Raila Odinga has announced he will be sworn-in as President through the People's Assembly and get into State House on December 12.

The NASA leader withdrew an earlier statement against this shortly after Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto's swearing-in at Kasarani stadium on Tuesday.

The People's Assembly is part of NASA's multi-pronged strategy to end Uhuru's rule.

"Uhuru Kenyatta is not the President of Kenya. We will not be sworn-in like  [Ugandan Opposition leader Kizza] Besigye. We will be sworn-in like it was done with [Emmerson] Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe," he said.

"They have sworn-in Uhuru as President. We will also have a swearing-in]."

Chaos broke out before the Opposition leader could finish his speech; police moved in to disperse his supporters using tear gas and their guns.

They fired many shots and teargassed Raila's convoy, forcing the supporters to hide between cars. The people and leaders left after police remained firm and opposed their assembly.

NASA supporters clash with police during an address by chief Raila Odinga on Manyanja road in Donholm, Nairobi, November 28, 2017. /REUTERS

Beigye was sworn in on May 11, 2016, a day before incumbent Yoweri Museveni's inauguration.

The politician, who belongs to the Forum for Democratic Change, was arrested several times after the country's disputed February 18 general election.

"Winner of the 2016 election, after swearing in as the new President of Uganda," the party wrote on Twitter on that day. Police arrested him as he addressed a crowd in Kampala after the ceremony.

Zimbabwe's events were different as Mnangagwa took over after Robert Mugabe was forced to resign, ending his 37-year rule.

More on this: [VIDEO] Besigye 'sworn in' as Uganda President day before Museveni's ceremony

Read: Mugabe resigns as Zimbabwe president after four decades

A police officer pushes a NASA supporter during their clash with police during an address by chief Raila Odinga on Manyanja road in Donholm, Nairobi, November 28, 2017. /REUTERS

Earlier today, two people were shot dead in Soweto as police manned Jacaranda grounds to prevent NASA's memorial service.

A witness from The Star said the two were shot in the head. Another person sustained a deep cut to the head during the incident that has resurrected claims of the presence of Mungiki militia.

In nearby Donholm, a resident hid under his car when he saw police firing tear gas and gunshots to disperse NASA supporters.

More on this:  Two shot dead in Soweto as police keep NASA supporters off Jacaranda

Also read: Cops fire tear gas, seal off Jacaranda grounds ahead of NASA rally

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Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has told her rivals at the August 8 election that they were right about her combativeness.

She added, however, that the description fits her only because she is fighting for the rights of the common wananchi.

“When my opponents described me as combative, I accepted because I would not hesitate to become combative when I’m fighting for the rights of lowly Kenyans,” Ngilu said on Monday.

“Actually, when it comes to championing the rights of the downtrodden, Combat is my second name.”

She said she cannot afford to be a passive bystander as some people commit injustices against others.

“Even my Christian upbringing tells me I would become an accomplice if I stood by without taking action when others are unfairly treated,” the new county chief said.

Ngilu spoke when she met the clergy from the county at the Kitui Agricultural Training Institute. She reached out to the clerics to help her deliver on her promises.

“I hope from this consultative meeting you’ll walk with me to deliver Kitui from poverty to prosperity and development,” Ngilu told the religious community.

“Your support is invaluable because the church has been instrumental in making governments work.”

She said she would not be combative if morality and fairness were upheld in society.

Ngilu urged residents, the church, professionals and non-governmental organisations to join her in “getting the people of Kitui out of the yoke of marginalisation, poverty and underdevelopment”.

She reminded her rivals that elections have nothing to do with grudges and extended an olive branch so they work together in the interest of the county.

Political differences arose during the election, but those are now water under the bridge, she said.

“The reality now is that I’m the governor for all the people of Kitui,” she said.

The church leaders included retired head of the Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, bishops Samuel Kathiita of the Full Gospel Church and Robert Mutemi of the Global Church of Africa.

The clerics agreed to support Ngilu so she can achieve her five-point agenda for Kitui. Mutemi said they will walk with the governor as she fights poverty, water scarcity and food insecurity.

They resolved that the county bans liqour and miraa brought to Kitui from other areas. Mutemi said drug abuse estroys the social fabric of the county.

The meeting also decided that a complaints desk be set up at the governor’s offices so residents can report misdeeds by the county officials.

Residents would also use the desk to compliment the best-performing officers.

An allegedly drunk man killed his equally drunk brother with a blunt object in Embu after he reportedly demanded his sh100 debt from him.

Hezbon Kariuki is reported to have killed his 34 year old younger brother Martin Murimi after hitting him with an unknown blunt object after they fought at around 1am today at Gichegeri village in Embu West Sub County.

The grieving father of the brothers Richard Ndwiga told the press that he learnt the two fought after the deceased demanded the cash which he had lent to his brother as they drank alcohol at an unknown place.

He said Kariuki hit Murimi critically on the forehead near the eye with an object which he could not establish before he fell near his house.

The old man who spoke in sadness over the occurrence said Kariuki woke him up telling him that his brother was too drunk and that he was lying outside his house.

Ndwiga said since he was used to the two being drunk and occasionally fought he took it lightly and told him to leave him to sober up as he would wake up later to enter into the house.

The elderly man said he went back to sleep but that at around 6am Kariuki woke him again telling him to go out and check what was wrong since his brother was still lying outside and that he wanted to go to work.

The old man said he and his wife went out and found his son lying motionless and with an injury on his forehead near the eye and on checking him further he realized he was dead.

