16 PAGE POLITICAL PULLOUT INDEPENDENT FRESH AND DIFFERENT SIASA PAGE 13 24-26 To win war on the APRIL 2020 coronavirus, Kenya FRIDAY-SUNDAY needs eff ective KSh60 (TSh1,000 | USh2,000) response plan

NEW IMPETUS STATE HAS TAKEN BACK 3,954 ACRES IN NAIROBI, PLANS EVICTIONS WITHIN METROPOLIS Kenyatta’s massive blow to land grabbers Head of state targets to reclaim over 6,672 acres of public land illegally allocated PG4-5 CORONAVIRUS HELPING THE HOMELESS Provide Food donations Set up donation drop-off points take-away food should be shelf-stable to encourage social distancing

Launder donated clothing, sheets, towels, Disinfect nonporous items, such or other fabrics on high heat settings as those made of plastic

SOURCE: CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

SERIAL MURDER? PROJECTS WILL STALL WORLD MALARIA DAY Burrowing killers butcher mum MPs reject proposal to cut CDF Similar symptoms: Why Covid and her daughter in Nyandarua by Sh10bn to fi ght coronavirus patients should test for malaria

It happened again. A killer or killers tunnelled through a wall: MPs have rejected attempts by the National Treasury to Suspected or confi rmed Covid-19 patients in malaria-ende- A 30-year-old Nyandarua woman and her fi ve-year-old deduct Sh10 billion from NG-CDF coff ers to raise cash for the mic areas might be required to receive a malaria diagnostic daughter were murdered early  ursday morning in their Covid-19 emergency response.  e Budget and Appropria- test should WHO rules be adopted. Similarly, those confi r- Chekaleri village home, Ol Joro Orok. tions team said substantial proportion had been committed. med to have malaria will have to undergo Covid-19 tests. PAGE 3 PAGE 8 PAGE 10 2 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020

Health TEMPORARY ORDERS CAS Mercy Mwangangi during a press Church media free conference on coronavirus at to air services live Afya House on ursday ANNETTE WAMBULWA/Confronted by empty churches /MERCY MUMO during the virus crisis, bishops, pastors and their media teams can now broadcast live services. Justice James Makau issued temporary orders on ursday allowing church broadcasting crews and church leaders to air their services. However, they must abide by all the state regula- tions, such as social distancing, handwashing and sanitising. Gatherings, including church service, have been banned because the coronavirus is easily transmitted in crowds. Two pastors had sued to suspend the directive banning church gatherings. Justice Makau barred the police from victimising or harassing the group of people in church for purposes of broadcasting. “Pending the hearing and determination of this application, the courts be pleased to order alternative forms of worship such as broadcasting of church services, be allowed on specifi c days.” “[ is is] to allow various churches to broadcast CONTAINMENT MEASURES to their faithful congregants without victimisation and harassment of the broadcasting crew, church elders, leaders and congregants who will be part of the church service,” the order reads.

State to announce review ALLOWANCES DISPUTE of corona rules next week Health workers CAS says team has been set up to assess impact of restrictions issue strike notice

STAR REPORTER ferent players to be able to defi ne a said. Industries have also been MAGDALINE SAYA/Health care in the country might be @ eStarKenya mechanism that will be adequate urged to focus on producing qual- disrupted in seven days after unions threatened to in ensuring Kenyans who may not ity sanitising products to avoid cre- call their members on strike over disparities in risk e decision on whether to tighten be able to meet these bills are taken ating new problems while solving allowance.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 24-26, 2020 APRIL 24-26, FRIDAY-SUNDAY, or loosen the coronavirus measures care of,” she said. the Covid-19 problem. ey want the allowances harmonised, saying will be communicated next week. e number of positive cases as “We have observed that some some workers get Sh20,000 and others Sh3,000. A team has been set up to assess at ursday was 320 after 17 addi- public service vehicles are defying e unions are Kenya National Union of Nurses, and review the impact of the var- tional cases were reported. social distancing regulations, and Kenya Union of Clinical Offi cers, Kenya National ious measures, among them hand e 17 were picked from 668 are increasingly sliding back to the Union of Medical Laboratory Offi cers, Kenya Health washing, social distancing, 60 per samples that had been tested with- old ways of conducting business,” Professionals Society and the Kenya National Union cent occupancy in PSVs and take- in 24 hours. Mwangangi said. of Pharmaceuticals Technologists. away services by hotels. ey included nine men and “Action shall be taken against “It is the feeling of the health workers that the “We have come up with a matrix eight women aged between 22 and any matatu found carrying more awarding of this particular allowance did not con- that will be evaluated this Sunday 60. Twelve were from Nairobi and than the recommended number of sider the factors that inform who is at the highest during the NERC meeting and, fi ve from Mombasa. passengers.” risk in the line of health care provision,” KUCO therefore, decisions will be made Fifteen were picked by the sur- e ministry said being quar- chairman Peterson Wachira said. as to whether these containment veillance teams while two were antined is neither detention nor He said the determination of exposure to risk measures need to be tightened from mandatory quarantine cen- punishment, but rather a measure should take into consideration time, work environ- or loosened,” Health CAS Mercy tres. meant to serve the greater good. ment and, most importantly, knowledge of the risk. Mwangangi said on ursday. Mwangangi urged Kenyans to “ e current pandemic puts every health work- In addition, the committee will PATIENTS DISCHARGED stop stigmatising those sent to er at risk, with the greatest risk to frontline health evaluate the issue of cost and bill- Six more patients were discharged quarantine facilities and those who workers who always get infected and have the high- ing of Covid-19 patients in health from health facilities, bringing the have recovered from the disease. est number of infection among health professionals facilities and give direction. total number of recoveries to 89. “ e fact that we have many who yet they are the least considered and lowly paid,” “We have a database current- “However, we are also noticing a have recovered is an indication that Wachira said. ly looking at the diff erent billing trend where we are getting newer we are capable of eff ectively man- e unions want frontline workers to be paid data both in public and private admissions every single day. I am aging and defeating this disease,” Sh30,000, which is “commensurate with the risk”. facilities and we are engaging dif- happy to announce that other than she said. ey complained that most health workers were two who are in ICU, the rest are The government announced having challenges with transport, with cases re- mild cases and will hopefully be that individuals taken into quar- ported of police harassment and arrests on their discharged in the proper order of antine facilities for breaching way home from duty. STAR SURVEY time,” Mwangangi said. curfew directives will be tested ey want the government to either provide e ministry has emphasised for Covdi-19 and released if they commuter allowance or vehicles to take them home TODAY’S QUESTION the need for consistency in dis- turn negative. after work. cipline among the youth, adding Acting director general of Health e government should provide accommodation Have you suff ered from malaria in that world over, it has emerged that Patrick Amoth has said on urs- for those working in high-risk facilities such as iso- the majority of the asymptomatic day those released will be advised lation and quarantine areas and high-risk counties, the past year? positives are children and young to self-quarantine. t h ey say. adults. He said quarantine facilities have “It is unfortunate counties are employing clinical Mwangangi said asymptomatic now fast tracked coronavirus test- offi cers on casual contracts with a gross salary as transmissions pose a challenge to ing to allow the release of those low as Sh30,000, which is exploitative and demoti- YESTERDAY’S QUESTION the containment of Covid-19. who test negative from the centres. vating to our members,” Wachira said. “It is, therefore, imperative that Mwangangi cautioned against e workers want all short-term contracts remu- Do you still trust Nairobi Governor all our frontline people—truck the stigmatisation of those sent to nerated as permanent and pensionable, and those drivers, matatu drivers, journal- the facilities. on long-term contracts admitted to the permanent Mike Sonko? ists, bankers, security and health “Being quarantined is neither and pensionable category. personnel—wash their hands with detention, nor a punishment. ey want the employment of additional health running water and soap, and wear Quarantine is meant to serve the workers fast-tracked to ease pressure on existing YES 21% face masks at all times,” she said greater public good, which is pub- s t a ff . e CAS advised Kenyans against lic health,” she said. e unions said their leadership had been left out over-reliance on sanitiser, add- On April 15, Health CS Mutahi of planning for Covid-19 mitigation, making them ing that while it is eff ective, soap Kagwe announced that total of 455 unaware of plans by the government to protect and individuals have been put in man- NO 79% and running water are the best for motivate their members. fi ghting the virus. datory 14-day quarantine. ey said it was unfair for them to be left out Sanitiser should only be used for failing to adhere to curfew when their working conditions were being dis- in exceptional circumstances, she regulations. cussed. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 3 THE TUNNEL KILLINGS CORRIDORS OF POWER Burrowing murderers butcher mum, daughter in Nyandarua It was the second murder in a month and the third attack in three months

NDICHU WAINAINA The hole dug @TheStarKenya by the killers at Gatumbiro, It happened again. A killer or kill- Ol Joro Orok, ers tunnelled through a wall: A Nyandarua 30-year-old Nyandarua woman county POLITICAL and her five-year-old daughter /NDICHU GOSSIP were murdered early Thursday WAINAINA morning in their Chekaleri village Who is doing what and where in the home, Ol Joro Orok. world of politics Another daughter, aged 13, and a niece, 17, are fighting for their lives A LAW FIRM ASSOCIATED with an in a Nakuru hospital. The mur- advocate who portrays himself as a saint dered child was in Grade 1 while is under the scrutiny of the Ethics and her sister is in Standard 7. Anti-Corruption Commission, headed by The screaming went on for two hours but neighbours were afraid Twalib Mbarak (pictured). A source tells to help and violate the anti-virus Corridors that the firm was contracted to curfew. provide legal services by a parastatal under It was the second murder in a the Ministry of Health. For nearly nine years month and the third attack in three now, however, the firm is yet to deliver on a months. key task assigned to it. But it has been bi- The killers are yet to be identi- lling the parastatal. The Auditor General has fied, Nyandarua West subcounty Area assistant chief Henry Mu- of the house to enter her bedroom. police commander Isaac Ruto told rage said the government will en- She had one daughter. for some years now been calling for action the Star. sure that the culprits are brought Ruto said eight witnesses have to be taken against the law firm. Ruto said a police officer on -pa to book. recorded statements and the file trol at Ol Joro Orok Trading Centre Villager Ruth Njeri said scream- will be forwarded to the office of heard screams at 3.40am from the ing went on for more than two the Director of Public Prosecu- RESIDENTS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LOCAL village. He and colleagues rushed hours until the police siren was tions. doctors and nurses at a certain private to the scene and found that Peter heard. She said it was difficult for In a similar ‘burrowing’ attack FEAR A SERIAL hospital has gone to another level. A worker Kamau’s home had been invaded. the neighbours to respond due to five months ago, a 57-year-old A hole had been dug through the curfew. mother of 10 and her 15-year- KILLER IS at the hospital, which has sizeable branches the wall of the house where Eunice “We don’t know how long the old daughter escaped death after TARGETING across the country, says management has Muthoni, Linet Njeri, 5, and the police will take to arrest these criminals dug a hole at the base of told local health staff to take pay cuts in the other children were sleeping. criminals. Last year, more than 10 their house at Kwa Major Village in WOMEN. wake of Covid-19. However, the salaries and Muthoni and the child died of women and girls were killed and Weru, Ol Joro Orok, and entered POLICE allowances of foreign doctors and nurses head injuries at Nyahururu Coun- none of the killers has been arrest- the bedroom. They were hit with in the same job group are untouched. Ma- ty Referral Hospital. The other girls ed,” she said. blunt objects and suffered knife in- DISMISS nagement even went ahead and told them had head and mouth injuries. Ruto said the victims were not juries to the head. Ruto said Muthoni was living in raped or defiled and nothing was The ‘tunnel murders’ have spread THE THEORY they were lucky their salaries were reduced her parents’ home after separating stolen from the house. fear among residents who suspect SAYING THE as the original plan was to send them home. from her husband a month ago. This is the second ‘tunnelling’ a serial killer is targeting women. He said a blood-stained metal murder in Gatumbiro in less than No arrests have been made. CRIMES ARE bar was found at the home, seven a month. On March 25, Alice Wan- Ruto dismissed the serial killer ISOLATED A PARASTATAL CHIEF is reportedly kilometres from Ol Joro Orok po- jiru, 23, was killed after a criminal theory saying the crimes are isolat- pleading with his side chick day and night to lice station. or criminals dug a hole at the base ed cases. CASES relocate to a less expensive estate in Nai- robi. A mole in the parastatal told Corridors the man had rented the damsel a house in Kileleshwa but with the effects of Covid-19 CARTOON hitting many hard, the man is pleading his case. To make matters worse, President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked top government officials to take a pay cut. The man is asking the woman to look for an affordable house in Eastlands or along Thika Road. The re- location will be temporary and she will be back in Kileleshwa when things go back to normal, he explains.

SOME CHURCH LEADERS are up in arms against an MP in the North Rift. Reason? They say the legislator has of late been issuing bouncing cheques to churches in his constituency. He recently issued a cheque for Sh300,000 that bounced when the leaders of the church went to bank it, em- barrassing them. The legislator is also being accused of making false promises on the education of orphaned children. The pea- ce-loving church leaders, however, say they won’t go after him but will leave everything to God.

If you have any tips send them to [email protected] 4 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 NEW IMPETUS STATE HAS TAKEN BACK 3,954 ACRES IN NAIROBI, PLANS EVICTIONS WITHIN METROPOLITAN AREA news

Uhuru’s massive blow to grabbers

The parcels were meant for san- land for expansion of sanitation itation facilities, sewerage treat- facilities in Nairobi despite its ris- JAMES MBAKA ment plants and water storage ing population. @TheStarKenya facilities but were grabbed by de- Nairobi is Kenya’s largest city velopers. with a population of 4,397,073, President Uhuru Kenyatta is re- In some cases, grabbers use fake It is recommended while the Nairobi metropolitan claiming over 2,700 acres of public land registration documents to area is inhabited by 9,354,580 land illegally allocated to private claim ownership, while in other that all land that people. developers within Nairobi. scenarios genuine but fraudulent- However, documents show On Wednesday Lands officials ly obtained documents have been was set aside that while the government had repossessed some 1,600 acres in cited. for development set aside 4,449.2 acres of land for Ruai associated with a senior gov- On Wednesday, a joint statement expansion of water and sewerage ernment official. by Water and Irrigation PS Joseph and expansion of facilities, only 1,722.3 acres re- As with Uhuru’s anti-graft fight Irungu and his Lands counterpart main. aimed at securing his legacy, tens Nicholas Muraguli said that the sewerage system The rest of the land — about of government officials and ben- government will repossess all ille- in Nairobi county 2726.9 acres — has been grabbed eficiaries of the illegal allocations gally allocated land. by private developers across Nai- could be arrested and prosecuted. “It is recommended that all land but has been rob i c i ty. Documents prepared by senior that was set aside for development At the Karura reservoir off government officials and obtained and expansion of sewerage system illegally acquired Kiambu Road, 4.3 acres of land by the Star detail how public land in Nairobi county but has been il- have been hived off from the orig- was hived off in Kariobangi, Karu- legally acquired by third parties be by third parties be inal six acres allocated for water ra, Karen, Kabete and Kahawa recovered,” the two said. recovered storage for Karura North and East- West. The fraud has left little or no ern part of Nairobi. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 5 NEW IMPETUS STATE HAS TAKEN BACK 3,954 ACRES IN NAIROBI, PLANS EVICTIONS WITHIN METROPOLITAN AREA

in 1996, the land was subdivid- ed into other subplots L.R Nos. 209/7260/1-137 and illegally allo- cated to private entities. The government says that while some 11 acres of land listed as Nai- Construction of robi Block 91/126 meant for the Gigiri reservoir station has not COMMENT the dam started in been grabbed, it is under threat CHRIS OWALLA March 2018 and from powerful forces. It is the same case for L.R. 12092 Land used as will be completed Kikuyu, where some 30.9 acres of land is threatened. incentive to in November The government says it has ac- 2020 to supply quired a loan of Sh20 billion from reward loyalty ADB and AFD for implementation 150,000m3 per day of sewerage projects within Nairo- he challenge that has troubled b i C i ty. Kenya’s land sector stems from of water, generate This is intended to connect more Thistorical practices. households into the sewerage sys- In the past, land was 20MW of power tem and to construct 80,000m3 given out by the President, and irrigate 40,000 per day of the sewerage treatment District Commissioners, Land system in Ruai. Commissioner and clerks of hectares of land The implementation of the proj- local authorities. Clerks were ects is expected to start in July working at the behest of county or 2020. municipal councillors. The government had also ac- Each time someone was elected Another public parcel of land quired a loan of Sh42 billion from into the defunct county councils, measuring 0.6 acres in Nairobi’s ADB to undertake 80.3m high land would be used to buy their Tena Estate has been illegally allo- dam with a storage capacity of loyalty. When one was found to cated for an open-air market. 688 million m3 in Thwake, 220 km be in good books with the Kanu Currently, a water tank and a from Nairobi. regime, they got land. When one borehole have been sunk and in- The construction of the dam wanted to preserve his kingdom jected into the water supply sys- started in March 2018 and will after attaining leadership, tem. The land is identified as Nai- be completed in November they used land as a gift to earn robi Block 82/1290. 2020 to supply 150,000m3 per followers. Land was a reward for At the Kahawa ponds, LR No. day of water, generate 20MW of loyalty and no procedure was 71/7, some 9.8 acres of land meant power and irrigate 40,000 hect- followed. for sewerage treatment to serve ares of land. It never occurred to the Kahawa West has been grabbed. Experts have warned that the perpetrators that there would be In Eastleigh, LR 209/7260, some investment would be a waste if a reform process that would take 33.4 acres of land meant for a sew- Athi River basin is not restored away the powers from individuals erage treatment plant and regional and sewage is treated to the re- to one institution. offices for staff have been hived off. quired standards before it is dis- That explains why the land According to the documents, charged into the environment. reforms question has faced a lot of challenges. If you get anyone who is very rich in Kenya, usually they own huge parcels of land. Even if WATER / SEWERAGE FACILITY you look at how the white settler AT RISK OR ALLOCATED TO farms were transferred, it was our own powerful people who took PRIVATE OWNERS over the sprawling farms. Lands PS The Loresho reservoir has also Land has been used to Nicholas lost 2.3 acres of its land grabbed dispossess the poor and to reward Muraguri, Nairobi by private individuals. The land ORIGINAL ENCROACHED the rich so they can continue regional police was in 1996 subdivided into six ruling. That is why the issue of boss Philip Ndolo, parcels —Nairobi Block 90/591- KARURA RESERVOIR 2.430 1.77 land cannot be solved easily. Water PS Joseph 596. Looking at even the family set up, Irungu and The reservoir is currently locat- you find that those who have land Nairobi regional ed on Block 90/596 with the rest LORESHO RESERVOIR 1.254 0.30 continued to get more. This is what commissioner under the hands of grabbers. created vigilante groups – most of Wilson Njenga At the Kariobangi sewerage the youth were from families that on the Dandora treatment plant, 32 acres of land KARIOBANGI SEWERAGE 30.23 13.64 had been dispossessed. Estate Water have been grabbed while at Ruiru This is the same reason the Sewerage some 0.4acres have been taken up government has a problem with Treatment Plant by private developers. DANDORA ESTATE implementing the Community land in Ruai last The Ruiru land is meant for a SEWERAGE TWORKS 1,716.90 1,054.02 Land Act. The government is not at Wednesday pumping station for Ruiru–Kabete ease with it. The Act requires that /GEORGE OWITI water supply. FARASI LANE PUMPING any communal land be handed At Karen ponds, off Lang’ata back to the respective community. STATION 0.935 0.18 Road, 5.1 acres of land that was Individuals who grabbed cannot meant for the sewerage treatment allow communities to own the works for Karen Shopping Centre KAREN PONDS 2.072 2.07 parcels. The coastal region or has been illegally allocated to a Maasai land is a case in point. private developer. The National Land Commission KABETE TREATMENT At Kabete, 34 acres of land 23.147 13.78 cannot do much because the meant for the development of WORKS & TANKS bosses are appointees of the State; sewerage treatment works has they work at the behest of those been allocated to private indi- KAREN BREAK in power, who are protecting their viduals. Two parcels fronting PRESSURE TANK 0.279 0.28 land. Name them, who is who in Waiyaki Way are in the hands of the Republic of Kenya, the land grabbers. question is what troubles them. It is the same story of public KAHAWA WEST 4.00 4.00 There is no one – from among land being allocated to private in- TREATMENT PONDS the who is who in power today – dividuals in Karen PBT where 0.6 who doesn’t have a land problem. acres of land has been grabbed. REGIONAL OFFICES & For more news That is why it is not easy to land The land was acquired by the DUTY STATION 15.5 13.53 on our website. a senior position in the NLC. government during the imple- Scan this quick mentation of the third Nairobi Wa- response code The Executive Director of ter Supply but has been allocated Area in Ha. using your Community Initiative Action to private entities. smartphone. Group Kenya spoke with the Star 6 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 NEWS GENERAL

DISREGARDED LAW INADEQUATE PPE Activist Pay bills for Kenyans in quarantine, state told Okiya Kakamega doctors Omtatah threaten strike over ANNETTE WAMBULWA/ Human rights activist Okiya Omtatah wants the state /MERCY MUMO to refund the money it collected from all Kenyans in mandatory quarantine alleged intimidation over Covid-19. In a petition filed at the Milimani law courts, he argues that the state HILTON OTENYO/ Doctors at the has disregarded the Public Health Act and instead used unlawful ways Kakamega County Referral to combat the virus. Omtatah says the decision made by the state that Hospital have accused top health requires individuals to go into compulsory quarantine without a court officials of harassment, threats order is illegal. and inadequate personal protective Omtatah wants the court to compel the state to refund in full, and equipment (PPEs). with interest at the courts’ rates, the money every person in quarantine The medics asked Governor was forced to pay for their upkeep. He is challenging the decision by the Wycliffe Oparanya to intervene government forcing people ordered into compulsory quarantine in centres and protect them or else they will to meet the costs of their own confinement. walk off in a week. Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union Western branch NO CONSULTATION secretary Sande Charo accused Health executive Rachael Okumu and chief officer Beatrice Etemesi of harassment and intimidation. Maraga warns judges against In a memo to the governor, they said the referral and subcounty hospitals are ill-equipped to handle Covid-19 cases should they arise. They said their efforts to raise sabotaging remote work the matter with the two health officials have been met with Judges given until May 30 to deliver all pending judgments and rulings intimidation, demotions and transfers. The memo also details inadequacy of PPE. JILLO KADIDA CJ David Maraga ”We beseech your office @TheStarKenya at a press to intervene in this horrid conference environmen,t which is aimed at Chief Justice Maraga sent a stern on Wednesday derailing the fight against Covid-19 warning to judges who are sabotag- /MERCY MUMO and plunging the county and ing efforts to conduct court hearings country into misery. If action is not remotely. taken, we’ll have no option but to In a confidential letter addressed withdraw our labour until when to all judges and seen by the Star, he these grievances are addressed said: “I will not allow any of us to without further notice,” it reads. cause problems for the entire institu- Last week, Oparanya said tion. If you have any challenges with Sh85 million would be spent on technology, please seek assistance protective gear in the war on the from our ICT team.” virus. President Uhuru Kenyatta The CJ hinted that some judges had last week allowed governors to decided to work only on Thursdays purchase the kits outside the yet they are all on duty during the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency. partial Covid-19 lockdown. The doctors also claimed the “It has come to my notice that a working environment for those few of us are frustrating, nay sabo- handling Covid-19 matters is taging, our efforts to conduct pro- In a rejoinder to the CJ’s letter, our employer and Wanjiku,” he said. 28 judgments and rulings on April 8. deplorable. “These officers are ceedings remotely and as a result, we Kuto said the judges have been Since the partial lockdown began, In Meru, Justice Francis Gikonyo working 24 hours without the are being barraged with all manner working as required. “Lordship the the judges have heard hundreds of delivered 17 judgments and rulings simplest thing like breakfast and of complaints and insults,” said CJ CJ is emphasising the directions that cases and delivered judgments. on April 21. lunch. They are not protected at Maraga in the letter dated April 23. he has previously given. Hon judges, In the first 10 days alone, they On Thurday, magistrate Mau- all in addition to the long working “Though we moved away from magistrates and kadhis are working. handled 203 cases. In Malindi, mag- reen Kimani of Kitui Law Courts hours,” a union member said. hearing matters once a week, I am It is only that there are no open court istrate Julie Aseko handled 157 cases delivered judgments to remandees Dr Charo said the link between shocked to learn that some of us are sessions,” he said. in a day via video conferencing.In at Kitui G.K Prisons via video link; the health officials and medics asserting that they are hearing mat- “His Lordship has called upon Mombasa, judge Eric Ogola of the Kisii High Court judge Rose Ougo in the fight against Covid-19 was ters only on Thursdays.” members to fully utilise ICT in these High Court cleared 23 criminal cas- delivered judgements via Zoom; weak and that healthcare workers He asked judges to use this time circumstances. He said members es. Court of Appeal judge Hannah and magistrate V. Masivo of Nanyu- are at the risk of contracting the to write all judgments that are pend- have doubled their efforts to ensure Okwengu delivered 20 judgments ki Law Courts delivered judgements virus if they handle active cases. ing by May 30. “In this partial lock- that all judgments and rulings are and rulings on April 3. and rulings via video conference to “It has come to our realisation down, we have a lot of time to clear delivered within the period indicat- The cases were heard in Nairobi, Nanyuki Prison among others. that amidst the devotion and our pending judgments,” he said. ed by the CJ.” Kisumu, Mombasa and Eldoret. The The Chief Justice’s letter comes af- selflessness of our doctors in the He further directed the judges to Kuto further said that the judg- judgments and rulings were deliv- ter LSK president Nelson Havi dared fight against Covid-19, there lies an file their monthly returns from April es and magistrates are willing and ered via video link while some sent judges unhappy with his support for ugly hand of intimidation, threats 30 via email directly to him until fur- ready to comply with the directions on email.In the Family Division, upscaling of court sittings to frus- and highhandedness by the two ther notice. of the CJ. “We will be accountable to judge Aggrey Muchelule delivered trate his cases. officials,” the letter reads.

