Home Author
Author

Nathan Sialah

Business

Kenya Seeks Another Covid-19 Loan From IMF

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

Kenya has yet again reached out to International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.

IMF resident representative Tobias Rasmussen said the government had asked the for another loan following the $739 million (Sh79.3) billion received in May that Kenya sought to help it respond to the economic shocks caused by the global pandemic.

“Following up on the support provided by the IMF in May under our Rapid Credit Facility (RCF), the Kenyan authorities have expressed interest in a Fund arrangement. IMF staff is in discussions with the authorities toward such an arrangement,” Mr Rasmussen told one of the local dailies.

This comes amid a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, with more than 100 deaths reported in the last one week and total recorded cases in the country at 56, 601 as at Monday November 2.

This will be the second time in less that six months that Kenya has approached IMF for budget support during the Corona virus pandemic.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Crime & Investigations

Kidero, Wife Dealt a Major Blow by Court in Quest to Recover Their Unexplained Wealth

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

Former Nairobi County governor Evans Kidero has been dealt a major blow in his bid to stop investigating agencies from probing how he acquired his wealth.

The Court of Appeal has declined to bar the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from probing Kidero and his wife Susan Mboya’s property and accounts in a quest to recover unexplained wealth.

Justices Roslyn Nambuye, Daniel Musinga, and Gatembu Kairu ruled that investigations and filing of an asset recovery case had not started, hence Kidero had not convinced them that barring the anti-graft watchdog from investigating his family’s wealth would be adverse.

The Kideros went to the Appeals Court after the anti-corruption court in Nairobi dismissed their case in June.

Justice Mumbi Ngugi, in her verdict, said the couple’s privacy rights had not been violated. In the case, Kidero’s wife claimed she was a woman of means and had acquired her wealth, which was distinct from what her husband has.

However, Justice Ngugi ruled that although her wealth ought to be protected, there was a need to ascertain that she did not acquire it in concert with Kidero.

In the case, the anti-graft agency claimed its investigations had revealed that Kidero had assets worth Sh9 billion.

In a reply filed before the anti-corruption court,   where Kidero is seeking orders to block investigations into his source of wealth, EACC claims it has reasonable suspicion to believe that the former governor was involved in corruption or economic crimes.

According to Mulki Abdi Umar, one of the investigators in the case, Kidero also owns 11 vehicles that include Range Rovers and Mercedes Benzes.

He, however, did not reveal how much the vehicles were worth in his reply before Justice Hedwig Ong’undi.

Investigations revealed that Kidero owns 50 rental units on Riara Road estimated at Sh1 billion and another property known as Muthaiga Heights worth the same amount.

Mr Umar said he received several complainants saying Kidero had illegally acquired wealth while he was the Mumias Sugar Company managing director and the Nairobi governor.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Latest News

Details: Schools to Reopen in January 2021 as New Academic Calendar is Released

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

All primary and secondary institutions in the country will be reopened in January 2021.

The announcement was made by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha this morning after meeting with all the education stakeholders.

In his announcement, Prof Magoha stated that all pupils in Grade 1,2 and 3 and classes 5 to 7 and Students in form 1 to 3 shall be in the same class in 2020.

This will mean that there will be two form one classes in the academic year of 2021.

Teacher Training colleges, Technical colleges and Universities could however resume in September. 

“We expect to reopen our schools in January 2021 as we hope by then, we would have achieved in flattening our curve as a country,” Prof Magoha added.

The new recommendations have pushed the national exams which were scheduled for March 2021 to August 2021 or the end of 2021.

At the same time, schools will have to learn in different shifts to achieve social distancing rules in classrooms and each learner to be provided with two face masks.

The CS went on to announce that there will be no national exams this year. The CS however encouraged tertiary institutions and  Universities to continue with online lessons and embrace virtual graduation ceremonies in the meantime as the ministry of health is looking to flatten the curve in the fight against novel Corona virus.

The position has been supported by all teachers’ unions including KNUT and KUPPET.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Entertainment

Churchill Show Comedian Dies

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

Former Churchill Show comedian Kasee has been confirmed dead. The comedian whose death reports emerged on Sunday June 28 is said to have been suffering from alcoholism for a year. 

Through his official Twitter account, his former Employer Daniel Ndambuki alias Churchill confirmed the death of the comedian.

Reports indicate that the body of the comedian was found around Kinoo area but the cause of the death is yet unclear.

