DEMOCRACY: Raila to step down upon a decision by the people

 
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has dismissed the perceived infighting in the CORD coalition saying it is a show of democracy which the coalition stands for.
Speaking in an interview to TV station France 24, the former prime minister said that the three CORD principals are in good terms as they seek to find the right candidate for the 2017 polls.

“It is not really a question of infighting, this is democracy at its best. We are a coalition, we are not one party. Even if you were one party as ODM, there are other people who are interested in running for the presidency,” Raila said.

On whether he is willing to step aside to allow another person to run for the presidency, Raila said he has no objection to that.
He said that the decision is with the people. If they feel like he is the right candidate to take on Uhuru Kenyatta, he is willing to do so. If they want another person, he won’t block that from happening.

“I have always said that I don’t want to impose myself on the people. I will only run if the people want me to run. And that is why we say that we are going to find a way of nominating the CORD flag bearer,” Raila added.

His sentiments come amid reports of disagreements among the three principals.

In recent weeks, there has been tension over a possible split of the coalition after its principals failed to agree on who will be the flag-bearer come 2017 polls.
Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula has already declared himself the most suitable candidate to face Uhuru Kenyatta. He is being backed by other Ford Kenya leaders.

Wiper MPs have also been pressurizing Kalonzo to run for the presidency, saying there was an MOU signed that Kalonzo would be the CORD flag-bearer come 2017.

ODM on its part maintains that such an MOU was never signed and want Raila Odinga to contest for the seat as they believe he stands a better chance to challenge Uhuruto.

Despite the recent wrangles, the CORD leaders have maintained they are united and will remain so as they aim to wrestle leadership from Jubilee.

CORD senators Johnston Muthama and James Orengo came out to quash talk of a MOU saying they are united as ever.

But Ford Kenya representative Chris Wamalwa maintains that a MOU was signed and should be respected.

SHAME!!!:ODM politician sends porn video to funeral group

ODM’s vice chairman for Elgeyo Marakwet County Micah Kigen found himself on the receiving end of a WhatsApp group’s wrath after he accidentally sent a porn video to the group created to mourn a late friend.

The RIP Mzee Musa Chirchir WhatsApp group was discussing fundraising donations from the members and after Kigen texted that he would be sending the administrator KSh 10 000 via mobile transaction platform M-Pesa, he accidentally sent the video five minutes later.

Below are screenshots from the social group

      

The ODM county vice-chairman immediately expressed shock and demanded the video be removed by the admin but it was not before the other members roasted him for his shameful act.

   

He was even dissed for being such an Ocholla- derived from Brother Ocholla who had sent raunchy messages to a church WhatsApp group meant for his wife.
Source: Mpasho

UHURU: Raila Odinga plotted to benefit from ICC case

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, April 13 linked CORD leader Raila Odinga to the cases that faced him and his deputy William Ruto at the International Criminal Court.

Uhuru was addressing crowds in Ruaka and Ruiru as he toured Kiambu county.
Uhuru accused Raila Odinga of using the ICC cases to try to prevent them from running  for the presidency.

Uhuru also accused Raila of trying to push for him and Ruto to be jailed through false accusations.

“They CORD said you shouldn’t elect us because we will be jailed at the ICC. This only means they wanted fellow Kenyans to be jailed in a foreign land,” said Uhuru.

Uhuru also said that he could not celebrate when his case was terminated as both Ruto and Sang’s case was still continuing but now that it has ended he can afford to celebrate.

“When my case was dismissed I did not want to celebrate from my brothers Ruto and Sang’s cases were still ongoing. Now that we are all on the clear we would like you to join us at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Saturday April 16 for a thanksgiving ceremony,” Uhuru said.

In his address, Uhuru urged Kenyans to avoid any acts of division and hatred that may lead to the recurrence of the 2007 post-election violence.

The International Criminal Court  has ruled that William Ruto  and Joshua Arap Sang have no case to answer.

The  ICC’s Trial Chamber V (A) ruled  on Tuesday, April, 5 that William Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang cases will not  proceed to full trial and have thus been dropped all together.

The two had filed a ‘no case to answer’ motion in January 2016 at the ICC on grounds that there was no sufficient evidence for the prosecution to proceed with the case against them.

Embu county to allow witch doctors to operate freely

 

The Embu County assembly has opted to not tax withes and wizards so as to  not ruin their lives.

Other reasons given for this was that the trade was popular among politicians who sought sorcery ahead of elections such as the 2017 general election as well as prominent business men and high ranking members of society.

The proposal in the County’s Finance Bill 2016 to tax the traditional healers and sorcerers KSh 5 000 a year was debated and some members of county assembly were of the idea of waiving the license fee.