DONATION THROUGH AMREF P&G donates sanitary towels to vulnerable women MERCY MUMO/ Procter & Gamble on Thursday donated Amref Health Africa group director of programmes Amref Y-ACT 16,000 sanitary towels to Amref Health Africa’s Youth Mette Kinoti said the response by the private sector to director Evalin Programme at the Amref International University. the needy comes in handy. Karijo, Amref The sanitary towels are to be distributed through “Through support from the private sector, we’re Group director grassroots’ youth-led organisations in Nairobi and able to reach out to large numbers of women in the of programmes Samburu counties. Sanitary towels remain a critical slums like Kibera and Mathare and other parts of the Mette Kinoti, challenge for many girls in Kenya, a situation that has country like Samburu,” Kinoti said. P&G country been aggravated by the coronavirus outbreak. She urged organisations and the government to manager Simon P&G’s Kenya manager Simon Mwangi said, “Sanitary also consider sanitary towels in their donations. Mwangi donate towels are not an option but a basic need. Most Rights advocate Editar Ochieng said girls from slums sanitary towels women have been affected by this pandemic, most accessed sanitary towels at school but since schools on Thursday of them have to choose between having a meal and “have been closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, /MERCY MUMO buying a pack of sanitary towels.” they cannot get them now”. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 7 NEWS GENERAL

POSITION DEFENDS UHURU’S POSITION Council dismisses Kenyan teacher, wife and child Muslim leaders’ call for curfew favour

BRIAN OTIENO / A section of Muslim forced into quarantine in China leaders in Mombasa has differed with those calling for the resched- uling of the curfew during the holy Serem denies reports that Kenyans have been sleeping on the streets month of Ramadhan. The Holy month of Ramadhan media platforms. Serem said since starts on April 23 or 24, depending the beginning of this month, Chi- on the sighting of the moon. Political GIDEON KETER nese authorities in the southern leaders and some clerics last Friday @TheStarKenya city of Guangzhou have tightened urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to control measures. readjust the start of the curfew from The Kenyan embassy in China in- “On April 6, the Foreign Affairs 7pm to 10pm. They included Mvita tervened recently to have a Kenyan Office of Guangzhou Municipal Gov- MP Abdulswamad Nassir and Sen- teacher, his wife and their one-year- ernment published on its WeChat ator Mohammed Faki and Muslim old child forced into quarantine. account an open letter to foreign na- clerics from the Council of Imams Ambassador Sarah Serem said tionals living in Guangzhou issued and Preachers of Kenya. her office was forced to step in and by the Guangzhou Municipal Health However, the Kenya Muslim have the family returned to com- Commission regarding health dec- National Advisory Council on Thurs- plete quarantine. “Intervention led laration. This specified quarantine day urged Muslims to abide by the to all the three being quarantined procedures as well as intention to current rules and regulations meant in their apartment,” Serem said in test everyone in Guangzhou city,” to contain Covid-19. a media brief. she said. Led by Kemnac chairman Sheikh The embassy also intervened in The envoy said that where there Juma Ngao, they said it is prudent to another case in which two students have been clear cases of harassment obey government’s directive and not were picked up and taken to quar- of not only Kenyans but other Afri- seek favours. antine while their two European cans, African ambassadors in Beijing Addressing the press at a hotel in housemates, one of them Serbian, have taken action including writing Mombasa on Thursday, Sheikh Ngao were left. protest letters to the China’s Minis- said even Islam recognises times of She denied reports that Kenyans try of Foreign Affairs. “The embassy emergency and allows certain rules have been sleeping on the streets wrote a protest note to Ministry of to be broken. after they were thrown out of their Foreign Affairs in Beijing and de- “Islam has provisions for emer- homes. tailed specific cases of mishandling. gencies. If one is dying of hunger “The embassy intervened in some Through intervention by the em- and there is no way they can get to cases where landlords had threat- bassy, many unfairly targeted cases a place where there is proper food, ened Kenyans. These were all either were reconsidered including release Islam allows that person to eat even retained in their houses or taken to to self-quarantine as opposed to su- the food that is considered haram designated hotels funded by local pervised one,” she said. like pork,” Sheikh Ngao said. authorities,” Serem said. “The embassy has promptly in- He was flanked by Salim Kassim, In the last few weeks, as the Chi- formed the Ministry of Foreign Af- Munir Ali, Sheikh Abdulrazak Omar nese authorities implement mea- fairs – Nairobi – of the challenges and Khitamy Aboud. sures to combat Covid-19, residents the Kenyans face in Guangzhou.” of African descent have complained She also said that her office has of harassment and being kicked out engaged Kenyans and advised them FLOODS IN KISUMU of their houses on accusations they to avail themselves for testing as are spreading the virus. this “will guarantee their health 32,000 evacuated Videos and photos of African to ensure they are not subjected to immigrants sleeping on the streets quarantine outside their residences.” to rescue camps, while others are barred from enter- There are close to 7,000 Kenyans, says Nyong’o ing shops have emerged on social mainly traders, in Guangzhou city. Ambassador Sarah Serem /FILE

MAURICE ALAL/ About 32,000 flood PAYMENTS rolled out from Friday.” The CS said Central Bank of Kenya indicating victims in Kisumu have been evac- the National Treasury’s response to that pending bills slowed the 2019- uated to rescue centres, Governor Covid-19 pandemic cuts across all 20 growth by almost 100 basis Anyang Nyong’o said Thursday. Treasury to release Sh23bn sectors. So far, Sh18 billion has been points. The evacuation was done by the disbursed for various interventions The high job losses witnessed in departments of special programmes, to suppliers and VAT refund with more resources to be released the past two quarters of the current agriculture and water. with the passage of the supplemen- financial year were partly attributed The situation in Kisumu is dire. tary budget. to a lack of liquidity in the economy The heavy rains have left a trail of The Sh13 billion to suppliers is due to high pending bills, among death and destruction. “With the part of Sh49 billion to be released other factors. floods ravaging the Nyando basin, by the government by the end of this The government has in recent hundreds of families have been VICTOR AMADALA financial year pending verification. months stepped up plans to clear uprooted from their homes. We have @TheStarKenya “The Kenyan government plans pending bills estimated at Sh100 had to evacuate some communities to pay pending bills to suppliers billion owed to suppliers by nation- to higher grounds,” he said. The government will on Friday start and quickly process tax refunds for al governments, counties and the Those affected needed food, sani- disbursing Sh13 billion owed in firms to support the economy in private sector. tation and reusable face masks. pending bills and a further Sh10 bil- the face of the coronavirus crisis,” In November last year, for in- “We call upon well-wishers to lion tax refunds as part of Covid-19 Yatani told Reuters late last month. stance, President Uhuru Kenyatta support us. This will not only com- economic stimulus to increase li- According to the news cable, directed that all verified and genu- plement my government’s efforts quidity in the market. Yatani said Sh49 billion will be re- ine pending bills be paid immedi- but will also be evidence that as The move is likely to resuscitate leased to offset the unpaid bills, and ately, a second directive after June people from all walks of life we can cash-strapped government suppliers a further Sh10 billion released to ex- 1, when he first called for clearance overcome any obstacle thrown to who have been waiting for the mon- pedite the payment of value-added of pending bills by the national gov- us,” the governor said. ey for almost two years now. tax refunds to businesses in the next ernment and counties. He said he would ensure that the Treasury CS Ukur Yatani tweeted, two-three months. The President revisited the issue flood-affected people are accorded “For the avoidance of doubts in addi- This is good news for thousands of the pending bills at State House, dignified stay at the evacuation cen- tion to ongoing social programmes. of suppliers across the country who Mombasa, early in January when he tres and protected against Covid-19. Other interventions are; increasing have taken an operational hit from said the government would float an He spoke during the flagging off liquidity in the economy (payment delayed payments, with some auc- infrastructure bond of Sh150 billion, of Rotary District 9212 Western of pending bills of Sh13 billion and tioned by creditors or closed shops. with the funds raised going to the Kenya hand wash stations and the National Treasury CS Ukur Yatani VAT refunds of Sh10 billion and This has had a spiral effect to the completion of ongoing road and launch of its Kisumu county project /VICTOR IMBOTO hire of health staff). These will be country’s economic growth, with infrastructure projects. at the County Referral Hospital. 8 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 NEWS GENERAL

‘FUNDS ALREADY COMMITTED’ PHOTO STORY MPs reject proposal to cut CDF by Sh10bn Say projects will stall, want state spending reduced by Sh51bn

MOSES ODHIAMBO/ MPs have rejected billion and increased recurrent ex- attempts by the National Treasury penditure by Sh24 billion. to deduct Sh10 billion from NG- In the report approved by the CDF coffers to raise cash for the National Assembly during a late Covid-19 emergency response. night sitting on Wednesday, MPs The National Assembly’s Budget increased recurrent spending to and Appropriations Committee Sh31 billion, development reduced said substantial proportion of the by Sh83 billion. The process of allocation had been committed. approving the estimates will be The committee chaired by Ki- concluded by consideration of the kuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa said Supplementary Appropriation Bill, the cuts would pose challenges in 2020. the implementation of constituen- The National Assembly made cy projects. further reallocations and reduced “Additionally, the NG-CDF Act its budget by Sh3 billion to ring- provides that the fund is a nation- fence resources for the fight against al government fund consisting of Covid-19. “These resources were monies of an amount less than 2.5 reduced from the National Assem- per cent of the share of revenue as bly vote of Sh2.2 billion, Sh750 divided by the annual Division of million from the Parliamentary Revenue Act,” its report says. Joint Services vote, and Sh274 mil- The NG-CDF was allocated Sh41 lion from the Senate vote,” a state- billion, of which Treasury CS Ukur ment by National Assembly Clerk Yatani sought to deduct Sh10 bil- Michael Sialai said. lion. Deductions affecting Sh5.8 The money will be used for Embu Governor Martin Wambora distributes face masks to boda boda riders in Embu town on Thursday. billion Equalisation Fund stand. purchases of personal protective The county chief distributed 20,000 masks to needy groups /MARTIN FUNDI The MPs also amended the sec- equipment for frontline health ond Supplementary Estimates so workers at Kenyatta National the government expenditure is Hospital, Mbagathi as well as Moi reduced by Sh51 billion. The Trea- Teaching and Referral hospitals. sury had wanted a Sh53 billion re- Kenyatta University Hospital, duction. Coast General Hospital as well as The Treasury had proposed a Level 4 and 5 hospitals in Kisumu, net reduction of Sh74 billion in the Kitui, and Mandera counties have current budget, being a reduction been earmarked for funding as of development funding by Sh98 well. PUBLIC NOTICE

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF NAIROBI SCAM ON SIM CARD REGISTRATION AND OWNERSHIP It has come to our attention that some unscrupulous persons are sending messages to mobile subscribers and on social media platforms purportedly to caution recipients that they have exceeded the maximum number of SIM cards allowed per subscriber.

The messages are crafted to appear as originating from the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), the predecessor to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). A telephone number is also THE NAIROBI CITY COUNTY ASSEMBLY provided purportedly to enable recipients secure further assistance.

We wish to urge the public to ignore these messages, as they do not emanate from CA but from NOTICE criminals, who are out to trick recipients into divulging personal information, including ID card numbers and other important details for fraudulent purposes. IT IS NOTIFIED for the general information of the public that the Nairobi City County Assembly Service Board has adopted new letterheads for: This type of scam is referred to as Smishing where fraudsters send SMS texts purporting to originate from a reputable company with the express purpose of tricking subscribers into revealing personal 1. The Nairobi City County Assembly Service Board information. The criminals use the information so obtained, including ID, usernames, passwords, PIN, and credit card details, to steal money from the recipient. 2. The Office of the Speaker 3. The Office of the Clerk It is important for the public to note that mobile operators (or their agents) are the only entities authorized to register SIM cards. As the ICT sector regulatory agency, CA, therefore, would have no This is in accordance with the Nairobi City County Flag and Other Symbols business seeking personal information from mobile subscribers for purposes of registration.

Act, 2013 which provides for the County flag and other symbols and In light of the foregoing, we urge the public to exercise caution and refrain from following the prevent the improper use of the County flag and of certain symbols, instructions in the messages including clicking on links provided on social media platforms. names, words and likenesses for professional or commercial purposes and for matters incidental thereto. To report similar cases, members of the public are hereby advised to contact the National KE-CIRT/ CC via [email protected] or through the following hotlines - +254 703 042700 and +254 730-172700. This is therefore to NOTIFY the public and ALL institutions of the changes and advise that the old letter heads have since been discontinued and ANY Mrs Mercy Wanjau person using them is a charlatan and the Assembly will not be held liable Ag DIRECTOR GENERAL for any business transacted by their use.

CHAIRPERSON, THE NAIROBI CITY COUNTY ASSEMBLY SERVICE

BOARD

Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 9 NEWS GENERAL

ONE FOETUS Landslide death toll rises to 15 after two more bodies found

MARYANN CHAI / Two more bodies including a foetus were recovered from the scene of the Chesogon tra- ding centre mudslide, bringing the total deaths to 15. Rift Valley regional commissioner George Natembe- ya said at least 22 people, including learners, were still missing following the Saturday night tragedy that left more than 4,000 families homeless after their houses were swept away by floods. Speaking to the press at the scene of the incident, Natembeya said the recovery teams on the ground had intensified efforts to find the missing bodies.

ATTACKED BY THUGS Cops recover phone of varsity student killed in Umoja, Nairobi

ANDREW KASUKU/ Police in Umoja, Nairobi, have recove- red the mobile phone of a university student who was killed at a hospital while buying medicine for his sick Choppies Supermarket along Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi /DOUGLAS OKIDDY mother on Wednesday. Rodgers Opiyo was buying medicine at the che- mist in Phadam Hospital in Umoja 2 when a gang of COLLAPSE OF BUSINESS two came in disguised as customers. “They started pretending they were also buying medicine. In the process, the man identified one of them and called out his name. He removed a pistol and shot him dead,” Choppies accounts to stay Buruburu police commander Adamson Bungei said. frozen in Sh173m tax case Justice Majanja says he finds sufficient evidence troubled retail chain is disposing of its business; allows firm and taxman 14 days to negotiate

STAR REPORTER/Choppies Enterprises where a taxpayer may become liable of all circumstances including its Ltd on Thursday suffered a blow after to pay tax and the commissioner has financial obligations for the court to the High Court dismissed an appli- reasonable grounds to believe that make an appropriate decision. cation to unfreeze its accounts over a the taxpayer will not pay tax by the “The plaintiff has not disclosed Sh173 million tax dispute with KRA. due date. how much it expects to receive from The Kenya Revenue Authority has “I find that there is sufficient -evi the sale of assets and stock and how issued two notices dated February 28, dence that Choppies is disposing of much it was holding in its accounts,” Sex workers during a protest /FILE to StanChart for Sh173,388,416 and its business. The agency notices will the judge said. to Quick Mart Ltd for Sh125,255,568, remain in force for 14 days to allow The company in May last year an- VULNERABLE GROUP on account of tax liability. the parties explore other means of nounced the suspension of its CEO, But the supermarket through solving the dispute,” Majanja said. Ramachandran Ottapathu, after an managing director Parin Patel said it Records show Patel had plead- external audit report established a Sex workers ask for had held talks with KRA but the au- ed with the court to unfreeze the number of irregularities in inventory thority demanded a bank guarantee supermarket’s accounts “to enable records and bulk sales. coronavirus support for Sh173 million, yet it was willing it to meet its financial obligations Choppies, based in the Southern to give a security of Sh15 million. including paying Sh60 million to African nation of Botswana, man- RETAILER NJERI MBUGUA/ Sex workers have appealed for funds to KRA claimed there are reasonable employees who were declared re- aged to enter the Kenyan market buy food items, pay legal fees for those arrested and for grounds to believe the retail chain dundant”. through the acquisition of Ukwala OWES SH60 healthcare during the Covid-19 pandemic. will not pay taxes due or it might The supermarket had also sold Supermarkets in 2016. MILLION TO Kenya Sex Workers Alliance, an organisation that never recover the dues in the future five of its branches to Quickmart Its woes go back to 2018 when it facilitates the improvement of human rights for all sex as the owners were winding up busi- Supermarkets Ltd and had received was suspended from trading in the EMPLOYEES workers, has started emergency fundraising for 100 days. ness in Kenya. an advance payment of Sh25 million. Botswana and Johannesburg stock DECLARED They had collected about Sh8,000 from five supporters Justice David Majanja said the law But Majanja said the retail chain exchanges due to delay in the release by Thursday. allows the taxman to issue a notice should have made full disclosure of its financial results. REDUNDANT “Sex workers community faces challenges such as violation of health and human rights, lack of access to health services and violence meted out on them by VIOLATED CURFEW their clients, the public and law enforcement officers,” Keswa said. Over 20 charged for flouting Additionally, the government’s restrictive measures to fight the spread of coronavirus had economically Covid-19 safety measures affected sex workers as the majority rely on daily wages for upkeep, the group said. CLAUSE MASIKA / More than 20 suspects were on Thur- A report by the UN and Social Justice Centre Working sday charged in a Kibera court with violating Covid-19 Group reported that sex workers are victims of violence movement restrictions. and harassment by police during the curfew. “With the The suspects were charged before Kibera senior curfew hours of 7pm to 5am imposed, most clients are principal magistrate Boaz Ombewa. shy to walk into brothels and hotspots for fear of being Majority of them were accused of committing the seen during the day, a statement by the alliance said. offence on April 22 in Kawangware, Kibera and Kan- Sex workers are among key populations at risk during gemi. pandemics such as Covid-19. They depend heavily on They were charged with disobeying curfew rules, the informal economy and have inadequate access to failing to observe social distancing among other rules social services or political influence. given by the Health ministry to curb the spread of Others are those who have limited capacities and coronavirus. Some of the suspects at a Kibera open court on Thursday /CLAUSE MASIKA opportunities to cope and little or no access to technology. 10 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 NEWS GENERAL

GIVEN TWO DAYS Noor and 10 elders from each clan. The state extended the nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew by four hours Surrender all illegal arms, in the area to contain escalating inter-clan conflict at the Nkara- ro-Enoretet border. A curfew to limit warring Maasai clans told the spread of Covid-19 begins at 7pm and ends at 5am. “The government KIPLANGAT KIRUI/ Maasai clans fight- to the state. That will be a sign that is processing the land title deeds for ing over a boundary in Transmara you have agreed to maintain peace,” the area as part of measures to end West have two days to surrender il- Kimiti said. the violence,” Kimiti said. legal firearms if the 4pm curfew is He spoke after meeting elders Governor Tunai said that lasting to be lifted. from Siria and Uasingishu clans in solutions must be found because Narok county commissioner Kilgoris town in Transmara West properties and lives have been lost. Samuel Kimiti said that the 4pm- subcounty on Wednesday. “This action is unacceptable and 7am curfew will remain until res- Narok Governor Samuel Tunai people should consider peace as the idents return guns used in recent convened the meeting also attended only solution to their problems, not skirmishes. “It is possible to lift the by MP Gideon Konchellah, deputy fighting,” Tunai said, adding they Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and county commissioner Samuel Kimiti after curfew but you must return guns county commissioner Mohammed will use the elders to preach peace. meeting elders in Kilgoris town on Wednesday /KIPLANG’AT KIRUI

WORLD MALARIA DAY Why Covid-19 patients should test for malaria The disease remains a major public health problem in Kenya and shares some symptoms with the coronavirus

A health worker illness,” the UN agency says. displays a Malaria is widespread, endemic MAGDALINE SAYA Covid-19 testing and causes illness in about 230 mil- @TheStarKenya kit at a screening lion people and kills about 430,000 and isolation people globally each year. Given the Suspected or confirmed Covid-19 field hospital in grim picture of its prevalence, the patients in malaria-endemic areas Machakos town ministry has also been tasked with might be required to receive a ma- on Wednesday encouraging early care-seeking for laria diagnostic test should the gov- /REUTERS fever and suspected malaria by the ernment adopt WHO requirements. general population to prevent a spike Similarly, those confirmed to be in severe malaria cases and deaths. having malaria infection will have “Exceptional measures to control to undergo Covid-19 tests. As the malaria, including mass drug ad- world marks World Malaria Day on ministration or presumptive treat- Saturday, the World Health Organi- ment, may be required to minimise zation, in the new regulations, says increased disease and death arising malaria can coexist with many other from the Covid-19 pandemic,” the infections, hence confirmation of WHO states. malaria infection does not rule out In addition, it is required that an the possibility that a patient might official from the National Malar- also be suffering from Covid-19. ia Control Programme be part of This is because malaria and combination with azithromycin, Kagwe said the country’s Covid-19 About 70 per cent of the popula- Covid-19 response team to ensure Covid-19 share some symptoms an antibiotic by French scientist response is premised on a five-year tion is at risk of contracting malaria, malaria policies and practices are such as fever, headache, body aches Didier Raoult. On the other hand, public health security framework. with 14 million in endemic areas and coordinated along with the larger and weakness. This comes even as a the death rate among those who He urged the counties to keep an eye another 17 million in areas of the health system changes going into malaria drug, widely touted as a po- were receiving standard care only on other healthcare services. epidemic and seasonal malaria. effect due to Covid-19. tential cure for Covid-19, has shown stood at 11 per cent. The combina- “I, therefore, want to call on all According to the Kenyan National The global health agency says that no benefit against the disease over tion of the two among patients with counties to ensure the continuity Bureau of Statistics, malaria is still even though the entire population is standard care, and is in fact associ- severe illness was found to have no of health services, without losing the second major cause of death after at risk of infection and illness, with ated with more deaths. impact, as mortality persisted even sight of the coronavirus. We should, respiratory infections, with nearly an elevated risk of severe disease In a study conducted by the US after doctors adjusted the dosage to therefore, be prepared in the com- 70 per cent of the country’s people among the elderly and those with government on how American mili- higher rates. ing days to share our county health at risk. The WHO now says that underlying health conditions, it is tary veterans fared on hydroxychlo- Previous research had shown that service delivery scorecards,” he said. should exceptional situations arise possible but currently unknown roquine, researchers looked at the the drug was risky for patients with Malaria eradication is among the in the context of Covid-19, it may be whether malaria and its conse- medical records of 368 hospitalised certain heart rhythm problems and services that are likely to be hurt by necessary to assume that fever cas- quences, especially severe anaemia, veterans who either died or were can cause blackouts, seizures or at disruptions in the healthcare sys- es are associated with malaria, and may increase severe Covid-19 risk. discharged by April 11 across the times cardiac arrest. Hydroxychloro- tems as a result of the virus. Ma- all febrile individuals should receive Research on the same is ongoing. country. quine and related compound chlo- laria remains a major public health antimalarial treatment. In settings where malaria is not The death rate for patients on the roquine have been used for decades problem in Kenya and accounts for “Given that Covid-19 also leads to endemic, potential Covid-19 patients drug was 28 per cent compared to to treat malaria. about 16 per cent of outpatient con- fever, these individuals should also are advised not to got to health facil- 22 per cent when it was taken in On Wednesday, Health CS Mutahi sultations. be assessed for possible Covid-19 ities for fear of infecting health staff.

COUNTY BLAMED from the county failed. “We were transferred to this sta- dium in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus but we fear we night now get cholera,” the trader said. Gilgil market flooded, Colleague John Kuria said the stadium had been turned into a lake and their goods are rotting. He questioned the traders want mess fixed rationale for relocating them from the town centre since GEORGE MURAGE/ Two radi Flooding has disrupted com- their customers are now avoiding the stadium. “This merce at the Gilgil open-air market. place is already flooded. Access roads to are in poor con- The situation has raised fears of disease outbreak. The dition and the toilets do not have water,” Kuria lamented. market, which was located in a stadium two weeks ago Meanwhile, in Naivasha, the ongoing rehabilitation of as part of measures to fight the spread of Covid-19, has roads in informal settlements has been thrown into dis- more than 300 traders. They blame the Nakuru county array by heavy rains. Some roads and drainage systems government for their predicament and have vowed not were washed away and some wrecked by floods. to pay the daily levies until the mess is fixed. Viwandani MCA Eric Gichuki said the most affected Peter Njoroge said accessing the market was a major estates were County Council, Site and Kabati where the challenge for both traders and customers. He said they World Bank project was ongoing. He blamed poor work- Gilgil open-air market /GEORGE MURAGE have incurred huge losses after efforts to get assistance manship by the contractor for the destruction. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 11 NEWS GENERAL

DOWNPOUR BLESSING Plant trees during heavy rains – KFS Forest cover will help prevent floods and mudslide

A motorcyclist ferrying bread rides on a flooded section of Utawala-Katani road in Mavoko constituency on Wednesday /FREDRICK OMONDI LACK OF FUNDS CITED Water harvesting ability put to test

A boda boda Rivers, dams, lakes likely to burst their banks identified age to the environment must be operater drives addressed. CCF Kamau and Wan- on a flooded GILBERT KOECH gari Maathai founded the Green Belt section of GILBERT KOECH munity forums to avoid further de- @TheStarkenya Movement in Kenya. Earth Day was Kasarani-Mwiki @TheStarKenya struction of lives, properties, spread marked at the Wangari Maathai Cor- road on April 20 of waterborne diseases and loss of Determined to raise forest cover to ner in Karura Forest. /VICTOR IMBOTO Rain water is yet again going to waste biodiversity,” Shurie said. 10 per cent in two years, the Kenya Fifty indigenous tree seedlings as authorities across the country do He urged entrepreneurs to en- Forest Service has encouraged Ken- were planted to mark the 50th Earth not have the capacity to harvest it. sure their developments factor in yans to plant trees on their farms and Day. Participants wore masks and Lack of funds is cited as the main at least 3,000-litre storage tanks gardens. The country’s vegetation observed social distancing, as well problem hampering water harvest- for every household. “Storing wa- cover is 7.2 per cent. as handwashing. Fifteen people at ing and storage. ter will ensure that reserve flows are KFS Chief Conservator of Forests a time planted seedlings. The ongoing rains have wreaked maintained in water resources, thus Julius Kamau made the appeal on Tree planting will help mitigate havoc across the country, leading to saving our resources from depletion Wednesday during observations to the adverse effects of climate change, loss of life and property. Over 20 lives during reduced flows,” Shurie said. mark Earth Day. such as floods and mudslides taking have been lost, thousands displaced “It is crucial for Kenyans to rally place in deforested areas in Kenya and properties worth millions de- WATER SCARCITY together to heal Planet Earth by and worldwide. stroyed. Kenya is a water-scarce country, planting trees so it can heal us in The Kenya Meteorological Depart- The Meteorological Department with a per capita water availability of return,” Kamau said. ment said the ongoing rains are the had early in the week warned that less than 600 cubic metres, which is The CCF planted a mugithia seed- perfect opportunity to plant trees. the rains would intensify from below the global per capta threshold ling; the tree is known for its me- The Met said the rains will inten- A freshly planted Thursday and reduce on Saturday of 1,000 cubic metres. dicinal value. sify on Thursday and decline on Sat- tree seedling in Western and Central Kenya. The 2019 Population and Housing “By planting this medicinal tree, urday in Western and Central Kenya. /FILE “Heavy rainfall is expected to re- Census shows that only 10 per cent nature will heal, and in the same duce across the country on Saturday,” of Kenya’s households have access breath, it’s my prayer that the same Met director Stella Aura said. to piped water in their houses. healing spirit will heal Kenya and Further, about 14 per cent have indeed the entire world from the SLEEPLESS NIGHTS access to water from a nearby stand- coronavirus pandemic,” Kamau said. The Water Resources Authority has pipe. Green Belt Movement chair Mar- identified more than 20 rivers, dams According to the Kenya Demo- ion Kamau also urged Kenyans to and lakes that are likely to burst their graphic and Household Survey 2014, plant trees on their property banks. about 40 per cent of rural house- The Constitution envisages 10 per Authority CEO Mohammed Shurie holds spend more than 30 minutes cent forest cover in two years; to said the more than 20 rivers and looking for water. achieve that Sh48 billion is required. dams are giving him sleepless nights. The National Water Harvesting and The country needs to plant and “Due to the magnitude of the on- Storage Authority has said lack of protect 1.8 billion seedlings between going floods, most water resources funds limits water harvesting and now and 2022. including rivers are at critical stages storage in the country. Earth Day is an annual global in terms of threatening to burst their Authority acting CEO Geoffrey event to demonstrate support for banks or break their embankments,” Sang said 27 small dams and water environmental protection. he said. pans have been completed in various Experts warn the outbreak of pan- The water bodies include Suam, parts of the country. demics such as coronavirus could be Perkerra, Molo, Lake Naivasha, Sang said the dams and water associated with the damage to the Awach Kibuon, Malaba, Lake Vic- pans, which cost between Sh5 mil- environment. toria, Nzoia Webuye, Ragati, Nzoia, lion and Sh10 million, will harvest They say halting biodiversity loss Yalla, Sio, Tana, Nyando, Gucha between 10,000 cubic metres and and tackling climate change will Migori, Awach Tende, Nyamasaria, 25,000 cubic metres. pave the way for a new normal in Sondu, Mara and Seven Forks. They are in Nakuru, Embu, the age of the coronavirus. Water levels at Masinga, Kamburu, Makueni, Kajiado, Garissa, Mande- The United Nations Environment Gitaru, Thika, Sasumwa and Ruiru ra, Turkana, Baringo, Nyeri, Kiambu, Programme said the pandemic is a dams have also risen. Wajir, Elgeyo Marakwet, Bungoma, stark reminder of the vulnerability “The public is therefore notified to Bomet, Narok and Lamu. of humans and the planet in the face move to higher grounds and adhere Sang said the main challenge fac- of global-scale threats. to relevant flood alerts given through ing the authority in rolling out its UNEP said the unchecked dam- various media channels and com- work was a lack of funds. 12 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24 - 26, 2020 NEWS BUSINESS

