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Energy CS Keter Sister, Relatives In Certificate Forgery Scandal

by Mustafa Juma March 8, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

A Human Resource manager with Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has been charged with forgery.

That is just one part of a story that involves a powerful Cabinet Secretary, a Principal Secretary and several relatives and girlfriends.

Energy CS Charles Keter, a former Investigation Officer at defunct Kenya Posts and Telecommunication Corporation (KPTC) once dated a woman. The woman, perhaps jilted might have been the cause of a story that has been told many times with different versions and sequels. That will be addressed in another post.

Keter’s sister Irene Chesang has been charged with faking her Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business Administration from the United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) and her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate.

Chesang claimed to have been awarded with the degree on June 17, 2000.

Chesang is the wife to Youth and Innovation PS Julius Korir, a former Olympian who represented the country at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles

The accused person who is facing 13 counts of forgery is said to have also forged her undergraduate degree transcripts dated 1997 to 2000.

As for her KCSE certificate, she is said to have forged the document indicating that she sat for exams in 1996.

She allegedly attended school at Solian Girls’ High School in Eldama Ravine Constituency, Baringo County.

Court heard that the accused person presented to Rose Mkalama, one of the agency’s administrators, the fake documents on November 10, 2012 and on January 17, 2013, while seeking the HR position.

She also presented the same documents while seeking promotion to the position of Principal Human Resource Officer on January 31, 2018.

Appearing before Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti on Friday, the accused failed to enter her plea as she spent most of the time sobbing.

Plea taking was pushed to Tuesday to give her time to compose herself.

She was also charged with faking a letter from Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board (KASNEB) exempting her from sitting an exam on June 29, 2008.

Chesang is also facing charges of fraud where she is accused of illegally obtaining property owned by the government agency worth Sh10.1 million.

The case has thrust CS Keter in a very uncomfortable situation given he occupies one of the most powerful positions in Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee government and also one of Deputy President William Ruto’s kitchen cabinet.

Ata time when DP Ruto wanted little distraction in his presidential quest next year, this criminal case is in bad light for the DP after he elevated the former Kericho Senator from the legislative position the powerful docket, one of the country best funded ministry’s controlling more than Sh100 billion (as per this year’s budget).

On the other hand, rumours abound, several senior officials in parastastal under Keter’s docket and members of his tribe are to be found with suspicious documentation supporting their job titles.

A week before she was arraigned in court, Chesang is said to have met a senior DPP official handling the case, but, the meeting arranged by a Luo fixer formerly working in DP Ruto’s office George Nengo, The meeting was however cancelled after it leaked to the press and a daily newspaper capturedit in its rumour columns, sending the participants at the meeting scampering.

It is not known what CS Keter’s input in the aborted meeting was, but it is a matter of speculation.

Stay tuned for the send part of this series and read about the brothers Joe Sang and Ben Sang and their involvement in the other big shots in the coverup that did not materialise.

March 8, 2021 0 comment

International Women’s Day: Infinix Ignites #SHEPOWER In Fast-growing Tech Space

by Mustafa Juma March 8, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

In line with this year’s International Women’s Day 2021 (IWD 2021) theme #ChooseToChallenge, three superwomen from the fast-growing smartphone brand Infinix looks to share their personal story in challenging biases and misconceptions within the tech space through a #SHEPOWER video released by the company.

Research shows that diverse teams perform better and are more innovative, often suggesting promising results for business.

Despite so, the lingering issue of gender disparity between male and female representation in the technology industry continues to be a hot topic for many activists, government authorities, and public-alike.

The #SHEPOWER in Infinix

Founded in 2013, Infinix is a frontrunner in combining stylish designs and cutting-edge smartphone technology in their products.

As a brand who aims to connect with the youths via their product innovation, the brand is also not one to shy away from burning social challenges – in this case, empowering women to take a stance in some of the most challenging environment. This time it is encouraging some of those women to share their stories.

The #SHEPOWER means lot of more meaningful to Infinix than many other brands as the company seeks not only to foster the technological and innovative development of some of the less-privileged regions, it seeks to advocate for social changes by promoting gender equality, as much as we don’t want to admit, some parts of the world aren’t very friendly to women who want to develop a career of their own.

While Kenya scores 81 (out of 100) on the Women, Business and the Law 2020 index and ranks 109 out of the 153 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2020 with 0.671, significant inequalities between males and females in education attainment, health outcomes, representation in parliament, and participation in the labor market remain.

For this year’s IWD, as Infinix highlights the back stories of its three superwomen, Infinix Kenya through the #SHEPOWER will also be celebrating the women in the Techspace in Kenya who have broken the gender barrier in what is a male dominated industry.

