Category: POPULAR

Police in Thika East Sub County is investigating an alleged kidnapping incident of four children in the Gatuanyagathe area, Kiambu County on Sunday evening.

The children aged between seven and 11 years who later managed to escape on Monday morning were allegedly abducted while playing outside their residence at around 2 pm before they were sprayed with a sleeping dose and bundled into a car.

The two boys and two girls detailed how they were blindfolded and their mouths, hands, and legs tied up, put into a car, and driven for about four kilometers before they were bundled into an abandoned small room near Makongeni estate where they found three other children.

According to one of the children, she woke up hours later and saw the room with two windows, one of which had been covered with a piece of iron sheet nailed to it.

“I managed to kick it off, woke the other children and we ran away. It was a terrifying 16-hour experience,” she told the press yesterday.

According to a guardian of two of the children Catherine Karongo, the children went missing from 2 pm on Sunday and came home at 9 am yesterday.

She said they reported the matter to the police on Sunday evening and together with residents, began a manhunt for the four, but did not succeed.

“It was on Monday when while on our manhunt, we received a call that the children had returned home. We felt relieved after a long and difficult experience. They came back terrified and traumatized,” said Karongo.

Area Deputy Sub-county police commander Muthee Nyaga confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway. He cautioned parents to be vigilant about their children’s safety.

“Investigations are underway and everyone responsible will be put to justice.  We condemn the incident and call on parents to be responsible for their children’s safety while at home,” he said.

Residents led by Cecilia Wamaitha, a local leader raised concern over the increased insecurity cases in the area with several kidnapping and gruesome murders being reported in the area over the past year.

In April, a boy was murdered and his badly mutilated body dumped in a thicket as he took his father’s phone for battery charging in a nearby shop.

In August, a man was murdered and his body skinned and in September, a man from Ngong’ was murdered by residents after he slaughtered his wife in a car in the same Gatuanyaga area.

“This has turned into a death zone. We appeal to the police to heighten security because we live in fear,” said Wamaitha.

Mathira Member of Parliament, Rigathi Gachagua, has hit out at a section of MPs allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party for supporting the controversial Political Parties Amendment Bill.

While addressing a political gathering in Nyeri, Rigathi termed the MPs as cowards arguing that they feared apprehension during the festive season. He added that the legislators also feared that their bank accounts would be frozen.

The sentiments by the Deputy President William Ruto ally come after the DP was ridiculed by pro-handshake Legislators for claiming that he enjoys the support of over 150 MPs in the National Assembly.

“We are aware of the plans that they have in Parliament and you saw how UDA is the party of numbers. UDA is one party and it is battling out with 7 parties.

“There are those who were supporting Azimio and amongst are 25 members of UDA who are cowards. They are fearful that they will be apprehended on Friday. They fear that their accounts will be frozen,” the MP stated.

Rigathi went ahead to insist that UDA will oppose the Bill in Parliament adding that it was meant to help the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party rebrand itself ahead of the 2022 General Election.

“The Bill is a scheme to rebrand the former Prime Minister and the ODM party so that they are given a new name called Azimio la Umoja,” he claimed.

During the debate on the Bill in National Assembly, amendments proposed by the allies of Ruto failed to sail through as MPs voted against amendments proposed by Alice Wahome (Kandara) and Aden Duale (Garissa Town).

Additionally, a showdown is expected on the floor of the Augustaugust House after Speaker Justin Muturi called for another special sitting on Wednesday, January 5 to Friday, January 7 for the Thirdthird and final reading of the Bill.

While addressing a rally in Trans Nzoia County on January 3, Ruto insisted that he still enjoys a majority of support in both the National Assembly and the Senate.

He clarified his earlier sentiments on UDA  having over 150 MPs, stating that he also included Senators who support his agenda.

“You saw in Parliament that the UDA party has 138 members and if you add those who are in the Senate it comes to 160,” Ruto stated.

The debate on the controversial Bill has been marred with chaos and bribery allegations even as Endebess Legislator, Robert Pukose, alleged that some of the MPs were bribed to pass the bill.

“Those who are supporting this Bill are given Ksh100,000 each so that they pass this Bill. Bribery has now moved to Parliament,” Pukose alleged.

1,223 people have tested positive for Covid-19 from a sample size of 4,003 tested in the last 24 hours with the positivity rate now standing at 30.6%.

From the cases, 1,132 are Kenyans while 91 are foreigners. 647 are females while 576 are males.