THE DATA Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina with a pair of a locally produced 107.1412 face mask The indicative value of during a press conference on the shilling to the dollar March9,2020 /EZEKIEL The Kenyan shilling was stable AMING’A against the dollar on Thursday as market activity remained low due to the COVID-19 pandemic, traders said. financial market FOREX EXCHANGE RATES Currency Buy Sell Mean US DOLLAR 107.0412 107.2412 107.1412 STG POUND 132.2829 132.5618 132.4224 SA RAND 5.6931 5.7063 5.6997 KES / USHS 35.2477 35.4069 35.3273 KES / TSHS 21.5309 21.6646 21.5977 JPY (100) 99.4344 99.6295 99.5320 IND RUPEE 1.3996 1.4023 1.4009 EURO 116.2682 116.5206 116.3944 CHINESE YUAN 15.1126 15.1432 15.1279 AE DIRHAM 29.1387 29.1988 29.1687

OPPORTUNITY NSE BIGGEST WINNERS Price Change (%) LONGHORN 4.90 8.17 FLAME TREE 0.97 7.78 Local manufacturers urged EVEREADY 0.86 7.50 UCHUMI 0.30 7.14 TRANS-CENTURY 1.70 5.59 to capture Kenyan market NSE BIGGEST LOSERS Price Change (%) WPP SCAN GROUP 16.00 5.88 This is in the wake of shifting global trade patterns caused by coronavirus I$M HOLDINGS 50.00 5.21 SAMEER AFRICA 2.11 4.09 ers have been forced to outsource advantage of that,” CS Maina told nuclear reactors, railway or tramway BRITAM HOLDINGS 6.62 4.06 inputs from other countries to bridge the Star in a telephone interview locomotives, iron and steel, furniture, CIC 2.17 3.56 MARTIN MWITA the disruption of the supply chain yesterday. and textile. @MwitaMartin from China. The country has already ventured With disruption on the Kenya Kenyan imports from China are into the manufacture of masks and supply line, local businesses have valued at approximately Sh371 bil- ventilators and the processing of sa- been seeking alternative markets Kenyan manufacturers should iden- lion while exports to China stand at nitiser in the wake of the virus. among them Turkey and India, CS tify current market needs and strive Sh11 billion (Economic Survey, 2019 ). “There are other sectors to look Maina said. to meet the demand, Industrializa- A survey by the Kenya Associa- at including online meetings apps Her call comes at a time when the tion, Trade, and Enterprise Develop- tion of Manufacturers (KAM) shows which are currently highly used. We Kenya Private Sector Alliance is also ment Betty Maina has said. about 82 per cent source their inputs can also grow our e-commerce, in pushing for growth of local indus- This comes in the wake of shifting or export to China, hence faced a di- short there is a lot of opportunities tries and intra-africa trade. ADOPT A trade patterns between Kenya and rect risk of supply chain disruption. now and post Covid-19,”Maina said. “This may be an opportunity for international markets. China alone accounts for about 21 Apart from China, Kenya also Kenya to harness and grow local in- COLLABORATIVE Imports from China, Kenya’s big- per cent of Kenya’s imports, mean- heavily depends on imports from In- dustries, supporting existing ones to gest trading partner plunged by at ing more than Sh200 billion worth dia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Af- expand their capacity or incentiviz- MINDSET IN least Sh58.64 billion in the first two of products may need to be sourced rica.Other markets are Japan, UK, US, ing the creation of new industries for months of the year as the coronavi- elsewhere or substituted by local Germany, Netherlands, and France, import substation as well as leverage A CRISIS rus outbreak disrupted the supply production. which are major import sources on the regional market such as EAC chain. “People should be able to identify for Kenya. Top imports from China, and Afcfta,” Kepsa notes. In typical negotiations, a best About 57 per cent of manufactur- new business opportunities. There is include electrical machinery and The private sector have been push- practice is for both sides to focus no reason why we should not take equipment, mechanical appliances, ing for the uptake of local content. on how to maximize potential gains. But in times of crisis, the goal is often to minimize potential losses. GENEROSITY should also ensure that staff are safe workers to help ensure that those The standard tactics aren’t as through moving more to cashless with critical travel requirements helpful under these circumstances, environment in their transactions. are able to keep moving. and the stress of a crisis can lead “One of our products dubbed St- “Coronavirus is wreaking havoc us to adopt a more skeptical, Fund businesses through awi which we launched last year in our lives, our economies and adversarial mindset toward the has really been useful to small busi- societies therefore we need to mo- people we’re negotiating with. To philanthropy, lenders urged nesses who want to access credit bilize our resources to defeat this negotiate well under pressure, during thus hard economic time,” disease,” said David McNair , Ex- you should move toward a more Investments have been hurt by coronavirus said Habil Olaka, CEO Kenya Bank- ecutive Director for global policy, collaborative mindset — and help ers Association. the One campaign. others do the same. This means SUSAN NYAWIRA / Various leaders in through commercial lending. The current disruptions in busi- According to McNair the G20 being transparent and open with the financial sector are calling upon “Banks need to come through nesses due to the virus will impact should deliver an emergency eco- everyone involved and emphasizing financial institutions to support for the people during this period heavily on businesses hence the nomic stimulus of $100 billion(Sh10 that you share a common purpose. Kenya through commercial lending and I would like to laud some ad- need for the financial institutions trilion), as requested by African Collaborative negotiation can be during the coronavirus pandemic. justments by various banks such to assist them. Globally, some firms governments, to fund the immedi- useful under normal circumstances, In a webinar hosted by the Kenya as extending repayment times for such as Vista Jet have started giv- ate health response in Africa, social but it’s critical to adopt it now. Both National Chamber of Commerce, credit,” said Elizabeth Wasuna, Di- ing back to the society during this safety nets for the most vulnerable, you and your negotiation partners the leaders urged banks and other rector Business Banking, Absa Bank. pandemic.The air charter company feeding and protecting out of school will be better off for it. financiers to adopt philanthropy Wasunna said that the banks is offering free flights for essential children, and to protect jobs. Friday-Sunday April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 13 NEWS BUSINESS

OFFLOAD Tullow shifts focus to Kenya after Sh61billion Uganda deal ENTREPRENEURS’ TOOLBOX BY SAMUEL MPAMUGO e oil explorer is expecting to receive bids from potential buyers in the coming weeks How to Evaluate Your Business

MARTIN MWITA Performance @MwitaMartin t is vital for entrepreneurs to acquire the skills to objectively evaluate their Tullow Oil has sold its stake in Ugan- Ibusiness. is starts with a change da and shifted focus to Kenya, it an- in perspective. To properly evaluate nounced yesterday. your business performance, you must It said in a statement it had suc- develop a growth mindset. is mindset cessfully offl oaded its Ugandan stake, sees every aspect of business as an in its plan to raise in excess of $1 bil- opportunity to grow. So, whatever is lion (Sh107.2billion) to strengthen its revealed in the business evaluation balance sheet. process isn’t considered a personal  e British oil explorer has agreed attack – the evaluation process is seen to the sale of its entire stake in the as good for the business. Hence, done Lake Albert Development Project properly. With this mindset in place, here in Uganda to Total for $575 million are four questions to help you evaluate (Sh61.6 billion). your business performance. Tullow and Total E&P Uganda B.V. (Total Uganda) have signed a Sale and What Was Our Goal? When you Purchase Agreement (SPA), with an made your business plans for the year, eff ective date of January 1, 2020. what was your goal? Are you clear Tullow has agreed to transfer its about what you set out to achieve? Did entire interests in Blocks 1, 1A, 2, and your goal change along the way due to 3A in Uganda and the proposed East unforeseen circumstances? If yes, did African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Weatherford engineers at the Tullow oil Ngamia 1 ring in Turkana/FILE you adjust or abort your plans? Here, System. clarity is vital. You start to evaluate your It is currently the operator of be received by Tullow in the form mated at bout $667 million (Sh71.5 cent stake while Total plans to sale business performance by what you set Block 2. Total Uganda is currently of contingent payments which will billion). 12.5 per cent of its 25 per cent share out to do. the operator of Block 1 and Block be payable on upstream revenues Tullow, the lead explore in Tur- in the investment. e fi rm yesterday 1A and China National Off shore Oil from the Lake Albert Development kana, in February announced that said the Uganda transaction has no Did We Hit Our Goal? Now that you’re Corporation(CNOOC) is the operator Project, depending on the average it was willing to sell part of its stake direct eff ect on Tullow’s view of its clear on your goal, did you achieve of Block 3A. annual Brent price once production in the Lokichar oil blocks, where it Kenya farm-down, which remains it? Are you clear on the performance  e cash consideration consists of commences,” it said. holds a 50 per cent stake in three ongoing. It, however, confi rmed it indicators that show you’ve achieved $500 million (Sh53.6 billion) payable Sealing of the Uganda deal now blocks.Together with Total, its part- is expecting to receive bids from po- your goals? What does success look at completion and $75 million (Sh8 gives the UK fi rm ample time to ner in the project, have contracted tential buyers in the coming weeks like? And here, near hit does not count. billion) payable following the Final focus on its investments in Kenya, French bank Natixis to run the joint “We will update you on deal prog- Often, entrepreneurs have a challenge Investment Decision of the Lake Al- where it intends to sell a stake of its sale process for Blocks 10 BA, 10 BB ress in Kenya as soon as we are able calling an outcome what it really is in the bert Development Project. oil interests in Turkana. Its assets and 13T in the South Lokichar Basin. to,” Dorothy  ompson, the execu- bid to be ‘positive.’ You either achieved “Additional cash consideration may in the country’s oil project are esti- Tullow plans to offl oad a 25 per tive chair said. your goal or not. Tell yourself the truth.

Why Did We Hit or Miss Our Goal? MODERNIZE statement. If you missed your goal, why? What Zoom has been criticised for a went wrong? What went right late? range of privacy issues, including What are the weak links in your sending user data to Facebook, business operations? Are your business Zoom says it will customize app wrongly claiming the app had end- systems in order? In this process, keep to-end encryption and allowing questioning your answers until you get meeting hosts to track attendees. to the root cause of the problem. Find in eff ort to lock out gatecrashers One of the app’s most high-pro- out why things didn’t work. fi le issues has been “Zoombomb- ing” incidents, where uninvited If you hit your goal, why? What did Data security and privacy measures have come under scrutiny guests crash meetings.  is has led you do right? What changes worked? to several companies, schools and What mind shift occurred for you to see BBC / Zoom has said it will release an governments stopping the use of the and appreciate your new approach? It’s improved version of its hugely popu- platform. important to evaluate why you’re getting lar video conferencing app this week. In the UK there has been debate results so that you’re able to make it part It comes after issues with the about whether the government of your success system. company’s data security and privacy should be using Zoom for cabinet measures have come under intense meetings after Prime Minister Boris What Should We Start, Stop, or scrutiny. Johnson tweeted a picture that in- Continue Doing? At this point, you’ve  e fi rm said Zoom 5.0 will in- cluded the ID number of the latest gathered valuable information so that clude upgraded encryption features meeting. it’s easy to properly see through the to help protect data and fend off the It has also been reported that Elon intricacies of your business. Based on so-called “Zoombombing”. Musk has banned the use of Zoom your analysis so far, what should you  e platform is now being used by for SpaceX meetings over security start doing that would be benefi cial to hundreds of millions of people for concerns. Nasa, which is one of your business? What business practices work and leisure, as lockdowns are Space X’s biggest customers, also should stop for your business to grow? imposed around the world. prevents employees from using it. And what have you been doing right “We will earn our customers’ trust Meanwhile, Singapore suspended that must continue? e result of this and deliver them happiness with the use of video-conferencing tool analysis is what you need to take your our unwavering focus on providing Zoom by its teachers, after a “very business performance to the next level. the most secure platform,” Zoom’s serious incident” during a home- An employee using Zoom in an online offi ce meeting/EZEKIEL AMING’A chief executive Eric Yuan said in a based lesson. Email: [email protected] 14 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 NEWS WORLD

STRANGE WAY OF LIFE COMMENT Children’s drawings from lockdown show CHEMA VERA what they miss most Interim Executive Director of OXFAM International

REUTERS/ Children confined to their homes under lockdown are drawing Tensions flare as what they miss most—friends at homeless people school, grandparents, football and attempt to speak green open spaces. to journalists Regardless of where they are, the at a camp set themes are often the same. up by disaster From Tokyo to Buenos Aires, and management New York to Kathmandu, youngsters authorities have taken to their balconies or front during the 21- lawns to display and explain the day nationwide drawings they have made to Reuters lockdown aimed photographers. at limiting Eight-year-old Reku Matsui in the spread of Tokyo has drawn himself between Covid-19 in Cape his grandparents, all three of them Town, South smiling together. “I miss being with Africa, on April 9 my grandmother and my grandfather. /REUTERS Also, I want to go to my grandmother’s house,” he said. His older sister Yaya, 12, has drawn a picture of herself and a friend. “What I want to do the most right now is hang out with my friends.” In the German town of Bad Honnef, near Bonn, 6-year-old Tom explains: “I have painted a picture of the house of grandma and grandpa, because I miss them so much.” Besides longed-for grandparents, children are also depicting the sports they miss. Ivan Posta, 8, and brother Vince, 11, who live in the Hungarian COVID-19 THRIVES ON INEQUALITY capital Budapest, have drawn huge soccer balls. he virus will starve us before it makes us sick.” That developing countries, echoing the United Nations call for the Thousands of miles away in the text message, which a colleague of mine in Nairobi creation of a $2.5 trillion global emergency-assistance package. Nigerian city of Lagos, 11-year-old received from Micah, a taxi-driver friend, encapsu- In short, rich-country governments must take urgent steps to Olatunji Adebayo has also drawn a lates the existential threat that the Covid-19 pan- internationalise the measures that many of them are pursuing huge soccer ball. demic poses to millions of people. Micah hasn’t had at home. This is not only the right thing to do, but is also in “Tfare in weeks and is now borrowing money to buy food for his their self-interest. As long as the virus is anywhere, it is a threat children. His business, like many others, has collapsed because of everywhere. CHINA OBJECTS Kenya’s 7pm-5am curfew, the disappearance of tourism, and the The first priority is to unlock the trillions of dollars that poorer closure of airports, bars, restaurants, and shops. countries need. Here, the G20 must agree to cancel permanently All WHO members The International Monetary Fund has already said that the all developing-country external debt due in 2020. It makes no pandemic’s economic impact is “way worse” than that of the sense for rich countries to be collecting money now from poor should back virus 2008-09 global financial crisis. In fact, new research by Oxfam, countries that need every shilling, peso, and rupee to fight the King’s College London, and the Australian National University pandemic. inquiry – Australia shows that the current crisis could push as many as a half-billion In addition, the G20 must pursue an emergency economic people into poverty. And researchers at Imperial College London stimulus of at least $1 trillion in Special Drawing Rights, the REUTERS/ All member nations of the previously warned that Covid-19 could kill 40 million people IMF’s global reserve currency. This will boost the reserves of World Health Organization should unless governments took urgent action. the world’s poorest countries while not costing rich countries support a proposed independent This virus affects us all, including princes and film stars. But anything – in fact, they, too, will benefit. The G20 must also review into the coronavirus pandemic, never has a crisis so profoundly exposed the extreme inequalities champion increases in aid and emergency taxes, for example on Australia’s Prime Minister Scott that divide our world. extraordinary profits and speculative Morrison said on Thursday, further In Exodus-like scenes, millions of workers have been sent IT MAKES NO SENSE financial products. If now is not the threatening strained ties with China. PRIVILEGED home without pay. Consider the female garment workers in time for such measures, when is? Australia has become one of CITIZENS CAN Bangladesh who make many of the clothes that we wear. Nine- FOR RICH COUNTRIES The next priority is to direct the most forceful critics of Beijing for ty-eight percent of buyers, often rich multinational companies, necessary resources toward saving its handling of the spread of the GET THE BEST refuse to contribute to the cost of paying their lost wages. What TO BE COLLECTING lives and rescuing people from pov- coronavirus, with Morrison urging will these women do now? MONEY NOW FROM erty. Increased funding will not help several world leaders to support an HEALTHCARE, Meanwhile, workers in essential roles – such as carers, nurses, vulnerable populations if it is spent international inquiry into its origins RELY ON THEIR and supermarket cashiers – can’t isolate themselves from the POOR COUNTRIES on the wrong things or is captured by and spread, as well as the WHO’s deadly virus and have some of the lowest-paid and most insecure unaccountable corporate elites. That response. SAVINGS, jobs. Most of them are women, too. is the core lesson of the 2008-09 financial crisis. The Covid-19 outbreak originated AND WORK Privileged citizens can get the best healthcare, rely on their Oxfam has proposed a Global Public Health Plan and Emer- in China and has since spread to infect savings, and work at home (or escape to a holiday home) during gency Response package that calls for an immediate doubling some 2.3 million people globally AT HOME (OR the pandemic. But for most of humanity, such relative safety is of public-health spending in 85 poor countries in order to save and killed nearly 160,000, according well out of reach. lives. In addition, governments need financial assistance to to Reuters calculations. Beijing has ESCAPE TO As with inequality within countries, inequality between rich increase social protection, which four billion people worldwide fiercely rejected calls for an inquiry, A HOLIDAY and poor countries will radically shape people’s experiences of currently lack, and to provide people like Micah with cash describing the efforts as US-led this pandemic. While rich-country governments unveil huge grants. propaganda against China. HOME), BUT financial packages to save their economies, developing countries Economies everywhere need small businesses such as Micah’s Morrison said all members of the FOR MOST OF are drowning in debt, which has reached an all-time high of 191 to survive and help drive the eventual recovery. Bailouts for the WHO should be obliged to participate per cent of their combined GDP. Such inequality helps to explain richest companies, on the other hand, should be conditional in a review, adding that Australia HUMANITY, why Tanzania has one doctor for every 71,000 inhabitants, and on these firms paying their fair share of taxes, paying workers a would push for the inquiry during the Mali has three ventilators per million. In refugee camps where living wage, and cutting their greenhouse-gas emissions. WHO Assembly on May 17. SUCH Oxfam works, hundreds of people share a single water tap. Finally, as we begin to lay the foundations of the new in the “We’d like the world to be safer RELATIVE We need global action now. Only a mighty response by rich, ashes of the old, we should ask how we got to this point. Was it when it comes to viruses... I would powerful countries will stop the pandemic and prevent a global ever a good idea for governments to make health care a privilege hope that any other nation, be it China SAFETY IS economic collapse. The G20 must live up to its mandate to lead of affluence rather than a fundamental right, or to ignore the or anyone else, would share that WELL OUT OF the world through crises. necessity of a living wage or social protection for all? And was objective,” Morrison told reporters in To that end, Oxfam’s Economic Rescue Plan For All urges the it ever smart to let 2,000 billionaires own more wealth than 4.6 Canberra. REACH world’s richest economies to increase massively their support for billion people combined? Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 15 16 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 COUNTIES NAIROBI

CHANGE OF GUARD Jubilee leadership changes

COUNT IES split MCAs in city assembly Party made changes on Thursday last week in an attempt to finally end the internal tussles that have rocked the assembly since the return of speaker Elachi last October

had verbal communication,” she said. “Jubilee set another precedent by MAUREEN KINYANJUI sending official letters to table on @MissKinyanjuiMo the floor of the house addressed to the speaker. Jubilee knows how to A fresh round of Jubilee infighting send letters to the speaker for ta- is simmering in the Nairobi county bling. When that is done we shall do assembly over the appointment of the right thing when we get back,” new house leadership. Elachi added. Jubilee made changes on Thursday However, the new leadership says last week in an attempt to finally end there is no provision in the Standing the internal tussles that have rocked Orders for the speaker to communi- the assembly since the return of cate to the house and accuses her of speaker Beatrice Elachi last October. trying to buy time. However, Elachi says she is yet to They say the majority whip’s com- receive communication from party munication is supposed to be final secretary general Raphael Tuju on the just like what the Senate and National changes. Matopeni MCA Abdi Hassan Assembly do. Guyo was reinstated as the majority In 2018, the minority side had in- leader deputised by Dandora II MCA ternal wrangles when ODM chairman Peter Wanyoike. Guyo replaced Dan- John Mbadi wrote to acting speaker dora III MCA Charles Thuo. Chege Mwaura to effect changes in June Ndegwa (nominated) was the leadership. removed as the majority whip and Mbadi wrote two letters insisting replaced by Paul Kados (Mihang’o) on the changes but ODM secretary who will be deputised by South B’s general Edwin Sifuna wrote the final Waithera Chege. letter to the speaker. In a letter to Kados dated April 16, No changes were to be effected Tuju said the party consulted on the until such time as he communicated, matter before arriving at the decision Sifuna wrote, noting that he was the to effect the changes. authorised officer to issue correspon- “On November 12, 2019, we wrote dence on behalf of the party and all to the speaker of the county assembly its organs. setting up an interim house leader- In his ruling, Chege made refer- ship that has served in the assembly ence to the National Assembly and from the date of the said letter to date,” the Senate on who was the lawful au- Tuju wrote. thority to make and communicate the Majority leader Abdi Guyo on November 14, 2019 / EZEKIEL AMING’A He said the change of leadership decision of the minority appointing was in accordance with the Political its leadership. Parties Act 2012 that vests the pow- “Speaker Muturi made a determi- ers of designation of leadership in the nation on the prescribed procedure county assembly to the majority or outlined in the National Assembly minority party. Standing Order 20( 4 ), which re- This is also in compliance with Arti- quires such communication to be cle 20 of the Nairobi County Assembly made by the whip and the minutes Standing Orders. The letter said the of the meeting in which the decision decision to change the leadership was was made attached,” he said. arrived at after a meeting of Jubilee In the Senate, with regards to the secretary general, vice-chairman Da- removal of Moses Wetang’ula as the vid Murathe and State House deputy leader of minority and his replace- chief of staff Njee Muturi. ment by James Orengo, minority The decision was sealed after re- whip Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on March ceiving the final word from President 15, 2018, wrote to Speaker Kenneth Uhuru Kenyatta. Lusaka on the changes, and attached Tuju directed the new leadership to ODM’s letter with minutes of the res- notify the speaker in the usual format olution. of communication to the assembly as per the Standing Orders. The letter was copied to Governor Mike Sonko and Elachi. The changes are said to have been delivered physically to Elachi’s of- fice and also through her email and BEATRICE ELACHI ELACHI Whatsapp addresses. However, upon receipt of the My leader, I have not INSISTS changes this week, Elachi said Jubi- TUJU SHOULD lee should send a letter to the office refuted anything. of the speaker for tabling. Letters addressed to FORMALLY “My leader, I have not refuted any- thing. Letters addressed to me have me have to be tabled WRITE TO HER to be tabled on the floor of the house. ABOUT THE Remember when Ngara MCA was the on the floor of the acting speaker he set a precedent on house CHANGES Elias Otieno. The first leadership only Dandora III MCA Charles Thuo / EZEKIEL AMING’A Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 17 COUNTIES CENTRAL

were unusual activities at my shop. Upon arrival, I spotted NO LONGER SAFE two men who disappeared immediately but luckily they had not gained entry,” Gichuki said. Traders threaten to defy The father of one said several other business establish- ments have been broken into since the national government curfew order over insecurity imposed the curfew. “I would rather die of a gunshot from a police officer while protecting my property than die of ELIUD WAITHAKA/ Traders at Ichuga trading centre on the hunger with my family,” Gichuki said. Nyeri-Laikipia border have threatened to defy the dusk- On Monday, two men were intercepted trying to load a to-dawn curfew over rising cases of insecurity. stolen cow into a vehicle at Muthaiga Estate on the outskirts They say criminals are now breaking into shops and other of Nanyuki town. business premises with impunity. Trader Alice Nduta said the cow is suspected to have Businessman Anthony Gichuki told the Star on Thursday been stolen from Ichuga village. that some criminals had tried to break into his shop three “Police officers on patrol spotted two men trying to load times, but he was alerted early enough by the neighbours. the animal into a Toyota Probox and became suspicious. “Since I don’t reside in the same premises where my The suspects panicked and fled, leaving the cow behind,” business is, a neighbour called and informed me that there she said. Bars and eateries workers outside CUSHION THEM the Murang’a government Murang’a bars and offices on Wednesday / ALICE eateries workers WAITHERA want weekly stipends