These women have come up with Tech related ideas that are transforming the society, role models that are encouraging a new generation of women in tech.

With the continued drive to innovation, they have contributed in Tech Talks (e.g TED) and have received recognition for their outstanding tech innovations e.t.c. Juliana Rotich is a technologist, strategic advisor, entrepreneur, futurist, keynote speaker and a Venture Partner in Africa Technology Ventures (ATV).

Judith Ogiwar is an African entrepreneur who uses technology as a tool to empower youth and young women. She is a co-founder of Akirachix; a revolution for African women and technology. Ory Okolloh is an activist, lawyer, and blogger.

She has worked as the Policy Manager for Africa with Google and has been featured in several magazines among them being Time 100 and Forbes.

Martha Chumo is the founder of The Dev School. The The Dev School equips youths in Africa with computer programming skills and aids them build technology-based solutions to everyday challenges.These women are some of the great spear headers leading women in the tech industry in Kenya.

Meet Shams Talaat, a 23-year-old marketer in Infinix, Iraq. Despite being in a place that has the lowest female employment rates in the world, Shams has always been a fighter when it comes to gender equality.

Last year, she marched hand in hand with male and female protestors down the streets of central Baghdad as one of the organisers of the gender equality rally which made international headlines.

“We want to feel heard, equal – and be free to represent our own voices,” said the young girl who have just graduated from Nahrain University, one of the top universities in Iraq.

“It’s uncommon for women to work in technology company here. Being part of this industry, in Infinix, in particular, means a lot to me because I am part of a vision that aims to provide great technology at an unbeatable price for my country. At the moment, I’m the only female member in my office – but I believe that things will change as we continue to promote a safe and inclusive working environment for aspiring women who wants to take a stab at the tech industry in Infinix,” continued Shams.

Another employee which shared her story comes from a transcontinental country where it spans the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia – the Arab Republic of Egypt, a place which ranked 136 out of 145 countries worldwide in gender equality.

Amani, the Head of Human Resources Department at Infinix, Egypt, has over 10 years of working experience under her belt. During her time with Infinix, Amani has been invited to attend the biggest HR conference in the middle east HRSE 2019 HR Summit and Expo.

“In Egypt, women are under tremendous societal pressure to get married and raise a child. Traditional Arabic culture sees us as weak and one that needs protection – even getting out of the house alone is a trouble for us. That’s why I take great pride in my work and what I’ve achieved so far,” shared Amani when asked about her views on common difficulties faced by female employees in their country.

Despite the scrutiny, she was able to excel in her performance: “It was very challenging in the beginning because the brand was growing so fast that I needed to establish a team and expand it by three times of its original size in such a short period. Regardless, we did it in the end. Not only so, I also managed to finish my post graduate studies in Human Resource and Law while working. It’s truly a blessing.

While both Shams and Amani have demonstrated their resilience in face of challenging adversities, the last sharer comes from a place which represents a promising future for a highly progressive nation that has committed to itself to promoting greater gender equality in its once male-centric workforce – the People’s Republic of China. Jessica a 25-year-old mobile

structure design engineer at Infinix Shanghai is turning heads with her talent in what seemed to be “a man’s job”.

With a childhood dream to be a fashion designer, Jessica finds joy in putting her creativity and passion into every aspect of Infinix mobile design: “ It’s a dream come true in an unexpected way. I’m really glad that fashion plays a critical role in Infinix’s product creation – it gives me an opportunity to see my ideas come to life in an everyday product like smartphones.”

One of her greatest achievement includes a crossover project with popular mobile game PUBG where her designs were featured heavily on many prime advertisement spots.

Today, there are greater acceptance for women in the workforce globally. Infinix has never stopped to take challenges on, with a workforce of 42% women, it will continue to drive gender equality and diversity. It is not the ratio that counts but the culture of fostering diversity.

In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has also sped up the marathon for women’s rights in multiple aspects. That being said, companies – in this case, those in technology sector – will still need to relook and improvise some of their efforts in promoting gender equality in the workspace to ensure a sustainable change.

March 8, 2021 0 comment

Lifestyle

International Women’s Day: What Kenyans Should Celebrate So Far

by Maureen Mwangi March 8, 2021

written by Maureen Mwangi

International women’s day celebrated every March 8th of every year, is earmarked to celebrate
women’s achievements in social, economic, cultural political developments and challenges that
women are undergoing.

Gender Equity

According to research done by UN women, no country has achieved gender equality.

Looking at decades back, women were viewed as housewives and their duty was to fulfil duties
around that concept.

