Days after being named as the new skipper for Gor Mahia, Harun Shakava began his first on pitch leadership role with a trophy winning goal as his side edged rivals AFC Leopards 1-0 to toast the Kenya Premier League (KPL) Super Cup.
Shakava netted the sole goal of the match staged at Afraha Stadium to aid his side lift the first silverware in 2018.
Shakava was elevated to the wear the captain’s armband following the exit of long serving centre-half Musa Mohammed, who joined Albanian side, FK Tirana and luck was on Shakava’s side in his first game as the club’s new captain.
Gor dominated the game for the better part of the opening stanza and seemed lethal in all departments, regularly calling on Leopards’ goalkeeper Gabriel Andika into action. Ingwe, under the tutelage of veteran head coach Robert Matano, grew into the match and their first chance came barely 20 minutes into the game when Ghanaian import Prince Arkoh scythed a fierce shot with Boniface Oluoch proving equal to the task.
Leopards centre-half Abdallah Salim was later forced to save a goal bound move between Godfrey Walusimbi and Jacques Tuyisenge after escaping the attention of a few defenders.
After a long quest, Gor Mahia’s resilience finally paid off in the 40th minute when Shakava gave them the lead from George Odhiambo’s cross. The over-lapping Kenyan international send a powerful header past Ingwe’s stopper Gabriel Andika, handing his side the first goal which turned out to be the match winning goal.
In the second half, Gor Mahia made changes, bringing in Kevin Omondi and Ephraim Guikan for Odhiambo and Meddie Kagere but the new entrants could not double the figures on the scoreboard. Ingwe had a better chance in the 65th minute but Baker Lukooya failed to connect Joseph Kuria’s well floated ball. Walusimbi hit the wood works minute later after a well curled effort from the left-flank following a quick break counter attack. The two teams shift their focus on the upcoming Kenyan Premier League season as well as continental assignments.

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday joined fellow leaders at a summit of the African Union Assembly. 

The opening of the 30^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was preceded by hours of closed-door talks centred on AU reforms.

The reform measures, crafted by a panel led by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, centre around enhanced financial contributions and greater efficiency at the AU Commission in Ethiopia.

"Kenya strongly supports the reforms at the African Union as that is the surest way to ensure the Union, its Commission, organs and agencies are fit for purpose and well-equipped to deliver on the ambitious aspirations of the African People as spelt out in Agenda 2063," Uhuru said.

Read: Uhuru appeals to African states for more funding, military backing to fight terrorism

The closed session also endorsed progress on a Continental Free Trade Area.

Kenya is among the leading campaigners for free movement of people and goods in Africa.

"I'm encouraged to note that more than 20 countries, including my own, are currently implementing the 0.2 per cent levy on eligible imports as reported. Equally encouraging, is the fact that the Commission and the Reform Implementation Unit have customised flexible financial options in recognition of individual country circumstances," Uhuru said.

 Guinea’s President Alpha Condé also emphasised on the need to consolidate the Continental Free Trade Area to promote intra-Africa trade.
President Condé also said Africa needs to address its chronic budget deficit.

“We cannot continue to depend on financial aid for our programmes. It is important for Africa to take its destiny in its hands and fund its transformation agenda,” he said.African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urged African countries to work together and support peace initiatives in South Sudan, Somalia and other countries experiencing turmoil.

“Africa must work together to entrench integration and guarantee speedy reforms of the African Union,” Faki said.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he is working on strengthening the partnership between the AU and the UN, especially in peace and security in Africa.

In South Sudan, Guterres said the UN has aligned its position with the AU and IGAD. He said the partnership is important to build a safe world.

“UN fully supports Africa’s initiatives for peace and reconciliation across the continent,” he said.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is also in Addis Ababa to attend the 20^th General Assembly of Organization of African First Ladies Against Aids.

Related: Trump eats humble pie, lauds African nations after ‘shithole’ remark

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The Jubilee administration plans a ruthless response to the swearing-in of NASA leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyioka tomorrow. 

Multiple sources in government told the Star yesterday that the state will deploy hundreds of police officers across the city to prevent NASA supporters from coming into Uhuru Park and the Central Business District.

Last evening, the security chiefs were considering detaining the NASA leaders in their houses, even as they placed the coalition’s principals under 24-hour surveillance.

Read: Uhuru Park a no-go zone for NASA, Koome says ahead of Raila oath

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday issued a stern warning to NASA and ordered police to act firmly on anyone who would attempt to conduct a swearing-in ceremony. 

Speaking at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Buruburu, Nairobi county, where he attended church service, Ruto said it was time wananchi and leaders worked together with a view to moving the country forward.

He told Kenyans to ignore those engaged in “meaningless politics and activities”.

Ruto said, “We have had one year deciding who will be Member of Parliament, who will be President and so on. It’s now time to serve Kenyans.”

But as Ruto issued his warning, the NASA leaders said they were not intimidated and would go ahead with their ceremony.

“They can threaten as much as they want. The people of Kenya have resolved that no other election will be stolen. They can arrest and/or kill us if they want,” NASA leader Raila Odinga said.

Read: Ruto to Kenyans: Ignore 'irrelevant' NASA oath

nasa plans

According to a tentative plan, NASA plans to start its function at 10am tomorrow in Uhuru Park.  The first item will be prayers from Christian and Muslim leaders. It will then be followed by a brief speech by a senior lawyer, who will explain why they have gathered.

Raila and Kalonzo will then be invited to take the oath of office as the People’s President and Deputy President. It was not clear yesterday what exact words the two will utter, but sources in NASA’s planning team said they will not be similar to the ones Uhuru and Ruto took.

“They will swear allegiance to the People’s Republic,” NASA CEO Norman Magaya said.