He said after interrogating Kariuki happened he found that they had fought over the money and thus he went to report the matter to the police station.

Embu West Police Boss Francis Sang said that a manhunt for the suspect has been launched as he disappeared immediately after discovering his brother was dead.

Sang said that the he discovered that the two have been fighting regularly whenever they got drunk.

He said the body of the deceased was moved to the Embu Level Five Teaching and Referral Hospital pending investigations and arrest of the assailant in order for him to be charged with the relevant charge.

Fifty-five girls from Kuria have been rescued from Female Genital Mutilation which was scheduled to take place in Tanzania.

Activists who rescued the girls said they headed for Tanzania to perform the cruel cutting after the exercise was shunned in Kenya.

All the girls were from Kuria East subcounty. They were all aged between 8 and 12. They were rescued at Gesonso center on diverse dates as they tried to sneak across the border.

On Monday, the activists organised a ceremony to celebrate the rescue and build awareness against FGM.

Female rights activist Susan Matinde said the plan to have the girls circumcised in Tanzania was organised by their parents.

“FGM is always performed from November through to December and some parents have capitalised on the laxity of police to have cut it done in secret," Matinde said.

After months of bloody and divisive politics, President Uhuru Kenyatta struck a conciliatory tone yesterday as he took the oath of office and promised to be President of all Kenyans.

But signalling dramatically the duel is not over, opposition chief Raila Odinga yesterday declared that he too will be sworn into office as the People’s President on December 12, Jamhuri Day.

Raila’s game plan remains unclear, however, after Uhuru and his Deputy President William Ruto were sworn into office in the presence of Chief Justice David Maraga at Kasarani

Stadium before more than 85,000 ecstatic supporters.

Read: 'President for all': Uhuru reaches out to NASA leaders after swearing-in

Related: [VIDEO] I'll be sworn-in as president on December 12, Raila says

Speaking to supporters during a stopover on Manyanja Road, Raila said he will be sworn in through the People’s Assembly and take over State House the same day. The inauguration, Raila said, will be like that of new Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, not Kizza Besigye’s of Uganda. Mnangagwa, a longtime ally turned foe of Robert Mugabe, was sworn in as President last week after a bloodless coup.

“Uhuru Kenyatta is not the President of Kenya... We will not be sworn-in like Besigye. We will be sworn-in like it was done with Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe,” Raila said, amid cheers.

“They have sworn in Uhuru as President. We will also have a swearing-in.”

Over the weekend, Raila refused hardliners’ calls to be sworn in. The NIS reportedly said such a swearing-in would be treason and recommended Raila’s arrest.

On December 12 President Kenyatta will lead the nation in marking Jamhuri Day, celebrating internal self rule. 

Yesterday, the Star exclusively reported Uhuru was reaching out to Raila and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale had met Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga and made several peace proposals.

These included Cabinet and other slots. Oburu confirmed two meetings. Other sources told the Star Uhuru promised to become personally involved in peace negotiations, if Raila accepted.

The conditions: Recognise Uhuru as the legitimate President and tone down anti-government activities. Yesterday, at least one person was killed as police fired rifles and tear gas to break up a banned opposition gathering in Jacaranda Grounds in Eastlands.

The purpose was to commemorate everyone killed in police violence since Uhuru was first declared victor on August 11.

In his inauguration speech, Uhuru promised to focus on reuniting Kenyans.

“I undertake to be the custodian of the dreams of all and the keeper of the aspirations of those who voted for me and those who did not,” he pledged as he embarked on his second and final term.

“I will be the President of all. And I will devote my time and energy to build bridges to unite and bring prosperity to all Kenyans.” Uhuru was sworn in after an extraordinary series of events in which the August 8 General Election was nullified by the Supreme Court the first time a sitting African President’s win was overturned. He won the repeat poll boycotted by Raila and the opposition last month.

The electioneering period has deepened ethnic divisions and caused strife and killings.

Yesterday, Uhuru asked all leaders to join him in serving Kenyans without regard to their political affiliation, saying every person deserves their full attention.

“The path to a better future is unity. We can build a nation in which we live in peace with our brothers and sisters whatever part of the country they come from, whichever way we worship God, whatever language we speak,” Kenyatta said.

Without saying whether he would reach out to Raila, he said, “We may have chosen different candidates and different visions, but each one of us voted for a better life.

“To my competitors, in the spirit of inclusivity, I will endeavour to incorporate some of their ideas. The election was not a contest between a good dream and a bad dream. It was

a contest between two competing visions.”

DP Ruto too called for unity. “Going into the future, my friend Mr President, we will stand behind you,” he said.

“We will support you as you build on the foundation of the last four and a half years. Building bridges across communities, building bridges of friendship of unity of brotherhood.”

For the first time yesterday, Uhuru said the Supreme Court adjudicated the twin presidential petitions with independence.

“Our Judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, adjudicated our electoral petitions with independence,” Uhuru said.

The is was in sharp contrast to his earlier attacks on the bench, which he termed wakora or crooks after it overturned his August 8 win. Yesterday the President said Kenyans must free themselves from the baggage of past grievances and uphold the rule of law to build a united, stable and prosperous Kenya.

In an apparent warning to NASA, Uhuru said no one should break the law.

“However serious our grievances, the law must reign supreme. The law should be the refuge for every Kenyan,” he stated the President called the past few months “a trying time”.