Currently, the view of women as housewives has reduced due to emerging developments in the women empowerment sector that we all need to embrace.

In Kenya, we have seen efforts in achieving women inclusivity through the implementation of the two
_thirds gender rule as per article 177 of the Kenyan constitution, Inclusion of 47 county women
Representatives, paid maternity leave in most companies and women representation in different
sectors of the economy.

The Kenyan government is working effortlessly to achieve gender equality by creating programs such as Uwezo fund, Enterprise fund, and end of Female Genital mutilation.

Gender equality cannot be achieved if the government, institutions, Faith based organizations and companies don’t address on equitable access of resources.

Discrimination

We’re all looking forward to a generation where all voices will be listened to without discrimination(discrimination against race, ethnicity, language, health status, economic,
physical and social weakness), stereotypes, stigma and violence.

Violence Against Women

End of all forms violence against women is the desire of every girl or woman growing up in a very harsh and
stereophonic society.

All genders can deliver the same talent and skills , there is no gender superior than the
other.

Equal Career Opportunities

We have currently seen women greatly taking lead in STEM fields and careers, spaces that the society has always branded them as one Gender course, men.

According to Phumzile Mlambo,the executive director for UN women pointed out that women need to be represented in all their diversities, abilities and across all cultural ,social, economic and political solutions.

International Organizations that have taken lead to empower women are but not limited to United Nations, Ananke Magazine, connected women in Pakistan , Pakistan women in computing e.t.c they have taken the Frontline to empower young girls and women.

Most countries have also set aside positions in for women representation in parliament.

Access To Sanitary Towels

Just in November 2020,the Scottish government was celebrated by the world for implementing free and universal access of period products.

Scotland became the 1st country in the world to move into that direction.

The implementation of free period products has helped to tackle period poverty in Scotland and has also encouraged women to bleed with pride.

If this move is implemented in Kenya ,am certain that it will increase the rate of girls attending classes in schools and boost their confidence in public speaking.

Let’s try to break barriers and embrace gender equality in order to empower women from all spheres of the earth and achieve gender equality.

March 8, 2021 0 comment

Ex-CS Echesa To Be Treated “As An Armed And Dangerous Criminal”

by Mustafa Juma March 5, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa will be treated “as an armed and dangerous criminal” should he fail to surrender to police, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has said.

This follows an incident in which Echesa assaulted an IEBC official at Bulonga polling station during the just concluded Matungu Parliamentary by-election.

Police launched a manhunt against Echesa, but the controversial politician has been in hiding until today.

Mutyambai on Friday, March 5 issued an ultimatum to Echesa to surrender to police before 1pm, which has passed without him surrendering.

“The IG has directed Hon. Rashid Echesa who is on the run after assaulting an election official to surrender to the nearest Police Station by 1.00 pm this afternoon otherwise he will be treated as an armed and dangerous criminal,” reads the statement.

Echesa slapped the IEBC officer accusing him of chasing one of their agents out of the polling station during voting.

“Sheria inasema kuwa poll agents must witness the voting!” he was heard shouting as he told off the IEBC agent.

In the not so audible video, the IEBC agent was heard defending himself saying that he was following instructions.

But before he could finish talking, Echesa slapped him.

“You were told by who? Umeambiwa by who? You cannot keep our agents outside. Why are you chasing them outside…. This is stupidity my friend…” Echesa says as he slaps the official.

Okura allegedly stopped one of United Democratic Alliance’s agents from entering the polling venue because he did not have a facemask.

March 5, 2021 0 comment

Tanga Tanga Lawmakers Didmas Barasa, Cherargei And Nelson Koech Arrested In Kabuchai

by Mustafa Juma March 4, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Police have arrested Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Belgut MP Nelson Koech and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei during the ongoing Kabuchai parliamentary by-election.

Police say the tanga tanga lawmakers were intimidating the voters at the polling stations, thus interfering with their voting.

The two leaders are agents for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Evans Kakai Masinde.

Police have also arrested the UDA Candidate for Kiamokama Ward by-election Nyandusi Nyakeramba over allegations of voter bribery.

Police also arrested businessman Don Bosco Gichana who was with Nyakeramba at Moremani in Kisii monitoring the voting process.

Nyakeramba had confronted police officers demanding to know why they had teargassed his convoy yet he claimed not to have committed any offence.

“Why are you arresting my supporters as they vote? This is unfair what is my mistake, take me to court if I have committed any crime,” Nyakeramba said.

In Matungu, police are also looking for former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa after he engaged in an altercation with an IEBC official in the morning.

Echesa was caught on video slapping an IEBC official at Bulonga polling station.