Atwoli advises Uhuru

Yesterday, Cotu secretary General Francis Atwoli asked President Uhuru to let NASA proceed with the planned swearing-in to avoid an ugly confrontation between the police and its supporters.

“We don’t want the country to deteriorate into chaos because of confrontations between NASA supporters and security personnel deployed to stop the swearing-in of Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka,” he said.

Atwoli had earlier opposed the planned oath-taking and instead lobbied for dialogue.

“Since President Kenyatta does not want to meet the opposition for dialogue, he should not send the police to Uhuru Park to stop the swearing-in ceremony. He should let NASA proceed with the swearing-in and then look at what [happens] next. That way, we will have peace,” he said.

The Cotu chief said intimidating Raila would only prove futile, as the NASA leader is battle-hardened and has fought the previous regimes without fear.

“Uhuru should know that Raila is a fearless guy, who disturbed previous regimes, including his own father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga,” he said.

Meanwhile, Atwoli added that Cotu is still ready to steer the talks between NASA and Jubilee, saying the hard lines taken by the political outfits will hurt the economy.

Read: Don't provoke Raila by stopping Tuesday oath, Atwoli tells Uhuru

anti-oath politicians speak up

Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja (NASA) and Redeemed Gospel Church Archbishop Arthur Kitonga said the election was over and Kenya did not want to witness chaos or bloodshed but harmony and development.

The leaders said the purported swearing-in of Raila and Kalonzo was a ploy by NASA leaders to cause chaos and sabotage the economy. They said issues of electoral justice were determined and settled by the Supreme Court, as Kenyans “ultimately elected President Uhuru and DP Ruto”.

Samboja said although he was elected on the ticket of one of the NASA affiliate parties, he does not support activities that are meant to disrupt the peace.

“I support President Kenyatta, who was elected by Kenyans. We don’t want to see chaos and violence as some people seem to advocate,” he said.

“It is important for us, elected leaders, to preach peace in the country. We will not achieve our development goals through demonstrations.” 

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Samboja, MPs Kimani Ichung’wa (Kikuyu), Maina Kamanda (nominated), Charles Njagua (Starehe), Benjamin Mwangi (Embakasi Central), Charles Gakuya (Embakasi North) and Simon Mbugua (EALA) urged police to protect Nairobi residents and property from “NASA hooligans”.

They said the Constitution “is very clear on how to elect and install a leader”.

Read: Oath is on, Raila says after pre-inauguration fanfair in Homa Bay

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The trading value of Bitcoin has dropped by 48 per cent in the last one month from $19,343 (Sh2,002,000 ) to the current $11,410 (Sh1,181,006 )

This means that an investor who bought one Bitcoin in mid-December 2017 stands to lose about Sh980,806 should they decide to sell it today.

“Bitcoin is a currency like any other currency, it’s bound to lose and gain value. Despite the recent fluctuation, it has continued to record an uptrend since its introduction in 2009 due to a growing demand, and we expect it to rebound more strongly in 2018,” Rewell Kinuthia, a local investor, said.

THE SOUTH KOREAN EFFECT

While many have termed the drop in its value as a bubble, another investor, William Otiso, dismissed such terms saying it’s a price adjustment.

He attributed the value dip to an announcement by the South Korean government to introduce new regulations that will guide Bitcoin trading in his country. The Asian country is the largest trader of Bitcoin in the World.

The new rules, which are set to kick off tomorrow, will ban the use of anonymous bank accounts to make crypto transactions, keep underage investors and foreigners from opening accounts in any South Korean exchange, and will heavily tax virtual currency exchanges.

ADOPTING BLOCK-CHAIN TECH

“The value of a currency will not always remain straight, Bitcoin has not gone through any legislation yet and while we expect it to recover, we should also expect a rise and fall in its trading value going forward,” Otiso said.

“We are resilient because in the long run it’s not a hit or a miss, Bitcoin is not a ponzi scheme and we are not giving up as this is the way of the future.”

Unlike traditional currencies such as the shilling and the dollar, which are regulated by government, Bitcoin just like other digital currencies operates independent of a regulator.

They are organised in a system known as block-chain, an online ledger, that keeps a record of all transactions made in a centralised place.

Despite warning local investors on investing in Bitcoin and that they should be ready to lose their money, Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge is on record hailing the block-chain technology, saying that it is something that can be useful. He cautioned local investors and told them to be ready to lose all their money.

“We are not anti-technology, the issue is about safety,” he said.

KCB group chief executive Joshua Oigara reiterated this, saying the technology could be adopted to enhance transparency in the banking sector.

Deputy President William Ruto’s influence in the Executive has been whittled down after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies took the lion’s share of high-flying State jobs, including in the Cabinet.

In what is likely to muddle Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid, an analysis of the 22-member Cabinet unveiled by Kenyatta on Friday indicates that the DP only managed to push through five of his men.

Read: Uhuru unveils new Cabinet, nominates Munya, Shebesh, Ababu, and Marwa

In contrast, Uhuru named about 15 of his allies to the Cabinet.

Unveiling the list after 58 days of anxiety, Ruto was conspicuously missing by Uhuru’s side unlike the Jubilee norm, although he was present at State House.

It was not immediately clear whether it was a sign of disgruntlement or political strategy.

When Uhuru unveiled a partial list on January 5, Ruto was also missing in action, but later played down any rift at the apex of the Jubilee administration.

In the new Cabinet list, Ruto lost the influential Agriculture ministry, which has been given an additional Irrigation portfolio and in total will now be shepherded by a record five Principal Secretaries.

The gigantic Agriculture ministry was handed over to Mwangi Kiunjuri, a close Uhuru ally who is also seen as his possible heir in Mount Kenya power matrix.

Overall, Kenyatta bagged all the powerful ministries, including the National Treasury, which now has an additional docket of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure as well as Interior and Coordination of the National Government.

