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The Public Service boss Prof Margaret Kobia has dismissed claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta has been overlooking the youth when making senior government appointments.

Speaking when she appeared on K24 TV’s Punchline on Sunday night, Prof Kobia said that if Uhuru appoints a 25-year-old to chair a board, they will feel inadequate because they lack experience.

“If you appoint a 25-year-old to chair a board, they will feel inadequate because they lack experience. And this is not a full time job, it pays so little. They only sit quarterly; it is not about the old versus the young. It is about the skills you bring to the table at the time,” said Prof Kobia.

Last week, the Employment Court ordered the suspension of former Othaya MP Mary Wambui’s appointment to the National Employment Authority (NEA) board.

Justice Hellen Wasilwa directed that Ms Wambui should not assume office until a petition challenging her appointment is heard and determined.

Her appointment was contested by the Kenya Young Parliamentarians, who claimed that the Othaya MP is not qualified to lead NEA as its chairperson.

But the Public Service CS said their dispute is tainted by gender bias and they will take up the matter on behalf of Ms Wambui, even though the negative publicity may push the Othaya MP to reconsider the appointment.  

The petitioner claimed that the former Othaya MP does not meet the requirements set by Section 10(2) of the National Employment Authority Act, which requires at least seven years of experience in human resource management.

The Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association is headed by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.  

Ms Wambui was appointed as the NEA chairperson on October 14, by the Labour CS Ukur Yattani.

But Ms Wambui defended her appointment last week, saying that she got the job because “she is better than those complaining.”

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Public Service Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia has defended former Othaya MP Mary Wambui’s appointment to the National Employment Authority (NEA) board.

Speaking when she appeared on K24 TV’s Punchline on Sunday, Prof Kobia said the attacks on Ms Wambui were unwarranted and motivated by gender bias.

“I did not take it very kindly that Mary Wambui was being dragged into that kind of a conversation that she was not qualified. One, I saw gender issues there. If it was a man, nobody would have talked.

“In a board you do not make decisions alone, it is a total sum of the skills mix on the table. We did not give Mary a chance to lead this board. Leading at the board is strategic and about policy. Since it has now been surrounded by negativity she may reconsider. My ministry was offended by her being picked on, there are many men who have been given that job, older than her, and nobody said anything,” said CS Kobia.

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ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi has been confirmed dead following an attack by US forces on a compound in Syria believed to be his.

Baghdadi detonated an explosive device after he was cornered in a dead end tunnel killing himself and three of his children.

The US confirmed the attack on Sunday with President Donald Trump issuing a press conference at white house in Washington dc.

In the presser that lasted close to one hour, president Trump narrated how the US forces used intelligence from the Kurds and cooperation from Russia, Iraq, Syria ans Turkey forces making the operation successful.

“He died like a dog, crying, whimpering like a coward,” said President Trump.

Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi who held a PHD in Islamic studies, founded ISIS later renamed ISIL and bcame its leader in 2014 after declaring himself the caliph the would be successor of prophet Mohammed.

ISIL carried out attacks around the world including in East Africa with their affiliate group Jahba East Africa(a break away of Al-Shabaab) based in Somalia.

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A 75-year-old man from Ikolomani in Kakamega County was on Saturday evening (October 26) arrested on suspicion of defiling a 14-year-old girl.

The suspect allegedly lured the teenager into a thicket, where he is said to have committed the crime.

Police say the septuagenarian “paid” the girl Ksh100 for the act.

He will be arraigned on Monday, October 28.

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The Interior Ministry has dismissed claims that the grave of iconic freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi has been found at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.

In a tweet, on Saturday the ministry said: “Our attention has been drawn to news on some platforms that the grave of our freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi has been found at Kamiti Prison.”

They cautioned the public not to believe any information on the same unless it is communicated by the ministry through official communication channels.

“Please note these claims are False; such info will be relayed to the public only via our official communication channels,” read part of the tweet.

The Dedan Kimathi Foundation on Friday said they had located the grave of Dedan Kimathi at Kamiti Maximum Prison, Nairobi.

The foundation’s CEO Wanjugu said the news is not only a relief to the family but also to the larger freedom struggle heroes fraternity.

Wanjugu said they were waiting for orders from the Chief Justice David Maraga on excavation and exhumation of his remains before arranging for a decent send-off.

Dedan died in February 1957 at the age of 37 after being convicted and executed for murder and terrorism by the British colonial government.

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Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed claims that he is in a predicament over his stand the Building Bridges Initiative.

Ruto was responding on Saturday to a front-page headline on the Nation which reported the DP was in a dilemma over the BBI and had no choice but to back President Uhuru Kenyatta on the report.