This happened as he accused IEBC official Peter Okura of barring their agent to witness the voting.

“Sheria inasema kuwa poll agents must witness the voting!” he was heard shouting as he told off the IEBC agent.

In the not so audible video, the IEBC agent was heard defending himself saying that he was following instructions.

But before he could finish talking, Echesa slapped him.

“You were told by who? Umeambiwa by who? You cannot keep our agents outside. Why are you chasing them outside…. This is stupidity my friend…” Echesa says as he slaps the official.

Okura allegedly stopped one of United Democratic Alliance’s agents from entering the polling venue because he did not have a facemask.

March 4, 2021 0 comment

Drama In Matungu As Ex-Sports CS Rashid Echesa Slaps An IEBC Official (VIDEO)

by Mustafa Juma March 4, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

There was drama this morning at Bulonga polling station in Matungu Constituency, when former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa assaulted an IEBC official during the ongoing voting in by-election.

Echesa lost his temper while accusing the electoral agency official of barring the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Alex Wamukoya Lanya’s agents from witnessing the voting.

The official who was trying to explain himself did not finish his statement after meeting with a slap from Echesa.

In the video that has gone viral, Lanya is seen trying to calm down Echesa.

The contest in Matungu is a battle be between Deputy President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi.

More than 61,000 voters in Matungu have gone to the poll to pick a new MP to replace Justus Makokha Murunga who died in November last year.

The 15 candidates in the race were on Wednesday putting final touches on their logistics for Thursday and deployment of agents.

The candidates are Peter Nabulindo of ANC, David Were of ODM, Alex Lanya (UDA) Charles Kasamani (UDP), Paul Achayo (MDG) and Faida Auma of Maendeleo Chap Chap.

The Independents are Bernard Wakoli, Athman Wangara, Murunga’s widow Christabel Amunga and son Eugene Ambwere, Wilberforce Lutta, Kevin Nectus, Anzelimo Kongoti and Gregory Atoko.

Murunga was sponsored by ANC, but soon after 2017, shifted his allegiance to DP Ruto.

Kanu, Wiper and Ford Kenya are backing the ANC candidate.

Raila will be using the by-election to test whether his influence in the region he has commanded for close to two decades is still intact.

DP Ruto will be using the poll to gauge the impact of his spirited campaigns in the populous county.

Both ANC and ODM teams have claimed that there are plans to rig the poll by each side.

Mudavadi and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya who is leading the ODM campaigns have expressed confidence that their candidates will emerge victors.

Security was beefed up in the constituency starting Monday ahead of the vote. Matungu has 116 polling stations spread out in 57 polling centres.

Western regional police commander Peris Kimani said security arrangements were complete to ensure peaceful voting. Returning officer John Kurui said that all was set for voting day.

March 4, 2021 0 comment

City Tycoon Ashok Rupshi Shah Ordered To Appear Before DCI

by Daily Trends February 25, 2021

written by Daily Trends

Nairobi tycoon Ashok Rupshi Shah has been ordered to appear before the Directorate of Criminal investigations Gigiri for questioning over extortion and death threat he allegedly issued to a state witness.

Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot ordered the businessman to present himself to the police after he appeared in court yesterday seeking to lift the arrest order issued against him last week.

He told the court he is willing present himself to the DCI Gigiri police station.

“I allow Ashok Shah who is before court now to present himself to DCI Gigiri before the end of today in default, the warrant of arrest that is against him shall remain in force,” ruled the Magistrate.

Cheruiyot further declined to lift the warrants of arrest against Shah co-suspects including the chairman of the Shree Cutchi Gujarati Hindu Union (SCGHU) Meghji Patel, Nilesh Bhavsharu, Mukesh Salva and Hirji Ramji Patel alias Harish Daria.

“For avoidance of doubt the warrant of arrest against other suspects remains in force,” he ordered. In his ruling, the Magistrate noted that the death threat allegations facing the suspects are serious since they may lead to defeat of justice.

The suspects through their lawyer David Oyatta had sought to lift the warrant of arrest against them saying that Shah co-accused persons are in Mombasa and would be presenting themselves before the police today.

But Prosecutor Kennedy Panyako opposed the application to have the warrant lifted saying that the conduct of the suspects are mischievous as they attempted to secure anticipatory bail at Kiambu High Court.

February 25, 2021 0 comment

Airline Industry To Start Picking Up In Last Half Of 2021, Bluebird Aviation Projects

by Mustafa Juma February 16, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

The aviation sector could start picking up towards the last half of the year 2021, Bluebird Aviation, a top regional airline has projected.

