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Chaos, teargas as Masinde Muliro University students demonstrate

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Police were on Tuesday morning (October 15) forced to hurl teargas at hundreds of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) students, who had barricaded the Kakamega-Webuye highway protesting against what they termed as poor leadership by the institution’s top management.

The learners accuse MMUST’s interim Vice Chancellor, Prof. Asenath Sigot, and the interim Registrar-Academic Affairs, Prof. Thomas Sakwa, of mismanaging the university, including its finances.

The students also alleged that the university has unduly increased learning fees.

Academic Affairs Registrar, Prof. Sakwa, dispelled the students’ allegations, saying that the learners were being incited by the student leaders.

According to him, the student leaders are using the learners to push for their selfish interests.

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Politics

VIDEO: Raila Caught up in a Road Drama

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

It is not less than once activist Boniface Mwangi has been caught up in a road drama with VIPs over traffic.

The activist has been sharing videos of different incidents he has engaged in a drama with high profile people who are entitled to road clearance using sirens.

But this time round, Mwangi might have engaged with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga unknowingly.

In a video he shared via his official twitter account, Mwangi says a police officer in a car with registration number KCH 995E insulted him because he refused to be “bullied”. He says the police was in the lead car for KCP 755S as seen in the video in his tweet below.

However, Kenyans on Twitter has revealed the owner of the above named car registration numbers.

Kicking off the debate, blogger Benji Ndolo said that he vehicles belong to Raila.

This is when Kenyans on twitter started posting photos of Raila from past events while in the said cars.

The shared photos show Raila in two different events using car registration number KCH 995 E.

Reactions show some Kenyans accusing Mwangi of engaging in the drama with Raila whom they say is entitled to security and clearance of traffic using sirens.

See some of the reactions below.

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Latest News

[PHOTOS] Remains of victims of Ethiopian Airlines crash arrive at JKIA

by The Star
written by The Star

The plane carrying the remains of 28 Kenyans who perished in the Ethiopian plane crash landed at JKIA on Monday morning.

At least 32 Kenyans were on board in the Boeing 737-Max Ethiopian plane during the March 10 tragedy, which killed 157 passengers.

The families of the victims of the crash were at JKIA early in the morning waiting for clearance.

Hearses were lined up at the VIP gate.

A preliminary report released in April indicated that the Ethiopian Airlines pilots wrestled with a computer system that repeatedly ordered the nose down because of faulty sensor data.

The same system was a focus of the preliminary report into the October Lion Air crash in Indonesia, which killed 189 people.

A Kenyan family had filed a lawsuit in Chicago in April against American aviation giant Boeing over the crash.

Remains of the Ethiopian Airlines crash victims arrive at JKIA on Monday, October 14, 2019.
Remains of the Ethiopian Airlines crash victims arrive at JKIA on Monday, October 14, 2019.
Image: PATRICK VIDIJA

 George Kabau said he wanted to compel the company to release documents and emails relating to its 737 MAX 8 model, which was grounded worldwide after two major planes crashed in Ethiopia and Indonesia.

In July, a Kenyan family told the US Congress that Boeing was yet to offer personal apologies to families of those affected by the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash.

Paul Njoroge revealed that Boeing had only made their apologies before cameras, but hadn’t reached out to the next of kin personally.

“The airlines just sent letters of sympathy acknowledging their mistakes but didn’t send their apologies,” he said.

But based on the Montreal Convention, each of the families of the Ethiopian Airline crash victims could receive as much as Sh17 million.

The treaty,  adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, stipulates that “if an airline is found at fault for an accident, each affected passenger is to get a minimum value equal to 113,100 special drawing rights”.

This type of plane crash compensation currently equals approximately $170,000  per passenger.

Family of the victims of the ET crash register to gain access.
Family of the victims of the ET crash register to gain access.
Image: PATRICK VIDIJA
Family of the victims of the ET crash await the remains at JKIA.
Family of the victims of the ET crash await the remains at JKIA

.