The country’s second in command trashed the notion saying that Jubilee as a democratic party accommodates divergent views over the report that has in recent months proved divisive across the political divide.

The DP added that eventually, they will rally behind the party and its leader Uhuru Kenyatta.

“DILEMMA?Hapana!No way! Jubilee as a democratic party celebrates diversity of opinion free of hate and focused on transformation for all; for us big or small matters BUT ultimately as initiators of inclusive non-tribal political discourse we will stand behind our Party and Leader,” Ruto tweeted.

The BBI has proposed the introduction of a parliamentary system of government with a powerful Prime Minister and two deputies, radically overhauling the current system of governance.

The BBI team is against the winner-takes-all presidential system, largely blamed for political tensions and post-election violence.

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Mourners who had turned up for the burial of an 88-year-old man in Sachangwan Village in Molo, Nakuru County were shocked Friday mid-morning, when they were informed that the deceased had already been interred at 2am.

It is said Joseph Kiama had left a dying wish to his family, saying he should be buried at 2am, and that his body should not be taken to the morgue.

Kiama also instructed that his remains should not be buried in a coffin, but wrapped in a blanket and put on a mattress, which would be lowered into his grave.

The deceased also left an order that he be buried next to Molo River, and that mourners shouldn’t shed a tear throughout the period of grief.

Kabiang’a Location chief Joel Chepkwony who spoke to a local daily said that Kiama’s family had informed him of the planned rituals.

“They said they would have to observe Kiama’s wishes lest they attract curses,” said the local administrator.

Outsiders were denied access to the event only attended by the family who remained tight-lipped on the process.

The late Kiama had also instructed the family not to incur any expenses in feeding mourners at the burial.

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It is President Uhuru Kenyatta’s birthday, and Kenyans have flocked the internet to send him birthday wishes under the hashtag #HappyBirthdayMrPresident .

His deputy Dr William Samoei Ruto has not been left behind in wishing his boss a happy birthday.

The DP through his official twitter account send a message to the head of state which has sparked a lot of reactions.

In his message, Ruto praised president Kenyatta saying that he is a great inspiration to him, Jubilee leadership and millions of Kenyans as the youngest President Kenya has ever had.

Ruto further noted in his message that he was looking forward to what they had agreed with president Kenyatta to do after they retire, asking the head of state if he is still remembering.

“Happy birthday to my friend & Boss H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta. You are a great inspiration to me, Jubilee leadership and millions of Kenyans as the youngest President we’ve ever had. As we age, I look forward to what we agreed on to do when we retire. Remember? Ubarikiwe mpaka Ushangae!” reads Ruto’s tweet.

However, Kenyans on twitter did not take any of Ruto’s wishes.

They went on to ask if Ruto was retiring with his boss, arguing that he is on the 2022 ballot.

Some decried the rate of unemployment in the country, urging the DP to act first.

Some told off the DP, arguing that him alongside the president were lucky enough to enjoy birthday bashes as Kenyans sleep on empty stomachs.

Here are some of the reactions.

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Kakamega County governor who is also the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has joined the hot campaigns in Kibra to drum up support for ODM candidate Imran Otieno Okoth.

The council of governors chairman will today (Saturday) attend various ODM campaign events in Kibra.

At 10.00am Oparanya is expected at Church of God in Lainisaba Ward.

At 12.00pm, he will be at PEFA church, Makina Ward where he will continue with the campaigns.

He will then end his campaigns at 2.00pm at The Christadelphian Bible Mission (Kenya) CBM (Next to the Legio Maria Church) in Woodley.

“ODM DPL Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya will be in Kibra today for the following campaign events; 1. 10.00am at Church of God in Lainisaba Ward. 2. 12.00pm at PEFA church, Makina Ward. 3. 2.00pm at The Christadelphian Bible Mission (Kenya) CBM (Next to the Legio Maria Church) in Woodley,” reads a post shared by ODM via twitter.

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An autopsy report by the government pathologist has revealed a university of Nairobi lecturer’s son died of stomach ulcers and obesity-related complications.

The lecturer was on Wednesday arrested after the decomposing body of her 13-year-old son was found wrapped in a blanket in their house in Nairobi’s South B estate.

Government Pathologist, Peter Ndegwa, said that the 13-year-old boy, Emmanuel Inyama, whose decomposing body was found in their house, was stressed, and weighed almost 100kgs.

The autopsy was done on Thursday, October 25, with the findings contradicting earlier reports by the lecturer, Annah Khahugani’, that the boy had slipped and injured himself, Standard reported.

