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Bluebird Aviation’s Cargo Flights To Continue Operating Normally

by Mustafa Juma April 7, 2021

Bluebird Aviation’s air Cargo flights will continue operating normally, the company has said.

Through a press release dated April 2, 2021,the airline welcomed all cargo bookings from international clients, including dispatch of vaccines to various parts of the East African region and beyond.

The decision follows a notice issued by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority-KCAA that came after President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a Presidential Executive Order No. 2 Dated 26th March 2021 which suspended pasesenger commercial flights in and out of five counties teemed as COVID-19 infected areas.

This was to help curb the spread of Covid-19 in the wake of the third wave.

“We wish to clarify that our cargo flights remain operational and will run normally.We therefore, welcome all cargo bookings from international clients including dispatch of Vaccines to various parts of the East African region and beyond,” the airline’s statement reads in part.

The airline further noted that it is ready to play an integral role in fighting the pandemic by accommodating the extra cargo capacity brought by demand for COVID-19 Vaccines.

However, the airline’s Humanitarian based services will continue.

Bluebird Aviation is the leading provider for scheduled, non-scheduled and ad-hoc air charter services within the Eastern and Central African region and beyond.

Bluebird Aviation has grown into one of the leading air charter companies in the region, catering for not only the humanitarian sector, but private and government institutions as well.

April 7, 2021 0 comment

Entertainment

Demonic sneakers with human blood that sold in less than a minute

by Ireri Steve April 4, 2021

written by Ireri Steve

Arguably surpassing all profane instances that ever scorched the world is the trendy narrative that easily leaves one contemplating.

These black sneakers , Air max 97 associated with the American born rapper and singer Lil Nas who had the shoes purposely made to accompany his anticipated song Montero “call me by your name”.

The shoes have a bronze pentagram written Luke 10:18 that reads “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven”.

The ultimate profane signal is that the company was instructed to produce only 666 pairs of the Nike air max 97s as “Satan shoes”.

The sneaker has a Air Bubble sole that contains 60 Cubic meters (2.03 fluid ounces) of red ink and one drop of human blood.

MSCHF a small Brooklyn based company that is associated with the production said that each pair went for $1,018 equivalent to kshs101,800 and the perplexing fact is that the 666 pairs were purchased in a period of less than a minute despite the briskness in the process of sale.

Nike has denied authorizing the making of the shoes and has sued MSCHF over trademark infringement for the customized Satan shoes.

Speaking at the US District Court of New York, Nike said it did not approve the controversial sneakers and asked the court to instantly stop MSCHF from selling the shoes though it happened that the sneakers were already bought.

The Bible verse on the mudguard of the shoes is numbers 10:18 which weirdly relates to the shoes retail price ,$1,018. The shoes were launched on March 29.

Jubilant fans applauding the standout expression of queerness have been quelled by conservative Leaders indifference amongst them the governor of South Dakota who expressed his anger by criticizing this act.

The rapper who was behind all this remained unmoved even as this act seemed to divide people. . He hit back on the governor and other critics saying they should not be bothered by a sneaker.

Culture

Momentarily this sneaker remained so essential in the selling of the music . On launching the it remained the most streamed video ;on YouTube the video achieved 33 million plus views becoming the weekends most trending song. Getting to Spotify it got streamed more than 9 million times becoming the number one song on itunes.

Thematically, the song has managed to confidently speak about homosexuality where the Rapper regrets spending his entire teenage life in the dark with fear that he might get judged.

Speaking about the lyrics the rapper explains that each word has its own stand out meaning. As he concludes he does it in an angelic humming “mmmmh” which he says is like a nod or a head signal and more of a mating call.

He puts it clear that he is doing it for his fellow LGBTQ community members whose voices have been shut by the conservative critics.

He started writing the lyrics right after visiting his boyfriend who he felt was not free and he felt he should talk about it.

The song remains a major hit allover though as it surfs the universe critics are coming up to speak up for what they believe in.

April 4, 2021 0 comment

Business

748 Air Services To Continue Operating Wilson-Mara-Wilson Route

by Mustafa Juma March 29, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

748 Air Services will continue with its scheduled flights to the Maasai Mara (Wilson-Mara-Wilson) and charter requests for International Tourists.