For the first time, Uhuru appeared to confront the secession debate and reiterated the preamble of the Kenyan Constitution. Kenya is one indivisible sovereign nation, the head of state said. “That is the Constitution and the laws of Kenya that today we have sworn to protect and defend,” the President said.

Uhuru also outlined his vision for the next five years, putting the public service on notice. The President said he will not allow faceless bureaucrats and functionaries to deny the public the service they deserve. 

He promised free day secondary education, universal healthcare and 500,000 new homeowners.

He pledged to create more jobs for youth and open international markets for Kenyan produce. Uhuru said his administration will facilitate

large-scale commercial agriculture to diversify staples. 

Any African wishing to visit Kenya, Uhuru said, will be eligible for a visa at point of entry.

The deal was sweeter for East African Community members. Their citizens would now be treated as Kenyans. They can work, do business, own property, farm, marry and settle in Kenya.

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The role played by Gideon Moi in welcoming dignitaries attending President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration has raised eyebrows, with Kenyans on social media questioning whether the 2022 succession plans are already underway.

Photos emerged of the Baringo Senator, son of former President Daniel Moi, receiving dignitaries, among them Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Salva Kiir of South Sudan.

Kenyans on Twitter questioned if the move was a political strategy that could see him become next in line to succeed Uhuru, who is serving his second and final term in office.

The tweets also pitted Gideon against DP William Ruto, with some saying the legislator is lining up to prevent Kenyatta’s second in command from ascending to the coveted seat in 2022.

Political analyst Wesley Simba said, however, that welcoming guests may not help Gideon gain political mileage over Ruto.

He said Ruto had gained massive power in the Rift Valley and Gideon will find it difficult to wrest the region from him.

“Welcoming dignitaries is a powerful gesture, but not powerful enough to put you in the top list of the ‘heir to the throne’. Ruto has proved to be the kingpin of Rift Valley politics. All presidents in the republic have had unwavering support in their backyards,” Simba said.

He added, however, that the supremacy battle between the two is not over yet.

“The battle for supremacy in the Rift Valley is far from over. We expect to see it as soon as the President assumes office. The two faces to watch will be Ruto and Gideon,” Simba said.

Ahead of the August 8 polls, speculation was high that Moi and Independence party Kanu were in talks to work with NASA.

A deal struck by Uhuru and top Kanu leaders, in consultation with former President Moi, saw a shift, with Gideon backing Uhuru’s reelection.

In the deal, Kanu would get appointments to the Cabinet. It was also to get a number of lucrative parastatal appointments and plum diplomatic slots.

Before the deal, Ruto and Gideon had engaged in an open supremacy battle over control of the populous Rift Valley. Gideon declined to dissolve Kanu late last year when Jubilee affiliates merged into one party.

NASA leader Raila Odinga plans to shift the fight against President Uhuru Kenyatta’s “illegitimate” re-election to the United Nations.

Close allies of the opposition leader have disclosed that NASA was working on a petition to challenge Uhuru’s legitimacy at the New York-based global agency.

Read: Uhuru finally sworn-in as Kenya's President

Related: Uhuru: My agenda for next five years

The formal appeal will be written to UN secretary general Antonio Guterres and Moussa Faki’s Addis Ababa-based African Union.

The Star has established that a team working on details was finalising the petition and was due to brief Raila.

Raila is said to have met South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and South African politician Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu during his visit to Zanzibar.

Details of their meetings are scant.

Those said to be in the team crafting the petition include head of NASA technical team David Ndii, former Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South), former EALA MP Abubakar Zein, Suna East’s Junet Mohamed and Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o.

“We will be briefing the Prime Minister and we hope the letters will be dispatched,” a former diplomat working with the team told the Star.

The former envoy said Raila would be asking for the UN’s formal intervention to guide the formation of a six-month interim government and facilitate credible polls next year.

“We will be telling the UN that no election was held on October 26. It was a charade. The UN must, therefore, be briefed on the repercussions of Uhuru’s swearing-in without being validly elected as President of the Republic of Kenya,” Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma said.

“I hope the United Nations and the AU will look at the issue objectively regarding what an unpopular President means for the country.”

This would be Raila’s second attempt to have the UN intervene in Kenya’s crisis after an initial appeal three months ago was turned down.

After the botched August 8 presidential poll, the UN declined Raila’s request to review the election results, which he claimed were rigged in favour of Uhuru.

Guterres had urged political leaders to take election-related disputes to “the relevant constitutionally mandated institutions”.

Raila accused the Western powers of bias during his tour of Washington and London.

He made a passionate appeal to the international community to help end Kenya’s political crisis.

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This is the incredible moment a mother giraffe manages to shake off a lion that pounced on her.

Footage captured on November 27 in Maasai Mara, Kenya, shows the giraffe standing over her calf as a lion stalks past them.

The lion continues past the family and the giraffe begins to whip her tail from side to side.

The giraffe then turns to look at the predator and it begins to walk away, leaving the viewer to think it has changed its mind.

But then the lion runs around to the back of the giraffe and launches itself on to the mother's hip.

She successfully manages to kick it off and the mother and baby start to run away.

Sadly the mother trips over her baby, forcing the calf to fall down.

The lion then launches itself at the baby and the video ends.

The footage was posted online by Newsflare user Paul On Safari. 

He said: 'A male lion kills a giraffe calf as the mother tries helplessly to defend. Happened in Masai Mara Kenya.' 

Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi has dared Opposition leader Raila Odinga to swear himself on the December 12.

