By our correspondent, May 28 2009
Six people died while 20 others were seriously injured in an accident involving a bus and a matatu on the Kakamega-Kisumu road at the weekend. A seven-month-old baby and a seven-year-old boy were among those who survived the accident near Khayega Market. The dead were five men and a woman who is yet to be identified. The men were identified as Hudson Lihanda, the driver of the matatu, his conductor, a Mr Ochieng, Kevin Otieno Magero, John Arunga Bukachi and Adagi Masero. More>>>

By Alex Ndegwa, May 28 2009
MPs vented their anger on the Government proposal to increase salaries of constitutional office holders, setting the stage for a showdown when the issue comes up for voting next week. The MPs insisted that the timing for the proposed new salary scales was wrong, saying Parliament would appear insensitive to the plight of the poor at a time the economy is doing badly. The AG said it was unfair to deny them a pay increase while others had benefited. "It is a matter of tightening the belt, or they should revert to their 2001 salaries," he said. More>>>

By Ramadhan Rajab, May 28 2009
His should have been a happy comeback to his homeland after having lived and worked hard in the US. But Captain Kariuki Wachira’s return to Kenya, where he had hoped to savour the fruits of his investments made while abroad, has turned into a nightmare. His Sh25 million real estate investment that could have been the first of many is now the subject of a land ownership tussle after he found an imposter had sold off the property. The property is now valued at Sh65 million. More>>>

By Mwangi Muiruri, May 28 2009
"God is Good!" the man says with a sigh, then sips his drink with relish. "This is my first soda in 33 years," says Robert Masibai, 65, with child-like frankness. He is savouring the first few moments of freedom, having been locked up in Kamiti Maximum Prison for half his lifetime. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 28 2009
To many Kenyans, the Wanga Kingdom is a defunct entity only remembered in history books and tales of the legendary Nabongo Mumia. The fact that the kingdom is alive and well came to the limelight last week when the omnipresent American ambassador Michael Ranneberger was installed as an elder of the Wanga Kingdom last Wednesday. At the Nabongo Mumia Cultural centre in Matungu constituency, Mr Ranneberger looked a little bewildered as instantly-composed praise songs were belted out in his honour, complete with baptism that came with a new name, Shiundu. The ambassador acknowledged the rich culture of the Wanga, which he described as “the only ancient kingdom in Kenya”. More>>>

By agencies, May 28 2009
Norway's embassy in Nairobi and two Kenyan media organisations - Nation and Standard - have received emails threatening attacks, the Norwegian ambassador and one of the media groups said on Wednesday. Two bomb attacks in the last 12 years have killed 240 people in Kenya. Both were blamed on al Qaeda. "(Kenya) became the enemy of Islam ... and must (be) ready (for) Alqaeda attacks and revenge any time," the message said.More>>>

By Martin Mutua, May 27 2009
The never-ending protocol tussle in the coalition Government surfaced in Parliament with members demanding to know who between Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Prime Minister Raila Odinga holds a higher position. There was heated debate as MPs tried to pressurise Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo to expressly state the pecking order. Mutula, who was giving a ministerial statement as demanded by Mr Danson Mungatana (Garsen, Narc-K), said in regard to the "protocol of power", the Prime Minister was second to the President. But in regard to the "protocol of honour", the Vice-President is second to the President, followed by the Prime Minister and his deputies.More>>>

By Robert Wanyonyi, May 27 2009
If everything had gone according to her kidnapper’s plan, Ms Esther Nayale, 38, would have been sacrificed in a ritual killing last week. Nayale, who was drugged and kidnapped in Nairobi while on her way to Mombasa, could have met her death in Webuye, hundreds of kilometres away from her Maralal home, Samburu District. At Matungu Hospital in Mumias, where she is undergoing treatment for serious burns on the back, Nayale said last week’s events are still unfolding in her mind like a nightmare. More>>>

By Luke Anami, May 27 2009
The harsh reality of the depressed economic growth is hitting home, with more than 10,000 workers losing their jobs in the last four months. This represents just 458 companies. However, if the rate of job losses, at six per cent, were to be replicated across the membership of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), the situation is indeed grave. The worst hit sectors are transport and communications, tourism and manufacturing. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 26 2009
Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta was last night headed for more trouble following fresh claims that there were new discrepancies amounting to Sh10.7 billion in the revised Supplementary Budget approved by Parliament last week. The claims have dealt a huge blow on Uhuru, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, and put Treasury on the spot again only two weeks after the minister was let off the hook for presenting budget figures with errors. More>>>

Death has robbed Africa of one of its most illustrious sons. Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, a leading Pan-Africanist, died on a very important day in the world calendar - Africa Liberation Day. This is the day on May 25, 1963, when leaders of 32 independent African States met to form the Organisation of African Unity. More>>>

Locked out: MPs Odhiambo Bwire (ODM-Butula), Farah Maalim (Lagdera) and Eugene Wamalwa (PNU-Saboti) during a break at the Safari Park Hotel where House Speaker, Kenneth Marende ruled that big parties should not chair key committees for reasons of accountability and transparency.