In terms of distribution, Nairobi leads with 11 cases, Taita Taveta 103, Siaya 77, Kiambu, Migori 38, Bungoma 30, Machakos 29, Kajiado 25, Marsabit 24, Kwale 23, Laikipia 21, Kilifi and Nakuru 20 each, Garissa 15, Nyeri 14, Embu and Meru 13 cases each, Muranga and Kamega 11 cases each, Mombasa 10, Elgeyo Marakwet 9, West Pokot 8, Kisumu 7, Makueni 5, Uasin Gishu and Vihiga 4 each, Nandi and Narok 3 cases, Nyamira and Kericho 2, while Kisii, Trans Nzoia  and Homa Bay recorded 1 case each.

According to data from the Ministry of Health 2,436 patients have recovered from the disease, 2,335 from the Home-Based Isolation and Care program while 101 are from various health facilities countrywide.

Total recoveries now stand at 256,551 of whom 207,141 are from the Home-Based Care and Isolation program, while 49,410 are from various health facilities countrywide.

10 patients have succumbed to the disease, all of them being late deaths reported after conducting facility record audits in December 2021 and January 2022 pushing the total number of deaths to 5,394.

A total of 1,089 patients are currently admitted to various health facilities countrywide, while 24,349 are under the Home-Based Isolation and Care program.

50 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 21 of them on ventilatory support while 23 are on supplemental oxygen. 6 patients are under observation.

Another 270 patients are on supplemental oxygen and 247 of them are in the general wards. 23 patients are in the High Dependency Unit (HDU).

As of January 2^nd, 2022, a total of 10,134,012 vaccines had so far been administered across the country. Of these, 5,876,825 were partially vaccinated while those fully vaccinated were 4,222,839.

Another 21,130 doses have been administered to those between 15 to 18 years while 13,218 are booster doses.

The uptake of the second dose among those who received their first dose was at 55.8%. The proportion of adults fully vaccinated was 15.5%.

The Government is working towards vaccinating a targeted population of 27,246,033.

A woman facing murder charges over the death of her neighbor after a fighting incident in Kibarage slums will spend eight more days in police custody pending investigations.

In an affidavit filed in court investigating officer Charles Muchoya, Clementine Nandutu is said to have fought with the deceased and caused her injuries that led to her death five days later.

The court heard that Clementine Nandutu had fought with the deceased Mary Njambi Mumbi on 27^th December 2021, causing her injuries that are suspected to have caused her death on the 1^st of January.

The Police want to conduct a mental examination on the suspect and get a post mortem report on the deceased to establish the cause of death.

The suspect’s phone and that of the deceased are yet to be submitted for forensic analysis.

The police had sought for 14 days to conclude investigations into the murder but the court granted 8 days during which the accused will be in their custody.

A church fundraiser turned chaotic after supporters of Kiminini Member of Parliament, Chris Wamalwa, turned against Rift Valley Regional Commander, George Natembeya.

The Rift Valley security boss challenged the MP to produce his National Identification (ID) card, indirectly claiming that the MP was likely not a native of Trans Nzoia.

Natembeya told off the MP stating that he is from the Naitiri area, Trans Nzoia County and he was born and brought up in the region which makes him a true son of the county.

He questioned where MP Wamalwa hails from and challenged him to produce his ID card so that they can verify his background and origin. But his remarks were met with jeers from the crowd.

Church elders tried to intervene by holding a conversation with the Rift Valley boss after his comments upset a section of the crowd. Natembeya doubled down after the crowd turned against him.

The church elders had to calm down the congregation and urged the faithful to be patient as the matter was being handled.

After the chaos and a short disruption, Natembeya went on with his speech and promised to build hospitals, schools and improve infrastructure in Trans Nzoia County should he ascend to the position of the Governor.

Natembeya had riled up the crowd when he claimed that Wamalwa only has 10 years of experience compared to his 25 years in civil service, arguing that the MP would not make a good leader for the county.

The Rift Valley Regional Commander also threw jabs at educated aspirants who are teaming up with “illiterate” politicians yet they want to lead people.

Natembeya was also booed after he claimed that Wamalwa should vie for the position of the Member of County Assembly (MCA) after leaving the National Assembly.

Defence Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa, endorsed Natembeya and described him as the perfect candidate capable of clinching the seat.

Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) on Sunday, January 2, unveiled Natembeya as its gubernatorial candidate in the coming elections.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has set another date when the cost of electricity will be reviewed downwards and also sent a message of hope to Kenyans.