Henry Rotich is the National Treasury and Planning CS, Transport and Infrastructure is headed by James Macharia, while Interior is led by the vocal Fred Matiang’i.

Apart from Industrialization, which is in the hands of Ruto’s man Adan Mohamed, the rest of the ministries charged with delivering the “Big Four” are in the hands of Uhuru’s men.

The Big Four, which involve a focus on food security, affordable housing, manufacturing and affordable healthcare is seen as a strategy to secure the President’s legacy.

More on this: Chief Administrative Secretaries: Was Uhuru rewarding 2017 election backers?

Former TNA Secretary General Onyango Oloo, now Kisumu County Assembly Speaker, said Uhuru has finally managed to cage Ruto.

“For the first time, I think the President seems to be asserting himself beyond what Ruto, or anyone else, may have expected. Last time, I think the President was bullied into forming a government in which he did not even know some of his ministers,” Oloo told the Star yesterday.

“If Ruto did not like your face [in 2013], you had no chance in that government. As illegitimate as this government is, this time it is Uhuru’s.”
Ruto’s allies who were kicked out in the Cabinet purge are ex-Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett, his Labour counterpart Phyllis Kandie as well as Mining CS Dan Kazungu.

However, his allies in the fresh team are Farida Karoney of Lands, Simon Chelugui of Water and Sanitation, Rashid Mohammed of Sports and Heritage as well as Adan Mohamed of Industrialization and Enterprise Development.

Energy Minister Charles Keter, whose Ministry was also sliced to create a new Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, is alleged to have switched loyalty and is more or less in the Kenyatta axis.

Although thought to be in the Ruto camp, National Treasury CS Rotich, previously Head of Macroeconomics at the now-defunct Ministry of Finance, is said to be an Uhuru ally.

The two worked together when Uhuru was the Minister of Finance.

Yesterday, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and a key Ruto ally did not respond to our queries.

However, Political Analyst Martin Andati says Ruto has retained most of his previous dockets.

"Ruto is just playing smart politics. He is avoiding going public because he had promised jobs to so many people. So he will easily claim as an excuse that even he was played," Andati told the Star.

Among Uhuru nominees in Cabinet are Margaret Kobia of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, Monica Juma of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Sicily Kariuki of Health and Amina Mohamed of Education.

Others are John Munyes (Petroleum and Mining), Raychelle Omamo (Defence), Keriako Tobiko (Environment and Forestry), Joseph Mucheru (ICT), Najib Balala (Tourism and Wildlife), Raphael Tuju (CS without portfolio) and Eugene Wamalwa (Devolution).

Also read: Will Amina Mohamed fit in Matiang'i shoes as Education CS?

Former Meru Governor Peter Munya, a known critic of the DP, and ex-Marsabit Governor Ukur Yattani are said to be Kanu nominees. Munya was given the East African Community and Northern Corridor Development docket, while Yattani was nominated to the Labour and Social Protection docket.

But when the reports of cracks began after the first batch of Cabinet nominees was named, Ruto was quick at dismissing them.

He said Uhuru must be given the space to form his Cabinet that would deliver on the Jubilee Manifesto.

“Kenyans, more so Jubilee, should avoid useless political debates about positions, including 2022, and focus single-mindedly on delivering our manifesto voted for by the people while allowing the President the space to perform his constitutional duty to assemble the team for us,” Ruto fired back.

Then, State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu dismissed the reports as rumours.

“All is well between the President and Deputy President. Those reports [about the split] are rumours and we don’t comment on them,” he said.

In the new lineup, Uhuru remodeled ministries and sacked several Principal Secretaries, some of whose departments became redundant.

For instance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was given back the International Trade docket, which was taken away from Industrialization, the Ministry of Water was added Sanitation but lost Irrigation.

The Ministry of Devolution now under Eugene lost the Planning docket, but was given the Arid and Semi-arid Areas.

Among sacked PS are Wilson Irungu Nyakera (Planning and Statistics), John Mosonik (Infrastructure) and  Ali Noor Ismail (Cooperatives).

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Three people died in the fire that broke out in Lang’ata's Kijiji slum on Sunday.

The bodies were recovered on Monday morning, said National Disaster Management Unit deputy director Pius Masai.

"Search and recovery is still ongoing," he said, adding one of the deceased had been identified.

Residents react after running out of water as they attempt to extinguish a fire that broke out at the Kijiji slums in the Southlands estate of Nairobi, January 28, 2018. /Reuters

Masai appealed to well-wishers to donate food and non-food items for more than 6,000 affected families.

The families are camping at Ngei Primary School amid fears of a disease outbreak due to lack of major amenities.

Officials plan a headcount following the fire whose cause is yet to be established.

"We appeal to anyone missing a family member to report to Langata police station or at the command post for tracing," Masai said.

Firefighters had difficulties accessing the site while some fire engines ran out of water before the inferno was contained.

Residents watch as their houses burn in a fire that broke out at the Kijiji slums in the Southlands estate of Nairobi, January 28, 2018. /Reuters

A resident stands near her salvaged belongings as houses burn in a fire that broke out at the Kijiji slums in the Southlands estate of Nairobi, January 28, 2018. /Reuters

The Nairobi location suffered disruptions of electricity after lights were switched off at around 9:30 pm.

Residents tried to salvage their property so there were fears that some may have ended up trapped trapped in their houses.

Kijiji slums is opposite the upmarket Southlands estate. 

More on this: Dozens left homeless as fire guts Lang'ata's Kijiji slum

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The first group of NASA supporters has arrived ahead of Raila Odinga's prohibited oath-taking at Uhuru Park on Tuesday.

Raila and Kalonzo Musyoka were to be inaugurated as leaders of the People's Republic of Kenya since the Opposition does not consider Uhuru Kenyatta a legitimate president.