According to the Aviation General Manager, Captain Hussein Mohammed, there was a ray of hope for the aviation sector with the planned roll out of COVID-19 Vaccines despite the results of the pandemic which caused a total disruption in the aviation industry.

He added that flights capacity has remained less than 50 per cent for all airlines across, local, regional and international markets since the outbreak of coronavirus.

“Is it coming back? Yes it is coming back slowly, but a bit too slowly. By now it should be more than 50 per cent capacity. We hope that with Vaccination coming, the industry will start picking up in the last half of the year,” said Captain Mohammed.

A national traveller readiness surveys since the start of the global pandemic, commissioned by The National Tourism Crisis Steering Committee, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) released early February 2020 shows 65 per cent of travellers are willing and ready to start to travel again domestically compared to 34 per cent regionally and 25 per cent internationally.

However, the survey also indicated that majority of the respondents are extremely concerned with being quarantined at the destination (76 per cent) followed by contracting COVID-19 (61 per cent).

Captain Mohammed said travellers’ confidence to start travelling again could be best addressed through introduction of a Vaccination ‘passport’ to address the underlying concerns.

To stay afloat, BlueBird Aviation embarked on strategic marketing with prospective clients, reducing flight charter costs and harmonisation of salaries.

February 16, 2021 0 comment

Angry Customers Messages; Why You Should Avoid Cooperative Bank Like a Plague, Very Unreliable

by Mustafa Juma February 16, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Cooperative Bank customers have expressed their disappointments in the way the bank has been serving them.

Cornelia Lemar
i lost 990 from my account,am trying to inbox you but you’re telling things i don’t understand
Top fan
Jacob Onyango
Wah! Mimi ile embarrassment nilipata na coop mbanking kwa matatu wacha tu. I told the conductor to give me his number so that I could send him cash directly from my account to his mpesa number. Wacha a return sms iseme ” service is un available” I had no cash in my pocket

Fred KE
Your cashless transaction are risky.. your mcoop app and *667# can fail you in the middle of transaction.. I experienced this last week and I now trust mpesa more than your mobile banking… Please improve on your services.

Keff Keffero
Kazi yenyu nikusema you are very sorry…you are very good at that

Andre Young Jr.
This is literally my fave when I learn that a client paid directly to my co-op account instead of giving me a cheque I bank elsewhere… Tears😭

Hargreaves Alumasa
Co-op Bank Kenya Why are you frustrating us? Mco-op cash is doing since yesterday

Irene Ogweny
how do u expect us to enjoy valentines day while you dont respond to my inbox?????am asking here for the last time,how many days does a cheque takes to mature from another bank to coop?and pliz stop asking me the amount, after all, it does not concern you.

Oliver Griézmaññ Chelsea
What’s wrong with this app of yours? I want to send my wyf money from my account directly to her account n I can only do that via the app. Why is it not working, yet *266# and *667# are all working? I want the funds to be deposited directly to her bank a/c and not mpesa, this is so annoying, this is Valentine’s and people need 💰!!!!!

Qanayo Anayo
I tried to apply for a top up in flexi after repaying for two months and coop denied me. Nameshanga sana. I only have one month to fully repay. Bado nashanga

Ayub Meshack
For almost three months now I haven’t used my a/c because mobile banking isn’t working,ety can’t get my details online

Kui Anne
How long does it take to get a business ATM card, I opened my business bank account on December 17th from kikuyu branch and am yet to get an ATM card 2 months later?

Protus Nyakina Omwenga
Ihave aloan of two month installment ,if iclear the first installment can i top up two month top salary ,,the other question if igot two month salary loan on 6feb2021,and if ipay the first instalment on 8march 2021,can i top up again or you will say my count is negative 5000,for example.

Samuel Gaikuru
I have an issued. I currently do not receives any coopbank message(s) in my sim card as i earlier before. I cannot withdraw money directly from my m-coop cash at coopbank agent because i cannot receives any message from coopbank. My ATM card is very far away. And the only way forward is sending money from my m-coop cash to my m-pesa. Kindly helped.

Raymond Olende
Why keep people waiting online for hours ?
I made a wrong transaction I Inbox you.
This is the second time the last time you did the same and I lost my cash since no one answered my call nor reply to my mail. You’re such a disappointment

Samuel Irungu Precious
The only bank that takes 5days to cash a cheque.
Disappointed with 10000others😭

February 16, 2021 0 comment

Drama, Panic As Nyali MP Mohamed Ali Enters Parliament Chambers With A Gun (VIDEO)

by Mustafa Juma February 12, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Drama was witnessed in Parliament on Thursday, February 11, 2021 after Nyali MP Mohamed Ali alias Moha Jicho Pevu entered parliament chambers with a gun, causing panic.