By Benjamin Muindi, May 26 2009
They may look brave and confident in public, but they are battered daily by their wives. A report by a lobby group championing the rights of men on Sunday revealed that more than 1.5 million men in Kenya were everyday victims of domestic violence. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 26 2009
ODM and PNU have been locked out of leadership of the four parliamentary watchdog committees. House Speaker Kenneth Marende said it was necessary that mainstream political parties are left out to enhance the oversight role of the committees. The Speaker said this at a meeting of party whips, which he chaired. This comes as the composition of the 28 committees is set to take place on Thursday. ODM and PNU are contesting this new blockbuster ruling from the Speaker. More>>>

By Susan Anyangu, May 26 2009
The Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board will investigate how a baby was injured during delivery. And Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o wants Nairobi’s Pumwani Maternity Hospital to explain what caused the injuries on baby Gladys Shisia’s head and nose. This follows an exclusive KTN report in which Ms Rita Akoth alleges her baby suffered extensive injuries during delivery at the hospital. More>>>

By Gilbert Wandera, May 26 2009
Assistant Minister Alfred Khang’ati is calling for urgent reforms in the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Noc-k). Khang’ati, who failed to defend his position as first vice-chairman at Friday’s poll, threatened to reveal contents of a document he wrote three years ago on reforms in Nock unless the body change. More>>>

By our correspondent, May 26 2009
Independent Boundary Review Commission (IIBRC) Chairman Andrew Ligale says creation of new administrative units would depend on the economy. Mr Ligale said creation of new provinces, districts and constituencies would depend on the Government’s ability to sustain them. "The Commission will not roll out districts or provinces without following legal framework," Ligale, a former MP for Vihiga, said on the telephone on Monday. More>>>

There will be two fundraising events to offset funeral expenses for the late Mama Miriam Odwar Were in Nairobi, Kenya as follows:

Friday 22/5/2009 at Garden Square opposite Kenyatta Conference centre.

Saturday 23 /05/2009 at UNITED KENYA CLUB near the YMCA.

Mama Miriam Were will be laid to rest on Saturday 30 /05/2009 in Budalang'i, Bunyala, Kenya.

Mama Miriam Were was the mother of Alice Were-Thompson, a London-based business personality and a parliamentary candidate for Budalang'i constituency during the general elections of 2007.

Memorial Website:

A website has been created in her memory. www.mamamiriamwere.org on which you can send condolences and make a contribution through Paypal.

For further details please see obituaries

By our correspondents, May 22 2009
Maintaining a bloated Grand Coalition Government comprising a President, a Vice-President, a Prime Minister, 40 Cabinet ministers and 50 Assistant Ministers plus the trappings that come with the positions are some of the expenses pushing the economy beyond limit. Growing by a meagre 1.7 per cent in the current financial year, the economy is feeling the weight of the largest Cabinet in Kenya since independence 46 years ago. Taxpayers are paying Sh51.6 billion more for recurrent expenditure, which includes ministries. The total amount is now Sh563.6 billion, up from Sh512 billion in 2007-08. More>>>

By INGONEWS Reporter & agencies, May 22 2009
Vihiga MP, Yussuf Kifuma Chanzu has warned that the current activities of US ambassador, Michael Ranneberger of mobilising the youth to push for reforms could boomerang. "Using youths for pro-reforms pressure might cause civil strife. US should instead place sanctions on the Government," Chanzu said. The ambassador has come under heavy artillery attack from MPs who fear his message is resonating with the youth while they play ping pong PNU versus ODM games that have consigned Kenyans into unwanted pariahs while they live large (see separate story). More>>>

Gloom as job creation falls by 68%

By our correspondent, May 22 2009
Job creation in the private sector fell by 67.7 per cent (50,200) to 74,000, up from the previous year’s 23,800 as the economy recorded its worst ever performance since the early 1990s. Most of the key economic indicators - agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, capital markets, employment, retail sector, transport and communications - showed reductions, and in some cases even posted negative growth. "This has been the worst year," lamented Mr Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, Planning and Development Minister and MP for Butere when he launched the Economic Survey yesterday. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 21 2009
Teachers’ quest for better allowances and other benefits hangs in the balance following a proposal to dissolve the Teachers Service Remuneration Committee (TSRC).The move has drawn the wrath of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), which had hoped to restart its quest for higher house, commuter, risk and hardship allowances for members. Knut Secretary-General Lawrence Majali, National Chairman George Wesonga and National Treasurer Fred Ontere said they had requested a TSRC meeting only to learn that Mr Hussein wanted it dissolved in accordance with the TSC Act. More>>>

Joyce Church the Director of Performance Production Ltd and the organiser of the Miss Uganda UK Beauty Pageant in London, is pleased to announce that she has been awarded the Miss World Licence for Uganda. www.missugandauk.com.

By Willis Oketch, May 21 2009
The condemned maize will be reshipped to South Africa but leaves the taxpayer with a Sh14 million storage bill. The maize, that has been in the news for weeks and broadened rifts in the coalition Government, will be shipped away by the end of the week. But this will be at a huge cost to taxpayers who will pay the millions incurred for storage over the past four months and repackaging of the grains for re-shipment to South Africa. More>

Ugandan beauty pageant: Miss Uganda UK finals will be held on 13 June 2009 at Troxy Club in London. For more details click here

By Shad Bulimo, May 21 2009
Among the ceremonies performed for the dead, the most elaborate and dramatic is cattle-drive (elisona or esiremba). The idea is to pay homage to the spirit of the deceased by driving his entire wealth in cattle to his homestead. This ancient tradition is performed only for a reputed clan elder or a man recognised in his community for whatever achievements. Some Luhya subtribes like the Isukha, Marama, Tsotso, Banyore, Maragoli, Idakho etc, elisona is performed the same day shortly after burial while in others like the Tachoni, the rite is performed the day after the burial.  If the deceased is a man like the late Shinyalu MP, Charles Lilechi, the elisona would involve a bull or bulls and if it is a woman, a cow or cows.