“Sorcery has been a source of living for some old people in the area and taxing them will affect their livelihood. It is big business here and finding these people in order to collect the monies would be difficult considering how they operate mysteriously,” said Newton Kariuki (Muminji) as quoted by the Kenya News Agency.

Nominated MCA Rosemary Muturi however opposed the move saying that there would be uncontrolled mushrooming of black magic dens in the county.

“Soon the county will be covered in their advertisements of services they are offering which would only end up littering the county,” added Muturi.

The assembly was said to be unanimous in its decision to scrap the tax fee.
Witchcraft in Kenya is a big business as sorcerers brazenly stick up posters on every available surface to advertise their services.

Common services include manhood enlargement, success and wealth in life, regaining lost love or objects as well as healing from some diseases.

Police nab weapons being smuggled into another university

Police in Bungoma have nabbed crude weapons being smuggled into one of the institutions of higher learning in the area.

According to police commander in the area David Kirui, police officers nabbed the said weapons which were being smuggled into Kibabii University College ahead of the planned student elections.

The police boss said concerned students alerted the police who nabbed the weapons and are in their custody.

Kirui said police suspect the weapons were supposed to be used during the student election slated for this year.

Police are also following leads that outsiders with interest in student politics are behind the smuggling of the weapons to force the election of their favourite candidate.

Kirui said he has held a meeting with the University Vice Chancellor Shem Away to find a way forward ahead of the planned elections.

The latest comes a month after the institution was closed down indefinitely following student unrest over the elections.

Students had protested the barring of some of their favourite colleagues from contesting in the election.

This comes even as the University of Nairobi remains closed following student riots to protest the re-election of Babu Owino for a fourth time on grounds that he was rigged into office.

The students torched university property and stoned motorists along roads surrounding the institution.

More than 200 students suspected to be behind the riots have since been suspended as further investigations are being launched to nab more culprits.
As the university remained closed, police officers stormed one of its hostels and recovered crude weapons like pangas and machetes and police and security guard uniforms. They also recovered 25 kgs of bhang.

This came after NACADA chairman John Mututho claimed that there were criminal gangs and cartels operating from the university and who were peddling drugs.

Mututho’s claims attracted the wrath of Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett who ordered him to record a statement over the same.

Other universities that have been closed over student unrest include Masinde Muliro and Laikipia.

Blow to opposition as its governor declares he will support Uhuru in 2017

Jubilee has scored yet another win against the opposition after a governor allied to the latter declared he would throw his support behind President Uhuru Kenyatta come 2017 polls.

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka said that he will be working with the government in the coming elections because he expects to benefit a lot.
According to the New Ford Kenya party leader, his county will get enough support from the Jubilee administration unlike the opposition which has nothing to offer.

“I am not mad when I say that. It is because I know that Jubilee will form the next government and I don’t want to be in the cold,” Lusaka said as quoted by Star.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu county where he had attended thanksgiving prayers for Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang ICC victories, the governor said that he is willing to lose his seat while in the government than lose it with the opposition.
He gave the analogy of a fly dying either in a milk pot or a toilet, saying he is that fly that would rather die in a milk pot.

“Where I come from they say that a fly can either die while in the milk pot or in the toilet. For us we would rather die in the milk pot,” Lusaka added.

His declaration was welcomed by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago who said Lusaka had made the right decision to join the Jubilee bandwagon ahead of the general election.

“He has always stood with us and we ask the people of Bungoma to re-elect him next year,” Mandago said.

Lusaka was elected on a New Ford Kenya ticket which is part of the Amani coalition under the leadership of Musalia Mudavadi.

Mudavadi was a presidential candidate during the 2013 polls but he came a distant third, behind Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.

Lusaka on his part, has been in the news for a number of reasons. In 2015, he caused massive outrage when his county government purchased a wheelbarrow worth KSh4,000 at KSh109,000.

However, Lusaka was listed as the second most performing governor in Kenya after Machakos’ Alfred Mutua.

How to lose weight without breaking a sweat

It might be your potbelly, or baby fat or maybe you drink too many frothy bottles.  Let’s say that people think you are fat but they chose to hide it in polite terms such as, ‘you have added weight’, ‘you would look so good if you signed up for gym membership’. You are worried because these days, in that spirit of living healthy, you have been subsisting on lettuce and salads. The scary thing is that you are still fat.

Now weight brings in its wake, a host of medical  issues. From risks of heart attacks to hypertension and in some cases, erectile dysfunction- not to mention that you no longer fit into sexy pair of pants.  For some of us, whose endless helpings of chicken and fries have decided to settle on our waistlines, losing weight becomes an uphill task.

A good majority might opt for gastric bypass or hitting the gym which is a punishment if you have an extremely tight schedule.  Now, don’t break your back. Losing weight needn’t be that strenuous.