Family of the victims in a solemn mood as they await remains of the victims of the ET crash.
Family of the victims in a solemn mood as they await remains of the victims of the ET crash.
Image: PATRICK VIDIJA
Family of the victims of the ET crash arrive at JKIA.
Family of the victims of the ET crash arrive at JKIA.
Image: PATRICK VIDIJA
Family of the victims of the ET crash await the remains at JKIA.
Family of the victims of the ET crash await the remains at JKIA.

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Politics

Ken Okoth Was Jubilee’s Mole in ODM, Baby Mama Reveals

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Demised Kibra MP Ken Okoth’s baby mama Anne Thumbi has made a confession that may change how many ODM and Jubilee supporters used to perceive the MP.

According to Anne the Nairobi County Assembly nominated MCA, Ken Okoth used to work with ODM in the daytime, and then shift to Jubilee in the night.

While campaigning for McDonald Mariga in Kibra, the MCA claimed late MP’s success in developing the constituency was attributed to his close working relationship with Jubilee government.

Speaking on Sunday during a church service in Kibra, Thumbi urged the residents to vote for a Jubilee candidate to help achieve Ken Okoth’s vision.

“Let me tell you one secret that most of you don’t know, Ken Okoth was working with Jubilee at night and ODM during the day. All these development projects including roads were all achieved because he was working closely with government,” she said.

Thumbi noted Okoth’s close association with Jubilee was met with a lot of opposition from top leaders within ODM party leading to stalling of the projects.

Watch the video in the tweet below.

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Latest News

Moi admitted to Nairobi Hospital

by The Star
written by The Star

Former President Daniel arap Moi has been admitted to Nairobi Hospital for what the family said was routine check-up.

Sources within the family and the hospital told the Star Moi was admitted on Friday and he is set to spend some days at the hospital for intensive check-up.

“Nothing much to worry about. He is there for routine check-up and being attended to by his physician Dr David Silverstein . He is expected to spend a couple of days to allow the doctors sufficient time to check Mzee,” the source said.

Kanu secretary general Nick Salat confirmed that Moi was admitted.

“Yes, he is there just for normal check-up,” Salat, who was appointed in April, as chairman of the Postal Corporation, told the Star on phone.

But when the Star contacted Moi’s press secretary Lee Njiru, he said he was not aware the former president was sick and hospitalised.

“I’m in Nakuru and I’m not aware of such reports. I will find out and I will let you know once I get a report on the same,” Njiru told the Star on phone.

The admission of Moi comes days after Kenyans celebrated the return of Moi Day, a public holiday he created.

Moi Day was removed from the list of national holidays following promulgation of the Constitution in August 2010.

But the High Court reinstated the day to be marked as a holiday on grounds its removal was in contravention of the Public Holidays Act.

Kenya had been marking the holiday since 1988, when President Daniel arap Moi marked 10 years in power but it was scrapped in 2010.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Mating’i encouraged Kenyans to mark the day “with selfless acts of service to their community that seek to promote patriotism, national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities for the benefit of present and future generations.”

It is not the first time Moi is being admitted to the same hospital. Last December, he was there for what his office said was a normal check-up.

In March 2018, Moi who turned 95 last month was flown to Israel following “an uncomfortable knee.”

While the former president has enjoyed good health since leaving office in 2002, he has had a problem with one of his knees following an accident involving his car in 2006 in Limuru.

In January 27, 2017, he underwent a minor surgery on the knee at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi.

“The doctors of the former president have booked him in a hospital in Tel Aviv where they are eager to have a second opinion on his knee which has been a source of discomfort to him,” his office said last year when Moi was flown to Israel where he spent 6 days.

During his 95th birthday last month, unlike previous celebrations which have been characterised by pomp and colour, the event was a private function at his Kabarak home attended by close family members only.

Moi was born on September 2, 1924 and served as the second President of Kenya from 1978 to 2002.

He took over from Kenya’s first president Jomo Kenyatta following his death on August 22, 1978.

Moi has kept off active politics but in the recent past since the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga he has been receiving huge delegations of politicians paying him homage.