But NASA chief executive officer Norman Magaya said on Monday: "We are swearing-in Raila as the president of the Republic of Kenya, not the people’s president."

"The first batch [of supporters] arrived in the city today morning. Others will come in during the day in a coordinated way," he said and noted there will be no change of venue.

Nairobi county, however, has indefinitely closed Uhuru Park in Nairobi, for renovations, and police say they are ready to prevent any chaos. On Sunday, county police commander Japheth Koome declared the park a no-go zone.

More on this: Uhuru Park closed indefinitely with days to Raila swearing-in

Despite the warning, Magaya said the park remains their top choice.

"Our first option is Uhuru Park, second option Uhuru Park and third option Uhuru Park...," he said during an interview on KTN. 

"If all options are not possible, then our last option will be Uhuru Park .. the swearing-in is a fight that we are willing to take. We have no intention of changing the venue for the ceremony."

Magaya said the supporters should be seated by 8.30 am so the ceremony takes the shortest time possible.

"Everyone must be seated by [this time] so we can finish by 12.30 pm. Let police not provoke citizens and cause unnecessary violence."

The official further described Koome's warnings as empty threats and said they had not received a notice keeping them from the park.

"You can see how Koome is literally struggling to justify why they should not allow this swearing-in to take place," he said. "We legitimately made a reservation for the park and we have not seen any notice to turn us away from using it. After tomorrow you will not see any renovation at Uhuru Park."

The CEO said that in 2016, the government asked a church to conduct an event at the park yet NASA also had a function, so "there are just excuses".

"There are no intentions by any other group to use Uhuru Park. All these are manufactured to create tension.

"Forget the sideshows. This oath-taking ceremony is beyond repair ... it has to happen ... by close of business tomorrow they will have taken oath of office."

Multiple sources in government told The Star that the state will deploy hundreds of police officers across the city to prevent NASA supporters from going into Uhuru Park and the central business district.

On Sunday evening, the security chiefs were considering detaining NASA leaders in their houses even as they placed the coalition’s principals under 24-hour surveillance.

The other co-principals are Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress and Bungoma senator Moses Wetang'ula who is Ford Kenya leader.

Deputy president William Ruto also issued a stern warning to NASA and ordered police to act firmly on anyone who would attempt to conduct a swearing-in ceremony. 

Read: State to deploy hundreds of cops in city and arrest leaders to block NASA event

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Jubilee Party secretary general Raphael Tuju is not a cabinet member, Dennis Itumbi has said, and accused the media of misreporting facts. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta, in changes unveiled last Friday, nominated Tuju to the Cabinet as a secretary without a portfolio.

Should his nomination sail through, he will become the second person to hold the position in Kenya’s history.

Chief Justice Chunilal Madan was the first minister without a portfolio following his appointment by the colonial administration in 1956.

Read: List of Uhuru's Cabinet nominees

Also read: Uhuru nominates Tuju to be minister without docket

But Itumbi, who is State House digital communications director, downplayed Tuju's appointment saying it is aimed at "placing Jubilee agenda at the heart of decision making".

"You cannot have a CS who only sits in the Cabinet sometimes, 'on a need basis'... Tuju remains Jubilee SG," Itumbi said via twitter on Sunday.

Itumbi, who was having a conversation with NTV manager Linus Kaikai, said the media should stop publishing misleading reports on Tuju.

"Co-opting into Cabinet 'on a need basis' can surely not make you a CS. It is a tool aimed at informing or enriching Cabinet decisions," he said.

Itumbi said in Cabinet, one can co-opt experts on a need basis, adding that "Jubilee agenda will be part of government delivery and focus."

But speaking to The Star on phone, Tuju said its upon the president to tell Kenyans what the position means.

"I am not familiar with the comments. It is not in my capacity to explain this to newspapers. But when something is not clear, its appropriate for the president to clarify."

Tuju’s nomination is seen as a reward for his role in Uhuru and DP William Ruto’s re-election last year.

While his nomination to the Cabinet was widely expected, the decision to give him an unspecified role was unforeseen. 

Also read: Uhuru sacks Mailu, Kaimenyi, Wario from Cabinet

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NASA principals accompanied their politicians to court on Monday, a curious move hours before their planned swearing-in of a president and VP.

Police are preparing to keep the peace while members of the public are worried about fatalities with the inauguration of Raila Odinga (president) and Kalonzo Musyoka (deputy president).

This is the first time the NASA principals have been spotted in the courts to follow proceedings of the cases arising from the August 8 election.

Read: Raila swearing-in illegal but police shouldn't kill supporters - Ole Sapit

At the Milimani court in Nairobi, Babu Owino who is Embakasi East MP sat between Suna East's Junet Mohamed and Opposition chief Raila who is ODM leader.

Babu's election on August 8 last year was challenged by Jubilee Party politician Francis Mureithi who claimed chaos led to massive irregularities.

Mureithi asked for the scrutiny and recount of votes at 44 polling stations, most of them in Embakasi Primary School.

Raila was in court for about 30 minutes. He declined to speak about his oath-taking saying a committee was in charge.

But he told his supporters that he will be at Nairobi's Uhuru Park on Tuesday.

Babu's lawyers opposed the application by his opponent saying he gave insufficient evidence.

NASA principals Kalonzo (Wiper) and Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo went to the Machakos High Court

They attended the presentation of final submissions in the case by Machakos governor aspirant Wavinya Ndeti against incumbent Alfred Mutua.

The National Super Alliance has insisted a ceremony will take place at the park despite stern warnings by city police commander Japheth Koome.

CEO Norman Magaya termed the venue their top choice and dismissed Koome's "empty threats".