Gem MP Odhiambo Elisha Ochieng was forced to rise up and raise the concern after realising that the journalist-turned politician was carrying a gun at his back.

“I have noticed a behaviour which is not of good conduct for a Member of Parliament. I am sure sure we operate under particular codes of behaviour within Parliament..am not aware that a Member of Parliament is allowed to walk inside here with a gun. I have noticed the honorable Ali is carrying something on his back, and that is a gun, then we are not safe,” said the Gem MP.

The issue got the attention of Speaker Justin Muturi, forcing Moha Jicho Pevu to stand up and apologise.

While giving his apologies to the MPs, Moha Jicho Pevu explained that he was prone to forgetting just like any normal human being.

He noted that he only forgot to leave outside the things he was carrying, and accepted to surrender the gun to the sergeant at arms.

He however condemned Hon Odhiambo for raising the matter before the house, arguing that the MP could have just approached him instead.

Moha Jicho Pevu however, maintained that the law allows Members of Parliament to apply for a licensed gun.

He further condemned the lawmakers for personalising the issue and making it a Tanga tanga affair.

February 12, 2021 0 comment

748 Air Services Partners With Travel Agents To Shore Up Valentine’s Bookings To Maasai Mara

by Mustafa Juma February 10, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Renowned aviation company, 748 Air Services has announced a partnership with travel agents to shore up Valentine’s celebrations bookings to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

In the last quarter of 2020, the airline strategically partnered up with various lodges and camps in the Mara and increased frequency of flights to boost domestic tourism.

748 Air Services has signed packages with Keekorok Lodge, Mahali Mzuri, and Sarova Mara among others to create a memorable experience in one of the world’s sublime wonders.

The airline currently has flight and accommodation packages covering return flights, full-board accommodation, game drives and round airstrip transfers. These packages can be booked directly from www.748airservicesltd.com

“At the moment bookings for Valentine’s are low. We are now meeting prospective travel agents with the hope of enhancing our bookings,” said Mr. Jibril, 748 Air Services Chairman.

A national traveller readiness survey and the largest since the start of the global pandemic, commissioned by The National Tourism Crisis Steering Committee and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) shows that 65 per cent of travellers are willing to travel again domestically, compared to regionally(34 per cent) and Internationally (25 per cent).

748 Air Services operates daily flights to the Mara with rates now pegged at USD $206 per person for a return ticket from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.

“We are offering competitive rates to the Mara compared to other airlines operating from Wilson Airport,” said Mr. Jibril.

The airline strives to maintain higher safety standards on ground and on air. For instance, the Manufacturer Standards and Kenyan Regulations accepts that the Cessna Grand Caravan can be flown by one pilot. However, our stringent company procedure stipulates that the aircraft must be flown by two pilots.

“Our Crew are highly qualified and experienced in flying to areas with both paved and unpaved runways. In addition, all our aircraft are insured in the London market, the most reputable insurance market globally.” Said Moses Mwangi, Managing Director,748 Air Services.

To ensure maximum protection against COVID-19, the airline has set up inflight COVID-19 procedures including fumigating the aircraft, taking passengers temperatures, thoroughly sanitizing before boarding and ensuring that everyone including the crew wears their masks correctly.

748 Air Services (K) Ltd is an Air Charter Company that holds an Air Operator Certificate and an imbedded Aircraft Maintenance Organization; both authorized by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

Since its inception, 748 Air Services (K) Ltd has grown into one of the most reliable air charter companies in the region, catering to the humanitarian sector, natural resource sector and government institutions.

We lead the flock, with expedient delivery of cargo to remote destinations, or comfortable and safe transportation of passenger.

February 10, 2021 0 comment

Kang’ata Kicked Out From Plum Senate Job, Senator Wamatangi Takes Over

by Mustafa Juma February 9, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Murang’a Senator Irungu Kanga’ta has been axed as the Senate Majority Chief Whip.

His position has been taken by Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi.

Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju says that while Kang’ata was within his rights to express his opinion to the President, the party had an issue with the manner in which he did it.

He added that Kang’ata was later invited to a meeting and asked to apologise but he declined.

Tuju said the senator also declined to attend a Parliamentary leadership meeting.

Tuju confirmed the ouster moments after Deputy President William Ruto’s allies stormed out of the Senate Parliamentary Group meeting protesting what they termed as an illegal and crooked plan to remove Kang’ata as Senate Majority Whip.