Raila announced that he will be sworn-in as President through the People's Assembly and get into State House.

On Tuesday, shortly after Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto's swearing-in at Kasarani stadium, Raila told his supporters that he will get to the statehouse on Jamuhuri day. 

"Uhuru Kenyatta is not the President of Kenya. We will not be sworn-in like  [Ugandan Opposition leader Kizza] Besigye. We will be sworn-in like it was done with [Emmerson] Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe," he said.

More on this: I'll be sworn-in as president on December 12, Raila says

Via Twitter on Tuesday, Mutahi said a tiger does not declare its tigritude but rather it pounces.

"Raila should swear himself in if he is not a coward. Then he will become a Military target for overthrowing a government," Mutahi said.

His tweet was not taken lightly as he received mixed reactions from his followers.

"Sir, you have a demonic spirit that the devil uses to bring down strongholds. What demons do they throw fiery darts to their targets to burn and to be destroyed? That's what you do and specialize in. Your spirit needs to be cast out in Jesus name," @nickobiero said.

@ItsKhaemba said, "Baba's government will make sure you're provided with enough ARVs, you shouldn't be worried."

"Without Raila, you have nothing to write, then you're a beneficiary of Raila's politics," @lizznzuki2017 said.

@Vincentoichoe said, "Desperate Ngunyi is begging Uhuru for a job using Raila as a core tower,,,utapewa kazi serikali ni yenu bwana wajana na Raila."

"Your government has to be constantly defended by the police & imaginary kdf because its illegitimate, it will not last long to give you another term to loot again," @MandelaMuisyo said.

@ewaya said "Why do you hate Raila? I think you are so partisan that your opinions don't matter anymore. Better shut up and enjoy NYS money."

"How about if the Government military misses that target and instead the Government becomes the target. When the hunter becomes the hunted," @MulwodoJOriaro said.

@Ismailshikuri said "Raila is not going to swear himself in but it is us. We the people of this great nation are going to swear in Raila and put an end to the hypocritical despotic jubilee regime."

He added, "You can rule by the power of the gun but eventually the power of the people will catch up with you."

Other users sided with Mutahi saying that the electoral process as over and that Raila cannot accept defeat.

"Raila can't do that...but he can't stand the shame to stand like a man publicly accept defeat," @SKisenger said.

@wangarihmubibuh said "He will change the date again from 12th Dec to 25th Dec on 24th Dec he will change to 26th Dec and box his way."

"Exactly! Odinga withdrew from the election without withdrawing from the election. He will claim he will declare himself president but he knows and James Orengo( his coup planner) knows it's treasonous. Is he going to do it? Let's wait and see....," @Kabando_IV said.

Chaos broke out before Raila could finish his speech along Manaja road on Tuesday; police moved in to disperse his supporters using tear gas and gunshots.

They fired many shots and teargassed Raila's convoy, forcing the supporters to hide between cars. 

Read:  Two shot dead in Soweto as police keep NASA supporters off Jacaranda

Also read: Cops fire tear gas, seal off Jacaranda grounds ahead of NASA rally

Click here for the latest political news

IPOA has launched investigations into the shooting of a seven-year-old boy and an expectant woman in Pipeline, Nairobi.

The boy was shot dead as police battled NASA supporters who were to hold a prayer rally at Jacaranda grounds on Tuesday.

A witness from The Star said two people died in Soweto after they were shot in the head.

Another person sustained a deep cut to the head during the incident that has resurrected claims of the presence of Mungiki militia.

Read: Two shot dead in Soweto as police keep NASA supporters off Jacaranda

Also read: Cops fire tear gas, seal off Jacaranda grounds ahead of NASA rally

IPOA has dispatched its Rapid Response Unit to investigate the incident with a view of establishing circumstances of the shootings.

"If culpability will be established, ensuring the officer responsible faces the full force of the law," head of communications Dennis Oketch said in a statement on Wednesday.

Oketch said after concluding the investigations, the Authority will make recommendations and forward the investigation file to the ODPP for his attention.

"Investigations for elections-related cases are at an advanced stage. We will make known the findings on conclusion of the investigations," he added.

A woman in Eastlands, Nairobi, runs to safety with her two children after police officers took action following an address by NASA leader Raila Odinga, November 28, 2017. /COURTESY

A NASA supporter runs during clashes with police in Nairobi, November 28, 2017. /REUTERS

'Women beaten'

There has been outcry from the public about how police officers handled women during the protests.

According to pictures and a spot check by The Star, the women were beaten and dragged around by police.

Read: Go to Jacaranda at your own risk, Koome warns, says NASA lying

One woman carrying a Maasai shawl was harassed by the police before she started shouting saying God would protect all his people.

"Do not be afraid. Maana mimi Mungu niko pamoja na wewe. Usiogope. Nchi ni ya Mungu. I cannot fear...siwezi ogopa kifo. Kama ni kifo, iliandikiwa kila mtu (God is with you. Do not be afraid....I cannot fear death...Everybody will die)she said.

She continued to walk passed the police saying that whatever they have carried are just weapons noting that the most important weapon was that of God.

"Msijali na hawa ... hizi ni mavazi tu na silaha. Silaha muhimu ni silaha ya Mungu ... msiogope. Mmenipiga lakini Mungu ameona na ametazama ... huo ujasiri alinipea, alinipea juu ya nchi hii ... usiogope juu ya silaha (Don't be afraid of these people...these are mere clothes and weapons. The most important is that which God has... do not be afraid...you have beaten and God has seen you...the courage he ghave me was because of this country....do not be afraid of weapons)," she said.