More on this: Uhuru Park is the only option, Magaya says as Raila supporters arrive

Also see: [VIDEO] NASA, Jubilee talk tough ahead of Raila swearing

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A woman locked herself, her husband and their young son in their Maragua home and set it on fire on Sunday morning after the couple had a big fight.

Doris Miriam, 19, padlocked the door at 2am, hid the key, poured paraffin around the house and the couple’s mattress and set it on fire. Earlier in the night she had quarrelled with her husband Daniel Mwangi, 30.

Neighbours in Methi village heard the couple’s three-year-old screaming, broke down the door and rushed the three to hospital. “We later received reports that the two [Miriam and Mwangi] had passed away shortly after they were admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital,” Mwangi’s grandmother Beth Nyambura said.

FIND A BETTER WAY  

The child is still admitted in hospital but in stable condition. Maragua OCPD John Onditi said preliminary investigations show Miriam lit the fire in an attempt to kill her family.

Ondito said the young couple had been constantly fighting and on Sunday, they had had a particularly big one before going to bed. He urged couples to come up with better ways of solving their differences instead of killing their spouses and children. Since last year 20 such murders have been reported in Murang’a.

“It is unfortunate that people can resort to such devastating actions over disagreements in their homes,” Onditi said.

MOST FOUL 

On January 18 Josphat Karanja locked his wife Millicent Murugi and their nine-year-old son in their home in Kambwe village, Kiharu, poured petrol in it and set it on fire.

Neighbours rescued the two before the house was engulfed in flames. They said the couple was always fighting and they had briefly separated before the fire.

On January 4, last year Charles Kang’ethe, 28, hacked his wife Purity after a spat in Kandara subcounty.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged leaders of the AIPCA church to end their power struggles and unite the congregation, Archbishop Julius Njoroge has said.

Speaking at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa in Rurii, Ol Kalou, on Sunday, Njoroge said Uhuru spoke to him during the burial of three Meru bishops who recently perished in a road accident.

“The President told me he had given me the mandate to unite the church. I know his words were not in vain and he is watching to see if we do as he requested,” Njoroge said.

He said he has talked with all bishops and the church board and all have backed his efforts to start peace talks.

Leadership wrangles have rocked the church following the retirement of Archbishop Amos Kabuthu in January last year. This led to the consecration of both Fredrick Wang’ombe and Julius Njoroge as archbishops.

ELECTION RIGGED

Kabuthu stepped down in January, following a High Court court order to hand the mantle to Wang’ombe.

Church members, however held elections on January 9 last year whenNjoroge was elected archbishop. Rivals said the vote was rigged.

Uhuru and Deputy President William Ruto are among leaders who have unsuccessfully tried to resolve the leadership row.

Ngoroge said on Sunday the peace talks will involve bishops, representatives from all congregations, government representatives and lawyers.

“We hope they will come up with an agreement to unite the church. Their decision will be final and binding,” Njoroge said.

Also invited are Njoroge’s rival Fredrick Wang’ombe and Meru Bishop Samson Muthuri. “We want them to tell us what they want with the church,” Njoroge said. He said he is the recognised because he was elected in accordance with its constitution.

“I am an old man and I have been in church leadership for 38 years. I have never been part of the group that divides the church. The current division is a heavy burden on me, but I pray that God will help me leave behind a united church when my term ends.”

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Kilifi county will be hit by severe drought by 2030 if proper measures are not taken, the weatherman has warned.

 The Meteorological department said drought is caused by climate change experienced across the globe. The department has urged the national and county governments and environmental non-state actors to urgently come up with proper strategies.

 Speaking during a three-day training on climate change at Pwani University, Kilifi Meteorological Services director Ramadhan Munga said heat levels in the county have been escalating. Rainfall has diminished because of human activities such as deforestation. “For more than 30 years the heat levels have been increasing at a high rate and rainfall decreasing annually. The rains are now short and start late. Trees are being cut down and very little land is still covered by trees and other vegetation,” Munga said. He added, “By 2030 the heat will have increased beyond our control and the amount of rainfall in Kilifi will not support or sustain food production.”

 Last year, the county recorded the highest temperature at 33°C. “This shows the low range is going lower and the high range increasing. If we do not take proper action to control the heat the county will not be able to produce enough food,” he said.

 Vegetation cover in Kilifi is low. Munga said it is important to plant more trees. Farmers were urged to invest in tree planting and dig dams. Ganze and Magarini subcounties are most affected. The two subcounties are huge producers of charcoal.

 The meteorological department is setting up fully equipped new weather centres to collect data. “We have automatic weather stations in Ganze and another one will be in Marafa. If no proper measures are put in place by 2030 the heat level will be very high,” he said.

 Kilifi county National Environment Management Authority officer Isaac Kimitei said the agency is implementing the County Environment Action Plan. It is also working to ensure the plan is factored in the County Integrated Development Plan.

 “If it is factored in the CIDP for five years we will get priority areas to work on,” Kimitei said.

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International tourists coming to Kenya via the sea have increased since the start of the cruise ship tourism season in October last year. Since the start of the season, the Port of Mombasa has received five cruise ships.

International guests are from the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. Approximately 3, 681 international tourists have visited Kenya through the port in three months since the first cruise ship on October 23. Yesterday, the MS Silver Sprit docked at the port of Mombasa with 890 tourists. They were 496 passengers and 394 crew members from Zanzibar heading to the Seychelles.

The vessel spent a night at the Kenya Coast as the tourists visited the Maasai Mara, Shima Hills, Fort Jesus and Amboseli. This is the second time the MS Silver Spirit is coming to Kenya in two months. It was in Mombasa on December 21 with 472 tourists and 365 crew members.

Speaking during the reception of the tourists at the port’s Berth One, Kenya Ports Authority head of corporate communications Bernard Osero said the return of cruise ships is encouraging. “Six years ago, we had no cruise vessels docking into this port. It is encouraging to see us play a key role in attracting passengers by sea,” he said. The Sh450 million modern cruise ship terminal, under construction at Berth One, is 50 per cent complete. It will be ready by July.

