coastal populations, saying the challenge requires urgent international attention.

“Therefore, successful global climate change adaptation and mitigation, is key to the security of these states,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader encouraged innovative free and fair trade regimes in areas such as the Indian Ocean Rim, and expressed confidence that new approaches will deliver economic prosperity to the world's poorest economies.

The President said Kenya will continue to champion for environmental friendly and sustainable utilization of blue economy resources noting that, the first ever global sustainable blue economy conference was held in Nairobi.

The November 2018 conference was co-hosted by Kenya, Canada and Japan, and brought together delegates from 184 countries to deliberate on the sustainability of the global blue economy.

“Kenya, therefore, welcomes this debate as a continuing conversation on the subject and the Council’s (UNSC) contribution to the attainment of the aspirations of the 2018 Nairobi Sustainable Blue Economy Conference,” President Kenyatta said.

On his part, Prime Minister Modi commended Kenya for being an important voice in the sustainable utilization of the blue economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Pham Minch Chinh of Vietnam, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken were other key speakers at the virtual meeting.

American singer-songwriter Bobby V celebrated for the R&B hit single “Slow Down” has linked up with Kenyan rap-singer based in the US King Kanja and Santos Silva to release “Like This”.

“Like This” is a perfect holiday record and also for the lovers, with the trio vowing to treat their ladies right.

The music video directed by Hunter Smalling starts off at the beach, where Bobby V, King Kanja and Santos Silva meet up with their love interests, and they take on different dates, enjoying each others’ company.

“It’s a full blown Summer in Santa Monica after that,” says King Kanja,

Adding  “We figured we’d supply our fans and listeners vibes through the song and video to last all seasons. “Like This” is a fresh take on Afro-R&B and much needed good vibes during some of the oddest times we have experienced during this pandemic.”

Watch “Like This” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Z1AfRPFEc

Stream “Like This” via https://empire.ffm.to/likethis

There is also an ongoing “Like This” Tiktok dance challenge and the winners will be awarded some cool merchandise.

This is Kanja’s second single released with longtime friend Bobby V.  Their first collaboration "Mambo Ni Leo", alongside Kenyan femcee Petra dropped in 2018. Together the collaborators introduce us to Santos Silva, an R&B singer recently signed to Bobby V’s label Veltree Music Group.

Bobby V says, “Santos Silva signed to my record label a little over a year ago and his style and art is the essence of what we are doing at VMG as far as developing and creating artistry. I signed him because of his distinctive sound, his capability and readiness to learn more to be an overall better entertainer,”

Adding “He is a charismatic entertainer who will stand the test of time!”

Bobby V is currently getting ready for his U.K RNB Addiction tour 2021 starting this October. The tour will feature Santos Silva with special appearances by King Kanja. Kanja is ecstatic, sharing, “Really looking forward to performing “Like This” as a trio in our first live show in London.”

The Media Council of Kenya is constituting a technical committee to review the election reporting guidelines in preparation for the 2022 polls, the guidelines were last reviewed in 2017.

The committee will draw its membership from the media industry and will also include various groups and media associations in Kenya.

“Media stakeholders have a civic duty to play to ensure a credible, peaceful, and transparent national elections,” MCK Chairman Mr Maina Muiruri told the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) / media sector consultative meeting in Mombasa today.

He added that the Council will spearhead collaboration with the media to ensure they play their civic role to educate Kenyans on the importance of participating and electing responsible leaders, and their watchdog role to ensure transparency in electoral processes.

The Chairman added that the Media Council of Kenya will work with stakeholders in the media sector to conduct County-based journalists’ training on election reporting besides reviewing the Safety and Protection Mechanism for journalists which will be signed by the Media Owners and Editors as a commitment to ensure safety of journalists.

“The Council will work with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) to accredit journalists for election reporting and at media centres that the Media Council of Kenya will set up across the country for journalists to work from during the election period”, said Mr Maina Muiruri.

The MCK Chairman said that the Media Council of Kenya will also enter into partnerships to offer grants for journalists to write and produce media content related to elections.

“We will also enhance our Media Monitoring during the electioneering period to look out against hate speech, fake news and other negative trends”, he said.

The Media Council of Kenya is mandated to promote media freedom and advocate for freedom of expression by empowering the media to serve as a watchdog for democratic governance, justice and the rule of law.