A local new outlet reported that Comedians Chairperson of Kenya Ken Waudo said that Kasee might have taken a contaminated drink in one of his drinking sprees.

It is reported that he went drinking with his friends but did not return until he was found dead on Sunday evening.

The comedian was first reported ill last year after watching his dreams of becoming a comedy great dwindle.

His health status was reported to be worrying and it was feared he might get mental problems if not assisted. At the time, he was said to be staying in Kangemi, but whereabouts about his exact location were unknown.

Kenyans have taken to Social media to pour in their condolences to the family of the comedian.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Latest NewsPolitics

Sonko’s Past Return to Haunt Him as he Heads Back to ICC

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

A section of Kenyans on Twitter have reminded Nairobi governor Mike Sonko of his past, shortly after he threatened to take interior Permanent Secretary Karanja Kibicho to International Criminal Court (ICC).

Sonko through his social media handles Wednesday morning said that he was studying the Rome statues and engaging local and international lawyers to deal with those involved in the demolition of residential houses in Korogocho, Kariobangi North in Nairobi.

Sonko argues that such incidents have been happening under the instructions of PS Kibicho, Nairobi Regional Commissioner (RC) Wilson Njega and Nairobi Regional Police Commander Philip Ndolo .

Sonko says that the trio must be taken to ICC for breaching articles 1.5, 53 and 7(1)(k) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.He wants them charged with a serious crime against humanity.

However, a section of KOT have reminded Sonko of some of his past, which they now believe is haunting the embattled County chief.

Some reminded Sonko of the time he used to record phone calls between him and prominent people, arguing that should he not have done so, he would not not be facing all the problems that he is currently facing.

Some reminded him of the time he was demonstrating at the Hague, outside the ICC demanding respect for President Uhuru Kenyatta, at the time the head of state and his deputy William Ruto were facing a case at the court.

The embattled Nairobi boss has also been reminded of the time he poured raw sewage at the Jacaranda grounds in Donhom, just to prevent the then NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga from addressing a rally.

Here are some of the reactions.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Crime & Investigations

Cop in Carlton Maina’s Murder Arrested

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

Police officer who was involved in the murder of Carlton David Maina, a University student who resided in Kibra on 22nd December 2018 has been arrested.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has now said that investigation into the death of the student at Laini Saba in Kibera has led to the arrest of Constable Emmanuel Ambunya Oyombe of Kenyatta National Hospital police post. 

Through their official Twitter account, the DCI has noted that the police officer has already been arrested and to be charged for the offence of Murder C/sec 203.

Part of the Tweet by the DCI read, “Following Completion into inquest of into the death of Carlton David Maina,…….. Constable Emmanuel Ambunya Oyombe of KNH police post was today arrested and to be charged for the offence of murder”

Friends close to Carlton Maina said that he was shot at night when he was from watching a football match with friends.

The deceased  who on the fateful night succumbed to gunshots inflicted to him was pursuing his University education in the University of Leeds, England.The Police officer will be arraigned in court tomorrow 16th April 2020 before Milimani High Court.

The death of Carlton sparked protests across Nairobi with many residents demanding Justice for the student who had jetted back into the country for the Christmas holiday before he was shot dead.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

Mohammed Ali Exposes Plot to Steal Coronavirus Funds

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali has made serious allegations after reports emerged that 17 MPs and Senators had tested positive for coronavirus.

The journalist-turned politician, through his social media handles on Wednesday morning, alleged that there are people who want to bypass the constitution so that they can siphon funds meant for the fight against coronvirus pandemic.

He says the siphoning of the funds is possible if the National Assembly will not be having sittings, for the people behind the plot to take over the role of the lawmakers, and run everything through decree.

The lawmaker goes ahead to makes claims that the perpetrators of the plot leaked the information about the 17 MPs who allegedly tested positive for COVID-19 so that they can prevent parliament from resuming.

He says that it is at this period of time that funds will now be stolen.

On Tuesday April 7, reports emerged that the 17 MPs who had tested positive are among the coronavirus cases that were confirmed on Monday and Tuesday.

This is after the lawmakers voluntarily took COVID-19 tests at parliament buildings following reports that one of their colleagues had contracted the virus.

Over 5 MPs had been scheduled to undergo the tests after interacting with Rabai MP Kamoti Mwamkale.

Mwamkale is said to have contracted the virus after coming into contact with Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi who is said to have contacted the virus abroad. Saburi has since recovered from the virus but is currently in custody after he was arrested last week for failing to self-isolate.