His son and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi who is keen on succeeding Uhuru in 2022 has featured most in the high profile visits which political pundits believe could be part of planning of the Uhuru succession.

Those who have visited Mzee Moi include Uhuru, his mother Mama Ngina Kenyatta, Oding, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli.

May last year, DP Ruto made his way to Kabarak but failed to meet Moi as it was alleged that the retired president was undergoing a routine physiotherapy session with his doctors for the entire duration of the visit.

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Politics

Please Hit The Gym! Millie Odhiambo Destroys Sonko on Live TV

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Governor Mike Sonko’s time of his life and a lot of fun has continued to create different reactions, with latest coming from a video he shared recently on social media while in France.

The Nairobi County chief says he is bench-marking in France, but Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo thinks otherwise.

According to Odhiambo, Sonko is trying to get people to cushion him.

The MP says that Sonko has just agreed to have Nairobi County Assembly speaker Beatrice Elachi back just because he is facing difficulty.

Speaking during K24’s punchline show on Sunday night, the ODM legislator advised Sonko to hit the gym over his video while in France.

And asked about her penchant for political drama, specifically on trading insults with Sonko, the ODM MP said she is not a “Michelle Obama.”

“When you go low, I go lower…think what you want of me, I don’t care,” said the Suba North MP, terming Sonko’s recent theatrics abroad as a distraction to the ills bedeviling Nairobi County.

“He is young and has a lot of energy. But I think he has disappointed a lot of people. I think he is distracting attention from some of the things happening in Nairobi,” said Odhiambo when asked about what she thinks of Sonko.

Speaking on why Sonko has not appointed his deputy up to now, Odhiambo said that the county chief fears taking advice from other leaders and professionals.

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Politics

Millie Odhiambo Punches Ruto on Live TV

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has accused Deputy President William Ruto of holding political grudges over comments she perceives targets her community.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MP made the comments on Sunday at the tail end of K24’s Punchline show when she was asked what she thinks of DP Ruto’s ability to lead the country.

“I would say Ruto needs to work on certain issues. He holds grudges…He needs to stop talking about “hawa watu wa kung’oa reli,” said Odhiambo.

The Suba North MP said that Dr Ruto does not endear himself to her because of the alleged ethnic bias.

“When you are in politics, there is no rear view mirror. In the last election, I did say unpleasant things against Uhuru but now I am saying nice things about him,” said Ms Odhiambo.

She used the opportunity to praise her ODM leader, Raila Odinga, saying he does not hold grudges and affirmed her support for his handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

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Sports

HISTORY MADE! Brigid Kosgei breaks Marathon record which has stood for 16 years!

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei has won the Chicago Marathon breaking Paula Radcliffe’s record which has stood for 16 years.

She won the women’s Marathon in Chicago in a time of 2.14.04.

She has retained her Chicago title.

Brigid has just smashed Paula’s Women’s World Marathon Record time of 2:15:25 set in 2003.

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Politics

ODM Camps in Aisha Jumwa’s Home Turf Ahead of Thursday’s Bruising Battle

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic (ODM) party has pitched camp in rebel MP Aisha Jumwa’s constituency in a mission to hunt for votes in upcoming Ganda ward by-elections.

The party’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna alongside party’s Executive Director Oduor Ongwen camped in the ward drumming up support for their candidate Reuben Mwamure Katana.

The by-election will be held on Thursday 17th October.

“SG @edwinsifuna ED @ongwen and other party top officials continued with their vote hunting mission in Ganda Ward of Malindi Constituency today. They drummed up support for our candidate Reuben Mwamure Katana. The by-election will be held Thursday 17th Oct,” reads ODM ‘s post on twitter.

Jumwa who has declared her support for Deputy President William Ruto is viewed as a rebel in ODM. She supports immediate former MCA Abdulrahman Mohamed whose election was nullified by a  Mombasa court.

The Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission declared the seat vacant in July.

Reuben Katana was declared the ODM candidate after contenders Ibrahim Kaniki and Erastus Katana alias King’ale dropped out.