“He was unkempt. His hair was unshaven. He was not in a very good state and he was very obese. His ulcers could have been stress induced,” Ndegwa said.

According to the government pathologist, there were no physical injuries on the boy’s body which was discovered the caretaker of the apartment where Khahugani lived in Nairobi’s South B estate.

He had gone to collect rent from her and when she did not answer the door, he peeked through the window.

“I saw a body covered in a blanket on the chair. There was a stench and houseflies were hovering over the body. I alerted the police immediately,” Mwangi said.

According to Mwangi, Annah and her son had lived in the house for about five years. He said she was an extremely religious person and from time to time, she would notify him in case she had prayer meetings at her house.

She told police the son fell and died in the house. She said she did not take him to the hospital because she does not believe in hospitals.

She was detained at Industrial Area Police Station ahead of a planned visit to a psychiatric for assessment of her mental status.Annah was found hiding in a cupboard after officers broke into the house. 

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga will today (Saturday) honor the hero who ‘paid the ultimate price for ODM’s victory’ in the just concluded Ganda ward by-elections.

Ngumbao Jola, who was felled by assassin’s bullet in Ganda Ward on October 16 will be laid to rest in a ceremony set to be attended by Raila.

ODM through their official twitter handle confirmed that their Party Leader will be there to honour the hero.

“Today, Saturday October 26, we lay to rest our Shujaa Ngumbao Jola, who was felled by assassin’s bullet in Ganda Ward on October 16. Our Party Leader @RailaOdinga will be there to honour the hero who paid the ultimate price for our victory in Ganda. May his memory be blessed,” reads the ODM tweet.

Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa was arrested alongside Otieno, her gardener and domestic worker after Ngumbao was shot dead.

Ngumbao was shot dead during a fracas that erupted at the home of ODM candidate Reuben Katana in Ganda ward.

Trouble started after Jumwa stormed the home to disrupt the meeting between Katana and ODM agents for the by elections, saying the campaign period was over.

Jumwa and her bodyguard, Okuto Otieno, were later granted Sh1 million bond and a surety of a similar amount with the alternative of Sh500,000  bail each after spending one night behind the bars.

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Gilgil MP Martha Wangari has urged High Court judge Daniel Ogembo to deny her estranged partner Peter Karanja bail, saying Karanja, who is a suspect in the murder of Tob Cohen, does not have a fixed abode as claimed in his bail application.

Karanja, in his pre-bail report, told the court that his home is in Gilgil Town, where he lives with Martha Wangari.

The MP through her lawyer, George Kimani, however, denies that Karanja owns the said-house.

“The said-house No. 063 in Gilgil Town is my property. He [Karanja] has no right to claim occupancy or ownership of it. Therefore, Karanja cannot persuade the court to free him on ground that he has a fixed abode,” said Wangari in her affidavit.

The lawmaker, however, says she and Karanja are currently embroiled in a court case over the ownership of the Gilgil Town property.

She alleges that Karanja, whom she refers to as an acquaintance and not ex-husband, is trying to “illegally” occupy the house by alleging that they were married through a customary arrangement.

“That is not true. I have never been his wife,” she said, adding: “He was an acquaintance, whom I have since parted ways with, and I can prove that.”

Karanja, however, says he got married to Wangari in 2010 and were blessed with two children.

Their relationship, however, got turbulent a few years ago, leading to their separation, which is yet to be ratified through divorce, said Karanja.

Wangari, on her part, says the only known residence that Karanja can claim is that of his parents at Miti Mingia area in Gilgil.

The MP sought to see Karanja’s pre-bail report.

The accused’s lawyer, however, objected to Wangari’s application, saying she has no direct or indirect interest in the Tob Cohen murder case.

The State also opposed the parliamentarian’s application, saying: “It is not clear what role she wants to play in the case.”

“This [Tob Cohen murder case] is not a divorce case, it is not a land case. The probation officer has captured the marital status of the accused and the current status of the house. It is already before you [Justice Ogembo] for the court to make its decision,” said the State counsel.

In response to the two objections, Wangari said she has a right to seek any public document from any agency, given Article 35 of the Kenyan Constitution allows her to do so.

“The same way the Constitution protects any other Kenyan, I do not need to be invited in any case by the prosecution,” said Wangari through her lawyer.

Karanja’s family pleaded with the court to release him on bail, saying the accused has a permanent residence, is God-fearing and has no history of criminal activities.

The suspect’s sister said Karanja is the sole bread-winner in their family, and that he should be released so that he can continue “paying school fees for our sister who is living with disability”.

Karanja’s kin, led by his father and sister, say should he be freed on bail, the family will sell a 1-acre parcel of land belonging to Karanja’s grandmother so that they can raise the money.