A police officer pushes a supporter of the National Super Alliance during protests in Nairobi, November 28, 2017. /REUTERS

Another woman held by police pleaded to be set free.

These scenes angered many on social media, causing them to ask why police have to manhandle protesters.

"Fellow Kenyans This is way disrespectful! If this is the way a nation treats its women then we don’t have any Kenya left," musician Suzanna Owiyo said via Twitter.

'@tonybigmile' said: "Terrible. . she is in slippers.. I don't think she can be classified as a rioter by any definition."

Police confront a woman in Eastlands, Nairobi, after taking action following an address by NASA leader Raila Odinga, November 28, 2017. /COURTESY

"Atrocious. Woe to those who are building their throne on bloodshed and establishing their rule on iniquity and injustice. Woe unto them,"'@VSLaMar' said.

'@redibrah' said: "It's clear that this pathetic image of a police force only beats or fights unarmed civilians. Send them to Kapedo and see them resign or ask for transfers!!! Bloody cowards!"

Facebook user Joseph Kariuki asked: "Who does this to poor women in their own houses and kiosks? There are good policemen...we have really bad cops."

"I'm so saddened by what has become of police. One of them is actually holding a pistol then we hear of stray bullets," Danny Dunhillson said.

More on this: Uhuru finally sworn-in as Kenya's President

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Daniel Moi, the Second President of Kenya, started his education journey under an indigenous tree in 1935.

However ugly and humble the tree was, it nurtured a President who went on to rule for 24 years after taking over from Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1978.

The over century-year-old tree is one among many indigenous trees covering the bushy, natural and silent forest cover at the sleepy Kiptagich village, the rural home of President Moi in Sacho division, Baringo Central subounty.

Today, under the cold shade of the tree, stands the renowned Tandui Boarding and Day Primary School.

Outgoing chairman Peter Chepkong'a says no one has ever attempted to cut the historical tree since he joined the school management board in 2000.

"This tree sheltered Mzee Moi during his time in nursery school and due to respect for his stern order, no one has ever dared to touch or cut the tree. Moi instructed that it should be left standing and protected until it perishes naturally," Chepkonga said.

"Moi began his schooling here before proceeding to the African missionary school in Kabartonjo, Baringo North subcounty later in 1940s," school head teacher William Bowen says.

Bowen showed a metal rod tied at one side of the tree's branches, which was used as the school bell.

He says the school is situated just a stone throw away from the former President's rural home.

It is also a few kilometres to the renowned Sacho High School, the giant national private secondary school which has over the years performed well in KCSE exams.

He further said to date, the public primary school serves as polling station for the entire linage of Moi's family, including the Mzee's last born son and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.

Since then, Tandui Primary School has undergone a lot of transformation courtesy of the former head of state and the government. And due to its academic excellence, it attracts pupils from across the entire Rift Valley region and the country at large.

Some of the famous alumni include former director for Medical Services Dr Peter Cherutich, former Chemeli Sugar managing director Aaron Tuikong, former Judicial Service Commission advocate Kipngetich Bett, Principal Debt Recovery official at Kenya Industrial and Commerce Development Cooperation Zephaniah Rono, former Kenya's Ambassador to Namibia Rose Boit and former district education officer Charles Komen.

WATER CRISIS

Mr Bowen says since time immemorial, the school has struggled with water shortage as its major challenge.

"Limited resources in the school such as water shortage has kept pulling us back, and restrained us from expanding over the years" Bowen said.

He says the current school population stands at 502 pupils, including early childhood education children but all, including their 20 teachers, rely on rain water harvested in some four small water tanks.

He says sometimes, during the dry season, the pupils are forced to scramble for dirty water down the seasonal streams, wasting their time.

He appeals to the government and well-wishers to donate funds to drill a borehole in the school compound to address the water shortage.

Furthermore, Chepkong'a also appeals to Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie to assist the parents in channeling part of the National Constituency Development Fund kitty to buy a school bus.

 Sterling KCPE performance

On Wednesday, Bowen led the parents and pupils to match about three kilometers to the school compound to celebrate the historical performance in the just announced KCPE results.

A total of 80 candidates sat for last year's KCPE in the school —35 girls and 45 boys.

The top four scored more than 400.

The top candidate, Emanuel Kipkoech from Eldoret scored 426 to break the school's record four years ago of 406 marks.

Kipkoech would like to join Alliance high school and aspires to become neurosurgeon after school.

"I came to this school because of the fame and its historical performance over the years. But above all, it is always personal determination that is the key to success," Kipkoech said.

He says although he appreciates the impeccable support from his teachers, parents and fellow pupils, he used to wake up early to study, without being forced by anyone, "knowing that after that accomplishing my education, I will one day have a good life and enjoy the longest sleeping time."

The second candidate, who got many accolades from parents and teachers for setting and maintaining academic pace in last year’s class is the young Elijah Kangogo with 424 marks.

His dream is to join Alliance High school, work harder to get an A and become a pilot.

Nimrod Rotich was third with 411 marks, which he attributes to his teachers, hard work, perseverance and determination. He hopes to become aeronautical engineer. He is motivated by Microsoft's Bill Gates.

Robert Korir finished fourth and didn't actually expect to score 402 marks. But he hoped to score at least 390 marks.

He thanks God for the result.