ALICE WAITHERA/ Workers of bars and eateries in Mu- rang’a want the county government to give them weekly stipends following the closure of their workplaces. They also want food to cushion them during this Covid-19 period. A county The workers, most of whom are women, said their government families have been going without food because even truck at the casual work is hard to find. Karindundu The county administration closed all bars when the dumpsite in coronavirus pandemic hit the country to prevent revel- Mathira lers from contracting and spreading the virus. / EUTYCAS Eateries, on the other hand, were allowed to sell only MUCHIRI take-away food and many waiters were sent home. “It is very painful watching our children go to bed hungry and knowing there is nothing much you can DUMPSITE OR PERSONAL VENDETTA? do to help them,” Bernice Ngima said. The workers who had congregated outside the county government’s offices in Murang’a town on Wednesday said they are suffering and require the urgent attention of the Governor Mwangi wa Iria-led administration. Mathira, county leaders feud Mary Wambui said they have been reduced to begging to feed their families. She said they go for days without finding any casual labour as more and more people chose to stay at home. over Karindundu dumpsite Wambui said workers should be included in the week- ly stipends issued by the government to the vulnerable. On April 16, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that MCA is seen ordering county government officials out of the dumping ground disadvantaged households would receive weekly stipends to cushion them from the effects of the pandemic. EUTYCAS MUCHIRI On Wednesday, an altercation be- Governor Kahiga said the row had The President said the programme was piloted in Nai- @TheStarKenya tween a man and the MCA almost nothing to do with garbage but per- robi, where households were identified and provided degenerated into a fistfight before sonal differences between Karimi with stipends, and that an additional Sh5 billion was A row is brewing between Mathira the county team left. and the MCA. sent to county governments to help them undertake leaders and the county government “We will not allow you to dump “The Konyu MCA has recorded similar initiatives. over the dumping of garbage from diapers and sanitary pads from Nyeri himself belittling the CEC, calling “The government took away our only source of income Nyeri town in the constituency. here. Who do you think you guys her a junior officer. In the second and left us helpless. We are asking to be included in the The row resulted in the arrest and are?” Wamumbi asked. video he is shouting himself hoarse relief programme,” Wambui said. release without charge of Konyu Gachagua condemned the arrest telling the same CEC she has blocked Last week, a group of beauty and barbershop opera- MCA Eric Wamumbi on Wednesday. of the MCA. He said the decision him on her phone, and so he is of- tors held protests in Murang’a town, asking the county Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua to stop the dumping was made by fended,” the county chief said. government to revoke an order issued to close down said the MCA was arrested after he Mathira MCAs and himself. Kahiga said he has nothing to do their premises. and members of the public stopped “I would like to inform the gov- with the MCA’s arrest, adding that The workers said they had exhausted their savings county government workers from ernor that the decision to stop the the CEC reported to the police after after staying home with their families for two weeks dumping garbage at Karindundu in dumping was made by all Mathira feeling threatened by Wamumbi. and that they would require relief food if their shops the ward. The county government MCAs, except one, under my chair- “When CEC Beth feels threatened were not reopened. said the ward rep was arrested for manship. They should therefore while doing her job and makes a re- They said they were ready to follow all guidelines threatening a CEC. come for me and not harass an MCA,” port to the police, where do I come issued by the government to protect themselves and The MCA is seen on social media Gachagua weighed in. in? I get very perplexed at people their customers from the virus. video ordering county government The MP said garbage will not be who seem to be picking unnecessary officials, including Environment dumped in Mathira. Karindundu, he quarrels and insinuating things that executive Beth Karimi, out of the said, is a residential area and garbage don’t exist.” Karindundu dumpsite. “I want you was therefore a health hazard. According to the governor, Karimi out of this place now with your The MP said residents have been and the MCA can solve their differ- GACHAGUA people. And this is the last time you complaining of respiratory compli- ences without the interference of SAYS should come here. This is my ward cations caused by toxic fumes and either the MP or himself. and there is nothing I am benefiting dirt from the dumpsite. “I have, for The CEC denied she had refused DUMPSITE IS BERNICE NGIMA from, with the dumping of garbage the last three years, gone out of my to lend the MCA an ear, saying she here. You can dump it in Nyeri town,” way to support the governor and his opted to remain mum as the MCA ILLEGAL AND It is very painful watching our Wamumbi is heard saying. government and I feel betrayed he was angry and abusive. NO GARBAGE He complained that the CEC and has instigated the arrest of my MCA.” Karimi said she was on routine children go to bed hungry and the county government had refused The dumpsite is illegal as it has not check-up of the dumpsite as the WILL BE knowing there is nothing much to listen to him. This was disputed been approved by the National En- government planned to rehabilitate DUMPED IN by the CEC and Governor Mutahi vironment Management Authority the site when the MCA arrived and you can do to help them Kahiga. (Nema), said Gachagua. ordered her and her team to leave. MATHIRA 18 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 COUNTIES COAST

PREVIOUS BOARD BLAMED BUSY WORKSHOPS Kwale loses Sh3m monthly Lamu tailors make a killing as to illegal water connections demand for face masks rises

SHABAN OMAR/The Kwale county government is losing Sh3 CHETI PRAXIDES/Tailors in Lamu are doing brisk business million through illegal water connections every month, exec- arising from a spike in demand for face masks in the county. utive Martin Kuya has said. Residents afraid of a Monday directive by county com- Kuya said illegal connections had led to the loss of revenue missioner Irungu Macharia that those without masks will that could have been used to offer services for residents. be quarantined are buying in numbers. “If we are using more on maintenance and electricity bills Chemists and other outlets sell face masks for between than what we collect, then it means we are losing. Actually Sh150 and Sh200 a piece but the tailors’ products go for Sh50. it is the main headache for revenue collections,” Kuya said The residents are opting for locally made cloth masks from on Wednesday. the tailors to protect themselves. The latest report from the Water Services Regulatory Board Following the announcement, many tailors have seen long says Kwale losses around Sh38 million on non-revenue water queues of customers seeking to acquire the masks in bulk annually. Kuya said illegal connection tops the causes followed for their families. by leakages and malfunctioning water meters. The official said Police are under strict orders to enforce the directive and many clients still own broken meters. arrest those found without masks in public places. Tailor Ahmed Mwalimu makes masks in Lamu town / CHETI PRAXIDES

One of the FRUSTRATION boreholes being cleaned for revival in Lamu Tenants read malice town / CHETI PRAXIDES in flats demolitions

BRIAN OTIENO/ Some 36 families at the Changamwe New Flats Estate in Mombasa are living in limbo after they were threatened with evictions. On Tuesday, police oversaw the partial demolition of some three blocks that they were supposed to move into. Laptrust, through property managers Laser Property Services, deemed the blocks dilapidated and uninhab- itable. The families, whose original houses are marked for demolition for construction of a Sh22 billion road from Digo Road to Mariakani, say they will not move out before compensation. They had earlier agreed to move to the units which have been vacant for about five years. Airport Police Unit officers, who were being housed at blocks A13, A14 and A15, moved out in 2015. Vincent Otieno, a member of the Directly Affected Persons committee, said the demolition of the houses is sinister and meant to prevent tenants from moving in. “We had agreed to even repair any damages on our own. How come they do not want us to move into those blocks? Someone is eying those houses,” Otieno said. However, Laptrust, which took over the houses from WAR ON CORONAVIRUS the defunct Municipal Council of Mombasa said they intend to build new structures very soon. In a letter dated April 3 and addressed to Mombasa police commandant, Laser Property said blocks A13, A14 Ancient boreholes restored in and A15 are dilapidated and uninhabitable. Lamu to boost water supply NEW VIRUS EPICENTRE Mass testing at KPA They are centuries old and have not been used for a long time nets Covid-19 cases

demand is high in heightened war with water and traders have to pay MAUREEN MUDI/ More Kenya Ports Authority workers against the spread of Covid-19. for supplies for use even in common have been confirmed to have coronavirus after mass CHETI PRAXIDES The water will greatly benefit more utilities like toilets. testing at the facility. @ppcheti than 200 traders recently relocated “The objective is to boost water Out of the seven new coronavirus cases in Mombasa from the Municipal Centre to the supply to all people at this time reported by the Health Ministry on Tuesday, five came Ancient boreholes in Lamu are be- Kibaki Grounds where there is ad- when it is in such high demand. from KPA. ing rehabilitated to improve water equate space for social distancing. Most of the boreholes are still in On Wednesday, out of the six cases, KPA had five, supply and boost hand-washing and The Kibaki Grounds isn’t supplied good condition and all we are doing putting Mombasa county’s infection rate higher than hygiene in the war on coronavirus. is removing the accumulated dirt the national average with 67 out of the country’s 303 All the boreholes and shallow to allow for clean water to collect,” confirmed cases as of Wednesday. wells being restored are centuries Salim said. IMPROVED More people are feared to come out positive as sam- old and have been in disuse for a He appealed for information on ples are tested. long time. the location of some of the bore- SUPPLIES The total number of confirmed infections at KPA has At least 50 boreholes and shallow holes. WILL now risen to 23, putting the authority at the epicentre wells in Langoni, Jua Kali, Kibaki ATWA SALIM Lamu Water and Sewerage Com- of the virus in Mombasa. Grounds, Kanu, Kinooni, Man- pany managing director Paul Wain- PROMOTE Mombasa county has recorded more than 20 positives da-Okoe, Shella and Kashmir are The objective is to aina said the company will treat the cases in less than a week. targets of rehabilitation. water and take necessary measures HAND The National Emergency Response Committee has Trade and Tourism executive Atwa boost water supply to ensure its safety. WASHING IN been asked to review cases in the region, with a likeli- Salim said work is ongoing on the “This is a time to join hands in the hood that the government may impose stiffer measures first phase targeting 15 boreholes. to all people at this war against this killer virus. We shall THE FIGHT to curb the virus spread. Salim, who spoke in Lamu town time when it is in ensure the boreholes and the water AGAINST KPA principal public relations officer Hajji Masemo on Wednesday, said there was a need therein is safe for human consump- confirmed the figures and said the authority had received to boost water supply because the high demand tion,” Wainaina said. COVID-19 1,000 testing kits. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 19 COUNTIES RIFT VALLEY

RAINS CONTINUE If we tally with the exact figures yet to be established in West Pokot, then it’s evident we have lost so many lives in that tragedy,” Tolgos said. 28 died in mudslides, the The mudslides on Tuesday swept through several villages along the border between the two counties and situation critical – Tolgos flattened the entire Chesogon market centre, where MATHEWS NDANYI/ Twenty-eight people died in mudslides many people were killed, including two police officers. and floods in Elgeyo Marakwet county, Governor Alex Tolgos said the situation in the region was still critical Tolgos said on Thursday. and many families were camping at Sambalat and Wewa Neighbouring West Pokot and other counties were primary schools. The national government, neighbouring also severely affected and the toll of the dead and injured counties and well-wishers made donations to the is yet to be established. affected communities. Tolgos said in Eldoret the death toll in his county and “We still urgently require assistance for families in the West Pokot was quite high and only four bodies had been area where our measures to fight Covid-19 have been recovered in five days. affected,” Tolgos said. He said Kitui county had pledged to He spoke after a meeting of North Rift Economic Bloc send face masks to displaced families. (Noreb) governors to discuss the flooding problem in the The governor said the long-term solution to the region. problem was to resettle families and others living Residents remove a cow stuck in the mud near Chesogon market on the Elgeyo “We have also been recovering many body parts from on risky escarpments, so they will be safe from the Marakwet border / MATHEWS NDANYI the affected areas and the figure 28 is just for my county. recurrent landslides in the region.

ANOTHER PLAGUE First locusts, now toxic flies infest Baringo They don’t bite but coming into contact with them causes blisters. The insects are six to eight millimetres long

Dr Winnie Bore said on Thurs- day the intrusion could be due to JOSEPH KANGOGO the change of weather and heavy @TheStarKenya rains forcing them out of their un- derground habits. She is the county First came the locusts and they’re Public Health chief officer. multiplying. Now the toxic ‘narrow bee flies’ or DRAWN TO LIGHT ‘Nairobi flies’ have infested Kabarnet She said they are attracted to light, town in Baringo county. especially at night, and could have And there’s the coronavirus to been drawn to the bright lights at Millions of narrow bee flies at the Kabartonjo bus stage in Kabarnet town, Baringo county, on Wednesday /JOSEPH KANGOGO worry about. the bus park. The swarm of red and black insects “I thought this could either be a my health” Chepkwony said. Trader Eunice Kandie said she is Kabarnet town residents are fear- landed around Kabartonjo bus stage God’s miracle or witchcraft. I won- Dr Bore said the insects are not scared because she cannot enter her ful the colony of insects, if not de- on Wednesday, causing immediate der because since I was born I have very dangerous because they neither dairy shop and fruits grocery near stroyed promptly, will multiply and closure of at least 10 shops. never seen the insects in such large bite nor sting but they only cause the infested ground. spread across the whole area and They don’t bite but coming into numbers,” Kabarnet town trader mild irritation if they come into con- “They are too many and rigid I even get into their houses. contact with them causes blisters. Vincent Chepkwony said. tact with skin. This causes swelling thought they would have cleared Resident Ben Chepkwony showed The insects, actually a species of the He said even with the onset of and blistering. by yesterday evening but they can’t a scar on his neck he said was caused beetle, are six to eight millimetres rains, he had only spotted a few of Their fluid contains pederin, a move even an inch. They just remain by being “licked” by a fly last month. long. them flying in town and around potent toxin that causes blistering. heaped and spread on the ground,” Wounds can take a long time to heal “Last week it was locusts, then his house, “but I cannot tell what “The skin irritation only occurs she said. and sometimes leave scars. followed by Covid-19 and now this caused the multitude to converge when one crushes the fly against the Public health officers are fumi- Kiplagat and residents urged Nairobi fly intrusion. People really here,” he said. skin. Mostly people do it accidentally gating the area with pyrethrum in- health officials and authorities to need to pray for God’s help to get The invasion forced him to close if the insects get under their clothes secticide “but it isn’t effective” Bore move faster and find effective chem- rid of these disasters,” Baringo As- shop.” The insects contain highly or on their face or neck. The blisters said, adding they are contacting ag- icals to kill the insects before they sembly Speaker David Kiplagat said. inflammatory chemicals so I fear for usually disappear gradually. ricultural experts to help kill them. spread.

MYTH HESBORN ETYANG/ It’s 6pm, an hour virus can survive hot temperatures. that countries with similar tempera- to curfew, and residents of Lodwar Turkana county is hot. It’s a ture like Turkana such South Sudan Virus can’t survive town are running up and down to semi-desert region with high tem- have also reported cases of corona- shop and others rushing home to peratures averaging lows of 28 de- virus and the virus can survive in avoid the curfew police. grees Celsius to highs of 38 degrees. warm to hot temperatures. They gather closely in small groups “We are lucky because coronavirus The conversation doesn’t last long heat, we’re safe, say outside the shops and on verandas cannot survive in our semi-arid re- as a police siren disperses them be- discussing the coronavirus global gion because of high temperatures,” fore the 7pm to 5am curfew aimed pandemic the world is struggling Peter Ekuwom tells a group of young at preventing the spread of the virus. Turkana residents with. Many residents still think they men. Turkana is vast and health work- are immune, that the virus cannot “For many years we have been ers have not covered remote areas The county, a semi-desert region, gets survive in hot temperatures. haunted by plagues of hunger, with messages about the virus and They’re wrong but they cling to drought, floods and insecurity. There the importance of frequent hand temperatures averaging from lows of 28 the myth. is no way God can allow the corona- washing, using sanitiser, keeping In a heated conversation about the virus to attack the vulnerable people social distance, avoiding crowds and degrees Celsius to highs of 38 degrees virus, they argue over whether the of Turkana.” Bravin Egelan responds staying home as much as possible. 20 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 COUNTIES WESTERN-NYANZA

PHOTO STORY BUSIA SURVEILLANCE Some of the Nyumba Kumi to items delivered to Lurambi watch movement residents by MP Titus Khamala on across border Tuesday /HILTON OTENYO EMOJONG OSERE/ Security agen- cies will work with Nyumba Kumi leaders to monitor activity along the Kenya-Uganda border during the Covid-19 outbreak. e collaboration is meant to stop illegal cross-border movement between the two countries until the border is reopened. Interior CAS Hussein Dadho said some people were illegally crossing the borders but security agencies will ensure tighter enforcement. “ is puts Ken- yans at risk of being infected with the coronavirus,” Dadho said. CONTRIBUTION IN MARRIAGE e CAS spoke after touring the Malaba One-Stop Border Post accompanied by CASs Chris Obure (Transport and Infrastructure) and Rashid Aman (Health). Kakamega man to give 30% Governor Sospeter Ojaamong on Monday raised the alarm over the infl ux of Ugandans into Busia. He urged security agencies to probe of property to former wife how Ugandans freely cross into Kenya despite the border being shut. He was addressing a meeting at the Judge rules that providing companionship and child care are suffi cient contribution Busia Agricultural Training Centre. “Security apparatus should en- eir marriage was dissolved by the during the subsistence of their mar- Before building the house, they sure that is stopped with immediate court a year later. e woman said riage and taking care of their daugh- stayed in rental houses. e man eff ect. Uganda has barred Kenyans FAITH NYASUGUTA the property was bought jointly in ter,” court documents read. produced a receipt for rent for Sep- from crossing. We are very lenient @ eStarKenya 2009 and registered in the man’s e woman claimed that she was tember 2015 to prove that the wom- with Ugandans who are allowed to name in trust for both of them. entitled to a share of the property an failed to contribute. stream into the country.” A Kakamega woman has been “They proceeded to establish a and urged the court to grant her half The court concluded that the awarded 30 per cent of her ex-hus- matrimonial home on the property. share of the plot. e man testifi ed woman had provided companion- band’s land parcel for her compan- Later on, they developed irrecon- that between 2009 and 2011, he en- ship to the man for several years be- STIMULUS PACKAGE ionship and child-care during their cilable diff erences and she fi led for rolled his ex-wife into a secretarial fore the property was bought. She 11-year marriage. divorce,” court papers read. course in Kakamega town and spon- was also at the time taking care of Support SMEs to e man told the High Court in ey separated in 2015 and the sored her computer studies. their daughter, now in university. Kakamega that the property was not marriage was dissolved by the court “He started building a house on “ e two roles of providing com- avert widespread matrimonial because he bought it in on November 1, 2016. e woman the suit property in the year 2014 panionship and child care were 2009 when his ex-wife was a jobless admitted that she neither made a di- without the support of the appli- suffi cient contribution on the part hunger, state told homemaker. rect contribution to the acquisition cant and he completed it in October of the applicant. I, therefore, hold e couple lived together from of the property nor its development. 2015,” court documents read. that the suit land was matrimonial HILTON OTENYO/ e government 1997 and was married in the church “She based her claim on contribu- He moved into the house in the property and that the respondent should work out an economic in 2004. ey lived in Kakamega tion in the form of companionship absence of the woman as she had held the land in trust for the appli- stimulus package that will cushion town until their separation in 2015. that she off ered to the respondent left him in September 2015. cant,” Justice Jesse Njagi ruled. the SMEs to deal with the eff ects of the Covid-19 crisis, Lurambi MP Titus Khamala has urged. COVID-19 STRIKES HARD market in Dubai and Europe has He said on Wednesday the infor- dipped completely,” Okwanyo said. mal sector has been hit hard by the MANUEL ODENY Mining has been worsened by measures taken by the government Sacco donates food to @ eStarKenya the measures put in place by the to check the spread of the virus and government to contain the virus, would require about three years to More than 900 gold miners at he said. Such measures include so- recover, hence the need to support Macalder gold miners Macalder, Migori, have received cial distancing and the curfew that them to aid their faster recovery. donations to cushion them from is eff ective from 7pm to 5am. “We ”By the time the government an- the slump in prices caused by the have several families that depend nounces that the situation has nor- Covid-19 crisis. wholesome on the gold business. malised, Kenyans will have nothing Copper Hill Sacco, which manag- What we’ve distributed will help to begin on. e end of the pandemic es the old mines, pooled resources cushion them at this time,” he said. will mark the beginning of the hard from stakeholders, business part- Sacco vice chairman Sylvester times ahead, which we must prepare ners and offi cials to help distribute Ageng’a said they had ensured gov- for as a country,” Khamala said. food to the miners and their families ernment directives are adhered to at He distributed food, face for four days ending ursday. the gold mines and hoped the econ- masks, sanitiser, water tanks and More than 100 bags of maize, 100 omy will bounce back soon. handwashing soap to his constitu- bags of rice, soap, salt, sugar, and Margret Adhiambo, a benefi ciary, ents. Khamala said most Kenyans face masks were distributed. appealed to the government to con- have lost their livelihoods and Sacco chairman Felix Okwanyo sider artisanal miners through an hunger will set in as the government on Wednesday said prices of gold per economic stimulus plan and help struggles to steady the economy. gramme have dipped by more than revamp the sector. e MP urged President Uhuru half, from Sh4,000 to Sh2,000 since Meanwhile, the Migori govern- Kenyatta to ask China to restructure the start of coronavirus pandemic. ment launched a county resource or write off its loans to Kenya. He spoke during the distribution. mobilisation committee headed ”Kenyans need tax relief and Businesses that rely on gold min- by businessman Walter Ogwada to the government can’t raise money ing such as those selling machines help collect and distribute dona- to service the debts by China. e and mercury for extraction and tions across the county. Governor President should take a bold step commercial property have also been Okoth Obado unveiled the team on and tell China that now that the hurt. “We’ve seen buyers shying Tuesday. It has already received food, virus came from them and it has Gold miners from Macalder queue to receive donations from Copper Hill Sacco away from mines because trans- masks, handwashing points and sa- destroyed our economy, we have no chairman Felix Okwanyo on Wednesday /MANUEL ODENY portation and economy in the gold nitiser worth Sh9 million. money to pay them,” he said. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 21 COUNTIES NYANZA

DOWNPOURS CAUSE HAVOC Over 6,500 families displaced in Kisumu Governor calls for provision of relief food, mattresses, blankets and mosquito nets

FAITH MATETE @faymatete

More than 6,500 families in Kisu- mu county have been displaced by floods. Rising water levels on Lake Vic- toria and burst river banks have left homes submerged after heavy rains hit the county. Governor Anyang Nyong’o said parts of Nyando subcounty, Muhoro- ni, lower Nyakach, Kisumu East and A man finds his way to the main road near Ahero junction in Central and Seme have been affected. Ahero residents move to safe ground on Wednesday /DANIEL OGENDO Nyando, Kisumu county, on Wednesday /DANIEL OGENDO “The raging floods have caused massive disruption to the lives of be experienced across the country. ba, Obiayo and Kibigori areas where our people causing extensive dam- On Tuesday morning, River Nyan- houses have been submerged. age to property and infrastructure,” do broke its banks, leaving several The displaced families were evac- Nyong’o said. people stranded and sweeping away uated to the neighbouring primary The governor said the floods had household items. schools. Evacuation centres such as increased the county’s vulnerability At Kombura location at least 500 Achuotho have been surrounded by as it is already dealing with the pre- people were moved to a camp at Lela floodwaters. vention of the Covid-19 spread. He Secondary due to the floods. Roads were also rendered impass- said approximately 80 acres of maize, Kombura chief Nick Opundo said able, making it difficult to access the beans and other crops have been de- efforts to establish the exact number evacuation pointsMuhoroni deputy stroyed in Muhoroni alone. of affected families is underway. county commissioner Erick Wanyo- Nyong’o called for an immediate Dorcas Juma said she did not sal- nyi said that at least 10 acres under provision of relief food, mattresses vage anything from her home owing maize crops and sections of rice and blankets, mosquito nets, clean to the danger posed by the raging farms were destroyed. drinking water, purification chem- waters. “We are in a desperate situ- The affected families have been icals, masks, sanitiser and medical ation here after the floods destroyed advised to go to safer grounds as supplies to the victims. our houses. We ask the government the government looks for mitiga- “I call upon all stakeholders, the to save us from this devastating sit- tion measures which include the national government and all people uation,” Juma said. provision of relief food, nets and of goodwill to join us in addressing John Okello said they were medicines,” Wanyonyi said. this humanitarian crisis,” he said. shocked by the floods. He urged The administrator said that the Fear is rife that more people the government to provide a last- flood victims are in dire need of food would be affected by the floods. ing solution to the perennial crisis. and non-food items. He appealed to The meteorological department In Muhoroni, families affected non-governmental organisations to announced that more rains will were residents of Ombeyi, Obum- support. Kamidumbi villagers wade through a flooded road on Wednesday /DANIEL OGENDO

Chuowe beach residents use floodwaters to clean household items after downpours caused floods in Karachuonyo constituency on Wednesday. They now rely on canoes to access their houses Men try to salvage some of their belongings after floodwaters ravaged their /ROBERT OMOLLO homes at Ahero in Nyando on Wednesday /DANIEL OGENDO 22 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 COUNTIES EASTERN

RISK OF VIRUS SPREAD Tigania West BREAKING REGULATIONS MP John Mutunga distributes face Miraa truck driver Tigania residents told masks to his constituents on among 70 in forced April 21 quarantine in Meru to stop sharing masks /GERALD MUTETHIA GERALD MUTETHIA / A miraa pick-up truck driver is among 70 people GERALD MUTETHIA/ Tigania residents free face masks to residents. The forced into quarantine in Meru after have been warned against sharing masks were bought by the MP’s he was found sneaking two people face masks. funds and not cash from the local from Nairobi into the county. Tigania West MP John Mutunga development kitty. Meru county commissioner Allan said some villagers were sharing Mutunga said the Ameru culture Machari said 57 of those being held face masks and warned it could hurt of generosity might hamper the war were arrested on Wednesday. They the war against coronavirus spread. on coronavirus and put many lives are being quarantined at the Kenya The MP said those going to the at risk. including miraa, cigarettes, salt and nations and people to help third Medical Training College in Meru market were borrowing face masks “I have heard some people are bor- farm produce, not because those be- world countries. town. from those at home so they are not rowing face masks from their neigh- ing given do not have but because “We don’t want a situation where He said people like the driver will arrested by police. bours when going to the market or it is a cultural behaviour and belief. our health care facilities are over- not be tolerated, adding that they He said it was the culture of Meru to town. This is not encouraged, stop. The lawmaker said people needed whelmed and health workers are left may be forced to ban the use of people to share but warned that Practice good hygiene. Live abnor- to sacrifice to aid the fight against confused. Let’s be disciplined, obe- vehicles being used to traffic people things like face masks are not for mally so that you help fight and Covid-19 pandemic. dient and obey all the government from coronavirus hotspot counties. sharing. not jeopardise. I am optimistic the Mutunga said many governments directives. If you have more, com- Meru medical services director The lawmaker spoke on Tues- disease will vanish,” Mutunga said. were strained and the economy of plement leaders and the government Koome Muthuri told journalists at day at the NGCDF offices when he He said Meru people are fond of the country will be deeply affected in distributing face masks, sanitiser, KMTC that the 57 were arrested launched the distribution of 25,000 sharing anything within their reach by the pandemic. He urged wealthy soaps and water tanks,” he said. after breaking the dusk-to-dawn curfew and for not wearing face masks, being in bars and not keeping COUNTY DEFENDS MOVE social distance. masks for residents to curb the Muthuri said they will intensify spread of coronavirus. the enforcement of health directives Machakos Deputy Governor Fran- to ensure residents help prevent cis Maliti, however, defended the the spread of coronavirus. He said Kenyatta Stadium not decision to turn the stadium into an they had strict instructions from isolation facility saying the Cabinet Governor Kiraitu Murungi to aid the and County Coronavirus Emergency fight against the pandemic. Committee had consulted widely. ideal isolation centre, Maliti said the stadium was seen as an ideal place because it is located the data just 200 metres from the Machakos Level 5 Referral Hospital. He said the converted stadium says Wavinya Ndeti has wards for Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms and that crit- Transport CAS says facility is too cold and unfriendly to patients ical cases will be isolated in wards at the referral hospital. 200 “We have had the claims that con- Distance in metres verting the stadium into an isolation between stadium and centre was a bad idea but let me clear this up; the facility will only Machakos hospital be used to admit Covid-19 patients Deputy Governor Maliti said the stadium with mild symptoms during the was seen as an ideal place because it transition period where if need be is located just 200 metres from the they will be moved to the ICU into Machakos Level 5 Referral Hospital. the isolation ward inside the referral hospital,” Maliti said. He said two more isolation wards NOT LICENSED were being set up Mwala and Kinanie level 4 hospitals. Forty ‘matatus’ He said converting boarding schools and other institutions into impounded over isolation centres might psycho- logically affect students once the social distancing schools reopen. PHILOMENA KILONZO / More than 40 MASS SCREENING matatus and Toyota Probox vehicles On Monday, Governor Mutua were on Wednesday impounded launched mass screening of resi- in Machakos for failing to observe dents at the Kenyatta Stadium where social distancing rules. an isolation centre with a 400-bed Transport executive Morris Alu- capacity has been set up. The facility anga said the operators were found already has 60 beds ready for use. disregarding the health directives Wavinya urged Kenyans to adhere during an operation to enforce social Medics in a tent set up to serve as a screening and isolation field hospital in a stadium in Machakos town on April 22 /REUTERS to health regulations issued by the distancing. government to combat Covid-19. “Over time, we have noticed our She said some people were taking people are taking things lightly were many boarding schools that It will also need a lot of funds to the guidelines for granted. assuming coronavirus is a disease the county ought to have used as maintain the facility, funds that “I have been observing Kenyans only for Nairobi but I would like to tell PHILOMENA KILONZO isolation centres for coronavirus could have been used to do some- and when you go to markets, you them that Machakos is the domitory @TheStarKenya suspects. thing else,” Wavinya said. will find they only put on masks of Nairobi. So we have decided to She said maintaining the stadium “We have so many buildings when they see a police officer. But take action before our people per- The conversion of Kenyatta Stadium will be expensive and urged Gov- which were ideal for the isolation masks are meant for your own good ish,” Aluanga said. into an isolation centre was ill-in- ernor Alfred Mutua to rethink the center, like the youth polytechnics, and not for the police,” Wavinya The operators were also found formed because the facility is cold decision and “invest the funds in a the Machakos University which are said. at fault with National Transport and unfriendly for patients, Trans- more useful project”. not occupied since the students are She said it was important that and Safety Authority regulations. port Chief Administrative Secretary “The idea to convert the stadium at home. Let’s conserve the funds people realised they were the first The CEC said some had put tinted Wavinya Ndeti has said. into a health facility was not a good for an emergency.” line of defence in the fight against windows so police could not see In a press statement on Thursday, one because the surrounding envi- She said the funds could have the Covid-19 pandemic and took how many passengers they were the former Kathiani MP said there ronment is very cold and friendly. been used to buy sanitiser and face personal responsibility. carrying at a given time. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 23 COUNTIES NORTHEASTERN

BORDERS CLOSED Garissa Governor Ali Korane speaks to reporters Garissa placed outside his office on Thursday / STEPHEN on lockdown to ASTARIKO prevent corona Tuk-tuks, boda bodas and matatus barred

people to Garissa, Wajir and Isiolo in small cars. STEPHEN ASTRIKO He restricted the movement on @ eStarKenya the Garissa-Tana bridge. No Tuk Tuk, boda bodas or matatus will be Garissa Governor Ali Korane on allowed in Garissa. Korane said the national and foot through Tana bridge and crucial help in identifying the most needy.” ursday ordered the county bor- “We have resolved to temporarily county governments would go to public places. e vulnerable families will also ders closed in the war against coro- stop any vehicular movement into any lengths to protect lives. He announced that his govern- benefi t from partner organisations navirus. Garissa county to curb the spread He urged security personnel ment would support 6,000 vulner- like Unicef, Kenya Red Cross, Nation- e order, which was to be eff ected of the novel coronavirus from other to beef up surveillance along the able families during the month of al Drought Management Authority, right away, is likely to be resisted counties. Trucks ferrying supplies Kenya-Somalia border to restrict Ramadhan. UNHCR, Womenkind, Safaricom and since the majority of Garissa town will be allowed into the county. the movement of people following “We are determined to cushion our Care Kenya. workers and business people reside “This is to limit movement of increased cases of coronavirus at people from the economic hardships e governor promised to give in Madogo, Tana River county, from passengers from Tana River, Wajir, Kobiyo in the neighbouring country. associated with the pandemic, par- 100,000 free masks to the public. where they commute daily. Isiolo and Lamu counties. We will Korane said the county had pro- ticularly during the holy month of More equipment will be procured Korane told journalists outside only allow people to cross on foot,” cured 10 thermal guns and intended Ramadhan,” he said. for health personnel. his offi ce that the partial lockdown he said, adding that trucks ferrying to purchase 40 more to enhance the “It’s in this regard that we will give Korane implored the public to pray of Nairobi had exacerbated human supplies will be allowed into the screening of residents at strategic food vouchers to 6,000 needy house- at home during Ramadhan and to traffi cking by cartels who smuggle devolved unit. places including those crossing on holds. Chiefs and their assistants will comply with the curfew.