Reports now indicate that more Members of Parliament and Senators have since been confirmed positive to the virus. The identities of the lawmakers who tested positive remain unknown but it is said that they are all those who came into contact with Kamoti.

So far 172 Corona-virus cases have been confirmed in the country. Six people have since succumbed to the deadly pandemic while 7 have fully recovered from it.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Sports

English Premier League Suspended

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

The biggest football league, English Premier League has been suspended.

The suspension comes after Arsenal Head Coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea Winger Callum-Hudson Odoi tested positive for Covid-19 Corona Virus.

In a statement posted in all their social media accounts, the Premier League has  stated that the move is as a result of the deadly virus that is now a global epidemic.

In the statement, Premier League noted, ” Following a meeting of Shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.”

The statement further stated, “Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides, when it is safe to do so.

In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.”

On his part, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19.

“In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.”

The Premier League becomes the fourth top tire league in Europe to be suspended due to the Virus after Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga and Spain’s La Liga.

The UEFA Champions League and Europa League have also been suspended till further notice.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Latest News

Kenya High Makes a Comeback, Tops in 2019 KCSE Results

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

Kenya High school has topped the 2019 KCSE Results in terms of straight As.

In the just released results by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, the Nairobi based girls school topped with the number of straight As by getting 76 straight As. 

Kenya High school also had students in the top 10 students including the second placed Njuguna Winney who managed to get performance index of 87.

627 students scooped straight A while 5796 students managed A-. 125, 746 students in the exams managed to score the minimum university grade of C+ and above.

While releasing the results, The Education CS George Magoha attributed the improved performance by students compared to last year. 

other schools that were in the top 10 list include;
1 Kenya High – 76 As – Top school

2 Kapsabet Boys Hight school – 49As

3 Alliance Boys – 48 As

4 Moi High school Kabarak – 30 As

5 Alliance Girls High school – 27As

6 Mary Hill Girls – 25 As

7 Maseno School – 23 As

8 Nairobi School – 23

9 Mang’u Boys High School  – 23 As

10 Moi Girls Eldoret – 21 As 

The schools were ranked according to the number of students that scored an A plain.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Sports

Chelsea Free to Sign Players in January

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has halved Chelsea’s transfer ban. Chelsea is now free to sign players in the upcoming transfer window which is due to be opened in late December 2019 till early January 2020.

​The blues were initially hit with a transfer ban before the summer, meaning they would not have been able to register any new signings until the summer of 2020, and forcing new manager Frank Lampard to lean heavily on the club’s academy products.

Chelsea were only able to sign Croatian international Mateo Kovacic since he was already in Chelsea on loan for one season from Real Madrid.

The likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and Reece James have thrived in first team roles as a result, with Lampard preparing to go his first season back at the club without adding any further talent to the squad.

Chelsea are currently sitting comfortably at the 4th position 14 points behind league leaders Liverpool who are unbeaten. They are only 6 points behind second placed Leicester city and 3 points behind 3rd place last season’s Champions Manchester City.

with the transfer ban reversed, reports have already emerged linking several players to Chelsea. Crystal Palace forward Wilfred Zaha has been linked to Stamford Bridge in January as reported by The Sun.

England players Ben Chilwel and Jordan Sancho who plays for Leicester and Borussia Dortmund at club level respectively have also been linked to the London move.

Chelsea are also enjoying having a player as a contender for the EPL Golden Boot with Forward Tammy Abraham scoring 11 goals in 14 appearances in the premier league this season, 3 goals behind leader Leicester’s Jamie Vardy.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

IEBC issues stern warning to Kibra voters as voting process continues

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

The Independent and Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned voters in the on going Kibra Constituency by-election against sharing pictures of marked Ballot papers on social media.

In a statement posted on its Twitter account, the electoral body has warned those to be violating the directive of dire consequences.

The commission asked voters to adhere to secrecy of Ballot violation stating that it is an electoral offense punishable by law.

The warning came after various pictures of marked Ballot papers were making rounds on social media on Thursday morning, hours after opening of the polling stations. 

Two people have so far been arrested by the police since the mini-polls started in the morning for voter bribery allegations, the Chebukati led commission stated.

Voters began polling on early Thursday morning to vote for a new Member of parliament to succeed the late Ken Okoth. The polling stations opened on 6 am and is expected to close at 6pm.

ODM is trying to defend the seat through its candidate the brother to the late Ken, Imran Okoth while Jubilee on the other hand fielded veteran footballer McDonald Mariga.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Load More Posts