According to a press statement issued by the 748 Air Services team, the renown airline will fly all international tourists who have already booked with them to the Mara.

The airline has also welcomed all bookings from Camps and Lodges, Tour Operators and Travel Agents.

The move follows the Press Statement from Kenya Civil Aviation released on 26^th March 2021 said domestic flights were set to operate until today (Monday, March 29), and thereafter cease any movements, following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s address regarding cessation of movement by road, air or rail in and out of five counties.

The five counties include Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu, Kajiado and Nakuru.

International tourists arriving in Kenya, however, must adhere to COVID-19 protocols including presenting a COVID – certificate acquired no more than 96 hours prior to arrival in the country.

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.

March 29, 2021 0 comment

Sarah Obama, Ex-US President Barack Obama’s Grandmother Is Dead

by Mustafa Juma March 29, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Mama Sarah Obama, the grandmother of former United States of America President Barrack Obama is dead.

According to her daughter Marsat, Mama Sarah died while undergoing treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital in Kisumu.

She has died aged 99 years.

More details to follow….

March 29, 2021 0 comment

Politics

Bonchari MP’s Widow Teresa Bitutu Unveiled As UDA Candidate In Upcoming By-election

by Mustafa Juma March 25, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has unveiled Teresa Bitutu Oroo, the wife to the late Bonchari MP Oroo Oyioka as its preferred candidate in the upcoming parliamentary by-election.

Johnson Muthama, the chairman of the party associated with Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday, March 25 announced that the party’s Secretary General Veronica Maina had issued certificate to the ex-MP’s widow to fly its flag.

The party also issued nomination certificate to Francis Muraya Githaiga, who will fly its flag in the forthcoming Rurii ward mini polls.

“Another significant day to @UDAKenya. Our Secretary General, Veronica Maina has issued certificates to Teresa Bitutu Oroo and Francis Muraya Githaiga to fly the party’s flag in the upcoming by-elections in Bonchari constituency and Rurii ward respectively,” Muthama tweeted.

Another significant day to @UDAKenya. Our Secretary General, Veronica Maina has issued certificates to Teresa Bitutu Oroo and Francis Muraya Githaiga to fly the party's flag in the upcoming by-elections in Bonchari constituency and Rurii ward respectively. pic.twitter.com/hZ8DEQursw
— Sen.Johnson Nduya Muthama (@nduyamuthama) March 25, 2021

Bitutu will now face off with ODM’s Pavel Oimeke and Jubilee’s Zebedeo Opore in the Bonchari by-election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission slated the by-elections for Garissa, Bonchari, and Juja on May 18.

The by-election for Rurii Ward in Nyandarua County will also be held on the same date.

The One Kenya Alliance will not participate in the forthcoming by-elections and will instead support candidates fielded by the Jubilee Party.

Members of the alliance, which brings together Kanu, Wiper, Ford Kenya and ANC parties, said the move was aimed at reciprocating the support Jubilee gave them in recent by-elections in Matungu, Kabuchai and Machakos.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday, Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula expressed gratitude to Jubilee for its support during the by-elections.

Wetang’ula said their victory in the concluded by-elections was an indication that the country was keen on a new transformational agenda.

Mudavadi said members of the alliance will move together to sensitise Kenyans about their agenda.

March 25, 2021 0 comment

Crime & Investigations

KNCCI Woes: Besieged Chairman Ngatia And Errand Boy Kimani Frogmarched To Court

by Mustafa Juma March 24, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

The kitchen continues to get water with calls for transparency, honesty and accountability keep steaming the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Nairobi County’s chapter.

Moments after a local publisher exposed the story of how the chamber’s chairman Geoffrey Kimani was cornered in illegalities in the office by firing all the appointed directors, sent all employees home for compulsory and brought in his set of loyalists, a step was made.

We’ve since realized that KNCCI engaged a damage control of the situation after we revealed that MasterCard had written a protest letter to the body demanding for a refund of their money earlier given and was misused, KNCCI instead on their website, uploaded a planted story claiming to have received again money from MasterCard.

The same story then also ran with it to the media and was posted by Business Daily, one wonders of the journalist did even bother to counter check if the event took place as claimed. Our sources at KNCCI say such an event didn’t take place, this was a damage control. MasterCard is still waiting for their money.