COMMERCIAL PRINTING

NEW DIRECTIVE Mandera residents welcome partial shutdown, say it’ll stop virus spread

STEPHEN ASTARIKO/A section of Man- ever, urged the security apparatus A health offi cial dera residents on Thursday wel- not to harass motorists carrying screens a comed movement restriction orders goods. truck driver in issued by the national government “We have in the recent past wit- Mandera town on to contain the spread of coronavirus. nessed cases of some of our drivers Wednesday Mandera becomes the fi fth county carrying goods say that they were / STEPHEN to be placed under partial lockdown given a rough time by police offi cers ASTARIKO The Star Publications o ers the most competitive pricing after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and on the roads. is is despite having for newspaper printing on Newsprint and Bond paper Kwale to curb the spread of Covid-19. the necessary documentation which The order by the government lists them among the essential ser- from 4 to 64 pages. comes after the region recorded eight vice providers,” Hassan said. Our modern facilities give rst class quality colour on every page. positive cases of the virus. Governor Ali Roba who two weeks Our prices are good, delivery is quick and service Adan Ali speaking to the press in ago put the county on partial lock- rst class. Mandera town said the new order down welcomed the government’s was long overdue.He said the rate move and urged residents to comply at which the disease was spreading with the directive. Contacts; in the county was alarming. On Tuesday, Roba said his county Irene Kimolo - 0716 769982. email: [email protected] “I welcome the government’s de- had continued upscaling interven- Maurice Munyao - 0715 668366. email: [email protected] cision to completely lock down our tions against the virus including county. We are more than willing to active surveillance, contact tracing, 3rd Floor, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way cooperate if that is what will help case management, and community stop the spread of the virus,” he said. interventions across all subcoun- P.O. Box 74497 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (O ce) 254 20 4244 200 Abdi Hassan, a businessman who ties in line with rising cases of the Direct: 254 20 444 7410 Fax: 254 20 343755 also welcomed the new orders, how- pandemic. 24 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020

COVER How pregnant women are facing virus threat SASA Fear infection if they go to hospital and neglect by medics as they prioritise Covid-19 patients

BY NJERI MBUGUA /@NjeriEMbugua

t four months pregnant, Ruth gynaecologist for antenatal clinics, so I Pregnant spreading it to me,” she said. Njogu did not anticipate she still have to go to hospital,” she said. woman “I felt bad because I would have would have to protect herself “I was also talking to a friend who /JOHN CHESOLI loved a baby shower.” and her unborn child from a advised me that home delivery, which When it comes to shopping for her global pandemic. I was considering, is not the best new baby, she had to resort to the ANjogu, who is from Embu, has option in Kenya. A hospital delivery more expensive option because flea to visit the doctor once a month for will be safer.” markets such as Gikomba were closed her antenatal care visits, but her down. greatest fear has now become visiting LIVING IN FEAR “There is no place now to purchase hospitals. Another fear she has is the possible second-hand clothes and one is forced “My main fear is going to the hos- neglect she might face at the hospital to buy them at the shop, where they pital because of the risk of infection because of the Covid-19 situation. are expensive, or call someone who there. For a pregnant woman, my “Some facilities are neglecting oth- sells them to bring them to you, which immunity is not at its best,” she said. er patients and putting more focus on is also expensive because they may Njogu, who is due in October and the coronavirus patients, which could increase their prices,” she said. delivered her last child at Aga Khan be dangerous if the other patients When she was due for delivery, she Hospital, also has a lot of anxiety over require urgent medical attention,” had to undergo a Caesarean section when the pandemic will end. she said. and was required to wear a mask. “I keep wondering whether this She had gone to get some groceries “I had difficulty breathing because will be the situation when I am due, she needed during her last month of of the mask and when I was in labour, and then that raises the question of pregnancy when she was harassed for the heat was unbearable,” she said. how I will go about it; do I do home being outside. After delivery, she could not move delivery or go to hospital?” she said. “People were telling me I was not much because of her fresh wound. “You cannot really plan for any- doing the right thing and that as a Her husband was only able to visit thing during this time.” pregnant woman, I should not be out- her once. “The nurses were also not Njogu adds life has completely side. However, sometimes you are the keen like there was one nurse who changed, leaving her confused on only one who knows what you need came to clean my area and change my what to do. and where to get it,” she said. beddings,” she said. “I live in Embu but commute to Elsewhere, Maria, who lives in Na- “I remember she took my baby Kirinyaga using a matatu for work. If kuru, delivered her child last month, and gave it to the patient next to me, I was still required to go to the office, missed out on a celebration and com- which I found irresponsible because I would be afraid because of the risk pleting shopping for her child. we did not know her status and I felt of infection for me and the baby,” she “My friends had planned a baby my child was placed at risk.” said. shower for me that had to be can- Another incident was when a secu- For more Sasa During her last antenatal check-up, celled because some of them were rity guard, on the pretext of coming to stories, scan the Njogu visited a gynaecologist. coming from Nairobi and didn’t want monitor the room, took her charger. QR code above “However, I cannot afford to pay a to risk contracting the virus and “I didn’t know where he had come Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 25

about their fears so they can find MORTAL THREAT solutions,” she said. “Like for me, if I don’t talk about the stress, it may affect my milk pro- BY ALLAN TULI @TheStarKenya How pregnant women duction, which will affect my baby.” TAKE PRECAUTIONS Research is underway to understand Corona re-emphasises the impacts of Covid-19 infection on pregnant women. Data is limited but at present, there is no evidence that the need to write a will they are at higher risk of severe illness than the general population. are facing virus threat According to the World Health Organisation, because of the changes in their bodies and immune systems, Fear infection if they go to hospital and neglect by medics as they prioritise Covid-19 patients we know that pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections. “It is, therefore, important that they take precautions to protect themselves against Covid-19 and report possible from, whether he was a potential symptoms (including fever, cough or carrier of the virus and I had seen him difficulty breathing) to their health- sanitise, so I was angry when he just care provider,” WHO said. came and took my charger. I told him The organisation adds there is no if he needed to use it, he had to sani- conclusive data or evidence to show tise and gave him my hand sanitiser,” pregnant women can pass the infec- she said. tion to their foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. CONSTANT STRESS “To date, the virus has not been Since she could not receive any found in samples of amniotic fluid visitors, she had difficulty performing or breastmilk,” wrote the health tasks when the nurses were busy. organisation. “I was very frustrated and even According to WHO guidelines, cried because I was alone and if some- a safe and positive childbirth thing was a few metres away from me, experience includes being treated n chapter 3 of his 1833 book, The Wondrous is that it must be signed by the testator or by I could not access it. I begged them to with respect and dignity, having a Tale of Alroy, British novelist, essayist and some other person in the presence and by the allow just the child’s father to come to companion of choice present during twice Prime Minister of the UK, Benjamin direction of the testator. Further, the will must be help me but they couldn’t,” she said. delivery and clear communication by Disraeli, writes, “I am prepared for the worst signed by two or more competent witnesses. However, even after going home, maternity staff. but hope for the best.” Both witnesses must observe the testator, Maria is constantly stressed out, Others include appropriate pain INo phrase best sums up the times we are going or the person assigned by the testator sign, or thinking about the virus. relief strategies, mobility in labour through right now as a nation, and as a planet. an acknowledgement by the testator that the Her baby’s father, who works in where possible and birth position of While governments and healthcare workers are signature or mark by another person was made sales, cannot work from home and choice. trying every day to flatten the curve and reduce at his direction. Each of the witnesses must leaves for the office daily. All pregnant women, including the terrible grip Covid-19 has on humanity, we equally sign the will in the presence of the “I get worried because I don’t know those with confirmed or suspected can only hope we prevail in the end. testator. who he has interacted with while at Covid-19 infections, have the right to Not to be an alarmist or anything, but for Although not mandatory by law, the testator work, if they are safe and if he is safe high-quality care before, during and anyone with dependants, now is the right time may choose to name an executor in the will. An when he comes home to us,” she said. after childbirth. This includes antena- to get your affairs in order. To be specific, write executor is the person named by the will, who “I know the mask can get un- tal, newborn, postnatal, intrapartum a will. As Africans, our culture dictates that will take charge of the distribution of the assets comfortable and sometimes people and mental health care. we shun any talk concerning preparation of of the deceased. remove them to breathe better, and In case the mother is infected with death as it amounts to courting death. However, Where an executor is not named, any things like those make me even more Covid-19, WHO advises she can still considering the current pandemic, wisdom persons wishing to administer the estate of the worried.” breastfeed if she wishes to do so. dictates that we plan ahead to avoid causing you deceased must apply to the court to be named The new mother has thought about “They should practice respiratory or your loved ones any future anxiety. as administrators. This could end up becoming going to live with her mother until hygiene during feeding, wear a mask a lengthy process, especially if numerous things cool down, but she also does where available, wash hands before WRITING A WILL individuals come forward, seeking to become not want to leave her husband alone. and after touching the baby and A will is a legal declaration by a person (legally an executor. It is thus advisable that a testator “I am just living in fear. When he routinely clean and disinfect surfaces referred to as a testator) of their wishes regarding provide for an executor in their will. comes home he has to remove his they have touched,” WHO says. the disposition of their property (and sometimes It is important to note that a will can be clothes and place them in a washing However, if the mother feels too the disposing of their body) after their demise. changed, altered or discarded as many times as bucket, then take a shower before he unwell to breastfeed or other compli- A will provides certainty to the deceased’s the testator wants while they are still alive. can see or hold the baby,” she said. cations, she should be supported to surviving dependants by distributing their Maria is coping with her fears by safely provide her baby with breast- property according to the deceased’s wishes. It PLAN AHEAD talking to him about them and mak- milk in a way possible, available and prevents and minimises disputes likely to arise Another way one can plan for the unexpected ing sure they are on the same page. acceptable to them. during the division of the property among the is by purchasing life insurance, which several “I’d like to advise pregnant women Mothers are advised to express deceased’s dependants and family. insurance companies offer nowadays. Insurance or those with children and with milk, practise relactation or use donor This not only minimises disruption in the way exists to cover the unexpected. Buying life working spouses or partners to talk human milk. of life for the surviving dependents but also any insurance, a hospital-care plan or long-term quarrels and bad blood among surviving family care will serve as a financial safety net for members, which many of us have witnessed unanticipated crises. either personally or read about in the tabloids. What happens during the next few days/ A will can be used to distribute real property, weeks/months/years is unpredictable; don’t including land, as well as movable property, such take any chances with your loved ones or as money, shares in a company and personal dependants. While no one wants to think this effects. Additionally, one can legally bequeath terrible virus will knock on their door, everyone their digital assets, including their control, to a should consider planning ahead should the third party. worst scenario befall us. A will can either be oral or written. An oral Planning for an unexpected medical event will shall be valid only if made before two is like wearing your seatbelt. On any given day, witnesses and if made three months prior to we expect to drive safely to our destination, but the testator’s death. However, any reasonable we wear seatbelts every time we get in our car person will tell you a written will is much more as a precaution. Planning ahead during these A woman preferred than an oral will, for obvious reasons. troubled times is similar; proper planning can breastfeeds Any individual with a sound mind and having mitigate the burdens and obligations of loved at KNH attained the age of 18 can write a will. A will ones that we leave behind. So, while we hope for during World written under coercion or a threat of violence the best, may we also prepare for the worst. Breastfeeding is void since a person writing a will ought to Week in 2016 exercise free will. Advocate of the High Court of Kenya based in /FILE Another requirement for a will to be valid Boston, Massachusetts 26 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 SASA ART ART CHECK ‘LIFE CANNOT BE POSTPONED’ No cake and no kissing, Publishers adapt to but their union is sealed disruption by virus BY GERALD MUTETHIA /@ eStarKenya

BY JKS MAKOKHA /@ eStarKenya wedding expected to Pastor Kimathi and his wife and accommodate a huge crowd two bridesmaids from the couple’s as naturally happens in sides. ey covered their faces with African setting ended up with face masks for the whole ceremony. only 10 people, no cake and no e couple had settled on April touchingA or kissing the bride. 18 to tie the knot, with Murithi and Godfrey Mutwiri, 29, and his Zipporah as their best man and fi ancee Grace Nkatha, 25, had woman, but late confi rmation to their festival plans disrupted by conduct such a wedding from the the coronavirus pandemic, but authority hampered the plans and the lovebirds did not despair. ey they approached Eric Munene, who made lemonade from the situation stepped in with his wife. to exchange vows. “We were troubled. We were e wedding was offi ciated by under pressure but I remembered Pastor Isaac Kimathi of Christ my father told me life cannot be Co-workers (Chrisco) Church in postponed,” Mutwiri said. Makutano, Meru, without any “I called Eric Munene, a good extravagance. friend and my spiritual mentor “From here you go home, no for the last 10 years, and told him food. We used to lift couple’s hands, the wedding was allowed but not anymore. I have preached in with restrictions for adherence to masks because Romans says obey Covid-19 guidelines. Munene and those in authority,” Kimathi said. his wife Mercy Nzuki agreed to step Teachers buy books during 13th annual kepsha conference on December 4, 2017 /JOHN CHESOLI e two uttered their words in and they will henceforth be.” during the exchange of covenant Nkatha said she was happy with rogress is impossible without progress. CLC-Kenya has shifted Finally, CLC-K has initiated fi ve marriage rings onto their third the success of the ceremony as change, and those who cannot its operations to online platforms diff erent book programmes. ere is fi n g e r s . what matters is the union and not change their minds cannot for continuity with some of their an inspirational one for the guidance e two, who had dated for fi ve the ceremony. change anything — George brand activities. ey held their fi rst and counselling sector and another years, wore face masks and kept a “We miss friends and relatives Bernard Shaw Authors’ Breakfast at the beginning for company and business owners, distance for most of the occasion in who wished to gather here and P e great Irish theatre critic and of this week yesterday. is event who want to create an ownership adherence to the Ministry of Health witness,” Nkatha said. social commentator could as well would have occurred as face to face, culture among their employees. guidelines. Mutwiri said for their have been describing the current ideally, but it was convened virtually. is is crucial as diff erent ere was no cutting of cake, honeymoon, they were to celebrate times. Since the beginning of the is is an example of the new employers explore avenues of but Mutwiri and his wife shared in Mombasa, with expenses catered year and after Covid-19 went viral, creed of continuation of work-from- boosting the morale of their an egg. ere was no food served as for by his sister, but instead, they literally and literature-wise, no home as the new location of duties workers. Some of the workers reserved attendees only feasted on will be at home, quarantined. sector of the economy of nations and responsibilities among the across the country have been given cupcake, boiled eggs, a banana and across the world remains unscathed. working class. Many companies and temporary layoff s and others sent soda. Unprecedented changes are afoot. institutions, including universities, on compulsory leave as the fear of ey had a budget of Sh240,000 HONEYMOON WAS TO BE IN In the book world, the pandemic have advised their employees to massive job losses looms large daily but only spent Sh40,000. has led to massive disruption of carry on with their essential services across the country. ose who attended were MOMBASA BUT NOW THEY’LL activities, some of which had taken online from the safety of their Due to the pandemic, the CLC-K Mutwiri and Nkatha’s parents, STAY AT HOME, QUARANTINED months of planning and have now homes. 2020 teen writers’ class that was to be cancelled. Omukhango’s organisation has to start this Saturday will not start In places such as New York, strengthened their online presence (offl ine). It has since been moved New Delhi, Cape Town or London, with strategic renovations on online as well. See https://kenyaclc. where total lockdowns are enforced, their website, https://kenyaclc. org/course/igen-teen-authors- bookstores and other players in the org/. is enables their clients and artists/ supply chains have had to come other interested parties to interact In a nutshell, the current season of up with drastic coping strategies, remotely with the outfi t. It heralds precarity portends a very uncertain including temporary closure. Online the new practice that certainly future for the book industry. sales, however, appear to be picking cuts across the corporate world at Whereas this seems to be the case up as the stay-at-home policies and the moment. Online presence and at surface value, the pandemic has curfews aggravate online shopping virtual visibility is a key coping off ered a golden opportunity for for books, among other goods. mechanism and it starts with players in the industry to explore Here in Nairobi, one player in enhanced websites and webpages. new horizons of expectations and the book industry presents an Companies now fi nd these as operations. interesting case study on how vital necessities rather than just ere is no doubt that interfacing the industry is coping with the bare essentials in line with ISO offl ine and online approaches is new calamitous times. Christian certifi cation requirement, in some one of the new pathways into the Literature Communications is a cases. future. Indeed, even universities, as growing publishing outfi t with apex players in the book industry, branches across the country WHATSAPP COLLABO have already come to terms with courtesy of its Kenyan chapter. Secondly, CLC-Kenya has moved this reality. Saint Paul’s University, Mercy Omukhango is their her authors’ collaboration group on Mount Kenya University and business development manager WhatsApp and it is working very Kenyatta University have continued Above, the and head of publishing. She talked well. ere are several interaction with their normal operations by couple and their to the Star recently and decried exercises that occur on a daily basis. shifting their learning activities guests the disruptions being occasioned ese include: Spiritual Inspiration online for many courses normally Left, Godfrey by the coronavirus pandemic, for Authors (Mondays), Featured off ered offl ine. Mutwiri puts a but also shared practical golden Authors Series (Tuesdays), Topical e pandemic calls for Kenyans covenant ring on opportunities that have arisen out Trainings (Wednesday), Future to seize the moment and ponder Grace Nkatha’s of it. of Book Trainings ( ursdays) on the progressive changes we can finger Her outfi t has come up with a and Book Market Day (Fridays to all initiate for the betterment of the /GERALD MUTETHIA number of strategies to fi t itself Sundays). present and progress into the post- into the new times relevantly. She irdly, they have shifted their corona future. says many plays in the industry Book Programme Courses online, stand to benefi t if they convert and one can interact using the ------the current challenges they face following link: https://kenyaclc.org/ Dr Makokha teaches Literature and into opportunities for change and courses-2/ eatre at Kenyatta University Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 27 SASA LIVING

G-SPOT

BY MWANGI G /@MwangiGithahu A chance for leaders to press the reset button

as Ramaphoria. People were so lose. The pandemic has given him relieved to be rid of Zuma, they a platform to showcase what he is were willing to ignore the fact that made of.” Ramaphosa had been the Deputy Of course, if things go badly President for four of the preceding wrong with the lockdown, then nine years. all the goodwill could disappear However, just like one who has in a flash and no leader can hope to been on a high either through come back from that. For instance, drugs, alcohol or even just sugar, if the curve is not flattened on the after-effects or hangover time and the death toll keeps brought them down to earth with shooting upwards for weeks, or a crash. there is mass unrest as people get The Ramaphoria had not waved desperate for food and the unrest a magic wand and gotten rid of all is crushed by armed forces. the issues with the economy that So if your President or Prime had been present and building Minister had thought their legacy even as power changed hands. had been all sorted out one way Soon, there were even some who or the other before the pandemic, had earlier been full of praise for they have a chance now to change Ramaphosa being doubtful and things, but it is only a small negative about his much-touted window of opportunity and abilities. they had better act both fast and Since the pandemic began, intelligently. however, the pendulum of If you have had the pleasure of fortune seems to be swinging the watching Ru Paul’s ‘Drag Race’, Management of the crisis provides chance to redeem legacies President’s way. His masterful, you will doubtless be familiar presidential manner while with his catchphrase, that I am not dealing with the coronavirus has sure I can use in this column. know it goes without saying, that most if not all their legacies The rest might as well start got people cheering him on again, Perhaps this quote from the but I’ll say it anyway. For get a reset. The only leaders who packing now. and even his detractors have novel A Woman of Substance by political leaders the world over, will have anything to celebrate For instance, here in South paused. Barbra Taylor Bradford will suffice the Covid-19 pandemic, and are those seen by most of their Africa, when President Cyril As one political scientist I spoke instead: “We are each the authors how they are seen to handle it, population as having handled the Ramaphosa took over from the to put it, “If the lockdown is a of our own lives. We live in what willI be the defining moment of various lockdowns and curfews ruinous Jacob Zuma in 2018, there success and Ramaphosa delivers we have created. There is no way to their careers. properly and set the course for was a wave of euphoria across on the Covid-19 pandemic front, shift the blame and no one else to The pandemic has ensured recovery. the country that became known he will have more to gain than to accept the accolades.”

