The News Brief: Why the CIA set up a secret counter-terror team in Kenya
A CIA-backed paramilitary police unit – known as the Rapid Response Team – is at the heart of US efforts to combat terrorism in Kenya. The details are contained in an investigation conducted by Declassified UK, the Daily Maverick in South Africa and the Star. The revelations coming nine months after one US military service member and two contractors were killed in an Islamist attack on a military base in Lamu are refocusing attention on America’s expanded military and intelligence footprint in Africa.
Source:The Star
September 21, 2020 19:18 UTC
Akashas sue state, want seized property returned
The Akasha family have sued the state demanding the release of items confiscated by authorities during a raid that led to the arrest of their brothers. Najma Juma Hassan and Fatma Akasha have sued the Director of Public Prosecutions, Inspector General of Police and the Director of Criminal Investigations. The family wants the government to surrender one hand gold chain with coins, seven gold chains and seven gold earring sets, saying the properties are not to be forfeited as proceeds of crime since the two are already serving sentences. The properties were seized after a raid conducted at their Nyali home in 2014. The group also seized several IDs, passports, several pistols, logbooks, ledgers, birth certificates among others.
Source:The Star
September 21, 2020 18:56 UTC
Ongeri, MP Machogu mobilise to contest Kisii governorship
In Kisii, rivalry is already brewing between Nyaribari Masaba MP Ezekiel Machogu and Senator Sam Ongeri, both who have declared interest in the gubernatorial seat. Senator Ongeri joins the race with what his supporters tout as huge political experience dating from the days of the Moi government. I have already made up my mind that I am in this race to the end," the MP told the Star on the phone. Machogu says it is time Ongeri retired from active politics on account of his age and give room to younger politicians..Elders supporting Machogu's bid told Ongeri to quit active politics, citing his advanced age. A similar press conference by elders was held at Nyamasibi where the elders from Masaba also told Ongeri to drop his bid.
Source:The Star
September 21, 2020 18:56 UTC
Clerics, mourners put Kimemia on notice over bad roads
The clergy and residents of Ol Joro Orok on Saturday put the Nyandarua government on notice for failing to repair roads. Gitau was forced to raise his hand and swear in public that he will inform Kimemia of residents' transport miseries. Rev Wamucii said Kimathi, Kagema, Matunda and Ngano-Gacagi are some of the roads where no vehicle can access. He urged residents to grant access to their quarries for the government to get enough stones to fix roads. I want to assure you that by 2022 there will be no bad roads,” he said.
Source:The Star
September 21, 2020 18:56 UTC
Respect Governor Ongwae, Kisii MP Osoro told
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro has been told to respect Kisii Governor James Ongwae. Kisii Township MCA Kefa Mogaka on Sunday blamed Osoro for linking Kisii county’s top leaders to graft, saying he is overstepping his mandate. The MCA said the MP has been linking Ongwae’s government to corruption without evidence to support his claims, terming the claims unfortunate and a witch-hunt. “Osoro is neither an auditor nor an accountant in the county to claim that funds have been embezzled. He should leave it to relevant government agencies to investigate,” Mogaka saidHe claimed that the legislator was being used by some politicians to tarnish the governor’s image and his government.
Source:The Star
September 21, 2020 18:56 UTC
Covid-19 wrap: UK faces 'soaring' rise in deaths, Uganda opens borders after 6 months
EXODUS | Uncovering a cult in KwaZulu-Natal – Visit the special siteTake cover! Then don't buy aQuellé bottled waterA newsletter dedicated to the best conversations and comments on News24. Voting BoothPlease select an optionOops! Something went wrong, please try again later. Something I've seriously considered Normal in my household Results
Source:News 24
September 21, 2020 17:37 UTC
Gov’t extends curfew, closure of bars, Uhuru to address nation on Tuesday
The measures include the daily dusk-to-dawn curfew and closure of bars which were imposed on August 26. The address will be preceded by the planned National COVID-19 conference slated for Monday. “The National COVID-19 Conference will be presided over by his excellency the President on Monday, 28th September 2020 and will feature participants from the entire spectrum of our national life. President Kenyatta will also likely talk school-reopening after TSC ordered all teachers to return to school by Monday, September 28. On August 26, President Kenyatta had announced a raft of new measures aimed at keeping COVID-19 tethered.
Source:Daily Nation
September 21, 2020 16:48 UTC
I did not cry during interview with Uhuru - Mudy
Young man, what are you doing here, you are a journalist interview me..Those are the unexpected words that President Uhuru told Dennis Mudy, the 24-year-old journalist whose viral video has left many in stitches. Mudy was on Sunday overwhelmed with excitement that he could not Interview president Uhuru Kenyatta when asked to. Mudy told the Star on Monday he actually enjoyed the 15 seconds of fame he had with Uhuru but denies that he cried at the chance to interview Kenya’s most powerful individual. “You came all the way from Kakamega to interview small scale traders in Mombasa?” the President asked Mudy after the online TV host introduced himself. He asked Mudy to interview him on the spot.