Still staying closely with questionable products, it was reported that Equity Bank had gotten into a partnership with KNCCI and set aside Sh200 billion for the chambers to access as part of the COVID-19 financial support for businesses. However, it turns out this was just a bluff and didn’t move beyond the cameras. It didn’t take off as Equity Bank being a partner with MasterCard had gotten wind of the misuse of funds by the chambers and took a long step back. There’s nothing to show that this loan hit the accounts, it didn’t, our courses confirm.

It has also emerged that the KNCCI financial books haven’t been audited since 2019 dealing a blow to the trust with potential investors and organizations giving grants to small businesses.

In Nairobi chapter, Kimani is said to have shut down the windows for roving eyes blocking all efforts of auditing. In MasterCard case, it’s said while the beneficiaries were to strictly be members of the chamber and from Nairobi county, preliminary results showed some beneficiaries were outside the county. Only a forensic audit would reveal the extent of the alleged crime.

Kenya Insights has learnt that five directors from the Nairobi chamber whom were unceremoniously fired by Kimani, have taken him to court for illegal dismissal. Ngatia has also been taken to court for illegally appointing Kimani whom he handpicked from his social circle and made him the chairman. Ngatia previously held the same seat before ascending to national position. We’ve also been made aware that there have been attempts to throw out the complaint in vain.

Fed up with the rogue structures in the chamber, Jimnah Mbaru who held the position as chairman, resigned. Ngatia then moved quickly and installed Kimani as the chairman with complete disregard of the law.

Elected Board of Directors have had a difficult time working with Mr. Kimani who by the time of being appointed by the Chamber President to Chair, KNCCI Nairobi County, was not a fully paid up KNCCI Member for 2 Good years, 2019 and 2020.

As per the Chamber Constitution, you cannot hold office if you have not paid subscription for two years.

The KNCCI Constitution states that Co-option of Directors can only be done by the Board at County Level. 7 New Directors were Co-opted without the proper procedure being followed or vetting as per Constitution of KNCCI. Infact Three of the newly coopted Directors are not even fully paid up Members of the NAIROBI KNCCI.

The Elected KNCCI NAIROBI 5 County Directors, tried to bring up the agenda in the Board Meetings severally however , the matter was shot down by the Acting Chairman Mr. Kimani supported by other Directors.

They further engaged the National Director in charge of NAIROBI County KNCCI to Intervene, and this was again shot down again.

Since, they were asking the 7 Co-opted Directors to be appointed from the current exciting Fully paid up list of Nairobi KNCCI members ,this was totally shot down by Mr. Kimani and the Same office.

The KNCCI Constitution is clear that Co-opted Directors should be appointed based on Professionalism, Gender and people with Disabilities. Priority should be given to current Nairobi County KNCCI Members.

This didn’t go well with the acting Chairman, Mr. Kimani as he had already proposed names to Chamber President, infact 3 who are not members of Nairobi KNCCI.

Since the Chamber Constitution, allows for a Complain, as this matter could not be handled in Nairobi County, where Mr. Kimani was an interested party, they raised the Complain officially with the National Dispute Resolution Committee KNCCI according to documents seen by Kenya Insights. They followed the laid down procedures in seeking an amicable solution to the problem within KNCCI Nairobi as per the Memorandum of Association.

After meeting the National Director in charge of NAIROBI KNCCI, they were asked by the Director, Nairobi County, Mr. Theuri to drop the Complain without any solution. They realized this was not going to help Nairobi KNCCI Members.

A Board Meeting of the newly Co-opted 7 Directors was called by the Acting Chairman Mr. Kimani and the agenda was to discuss the 5 elected Directors and vote them out. They refused to go for that Board Meeting as the 7 Directors were co-opted illegally, have no voting rights. They asked their Lawyer to write to Mr Kimani as the Acting Chairman to the effect that Nairobi KNCCI Board meeting was null and void as the new Directors had no powers to make decisions on behalf of KNCCI Nairobi Members.