Justice Ogembo rejected Wangari’s plea to have Karanja denied bail.

The suspect’s bail ruling will be made on Tuesday, October 29.

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Interior cabinet secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has said that Monday 28th remains a normal working day.

This is after a document started circulating on social media claiming that the CS had gazetted Monday 28th October as a public holiday to mark Diwali celebrations.

The ministry of interior through their social media handles urged Kenyans to ignore the document, citing that it was fake.

“Kindly ignore a gazette notice circulating on social media claiming Monday 28th October 2019 to be a public holiday. Monday 28th remains a normal working day,” read a statement posted on social media by the Ministry.

Diwali, Deepavali or Dipavali is a four-to-five day-long festival of lights, which is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists every autumn in the northern hemisphere. 

The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights,” which are lit on the new-moon night to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

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Is it time to stop dating men who don’t treat you right, and start dating single dads? There are lots of unexpected benefits to dating a single dad, and it’s possible that dating a single dad could solve all of your dating problems.

First, however, you’ll need to figure out if a single father would be your type of man or not.

It’s undeniable that having a kid changes a person. Typically, it changes a person for the better because they become more mature, more selfless and more responsible.

Here are 10 major pros of dating a single dad:

1. They Know How To Love 

Single dads have learned what love is. They know how to love genuinely, unconditionally, and patiently. Their little one helped opened their hearts that much more, creating more capacity to love.

Plus, if he has a daughter, he’ll naturally want to treat you the way he wants a man to treat her one day.

2. They’re Not Afraid of Commitment

If you’re sick of commitment-phobes, you’re in luck. A single dad knows how to commit to something. He has made a huge commitment to his kid, and he isn’t afraid of commitment anymore.

He’s at the point in his life where the idea of settling down doesn’t scare him, because he realized he had to settle down the moment he knew he was going to be a father. That means he’s more likely to be looking for something serious. Plus, he has too much on his plate to add the headache of juggling women – and he doesn’t have time to troll for women at the bars.

The likelihood that a single dad is a player is quite slim, so if you’re sick of dating players who can’t fathom the idea of commitment, look no further than your local daycare or neighborhood park.

3. They’re Mature

If you’re at a point in your life where maturity is important to you, know that single fathers have that maturity. Even if you’re dating a young dad, he’ll still be mature, because having a kid forces you to grow up.

Being a father-figure requires maturity, and single dads have to be accountable. Single dads have responsibilities, and that’s a sign that they’ll be able to handle a relationship maturely. Speaking of fatherly responsibilities, single dads have to take their kids to the Dentist, the Doctor, and other appointments. This means that it should be relatively easy to meet a single dad if you’re looking to date one.

4. They’re Consistent and Reliable

There’s nothing worse than dating a man who is all over the map, and you might be sick of dating unpredictable, unreliable and inconsistent men. An unattached man without responsibilities tying him down is much more likely to be unpredictable, flaky and unreliable. However, a single dad will naturally have a much more predictable schedule, and he’s also be used to being relied upon and counted on.

Dating a single dad means you’re likely dating someone very reliable, who doesn’t pull disappearing acts or randomly end up in Vegas with the boys when you thought the two of you had plans.

Players tend to be completely inconsistent and unpredictable, keeping you guessing and wondering all of the time. A single father, however, isn’t about that life. It’s a breath of fresh air to date someone consistent who can actually be counted on.

5. They Take The Lead

If you’re into a man who takes the lead, is dominant, and maybe a little bossy – single dads for the win. Single dads have learned leadership qualities, since they have a child who is dependent on them.

When he was younger, he might have been more indecisive and passive. Now, as a parent, he’s become someone who takes more initiative, takes the lead, and makes decisions. This is an incredibly sexy quality in a man. He may even be used to being a little bossy, as a parent, and a little bossiness is another a sexy quality.

6. They’ve Nailed the Date-Night-In

If you’re the type of woman who loves staying in for date nights, you’ll love dating single dads. Babysitters can be expensive and hard to find on a Saturday night, so staying in for date night will likely be the norm when you date a dad.

However, a date-night-in can still be sexy, fun and romantic. For example, after his kid goes to sleep, you can set up a romantic date night at home. Light some candles, put on a sexy playlist, and set up wine and cheese night. Plan ahead by picking up a nice bottle of Cabernet and figure out your wine and cheese pairings for the evening. The ambiance of romance can easily be created at home, and it’s much more relaxing than being out on a Saturday night.

7. They’re Providers

When he suddenly had to start providing for a little one, he started getting better at managing his finances and realized how much purpose it gives him to be a provider.