BETTER POWER SOURCES elsewhere in Africa. centres, requiring high capital investment for the transmission BY GILBERT KOECH @TheStarKenya SOLAR lines. This is more so even as the On solar, Kenya receives daily country moves towards renewable insolation of 4-6kWh/m2. This is energy in its bid to limit its carbon usually utilised for photovoltaic footprint and to fight climate (PV) systems, drying and water change. Kenya keen to prioritise use heating. The solar PV systems are used GEOTHERMAL mainly for telecommunication, The Kenya Electricity Generating of clean, renewable energy cathodic protection of pipelines, Company, KenGen, has for the past lighting and water pumping. few years focused on expanding Some of the barriers affecting Kenya’s geothermal energy Bioenergy, solar, geothermal, wind power options being explored the exploitation of solar energy production. The company is resource include high initial upbeat that it can produce enough capital costs, low awareness of power to eventually offload excess he global trend towards a hand, include the long-established for Kenya include charcoal, wood- the potential opportunities and geothermal power generated at the focus on renewable energy Olkaria geothermal power station, fuel and agricultural waste. economic benefits offered by Olkaria area to the neighbouring was highlighted this week in now in its fifth phase. The government has identified solar technologies, and a lack of countries. media headlines from the US The country currently has a the existence of a substantial adherence to system standards by Much of this has been done and Germany. total installed large hydropower potential for power generation suppliers. To wade through some of with the support of the Japanese TWall Street Journal reported the capacity of 743 megawatts (MW), using forestry and agro-industry these challenges, the government government through the Japan uncertain long-term future of fossil and indeed, hydroelectric power is residues, including bagasse. The has zero-rated the import duty International Cooperation fuels, while Bloomberg pointed to what Kenya started to exploit right total potential for cogeneration and removed Value Added Tax on Agency (Jica) in a longstanding the increasing advantages of using from independence. But there are using sugarcane bagasse is 193MW. renewable energy equipment and partnership. solar panels for generating power. other sources. Mumias Sugar Company accessories. Geothermal resources in Kenya While the race to rely solely on generates 35MW, of which 26MW are located mostly within the Rift renewable energy is heating up BIOENERGY is dispatched to the national grid. WIND POWER Valley, with an estimated potential around the world, Kenya is hoping Bioenergy is the energy derived However, opportunities within Quite aside from the famous Lake of between 7,000 MW and 10,000 it can lead the charge towards from various sources of solids, other sugar factories, estimated Turkana Wind Power project, we MW spread over 14 prospective renewables on the continent. liquids and gaseous biomass, to be up to 300MW, have not been also have the Ngong wind power sites. This will be no easy task, and including fuelwood, charcoal, exploited. site, for instance, operated by Geothermal has numerous achieving it would be a milestone in ethanol, biodiesel and biogas. Currently, biomass energy KenGen. advantages over other sources of Kenyan history. The focus in Kenya In terms of population and development is the focus of High capital cost and lack of power: it is not affected by drought thus far has been on hydroelectric geography, this is the energy attention due to dwindling global sufficient wind regime data are and climatic variability; has the power stations, wind power and source most widely used in Kenya. resources of fossil fuels as well as some of the barriers affecting highest availability (capacity geothermal power stations. Biomass contribution to Kenya’s environmental considerations. the exploitation of wind energy factor) at over 95 per cent; is Wind power stations include the final energy demand is 70 per cent However, a trend towards the resources. green energy with no adverse Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, and provides for more than 90 per excessive cutting down of trees for Moreover, potential areas for effects on the environment; and is the largest such wind farm in cent of rural household energy biofuel makes this option a major wind energy generation are far indigenous and readily available in Africa. Geothermal, on the other needs. The main sources of biomass environmental threat in Kenya as away from the grid and load- Kenya. 28 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 SASA LIFE LESSONS Financial shocks come and go, here are 7 tips to survive them The world has experienced many economic downturns and there will be more crises in future

Hawkers in the Nairobi CBD on GODFREY KIMEGA April 10 @TheStarKenya / MERCY MUMO

To translate a famous Swahili saying, life is a journey that crosses mountains and valleys. The analogy describes the path of our finances because each of us will experience both financial successes and failures. It, therefore, makes sense to make the most of the good times that come our way so we are better prepared for the inevitable financial crises. One such crisis is the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Many people are suffering financially as workers are sent home, markets are closed and governments impose restrictions on normal business activity. The loss of earnings calls for changes in household spending because none of us knows when normal business will resume. The world has experienced many economic downturns in history and it is a sure bet there will be unforeseen crises in future that will require people to adapt. The ongoing economic crisis caused by Covid-19 parents, and his contacts are proving parents don’t want the children to teacher training course that’s also payment so they know you are is already forcing people to take up useful in his new trade. He has be idle, and that is why they call me been postponed. keeping track and working on new roles to feed their families. created a WhatsApp group, through for private lessons,” he says. When business is quiet, Elizabeth the situation. “I am hawking school books,” says which he advertises whenever he The income from tuition and can be seen seated in the shade, 4. Plan ahead: Prepare a budget Isaac Mwalili* (real name disguised gets new books. His customers are selling books is helping Isaac feed revising for her course. She says she that will take you through the on request), a teacher at a private parents eager to keep their children his wife and children, but the is preparing for exams that might hard times. The budget will school at the Coast. Isaac says his busy learning at home. income is not yet enough for house be called as soon as the education be determined by how much employer has not paid teachers’ “I also do holiday tuition classes rent. He remains optimistic that he system reopens. savings you have and how salaries since the government closed for parents willing to pay,” Isaac says. will soon get his salary, despite the much you should be spending all schools in March. “I get the books Though the Ministry of Education delay from the employer. COPING MECHANISMS on basic needs for your family. from a wholesaler then I sell them frowns on tuition outside of official Isaac took a very important step The current crisis will not last Noting down in a diary your daily for a profit in the estate,” he says. school hours, Isaac feels he has no in dealing with a personal financial forever. Eventually, it will be nothing spending helps in keeping track As a teacher, Isaac knows many choice. “I need the cash and, besides, crisis: he came to terms with his more than a bad memory. However, of expenses. situation and found an alternative there are tactics people can adopt to 5. Find income-earning source of income. get through this challenging time. opportunities: Now that you Not everyone is lucky enough to 1. Talk about the situation: Marriage already cut down your spending, find a side hustle that matches their counsellors warn that financial think about how best to increase profession. Elizabeth*, also a private challenges are the biggest threat your income. Getting a higher- school teacher, is hawking bananas to marriages, but this can be paying job is the ideal way of for a living since schools were closed. avoided by openly discussing getting a steady income, but it “I started selling bananas because the state of finances. Isaac the could be months before a job I don’t know when I will be paid,” teacher had a frank discussion offer comes along. Like the two she said. with his wife regarding delayed teachers we read about at the Luckily, Elizabeth lives in a family salaries, and they jointly worked beginning of this article, consider home and does not pay rent, but out a realistic budget based on starting a business that does not she needs the money to take care the reduced cash flow. require a huge investment. Go to of household expenses and for the 2. Cut down unnecessary expenses: the Internet and look for online Nobody knows when economic jobs you can do from home. conditions will improve. Your 6. Take care of yourself: Our savings should last as long as personal identities are tied to possible. Spend only on basic finances. We are happy when we needs such as food, rent, water, can take care of basic needs and electricity bills and medical much happier when we afford treatment. If you can work from luxury items. Lack of money is Our personal home, minimise your movements emotionally distressing, resulting identities are tied to cut spending on bus fare or fuel in depression, headaches, anxiety for the car. If you have two cars, and general physical discomfort. to finances. We are consider selling one. It might be Maintain body fitness through necessary to move to a cheaper nutritious eating (remember junk happy when we can house to cut spending on rent. food is an unnecessary expense) take care of basic 3. Negotiate: If you know you will and physical exercises. have difficulties paying rent, it’s 7. Open up: Rather than isolating needs and much best to contact your landlord oneself with problems, it before you miss a payment so is advisable to reach out to happier when we they are aware of the situation. other people willing to share Fredrick Ochieng, a fashion designer with Ziqo Designs along River Road in afford luxury items If you have loans, talk to your experiences. A problem shared Nairobi, makes masks which he sells for Sh150 /FREDRICK OMONDI creditors before you miss a is a problem half solved. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 29

word is... [email protected] KAGENI REGRETS HURTING HIS MOTHER 25 YEARS AGO “For the 25 years, my mum only Teacher Wanjiku forgave me last year,” he said in a SOCIALBYTE /COURTESY Q&A with fans on YouTube. WITH ELIZABETH NGIGI Maina said his mother had so @nyambs_liz much faith in him and, unlike his brother and sister, he was given his Comedian Teacher Wanjiku celebrat- school fees in cash. ed her firstborn daughter by opening “I ate all my school fees by living her an Instagram account. large in the UK. My mum found out Her daughter Nicole, turned 17 and she was not happy with me until years old and finally got the chance last year, when she called me home to experience the social media plat- and after dinner, she told me she for- form, which was one of the promises given me for not going to university,” made for her birthday by her mum. he said. The comedian also shared images Maina says he didn’t believe his of Nicole, reminiscing the past and mother had kept that grudge for all expressing how proud she was of those years. how far her little girl has come. “My mum told me, Maina, if there She then advised her to create is something I had promised your her path, be good to people and be dad is that all his children would responsible while at it. go to university,” he said. Maina’s “Today, I am a very happy mother, dream was to become a lawyer. my baby who is not a baby anymore Maina is known as one of the just turned 17 years today. What a senior bachelors in Kenya. During young pretty lady you have turned his show, he has always stated that out to be. We love and appreciate from the many times men complains you, as you officially join Instagram about their wives, he is not getting today,” she wrote. “I must admit I married any soon. have done well. You look so pretty.” During the YouTube Q&A, Maina said marriage is not for everyone. “Yes, I believe in the marriage in- stitution, but marriage is not for Day Njugush was everyone,” he said. Maina is ranked among the high- trolled over a joke est-paid radio presenters in the country, although he never wished to be on radio. ELIZABETH NGIGI@nyambs_liz/ Instead, he switched his focus and Maina Kageni “The day I will wake up and feel Classic 105 breakfast show presenter began working as a truck driver and /COURTESY that I am going to work, I will call it Maina Kageni says he regrets hurting fish distributor for some Chinese a wrap because for me I’m always ex- his mother by not going to university. firm. cited with what I’m doing,” he said. Maina left the country to enrol at His mother was not aware of the “Sometimes I even wake up before a college in the UK, but as it turned development and carried on with my alarm. I mean, radio has nour- out, he never set his foot in a lecture Kageni’s graduation celebration ished me for so long.” hall. plans when the time was due. Musembi in trouble for infringing on ‘Todii’ song ELIZABETH NGIGI / Comedian Njug- ush says there was a time he could ELIZABETH NGIGI @nyambs_liz/ Wanyanya said although Musem- not sleep after he did a video with his Gospel singer Pastor Antony Musem- bi did not seek rights and per- wife but some fans misinterpreted it. bi has been sued by Zimbabwe- mission to use the song, “he has He was forced to make a public an music icon Oliver Mtukudzi’s shown willingness to rectify the apology after posting a clip that management over copyright in- mistake” and they would work many believed promoted rape. fringement of his hit song ‘Todii’. together to ensure that was done. The clip, which he shot with his Musembi ignited a storm on social “We believe his version of the song wife, has the comedian jokingly media over the weekend following will complement efforts to flatten complaining to his wife that they the release of his corona awareness the curve in the fight against coro- need to go home together after he song, which borrows most of its na in Kenya and Africa,” he said. spent so much money on her after elements from Mtukudzi’s song. Wanyanya said Tuku played a piv- an outing. Tuku Music manager Walter otal role in raising awareness about Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wanyanya said they have en- various health issues and would have Njugush said he could not concen- gaged Musembi over the devel- done the same in light of corona. trate. opment and are pursuing the He said the cover would help “I was trying to explain to my fans matter through legal channels. raise awareness in Kenya and other the meaning of the clip, but none ‘Todii’, which was original- parts of Africa and artistes needed seemed to understand,” he said. ly themed around HIV-Aids, to play their role in helping to flat- “The following day, I was trend- now carries a corona message. ten the corona curve and save lives. ing.” He says he went to church but In a statement, Wanyanya said According to copyright got nothing from the service. “I kept they were notified about the cover law, all airplay royalties will on logging in to check what they For more Word Is version of the song ‘Todii’ on April 19, go directly to Tuku music. were saying. I mean, cyberbullying stories scan the and after watching it, they reached Tuku died last year af- is bad,” he said. QR code above. Pastor Anthony Musembi / COURTESY out to Musembi on Facebook. ter a long battle with diabetes. 30 Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020

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HARIKI AUCTIONEERS Tenders will be opened immediately thereaer in the presence of the COURT BROKERS, AUCTIONEERS, REPOSSESSORS, INVESTIGATORS, ESTATE & COMMISSION PUBLIC NOTICE Chinis thai euro india arab escort AGENTS bidders Nyambene Hse, 3rd Fllor, Room 5 Tom Mboya St. representatives who chose to attend. THE PHYSICAL AND LAND USE PLANNING nkr eld ksm msa 0722115384 P.O.BOX 51840-00200 Nairobi TEL 0720-373842/020 2540708. Email. [email protected] ACT NO 13 OF 2019 NOTE: e school reserves the right to accept or reject any or all CHANGE OF USE PUBLIC AUCTION tenders and is not bound to assign reasons thereof. The registered owner(s) of Land Reference Elegan euro indian thai chinis tra- vel escort 0722115384 Under instructions received from the Financiers, we shall sell the No’s KIAMBU/MUNICIPALITY BLOCK under listed items and motor vehicle by Public Auction: 5(KIAMUMBI)/3318 located at Kiamumbi area o Kamiti Road, Kiambu Sub County ON SATURDAY 2ND MAY 2020 AT HARIKI HOLDINGS YARD, We install cctv to houses to intends to Change its Use from Agricultur- LUNGA LUNGA ROAD FROM 11.00 AM. Auctioneers, Repossessors, Investigators & Debt Collectors al to Residential Multi-Dwelling Flats monitor house girls/boys.we Webcom House VAT 0144563P Cell: 0720 680495 subject to approval by Kiambu County have also surveillance gadgets IN THE MATTER OF REPOSSESSION Ground Floor, RoomG21 PIN NO: 1001123275G 0714 824661 P.O Box 13041 – 20100 Government. Individuals, institutions etc. to instal in cars, phones. cal FINANCIER -VS- 1. GEOFFREY WAITHAKA MBAU. 2. WINNIE Email: [email protected] NAKURU with objection(s) to the proposal are 0732555194 NJERI MAINA. 3. WANYORO REGINA WAMBUI requested to forward the same in writing within 14 (fourteen) days of this notice to: CHERRY SPA... Experienced in M/V REG NO. MAKE/MODEL COLOUR Y.O. M. Duly instructed by the under mentioned court, we shall sell the KBJ 556Y TOYOTA S/WAGON SILVER 2002 under mentioned Motor Vehicle on Saturday 2nd May 2020. Near THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL several international massage National Bank Building at 11.30 am. PLANNING, cultures, located in Westlands TFT, CPU, CD Writer. 1.H.C. Petition No. 1 of 2016 – Philp Kipkemboi Langat Vs. KIAMBU COUNTY GOVERNMENT, P.O BOX 2344-00900, along ojijo road and open 24/7. Pyrethrum Board of Kenya. Motor Vehicle Reg. No. KCD 311 G JCM. 0791491072 CONDITIONS OF SALE KIAMBU. CASH AT THE FALL OF THE HAMMER. CONDITIONS OF SALE 1.All interested parties are required to view the property and verify PUBLIC NOTICE Men vigrx & Maxman ALL ARE WELCOME details as auctioneers do not warrant this. 0725218027 2.That sale will be subjected to reserve price. THE PHYSICAL AND LAND USE PLANNING ACT NO 13 OF 2019 CHANGE OF USER Elegant escort indian celebrity The owners of this property plot 643 of for members only 0722115384 PUBLIC NOTICE kihoto farmers company limited, located in THE PHYSICAL AND LAND USE PLANNING kabazi town of subukia sub county, Nakuru ACT NO 13 OF 2019 county propose to regularize change of Holiday part time job KASINGA SECONDARY SCHOOL CHANGE OF USER user from agricultural to light escort massage india euro P.O BOX 455-90100, MACHAKOS The owners of plots KABETE/KANYARIRI industry(timber treatment plant) subject +254722115384 [email protected] Contact No. 0722-232393 619 is proposing to change the user of this to approval by county government of MOTTO: “WE LEARN TO SERVE” Nakuru. property from Agricultural to Light New chinis thai escort nbi nkr Industry (Gas re lling plant,LPG) subject Individuals, institutions or organizations INVITATION TO TENDER – PURCHASE OF SCHOOL BUS to approval by Kiambu County with objections or comments to the 0722115384 TENDER NO: KSS/SB/TD 0I/2020 government. 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taurus April 21 - May 21 Stabilize your own position by locking up your savings. You will communicate with ease today. Don’t overdo it.

GEMINI Weekend’s May 22 - June 21 Solutions  e only thing you’ll accomplish is a bad reputation. You can expect the fur to fl y on the home front.

DOWN ACROSS CANCER 1 Respiration in the presence of oxygen (7) 1 Which variety of radiation consists of June 22-July 22 helium nuclei (5) 5. ___ is secreted by goblet cells in the 2. Constituency in Migori County (5) epithelial membrane of the alimentary Visit someone who hasn’t been feeling 3. A very troublesome child (4) canal (5) Find and mark all the words well lately. Be sure to take advantage of WORD SEARCH hidden inside the box. The words the opportunities that exist. 4. A camper equipped with living 8. Among other things (4) may be placed horizontally, quarters (7) 9. A giant black and white bear-like animal vertically, or diagonally. 5. It Speeds up breakdown of maltose to (5) glucose (7) 10. Constituency in Turkana County (5) ABOVE LEO 6. City in Egypt (5) 11. A device in which something (usually an AHEAD July 23 - August 22 7. A measuring instrument for weighing animal) can be caught and penned (4) AWAY Make plans to mix business with (5) 12. Smallest particle of an element that BACKWARD pleasure. Dinner with clients or business is capable of taking part in a chemical 13. City in Kiribati (6) associates should be successful. 14. Diagrammatic representations of the reaction (4) BEHIND earth’s surface (4) 15. Constituency in Tana River County (6) BELOW 16. The distance between point of 17. Arrangement of aerial photographs DOWN VIRGO suspension and point of oscillation of a forming a composite picture (5) EAST August 23 - September 23 pendulum (6) 18. Compound that are translocated in phloem 19. One of the characteristics which are (6) FORWARD Don’t be too quick to judge those you live inherited (4) 20. City in Bahamas (6) LEFT with. Get some sound advice and help 21. These are saturated hydrocarbons 23. City in Liechtenstein (4) NORTH setting up a workable budget. 24. City in Mali (6) having only single bonds (7) REVERSE 22. Constituency in Mandera County (7) 26. Refl ected sound (4) 24. A cleaning implement for sweeping (5) 29. Supports the body tube and stage on the RIGHT LIBRA 25. Constituency in Mombasa County (5) light microscope (4) SIDEWAYS September 24 - October 23 27. Defeat someone through trickery or 31. Bulbous plant having hollow leaves (5) SKYWARD You can accomplish a lot if you put 32. Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from deceit (5) SOUTH 28. Eye’s nerve fiber for transmission of happening (5) some eff ort into household duties or impulses to the brain for interpretation 33. Look at (4) TOWARD redecorating plans. (5) 34.  e food served and eaten at one time (5) UP 30. City in Azerbaijan (4) 35. It refers to the organisms living in water (7) WEST SCORPIO October 24 - November 22  ings are looking up. Don’t let jealous friends put you down, making you insecure about your capabilities. SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 Don’t forget that your budget is limited right now. Residential moves will be hectic and may be unsatisfactory. CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 Get together with those you fi nd mentally stimulating. Your ability to put a deal together will surprise others. AQUARIUS You're more beautiful alive than dead, January 21 - February 19 mortician tells woman pining for haircut Your partner may be erratic today if you haven’t paid enough attention to him or her. Don’t make excuses. DAILY MAIL/ A Virginia mortician had ‘I do hair, nails, and makeup every the perfect response for a stranger day except Sunday,’ she wrote. ‘ is on Facebook who wanted to go out virus has business booming.’ PISCES and get her hair done during the pan- Another commenter has clearly February 20 - March 20 demic. been struggling to fi nd someone to Problems with fi nancial investments Patrina J Felts lives in Virgin- do her hair during lockdown, and re- could make you nervous. Social activities ia Beach, Virginia, and recently re- sponded asking about her services. or travel should be in your plans. marked on Facebook that business ‘Where are you from? I need my ODDLY ENOUGH ODDLY

ODDLY ENOUGH ODDLY has been ‘booming’ lately, with her hair done,’ Raven DeAndra wrote. doing hair, nails, and makeup nearly ‘VA Beach,’ Patrina answered. ‘I’m every day. a mortician. Want an appointment? ARIES March 21 - April 20 Patrina was commenting on an- Keep going outside. other Facebook post in March when ‘Stay home sis,’ she went on. e Facebook Don’t expect anything for nothing and you she shared her not-so-serious ‘brag’ ‘You’re more beautiful alive than exchange won’t be disappointed. Do not invest in about increased business. dead.’ /DAILY MAIL ventures that only appear to be lucrative. Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 33 SPORTS LOCAL

FOOTBALL We can play in KPL in two years, says Kibera’s Magara BY WILLIAM NJUGUNA/Kibera Black Stars have set their the mid-season transfer window. Two other players joined sights on promotion to the to Kenya Premier League in the Posta Rangers and Coast Stima.

SPORTS next two seasons. “These players were dependable and their departure left a The self-supporting outfit currently lie 16th in the National void we could not fill,” added Magara. Super League with 21 points but club secretary Daniel The club’s best position in the NSL was a fifth-place finish Magara believes the club has the potential to play in the top- three seasons ago. Magara said they hope to strengthen flight football in a season or two. the side when the season, currently suspended due to “Our position in the current table does not tell the full coronavirus pandemic, resumes. story but with the determination and hunger that the boys “Our recruitment policy has been to sign players from have we can play in the KPL in two years,” Magara said, the areas that surround us including Kibera, Dagoretti, adding that the club will have to move up the table when the Kawangware and Satellite, especially those who have just seasons and hopefully finish in the top six next season. cleared their secondary school education. Our scouting has “We have a target of finishing in the top half of the been very good,” added Magara table next year and then push for promoted the season Some of the club’s dependable players include Eric after,” noted Magara. Odhiambo, Peter Onduso, Daniel Omwanda and Hillary Magara said the club has had a turbulent season Omondi and Magara said they want to build around these financially and a good number of his players like Nicholas players in the next coming years. Former Premier League Omondi and Julius Masaba had to seek greener pastures, outfit Nairobi City Stars top the standings with 64 points Kibra Black Stars Rashid Mayaka charges past Isibania’s Ambiro joining Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks respectively during followed by Bidco (54) and Vihiga United (52). Geoffrey / FILE

FOOTBALL BASKETBALL KUSA have no problem aligning to Fiba calendar

‘Not interested’ BY DANN OWERRE/ Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) will have no problem changing their basketball Ambani, Gor Mahia’s Rachier not keen on in FKF top seat calendar to conform with the international one. Tony Ochieng, who is in charge of Kusa basketball programmes, said they will adapt to the international calendar should Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) MESHACK KISENGE make the change. “The idea is good. We have no problems if it is effected. @kisengemeshack1 What we will do is to adapt and realign ourselves to the BY FRANCIS WADEGU / Despite international calendar,” he said. numerous calls to toss his hat The Strathmore University coach appealed to the in the ring for the forthcoming federation not rush the decision as there are some major Football Kenya Federation (FKF) things to take into considerations. Ochieng said it will be polls, former Kenyan interna- difficult to implement the change this year since it had not tional Boniface Ambani says he is been planned. “Next year would be most ideal,” he added. not interested. “There are challenges that need to be looked into before Ambani is among the former finally being decided because teams have already done players, who are under pressure budget for the year,” he observed. from football stakeholders to give He said the changes were effected in both football the presidential seat a stab. and rugby and things were running smoothly. The Kusa However, the former Tusker man programme, he said, starts in September and runs up to argues that the playing ground is December taking a break before resuming again in January not level thus he will not vie. to end in March. The former AFC Leopards Youth Strathmore University, United States International coach said the delegates to par- University and Kenyatta University are among their teams ticipate in the elections remain that also feature in the national league. a secret, leaving room for the Others are Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University possible rigging. of Agriculture and Technology, Zetech University, KCA “I am not interested. To vie University, Mount Kenya University and Riara University. means I will be fighting a battle I am sure I’ll lose. I have received numerous requests from vari- BOXING ous stakeholders but the playing ground is not level,” said Ambani. Former Commonwealth “We do not know the delegates who will vote in the polls and champion Maina is dead this leaves room for manipulation should any of the candidates have BY SAMSON ATEKA / Former Kenya boxing international these identities. “ Douglas Maina is dead. Maina was a product of the late However, the former Yanga coach Eddie Papa Musi at Kariobangi, famously known as striker, said he might consid- Bangladesh Boxing Club. er contesting in future elections, According to the national coordinator of former sports adding that he doesn’t have a heroes and heroines, Rose Tata-Muya, Maina died in preferred choice from the hosts his house at Donholm estate in Nairobi last night after of candidates who have declared a long illness. their interests in taking over the Maina, known for his snapping deadly right punch, reign at Kandanda House. won bronze medals in bantamweight at the 1978 African “I will vie in the future polls for I Games in Algiers and Edmonton Games. believe I have the leadership qual- Meanwhile, the boxing fraternity has sent messages ities needed at FKF. I have seen a of condolences to the family of the deceased. number of candidates who want to Former boxer Hussein Khalili said: “It’s really sad lead football but I am not support- Former Harambee striker Boniface Ambani / FILE news He was a good boxer and May his soul rest in ing any. The number of candidates eternal peace.” keeps growing every day but I will from the many who are muscling will be held and neither do I have Former international Kennedy “Valdez” Ochieng said: only support the individual who is for the top seat. He also insisted a candidate in mind who I will “My heartfelt condolences to our champion. We used to scandal-free,” he added. that he had no intention of run- throw my weight behind. I am not call him Daggy Maina.” Similarly, Gor Mahia chairman ning again, having lost to Nick interested in FKF politics but I urge Others who condoled with the deceased family are Ambrose Rachier says he is yet to Mwendwa in 2016. the delegates to vote wisely when former international boxers Nick Abaka and Duncan Kuria single out his preferred candidate “We do not know when the polls the time comes,” said Rachier. aka “Sugar Ray”. 34 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday - Sunday, April 24 -26, 2020

SPORTS PROFILE Waguthii seeks to unearth next champion

SAMSON ATEKA Former world champ @samson ateka

trains 25 girls aged With active sports being a short career, it reaches a point when athletes between eight and decide enough is enough and hung their gears and equipment. Upon retirement, they take various paths, be it academic careers they had 17 in Kibra slums studied in their formative years, business or ambassadorial roles, media du- ties just to name a few. However, some do not have a clear path during their sporting days and are forced to retire early, upon which they take up informal careers/respon- sibilities in their communities that they feel need some action. This is the road that former World Boxing Council (WBC) super light- weight champion Judy Waguthii has found herself on. Despite her dedication in entertaining her fans in the ring, Waguthii found fighting opportunities hard to come by and de- cided to hang her gloves at 35. Her path in retirement was not as straight- forward either as she noted gaps in the society that needed to be filled up. Having grown up in the Dandora slums, Waguthii witnessed numerous injustices among her commu- nity and especially sexual violence against vulnerable girls. She therefore established ‘Raw Sugar Warriors’ at the Global Vision Hall, across the capital, in Kibra, where she trains 25 girls aged between eight and 17. Waguthii feels that, in addition to providing security, self-defence and deviation from social vices while at the academy, the girls have the po- tential to take the mantle from the likes of Conjestina Achieng and Fatuma Zarika, who experi- enced and savoured the game at the top level. “It’s not an academy, but more of a Com- munity-Based Organisation for em- powering underprivileged s l u m girls,” she says. “After I was stripped of the WBC Silver belt in September last year, the insatiable appe- tite to fight and win was all gone. It was left to me and my manager (Greg Schira), who is also my husband, to put up ‘IT’S NOT AN the title defence but sadly, we were unable to secure spon- ACADEMY, BUT sorship, so we couldn’t beat the stipulated mandatory de- fence deadline which is usually three months.” MORE OF A Waguthii vehemently denies that age was a contrib- COMMUNI- uting factor for her increasingly diminishing fervour to box at that time. “As much as age wasn’t on my side, TY-BASED I always felt somehow strong and competitive,” she quips, adding: “My retirement had nothing to do with ORGANISA- age. Being a WBC Silver champion and the next day a TION FOR challenger at the highest level, I could not be wished away just like that, I was just stripped of the belt as EMPOWERING the desire to fight had died out when sponsorships became few and far between.” UNDERPRIVI- Kibra, where she frequents on a daily basis, isn’t LEGED SLUM for the faint-hearted. Given the disturbing na- ture of slum life and the fact that the girl child GIRLS’ — is constantly subjected to wanton harassment, WAGUTHII 1 Waguthii strives to teach her members a lot more than just the facets of self-defence and the art of boxing. “Apart from boxing and the self-defence classes, we teach them about values. For example, we teach them not to let poverty define them and therefore we constantly work towards their goals and talents. On a wider aspect, it’s about mentor- ship. I am a big sister to them and I have created a safe space for them to be free, open up and ask questions concerning their teenage life. Sport is one of the tools we use to bolster their fortunes. In my team, I have a Christian Apollo, who is a teacher by profession and assistant, Diana Moraa . On the sport- ing side, there is my assistant Veronica Mbithe and I,” she reveals. 1 “Veronica is a boxer with the Armed Forces Team (Defaba), an amateur national repute. My hubby Greg, who managed me as a boxer, has always been behind Friday - Sunday, April 24 -26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 35

directly from kick-boxing to professional boxing and left the scene with 17 wins from 30 fights.” Among the highlights in her final days in the ring was a 2017 International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Super Lightweight World Title defeat to Russian Svetlana Kalajova. In May 2018, aged 33, Waguthii beat Prisca Vicot from France on a unanimous points decision to clinch the Waguthii seeks to unearth next champion World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Super Lightweight title, stretching her pro fight record to 16 wins, seven losses and four draws. After her fairy tale WBC achievement, Waguthii was then placed as a top contender for the WBC World Fe- male Super Lightweight title that was then held by Érica Anabella Farías from Argentina. In December 2018, Waguthii landed a shot at a world title, this time a WBC world title, but lost to Belgian Deifine Persoon. Her last fight was a non-title bout at Charter Hall, where she stopped Asha Ngedere of Tanzania in style.