It has been established that Mr. Kimani as the Acting Chairman, is using Director, Jesse Muraya who is the Administrator of the Whatsapp KNCCI Nairobi County Group, and and other Co-opted Directors doctoring Board Meeting Minutes taken ealier to prove that the 7 Co-opted Directors were legally Co-opted and the 5 Directors consented. They also hatched a plan to change bank signatories but this was thwarted as bank demanded they bring the ousted directors to authenticate transfer of leadership. It’s not a brainer why he selfishly wanted the signatories changed to his loyalists.

Suspiciously, Ngatia by virtue of his office had written to the bank in a desperate effort to allow Kimani’s select directors to be authenticated as signatories. However the bank aware of the consequences, refused. Now Kimani is left with two options of either reconciling with the directors he fired for them to sign bank checks or he will be watching the money in the accounts without being able to do anything with it.

Kenya Insights has learnt that Nairobi County Chamber has been awarded 7million by Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) as a grant. “This is what they want eat, the money is coming into the account anytime this week.” An insider said to Kenya Insights. “He (Kimani) wants to swindle the money that’s why he didn’t want the vocal directors, he sent the whole staff on compulsory leave, he wants to eat everything by himself and his gang members, that’s why he plotted the coup.” Source said.

March 24, 2021 0 comment

Business

Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi On Spot Over Sh647 Million Tender Awarded To His Companies

by Mustafa Juma March 17, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

A new row has emerged at the National Treasury following the award of a Sh647 million tender on 25 January 2020, to Kingsway Business Systems Ltd in consortium with Kobby Technologies, and Inplenion Eastern Africa Ltd, a firm associated with Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi.

The ADK led consortium filed a request for review at the PPARB on 8^th February 2021. The National Treasury compromised a party to the consortium to file for a notice of withdrawal.

The Faith Waigwa-led board having considered the notice of withdrawal ruled that it did not have jurisdiction to consider the merits of the request for review.

It appears that the TNT designed a device to scuttle the review process by causing and pressuring a member of the consortium to file a withdrawal notice.

The review board suspended the review process claiming that it does not have the jurisdiction to hear the merit of the case thus allowing treasury to get away with hiding that the Kingsway consortium does not meet the specialization criteria and the mandatory disqualifying criteria in the tender provisions.

The Oracle Kenya office, in response to the national Treasury in a letter dated 2^nd February 2020, and signed by the Country leader, Mr. Davis Bunei, does not categorically confirm the competency of Kingsway Consortium and only recognizes the Kingsway consortium partners as Resellers, without any service expertise, a mandatory requirement in the bid document.

The ADK led consortium in their appeal bases their claim for fraud on information available in the Oracle partner portal http://partner-finder.oracle.com/ , in which they assert that Kingsway and its consortium partners are not recognized as competent. The Lead Account Manager at Oracle, one David Ochieng confirms this very reference site, http://partner-finder.oracle.com/in an email response to Treasury on 15 Jan 2021, an email seeking to confirm the partner credentials of the Kingsway Consortium partners.

Exhibits supplied by treasury to the Review Board had conflicting due diligence dates and printout pages from the Oracle portal, Oracle had informed Treasury to locate whether the Kingsway consortium possessed the specialization.

Our paper followed the instructions provided by the exhibits provided by Treasury and after following the procedure to verify whether Kingsway consortium possessed the specialization affirmed the expertise page supported the claim that they did not have the specialization.

Instead, TNT was collaborating with the consortium to use as evidence of a solution page editable by Kingsway consortium as proof that had the specialization.

The ADK led consortium moved to the High Court seeking to nullify the award to the Kingsway led consortium for “The Provision of Onsite Support for IFMIS, an Oracle –based product”. The High court has since temporarily suspended the award to the consortium led by Kingsway Business Systems Ltd following a case filed by the rival Consortium ADK Technologies citing fraud in the tendering process.

According to records at Treasury Kingsway Business Systems Limited, listed directors include Simeon Ogendo, Seth Asuza Changilwa, Alfred Agoi Masadia and Beatrice Kosgei.

It is noteworthy that Kingsway Technologies was irregularly awarded another Tender TNT//025/2020-2021 on the 1^st February, 2021 for the Development of the Public Investment Management Information Systems Ltd (PIMIS), an award that was challenged by GIBB AFRICA LTD, which the board directed for re-evaluation of Bids, in what seems to be a real sham to give treasury the lee-way to re-evaluate and award Kingsway Systems Ltd in the customary unusual manner.