He hopes to pursue engineering at the university. He encouraged pupils behind him not to lose hope but work hard and

"Even if you fail now but continue putting more efforts in your revision and have confidence, you will make it" he said.

He lauds President Uhuru Kenyatta for identifying and appointing CSDr Fred Matiang'i to head the Education ministry, saying he has made drastic reforms in the docket

"I am also happy that apart from ending exam cheating, Matiang'i has also successfully introduced digital marking devices that helped produce results faster and accurately than before" Korir said.

Other candidates among 20 who scored 350 and above are Fridah Kirui (361) who wishes to join Nakuru high school and pursue her book publishing career in future.

Parents praise the school

Paul Tuikong says his son Nimrod, who scored 411 marks, is his third child to have sat for his KCPE in the school.

"I am 10 years old as a parent in this school and I solely attribute the sterling performance to discipline, exemplary corporation from parents, teachers and board of management" Tuikong said.

Tuikong also thanked Education CS Matiang'i for replenishing the sector with new tight rules.

"We are now happy and confident as parents with the results of our children," he said. "Previously, there were myriad cases of exam cheating."

He said he has constantly tracked the academic record of his child since January this year and "truly this is the right reflection of his performance."

He further says it is the concern for every parent to search for a good school for their child, and that is why he has chosen and trusted Tandui with his children over the years.

Miriam Rop, the mother of Kangogo, from Elgeyo-Marakwet county says during her school days at Tenges in Baringo between 1986-87, she used to admire Tandui for its music and acrobatic prowess.

"I always believed my child would one day learn in this wonderful school and my dream has come true" said Ms Rop.

She said she trusted the school with her child upon hearing its recognition in connection with the former president Moi.

"I am happy that through Matiangi's headship results came early this year so that we as parents cannot misuse money during Christmas holiday. At least one will be disciplined, knowing that school fees is awaiting early next year," she said.

Rop said all eyes is now on the government again on the form one selection, saying she expects every child to get admission commensurate to the KCPE performance.

Bowen attributed the success of the school on team work, saying every stakeholder has always played a role.

"Teachers doing their work to teach alone is not enough it is the concerted effort from all the stakeholders" he said adding that the major players are the candidates.

He also thanked the school Board of Management chaired by Philip Kurgat and the Ministry of Education for monitoring to ensure the school produces quality results.

The head also thanked the parents ,saying they all contributed to the success and have been very close to monitor their children performance.

"We have never celebrated such gracious performance since the establishment of the school. I am now happy to have four of our candidates attain over 400marks," he said.

The school mean score is 324.

He said he fully supports all government initiatives to ensure zero malpractices in the exams

“I urge Dr Matiang'i to strengthen his stringent measures even more" he said.

Bowen said the system changes should extend to colleges and universities.

"For instance the current reports of collapsing bridges or building in big towns is blamed squarely on the shoddy architectural workmanship so it trickles down to questionable academic paper work" said Bowen adding that we love our children and we don't like to spoil their

lives.

David Makali is respected in the entertainment industry for his contribution to the field. He is credited for giving a big break to some of the iconic names in the music indusrty today.

Most of the local Kenyan bands have been promoted under Makali's Sound Africa and have gone on to become roaring successes. The label prides itself in having a rich variety of music catalogues from many Kenyan music legends.

Now, the the veteran journalist-turned-politician has been appointed the new Radio Africa Limited's Star Head of Content, taking over from Charles Kerich, who has left to become Minister for E-government at Nairobi County government.

Makali started work yesterday at Lion Place.

In his first editorial meeting, Makali said he did not think he would be coming back to the newsroom again, but he is "excited" at the prospect and will work hard at churn out a top-notch product.

Murang'a MCAs have promised to continue with their push to have assembly clerk Chris Kinyanjui ousted from office.

The MCAs Tuesday blamed Kinyanjui for all their problems since they were sworn in three months ago.

They accuse Kinyanjui of failing to approve their mortgages and car loan, medical cover and allowances.

"We have been moving from one problem to another since we got into office. All that is because of the clerk," a nominated MCA told the Star.

Last week's sporting event in Machakos county is the latest cause of altercation between the ward representatives and the clerk.

MCAs have accused Kinyanjui of reducing their allowances during the six-day event. They also say Kinyanjui bought them substandard kits and uniform for the event.

"Muranga was the joke of the day with cheap sweat jackets and substandard boots to play in different entries," another MCA said.

"We demand and explanation on how procurement was done. Romours has it that Sh6 million was spent," the MCA added.

On Monday, the MCAs caused chaos after they stormed Kinyanjui's office armed with hammers and clubs in an attempt to forcefully throw him out.

They threw punches, smashed a desk and took away items.

It took the intervention of Murang’a East OCPD Johnstone Limo to have the MCAs ejected from Kinyanjui's office. They were later led out of the assembly.

Assembly majority leader Eric Kamande said he was engaging both parties to have the issues resolved amicably.

"The MCAs have raised their issues which are genuine and we are working on a solution without pushing anyone because the county is for all of us," Kamande said.

The MCAs want members insurance scheme investigated. They say the terms of the cover are not clear.

"According to SRC, we are supposed to get Sh3 million for inpatient and Sh200,000 for outpatient but Britam only paid Sh300,000 of a Sh1.2 million bill when our colleague was recently admitted to Nairobi Hospital," another MCA who sought anonymity told the Star.