Now, to break it down to you, issues such as weigh are pegged on your genetic predisposition. Your weight largely depends on your DNA. You are just fat from birth, it is only that food helps you reach your  full potential. Haha.

DNA is composed of chemicals that control all our body functions and is unique to every organism. In spite of the uniformity in scientific approaches, modifications based on health status and tools of assessment, there are still people whose weight remain unresponsive to exercise as well as dietary changes.

DNA provides the best approach to comprehend special requirements for weight loss in every individual, hence making the results 99.9% effective. The manner in which ingested food is metabolized and how it is stored as energy is controlled by the DNA. This means that both weight gain and loss is different for every person.

Genes are sections within the DNA that control distinct functions like eye color, height, fat absorption etc. They are however exposed to changes or mutations; like lifestyle, which ultimately dictate the way our bodies respond to weight fluctuations in regard to body function. Genes control how we respond to fat storage, fat absorption, and regaining weight potential among other functions in the body.

The simple hygienic swab test at VLCC will enable us decode the unchanging variations in the genes that are linked to the weight loss function in the body. This will ensure effective and sustainable weight loss. Based on the DNA tests, a team of experts will be in a position to give DNA based dietary and exercise recommendations for every person making the weight loss program twice more effective than otherwise.

How To Invest In Your Career, Not Job

By WILSON Muchiri

Many people have a hard Time differentiating between a career and a job. Some interchange their meanings while most think the two terms actually mean the same thing. It is this. Confusion that has caused setbacks in career development. A job is an activity that is performed for pay and only done as a person requires money to get by. A job is commonly a short-term. A career on the other hand lasts a lifetime. This encompasses a number of jobs that a person has done in their lives. It also necessitates specialized studies, training or formal education to add up to a career. The best way to get ahead in your professional life is by constantly investing in your career this can be done in the following ways;

SET TARGETS: You should be able to transfer your experience and skills across organizations in the industry. Do an analysis of yourself, look at your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities so you know your unique value and how to use it. It is always important to evaluate yourself and you can do this by setting targets, this will prompt you to keep climbing the ladder and building your career

NETWORK: Get to know your peers in the outside, identify your circle of influence then create and then create and nature these relationships. Associate with people who are better than you so that you can learn from them and become better. The network should not only be about receiving. You should also bring something to the table. Nature and maintain them Such that they can provide both counsel and company

PERSUE ADDITIONAL COURSES: You should add knowledge and skills so that they improve on what they already have. Apart from the traditional courses taught in various universities and institutions there are skills that are required in order to be a serious job contender. Some of these have been incorporated in some courses in university. For example communication skills is a course unit in every course while the art of public speaking is part of Bachelor of arts and bachelor of journalism and communication. These additional courses or classes may not necessarily prompt a salary increment but will make you marketable to future employers

MARKET YOURSELF: Be your own public relations officer, promote your brand and do this by giving your career your all without necessarily focusing on monetary returns. People are not blind; they can tell someone that is dedicated to their work from another doing it for the sake of pay. With time, you will have people give testimonies about you. Give out business cards and where an opportunity presents itself, engage people and sell yourself. Invest in a career so that it will be meaningful and rewarding, there is no final point with prosperity and as a result career development should be continuous. This ensures that you never go out of business because with continuous growth comes demand. This not only helps you get ahead in your profession but also eliminates possibilities of unemployment

Laikipia University shut indefinitely

Three public universities have now been shut with two of them- Laikipia University and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology having been shut on Tuesday,April, 12.

Nakuru -Nyahururu highway was impassable for the better part of Tuesday morning as Laikipia University students engaged police in running battles with motorist and commuters bearing the brunt.

In less than two weeks, three public universities have been shut and the joke doing the rounds it that when Nairobi University- the oldest university in Kenya- sneezes, others catch a cold.

It has since been revealed that Biomedical and Biochemistry courses offered at Laikipia University have not been approved by the relevant national bodies.

“Following sustained students unrest at Laikipia University main campus, the senate has with immediate effect closed the university indefinitely,” said a memo from the university senate.

While Laikipia University senate did not give reasons as to why students rioted, information has it that students were increasingly becoming impatient as management failed to explain the status of the affected courses.

Nairobi university had students rioting after a controversial election process and Masinde Muliro University students rioted over a decision to bar students with fee balances from sitting exams.