In the olden days, when a famous person died, people stopped working in his honour until he was buried. On the morning of the elisona, mourners usually refrain from milking their cows letting the calves suck all the milk they can get. All those wishing to participate in elisona run down the river and paint their faces and body with clay in any pattern they fancy. The women adorn money plant (amalande) leaves and wear horns and humps of the cattle. If the deceased owned a large herd, his brothers start driving off his cattle soon after day break with the widows and sisters of the deceased running in front wailing and singing. Old men in the neighbourhood accompany them blowing horns and shouting war cries to signal to everyone that the elisona is on its way. Along the way, more people join the elisona with their own cattle having assembled at an agreed place. Once they arrive in the compound, the cattle are driven past the deceased to honour his spirit. Once this is done, the cattle are driven to the pastures to graze as usual. That marks the end of elisona. There are variations about this custom among some Luhya sub tribes. Further details can be found at www.luhya.net

By Shad Bulimo, May 20 2009
Jackie Ochieno Odanga has opened a new frontier in music that is taking America by storm. Jackie who grew up in Madaraka Estate in Nairobi has created a fusion of traditional Luhya music throbbing with isikuti and lipala interlaced with powerful gospel lyrics. Although she has been performing live and entertaining audiences throughout the US, Jackie had never released any CD - until now that is.

On Sunday, May 10th at Clark University in Worcester Massachussets, Jackie launched her debut CD with a live concert. " We believe this will mark a milestone in how our music which is undoubetdly one of the best music is perceived," she said. You can check out the live concert on Youtube by clicking on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVWMMQd4AYw&feature=channel_page

Where to buy the CD:

For more information on Jackie and how to buy your own copy of this throbbing masterpiece, please visit: http://cdbaby.com/cd/jacquiheritage

By our correspondent, May 20 2009
AFRUCA – Africans Unite Against Child Abuse was established in May 2001 to campaign against the abuse and exploitation of African children. Since then we have gained recognition as the premier charity working to promote the rights and welfare of African children in the UK. “Many African children in the UK experience a multitude of challenges that affect their ability to flourish and grow. Our main focus has been to ensure we can work successfully with others to address those challenges for the benefit of our children” said Debbie Ariyo, AFRUCA Founder and Executive Director. More>>>

By our correspondent, May 20 2009
Michael Martin has announced that he is to step down as Speaker of the House of Commons over the MPs' expenses scandal. In a brief announcement, Mr Martin said that he would leave his post on June 21 to allow his replacement to be elected the next day. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 20 2009
The controversial maize seized at the Mombasa port will be re-shipped to South Africa, Special Programmes PS Ali Mohammed has said. Alternatively, the PS said, the maize worth Sh281 million will be destroyed in public. The maze was seized from the National Cereals and Produce Board after the Kenya Bureau Standards (Kebs) condemned it on arrival at the port last year. More>>>

By Sam Otieno, May 20 2009
Politicians have handpicked their cronies to sit in the Constituency Bursary Committees and dish out Sh800 million secondary school bursary fund to undeserving students. Consequently, needy students and orphans, who were the prime targets when the scheme was founded 15 years ago, have been unable to attend school. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 20 2009
Ugandan security officials caused a stir on yet another Kenyan island when they arrested 20 fishermen for alleged trespass. The fishermen from Ringiti Island in Suba District were held yesterday morning as they fished in Lake Victoria. Ringiti is about 5km from the Uganda border and 50km from the disputed Migingo Island. More>>>

By Samwel Siringi, May 19 2009
Cabinet ministers are blatantly flouting rules governing appointment of parastatal heads in a trend that has exposed how confusion and absence of clear lines of command in the coalition government are beginning to take a toll on administration of the public sector. The Nation can now reveal how some ministers have filled the ranks of the public sector bureaucracy with cronies and political allies - without reference to the boards of those organisations thereby circumventing the regulation that requires that chief executives be appointed through competitive bidding. More>>>

By Bernard Kwalia, May 19 2009
Snakes slithering among the mourners, sending them scampering for safety and a coffin that just would not fit in the grave. These strange incidents were part of the drama at the burial of a woman in Teso at the weekend whose death sparked a battle between her mother and her husband. Ms Catherine Achomo Emoit, a former teacher of Kocholia Primary School, died on April 14 after a long illness. Mr Peter Emoit Etyang, her husband of 16 years with whom she had a 15-year-old daughter, was getting ready to bury her on April 22 when his mother-in-law arrived with a court order directing him to return the body to the Tanaka hospital mortuary in Busia. But as the re-arranged burial was about to start at Kakemeri village, two snakes dropped from the house and headed towards the podium, sending mourners fleeing. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 19 2009
Kenya’s Parliament is increasingly becoming a haven of corruption as more and more MPs fall into traps set by unscrupulous but influential political and financial kingpins, the Sunday Nation can reveal.

Multiple interviews with sitting and former House members found a growing trend where wealthy and influential politicians who find themselves on the receiving end generously offer handouts as they lobby MPs to vote in their favour. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 18 2009
Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula and Information and Communication Minister Samuel Poghisio have told off Kenyan MPs urging President Kibaki to order war with Uganda. Mr Wetangula said those beating war drums were enemies of Western Province since the region would be the battleground. "Let me assure all those beating war drums from the rooftops to relax because diplomacy is going on over Migingo and we will only succeed through that route," he said. More>>>

By our correspondent, May 18 2009
Controversy over contaminated maize allegedly in circulation deepened with police in Central Province confiscating tonnes of maize as the Prime Minister’s office issued a statement saying desperate politicians were trying to taint him. Yesterday’s statement said: "Rumours of bad maize being sold in the market are cheap propaganda spread by desperate politicians looking for something to keep them afloat." More>>>

By Gakuu Mathenge, May 18 2009
The Party of National Unity is on the rebound and is currently making big plans to beat ODM to the political finish line come the 2012 general election. President Kibaki’s party has come up with proposals to embrace some of the radical reforms that saw it lose heavily in the referendum four years ago. The plan is to work aggressively, permeating all groups in the society from the grassroots to youth and leaders to make it the party of choice come the next general election. More>>>