They further accused Kinyanjui of stalling their car loans and mortages from the county government

"We have already identified the cars and houses and presented the logbooks and title deeds to the relevant offices for processing. It is now three months and nothing has happened," Another MCA said.

Hundreds of residents of Kerugoya town yesterday took to the streets to protest the murder of a form three student which occurred two weeks ago.

Charles Kithaka (16) was killed by unknown assailants who stormed their home armed with a jembe and bludgeoned him to death.

Led by Bishop Francis Wanderi, residents condemned the killing and called on police to arrest the perpetrators.

"Those who committed that barbaric act will be severely punished by God," Wanderi said.

The protesters broke a calabash in the heart of Kerugoya town as a sign of their curse upon the killers.

Kirinyanga Central OCPD Yawa Chome said Kithaka was watching a movie on television when the attackers raided their home. His parents were already sleeping upstairs.

They ransacked the house before stealing a television set, microwave and a DVD player. No suspect has been arrested.

"I was very shocked to see my son lying in a pool of blood. There was no point in killing an innocent boy," Charles father John Mwangi said.

Charles was a student at Meru Boys High School.

More than 400 delegates from Kwale county attended the swearing in of President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Kasarani Sports Centre on Tuesday.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya led other Jubilee supporters from the county to Nairobi.

“We went to Nairobi in large numbers for the inauguration ceremony as a clear indication of our total support for Uhuru, DP William Ruto and the Jubilee administration,” he said.

Mvurya campaigned vigorously for Jubilee and Uhuru in the repeat polls of November 26 after the Supreme Court nullified the first presidential election of August 8.

He urged to vote for Uhuru for development citing various ongoing projects implemented by the Jubilee government.

Residents of Kasemeni and Mikameni villages in Lunga Lunga have asked security officers to protect them from constant attacks by panga-wielding killers.

They say their lives are in dangers.

Resident Benson Matano said the unknown assailants always torture their victims before killing them.

On Tuesday, villagers said they will trek to the county commissioner's office in Kwale to present their grievances.

"We are losing innocent souls everyday and nothing has been done," Matano said.

Kwale county commissioner Ngumo Karuku yesterday said he has not received any reports about the attacks.

He, however, assured residents of safety, saying they will hunt and arrest the criminals.

"I'm thankful for sharing this information with me, I will follow it up with the concerned security officers and take action," Karuku said.

Villagers at Rombo have also complained of the attacks by unknown gang.

Resident Said Mchar said a man was found dead. He had panga injuries.

Mcharo said the deceased was heard screaming on Monday night at 9pm and after a few minutes, he was found lying lifeless.

Police said they have launched investigations over the attacks and the criminals will be dealt with.

Seven-year-old Geoffrey Mutinda lies on a cold slab in City Mortuary, his head shattered by a bullet.

His parents, relatives, his neighbours, his nation are shocked, mourning and angry over the shooting in Pipeline, Embakasi, on Tuesday.

“They (police) were shooting anywhere at anyone and even threw tear gas into buildings, so bad,” Peter Mutuku, 38, Geoffrey’s father told the Star in his 10-foot- square tenement room.

Read: Police deny killing seven-year-old Geoffrey Mutinda, blame criminals

“What I want is justice. My son was the reason why I hustled every day but he has been taken away from me.

"Why? Why?” Today people are mourning not only Geoffrey, but all other innocent people killed and wounded during political demonstrations quelled by police.

The nation is reflecting on a trigger-happy culture.

Geoffrey, a fun-loving Remedy Academy pupil, was in Nairobi to visit his father who works in the capital.

He loved to watch TV cartoons. In fact, it was his love of cartoons that sent him to his auntie’s house in sprawling Embakasi in search of fun.

His own parents are too poor to own a TV set.

He and other children were playing on the first-floor balcony of a block of flats.

What they didn’t know was that a contingent of riot police had been deployed to that neighbourhood to break up a planned NASA rally at nearby Jacaranda Grounds.

Initial reports indicated Geoffrey was shot by people suspected to be AP officers from a nearby post.

His killers were said to be riding a motorbike.

Yesterday Nairobi Police Chief Japhet Koome denied police had shot Geoffrey and said the child could have been killed by a criminal gang.

He said there was no police camp in Embakasi known as Taasia AP camp.

He said there were no operations in that area only operations to deal with rioters around Jacaranda Grounds and environs in Donholm, 5km away.

Geoffrey's father spoke in his dingy tenement room on the fifth floor. It’s divided in two by a tattered curtain. Mutuku is jobless. Geoffrey’s mother Elizabeth Katungwa is a banana vendor.

Neighbours, mostly factory hands, gathered to console the family.

“He was my hope but he is now gone,” Elizabeth said through tears. Her dreams of seeing her son join class three in January have been shattered.

“I was told they were playing on the balcony when someone shot him in the head,” Elizabeth said with a blank stare.

She said three police officers in civilian clothes who were riding a motorbike, stopped near the building and fired indiscriminately, killing her son and injuring her pregnant aunt.

The bullet that killed Geoffrey, going through his head, also struck his aunt, who is due in three weeks. She has been admitted to Machakos Level Five Hospital.

Geoffrey’s little sister looks through an old family album, pointing out photos of her brother.

Terrified neighbours spoke in low tones as a battery of journalists visited the family.

Geoffrey’s father said it him more than 10 hours for police to move the body from the scene as crowds surged forward.

One resident said, “Some were in uniform while others were not.