Post-Campus Struggles: Real Life is Harder than University Exams

By Jemedari Mwanawakiume

Life at University is the epitome of everything. You are surrounded by the coolest people, you have parties, events and everything people dream about for a social life. The girls are in plenty, even the nerdy of nerds will have someone to chaw.
But then someone convinces us that there is a better life, that we should all work hard to graduate. Boom. The final exams set in. Exams done. Projects are presented and real life begins in a way that’s unannounced.
Then all of a sudden, one by one, people pick up opportunities. Every one becomes desperate to get something called a job.
Nothing is more annoying than continuously hearing the question; “Where are you now?”
And for the parents, once they hear that campus is done, they immediately imagine their financial woes done. The only time they will part with any money is if you tell them of a job application you are making. But of course few jobs are interested in taking people with incomplete transcripts, people who are yet to graduate. In simple terms, no one really wants to hire a fresh graduate.
You may have wished for all the sleep in the world but nothing eats up your miserable post-campus life like waking up without a person.
You get breakfast, switch on the television, shuffle through the channels and it all doesn’t help. You take some sleep but it still sucks.
Someone on the Whatsapp group mentions a job opportunity. Either they need a specific course or a certain CGPA. Somehow you are never the right person.
So what does one do? Relax? No way. This is the time to multiply your effort. This is the time to learn more skills, experiment with them and perfect them.
You see, you can teach yourself how to program in this period until a job comes around. You can go perfect driving a manual car. You can go learn about hair-dressing, baking.
This time is hard because you are comparing yourself to your friends who now wake up to go to a job and expect a paycheck at the end of the month. But don’t be scared. Perfect your skills, grab every opportunity that comes around.
And most importantly network with people much older than you. Go to corporate parties and meet those CEOs. Make sure your communication skills get perfected in this period.
Visit every job site like Brighter Monday, Ever Jobs, Uganda Jobs Online. Make a list of companies you would like to work for and visit their websites on a daily basis, they usually post jobs there. Look out for management and graduate training programs.
To cut the long story short. You need thick skin and perseverance. These two will take you a long way in this post-campus period. When your moment comes, you will be the right person for it.

ANOTHER EXECUTION: Al-Shabaab Spokesperson Killed

A former spokesman for terror group AL-Shabaab was on Monday, April 11 executed by firing squad by the government of Somalia.
The spokesman was accused of killing six journalists in Somalia.
Hassan Hanafi, who arranged news conferences for AL-Shabaab when the militants controlled the capital Mogadishu, admitted during his trial to personally killing one journalist in Somalia.

“Today, the court fulfills the execution of Hassan Hanafi who had killed journalists,” Abdullahi Hassan, deputy judge of the Somali court, told reporters at the sceneof the execution.

Hanafi had his face masked and was tied to a pole before government soldiers opened fire at an execution field at a police training camp.

Hassan Hanafi Haji, a former journalist accused of belonging and being the spokesman to al-Shabab and involvement in the killings of five Somali journalists, is tied to a wooden post as he is prepared to be executed by firing squad, at a police academy in the capital Mogadishu, Somalia Monday, April 11, 2016. Haji, who was extradited from Kenya last year on the request of the Somali government, was executed by firing squad which remains the only execution method in Somalia.

Hanafi just before his execution and on right soldiers ready to fire at him.

The execution of Hanafi comes just a day after the Somali military court executed to members of al-Shabaab for killing of a journalist.
The  two, Abdirisak Mohamed Barow and Hassan Nur Ali, who admitted being al-Shabaab members during their trial, were shot in Mogadishu.
Abdulahi Hussein Mohamed, deputy judge of the supreme military court confirmed the execution to journalists.

“Both of them were found guilty of murdering journalist Hindiyo Haji Mohamed whose car was blown with explosive device,” Hussein said.

SHOCKING: Police Uniform, Blood Stained Knives Found in Nairobi University Hostel

Police who had been called in after claims of gangs operating from the University of Nairobi surfaced were shocked to recover weapons, bhang and other paraphernalia.

Officers from the Special Crimes Prevention Unit, Flying Squad and the Anti-Narcotic Unit on Saturday, April 9, recovered 25kgs of bhang, nine pangas, blood-stained knives, police boots and sweater, security guard uniforms, money making machine and fake notes.

All this was recovered from Hall Nine where criminals are believed to be operating from, reports The Star.

The security officers carried out the raid following a tip-off that criminals were operating from the city centre-based public university, posing major dangers to fellow students and residents of the city.

The operation came days after the university was closed indefinitely following student riots opposing the election of Babu Owino for a third term.

The students believe Babu rigged himself to power, defeating his closest rival Mike Jacobs by a big margin.

During the riots, the angry students torched the Students Organisation of the University of Nairobi (SONU) offices in main campus and stoned motorists along roads near the university.

A day later a video emerged showing police officers beating students mercilessly, claiming they were UoN students.

However, police denied and said they were investigating the video to ascertain its authenticity.

Following the riots, NACADA chairman John Mututho claimed that there were cartels in the university peddling drugs and selling them within and without the institution.

He further alleged that the drug barons are being protected by top police officers.

His sentiments, however, attracted the wrath of Inspector of Police Joseph Boinett who ordered that Mututho reveals the drug barons he knows and that he records a statement over the same.