Mohamed who was elected through ODM is seeking reelection as an independent candidate.

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Latest News

How to Apply For KDF 2019 Job Vacancies ( Requirements, Procedure & Deadline)

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Are you willing to join the Kenya Defence Forces? Well, then this is your chance! The government through the Ministry of Defence has announced a massive recruitment of General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, specialist officers, general duty recruits tradesmen/women and Defence Forces constables into defence forces.

However, the prospective candidates willing to join the Kenya Defence Forces MUST meet the following conditions and academic qualifications:

a. General Conditions

(1) Be Kenyan citizen with no dual citizenship.

(2) Be in possession of a valid Kenyan National Identity Card. (4 Copies of National Identity Card and PIN certificate)

(3) Age – between 18 and 26 years old for GSO Cadets, General Duty Recruits and Tradesmen/women with Certificate/Government Trade Test, not above 30 years for Specialist Officers, Tradesmen/women with Diploma, and not above 39 years for Chaplains/Imams.

(4) Be physically and medically fit in accordance with the KDF standards.

(5) Have no criminal record.

(6) Minimum Height: (a) Men 1.60m (5ft 3in). (b) Women 1.52m (5ft).

(7) Minimum Weight: (a) Men 54.55 Kg (120 lb). (b) Women 50.00 Kg (110 lb).

(8) Female candidates must NOT be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during the entire duration of training.

b. Minimum Academic Qualifications

(1) General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets. Must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with at least C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics and one Science subject. The training period for this category will cover three (3) years leading to a BSc in Military Science and Security Studies upon completion.

(2) Specialist Officers. Must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with at least C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics and one science subject. Must be a holder of an undergraduate degree from a recognized University/institution and be registered with a statutory body where applicable. The training period for Specialist Officers will not be less than three months.

(3) Servicemen/women (General Duty) Recruits Must hold a minimum mean grade of D (plain) in KCSE.

(4) Tradesmen/women. Prospective candidates willing to apply must satisfy the conditions and requirements given below.

(a) Technicians. A minimum mean grade of C (Plain) in KCSE, a relevant Diploma or above from a recognized Institution and be registered with the relevant statutory bodies, where applicable. (b) Artisans. A minimum mean grade of D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized Institution.

(5) Constables

(a) Be a retired Kenya Defence Forces Service Member or a retired National Youth Serviceman/woman. (b) Be between the ages of 30 and 55 years old for retired KDF and between 35 and 45 years old for retired NYS. (c) Possess a Discharge Certificate with a minimum rating of “Very Good” in conduct. (d) Must have served for at least 9 years Colour Service for retired honourably from KDF.

Vacancies.

a. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets

b. Specialist Officers. In addition to the minimum academic qualifications, Specialist Officers must posses’ qualifications and where necessary be registered with the relevant Statutory Bodies for the vacancies below:

(1) Medical Officers.

Must hold at least a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and be registered with Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (MPDB).

(2) Pharmacists.

Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).

(3) Nursing Officers.

Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and be registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).

(4) Dentists.

Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery and be registered with the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (MPDB).

(5) Laboratory Technologists.

Must hold a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology/Medical Laboratory Science.

(6) Counselling Psychologists.

Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling Psychology.

(7) Public Health Officers.

Must hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health/Environmental Science.

(8) Cyber Security/Digital Forensic/IT Officers.

Must hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science/Information Technology/Software Engineering/Networking. Certification in Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, and Ethical hacking or Information Security analysis will be added advantage.

(9) Engineers. Must hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Telecommunication, Instrumentation and Control, Mechanical, Marine, Biomedical, Naval Architecture and Mechatronics Engineering and be registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).

(10) Journalists.

Must hold at least a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication majoring either in Broadcast Production or Public Relations with at least two (2) years working experience.

(11) Lawyers.

Must hold at least a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized University, be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, hold a current and valid practicing certificate with at least two (2) years practicing experience. Experience in litigation will be an added advantage.

(12) Physical Training Officers.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science or Bachelor of Education (Physical Education).