The world-class cruise terminal will allow simultaneous berthing of two Oasis-class cruise ships, the world’s largest passenger ships. The new terminal will have state-of-the-art security features, an immigration centre and a hotel.

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Anxiety gripped the city yesterday after NASA announced that it will swear in its leaders as President and Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya today and that the two will take an oath similar to the one sworn by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Although they had initially said they would swear in the two as the People's President and Deputy, yesterday's announcement by NASA CEO Norman Magaya sparked panic and a flurry of meetings. They included Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang'i (Interior), Joe Mucheru (ICT) and the Attorney General Githu Muigai.

Security and legal teams had been meeting through the weekend and yesterday morning to plan how to thwart NASA plans and repulse supporters.

Read : Raila to be sworn-in on January 30

Undeterred by threats of a ruthless clampdown, NASA pressed on last evening.

"The National Super Alliance wishes to inform supporters and the nation at large that the swearing in of Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga and HE Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka as President and Deputy President of the people, respectively, is on as announced earlier," a statement sent to newsrooms later said.

"All plans are in place to ensure this event is conducted peacefully and successfully at Uhuru Park in Nairobi from 8am.

It said the event will be peaceful and "in total compliance with the Constitution and the law".

"We therefore advise those attending this historic event to observe peace and avoid confrontation with police officers at all costs," NASA said.

Magaya pledged NASA would "accomplish our mission come hell or high water" and advised supporters "to come prepared to stay until our mission is accomplished".

“We are doing everything exactly as set out under the Constitution. The oath of office is set under the Constitution and everything will be done under the Assumption of Office Act,” Magaya said.

However, Constitution Article 141 provides for the oath to be administered only in the presence of the Chief Justice or Deputy Chief Justice and to be taken by the winner of an election declared by the electoral body.

The oath, according to Magaya, will be complete with all instruments of power including a military sword reserved for the commander-in-chief, the Constitution and a presidential seal.

It is claimed NASA has a qualified judge who will preside over the outlawed ceremony. The alliance has defied the government and insisted it will convene at Uhuru Park, which they have been shut out by the city county government.

“We have no intention whatsoever to change the venue of the event, our only option is Uhuru Park,” Magaya said, dismissing claims by the Nairobi Government that the facility was being renovated.

Unconfirmed reports last evening indicated Jubilee emissaries were engaged in last-minute efforts to push NASA to call off the event to avoid a clash with police. More than 1,000 extra officers from neighbouring counties have been deployed across the city.

As many as 5,000 regular police backed by personnel from Prisons and the Kenya Wildlife Service will be deployed this morning to ensure NASA leaders and supporters do not access any venues.

Read : Raila swearing-in illegal, says Githu

Yesterday, some Kikuyu elders visited Uhuru Park to "bless the ground ahead of a right of passage function today". However, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria later called off what they called a 'medical camp' offering free male circumcision to street families.

Programme

In what appears to be an extensive programme, NASA supporters were being bused to Nairobi last night from around the country.

In Kisumu, there was day-long drama after hundreds of youths stormed Governor Anyang' Nyong'o's office demanding facilitation to Nairobi for the swearing-in.

But police in Nairobi were not taking any chances and have laid out an elaborate plan to scuttle any gathering. They have zoned the city into different commands and dispatched contingents of anti-riot detachments to cordon off some major open grounds, including Kamukunji, Jacaranda, City Stadium and Jeevanjee gardens.

According to NASA's program obtained by the Star, supporters are expected to flock to the venue as early as 5am.

The programme officially starts at 8.30am with all invited invited guests and dignitaries expected to be seated by 9.30am.

NASA insiders say they have also invited allies from across the borders to witness the historic ceremony seen as the defining moment for Raila's political career and a major test for President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration.

Raila, the doyen of opposition politics, and Kalonzo will make their way to the arena at exactly 10am. Then there will be opening prayers, the national anthem and entertainment.

At exactly 10.30am, Raila and Kalonzo will stand before t'one million' supporters for administration of the oath of President and conferment of 'instruments of power,' followed by Kalonzo.

There were no details on whether Raila would inspect a guard of honour.

The NASA leader will then give an 'inaugural' address, ending the two-and-a-half hour programme.

Yesterday, NASA principals Raila, Kalonzo and Musalia Mudavadi spent most of the day in the corridors of justice in a show of solidarity with their lieutenants facing gruelling poll petitions.

Also read : Why Raila may not be sworn in as President

Raila, accompanied by National Assembly minority whip Junet Mohamed, was at Milimani law courts for the hearing of the election petition against Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Kalonzo and Mudavadi were with Wavinya Ndeti at the Machakos courts where she is challenging the election of Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.

The principals then retreated to a meetings on the outskirts of the city to put final touches to today's programme.

NASA has maintained it won the August 8 presidential elections and will be using those figures to swear-in their leaders.

On Friday, they released what they called actual results from IEBC's server which put Raila ahead with 8.1 million votes against Uhuru's 7.9 million votes. The IEBC immediately disowned the figures.

Raila and Kalonzo's oath plan comes two months after Uhuru and his Deputy President William Ruto took similar oaths on November 28.

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The world’s first major report on antibiotic resistance has shown many common infections are becoming resistant to drugs.

The most commonly reported drug resistant bacteria were those that cause diarrhoea and urinary tract infections.

Others were those that cause a range of diseases, including pneumonia and meningitis.

Drug resistance is a result of a growing number of “superbug” infections that are resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

The Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System Report, released by the World Health Organization yesterday, sampled antibiotic resistance among 500,000 people from 22 countries.

Kenya did not submit data for the report, but some of these drug resistant bacteria have been reported in Kenya due to over-use of drugs.

