President Uhuru Kenyatta has applauded the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) for inspiring and raising a growing number of African women leaders on the continent and beyond through its targeted initiatives.

“I am applauding the development of an African Women Leaders Network website and the Digital Mentorship Platform to facilitate continuous yearlong interactions between the mentors and the mentees,” President Kenyatta said.

Further, the President commended AWLN for its youth empowerment initiatives among them a comprehensive mentorship programme saying the interventions are helping African youth to become productive members of their communities.

The Kenyan Head of State's statement was delivered through a video recording on Thursday evening at this year's third AWLN retreat on women leadership in Africa hosted by Kenya.

While citing the various successful interventions implemented by AWLN, President Kenyatta challenged the organization to leverage on the opportunities presented by several multilateral initiatives including the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance the participation of women in Africa's transformation journey.

“With the starting of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), I urge African Women Leaders Network to seize this as an opportunity to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of our young women to enter this market and create jobs for themselves and their families,” he said.

The President supported the push by AWLN for a protocol on women in trade in the AfCTA framework saying the proposal would help build the capacity of African women to participate more in the continent's socioeconomic transformation through commerce.

He particularly applauded AWLN for its support for the Kenyan chapter of Generation Equality Forum, the United Nations gender campaign, saying the backing has assisted the lobby group to complement Government efforts in the advancement of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.

“The Generation Equality Agenda in Kenya builds on other commitments made within the context of other major frameworks.  These include the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD+25) that Kenya hosted in 2019, the commitment I made in Vancouver in June 2019 to end Female Genital Mutilation, during my administration, as well as building on progress made to end Gender Based Violence,” the President said.

Once again, the President reiterated Kenya's support for Generation Equality Forum whose aim is to create real change in the lives of women and girls noting that the country's move towards ending gender based violence and female genital mutilation by 2026 was on course.

“Kenya is proud to co-lead the Action Coalition on Gender Based Violence. In June, this year, at the Generation Equality Forum in Paris, I made concrete commitments to accelerate progress towards the achievement of gender equality and the elimination of Gender Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation by 2026,” he said.

Launched in 2017 with the backing of the African Union and the United Nations, AWLN aims at enhancing the leadership of African women in the transformation of the continent in line with Africa Agenda 2063.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sacked the Commissioner-General of Kenya Prisons Service Wycliffe Ogalo following the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison jail break involving three terror convicts.

Ogalo has now been replaced by Brigadier (Rtd) John Kibaso Warioba .

"The appointment follows the briefing to the Head of State from the Ministry responsible for Correctional Services regarding the security breaches at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison that led to the escape of three inmates." reads a statement from State house Spokesperson Kanze dena.

Adding "The briefing noted the compelling public interest in the matter and the need to entrench accountability in the ranks of the leadership of all security organs; in honourof themany Kenyans who have lost their lives and the enormous sacrifices made by all Kenyans and particularly the security organs to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat terror networks."

The three escapees are Musharraf Abdalla Akhulunga a.k.a Zarkarawi, Mohammed Ali Abikar and Joseph Juma Odhiambo.

In the statement, the President also directed the state department of correctional services to take discplinary action against all officers who were on duty that day.

"In keeping with our ethos of good governance, in the intervening period and pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigations, the State Department of Correctional Services has similarly been directed to sanction disciplinary action against all Kenya Prisons Service personnel who were on duty when the security breaches occurred; which action shall include redeployment and/or immediate suspension of all affected officers."

Seven wardens at the Kamiti Maximum Prison have so far been arrested following the escape of the three convicts who were serving jail terms for terrorism-related crimes.

The president further urged all Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies as we all have a shared duty to defend and protect our freedoms and way of life that is at risk with the rising threats of terror within the region.

Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (ANC) party has yet again made another political win in Mombasa after an advisor to Mombasa governor Haasan Joho, Khamis Mwaguya joined the party.

Mwaguya a close ally of Governor Hassan Joho is eyeing the Mombasa senatorial seat in 2022,

Mwaguya who also served as the county executive in charge of Trade and Tourism between 2015 and 2019 unsuccesful contested for the same seat in the 2017 general election but lost to Mohammed Faki.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Mwaguya confirmed the move insisiting that he is confident of clinching the seat in 2022.

"Yes, I have officially joined UDA" said Mwaguya.

Adding " This is where my people want us to be. This is now our home"

He was received to the party by Deputy President William Ruto at his Karen residence, Nairobi.

"Deeply honoured to have been received by HE deputy President William Ruto in Karen as I embark on my Journey to be the Senator of Mombasa in 2022." he posted on social media.

Adding "His people centred agenda resonates well with our people and the Majority of Kenyans. A people focused and responsive Government is what Kenyans look forward to come 2022.

His move come just days after Governor Hassan Joho's cousin Mohammed Amir also joined UDA.

Amir is also eyeing the Mombasa senatorial seat

Amir joined the party on Monday and was received by former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar.

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...