The one who shot Geoffrey was on a motorbike ahead of uniformed police officers.”He declined to be named.

In the nearby Soweto estate, a poor neighbourhood, residents painted a picture of police terror throughout Tuesday when President Uhuru Kenyatta was being sworn in at Kasarani while the opposition had planned a rally in Embakasi.

They said police virtually took over the dusty estate in a major lockdown, ordering residents to remain indoors.

“The police were all over, lobbing tear gas and shooting at any small group of people who tried to come out,” vegetable vendor Anastasia Mwende said.

“Even kids have been affected by tear gas because we remained locked in our houses the whole day and Tuesday night,” said Antony Oluoch, 27, a boda boda operator.

He said a contingent of riot police officers sealed off Jacaranda Grounds but again pushed youths into the estates, beating them on sight.

“We had to hide even our motorbikes because we feared police could destroy them, “ he said.

When the Star visited Eastlands, residents were yet to come to terms with the police brutality meted out on harmless women and children throughout Tuesday.

Police are investigating. So is the Independent Police Oversight Authority, which condemned the killing and dispatched a rapid-response unit.

It is probing the deaths of Geoffrey and another person near Jacaranda Grounds, as well as injuries two other people.

They occurred on the day police were told nothing must disrupt or distract from President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration.A postmortem will be performed today to determine, among other things, the nature and calibre of bullet, the gun and the distance between attacker and victim.

Geoffrey is now part of the grim national statistics illustrating how the Kenyan police have earned their reputation for recklessness, brutality and impunity.

By one international ranking, they are the world’s third worst.

His is the fourth death of an innocent young person in four months during anti-government demonstrations presumably at the hands of police.

On October 18 in Kisumu, Michael Okoth, 18, had gone to buy ice cream. He was far from a demonstration when he was shot in the neck by police, witnesses said.

Police then shooed everyone away, took out a knife and sliced the bullet from his neck, pocketing the bullet. Then they carted off the body, witnesses said.

On August 15, Baby Samantha Pendo’s head was smashed with a blunt object when police burst into her Kisumu home in Nyalenda B.

They were dispersing protesters. On August 12, seven-year-old Stephanie Moraa was shot dead by police as she played on the balcony of their rental house in Mathare North,

Nairobi.

On August 11, Uhuru was declared the winner of the August 8 General Election. Opposition protests erupted, so did police violence.

The two killings in August were condemned worldwide and Ipoa launched a probe.

It recommended a public inquiry after failing to unravel the mystery surrounding the two killings and identifying the officers culpable.

The agency said it will try to establish the circumstances of the shootings and ensure officers face the full force of the law.

It will make publish its findings. Tuesday’s police crackdown on residents of Nairobi’s Eastlands estates left scores of NASA supporters injured and maimed.

Some described it as a Hollywood horror movie.

Click here for the latest political news

Western powers are pushing for national dialogue to heal the country after months of bloody and divisive politics that threatens to plunge Kenya deeper into a political crisis.

The push came just hours after President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn into office for a second term.

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May congratulated Uhuru and his Deputy William Ruto on their inauguration on Tuesday but called for immediate talks to heal widening rifts.

Read: US congratulates Uhuru, hails Kenya for ending election process

Related: 'President for all': Uhuru reaches out to NASA leaders after swearing-in

“As part of the process of addressing these tensions and strengthening institutions, we urge Kenyans to join together to hold an immediate, sustained and open national conversation to heal divisions between communities,” US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

The calls came as opposition chief Raila Odinga declared that he too will be sworn in as President on December 12. The US said they are deeply concerned by the ongoing political tension and called for restraint from security forces.

The UK, on the other hand, said all Kenyans should recognise the significance of dialogue and healing after months of divisive politics.

The message was delivered by British Minister for Africa Rory Stewart who attended the swearing-in ceremony at Kasarani and the official inauguration luncheon at State House. “I hope all Kenyans will recognise the need for national dialogue and healing,” Stewart said.

The international calls for talks was recognition of months of divisive campaigns and turmoil that has pushed the country to the brink of chaos.

On Tuesday, there was police terror in Nairobi’s Eastlands area as police battled NASA supporters from entering Jacaranda Grounds. A seven-year-old boy was shot dead in the process.

But despite calls for dialogue, it also emerged that the international community was firmly behind Uhuru as the legitimate President.

The UK government, for instance, has formally invited Uhuru to the Commonwealth Summit in London next year. Many Western states did not congratulate Uhuru after the controversial October 26 rerun.

“The US congratulates the people of Kenya on the conclusion of the presidential election process, as well as President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto on their inauguration for a second term,” US said in a statement.

Click here for the latest political news

Veteran journalist David Makali has joined Radio Africa and the Star Publications as Head of Content.

He takes over from Charles Kerich who left to become Minister for E-government at Nairobi County.

Makali has been a senior editor in Kenyan newspapers and regularly appears on television as a political analyst. He previously worked as a communications advisor to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission before briefly going into politics in Bungoma. He has also taught journalism

“We are very happy that such a dynamic and distinguished journalist has joined the RAL Star group as Head of Content. We are sure that his deep political insight and contacts, combined with his journalistic experience and skills, will take the Star newspaper and the group websites to new levels of excellence,” William Pike, Convergence Director at Star and Radio Africa, said yesterday.

“I am delighted to be back in the newsroom. I have missed the buzz and energy of day-to-day journalism. I am determined to make an impact with the Star and Radio Africa. Watch this space!,” Makali said.