WHO said among the countries sampled, resistance to penicillin – the medicine used for decades worldwide to treat pneumonia – ranged from zero to 51 per cent.

“Some of the world’s most common and potentially most dangerous infections are proving drug-resistant,” says Dr Marc Sprenger, director of WHO’s Antimicrobial Resistance Secretariat.

“And most worrying of all, pathogens don’t respect national borders. That’s why WHO is encouraging all countries to set up good surveillance systems for detecting drug resistance that can provide data to this global system.”

Kenya has developed and approved the National Policy and Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance and is building its national surveillance system.

Outgoing Health CS Cleopa Mailu said, “Kenya is no exception to this threat, with increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance among infections contributing the most to human disease nationally, being reported in our hospitals and communities.”

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Prior to the August 8 General Election the NASA rank and file could be heard chanting in many of their rallies “wakiswear tunaswear” (if they swear in [Uhuru] we will swear in [Raila] too).

NASA vowed to swear in their leader Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka should President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President Willilam Ruto take the oath of office.

NASA successfully challenged the results and the Supreme Court nullified Uhuru’s victory. The court ordered a afresh poll on October 26.

Read : Uhuru Park is the only option, Magaya says as Raila supporters arrive

Raila pulled out of the repeat poll, citing failure by the IEBC to institute reforms. NASA accused the electoral agency of being reluctant to open its servers for scrutiny.

Their attempts to be enjoined in petitions challenging the President’s victory were thwarted, after the Supreme Court dismissed two petitions on November 20.

NASA chief executive officer Norman Magaya said they have a range of options including swearing-in Raila.

The push to swear him in began to gain traction. Raila’s supporters refused to recognise Uhuru’s victory, calling his government “illegitimate”.

Read : Uhuru Park closed indefinitely with days to Raila swearing-in

County assemblies in NASA strongholds passed the People’s Assemblies motion. NASA had planned to swear in Raila on the same day with Uhuru. They also planned to hold a requiem mass for 58 supporters they claim were killed in the post-poll chaos.

The event was thwarted on November 28. Police lobbed teargas and blocked NASA supporters and leaders from accessing Jacaranda Grounds where the oath was to take place.

Raila later announced he would take the oath on December 12, but called it off. This was to give way for talks. Religious leaders and envoys led by US envoy Robert Godec and former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo offered to broker talks. NASA insisted on electoral reforms and fresh polls.

For Raila, today’s event is a personal determination to register his protest of election theft in 2007, 2013 and 2017. For other NASA principals, it is about their presidential bids in 2022.

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The engine behind the controversial inauguration of NASA leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka as the People’s President and Deputy President is ignited and fuelled by influential individuals within the alliance.

NASA CEO Norman Magaya, self-appointed General Miguna Miguna, strategist David Ndii and strategy committee member Koitamet ole Kina are part of the broader team polishing today’s swearing-in ceremony to be held in Uhuru Park, Nairobi.

Other architects of the long-awaited event that have been in the public limelight issuing updates are ODM CEO Oduor Ong’wen, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala (ANC), Wiper CEO Jared Siso and Wiper secretary general Judith Sijeny.

Despite the alliance declining to unveil the Assumption of Office Committee, the team has been holding frequent meetings and updating the public on the oath-taking plans.

Ceo Magaya

Magaya — a lawyer — rose to fame when Raila appointed him as CEO of the Cord Secretariat, replacing Eliud Owalo. He was later appointed NASA CEO. He is a law lecturer at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Magaya joined lawyers James Orengo, Otiende Amollo, Paul Mwangi, Antony Oluoch, Okong’o Omogeni, Pheroze Nowrojee and Jackson Awele in challenging President Uhuru Kenyatta’s August 8 victory. The dream team represented Raila and Kalonzo at the Supreme Court and successfully had the vote nullified.

Magaya yesterday boldly affirmed that the swearing-in ceremony slated for today will be done in accordance with the Assumption of the Office of the President Act.

“We are swearing-in Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka as the President of the Republic of Kenya and not the People’s President. As stated before, we have a qualified judge who will undertake this process,” Magaya said during an interview with KTN News.

Strategist Ndii

Ndii, an economist and NASA strategist, was at one point picked up from a hotel in Diani in Kwale by officials from the Flying Squad, leading to protests on social media, with the majority of his supporters claiming he was arrested and detained for spearheading Raila’s swearing-in ceremony.

He has a PhD from Oxford University and holds doctorate and master’s degrees in Economics from the same institution. He also has a master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Nairobi.

General Miguna 

The former Nairobi governor candidate has selfishly defended Raila by maintaining that he won the August 8 election and his swearing-in would be constitutional.

The lawyer, who recently branded himself the National Resistance Movement general, urged NASA supporters to boycott Haco Tiger Industries products, saying the company had a hand in bungling the annulled August 8 presidential election.

Ong’wen

Ong’wen is a political strategist and Raila’s long-time adviser. He clinched the top position in ODM after former Kipkelion MP Magerer Lang’at was ousted from the party after wrangles emerged between him and several officials.

“We will open with the National Anthem, followed by prayers led by various religious leaders. Then there will be a formal declaration of the congregation gathered,” he said of the event recently.

“The fourth item will be adoption of the agenda. The fifth item will be the inauguration of the leadership and the sixth will be the address by the leaders of the assembly.”

Raila was to be sworn in on December 12, but the event was put off to the dismay of NASA supporters.

Chief Justice David Maraga presided over the swearing-in of Uhuru on November 28 in accordance with Article 141 of the Constitution.

Senator Malala

Malala was has been mobilising NASA parliamentarians to sign up an affidavit recognising Raila as the duly elected People’s President and backing the National Constituent

Assembly

“We’ve given them up to Tuesday evening to make sure they sign. Then on Wednesday, we will have a list of shame,” he said.