UMBILE LAKO AULA

Ni dhahiri, uzuri wako ni dhahabu
Ni shahiri, kwangu wewe ni dhawabu
Si shari, wakitaka wengi penzi kuwatibu
Ni shwari, ukiwaeleza ninakumiliki.

Natazamia, siku ile utauchukua
Mkono wangu, unambie 'mekuchagua'
Na moyoni, kitendawili kakitegua
Hadi mwisho, kama wanandoa tutakua

Nashangaa, mbona mungu kakuumba
Kaamua, kakuleta kwetu Bungoma
Na halafu, kwa kunipenda ukaamba
Nimetambua, kwa ajili yangu uliumbwa

Nafurahia, nikikuona ukitembea
Na wako mwili, kiuchuzesha nakuselea
Nakukazia, macho yangu yakulowea
Nafahamu, unajua wanipendeza.

Mguu wako, kama mche umeviringika
Mikono yako, kama pamba melainika
Kiuno chako, kama tausi chapendeza
Amini Felly, nikikwambia nakhuyanza

Kifua nacho, kama miba kimesimama
Macho nayo, kama ua yanavutia
Midomo nayo, kama perememde yatamanisha
Amini Felly, urembo wako haulinganishwi

Ukiniona, tafadhali tabasamu
Ukiniota, tafadhali unisalimu
Ukinishika, tafadhali unibusu
Ninaamini, Felly wangu ananiyanza
            Ndakhuyanza sana!

MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY FEMALE STUDENT FOUND MURDERED ALLEGEDLY BY MOI UNIVERSITY EX-BOYFRIEND.

Tension was high at Maasai Mara University on Friday after 22 year-old third year female student was found dead at her rented room near the institution.

Police suspect the death might have been as a result of a love-triangle.

Neighbours said that they suspected something was wrong when a foul smell engulfed the area.

They altered the police who broke into the house and found the decomposing body of Emily Jelimo Ng'etich. Her next of kin were informed immediately.

Some students claimed the deceased had informed them that his ex-boyfriend who is said to be a student from Moi University was coming over.

They claimed that on Thursday, the said boyfriend who had befriended her to get back together allegedly came and had time together only for her body to be found decomposing the following day.

The incident has sparked outrage among the students who have given police a two-day ultimatum to apprehend the suspect to restore calm at the institution.

The students through Student Union Secretary General Kinzi Keiza called for quick probe into the incident saying that the suspect who is a Student at Moi University Annex campus is known.

"We need justice for our befallen comrade. We are therefore giving the police until Monday to produce the suspect to face the law failure to which we will hold demonstrations," said Keiza.

Area OCPD Paul Kiogora who confirmed the incident said that they have already launched investigations into the incident and called on those with information that might assist the police get into the bottom of the incident to come forth.

READ ALSO:DEADLY VERSITY LOVE TRIANGLE

"It was around 5pm, Friday when members of the public reported to the police that there could be somebody who had been murdered in the house. Our officers responded and they broke into the window where they found the body of the girl," said Kiogora.

He said that they sense foul play in the incident as the door was locked with a padlock from outside and the body was half-naked.

"There is high probability that the girl was killed by strangulation or otherwise as there body had no physical injuries," said Kiogora.

The University administration led by the Ag Dean of Students Ambroce Koech who had travelled with some students to the deceased's home in Eldoret to inform them of the demise of their daughter promised to issue a statement on the incident later.

SOURCE: Standard digital

MAGUFULI TRAVELS TO RWANDA BY ROAD IN HIS FIRST FOREIGN TRIP

By JEMEDARI MWANAWAKIUME

Tanzania’s President Magufuli visits Rwanda in first foreign trip, travels by road.

Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli will today visit neighbouring Rwanda in his first foreign trip since assuming office.

The 56-year-old will reportedly travel to Kigali by road and not an executive presidential plane customary of African leaders.

Magufuli is scheduled to join his Rwandese counterpart in commemorating the country’s 1994 genocide that saw more than 800,000 people killed.

President Magufuli has been busy domestically since taking over from former president Jakaya Kikwete, spearheading a crack on corruption and instilling discipline in the public sector.
Unlike his predecessor who was known for frequent foreign trips, Magufuli has not been in a hurry to leave his country, and has even skipped at least five international meetings since becoming president.

The Tanzanian president’s trip to Rwanda is seen as significant in enhancing good relations between the two East African countries.

President Kagame recently praised Magufuli’s style of leadership, saying he believes he would help the East African Community move forward.

Rwanda’s media report that the two-day visit will begin with the official opening on the Rusumo one-stop border post connecting the two countries before the two presidents hold a joint press conference.