(+) WAGUTHII’S LOWDOWN

WORLD RATING: 16 / 90

SEX: Female

PRO BOUTS 30

ROUNDS: 176

KO PERCENTAGE: 16.67%

PRO STATUS: Inactive

2 CAREER 2007-2019

my initiatives 100 per cent. Team Defaba and Paul Mung’ori have 1. Judy Waguthii BORN: 1/8/1985 / age 35 also supported me in kind while Boxing Association of Ken- during a training ya (BAK) President Anthony Ombok embraced the concept session at NATIONALITY: Kenyan and continues to support the girls.” Charter Hall “We don’t have much to showcase as boxers but pas- /ERICK BARASA sion is literally what will get the next girls’ champion DEBUT: 28/3/2005 realise her potential. We used to train on Mondays, 2. Judy Waguthii Wednesdays and Fridays. But due to the big chunk with some of the WEIGHT DIVISION: Super-light weight of Class Eight candidates, we decided to switch girls from her our training to Saturday afternoons; that is before Global Vision Hall COVID-19 pandemic changed our way of life. On training centre STANCE: Orthodox Sundays, we used to train for three hours and /ERICK BARASA then have tuition for the candidates executed by a qualified teacher. 3. Judy Waguthii HOBBIES: Swimming, reading “As much as we do sports, academics is key for takes a youngster the girls,” adds Waguthii. through a training HEIGHT: 162cm To meet her financial obligations, Waguthii session at Global says: “I have hacked it with my personal funds. Vision Hall, Kibra Buying boxing equipment and paying rent for the /SAMSON RESIDENCE: Nairobi, Kenya training hall. For the launch day of our Communi- ATEKA ty-Based Organisation (CBO) which coincided with the Women’s Day on March 8, 2020, we got Sh126,000 MANAGER/AGENT: Greg Schira donation from the French Embassy, courtesy of French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Aline Kustermenager.” However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, everything is 3 currently on hold. Waguthii, who won the Startimes/SJAK Sports Personali- ty-of-the-Month in May 2018, was hoping to become Kenya’s sec- ond WBC World Champion after clinching the silver belt but her dream came a cropper due to lack of requisite resources. The WBC Silver category is a replacement of the internationals, where winners get to join a pool of pugilists as challengers for the WBC world titles. The only Kenyan to chalk up the WBC world title (the most prestigious in boxing) is Fatima Zarika, who later lost the Su- per Bantamweight belt in a rematch with Mexican Yamileth ‘Yeimi’ Macardo after holding it for four years. “I would have loved to achieve much more but lack of sponsorship, frustrations and lack of appreciation from the government was heartbreaking. But I believe I did my best under the circumstances and it was time to move to the next step. Sometimes you just need to think big and make major decisions in your career when things are not working your way. That’s when the idea of giving back to the society came to mind. I’m naturally a go-getter and when I moved from one media house to the other appealing for help, I felt bad that no one came to my rescue. So I decided that I was better off starting something for young girls, to help them realise their potential by converting challenges to opportunities,” says Waguthi. Waguthii, who was brought up in Dandora slums, says her organisation, situated near her residence, is all about social work and transforming lives. “I hope I’ll live to see a crop of strong young ladies who would be able to defend themselves against sexual aggression in slums as well as bring out their raw boxing talent. Kibra has Judy waguthi with produced several boxers of national repute including Olympian Omar Kasongo and Joshua the SJAK sports ‘Poison’ Onyango. personality award Waguthii, who started boxing in 2007, adds: “I never boxed in amateur ranks. I just switched /ERICK BARASA 36 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday - Sunday, April 24 -26, 2020

SPORTS INTERNATIONAL

football gossip BY DAVID BILLINGTON [email protected]

Will the proposed Saudi investors pass the fitness test to run Newcastle United? THE TOON ARMY IS ON THE RISE AGAIN cash. There is no doubt that with the of the coronavirus, the lockdown Manchester United signing the world’s richest people behind them, period and the associated financial Bundesliga club’s Jadon Sancho. Newcastle could become the new consequences have forced the Spanish They are offering him a huge pay rise Manchester City who have risen to the giants to admit that there is little to stay in Germany and his salary top tier of football also using Middle chance of them making any big could go up from 6million euros to Eastern oil money and the Toon Army signings at the end of the season. 10million euros a year. are waiting for their chance to relive Borussia are confident that their glorious past. Sancho will stay with them and the increase repeats the tactic which THREE NAMES IN THE FRAME worked when they persuaded both FOR NEWCASTLE JOB Robert Lewandowski and Pierre- If the Newcastle takeover goes ahead, Emerick Aubameyang to remain there are plans to eventually replace for a further 12 months when they his is a tricky subject and mixes Newcastle Steve Bruce with a more high-profile were due to leave. sport and politics which always United’s Allan manager. Two names have been given Tstir debate and argument. Fans of Saint-Maximin in to me—The ex-Spurs boss Mauricio EVERTON CHASING Newcastle are delighted that the end action with West Pochettino and firm fans favourite NAPOLI MIDFIELDER of owner Mike Ashley and his compa- Ham United’s Rafa Benitez—who left 10 months ago A CONVERSATION WITH Word from inside Everton centres ny Sports Direct is on the horizon with Sebastien Haller to manage in China. UNITED’S WAN-BISSAKA around the Napoli midfielder Allan. the club very close to being sold. The / REUTERS Pochettino has made no secret of Manchester United’s Aaron Wan- He originally established himself as problem is with the new owners. his desire to manage once more in Bissaka believes that his extra training one of the best European midfielders Saudi fund boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan the Premier League or Spain’s La Liga sessions have propelled him to with 124 tackles won in the 2014/15 is one of the most powerful men in because he considers them to be the become one of the best defenders in season, which was 43 more than his oil-rich country. He heads mega- best two leagues in the world. Benitez the Premier League. any other player. He was guided in rich Saudi Aramco Oil which is the only left Newcastle because he could There are some ready to argue his career by first ex-Chelsea boss biggest natural resource company in not agree on the investment strategies that he is already the best one-on- Maurizio Sarri and then Everton’s the world. He is also boss of the Public with current owner Mike Ashley. one defender in the world. Aaron’s Carlo Ancelotti. Investment Fund (PIF) with assets Ex-Juventus coach Max Allegri is, impressive form has brought him to However, last November, Allan was of £250billion. I understand, also in the frame but is the attention of England manager involved in a heated dressing room I have discovered the contents definitely No.3 choice. Steve Bruce is Gareth Southgate. In a conversation row with club vice-president Edo De of a 350-page document which aware that his job is possibly coming with the 22-year-old last week, Laurentiis which resulted in a £171k outlines the Saudi plans for Newcastle to an end. However, he is likely to Aaron said the United coaches have fine and since then, he has fallen and it will make music for the remain in position until this season is spent a lot of time showing him out with current manager Gennaro club supporters “Toon Army”. finally wrapped up. the way forward. Gattuso. This is why Napoli are The document outlines plans to He said, “I stay out after training prepared to sell him for around £50m invest hundreds of millions into to do extra sessions so that I keep this summer and Everton are first in the football club, negotiate new improving all the time and I have the queue for the 29-year-old. sponsorship deals and re-organise the been consistently able to play at my management structure. maximum every week. Sometimes we They intend to use part of this play five at the back and sometimes money to upgrade St James Park, four but I don’t have a preference. invest in top player talent and build The five at the back allows me to get a new academy for younger players forward more times during a game. I coming through. Current owner came to this club to win trophies and Ashley is delighted that the deal REAL BACKING AWAY I truly believe we can achieve that.” will be financed with cash and not FROM KANE TRANSFER shares and promissory notes. For this Harry Kane’s departure from Spurs is LATEST FROM ARSENAL reason, he dropped the price from still very speculative but the rumours AND CHELSEA £340million to £300million. keep circulating. The latest twist is I have picked up two hot tips this VILLA COULD LOSE Now for the big problem which that Real Madrid are cooling their week regarding possible upcoming TOP THREE PLAYERS stands in the way of a deal…Whenever interest which leaves Manchester transfers. Arsenal have made contact Centre back Tyrone Mings played for a league club is purchased, the new United clear favourites should Harry with Valencia about their striker my team Ipswich (no jokes please) owners have to pass a detailed check decide to move on. Rodrigo Moreno. The Gunners a few seasons ago. He was frankly a called “fitness to run a club” and However, in a further twist to two frontmen—Pierre-Emerick step above the rest of the team and this is where the Saudi consortium the story, I have also been told that Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette—are was destined for regular Premier could come unstuck. United’s approach to transfers this uncertain about their futures with the League football. Yes, they will have the smartest summer is being revised and as former out of contract in 14 months Aston Villa were the eventual lucky and most expensive lawyers arguing I write this column, big signings and talking about leaving before that. recipients of the England international their case but human rights issues in might be impossible because of the Lacazette has received interest from BIG SIGNINGS defender and he has become a rock Saudi Arabia are going to be difficult current loss of revenue due to the Atletico Madrid. in their defence. However, he could to defend. Amnesty International coronavirus lockdown. Moreno has a £110million buyout MIGHT BE move to another club this summer has become involved and pointed to The problem for Spurs is that clause in his contract but with the IMPOSSIBLE if manager Dean Smith’s team falls the ruling regime’s abuse of citizens this would reduce Harry’s eventual current coronavirus affecting player back into the Championship League. during their current rule. transfer fee because it would no values, this figure could be halved. BECAUSE OF Mings has benefitted enormously Saudi beheaded 37 people in a longer be an auction fight between Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking THE CURRENT from having ex-Chelsea captain John single day last year and there have two of the world’s richest clubs. Spurs at 16-year-old centre-back Zeno Terry on the training staff and readily been a reputed 800 executions since need as much money as possible to Debast who plays for Belgium team LOSS OF admits that he has improved beyond the ruling family came to power. make interest payments on loans Anderlecht. The youngster is valued all expectations. It is also alleged that there is a link taken out to fund their state-of-the- at £2.5million and he is currently REVENUE If he does leave, Villa will be between the Premier League pirate art new stadium. In recent years, Real training under former Manchester DUE TO THE looking to double their money and broadcasts of a company called have bought two of the best players City captain Vincent Kompany. ask £40million for the 27-year-old beoutQ and the Saudi government. ever to come from Spurs in Gareth CORONAVIRUS who they bought from Bournemouth However, there is little doubt that Bale and Luka Modric. BORUSSIA’S PLAN TO KEEP SANCHO LOCKDOWN. after he left Ipswich. He is also money usually wins the day and Although Real Madrid players have Borussia Dortmund have put a becoming the main player for no one in the world has more hard agreed a 10 per cent pay cut because very large obstacle in the way of England manager Gareth Southgate. Friday - Sunday, April 24 -26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 37 SPORTS INTERNATIONAL

LA LIGA Bale and wife donate 500,000 pounds to Welsh health charity

CARDIFF/ Wales captain Gareth Bale and his wife have donated 500,000 pounds ($615,900) to a Welsh health charity to help in the fight against coro- navirus, he said on Wednesday. The Cardiff-born Bale, who plays for Real Madrid, and his wife Emma have donated the money to the charitable arm of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Bale was born in the hospital the donation will go to. “Gareth and Emma have donated a whopping £500,000 to the Health Charity—a charity which focuses on providing those extras for staff and pa- tients that normal NHS funding doesn’t provide,” the board said in a statement. “It was Gareth and Emma’s wishes that the Health Charity spend the money towards the response to COVID. They wanted to give something back GENERAL to their local NHS as Gareth himself was born in the UHW (University Hospital of Wales) Maternity Unit, and they say UHW have provided many services to themselves and their fami- ly and friends.” More than 180,000 people in Britain Blow for SA sports have been infected by the virus and more than 18,000, including dozens of Easing of South Africa’s strict lockdown will not apply to sports health workers, have died. “The University Hospital of Wales LONDON/ The expected lifting of tivities, including a simple walk or sume, even if behind closed doors. holds a special place in my heart. It is lockdown restrictions in South South Africa’s bicycle ride. A draft government But if the game remains in lock- where I was born,” Bale said in a video Africa at the end of the month is Siya Kolisi presentation, seen by Reuters on down, South African Football Wales captain message. “Me and my family would like unlikely to result in a resumption celebrates with Wednesday, is considering some Players Union president Thulaga- Gareth Bale to show our support. Keep up the good of sport and will add to frustra- the Webb Ellis flexibility but suggests any gather- nyo Gaoshubelwe told Reuters he / FILE work. You are doing an amazing job.” tions in a country besotted with trophy after ing of more than 10 people will be expected to be negotiating with both football and rugby. winning the prohibited for an indeterminate clubs about possible wage cuts Sport in South Africa and period in an effort to keep the in- sooner rather than later. Rugby Union across the world has been shut fection rate down. “We have flagged it but we are down since March by the COV- World Cup final in This will come as a blow to not yet at that point,” he said. ID-19 pandemic. Yokohama, football and rugby, who were Rugby has a greater reliance The country itself has been sub- Japan last year both hoping to get their seasons on gate takings and already ject to a stricter quarantine that / REUTERS back underway. announced it will seek to cut will have lasted five weeks by South Africa’s Premier Soccer spending by 1 billion rands over the time it is scheduled to be lift- League was on the cusp of a po- the next eight months, having ed on April 30. tentially exciting title run-in with reached an agreement in principle South Africans have been or- the country’s best-supported club, with various stakeholders for pay dered to stay at home, save for es- Kaizer Chiefs edging closer to cuts, including the players’ union sential workers and short trips for ending a five-year trophy drought. and employees. grocery shopping. Soccer clubs drawn the majority It also announced plans for a Matters have been made more of their revenue from a lucrative one-off six-team domestic com- difficult by a blanket ban on the television rights deal and been petition between June and Au- sale of both alcohol and tobacco largely untouched by the corona- gust, but this is now likely to have and a prohibition on all sports ac- virus lockdown but keen to re- to be shifted back.

SERIE A Italy not ready to set date for ‘Serie A’ training

ROME/ The Italian government is still not ready to Italy has been one of the countries worst affected set a date for Serie A teams to start training again by COVID-19 and professional football has been ahead of a possible resumption of the league, sports suspended since March 9. The FIGC and Serie A minister Vincenzo Spadafora said. have both said they want to complete the sea- Spadafora, speaking after a meeting with the Ital- son if possible. ian football federation (FIGC), the Serie A league and The FIGC has already drawn up detailed guide- players and referees’ associations, said a decision lines for the resumption of practice, which would would be made in the next few days. see the players isolated in training camps for the “I have listened with great attention to the differ- first few days. ent positions that have emerged and, in the coming Earlier, Spadafora told the Senate that “we are days, after a discussion with the Ministry of Health, aware that we have to re-start because sport is im- we will issue updated provisions regarding the portant as an economic and social value, but we will possibility and methods for a re-start of training,” he do so with absolute respect for everyone’s health.” told reporters. He also criticised the media for focusing on He said it was necessary to “have a deeper look whether Serie A would be finished. “We know very at the aspects related to the possible resumption well that football is valued as an economic asset but Inter Milan’s Sebastiano Esposito in action with Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and of training in maximum safety for the athletes and we know just as well that sport is not only football Julian Weigl / REUTERS coaching staff of sports clubs.” and that football is not only Serie A,” he said. 38 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday - Sunday, April 24 -26, 2020 SPORTS INTERNATIONAL

PREMIER LEAGUE Premiership matches could be on free-to-air TV

LONDON/ England’s Premier League resumed with matches sports to resume behind closed League could make games available most likely behind closed doors doors and the public at large couldn’t on free-to-air broadcasting once to contain the spread of the virus, have access to it,” Dowden said. the season resumes following the it was important for people to He said sports were “reliant on suspension due to the corona- watch them somehow. the revenue they derive” from virus, Britain’s culture secretary The Premier League was broadcasting deals, adding sport said in quotes reported by the suspended last month because could have “elements of protect- BBC on Wednesday. of the pandemic and the govern- ing revenue from broadcasting Oliver Dowden said he has had ment has asked the public to stay but also looking at ways of in- “productive talks” with British at home to help slow the spread creasing access”. sports bodies on the resumption of of the virus. Any league restart Dowden said the Premier League competitions following the coro- would see matches played in front was considering it. Broadcasters navirus shutdown. of empty stands. Sky, BT and Amazon hold the rights He told the Department for “I have said to the Premier League for showing Premier League games Digital, Culture, Media and Sport it wouldn’t send the best signal if live with only highlights available on committee that when the Premier they were one of the first major the free-to-air BBC. Britain’s Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden /REUTERS

FOOTBALL West Ham’s Moyes says the game must ‘reset’ after virus crisis LONDON/West Ham United manager David Moyes has said the financial difficulties facing clubs amid the COVID-19 pandemic could prompt a rethink of the way they operate. Soccer in England was suspended indefinitely last month due to the new coronavirus and West Ham are among several Premier League teams to announce player wage deferrals to help their clubs cope with the financial impact. Southampton, Watford and Sheffield United have also deferred player wages while Arsenal have said their players and coaching staff had agreed to accept a 12.5 per cent pay cut. “I hope we will all look back and think: ‘Maybe we were indulging too much,’” Moyes told reporters in a video conference. “The people who run football clubs have got to look and say: ‘If anything like this happened again in the fu- ture, would we be able to survive and get through it?’ “I’m hoping it might help football reset itself when we start up again. We have to make sure that all football clubs are saved. There is no way any club can go under.” Moyes, 56, who has been volunteering by deliv- ering fruit and vegetables during the lockdown, said clubs in the upper tiers of the game had a duty to “do Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp gestures during a recent match /REUTERS the right things”. West Ham United “We have lots of money coming in from different LA LIGA manager David providers. And from that point of view, we have to make Moyes sure we do the right things,” Moyes added. /REUTERS “We have to make sure the players are pro- ‘I feared sack’ tected as well.” Klopp narrates his experience during his early days at Liverpool

LONDON/Liverpool manager Juer- ence with that, but I knew then it Liverpool won their sixth Euro- gen Klopp feared getting sacked was a different level, and if I can’t pean crown in 2019. “They were by the Premier League club early deliver here quick enough, then I full of faith and trust, and they in his tenure if he was not afforded will get the sack. said the path we will stay on, and the time to reshape the squad, he “We got that time and the nice everything will be fine. That’s said on Wednesday. thing is that after six, seven, eight what we did then,” Klopp added. The early years were spent games, they were really positive “When we lost finals against Se- building the team into title con- about the situation, they realised villa or (Manchester) City or Real tenders and Klopp said he knew we were on the right path. From Madrid, I think pundits say ‘if he he had to convince Liverpool’s that moment they didn’t question doesn’t win the next one then owners— Fenway Sports Group— it one second.” they might change’. But internal- that he needed time to change Klopp, who took over from ly it was never somebody think- their playing style. Brendan Rodgers in 2015, led the ing like this.” “It was clear we cannot fix it club to three finals in three years— After finishing as league run- overnight. Everyone wanted that Europa League and League Cup in ners-up last season by a single but we couldn’t so I had to ask for 2016 and Champions League in point, Liverpool needed six more time, I knew,” Klopp said on Sky 2018— but ended up on the losing points to win their first league title Sports’ Football Show. side each time. in the Premier League era when “Before that, in my career, I nev- The owners retained their faith this season was suspended due to er got the sack so I had no experi- in the German, however, and the coronavirus pandemic. Friday - Sunday, April 24 - 26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 39 SPORTS INTERNATIONAL

OPINION BY CONSTANTIN ECKNER AND BBC The Germany magic awaited How the Bundesliga have been in development, as they are not fully reliable yet. plans to resume to Others have expressed concerns about the moral implications. “Tens action next month of thousands of tests would be need- ed that are missing in nursing facil- Football has been halted across ities,” Karl Lauterbach, health ex- the globe by the coronavirus pan- pert for the Social Democratic Party demic with all major leagues and (SPD), recently tweeted. competitions suspended. The Bun- The DFL disputes these concerns. desliga is now eager to return to “Any assumption that possible con- action with plans to play specta- Bayern Munich’s tinuous testing will cause a shortage tor-free games in May. Serge Gnabry of supplies for the general public ig- Germany has led the way in its ap- in action with nores the facts. Testing capacity has proach to combating the coronavirus Hannover’s Miiko been increased massively in recent pandemic. The country’s intense pro- Albornoz during weeks,” the DFL executive committee gramme of consistent testing from a Bundesliga stated in a press release on Tuesday. early on has resulted in far fewer match There are currently 640,000 tests deaths than the worst affected coun- /REUTERS available per week in Germany. The tries. The German Football League Bundesliga and second division (DFL), responsible for operating the would require about 0.5 percent Bundesliga and the second division, of these tests. is determined to finish the current season. Their 36 professional clubs Clubs face insolvency were to meet yesterday to discuss a needed per match. In Germany, the 16 state governments meet on April tion, and the area directly surround- While political backlash and criti- restart of the season next month. 16 federal states determine the max- 30, with the likely outcome that foot- ing the stadium is the third one. cism from influential fan groups is But Germany’s football author- imum number of people allowed ball matches are allowed to be staged The plans also include regular inevitable, various club officials have ities still face some huge questions for public gatherings and a decision in the following months. testing of players and coaches be- indicated they want to go ahead with before they get the green light to re- about that number will be made by tween training sessions and before their current plans. They argue that sume football in the country behind the end of April. 20,000 tests required every match. Alexander Kekule, a a continuation of the season, even closed doors. What challenges do The governments could put a stop The DFL, however, does not think biochemist from Martin Luther Uni- without spectators in the stands, is they face and how are they planning to any plans from the DFL, but they that it will be ready by May 9, feeling versity in Halle, estimates that the the only way to guarantee the imme- to combat them? are aware of the economic struggles that it needs more time for prepa- DFL would need up to 20,000 detec- diate survival of Germany’s profes- of professional football and are ex- ration. They believe May 16 or 23 tion tests and exceptional organisa- sional football industry. What will Germany’s government say? pected to grant the wish of the clubs. are more likely dates for the restart. tional measures. According to an internal DFL re- German politics has recently decided “A weekend with football is much Staging professional football games He said: “Players have to be shield- port from late March, at least 13 of the that large events with crowds will be more bearable than a weekend even with only a few hundred people ed under specific safety rules to pre- 36 Bundesliga and second-division banned at least until the end of Au- without football. That’s why I could present becomes a logistical chal- vent infections, because they are not sides face insolvency by May or June, gust. That rules out the Bundesliga picture to have matches behind lenge. A few weeks ago, the DFL set able to avoid contact on the pitch.” if the season does not restart soon. being played in front of spectators closed doors,” Markus Soder, state up a task force to define the necessary Regular testing could create a Twelve of these 13 clubs have already until the scheduled start of next sea- premier of Bavaria, said at a recent medical and hygiene protocols which headache from a practical stand- guaranteed the fourth and last instal- son. The only way to work around online talk show hosted by German would be required. point, because it is impossible to ment of this season’s television rights regulations is to stage spectator-free newspaper Bild. According to plans of the task know whether a player is already in- money to creditors. games, with only players, coaching He and Armin Laschet, state pre- force, the stadiums will be divided fected when he takes to the pitch. “It However, the main television rights staff, medics, referees, ball boys and mier of North Rhine-Westphalia, into three zones. Only a maximum takes a couple of days before some- holders, Sky, DAZN and the public ball girls, ground staff, technicians, have said they think it’s conceivable of 100 people can be in each of these one, who has contracted the virus, broadcasters ARD and ZDF, have safety officers, and production staff the Bundesliga would restart as soon sections. The inner section belongs to tests positive,” Martin Eichner, an not paid that instalment of a total of for television and VAR being present as May 9. Soder and Laschet rushed the 22 players, 18 bench players, five epidemiologist from University of €304m. The remaining nine match- inside the stadiums. League officials ahead with their statements, know- referees and around 53 others. The Tubingen, explains. He dismisses the days equal exactly a quarter of the estimate that up to 300 people are ing the federal government and the stands are considered the second sec- option of faster detection tests that season worth that fourth instalment.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Champions, Europa League finals likely to be played Juventus’ Douglas Costa in August if domestic competitions conclude by July in action with Ajax’s Hakim BBC SPORT / The Champions League and Europa The scenario envisaged would be for the quar- Ziyech in past League look increasingly likely to be played exclusively ter-finals and semi-finals of the respective European Champions in August after more talks about the remainder of the competitions to be played as two-legged ties between League duel 2019-20 season on Wednesday. 11 and 22 August, although these could yet become /REUTERS Uefa told the 55 associations on Tuesday there was one-off games. still the possibility of the competitions being played In the plans now being discussed, there would be throughout June, July and August. some flexibility for domestic fixtures to be played in Reports indicate that the latest discussions revolved August, should a July conclusion prove impossible. almost exclusively around a plan to complete the do- The Premier League has nine rounds of fixtures mestic leagues by 31 July, with European competition remaining but in Spain and Italy, two countries that have following after that. been badly affected, there are still 11 and 12 rounds left Nothing definitive has been agreed but Uefa is keen to respectively - although both have fewer cup games to fit leave all options on the table for as long as possible given into their schedules. the general uncertainty across Europe and in the knowl- Uefa hopes the situation will become clearer in the edge, there is no guarantee the season will be finished. next fortnight but completing the season in this way However, there is a view that travel restrictions are would cause the least disruption to its qualification com- more likely to have eased in August, which would be petition for the 2020-21 season, which was supposed to necessary for a cross-border competition. start at the end of June but has been delayed indefinitely. BOXING 3rd Floor, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way (A104) Nairobi, Kenya WAGUTHII +254 20 4244000 SEEKS TO More Sport on our website.Scan UNEARTH THE this quick response code NEXT WORLD using your smartphone CHAMPION FRIDAY - SUNDAY, APRIL 24 - 26, 2020 PAGES 34 - 35

GOLF ‘THE SENIOR EVENT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ME’ HANDBALL Kenya confirm participation in Africa events