ADK led consortium through lawyer Duncan Kiprono wants the high court to compel the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board) PPARB) to review the case afresh on merits. He has listed PPARB as respondent while the PS National Treasury and Kingsway Business Systems are listed as interested parties.

On 6th March 2021, Justice Jairus Ngaah issued an order temporarily stopping the Treasury from awarding the contract. According to suit papers, ADK Consortium claims that Kingsway Business Systems Limited has been providing to the National Treasury with Group Personal Accident services for the last 10 years but not IT services.

ADK claims that in March 2020 Kingsway purchased an entry-level partnership from Oracle in what appears to be credential acquisitions in preparation for the tender.

“Based on the evaluations of Oracle Partner Finder’s website; Kingsway Consortium does not have the Customer references, the Implementation experience, the resources and the development skills and the know how to support the IFMIS Application and the extensive planning and budgeting application for Public Finance Management as required in the bid document,” ADK says.

ADK’s Project Manager, in their affidavit adds; “I verily believe that the procuring entity might have engaged in a flawed procurement process and acted against the laid down laws and procedures, to tilt the scales to enable them carry out a sham procurement process and act in breach of the provisions of law in order to favour Kingsway Business Systems.”

March 17, 2021 0 comment

Crime & Investigations

Migori Blogger Goes Missing After Mysterious Abduction, Family Still In The Dark

by Mustafa Juma March 17, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

The family of a Migori based blogger is still in the dark days after their son was abducted by three armed men.

According to the family, a group of unknown people had been secretly following Joseph Okoth Ouma, popularly known as Rashid Yusuf – tracing all his moves.

Ouma had claimed on a Facebook post that his life was in danger days before he was kidnapped at his bar in Kokuro Junction, Migori county.

Reports by family members stated that a man walked into the bar posing as a customer and even ordered a drink.

The man is said to have inquired about the owner before walking out of the bar to meet his accomplices who had arrived at the bar in two vehicles.

“After ordering a drink, the man walked to the car which had three other people. The men later stormed the bar, one had a gun. They ordered everyone to lie on the floor.

That’s when they dragged my brother out of the bar and bundled him into the car before speeding away,” said Dominic, Rashid’s brother.

The blogger is yet to be found with the police intensifying their investigations. Residents of Migori urged the police to speed up investigations to find the blogger.

“We expect the criminal investigation department to move with speed to establish the motive of the incident, the people behind the abduction and the whereabouts of Yusuf.

Tension in Migori as blogger goes missing , abducted by gunmen

“As members of the blogging fraternity, as friends of Rashid Yusuf, as people from Migori county, we are not happy with the silence of the leaders, the Kenya Police and criminal investigation department.

“They need to tell us what is happening, and who these people are,” said a blogger in a video posted on social media.

He further stated that the only option was to find Rashid alive, as he hoped the police would find him on time.

March 17, 2021 0 comment

Business

748 Air Services Spurs Domestic Tourism As It Partakes In 5-Day Tourism Fair

by Mustafa Juma March 17, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Renown aviation company 748 Air Services is partaking in the five-day Holiday 2021 Tourism Fair for the first time.

The event will be held at the Sarit Expo center from starting today (Wednesday, March 17) to March 21, with the aim of promoting domestic tourism.

In a statement by Managing Director Moses Mwangi, 748 Air Services will be showcasing several affordable flight and accommodation packages that locals can take advantage of for a chance to explore the exotic Maasai Mara.

748 Air Services stand at the 2021 Tourism Fair currently being held at the Sarit Expo center

Majority of the population visiting Maasai Mara are International Tourists who travel as far as 10,000 Kilometres, with the locals preferring the coastal areas as the destination of choice.

“We are promoting Mara as the destination of choice in order to encourage Kenyans to explore one of the wonders of the world. Through our competitive return flight rate of USD $206, Kenyans can access the Mara from Nairobi in 45 minutes,” said Mr Mwangi.

Attendees of the five-day fair will get a chance to win Fly748 Mara goody bags and learn more about our exciting packages to the Majestic Maasai Mara.

748 Air Services ventured into the Wilson- Maasai Mara route late last year to promote local tourism.

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.