Magufuli will then join Rwandans tomorrow in commemorating the country’s genocide. The two presidents will lay wreaths and light a memorial flame, and later join Rwandans in a ‘walk to remember’, before attending a night vigil at Amahoro National stadium in the capital Kigali.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY: Lecturer Rapes Student Infects Her With AIDS

By JEMEDARI MWANAWAKIUME

Prof Christopher Bakuneeta a Makerere University professor at the college of Natural Sciences has been arrested for raping a university student into comma and infecting her with a deadly virus!

According to information our snoops have managed to get, the girl was raped at the professor’s house apparently in exchange for academic favours.

Makerere chief Security Officer Jackson Mucunguzi, told reports that the victim has been taken to the hospital for treatment on her torn vagina and the professor has been found to be HIV positive.

Meanwhile, Bakuneeta is currently detained at the Wandegeya police station after the university girl reported her to police after sobering up from the great pain of forced sex.

Bakuneeta lectures at the department of Zoology.

What do you think?

ICC VERDICT: RUTO, SANG NO CASE TO ANSWER

By JEMEDARI MWANAWAKIUME

The Court on Tuesday decided that Mr Sang and Mr Ruto had no case to answer.

"The charges are hereby vacated and the accused are discharged from the process without prejudice to their presumption of innocence or the prosecutors right to re-prosecute at a later time," Judge Eboe Esuji said in a statement.

Today, 5 April 2016, Trial Chamber V(A) of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) decided, by majority, Judge Olga Herrera Carbuccia dissenting, that the case against William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang is to be terminated. According to the majority, this decision does not preclude new prosecution in the future either at the ICC or in a national jurisdiction. This decision may be subject to appeal.

The Chamber considered the requests of Mr Ruto and Mr Sang that the Chamber find that there is ‘no case to answer’, dismiss the charges against both accused and enter a judgment of acquittal. The Chamber also considered the opposing submissions of the Prosecutor and the Legal Representative of the Victims, and received further submissions during hearings held from 12 to 15 January 2016.

On the basis of the evidence and arguments submitted to the Chamber, Presiding Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji and Judge Robert Fremr, as the majority, agreed that the charges are to be vacated and the accused are to be discharged. They provided separate reasons for this decision.

Judge Fremr found that there is no case for the accused to answer based on an assessment of the Prosecution’s evidence in accordance with the Trial Chamber’s Decision of 3 June 2014, which outlined the principles and procedure for the Defence’s submissions of no case to answer.

In his view, the Prosecution did not present sufficient evidence on which a reasonable Trial Chamber could convict the accused. Accordingly, he considered that there is no reason to call the Defence to bring their case or to prolong the proceedings any further.

Judge Eboe-Osuji, concurring with Judge Fremr’s evidential assessment, also vacated the charges and discharged the accused without prejudice to re-prosecution in the future. However, he declared a mistrial in the case, because it cannot be discounted that the weaknesses in the Prosecution case might be explained by the demonstrated incidence of tainting of the trial process by way of witness interference and political meddling that was reasonably likely to intimidate witnesses.

In his opinion, Judge Eboe-Osuji also discussed several matters including reparations, immunities and elements of the “crimes against humanity” definition.

The majority of the Chamber, having concluded that the Prosecution did not present sufficient evidence on which a reasonable Trial Chamber could convict the accused, also concluded that a judgment of acquittal was not the right outcome, but only vacation of the charges and discharge of the accused. The majority also agreed that there is no reason to re-characterise the charges.

Judge Herrera Carbuccia appended a dissenting opinion. In her view, the charges against both accused should not be vacated in the present case as such outcome departs from the legal standard established in the Trial Chamber’s Decision of 3 June 2014.

Judge Herrera Carbuccia considered that the Prosecution case had not ‘broken down’ and she concluded that there is sufficient evidence upon which, if accepted, a reasonable Trial Chamber could convict the accused.

The eagerly awaited decision was made after the two presented an argument claiming that Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda didn't have enough evidence to support crimes against humanity charges against them.

They had expressed their hopes of being acquitted, maintaining their innocence but added that they were ready for whichever decision the Court would arrive at.

During an earlier submission of a no-case-to answer motion, presiding judge Chile Eboe-Osuji asked the prosecution to provide evidence that Ruto and Sang had participated in 2007-08 post election violence by using an 'organized network' that committed crimes especially in the Rift Valley region.

The case has previously suffered setbacks with Ms Bensouda severally raising fears that she lacked enough proof to convict the two after five main witnesses withdrew their testimonies.

In February, the prosecution suffered a huge blow after the Appeals Chamber rejected use of recanted evidence from the five witnesses whom the prosecution would have heavily depended on to build a solid case.