In his end-of-year message delivered on Friday, December 31, the Head of State noted that his initial plan to lower electricity prices is still on course as promised during his Jamhuri Day speech on December 12, 2021 at Uhuru Gardens Nairobi.

In the new plan, Kenyans are set to enjoy cheap electricity starting March 2022 in accordance with his directive.

Other promises made by Uhuru include increasing the water supply for Nairobi residents. The President noted  Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) will conclude the Northern Collector Tunnel water project that will double the water supply in the country’s capital city.

With just seven months to the end of second and final term, President Uhuru also singled out key projects set for completion before the general election slated for August 2022.

The president picking out on the Nairobi Expressway that is expected to be commissioned by April. The Kisumu Mamboleo road, Eldoret Bypass, and Kenol-Marua road project. The president also counted on the conclusion of the Mombasa port road network support project and the James Gichuru-Rironi road in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.

He also raised hope on returning on track to other programmes aimed at cementing his legacy. Earmarked for completion include his Universal Health Coverage (UHC) where Kenyans could access quality health services at an affordable rate. The president hopes to make this a reality in 2022 before he leaves office.

On Education, President Uhuru reminded learners, parents and education stakeholders of a four-term school calendar ahead. This will be characterised by two national examinations, one to be held between March -April 2022 and the other one to be held in November 2022.

Other than that, he hopes that as the Competency-Based Curriculum progresses to grade six in May this year, that 10,000 new classrooms will be ready and pave way for the transition.

Being an election year, Uhuru did not mince his words sending clear advice to electorates on the type of leaders they should pick in 2022. He urged Kenyans to pick leaders that would make bold decisions other than populists.

“Leadership is about vision; politics is about positions. Leadership is about the next generation; politics is about the next election. And our obsession with politics has only slowed down the realization of our potential as a people,” he noted.

He added, “And a politician takes the popular path that pleases everyone, but takes them nowhere. If we are to become a ‘break-out-nation’, we must follow the brave.”

On the face of justice, Uhuru also hit out at the Judiciary noting that the country must uphold a system that seeks to improve the law.

“We must continue to uphold a justice system that restores not one that merely punishes. A system that heals, not one that deepens wounds. A system that seeks to improve the law, not one enslaved by the law. More so because “…the law, without justice, is a national wound without a cure.”

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has come out to explain the reason for making radical changes to the teachers’ training and qualifications.

According to the revised system, teachers’ requirement for those intending to teach in secondary schools will be at least a mean grade of C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination. The same grade should be recorded in the target teaching subjects.

For the diploma primary school teachers, the entry grade is C in KCSE exams and the same grade in the subjects one intends to teach.

Justifying the new policy, TSC Deputy Staffing Director, Antonina Lentojioni, said the new policy would ensure quality teaching.

“It is not a popular decision but it will ensure the right people join the profession,” Lentonjioni stated.

She added, “these people can learn the subject content and can easily get pedagogical skills.”

This new programme gives newly trained teachers a one-year contract to gain classroom experience before being fully absorbed by TSC into full-time practice.

“He or she gets a year of supervised teaching, is guided, and gets job support for better placement in the market. Experience is the best teacher,” Lentojioni noted.

“We are promoting practical experience that sharpens the skills, knowledge, and attitude of teachers. Schools will be receiving professionals that are not directly from college.”

The revised policy was institutionalized back in 2020 and so far 10,300 interns were posted to schools in 2020, with the figure shooting to 12,000 in 2021.

Apart from the introduction of the new policy, the TSC Deputy staffing director noted that in January 2022, a total of 6,000 new teachers will report to schools across the country.

She however decried that the number is not sufficient for the current Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system.

“For quality learning, teachers need to be in classrooms. The teacher shortage is growing but the commission is doing all it can to address this challenge,” Lentojioni stated.

So far TSC in collaboration with the Ministry of Education led by Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has trained more than 229,000 primary school teachers for the new CBC system and 22,000 secondary instructors using school-based support system programmes in English, mathematics, and science.

But to assure a smooth transition, TSC noted that it is currently engaging the national government to get funds for hiring more teachers and interns to address the shortage.

The ongoing road construction works in Turkana County are a welcome relief to residents who have endured dilapidated road infrastructure for many years.

Poor infrastructure had been an eyesore to residents and when the Jubilee administration promised to upgrade the road network in the county, many thought it was just another campaign pledge.