(13) Finance/Accounting Officers.

Must hold at least a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance/Accounting option).

(14) Music Specialists.

Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Music.

(15) Chaplains/Imams.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Theology/Islamic studies from a recognized Institution. Protestant Churches and Roman Catholic Chaplains must be ordained Ministers and recommended by Archbishop and Episcopal Conference respectively. Imams must be recommended by the Chief Kadhi.

(16) Hospitality Management/Catering Officers.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management/ Food Production.

(17) Entrepreneurship and Management Officers.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship.

(18) Statistics Officers.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics/Applied Statistics/Actuarial Science.

(19) Procurement & Supply Chain Management Officers.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management /Purchasing & Supplies Management.

(20) Library and Information Officers.

Must hold at least Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science.

(21) Project Managers.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Project Planning and Management.

(22) Quantity Surveyors.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Survey and registered with Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS).

(23) Oceanographers.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography.

(24) Dock Masters.

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science.

  1. Tradesmen/women

(1) Diploma

(a) Accounting/Finance/CPA II

(b) Aeronautical Engineering (A&E)

(c) Archives and Record Management

(d) Automotive Engineering

(e) Building and Construction

(f) Carpentry and Joinery

(g) Community Health & Development

(h) Community Health Nursing (KRCHN)

(i) Computer Science/Information Technology

(j) Counseling Psychology

(k) Electrical and Electronics Engineering

(l) Electrical and Instrumentation/Control Engineering

(m) Human Resource Management

(n) Journalism (Print Journalist, Audio – Visual Producer)

(o) Marine Engineering

(p) Mechanical Engineering (Plant/Production)

(q) Medical Laboratory

(r) Music

(s) Painting/Coating Technology

(t) Para Legal

(u) Pharmaceutical Technology

(v) Plumbing and Pipe Fitting/Plumbing Technology

(w) Project Planning and Management

(x) Public Health/Environmental Science

(y) Purchasing and Supplies Management

(z) Radiography

(aa) Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

(bb) Research Skills Development

(cc) Sales and Marketing

(dd) Tailoring

(ee) Telecommunication Engineering

(ff) Warehouse/Store Keeping Management

(gg) Welding & Fabrication

(2) Certificate

(a) Auto/Motor Vehicle Electrical

(b) Automotive/Motor Vehicle Mechanics

(c) Carpentry and Joinery

(d) Composite Manufacturing Technology

(e) Electrical and Electronics

(f) Marine/Ship Construction

(g) Masonry and Brick Laying

(h) Plant Mechanics

(j) Plant Operations (Heavy Plant/Crane/Forklift/Tug Operations)

(k) Plumbing and Pipe Fitting

(l) Welding and Fabrication

Clear photocopies of relevant academic certificates and current National Identity Card (ID) MUST be attached to the application and be addressed to the:

Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces (Personnel and Logistics)

Ministry of Defence Defence Headquarters

Ulinzi House P O Box 40668 – 00100 NAIROBI

The applications to reach the addressee on or before 7th November 2019.

Candidates who will be shortlisted for Specialist Officers and Tradesmen/women shall be notified through the print media from 17th to 23rd November 2019.

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Sports

Why pacemakers dropped back as Kipchoge approached finish line

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Eliud Kipchoge has become the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours, beating the mark by 20 seconds.

The Kenyan, 34, covered the 26.2 miles (42.2km) in one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria on Saturday.

It will not be recognised as the official marathon world record because it was not in open competition and he used a team of rotating pacemakers.

“This shows no-one is limited,” said Kipchoge.

“Now I’ve done it, I am expecting more people to do it after me.”

The Olympic champion – who holds the official marathon world record of 2:01:39, set in Berlin, Germany in 2018 – missed out by 25 seconds in a previous attempt at the Italian Grand Prix circuit at Monza in 2017.

Also Read: History Made! Eliud Kipchoge Becomes First Human to Run a Marathon in Under 2 Hours

Knowing he was about to make history on the home straight, the pacemakers dropped back to let Kipchoge sprint over the line alone, roared on by a large crowd in the Austrian capital.