Addressing journalists at KICC on Tuesday, the nine Senators led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi said they walked out of the room after members were asked to sign a form to sanction Kangata’s removal.

Murkomen said the process was illegal as there were no showcase letters to Kang’ata before the decision was made.

Kang’ata has been at cross paths with the party leadership after he penned a letter to the President discrediting the Bulling Bridges Initiative’s popularity in Central. The letter has been interpreted as disrespect to the party leader.

All the Jubilee Senate PG meetings chaired by the President last year ended in key allies of the DP being removed from their positions.

Murkomen was dewhipped as Majority leader while his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika was removed from the majority whip position.

The meeting also ratified the removal of Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki as Senate Deputy Speaker.

Jubilee Party has already kicked out six senators in the latest purge of rebels allied to Deputy President William Ruto.

Nominated senators Isaac Mwaura, Millicent Omanga, Victor Prengei, Falhada Dekow Iman, Naomi Jillo Waqo and Mary Seneta Yiane were expelled by the National Management Committee — Jubillee’s top organ.

Jubilee secretary-general Raphael Tuju announced the expulsions Monday, hours after Ruto met more than 100 Tanagatanga MPs at his Karen residence.

Last month, Kang’ata conceded that his time as Senate Majority Whip might be nearing its dusk.

The Senator while on an interview with vernacular station Inooro on January 10, 2021, revealed that there was already a plot within the Jubilee Party to relieve him of his duties in the upper house.

Kang’ata also stated that he had been left out of a Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) team formulated to spearhead sensitisation campaigns for the report in the Mount Kenya region.

Kang’ata stated that he was ready for any consequences that may be thrown his way, reiterating that he felt obliged to tell President Uhuru Kenyatta the truth. He stated that he wrote the letter out of good faith and is still loyal to President Kenyatta.

He maintained that the BBI report was still unpopular in the Mt Kenya region. He reiterated that he only wrote the letter dated December 30, disowning one dated January 4, 2021.

The Murang’a lawmaker conceded he regrets the letter leaked to the public and the outcome of the entire situation that has since backed him into the receiving end of criticism from various quarters of pro-BBI leaders.

Kang’ata also alleged that he had received threats on his life and he had recorded a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

In an interview earlier January 11, the Senate Majority Whip argued that some political factions in the country had ideas that need to be incorporated in the report, terming them good.

February 9, 2021 0 comment

Drama At Nairobi Hospital As Sonko Is Forcibly Whisked Away, Taken To Court

by Mustafa Juma February 9, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Drama ensued at the Nairobi Hospital on Tuesday, February 9, when police arrived and picked up former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

Sonko was today (Tuesday) expected to appear in Court for the ruling of his assault case.

Sonko had been admitted to the hospital on Monday night after complaining of stomach complications and high blood pressure while at the Gigiri police cells.

Ahead of the court session, police were informed the former governor was at the hospital.

They drove there and picked him up and took him to the court at around 11.15 am.

It is not clear if the doctors at the hospital cleared the transfer given he had been there for more than six hours.

Witnesses said the hospital management avoided any drama and allowed him to be taken away.

He appeared in court in the company of an ambulance medic. This came ahead of his two key rulings in court on if he should be released on bond.

On Tuesday, a Kiambu Magistrate’s court is first expected to rule on his application to be released on bond in a multiple case of assault and robbery he is facing.

A Kahawa West court is also expected to make a ruling on an application by the police to be allowed to detain Sonko for 30 days as they investigate terror-related charges.

Sonko was admitted with stomach complications ahead of the key court rulings.

Officials aware of the developments said Sonko was rushed to hospital from Gigiri police station aboard an ambulance and admitted there.

The ex-governor was set to know if he will be freed after the rulings.

A Kiambu Magistrate’s court will first rule on his application to be released on bond in a multiple case of assault and robbery he is facing.

A Kahawa West court was also expected to make a ruling on an application by the police to be allowed to detain Sonko for 30 days as they investigate terror-related charges.

His legal team is concerned with reports that police plan to revive old cases that they believe were settled.

Over the weekend, plainclothes officers from the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) arrested seven of his aides, adding the list to nine of the aides that have been put in police custody after being linked to terrorism activities.

Sonko’s woes seem to be far from over, after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) commenced investigations into how he allegedly faked his death in 2005.

Besides probing Sonko’s “alleged death”, the DCI has also launched further investigations into several past cases, that the former flamboyant governor is linked to.

According to reports, the detectives are said to have begun the probe following a request from Shimo La Tewa Prison where Sonko is said to have escaped from.

Kinoti was, however, quick to dismiss claims by Sonko’s allies and friends that he is being persecuted for allegedly reading from a different political script with the powers that be.