Source:The Star
September 21, 2020 16:30 UTC
UK official coronavirus cases soar in highest Monday since April 20
The UK coronavirus death toll has increased by 11 while new cases are have soared well into the thousands once again, the latest official figures released today show. The official death toll across all settings is now at 41,788 in the latest figures from the Department of Health today. On Saturday, the death toll was 27 and new cases soared by 4,422 - the highest number of daily coronavirus cases recorded since May 8 and the highest daily death count since August 8, when 55 UK deaths by coronavirus were reported. It is the highest increase in hospital deaths on a Monday since 12 deaths were announced on July 13. The most hospital deaths announced on a Monday was 697 on April 13, when the UK was in the initial peak of its outbreak.
Source:Standard Digital
September 21, 2020 16:21 UTC
Deer bucks the odds to escape French hunters
A large, exhausted stag escaped French hunters with the help of environmental activists after it sought refuge near a building site north of Paris, video footage showed. AVA spokesman Stanislas Broniszewski said his group had been tracking a deer hunt on Saturday when they spotted the animal. “As more and more bystanders witnessed the scene, the hunters had to retreat and let the animal go. “They are setting 50 to 60 dogs free in nature to hunt wild animals. We are taking measures to make sure certain things evolve,” French hound hunting association head Pierre de Roualle said on BFM TV.
Source:Standard Digital
September 21, 2020 16:18 UTC
Kenya risk ban if they skip Afcon qualifiers
Kenya face a possible ban by the continental body if the national team, Harambee Stars fail to honour their 2021 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers due in November. The Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) expressed fears of Kenya getting banned and asked the government to reconsider the decision. A statement from Caf had indicated that the 2021 Afcon qualifiers will be held between November 2020 and March 2021. In March, Caf had postponed upcoming Afcon qualifying matches due to the coronavirus after the World Health Organisation declared it a pandemic. Stars drew 1-1 against Egypt in their first match of this qualifiers before posting a similar result at home to Togo last November.
Source:The Star
September 21, 2020 15:56 UTC
Senate Health Committee says NMS vs Sonko wars worsening healthcare in the city
It was not only wrong but inhumane for them to do that to an expectant woman,” said Mbito Michael, the chairperson of the Senate health committee. Some health services which were transferred to the NMS were not conclusively done,” added Senator Millicent Omanga. Two days ago the NMS made changes in the security department of the four main public hospitals in the city. In a statement, NMS’ Director of Health Services, Dr. Josephine Kibaru-Mbae, however, blamed the incident on the health workers’ strike. The NMS nevertheless apologized for the unfortunate incident, promising to seal any other loopholes in the healthcare industry.
Source:Standard Digital
September 21, 2020 15:56 UTC
How firm changed life of Kawangware dancehall artist
NAIROBI, KENYA: Kawangware based dancehall artist Dennis Gakunga Njuguna aka Machete Boloman is all smiles after securing a deal in support of his projects both in audio and visual form. The renowned artist in Kawangware dropped a banger dubbed, Odibets. In an interview, he said the song was inspired by the good work betting firm has been doing in supporting upcoming talent. He has worked with producer Magix Enga in producing the first song. “They asked me to look for a good producer and I went to Magix Enga.
Source:Standard Digital
September 21, 2020 15:51 UTC
Ken Oliech talks about his brother’s death, football and his political ambitions
Former Kenya international footballer Ken Oliech during an interview with the Nation on September 17, 2020. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLOFormer Kenya international footballer Ken Oliech during an interview with the Nation on September 17, 2020. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLOFormer Kenyan footballer Ken Oliech says his younger, brother, Kevin knew he was losing his battle with cancer despite being accorded the best possible treatment at a German hospital. Ken and the late Kevin are the brothers of former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech, considered one of the best Kenyan strikers of all time. DOUBLE TRAGEDYKevin’s demise turned into a double tragedy for the family which also lost their mum, Mary Auma Oliech, to cancer, in 2018.
Source:Daily Nation
September 21, 2020 14:37 UTC
Pumwani open air delivery: Senate recommends suspension of security firm
The Senate Health committee has recommended that the security firm at Pumwani Maternity Hospital step aside following an incident where a woman gave birth outside the facility after a security guard denied her access. According to the Health committee led by chairman Senator Michael Mbito, the hospital blamed the private security firm called “Hatari “ for denying the mother access to the hospital. The committee also directed that the Nairobi Metropolitan Service audits all security firms attached to county hospitals. Senator Samson Cherargai recommended that either National Youth Services (NYS) or police should take over security affairs in the hospital pending investigations. NMS Director of Health Service Ouma Oluga apologised on behalf of the hospital for the incident.
Source:The Star
September 21, 2020 14:26 UTC