The four-time London Marathon winner embraced his wife Grace, grabbed a Kenyan flag and was mobbed by his pacemakers, including many of the world’s best middle and long-distance runners.

Kipchoge, who compared the feat to being the first man on the moon in build-up to the event, said he had made history just as Britain’s Sir Roger Bannister did in running the first sub four-minute mile in 1954.

“I’m feeling good. After Roger Bannister made history, it took me another 65 years. I’ve tried but I’ve done it,” said the Kenyan.

“This shows the positivity of sport. I want to make it a clean and interesting sport. Together when we run, we can make it a beautiful world.”

With a leading pace car beaming green lasers on to the road to indicate the required pace of 2:50 per kilometre, Kipchoge never went slower than 2:52 for any.

To break the mark, he had to run 100m in 17.08 seconds 422 times in a row at a speed of 21.1kph (13.1 mph).

He was 10 seconds ahead of schedule at the halfway mark, before appearing to slow with a few 2:52 kilometres, only to regain the pace and kick on in the final stages.

Kipchoge was assisted by a team of 42 pacemakers, including Olympic 1500m champion Matthew Centrowitz, Olympic 5,000m silver medallist Paul Chelimo and the Ingebrigtsen brothers Jakob, Filip and Henrik.

They rotated in and out, running in formation around Kipchoge, with former 1500m and 5,000m world champion Bernard Lagat anchoring the final leg.

“They are among the best athletes in the world – so thank you,” added Kipchoge. “I appreciate them for accepting this job. We did this one together.”

Kipchoge’s coaches delivered him water and energy gels by bike over 4.4 laps of a 5.97-mile course in the city’s Prater park, instead of having to pick refreshments up from a table as in normal competition marathons.

These aids are not allowed under the rules of the IAAF, athletics’ world governing body, which is why it will not recognise this feat as the official marathon world record.

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Sports

History Made! Eliud Kipchoge Becomes First Human to Run a Marathon in Under 2 Hours

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Eliud Kipchoge has made history by being the first human to run a marathon in under two hours.

Kipchoge crossed the finish line in 1:59:40.

When he started the race, he was greeted with a misty autumnal morning and a smattering of fans for his bid to run an unofficial sub-two hour marathon.

The marathon world record holder’s highly controlled attempt to break the two-hour barrier started at 8:15am local time (6.15 GMT) and organisers and there was a crowd of up to 8,000 in Vienna’s Prater Park.

Kipchoge ran 4.4 laps of a 9.6 kilometre course, consisting of a long straight with a loop at each end.

The sport’s governing body, the IAAF, will not recognise the run as an official record because it is not in open competition and it uses in and out pacemakers.

Kipchoge, 34, the reigning Olympic champion who set an official world record of 2:01.39 at the Berlin marathon in September last year, missed out by 26 seconds when he previously attempted to break the two-hour barrier in Monza in May 2017, a race run without spectators.

The 34-year-old was supported by 41 pacemakers who ran in rotating groups and formed a V shape around Kipchoge – as opposed to a diamond formation in Monza – to try and protect him from the wind.

They followed an electric pace car that was programmed to complete the course in 1:59.50 to ensure that Kipchoge ran a steady pace. 

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Latest News

Brace yourselves for heavy rainfall if you are in these parts of Kenya

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Mombasa are among the major towns that the weatherman warns will experience heavy rainfall between Thursday, October 10 and Monday, October 14.

In an advisory shared with the public on Thursday, the Kenya Meteorological Department (MET) said the heavy downpour will be accompanied by strong winds.

Nyeri, Meru, Kakamega, Kisii, Machakos and Taita Taveta will also be affected in the said-period.

Other counties that will experience the extreme weather patterns include: Vihiga, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans-Nzoia, Bungoma, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Nyamira, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Busia.

Narok, Laikipia, Baringo, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Kiambu and Nyandarua will also experience heavy rainfall.