“DCI is a professional entity that conducts its investigations in accordance with the law. We are completely non-partisan in politics,” Kinoti said.

Sonko is expected to be questioned over a fake death certificate bearing his name, and purportedly issued on June 20, 2005. The cause of death was indicated as cardio-pulmonary arrest.

Sonko’s escape from Shimo La Tewa facility has always been a source of heated debate between himself and State authorities.

Various accounts indicate that Sonko escaped from the maximum prison some 20 years ago.

He is said to have been released in 2001 after allegedly claiming that he was HIV positive and epileptic.

February 9, 2021 0 comment

Sonko Falls Sick While In Police Cells, Rushed To Hospital

by Mustafa Juma February 9, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is sick and has been admitted in the hospital.

His admission comes ahead of two court rulings that are scheduled for today.

Sonko was admitted with stomach complications ahead of the key court rulings.

Officials aware of the developments said Sonko was rushed to hospital from Gigiri police station aboard an ambulance and admitted there.

He was admitted and is in a stable condition, an official who saw him said.

The ex-governor was set to know if he will be freed after the rulings.

A Kiambu Magistrate’s court will first rule on his application to be released on bond in a multiple case of assault and robbery he is facing.

A Kahawa West court was also expected to make a ruling on an application by the police to be allowed to detain Sonko for 30 days as they investigate terror-related charges.

His legal team is concerned with reports that police plan to revive old cases that they believe were settled.

Sonko’s woes seem to be far from over, after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) commenced investigations into how he allegedly faked his death in 2005.

Besides probing Sonko’s “alleged death”, the DCI has also launched further investigations into several past cases, that the former flamboyant governor is linked to.

According to reports, the detectives are said to have begun the probe following a request from Shimo La Tewa Prison where Sonko is said to have escaped from.

“Authorities at the facility wrote to the DCI requesting for investigations to establish the authenticity of the death certificate. They have requested that Sonko should be taken back there to complete his sentence term should the death certificate be established to be fake,” a well-placed source told a local daily.

“We have re-opened several files on him that are under investigations. I am however not in a position to give the fine details of the cases,” DCI boss Kinoti said.

Kinoti was, however, quick to dismiss claims by Sonko’s allies and friends that he is being persecuted for allegedly reading from a different political script with the powers that be.

“DCI is a professional entity that conducts its investigations in accordance with the law. We are completely non-partisan in politics,” Kinoti said.

Sonko is expected to be questioned over a fake death certificate bearing his name, and purportedly issued on June 20, 2005. The cause of death was indicated as cardio-pulmonary arrest.

Sonko’s escape from Shimo La Tewa facility has always been a source of heated debate between himself and State authorities.

Various accounts indicate that Sonko escaped from the maximum prison some 20 years ago.

He is said to have been released in 2001 after allegedly claiming that he was HIV positive and epileptic.

Sonko was released by now deceased High Court judge Samuel Oguk from prison three months before completing the one year sentence after claiming he was HIV positive.

Later in a sworn affidavit, Sonko claimed that he was suffering from chronic tuberculosis and peptic ulcers.

“Currently, I am admitted at the prison hospital and my chances of survival are very minimal, hence seek to be released on medical grounds or in compliance of the Presidential Amnesty Exercise dated 12/12/2000,” Sonko stated in an affidavit dated 2/2/2001.

But in 2011, then Commissioner of Prisons said at a press conference that Sonko escaped from lawful custody on April 16, 1998, while he was admitted at the Coast Provincial General Hospital.

Now a death certificate under the name, Kioko Gidion Mbuvi, the name he held before changing it in 2012, has become the subject of investigations by the DCI.

Sources at the Registrar of Persons told the People Daily that Sonko officially changed his name in a Gazette Notice No 1607 of February 10, 2012.

“Notice is hereby given that by a deed poll dated 1 February 2012, and duly registered by our client, formerly known as Mbuvi Gidion Kioko, formally and absolutely renounced and abandoned the use of his former names and in lie therefore assumed and adopted the name Mbuvi Gidion Kioko Mike Sonko,” the Gazette Notice read in part.

The death certificate indicates that Kioko Gidion Mbuvi died of a cardiacpulmonary arrest – a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness.

He was initially summoned following his indirect admission of culpability, when a fortnight ago, while in Rithumitu in Dagoreti, Nairobi county, he said he together with Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho and others, printed Orange Democratic Movement T-shirts and bought vehicles which they later burnt.

Sources at DCI said detectives are yet to commence investigations into his alleged culpability in the 2017 violence.

February 9, 2021 0 comment