By Peter Ng'etich, May 15 2009
The entire top ODM leadership on Thursday skipped the burial of victims of the arson attack on a church in the Rift Valley district of Eldoret during the post-election violence which had been billed as a reconciliation gesture between different communities.ODM sources said Mr Odinga, Mr Kosgey and Mr Ruto had not been invited to the event and that they only knew about it on Wednesday. “That is why he decided that he was probably not needed there,” said the source who cannot be identified by name because of the nature of his work. The MPs wanted to know why the President did not attend the earlier burials of other victims. More>>>

By Watchman, May 15 2009
Here are the bare knuckled facts about justice Kenya style. The life of a caucasian has a higher rating than that of a negroid homo sapien. Remember the 1970's case involving a Mombasa call girl by the name of Njeri and an American GI. The sailor was found guilty of murder but immediately acquitted and ordered to maintain good behaviour for a period of two years or so. So why would trigger-happy Thomas Cholmondeley expect any different from Justice Muga Apondi?. Hey he gunned down wildlife warden, Samson ole Sisiani and got away with it so why not continue with his favourite pastime of nigger-hunting? After all anything that crawls in his vast 48,000 acre estate is part of his wildlife? You saw the smiles of his parents, Lord and Lady Delamere. Contrast that with Robert Njoya's relatives. That is Kenyan justice for you. More>>

By our correspondents, May 15 2009
Parliament on Thursday absolved Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s his family and his office from blame in the Sh3.6 billion maize scandal. MPs deleted clauses that linked Mr Odinga’s son and personal assistant to the scandal and then threw out the entire report on the grounds that it was “politically engineered and clumsy”. More>>>

Alice Were Thompson invites friends, symphathisers and wellwishers to a celebration and fundraising event to help offset funeral costs following the sudden death of her beloved mother, Miriam Were who went to the House of the Lord on May 3, 2009 in Matunda, Kitale. Details of the event are as follows:

Venue: 30 Medusa Road, Catford, London SE6 4JW. Near Lewisham Hospital. Click here for directions.

Buses: 36 from Victoria station, 47 form London Bridge.

Trains: Overland trains to Lewisham or Catford. from either London Bridge or Charing Cross

Time: From 4pm till late

Contacts:

Alice - 07831 216 809; Dr Thompson - 07956 619 995; Nelson: 07943 996 624

Those who can't make it but would like to make a contribution can either use Paypal (www.mamamiriamwere.org) or deposit funds in the following bank account:

Barclays Bank: Sort code 208014; Account Number 2091650; Account Name: ABW Thompson

Website: A website has been created in her memory which has details of the burial date, photos and life history of Mama Miriam. Click here to visit the website. See also obituaries

By Judy Ogutu, May 14 2009
The eight months sentence handed down to Lord Delamere’s grandson, Mr Tom Cholmondeley has been received with anger and protests in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Family of slain Kenya Wildlife Service ranger, Mr Samson Ole Sisina, took issue with the decision, saying it was too lenient. "It (the sentence) has sent a very wrong signal across the country. People were expecting the court to give a stiffer sentence given the manner in which this man has been trigger happy…killing people around," the family’s advocate, Mr Martin Ole Kamwaro said. More>>>

By Samwel Kumba, May 14 2009
As minister for Defence in the cabinet named by new South African President Jacob Zuma, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu is undoubtedly one of the most powerful persons in the African powerhouse. When President Kibaki attended the inauguration of President Zuma at the weekend, it might not have immediately struck him that he could claim the person soon after to be appointed Defence minister. Ms Sisulu is the wife of a Kenyan, Prof Rok Ajulu, one of the academics who fled the country at the height of the Moi repression targeting independent thinkers and perceived dissidents in the early 1980s. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 14 2009
Heritage Minister William Ntimama and Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo claimed in Parliament yesterday that the Treasury is populated disproportionately by members of a single community and that this was responsible for skewed allocation of resources. "We cannot have 16 top officials in these two departments from one community, " claimed Midiwo who is also ODM Chief Whip. Two Parliamentary committees investigating the alleged Sh10.7bn budgetary scandal have concluded it was an error and urged for a thorough independent audit dating back three years as a few days are hardly enough to do any serious work. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 14 2009
The messy maize scandal took a new twist on Wednesday as Prime Minister Raila Odinga was put on the spot over the role his office played in the scam. Soon after Raila gave an extensive statement on the contaminated maize that has lately put his office and that of the Ministry of Public Health on a collision course, two members tabled documents to counter his explanation. More>>>

By Joe Kiarie, May 14 2009
Details have emerged of what sparked Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s outburst over the Migingo Island dispute. A report of the meeting seen by The Standard shows that while the Kenyan delegation produced documents and maps to help identify and survey three islands, their Ugandan counterparts had nothing.

By Peter Atsiaya, May 13 2009
Two ODM MPs got into a scuffle after they differed over corruption in the Grand Coalition Government. Education Assistant Minister Ayiecho Olweny went for Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba’s collar in a short-lived drama that sucked in their colleagues Fred Outa and Shakeel Shabir yesterday morning. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 13 2009
It is now official: Uganda has conceded the controversial Migingo Island is in Kenya. Speaking in Tanzania, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni claimed the waters, but said "the island was in Kenya". In an interview with the BBC, Museveni said: "The island is in Kenya and the waters are in Buganda (Uganda). So what do we do now? The Wajaluos are mad. What is the issue here?" he asked and dismissed the dispute as a Luo, not a Kenyan issue. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 13 2009
President Kibaki has appointed Andrew Ndooli Ligale as Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC) chairman. Mr Ligale is former MP for Vihiga. His name was approved by a parliamentary committee last week. More>>>
Lusaka now PS: Meanwhile, Kenneth Lusaka has been appointed as PS, Ministry of Livestock Development. Until his appointment, Lusaka was the Secretary for Provincial Administration.