Now, he’s a provider through and through. Being a provider is part of his identity now, and he’ll love providing for you if you become part of his world. It’s nice to know that someone you’re dating has the capability to take care of you, even if you don’t need to be taken care of. You’ll feel safer and more comfortable.

8. They Won’t Rush You

Moving too fast can guarantee a failed relationship, which is why moving slow is so important. If you like taking it slow, know that single dads are great at thoughtfully taking their time. Single dads tend to take it slow because they need to make sure you’re compatible before they introduce you to their kid.

They also already have a lot on their plate, so they aren’t desperate to move things along too quickly. This works for you, since you don’t want to be rushed into making an important decision about a relationship.

9. They’re Over the Bar Scene

If you’re over the drinking and partying scene, you’re in luck. A dad is likely no longer partying like crazy, drinking all the time, or getting out of control. Once you become a dad, you tend to reign it in, enjoying a more low-key lifestyle.

Once a man becomes a dad, he becomes a real man. He’s well-adjusted and has a good head on his shoulders. He no longer sees much appeal in a crazy night out.

10. They’ve got Good, Old-Fashioned Values

If you’re looking for a man with good, old-fashioned values, look for a single dad. They have learned what’s really important in life, and they have their priorities straight. They understand the value of a quiet night at home with loved ones, and they know that love and family are the most important things in life. They don’t prioritize casino nights with the boys, video games or bar-hopping.

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Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned ex-Kasarani MP Elizabeth Ongoro and 18 others in a Sh48 million Kasarani Girls High School graft probe.

DPP Noordin Haji has approved the prosecution of the suspects after an in-depth investigations by the anti-graft commission.

The commission established that the award of the contract for the construction of the school was awarded without due regard to the procurement laws, the school does not exist and that payments were made to different individuals and companies associated to National Government Constituency development fund.

Already two suspects who served in the Kasarani NG-CDF tender committee have been arrested over the ghost multi-million project.

The two are former Kasarani District Development Officer Kefa Omanga Omoi and ex-Kasarani CDF Committee member Jecinta Akoth Opondi.

The anti-graft agency has directed that the former lawmaker and 18 others present themselves to sleuths at EACC’s headquarters at Integrity Center immediately.

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Also to record statements include; Mwalim Rashid, Ruth Kanini Kitonyi (former Kasarani District development Officer), Silvan Onyango, Pamela Mudha, Nashon Odongo (former Nairobi provincial accountant), Claperton Ouda, Douglas Parshet, Vitalis Obunga Ogingo (former regional accountant, Nairobi), Fredinand Masha Kenga, Maricus Otieno and Peter Aming.

Others include Maurice Orongo, William Ogutu Weda, James Juma Ochieng, Peter Ongeyo, Charles Owino, John Obonyo owinga and James Miruka Dola.

They will all face nine charges of conspiracy to commit offence of corruption, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, engaging in a project without prior planning, unlawful acquisition of public property and willful failure to comply with the law relating to procurement.

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Safaricom Interim Chief Executive Officer Michael Joseph has revealed how the telecommunication giant landed on Peter Ndegwa as the CEO of the company.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citizen TV, Michael Joseph said the newly appointed CEO Peter Ndegwa was given the chance as a way of natural progression rather than giving in to demands.

Micheal Joseph was responding to questions from Citizen TV’s Yvone Okwara.

“I wouldn’t say we gave in to demands but becuase it is the right thing to do especially after 19 years of safaricom. By now a Kenyan should run the company,” he said.

Michael Joseph is a Kenyan-American businessman who was the founding CEO of Safaricom Limited, the largest telco in Kenya.

Currently, he is acting as the interim CEO after the death of former CEO Bob Collymore.

He is also the Chairman of Kenya Airways.

In the interview, Michael Joseph said it is true there has been pressure to get a Kenyan to replace Collymore.

There was pressure and it has always been there people asking why not a kenyan while others said why Kenyan and not just have the best person for the job,” he said.

He added, “This is the right time to define the right kenyan for the job”.

Micheal Joseph said Safaricom is not jus an ordinary company but has a specific DNA.

“It is not just about voice, data and SMS company but touches on financial services and impact communities in different corporate social resposbibilities. So this is a big company that touches on every facet of the Kenyan society.

Safaricom on Thursday announced that it had appointed Peter Ndegwa as the new Chief Executive Officer.

The Safaricom PLC Board of Directors in a statement Ndegwa’s appointment will take effect from April 1, 2020.

Ndegwa joins Safaricom from Diageo PLC where he is the Managing Director of Diageo Continental Europe.

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