Besides Mombasa, other affected counties in the Coast region include Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River and Lamu.

Wajir, Garissa and Mandera counties in the North-Eastern region will also be hit by heavy rains.

Makueni, Turkana, Marsabit and Samburu are the other counties that will experience heavy downpour between Thursday, October 10 and Monday.

MET advises the residents of the listed areas to be vigilant, and, at the same time, look out for potential flashfloods.

“Flood waters may suddenly appear even in places where it has not rained heavily and can be deeper and faster than they look. Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in, moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lighting strikes,” said MET.

“People in landslide-prone areas should be on high alert. The heavy rains and moderate to strong winds may result in storm surges along the coast; hence fishermen and all in the Marine industry should be on high alert,” said the weatherman.

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Latest News

Sarah Wairimu Finally Freed on Tough Conditions

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The widow of the late Dutch tycoon, Sarah Wairimu-Cohen, has been freed on Ksh4 million bond after spending 44 days in detention.

Wairimu has been freed on Sh2m cash bail and ordered not to set foot on any properties associated with murdered husband.

Justice Jessie Lessit said Friday that the prosecution failed to prove that Sarah is a flight risk.

The judge also dismissed the prosecution’s argument that Wairimu acted in contempt when she said, at Cohen’s burial on September 24, that she knew her late husband’s killers and that their days were numbered.

Wairimu is accused, alongside two other suspects, of killing Cohen, who went missing on July 19, and found dead in an underground water tank in his Kitisuru home on September 13.

The prosecution expressed their disappointment at Sarah’s release from custody.

“We are praying to be allowed to seek legal redress at the Court of Appeal,” said the prosecution after Wairimu was freed.

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Flying Silverstone is Like Agreeing to Commit Suicide, Reactions as Plane Crashes on Take-off

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenyans on twitter have emitted mixed reactions after a plane operated by Silverstone Air crashed at the Nairobi game park near Wilson Airport shortly after take-off on Friday with an unknown number of passengers.

The plane was headed to Lamu via Mombasa.

A communications representative from Silverstone said that one of the plane’s engines failed, resulting in the accident.

The Kenya Red Cross has tweeted, saying the plane “developed a technical glitch while taking off”.

But Kenyans are not buying any of the explanations.

A renown blogger Lord Abraham Mutai now says that flying silverstone is like agreeing to commit suicide.

He says the company is openly mismanaged with the most poorly maintained fleet

Last year, another renown blogger Robert Alai put the Air company on spot over its operations. The blogger had intimated that the mess on Silverstone air would soon cost lives.

In the same last year, there was a scare at Wilson Airport after one of the engines of the Silverstone Air flight from Diani failed after take off.

According to passengers on the flight from Ukunda, the plane developed mechanical problems immediately after take off and the passengers were told that one of the engines had failed so they were told to prepare for any eventualities.

Alai has once again revisited his last years’s tweet which had put Silverstone under harsh criticism.

Alai had said that no matter how many times they advertise, Skyward and Silverstone were a complete risk.

He argued that Kenya shouldn’t be having planes which are used for cargo at night and converted to accommodate passengers during the day.

One of their plane had crashed in Utawala because of overloading.

“October 2018 tweet on Skyward and Silverstone. Exactly one year later, it happened. Apart from the risk to passengers on board, the smuggling of contraband into the country through Wilson is crazy!!! One day they will smuggle worse things,” reads Alai’s tweet.

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Mombasa Bound Plane Crashes on Take-off at Wilson Airport

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mombasa bound Silverstone Air plane has crashed earlier Friday morning from its takeoff at Wilson Airport, Nairobi.

The plane that was heading to Lamu via Mombasa geared off the runway and crushed metres from the airport.

Several passengers were rushed to various city hospitals after sustaining injuries in the 9 am incident.

The aircraft was heading to Lamu, according to airport officials.

A communications representative from Silverstone says that one of the plane’s engines failed, resulting in the accident.

The Kenya Red Cross has tweeted, saying the plane “developed a technical glitch while taking off”.

Rescue operations are underway.

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