Ruto and Sang through their lawyers Karim Khan and Katwa Kigen had argued that it was unfair to rejected statements testimonies, a stand that was supported by the Kenyan government and the African Union which threatened to withdraw from the Rome Statute.

Following the ruling, Ruto and Sang launched the appeal to have their cases withdrawn since the prosecution did not have any strong evidence to link them to the violence which led to massive casualties and displacement.

PHOTOS: MAKERERE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS STRIKE

By JEMEDARI MWANAWAKIUME

Makerere University students today morning went on strike demanding university management to scrap a policy restraining students from sitting for tests without paying full tuition.

The students are dissatisfied with the university administration that requires students to clear 100% tuition within the first six weeks of the semester… The students are demanding of the fair 60% tuition policy.

The students also want the Lecture who was accused of raping and infecting a female student with HIV/AIDS… Apparently they want police to hand him over.

Video: Two Kplc Workers Electrocuted In Nakuru While Working On A Power Line

Two employees of Kenya Power and Lightening Company (KPLC) were electrocuted while repairing a faulty power line in Nakuru.

In a video recorded by a passerby showing the workers being hit by high voltage currents as people scream all around.

Communication breakdown was sighted as the cause of the problem, as the power was still switched on while the two were working.

Below is the video, WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT.

KPLC released a statement on its Twitter handle confirming the incident and status of the two workers.

In the tweet KPLC said the workers were taken to the hospital and are still alive and investigations have started to find out caused the unfortunate incident in Nakuru.

Kenya Power General Manager for Network Management, Daniel Tare, said the injured technicians were involved in the installation of a large power outdoor meter and were rushed to a Nakuru hospital following the mishap.

“They are in a stable condition and communicating,” Tare said.

KPLC also suspended the contractor involved for being at the site illegally as he endangered the lives of the two injured workers.

The workers were repairing the line next to Ashok Leyland in Nakuru on Saturday, April 2.

According to sources the two were rescued by a team from KPLC which switched off the power before taking them to hospital.

CULTURE & TRADITIONS: JAPAN'S ANNUAL PENIS FESTIVAL

Penis is one of the mostly observed festivals in Japan, to celebrate the vital importance of penis in society.

This is the time for everyone to experience sex atleast once in a year, even for singles.

Prostitutes provide free sex just to honour that incredible creature.

GARISSA MEMORIAL: Garissa University Student President Saved Lives Before His Death

By WILLIAM DEKKER

That Thursday morning I’d woken up a little early to do final touches on the articles I was editing for the varsity student press before getting them published.

A few minutes after 5.00am I received a text from Steve, “brathe nikubaya…gunshots na explosions…me niko kwa wadrope tayari, mtuombee!” “Brother it is not looking good, gunshots and explosions... I’m already in the wardrobe, pray for us.”

For a moment it sounded like a belated prank, considering the date; just a few hours from April 1st. Steve was the Secretary General of the Student Union (GUCSO), the 2nd in command after the Chairperson (President of the union). He and his colleagues, a team of 10 student leaders including the Chairman, Laban had just left Moi University the previous day.

At that moment, I was serving in the University Student Governing Council, among other 12 colleagues. The team from Garissa had come to benchmark from us, the “Mother Association”; all in a bid to get ways of serving their colleagues better.

And we’d shared moments of laughter, confidence, photographs and millennial ‘selfies’. No one would have ever imagined tragedy was lurking; possibly the last time we were seeing the head of the students.

Now, less than six hours ago, Steve had texted, “we’ve arrived safely, thanks for your hospitality…we’ll plan for you to come over too and see our progress.” But during the time of attack, it was a different reality.

I called immediately and could hear the gunshots from the background. He asked me not to call again. We resorted to messaging all through to about 8am until it was very risky to communicate. He stayed there, sweating and frozen at the same time, hearing the horror unfold before him. He became second last to be taken off the building after the rescue operation was long over. He survived to tell the story of the bravest student leader in the century.

At the time of the attack, the man who had barely taken a rest from the 24 hour journey (Eldoret to Garissa), woke up on hearing the commotion. By the time the gunmen made an abrupt entry into the dormitory he stayed in, Laban Daniel Kumba decided to do what no man would have done at the time. He was ready to take them down at whatever cost.

Laban, pounced on one of the gunmen who’d run out of bullets. He wrestled the terrorist and kept a tight grip on him, allowing well over 20 students to escape and scamper for safety. The terrorist in turn stabbed him on the chest and head several times, killing him. He died a hero. And to date still a hero of his own stature.

GARISSA MEMORIAL: Wakenya Waadhimisha Kumbukumbu za Shambulio

Kusanyiko la watu katika bewa kuu la chuo kikuu cha Moi 

Maelfu ya Wakenya kutoka maeneo tofauti nchini siku ya Jumamosi walikongamana katika chuo kikuu cha Moi bewa la Garissa na bewa kuu Eldoret  ili kuadhimisha mwaka mmoja tangu shambulio baya la kigaidi lililowauawa wanafunzi 147.