By Allan Kisia, May 12 2009
Burial arrangements for Shinyalu MP Charles Lilechi Lugano have been finalised. Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale yesterday said Lugano’s body would be moved from Nairobi’s Lee Funeral Home on Wednesday and taken to Friends Church, Ngong Road for a service. "It will then be taken to his Runda home for an overnight stay," said Dr Khalwale. He said the body would be airlifted from Nairobi to Kakamega on Thursday morning. People will view the body at Kakamega Airstrip for 30 minutes. Locals would also view the body at Muliro Gardens, Khayega Market and Shinyalu Constituency Development Fund offices in Shibuye. The body will stay overnight at the MPs home in Shinyalu Division ahead of burial on Saturday. The funeral service will be held at Itenyi Primary School adjacent to his home. Meanwhile, the chairman of the burial committee in Itenyo, Councillor Jotham Nyamu said Lugano’s widows had agreed on the burial site. The two, Zurah, Alice and their their children have, however, been living in Kitale. More>>>

Lucky chaps: Kenya Police Commissioner Maj-Gen Hussein Ali (left), Rift Valley PC Hassan Noor Hassan and assistant minister Orwa Ojodeh walk away from the scene of the accident. Photo: JARED NYATAYA

By our correspondent, May 12 2009
Concerns have been raised over the merit of Sh1 billion-fertiliser import tender advertised by the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB). Its timing, coming when cane is over matured in various outgrower zones, elicits questions over the intention of the deal and whether it is a priority for the troubled industry. More>>>

By our correspondent, May 12 2009
Police have smashed a motor vehicle theft syndicate involving the sale of stolen vehicles in West Pokot District and in a neighbouring country. The district staffing officer, Mr Benjamin Onsongo, said the racket involved armed robbers who have been carjacking motorists along major highways in Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley provinces and later selling the vehicles within the district and in Southern Sudan. More>>>

By Watchman, May 12 2009
A major financial scandal is rocking the Kenyan embassy in Washington. It is understood that up to $2.5million may have been looted over the past three years. Most of these funds are collections from visa fees, passport renewal fees, funds allocated for settlement of newly posted staff, and funds for office renovation. All this is happening under the watch of the ambassador, Rateng Oginga Ogego who is reportedly one of the senior diplomats who have defied Moses Wetangula's (foreign affairs minister) orders to return to Nairobi. Others reportedly staying put are Joseph Muchemi (London) and Rachel Omamo (Paris). More>>>

By our correspondents, May 12 2009
Controversy surrounding the Supplementary Budget took yet another dimension amid revelations that the actual figure involved could be as high as Sh14 billion. It has now emerged that the Treasury included new budget lines amounting to Sh4.9 billion, pushing up the original Sh9.6 billion — an act that has been termed unlawful and unprocedural. More>>>

By Watchman, May 12 2009
The new Justice Minister, Mutula Kilonzo is a ridiculous fellow. Speaking at the swearing ceremony of the new electoral body officials in Nairobi, first he is quoted as saying: "A formula will be given for Shinyalu and Bomachoge by-elections because we do not have to wait for the voters’ registers to be reviewed." Then he throws a howler. He is quoted as saying the rights of constituents in the two areas had been violated by lack of representation in Parliament. Bomachoge yes; but Shinyalu? The incumbent, Charles Lilechi Lugano, only died last week. Shinyalu constituenst ate still mourning. (see separate story). More>>>

By our correspondent, May 11 2009
Police Commissioner Hussein Ali, Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode and  senior officers from the Office of the President and Public Works have been injured and rushed to hospital, after their helicopter crached on take-off in Kapsabet-Kipkeino stadium. More>>>

A British man has been appointed the new caretaker of an Australian tropical island, a six-month position described as "the best job in the world". More>>>

By our correspondent, May 11 2009
Public Health minister Beth Mugo has said her ministry cannot trace shipment of condemned imported maize allegedly offloaded from Mombasa port. Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Monday, the minister said the maize had been condemned as unfit for human consumption. She said the maize had been recommended for destruction or returning to South Africa from where it was imported in November last year. More>>>

By John Njiraini, May 11 2009
The country’s premier training centre for hospitality - the Kenya Utalii College - could grind to halt due to severe financial mismanagement, poor quality of services, nepotism and widespread corruption. A taskforce appointed by Tourism Minister Najib Balala last year has come up with a harsh indictment of the college, reputed for training highly qualified employees in the hotel and aviation industry in the region and the rest of the world. The report states that it makes little business sense for the 50-room hotel to have 129 employees, and college 707 employees against 700 students. More

By James Anyanzwa, May 9 2009
Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta ate back his words, dropped the fighting mood, and blamed Sh9.2 billion puzzle in the Supplementary Budget on either ‘typing’ or ‘computer’ error. In effect Uhuru, who President Kibaki gave the docket in January, blamed the Sh9.2 billion puzzle on the complexity of computer technology or human fingers moving on the machine’s keyboard. The minister, who may have to face resignation pressures from the divided House and Grand Coalition, talked of confidence the House committees probing his paperwork would clear him. More>>>

By David Ohito, May 9 2009
Concerns are being raised about the competence of Parliament in its oversight functions following the Sh9.2 billion Supplementary Budget debacle. It appears Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta is now paying the price of failure to enact the Fiscal Management Bill, 2008, which was passed in Parliament but was not assented to by President Kibaki. The Bill would have made the budget-making process more inclusive, equitable, transparent and accountable. Meanwhile, Mars Group has demanded Treasury must take responsibility for this by subjecting itself to a forensic audit if it has nothing to hide. More>>>

By Watchman, May 9 2009
Despite high-octane denials and counter-denials, Anglo Leasing contracts are still legally binding and the government must find a way of paying the Sh56.33billion worth of Promissory Notes. Although some money was returned following the storm of the dodgy contracts exposed by exiled anti-corruption Tsar, John Githongo, that was but a cooling off gesture. The government must find a way of paying back without raising alarm. May be this is the computer error Finance minister, Uhuru Kenyatta referred to yesterday. As Muite put it: Two errors are understandable but 200...