Nine years down the line, residents have a reason to smile espec, all with the construction of the Kawalase and Kainuk bridges where lives and properties were lost for many years during rainy seasons.

It is now possible for passengers to travel from Kitale to Lodwar within six hours, a distance that used to take up to 10 hours without guarantee of reaching one’s destination due to the poor state of the roads.

County director of medical services Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel says the cost of flights was unaffordable to many people and with the construction of roads, residents are now able to travel without many difficultiesawarddifficulties award.

However, this new development has come with its share of challenges to residents.

Lokoel citing statistics says that road accidents have increased by 24.2 percent across the country since 2013.

Road accidents have also been on the rise in Turkana County. According to Lokoel, a whole section of a ward at Lodwar county referral hospital is set aside for the treatment of fractures due to bodaboda accidents.

“Due to the good condition of the roads, motorists and motorcycles are speeding not taking into consideration other road users. Animals crossing the roads, because Turkana community is mainly pastoralist, is another cause of accidents,” says Lokoel.

He also blames unmarked roads and bumps erected by locals and contractors for the rise in accident cases.

Lokoel regrets that besides the loss of lives to road accidents, some people have suffered spinal injuries.

“Another effect of the road accidents is the psychological effect where passengers who have been involved in accidents are unable to sleep due to the post-traumatic stress disorders,” says Lokoel.

County Chief Officer in charge of Infrastructure Rosemary Nchinyei agrees that there is a need for road safety campaigns to address rising cases of accidents.

“Road safety education is very critical, the road infrastructure has changed quite a bit and with dual carriage and several lanes, training or sensitization is necessary for both motorists and pedestrians,” said Nchinyei.

Turkana county residents are now appealing to the government to conduct road safety campaigns to avert looming accidents due to the upgrade of the road networks in the county.

The residents who spoke to KNA said most motorists and especially bodaboda operators are having difficulty navigating the roads in towns like Lodwar which have been upgraded and some sections are part of the AI road connecting Eldoret to South Sudan.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Turkana county chapter chairman Pius Ewoton said there is a need for training on road safety.

He noted that some bodaboda operators do not even have driving licenses saying this poses a threat to themselves and other road users.

“We need to educate road users on the need to observe traffic rules to avoid accidents because many accidents are caused by human error,” said Walton.

According to James Ekuwam, a bodaboda operator, the government should ensure that only qualified drivers are allowed to operate on the roads.

“We have cases of unlicensed people operating as bodabodas thereby tarnishing our names because of their reckless driving,” said Ekuwam.

Turkana county police commander Samuel Ndanyi has asked motorists and pedestrians to be careful while using roads due to the upsurge in the number of vehicles in the towns.

Ndanyi cited a recent incident in December where a mother and her daughter lost their lives at Songot, Turkana West as an unfortunate incident. He appealed to motorists to observe speed limits and road signs while driving.

According to Lokoel, education on road safety will go a long way in reducing road accidents.

“There must be responsible road use and it must start with policymakers. National and county government transport authorities should educate road users and it is a matter of urgency, “he said.

The government will spend over Sh159 million to construct 205 classrooms in Migori County in phase one of the competency-based curriculum (CBC) infrastructure development programme.

The classrooms will be developed in 198 schools across the eight sub-counties in the region by April next year.

Speaking after leading in handing over the construction sites to contractors in various schools, area County Commissioner (CC) Michael Mwangi Meru said the government looks forward to delivering fully constructed classrooms to beneficiary schools by the scheduled time next year.

“The contractors are under strict instructions to deliver good classrooms for immediate use by Junior Secondary school students,” reported Mr. Meru during a press brief in Migori town today.

The administrator who doubles up as the County CBC Committee chairman warned contractors against doing shoddy work, stressing that the state will blacklist those who will not adhere to the specifications given in the construction of the classrooms.

“Contractors who will fail to deliver good work will not be allowed to bid again for the classrooms tenders when the second phase of this programme will be advertised next year,” he said.

Mr. Meru who was flanked by the county director of education (CDE)  Jacob Onyiego urged the sub-committees to do thorough supervision during the construction to ensure quality work and handing over of the classrooms within the stated timeline.

Mr. Onyiego said that all the sub-county education directors in the region have been directed to put the contractors on their toes to work within the road map supplied to them to ensure that the programme construction is implemented in time.

The CDE said that the Ministry was keen to see that CBCthe programme is implemented well with the first group of the junior secondary class students getting their education as planned.