Usalama uliimarishwa ndani na hata nje ya chuo hicho huku wale waliokuwa wakiingia wakifanyiwa ukaguzi mkali na maafisa wa polisi.

Vilevile mamia ya watu walishiriki katika mbio za marathon za kumbukumbu ya shambulio hilo.

Waliohuduria ukumbusho katika chuo cha Garissa wakiongozwa katika mbio za nyika na mbunge wa eneo hilo Bw. Duale (kofi nyeusi)

Viongozi wa eneo hilo wakiongozwa na mbunge wa eneo hilo pamoja na kiongozi wa walio wengi bungeni Adan Duale walishiriki katika mbio hizo za kilomita 5.

Waandalizi wanasema kuwa mbio hizo zililenga kuleta uwiano kati ya Wakenya kufuatia shambulio hilo.

Maadhimisho hayo yamehusisha uzinduzi wa mnara wa ukumbusho.

POST MORTEM RESULT OF THE DECEASED EDWIN KABIRU RELEASED

The post mortem of fallen Moi University Comrade-Nyawira Edwin Kabiru has been released. The process was carried out at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret.

The results were released through the institution's Facebook page and revealed that the deceased death was caused by profuse bleeding after being hit by a blunt object.

"Kabiru's post mortem results out
The post mortem conducted today between 9:00am and 11:00am on the body of fallen comrade Edwin Kabiru established that he was hit by a blunt object that caused profuse bleeding, leading to his death.
The post mortem was done at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary in Eldoret.
The body has been transfered to a mortuary in Nyeri town ahead of burial slated for Wednesday April 6, 2015 in Karatina.
His parents took his personal belongings from his room today.
Other arrangements concerning the burial will be communicated later.
May the good Lord rest Kabiru's soul in eternal peace." as posted on the Moi University Facebook page.

We The Legacy-Moi University Publication send condolence to friends and family.

GARISSA MEMORIAL: KDF Soldier married a Lady He Rescued At Garrissa University

Ivan Okello a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, based in Lanet, Nakuru married Maureen Mayengo a 21-year old student from Kakamega who survived the Garissa University College attack.

Okello who had known Mayengo before the attack married the girl who had hidden in a closet for 12 hours inside her room four months after the terrifying attack by al-Shabaab gunmen.
“I resolved to marry him after the attack,” said Mayengo.

Mayengo said she saw in Okello a shield and defender even though she still has fear of the attack after losing her friend in the massacre.

Okello who has since been deployed to serve in Somalia in the war against al-Shabaab, Mayengo prays he returns safely so that they can have a grand wedding after her graduation.

Mayengo transferred to Moi University main campus in Eldoret and is always grateful to Okello who with other KDF soldiers stormed the dormitory she was in to rescue her and other students.

Mayengo said she will never step foot at University as she is still traumatized loud noises such moving vehicles or raised voices still scare her.

“I will never step into that place,” Mayengo swears.

The Garissa University College attack occurred on April 2, 2015 when gunmen stormed the educational facility killing 147 people mostly students and injuring 79 others.
Terror group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident is the worst terror attack in Kenyan soil.

Four of the attackers involved were killed by RECCE SQUAD, five men were later arrested in connection with the attack, and a bounty was placed for the arrest of a suspected organizer.

LAW: GOVERNMENT TO STOP HIRING ANYONE ABOVE 35 YEARS

By JEMEDARI MWANAWAKIUME

Job seekers aged above 35 years may find it difficult securing government jobs after the signing into law of a Bill that will compel the Public Service Commission to first prioritse anyone below that age.

The National Youth Employment Authority Bill had been sponsored by Johstone Sakaja and stipulates the establishment of a database of job seekers below 35 years.

It was signed into law on Friday,April 1.

The Public Service Commission will be required to go through the database anytime it wants to recruit for government before advertising for vacancies in the media.

An authority will be formed to assume the functions of the National Employment Bureau whose mandate is to maintain a database for all jobless youth in the country.

The database will have the qualifications, age, ethnicity, sex and county of origin of all job seekers.

The aim of the law is to compel the government into bridging the huge youth unemployment in the country by at least prioritising them for jobs in government and related agencies.
The law will apply to national government, county governments as well as state-owned firms for as long as they are run on taxpayers money.

There were earlier concerns about the application of the law raising issues of discrimination on the basis of age which is against the Constitution.

In 2015, the lowest pay difference between the public and private sector widened in favour of the public sector, underlining the sectors attractiveness as the best employer.

The least paid public servant earned an average of KSh 47,146 in 2015 compared to KSh 41, 457 in the private sector.