By Benson Kathuri, May 8 2009
The cash-strapped Pan Paper Mills is not on sale, the Industrialisation Ministry has said. This comes amidst fears that the Government is not ready to work with the current lead investor, Birla Group of India who own 54% of shares.

Industrialisation Assistant Minister Ndiritu Muriithi said though the Webuye-based paper miller had temporarily closed down, efforts are being made to revive it. Already, two western Kenya-based public universities, Maseno and Masinde Murilo, have expressed interest in acquiring the company that closed down in March.

The Government had promised to re-open the company last month, but there are no signs that will happen soon, despite pressure from MPs in Western Province. More>>>

By Stephen Makabila, May 8 2009
Grey smoke and an acrid smell have hovered over Webuye for the 35 years Pan Paper Mills Company has been in the town. But, rather than take offence over smoke and stench, town residents regard the nuisance as their source of livelihood. Unfortunately, Pan Paper Mills recently wobbled into financial trouble and closed down. And with it the familiar smell. Most residents now miss the days of the foul stench, which gave them a chance to earn a decent living. More>>>

Tourism PS Rebecca Mwikali Nabutola and co-accused Achieng Ong'ong'a (right) in Court yesterday. They are accused of embezzling shs 9m meant for tourism promotion. Photo: Standard

By Wahome Thuku, May 8 2009
Tourism PS Rebecca Mwikali Nabutola was arraigned before a corruption court in Nairobi facing five counts of conspiring to defraud the ministry of more than Sh8 million, abusing her office and violating procurement law. The alleged offences were in relation to a tourism promotion campaign organised by the Tourism Ministry at the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in 2008. More>>>

New Nairobi town clerk Philip Kisia (right) takes over from John Gakuo.

By Our Reporter & Agencies, May 7 2009
The government has reversed a controversial edict to ban married couples from working in key finance parastatals. The directive by Treasury Permanent Secretary, Joseph Kinyua was thrown out by Prime Minister, Raila Odinga during his weekly PM Question Time in Parliament yesterday. "I have directed the Finance ministry to withdraw the directive and maintain the status quo. Marriage itself is not an automatic ground for conflict of interest or recipe for corruption," Raila said to loud applause. More>>>

By our Reporter, May 7 2009
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has resolved to call for mass movement before the end of this year to push for fresh elections to end the histrionics on display in the Kenyan political class as more than 80 percent of Kenyans languish in extreme poverty. The influential church body made the resolution after its ruling council meeting at Jumuia Conference and Beach Resort in Kilifi, on Wednesday. The statement was read to the press by NCCK chairman, Charles Kibicho flanked by secretary general, Canon Peter Karanja and other council members..

By our correspondent, May 7 2009
The Sh9.2 billion-budget query took a new twist when Speaker Kenneth Marende ordered an immediate investigation into allegations of the additional funding. Mr Marende asked the Finance and Budget committees of Parliament to conduct joint inquiries into the cash even as Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta made a spirited effort to explain the Sh9.2 billion puzzle raised by Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara on Tuesday. More>>>
Media centre: Meanwhile, a state of the art press centre will be launched at Parliament today. Fully equipped, it will enable journalists file stories from the House. More>>>

By our correspondent, May 7 2009
A Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism has been questioned by an anti- corruption unit. Ms Rebecca Nabutola was arrested in her office in Nairobi and taken to the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission headquarters at Integrity Centre, Nairobi. She is expected to appear in court later this afternoon to answer abuse of office charges. Former managing director of the Kenya Tourism Board Dr Achieng Ong’ong’a will also face the same charges. More>>>

By INGONEWS Reporter, May 6 2009
Mrs Alice Were-Thompson, a London business personality and a parliamentary aspirant for Budalang’i in 2007, has lost her mother. Mama Miriam Muricho Odwar Were died on Sunday, May 3 2009 at her Matunda farm, Kitale. She was born on July 01 1935.  She is survived by her husband, William Odwar Were of Bukhalulu Village, Rugunga Sublocation,  Khajula Location,  Bunyala District and children: Alice Were Thompson (London), Wilfred Were (Kenyatta Hospital), Mrs Gladys Atieno Nakhulo (Nairobi), Nelson Were (London), Judy Were Sullivan (Oxford), Peter Odhiambo Were (Yala), Rosemary Were Abuba, Charles Nakoba (NAS -Nairobi). She was the daughter of Seth Ngweno na Leah Nabwire Ngweno.Funeral arrangements are being coordinated in London, Nairobi and Matunda, Kitale. For details of the funeral arrangements and how you can help, please see our obituaries page.

By Topi Lyambila, May 5 2009
It was an unexpected booming success as once again a community heralded their culture in food and drink. At the GMZ Bar and Restaurant (run by a Kenyan National Mohammed ), the pub opened in November 2008. Held on Saturday 2nd May 09, it was a quickly thought theme-nite that turned out to be a great success. With close to100 people in attendance.  They come from as far as Lancashire, Leeds, Brighton, Luton, Oxford Kent Reading and Scotland.