He recently gave Raila a Bible as a birthday gift.

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The newly appointed Chief Administrative Secretaries will not be vetted.

The Constitution states the President nominates and, with the approval of the National Assembly, appoints Cabinet Secretaries.

On Friday last week, Uhuru unveiled his new Cabinet which had several entrants of election losers, and women.

The President also created the new position of Chief Administrative Secretary.

A letter to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi from President Uhuru Kenyatta through Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua only showed names of CSs, PSs and Ambassadors.

Missing from the list was the name of Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju, who was nominated to Cabinet without a distinct portfolio.

“The President has directed me to request you, on his behalf, to submit the names to the National Assembly for approval,” read the letter copied to Majority leader Aden Duale.

Kinyua said the nominees’ CVs and other testimonials will be forwarded to the Speaker today.

Muturi said the process will start after the names of the nominees are published in local newspapers.

Vetting will be conducted by the Committee on Appointments, chaired by Muturi.

“The names have to be published in the newspapers for seven days after which the vetting will begin,” the Speaker said.

Uhuru said, “The Chief Administrative Secretary will be responsible for helping the CS coordinate running of affairs in respective ministries.”

Some of the changes unveiled include Amina Mohamed’s appointment as Education CS.

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The recent nurses' strike which lasted for five months may have cost Kenya a continental award in reducing the prevalence of malaria during the 30th African Union Summit in Ethiopia on Sunday.

African presidents instead awarded six other countries for their exemplary leadership in driving down malaria cases.

Madagascar, Gambia, Senegal and Zimbabwe were awarded for reducing malaria cases by more than 20 per cent from 2015 to 2016.

The leaders also awarded Algeria and Comoros for being on track to achieve a more than 40 per cent drop in cases by 2020.

Kenya reduced malaria from 11 per cent in 2010 to eight per cent in 2016.

However, Kenya lost momentum last year and a major malaria outbreak during the prolonged nurses strike killed more than 30 people within two weeks in October.

Observers said this may have cost the country an award, despite its good record.

The awards were given to countries that showed consistent reduction of cases while the rest of the world was losing momentum.

“To win the war against malaria, countries will have to work differently and smarter to outsmart the mosquito and the parasite it carries,” Joy Phumaphi, head of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, said.

ALMA is an alliance of 49 African countries working to end malaria on the continent by 2030.

Speakers at the awards ceremony urged countries to prioritise funding for malaria, ensure that life-saving tools such as medicines, mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying reach the people who need them, while investing in better surveillance and strengthening health systems.

“Currently, 87 per cent of our health facilities have the capacity to diagnose malaria. Through capacity-building, mentorship and supervision 97 per cent of all confirmed malaria cases receive the recommended medicine in the public health facilities,” former Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu noted before the awards.

While malaria deaths across Africa have plunged by more than 60 per cent since 2000, cases rose in a majority of African countries in 2016, signaling that years of progress are at risk of stalling.

Commenting on the awards, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a new development era, there is need to go further, with greater resolve to not only reverse malaria incidence, but to stop transmission altogether.

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Some Opposition leaders have arrived at Uhuru Park ahead of leader Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka sswearing-in as Kenya's president and DP.

Homa Bay woman representative Gladys Wanga led supporters who carried placards with messages in support of Raila.

She and other leaders sang and danced as they waited for the ceremony to kick off.

"My choice, Raila my president. I pledge my loyalty," some of the placards read.

Read: Police withdrawn from Uhuru Park as Raila supporters arrive for swearing in

NASA supporters arrive at Uhuru Park in Nairobi for the inauguration of principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka as Kenya's leaders, January 30, 2018. /Enos Teche

NASA supporters arrive at Uhuru Park in Nairobi for the inauguration of principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka as Kenya's leaders, January 30, 2018. /Enos Teche

Other supporters were seen sweeping the podium where the principals are expected to be sworn-in later in the day.

Youths, most of them wearing Raila-branded t-shirts, blew whistles as they waved their hands in the air.

In NASA's stronghold Kibera, youths were spotted walking to the town centre to attend the ceremony.

"Uuuuui, ndiyo huyo, leo ni leo, asemaye kesho ni mwongo (Today is the day, whoever speaks of tomorrow is a liar)" they shouted and whistled as they marched into the city.

Some were heard saying the  inauguration was long overdue so they were happy. The youths started streaming into the park at 6am. But by 8am, some businesses were opened as there were no indications of heavy police presence.

People including students were seen going to school with others assuring that they would go to the park to show their support for Raila.

Also read: Influential faces behind NASA’s planned swearing-in ceremony

Beehive swiftly destroyed

In a turn of events, the NASA supporters spotted a beehive behind the podium and were quickly alarmed.

Reports indicated that at around 4am,unknown people were seen taking a swam of bees to interrupt the ceremony.

Supporters cheer as they wait for NASA leader Raila Odinga to be sworn-in as Kenya's president at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, January 30, 2018. /Reuters

NASA supporters arrive at Uhuru Park in Nairobi for the inauguration of principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka as Kenya's leaders, January 30, 2018. /Enos Teche

NASA supporters who had camped at the venue were shocked to find the beehive in the wee hours.

They swung into action to get rid of the swarm before crowds started to stream into the venue.

They begun battling the bees by throwing a shawl on top of the beehive and setting it ablaze. But the shawl did not accelerate the fire as expected.

One man then took it upon himself to grab the honeycombs with his bare hands as the crowd cheered him on.

During the ruling of presidential election last year, protesters were attacked by a swarm of bees outside the Supreme Court.

They were forced to flee for their dear lives after the bees went on rampage.

Also read: Editors divided as Uhuru dares media to air Raila's swearing in

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