March 17, 2021 0 comment

Ida Odinga opens up on husband’s positive covid 19 test

by Adelide Kamau March 15, 2021

written by Adelide Kamau

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife Ida Odinga has disclosed on how panicked the family was after her husband tested positive for the novel corona virus.

She narrated how concerned relatives and family friends called seeking to know Raila’s health status as soon as news of his hospitality went viral.

Speaking to Standard newspaper on March 14, the now relieved Ida said that the release of her husband from hospital brought back calmness to the family members.

“We panicked, but we are thankful to God that Baba is now in good shape and health,” she said.

However, she urged Kenyans to continue praying for the ODM leader.

“He is out from hospital, in good spirit and strong as ever. We need your prayers as he takes his rest from active physical engagements,” she added.

The now 76 year old ODM leader was admitted to the Nairobi hospital on Tuesday March 9 after he complained of body ache and fatigue. He was discharged four days later.

March 15, 2021 0 comment

Business

Co-operative Bank Trying To Secretly Fleece School’s Resources, Take Over Hard-earned Investments

by Mustafa Juma March 12, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

The Excellence School, a pre-primary, Primary and High School located in Lavington, Nairobi is crying foul after the Co-operative Bank of Kenya allegedly tried to fleece its resources.

According to the documents seen by Dailytrends.co.ke, the school has been repaying a loan facility on asset finance under the Co-operative Bank.

The school, according to the documents, only has one loan that it is currently repaying, after two successful moratoriums during the Covid-19 period in May and September 2020 respectively.

On February 15, 2021, the school’s account with Co-operative Bank was debited Ksh491,000 for the same.

However, Co-operative Bank went ahead and attached the school on Credit Reference Bureau (CRB),and indicated that the school had three loan facilities, instead of one.

The school is also concerned that Co-operative Bank has been carrying out multiple and arbitrary debits on their account without authorization.

The school is now worried that the bank is secretly planning to fleece their resources or frustrate and intimidate them so that their hard-earned resources can be taken over.

The school raised the matter with the bank via social media on March 2, with the bank promising to follow up on the matter before getting back to the school.

But speaking to Dailytrends.co.ke on Friday, March 12, Moses Wokono, the Principal Director at The Excellence School confirmed that the bank had not responded on the issue.

Mr Wokono confirmed that he had met with the Bank’s manager, but by Friday March 12, he had not received any positive feedback.

“I raised the issue with the Bank’s manager, but I have not yet received the status of the loan. I have just received a call from them, let me see if they will issue me with the status,” he said.

March 12, 2021 0 comment

Politics

Jitters In ODM As Powerful Agency Director Resigns To Join Bonchari MP Race

by Mustafa Juma March 10, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

The resignation of an agency director to run for the vacant Bonchari Constituency parliamentary seat has triggered jitters in Raila Odinga’s ODM camp.

Embattled Energy and Petroleum Regulatory and Authority (EPRA) boss Pavel Oimeke resigned and announced his intentions to vie for the Bonchari MP seat in the upcoming by-election.

Although he has not mentioned the political party he will be vying on, there are reports that Oimeke might settle to run on Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Oimeke told a local daily that he has kicked off consultations that will aid him to choose on the right party to vie on.

The seat became vacant after the death of John Oyoo Oyioka on Monday, February 15, after a long illness.

Media reports indicated that Oimeke had written to the Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter over his resignation.

“I Pavel Robert Oimeke, would like to announce my resignation from the position of director-general at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory and Authority,” he stated.

Oimeke is embroiled in a graft case in which he is accused of demanding a Ksh200,000 bribe. It is alleged that Oimeke demanded the bribe in order to reopen a petrol station in Oyugis, Homa Bay county.

The petrol station had been shut down over tax violations. Oimeke denied the graft allegations even as the case continues to drag in court.

The former energy boss was appointed EPRA boss in August 2017 for a three-year renewable contract. However, this was contested over allegations of abuse of office and fraud.

This led to Justice Hellen Wasilwa of the Employment and Labour Relations Court stopping the renewal of Oimeke’s contract to allow investigations to continue.

March 10, 2021 0 comment

Crime & Investigations

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

Business

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

Crime & Investigations

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

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