Tusker beer was the big drink of the evening with Kenyan cultural dishes from Western Province including; Likhubi, Chisaka, Miroo, Obwoba, Nyama choma served with Obusuma, Rice, Chapati and Muhogo.  Later most of the guests extended the evening at the near by Funbay nite spot. Several other communities are now gearing up for a summer fete to celebrate their roots. Watch this space for who is next. - Click here for photos

By our correspondents, May 6 2009
Could Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta have duped MPs into passing an extra Sh9 billion in the Supplementary Budget presented to Parliament last week? This was the shocking question confronting Parliament yesterday, prompting the Speaker to order for a ministerial statement on Wednesday. It all began when Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara rose during Question Time to demand a ministerial statement, claiming the Finance minister had misled MPs to believe he would need only Sh22 billion, but had used their approval to withdraw Sh31 billion. This Sh9bn given to eight ministries is over what the House had approved and could be a ploy to channel funds into questionable scandals like Anglo Leasing or Ken Ren which have never gone away, the legislator charged. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 6 2009
Cholera and dysentery are the leading killer diseases in Bungoma South District. Western Provincial Director of Public Health and Sanitation Simon Kibias said tests have established most residents were suffering from the two diseases. By yesterday, three cholera and 37 dysentery cases had been detected at the Kabula Health Centre. Villagers claim the outbreak has so far killed 16 people in the last one week including a man, his wife and daughter. More>>>

By Evelyn Kwamboka, May 6 2009
Former High Court Judge Vitalis Juma has sued Chief Justice Evan Gicheru over his sacking. Justice Juma, who was sacked by President Kibaki following the recommendations of a tribunal investigating his conduct, said he was removed from office unconstitutionally. Lawyer Stephen Mwenesi is representing the former judge. More>>>

By Fred Mukinda, May 6 2009
A man ended his life in Nairobi after his favourite English Premiership team lost a season-defining match against their fiercest rivals on Tuesday. Mr Suleiman Alfonso Omondi, 29, was found dangling from a rope at his house in the city’s Pipeline estate on Wednesday morning following its defeat by Mancheser United in the Uefa cup semi final at the Emirates Stadium. More>>>

By our correspondents, MAy 6 2009
PRIME Minister Raila Odinga was yesterday humiliated when he was forced to squeeze himself through grills of a rotating metal gate at Parliament Buildings after security personnel and parliamentary orderlies denied him entry through the VIP gate. More>>>

By INGONEWS Reporter & agencies, May 5 2009
The number of districts is set to go up following authority by President Kibaki to create 53 more. Through the Kenya Gazette, the President has given notice to create additional districts. In Western Province Butula, Sabatia, Khwisero, and Matungu will become districts taking the total tally to 22. The country as whole will now have 262 districts. This means Kibaki will have created 186 districts in his tenure so far. Moi created 34 districts in his 24 year rule. More>>>

500 fake NGOs fleece residents in Teso

By a correspondent, May 5 2009
The government has been urged to probe 500 non-governmental organisations accused of fleecing residents of Teso North District of millions of shillings. The district’s Chamber of the Commerce chairman Fred Papa said most NGOs in the district were not registered at the District Social Services and District Commissioner’s office. More>>>

One election and a funeral: The late Shinyalu MP Charles Lugano Lilechi and his wife Zurah after winning the seat in 2007. Photo: Standard

ODM loses 5th MP

The death of Shinyalu MP, Charles Lugano Lilechi marks the fifth time ODM as a party has suffered at the cruel hand of death. Other ODM MPs who have passed away include David Kimutai (Ainamoi), Mugabe Were (Embakasi), Kipkalya Kones (Bomet) and Lorna Laboso (Sotik).

By Allan Kisia and INGONEWS Reporter, May 5 2009
Gloom and despair hang in Shinyalu’s Itenyi village following the death of one of their prolific sons, who represented them in the august House. Residents woke up to the sad news of losing their MP, Charles Lugano Lilechi. Politicians, neighbours, relatives and friends trooped to his homestead in the morning to console family members. They arrived in personal cars, taxis, motorbikes, boda boda and on foot. Led by Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale, civic leaders, ODM branch officials and other politicians, they said they were greatly pained by the loss. Mr Walker Baraza, the late MP’s younger brother, said the family had lost its guide. Others who sent condolences included President Kibaki, PM, Raila Odinga, Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Lands Assistant Minister Bifwoli Wakoli, Councillor Mark Ashiono, Councillor Jotham Nyamu, Phitalis Were Masakhwe, the disabilities rights campaigner from Mumias and George Muruli of ODM England. He attended Matioli Primary School and Lirhanda Mixed Secondary School. After Form Four, he went to Kitale, where he worked as a casual employee at the National Cereals and Produce Board and Kenya Seed Company. He studied accounts and got a job at the Turkana Fisheries Co-operative Society. He rose to General Manager but left shortly and joined the Kenya Red Cross Society. He is survived by two wives and several children who live in Kitale. More>

The new justice minister, Mutula Kilonzo.

Western greets Mutula with mixed reactions

By Roselyne Obala, May 5 2009
Luhya leaders greeted the new minister for justice with mixed reactions. Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, MPs Cyrus Jirongo (Lugari), Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i) Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti), and Musikari Kombo (nominated) said his appointment was crucial in steering national reforms. However, Public Accounts Committee chairman Bonny Khalwale and Kimilili legislator Dr Simiyu Esseli were sceptical as he represents hardline PNU interests. More>>>

By John Ngirachu and INGONEWS Reporter, May 4 2009
The Shinyalu MP, Charles Lugano Lilechi has died. Mr Lilechi from Isukha died yesterday at the privately-owned Nairobi Hospital where he was undergoing treatment. The first time MP, 59, belonged to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wing of the coalition government. His body has been removed to the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi. Mr Lilechi was a businessman before joining politics and defeating Daniel Khamasi for the Shinyalu seat in 2007 elections.

Raila condoles: Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said in a condolence message to the family of the deceased MP his death “is a big blow to the ODM party, which has lost one of their own at a time when we are struggling for reforms to transform this country.” “The country has lost an intellectual and a dedicated individual who believed in change for development and worked very hard to realise success in all he undertook.

Mr Lugano is credited with promoting local musical talents like Jacob Luseno (late) and helped in educating the disadvantaged. “He will be remembered by most of us for his contributions as an informed legislator in the August House and his zeal as a prominent businessman,” said the statement from the PM’s office. He was a member of the Constituency Development Fund Committee in Parliament. He came from the Abatsunga clan of Isukha. More>>>

By agencies, May 4 2009
Kenya has accused Uganda of violating the truce reached in Arusha last week by retaining soldiers on the disputed Migingo Island, even as more Ugandan officers were spotted in West Pokot where border beacons have been uprooted. More>>>

By INGONEWS Reporter, May 4 2009
A mysterious disease has killed 16 people in Bungoma over the past one week, KTN reports. Health officials are baffled by the strange disease which kills victims with lightning speed and have so far failed to diagnose it. Residents of Kabula and Ashioya locations in Bungoma South District have now turned their anger at health officials and are making their own theories about the strange disease. One witness quoted by the TV channel said people have been told not to visit the sick because if you do you also die. Symptoms include bouts of diarrhoea and nose bleeding. One family suffered the loss of a man, his wife and daughter within one week. Health officials have issued a cholera alert and banned feasting at funerals. Click here to watch news.

A press release by State House said President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga had began consultations on the issue of Leader of Government Business in Parliament and chairmanship of the House Business Committee. More...

By our correspondent, May 4 2009
President Kibaki has appointed Mutula Kilonzo the new Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs.

He has also appointed Mr Njeru Githae the new Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development, replacing Mutula. Also appointed is Lewis Nguyai who becomes an Assistant Minister for Local Government. More>>>.

By Alex Ndegwa, May 2 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga is fighting back and says neither himself nor any member of his family ate from the plate of Sh3.6 billion maize scam. "After spending months in luxurious hotels in the name of investigating food shortage, the committee of Mr John Mututho has come up with conclusions that smack of vendetta, smear campaign and settling of scores. Some of the conclusions stand out in their display of ignorance,’’ ran a statement issued by the PM’s office. More>>>

Watoto Choir wows England

By INGONEWS Reporter, May 2 2009
The talented Watoto Childrens's Choir from Uganda entertained crowds in Milton Keynes last weekend as part of their six-month European tour. The children are all orphans or abandoned because of Aids, poverty or war. The popular group has toured internationally since 1994 bringing a message of hope to many parts of the world which include countries such as Australia, Canada, UK, USA, South Africa, Brazil, Israel, Germany and France. The Choir is a brainchild of Gary and Marilyn Skinner.

By our correspondents, May 2 2009
Labour Minister John Munyes could not finish reading the President’s speech as angry and hungry workers booed him. They threw stones at the VIP pavilion and as Labour Day tension rose, security personnel and aides shoved the ministers and other public figures to their cars. The President, Prime Minister and Vice-President did not attend. More>>>

By John Ngirachu & INGONEWS Reporter, May 2 2009
The new Sh6,130 minimum wage announced by the government yesterday means Kenyans and condemned to a slum life where rent ranges between Sh500 and Sh1,000 a month. Suburban Nairobi might attract low rent, but the worker would still have to contend with the high fare to the city. With the minimum wage, the worker has about Sh200 to budget for daily. This amount will be reduced by the lumpsum deduction for rent, as well as the cost of other utilities like water and electricity. Mr Ochieng’ says a family of three - husband, wife and one child - needs about Sh500 to survive on a modest budget for a day. More>>>

By our correspondent, May 2 2009
Train services between Kenya and Uganda have returned to normal after a three-week absence. The services were paralysed when youths in the Nairobi’s Kibera slum uprooted part the rail line linking the two countries in protest against Uganda’s claim of the tiny Migingo Island in Lake Victoria. A Rift Valley Railways official said the first five trains arrived at the Malaba border yesterday from Nairobi. Uganda has lowered its flag on the disputed island to ease rising tensions. More>>>

By Kepher Otieno, May 1 2009
The number of provinces could double from eight to 16 if the Government adopts proposals by political leaders. Investigation by ‘The Standard’ has established that the Ministry of Internal Security and Provincial Administration is overwhelmed by requests to have each of the provinces split ahead of the next General Election. Andrew Ligale, the former Vihiga MP, is the newly elected chairman of the Boundaries Review Commission tasked with overseeing these crucial changes.. More>>>

By our correspondent, May 1 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s name has been sucked into the controversy over a Sh3.6 billion maize scam and a parliamentary committee has recommended that his son, Fidel, associates and personal assistant be investigated over the deal. More>>>

By our correspondents, May 1 2009
Parliament unanimously endorsed nominees to the interim electoral commission, heralding a new dawn for remodeling the electoral system. The House endorsed lawyer Ahmed Issack Hassan as IIEC chairman. The commissioners are Ms Winfred Guchu, Mr Douglas Mwashigadi, Mr Simiyu Abiud Wasike, Mr Tiyah Galgalo, Ms Hamara Ibrahim Adan, Dr Yusuf Nzibo, Mr Davis Chirchir and Mr Kenneth Nyaundi. More>>>