BY EMMANUEL SABUNI/ Ken- ya will participate in the Africa women’s senior championships in Indiza plots big Yaounde, Cameroon. Mumias-based At the same time, Charles Omon- di, the Kenya Handball Federation pro rues missing technical director, said they plan to send three clubs to the Africa US Senior Open, Club Championships. The clubs include Ulinzi, National eyes more tours Cereals and Produce Board and Nairobi Water women’s side. “We have four programmes in the revised continental calendar and we are working hard to have represen- tatives in the tournaments,” he said. He pointed out that with coro- navirus pandemic causing havoc in sports, they expect to start early training as soon as it is safe to resume activities. Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) have in a circular announced the venues of the events but will fix the dates later. “We are sure our women’s side can clinch a place in the World Championships,” noted Omondi but warned that this will only be possible if preparations start early. CAHB said the club champion- ships for both men and women will be in Cairo, Egypt while women’s senior show will be in Yaounde. “The dates of these sports events depending on the progress in as far as the fight against COVID-19 is concerned,” CAHB statement read. Omondi revealed that the men’s Dismas Indiza in diza’s maiden tour of the United to fruition, Indiza has contin- Junior and the U-17 Youth events past action States, where he was scheduled to ued to shape up at the depleted have been programmed for Casa- SAMSON ATEKA / COURTESY play in pre-qualifier in pursuit of Mumias course and he is hoping blanca, Morocco. @samson ateka coveted main event’s slots. to play more in the Sunshine Tour In addition to the postpone- events if possible. East Africa’s most popular profes- ment of the U.S. Open earlier in “Although the course in Mumias is sional golfer Dismas Indiza now the month, the United States Golf a pale shadow of its former self, one hopes to feature more on interna- Association also made the decision can still train there. This is to ensure tional tour circuit despite missing to cancel the U.S. Senior Open and that I am not very rusty by the time out on two key events due to issues Senior Women’s Open Champi- life returns to normal. I have been related to the COVID-19 pandemic. onships for 2020. hitting the ball well and trying to The Mumias-based pro, who is fa- The 41st U.S. Senior Open had keep the swing intact,” he s said. mous for his long-hitting antics, was been scheduled for June 25-28 at The U.S. Senior Open is one of the hoping to grace the Magical Kenya Newport Country Club in Newport five major championships in senior Open as a precursor to his invite to but will now be played at Oma- golf, introduced 40 years ago. It is the US Senior Open after winning ha (Neb.) Country Club from July administered by the USGA and is the Safari Tour locally. 8-11, next year. recognised as a major championship But the pro, better known as “Considering the ongoing health by both the PGA Tour Champions ‘Baba Yao’ in golfing circles, is dis- issues related to COVID-19, it was and the European Senior Tour. appointed that the mission to grace inevitable for organisers of the event The lower age limit was 55 in 1980 US event came a cropper owing to not to run it.” but it was lowered to 50 for the sec- Irene Aloo COVID19 issues. “I have been to Manchester, ond edition in 1981, which is the of Kenyatta “Plans were at an advanced stage where I attended the Tour School standard limit for men’s senior pro- University and the participation fee of US$3000 some years back. But playing in fessional golf tournaments. challenges was also ready. Sadly, the Kenya the Senior event would have been The world’s greatest golfer of all NCPB’s Rehema Open didn’t happen as scheduled a great opportunity given the big time Jack Nicklaus has won the US Asiko during a 3742 Edition and the U.S. Senior Open will not names that have participated in the Open four times thus 1962,1967, past KHF league happen this year,” said Indiza. event,” Indiza said. 1972 and1980 and won the Senior match The event was meant to be In- With his invite failing to come Open twice in 1991 and 1993. /FILE KATIBA CORNER CHINA-HONG KONG CONSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 24-26, 2020 PLUS THE WEEK IN REVIEW // THE BIG DEBATE // OPINION // YOUR LETTERS

THE MARAGA SUCCESSION EIGHT MONTHS TO THE RETIREMENT OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE, POLITICIANS AND TOP LAWYERS ARE SAID TO BE SCHEMING ABOUT CANDIDATES TO SUCCEED HIM 02 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020

COVER STORY 2022 IN SIGHT Maraga succession inrigues simmering 8 months to his exit

Given the CJ is set to retire on January 12 next year, politicians and top lawyers are said to be scheming about candidates to succeed him. CJ plays a key role in determining presidential petitions

he retirement of Chief Jus- tice David Maraga in eight months is already trigger- ing high-states succession Tintrigues. Questions about as to whether Kenya needs an insider and conser- JAMES MBAKA vative CJ like Maraga, who shocked the world by nullifying the 2017 @OnchiriMbaka presidential election, or a liberal Senior political judiciary head. reporter CJs and other judges, though de- scribed as conservative or liberal, often surprise with their rulings once they sit on the bench. Maraga’s predecessor, CJ Willy Mutunga, widely considered a rev- olutionary, opened a new chapter when he failed to nullify the disput- ed 2013 presidential election. The 2022 General Election is ex- pected to be a fierce battle and an election petition challenging the results is likely. The Chief Justice will play a key role in determining the outcome. Mutunga’s appointment as CJ in 2011 had been heralded as a new dawn for the country’s justice sys- tem given his strong legal philos- ophy and implacable integrity. He and fellow jangered President Uhuru Kenyatta when the election was an- room to manoeuvre once the JSC like Mutunga, the decision could not President Uhuru race since DCJ Philomena Mwilu is nulled. submitted a single name to him for only spark vicious succession poli- Kenyatta during facing legal challenges over a peti- Though a one-sided rerun upheld appointment. tics but also jolt the Supreme Court the swearing-in tion filed at the JSC. She would have Uhuru’s victory, the nullification With the amendment having been after Justice Jackton Ojwang’ retired of Chief Justice scored high as a logical successor. was remembered. felled by the courts, the focus shift- on February 5. David Maraga at The petition seeking Mwilu’s re- “I think we will most likely get a ed to control the recruitment at the Maraga, a deeply religious man, State House on moval was filed by the Director of more conservative chief justice who point of interviews. was born on January 12, 1951, and October 19, 2016 Public Prosecutions and the Director would be responsive to the domi- If Maraga decides to retire earlier will have attained the mandatory / PSCU of Criminal Investigations. nant political class,” city lawyer retirement age for judges of 70 years If Maraga were to leave early, Mwi- Steve Ogolla told the Star. in January 2021. lu would act as CJ for a maximum Ogola said the recruitment of the However, Maraga’s retirement is of six months to allow the next chief next CJ would borrow heavily from keenly watched amid claims that se- justice to be recruited by the JSC. the Mutunga and Maraga experienc- nior lawyers, judges and influential In the 2017 Maraga-led Supreme es and involve a balance of law and politicians have started scheming Court, judges Mwilu, Smokin Wan- politics. about who will succeed him. jala and Isaac Lenaola supported the “A chief justice’s ideology can pre- LAWYER STEVE OGOLLA Powerful individuals are said to be historic invalidation of the presiden- serve or disrupt a political agenda. holding secret meetings to strategise tial election results, throwing the CJ That is why politicians would be I think we will most on Maraga’s succession, the clock into the spotlight. very keen on who succeeds Mara- fast ticking down to his retirement. This was the first presidential elec- ga,” Ogolla said. likely get a more The CJ holds a powerful position tion to be annulled by the Supreme not just as the chairperson of the Court not just in Kenya but in Africa Maraga’s recruitment in 2016 was conservative chief influential Judicial Service Com- as well. It was the sixth presidential preceded by intense political ma- justice who would mission, which employs and pays result invalidation after Austria, Hai- noeuvres. judges, but also as the President of ti, Ukraine, Serbia and the Maldives. The Jubilee Party sought to amend be responsive to the the Supreme Court. Mutunga’s bench in 2013 validated the Judicial Service Act to have the The seven-judge Supreme Court Uhuru’s election as Kenya’s fourth president given three names of the dominant political decides on presidential election president despite protests from the top CJ candidates from which to pick disputes, making it an influential opposition coalition Cord and a sec- one, That was to be the case for the class organ of the judiciary that attracts tion of civil society. DCJ as well. a lot of political interest in both its The invalidation of President Ken- The move was informed by the composition and its decisions yatta’s election in 2017 lifted the lid fact that the President had no The succession is a high-stakes on the immense power wielded by Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 03

Maraga succession inrigues simmering 8 months to his exit

The document published by Ju- hampering certain key offices whose diciary Registrar Ann Amadi was holders wield powers that no oth- the clearest indication that the JSC er person can have unless they are was readying itself to hire Maraga’s substantive officeholders. successor as a matter of priority in Former Auditor General Edward the fiscal year beginning July 1. Ouko had called on MPs to amend “To enhance service delivery in the laws to allow recruitment key the Judiciary, the Commission in- State officers to start months -be tends to recruit the next Chief Justice fore the incumbent’s term expires and one Supreme Court judge, 30 so there will be no void in the office. superior court judges (High Court, The JSC that will recruit the next Environment and Land Court, and CJ is comprised of Law Society of Employment and Labour Relations Kenya representative Mercy Deche Court), 100 magistrates and 300 ju- who deputises Maraga at the com- dicial officers and staff to address mission. case backlog in the judiciary,” Ama- Other commissioners are DCJ di stated in the MTEF report. Mwilu, Emily Ominde (chief mag- There have been claims that Maga- istrate), Justice Mohamed Warsame ra could opt for early retirement to (Court of Appeal) and Justice David allow the JSC to begin the recruit- Majanja (High Court). ment process well in time for the Attorney General Kihara Kariuki is 2022 General Election. also a commissioner, together with The CJ’s recruitment is expected lawyer Macharia Njeru (representing to take not less than three months, a LSK), Patrick Gichohi (representing lengthy period that analysts say may the Public Service Commission), Fe- inform Maraga’s possible early exit, lix Koskei (the public representative) tentatively by October. and Prof Olive Mugenda (the public Maraga’s predecessor Mutun- representative). ga left office in June 2016 - a year There have been attempts to con- earlier - kicking off a succession trol the composition of the 11-mem- battle that culminated in Maraga’s ber JSC to influence the recruitment appointment by President Kenyatta of the next CJ. on October 19 that year. Despite Justice Warsame having The law requires that the recruit- been re-elected to the JSC by his CJ David Maraga ment of a CJ can only begin once the Court of Appeal colleagues, external addresses officeholder formally vacates, either political players tried to influence the press on at retirement age or in an early exit. the process. coronavirus It cannot start even when he is on Warsame was finally sworn in as pandemic update terminal leave. a member of JSC on January 23 fol- at the Supreme This provision that the CJ must lowing a protracted battle between Court on April 22 formally vacate before recruitment the three arms of government that / MERCY MUMO can start has been criticised for lasted close to a year.

the apex court and raised the coun- on June 22, 1947. Maybe he wanted try’s political temperature. to avoid that 2017 petition, some say. It is against this backdrop that the Mutunga and Maraga’s ages on recruitment of the next CJ, and fill- appointment to office expose the ing justice Ojwang’s slot, would not deep-seated intrigues involving age. just be a judicial process but also a The appointment of a younger political affair with eyes on the 2022 judge as CJ would trigger succes- presidential duel and possible sub- sion acrimony at the apex court as sequent petition. the holder of such an office would One of the intrigues likely to play serve a full term of 10 years, ‘holding out in the search for Maraga’s suc- others back’. cessor would be age, as the CJ ap- The Constitution states if the CJ’s pointed next year would serve for a term of office expires before retire- maximum term of 10 years unless he ment, the Chief Justice may continue or she retires at age 70 or exits early. in office as a judge of the Supreme Politicians would not want a CJ Court. who is too young to continue being “If, on the expiry of the term of of- a Supreme Court judge, even after fice of a Chief Justice, the Chief Jus- completing his 10-year tenure. His tice opts to remain on the Supreme impact would be long felt and they Court under Clause ( 3 ), the next would likely want to influence the person appointed as Chief Justice choice of his successor. may be selected in accordance with That would create two centres of Article 166 ( 1 ), even though that ap- power, with a CJ emeritus on the pointment may result in there being bench as well as the CJ in office. more than the maximum permitted When he was appointed CJ, Mar- number of Supreme Court judges aga was age 66, making him legible holding office,” reads Article 167( 4 ). to only preside over one presidential In February, the JSC indicated dispute at the Supreme Court before in its Medium-Term Framework hitting 70. Report that it would prioritise the Mutunga was appointed in 2011 recruitment of the Chief Justice in when he was aged 64. He was born the 2020-21 financial year. 04 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 COLUMN CORONAVIRUS Pandemic to determine 2022 polls

round 2020, a severe boss Hassan Joho, Charity Ngilu pneumonia like illness (Kitui) and Nairobi Senator Johnson Awill spread throughout the Sakaja. Health Cabinet Secretary globe, attacking the lungs and the Mutahi Kagwe is a beacon, a no- bronchial tubes and resisting all nonsense, hands on crisis manager known treatments.” and a man equal to the task. DAUDI MWENDA This was predicted by Silvia  e same cannot be said of the Browne in his movie thriller Tangatanga and Kieleweke brigades, @ eStarkenya Contagion with alarming accuracy. who all suddenly went AWOL in Communications The world had been warned the face of a severe national and consultant of a virus infection similar to international crisis, and when they Covid 19, even in a scholarly came back, it was about Jubilee article “Severe Acute Respiratory politics.  eir collective behaviour Syndrome Coronavirus as an Agent is nothing short of disgraceful. of Emerging and Re-Emerging Had they employed the time Infection” published in the Clinical and resources they have spent in a Microbiology Review. political internecine war in the last Vincent C Cheng and others year in combating the Covid-19 argued, “ e presence of a large pandemic, hundreds of lives would reservoir of SARS-CoV like viruses not be at risk as is the case now. in horse-shoe bats, together with Instead they put their tails between the culture of eating exotic animals their legs and skunked. in Southern China, is a time bomb. They have absconded their  e possibility of SARS and other responsibility and should rest novel viruses from animals or assured that constituents have noted laboratories and therefore, the their absence. What they may not need for preparedness should not be aware of is that this pandemic be ignored.” will determine the next election The red-flag warnings were nationally and internationally. ignored as coincidences or rants President Trump has already of crazy scientists. One of the few with education institutions, stadia, the virus. Social distancing run into severe political headwinds world leaders who took the reports airports, movie theaters, restaurants A nationwide curfew, partial in the Senate out of his incompetent, careless, and warnings seriously was former and hotels now empty. lockdowns, social distancing, mass during a special reckless, unsympathetic and almost US President Barack Obama. He had People are living in a world they testing and quarantine and isolation sitting on March juvenile handling of the crisis. the presence of mind to prepare a never envisaged in their lifetimes. treatment centres in hospitals and 31 Political heads will roll locally “disaster preparedness Cabinet Walking around wearing face masks other institutions have saved legions /EZEKIEL AMINGÁ in the 2022 presidential and Paper in event of a highly infectious and suspicious of one another. of Kenyans from an abrupt, painful parliamentary elections and the virus attack”, which he handed over Most people are locked up within and premature demise. time to stand up and be counted is to his successor, Donald Trump, who the confi nes of their homes.  e If the stunts Kenyans are carrying n ow. allegedly trashed it! true meaning of the term freedom out to circumvent emergency Our local shepherds have As a result of our power hungry hitherto considered an abstract legal measures (including fake funerals abandoned their fl ock in the face leaders being impervious to reason term coming to the fore.  ese, for and pursuit of illegal panya routes) of real and existing danger. It is now and or lacking plain common sense, sure, these are testing times. are true, then it goes without saying known to all and sundry that the planet Earth is now in a severe crisis, On the local scene President that we are a reckless, irresponsible, interest of the bulk of our MPs and the severest since World War 2. Uhuru Kenyatta, to his credit, thoughtless, immoral stiff -necked MCAs is in acquiring and retaining Indeed, the earth has been stepped up to his plate and took people. A handful of Cabinet power. brought to a standstill and is in immediate control of the situation secretaries, senators and governors The welfare /interests of the lockdown or semi-lockdown mode. by implementing emergency have stood out for special mention electorate is secondary.  ere is death and fear all around, measures to control the spread of amongst them Mombasa county

they accrue their massive benefi ts. Billionaire Mark Cuban has been On the contrary, what we see in reimbursing employees who pur- MNCs missing in Covid action Kenya is an entrenchment of pa- chase lunch and coff ee from local ternalism, with the major players restaurants. Additionally, Jack Ma, continuing to hoodwink Kenyans the billionaire founder of Chinese hereas elected leaders, where labour is relatively cheap. that this responsibility is a favour. e-commerce giant Alibaba, through the religious commu- Secondly, MNCs seek to create a mo- Globally, MNCs and business his foundation, donated 1.1 million nity, the media and nopoly in the means of production moguls are actively involved in testing kits, six million masks and other institutions con- – a true manifestation of capitalism. mobilisation of resources towards 60,000 protective suits and face Wtinue to off er support in the war on  irdly, they seek to establish a combating Covid-19. shields to Africa. Covid-19, corporates, save for few, mutual collaboration with the po- According to the Wall Street In Nigeria, Aliko Dangote, one of OPIYO WANDAYI have not been as active. litical elite to pave way for favour- journal, small businesses’ confi - Africa’s wealthiest men, has donated A large percentage of our national able policies for their enterprises to dence has plummeted as a result the equivalent of more than Sh50 @ eStarKenya wealth is domesticated within the thrive. .  ey are engaged in value of Covid-19. Large corporations are million through the Aliko Dangote UGUNJA MP multinational corporations. addition in enhancing their prod- stepping in to support SMEs during Foundation. South African Johan In Kenya, MNCs are established ucts and services because the high- this diffi cult time. Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer do- in almost all the 47 counties and are er the value of products, the better Some of the biggest US technology nated Sh11.4 billion to the solidarity engaged in large scale enterprises the returns on investment. Finally, fi rms have also stepped up. Amazon, fund to assist small scale business ranging from agriculture, com- MNCs enjoy access to cheap raw ma- for instance, pledged to donate $5 and their employees during this merce, banking, fi nance, insurance, terials which increases their profi ts million to local businesses based Covid-19 pandemic. mining, tourism to hotel industry, However, with all these benefi ts, near its Seattle headquarters that Here in Kenya, Narendra Raval among others. there is always the moral question, will likely lose out on sales now that Guru was the fi rst Kenyan entre-  e main goal of MNCs is to cap- should MNCs engage in corporate its staff are working from home. preneur to support the emergency ture the local markets and establish social responsibility, especially Google, on the other hand, is fund by donating Sh100 million a monopoly for the purposes of prof- during crises such the one we face? pledging $1 million to organisa- worth of oxygen. Few others have More news on iteering and extraction of profi ts. I am here not talking about mere tions in Mountain View, California, followed suit. our website.  ese enterprises are driven by a tokenism or publicity stunts of the impacted heavily by the pandemic.  e question, then, is, why are Scan this quick number of factors in as far as mo- kind that we are witnessing. Facebook pledged to donate $20 multinational corporations oper- response code bility of capital is concerned. CSR is premised on the logic that million to support coronavirus relief ating in Kenya slow in taking up using your The labour factor ranks high, corporates have a social responsibil- eff orts, while Apple is committing their CSR in contributing to the fi ght smartphone. especially in developing countries ity to support communities where $15 million. against Covid-19? Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 05

COLUMN WAR ON COVID-19

Some of as distant and detached, arising the Africans from their Sandhurst model military stranded in training, where there was a chasm China following between the ranks of offi cers and discrimination soldiers. In this model, the offi cers claims were politically appointed, and not /COURTESY regarded as tactically competent by their men. is resulted in little mutual respect. Subsequently, the soldiers felt little to no concern in letting their comrades down since they had no allegiance to them or their leaders. Does all this sound familiar? Ideology, patriotism and fi ghting for the cause were not listed as major motivators by the American soldiers. e primary factor was knowing that they could trust their leaders to look out for them. eir loyalty to each other was unquestionable. ey were driven by the notion that you couldn’t give up because to do so would be to let the other men down. What kept them going was the near presence of a comrade. eir bravery was sustained by fellow soldiers primarily, and their weap- ons second. In combat, the prima- ry thing they worried about was achieving group success and pro- tecting the unit from harm. is de- sire for success emanated from the assurance that everyone had each other’s backs. is was not sim- ply about trusting in each other’s competence, training or skill. It was knowing that their personal safety was ensured by others, which freed Leave no one behind, bring them to focus on the war without worrying. Each time Health CS Mutahi Kag- we and President Uhuru Kenyatta address the nation, they do so with back Kenyans stuck in China the expectation that we will embrace the coronavirus dogma, and fi ght patriotically in this war together. But like the Iraqi soldiers, many Ken- emo resideo. Unfortunately, as conscripted 3,000 Kenyans in China. Now, es- yans have been coerced into this war is is the Latin phrase soldiers, we are in a war without timating that a ticket from China by fi re by force. Others have been that means ‘leave no man any military orientation. We have to Kenya would cost Sh100,000, beaten by the enforcers, some to the behind’. brought our laissez-faire civilian nobody thought that they could point of death. Similarly, our rank- NA scene from the movie Black culture into a tightly controlled allocate Sh300 million, which is ing soldiers are politically appoint- Hawk Down depicts this nemo command structure. Resultantly, equal to a paltry 0.75 per cent of ed and seem quite detached from resideo principle with such pas- there has been a constant clash of this amount? present realities. It is no wonder that SUSAN MUGWE sion in the Battle of Mogadishu. A culture labelled as indiscipline. If Yatani’s pot of gold is sacred and they ask the Kenyans in China to pay @Mugwe_s group of a hundred elite US Delta In this war, we have had casualties cannot be used for nemo resideo their cost for evacuation. Mugwe is a political Forces were dropped by helicopters that need to be brought back to base. purposes, I submit that there are Yet they are baffl ed when soldiers economist and in the heart of Mogadishu. ey only ese are our fellow Kenyans living several other sources available. e desert the cause and break out of writes here on her had one job. at of abducting two in China. We have all witnessed on Kenyans in China all hail from a quarantine facilities, fraternise own behalf. top lieutenants of Mohamed Farrah social media the horrors they have county and constituency in Kenya. without masks or social distancing, Aidid, one of Somali’s warlords, and suff ered. And just like Captain Mike, is means they all have represen- and even misuse essential vehicles return to base. we have reminded our leadership, tatives in the forms of MPs and gov- such as ambulances to transport However, the operation did not nemo resideo - that no matter what, ernors. Isn’t it possible to reallocate drunk youths home after curfew. go as planned. e ground convoy no man should be left behind. evacuation monies from their CDF Begs the question, why would was attacked by the Somali militia, In response, they have told us that and county budgets, respectively? they expect soldiers to be motivat- two US Black Hawk helicopters were this is a near-impossible Ask. In a A study led by Dr Leonard Wong, ed in fi ghting this war, when they destructed by rocket-propelled gre- recent press briefi ng, Foreign Aff airs a Professor of Military Strategy in have clearly demonstrated that they nades, and 18 American soldiers and PS Macharia Kamau ruled out any the US Army War College sought do not have our backs? When they hundreds of Somalis died in the in- evacuation from China because, in to find out what made America will not do whatever it takes, to en- tense exchange of gunfi re during the his wisdom, you cannot evacuate unmatched in raw combat power, sure that no Kenyan is left behind rescue mission by additional Delta from one country and not from the what motivated American soldiers in China? Forces. Once back at base, Captain other. is is an extremely lazy ar- to continue in battle, and risk their Finally, my unsolicited advice is Mike Steele told his men that they gument. lives in the face of extreme danger; to President Kenyatta, as the Com- were going back to Mogadishu to Ambassador Kamau needs to and what inspired tired, cold and mander-in-Chief. In war, you do not bring back the fallen soldiers. One orient himself with the concept of muddy soldiers to keep advancing ask is it fair, you ask is it possible. of his soldiers protested at this crazy triage and apply it to prioritise the forward, with the bitter dryness of Likewise, your generals should not idea. In response, Captain Mike told Kenyans in China. Triage is the as- fear in their mouths, towards a de- pontifi cate to you on the fairness him, “it doesn’t matter, no one gets signment of degrees of urgency to termined enemy. or not, of evacuating the Kenyans left behind, you know that.” decide the ranking order of treat- As a counterfactual, the study in China, and not those in all the And this is what responsible sol- ment or interventions to a large interviewed Iraqi prisoners of war. other countries. eir role is to ad- diers do. ey leave no man behind. number of patients or casualties. eir main fi ndings were that the vise you on the best winning evac- Make no mistake, Kenya is at war Elsewhere, Kenya Ambassador to Iraqi soldiers were motivated by uation strategy. Because that’s what and the enemy is the coronavirus. Beijing Sarah Serem said the Ken- coercion from the ruling Baath Po- responsible soldiers do. Bring back We have all been conscripted as sol- yans in China could be evacuated, litical Party. ey were driven by fear the Kenyans in China, whatever it diers into this war, and are expected but at their own cost. e irony is of retribution and punishment, if takes – nemo resideo. to use the weapons at our disposal to that this week, Treasury CS Ukur they avoided combat. ey related defeat the enemy. And the weapons Yatani, informed us that Kenya has stories of being jailed or beaten by We sleep safely at night because are sanitisers, soap and water, social allocated Sh40 billion in Covid-19 the party representatives if they were rough men stand ready to visit vi- distancing, masks, obeying the cur- response. suspected of deserting their units. olence on those who would harm few, and quarantine requirements. Kamau estimated that there are ey also described their leaders us - Winston Churchill 06 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 KATIBA CORNER China-Hong Kong Constitutional Relations: Sleeping next to a tiger In the third quarter of last year, some democratic members of Hong Kong society participated in protests. In one of the most outrageous actions, 15 of those people have now been arrested

have in the past written about prosperity, although the territory is the relationship between Hong more divided than perhaps it has Kong and China, believing that been for decades. people in Kenya would find it in- That HK people are not merely Iteresting as they try to understand anti-government can be seen by the nature of the new super-power the coronavirus response. People YASH PAL GHAI that has become so prominent in wear masks very widely – realising African affairs. that this protects wearer and others. @katibainstitute And I have written about China in Mostly, they have gone along with Director of Katiba Africa for a collection of writings on government measures. And protests Institute. China and Hong Kong in the hope have diminished – they are hardly Prof Ghai is grateful this would be interesting for Hong- examples of social distancing! to Jill Cottrell Ghai kongers trying to make sense of their for her assistance own relationship with the Leviathan GOVERNMENT(S) HITS BACK in preparing this of which they are now a part. Some of the tactics of the protestors article Although most people in Kenya do not appeal to older democrats. have been sensible enough not to But their objectives do. So some of blame individual Chinese (and still the members of society most com- less anyone who just looks Chinese) mitted to democracy have partici- for the terrible pandemic that orig- pated in the demonstrations. inated in a Chinese market, there another 50 years. The Constitution and on audit. Riot police Now that the coronavirus issue have been fresh reasons for us to be of Hong Kong (called the Basic Law Hong Kong’s foreign affairs pow- officers hold seems, if not controlled, at least less concerned about China. – the Chinese did not want it called ers are limited—but it can make pepper spray of an immediate threat, and now For some time, African states be- a “constitution) guarantees them “a agreements in various areas: includ- as they try to that people — including the BBC in lieved that China was driven by a high degree of autonomy”. ing trade and other economic mat- disperse anti- a recent programme —anticipate concern for the development and It is about not only HK’s constitu- ters, culture and sport. HK can be an government that protest will resume over the benefit of our countries. As we know, tion but also the relationship with independent participant in various protesters after next few months, the government our President was enchanted by China (largely to restrict its role in international organisations—pro- a vigil to mourn strikes back. Not the Beijing govern- what he thought was the generosity HK). Its executive and legislature vided they are not political. Oddly, student’s death, ment, but the HK government, but of the Chinese President in relation (still called the Legislative Coun- Hong Kong is supposed to remain a in Hong Kong, few believe that government acts to the SGR project, only for us to find cil as in the colonial days) must be capitalist system. China on March 8 autonomously that we had been severely cheated. composed of permanent residents of /REUTERS In the third quarter of last year, As far as we can tell, only China Hong Kong (but not necessarily cit- WHAT HAS HAPPENED RECENTLY? some prominent, vocal and demo- has benefited from that enterprise izens of China). At least 80 per cent Under previous presidents, there cratic members of Hong Kong soci- (and perhaps some property owners of them must be ethnically Chinese. was considerable respect for the ety participated in protests. No one in Naivasha). States and citizens of The Hong Kong government must autonomy of HK under which it saw fit to arrest them. But now, in Africa more generally have of late safeguard the rights and freedoms of prospered and moved towards de- one of the most outrageous actions expressed considerable suspicion its residents. The essential elements mocracy, with a strong judiciary. of the Hong Kong (it is tempting of the bona fides of China in their of the legal system (based on English However, soon after HK returned to call them puppet) government, relations with them. law) continue. English remains the to China the Court of Final Appeal has arrested 15 people who were And now we find that the Chinese official language. was arm-twisted to dis-own a bold involved in those protests last year. are apparently less tolerant towards The legislature is elected. How- and independent decision as to who I must declare an interest. Three Kenyans than they are towards them. ever, half of them are not elected was entitled to come to HK. of them are people I have worked In fact, prejudice against Black peo- by one person one vote, but from Little-known or remarked is that with – or would even (and proud- ple in China has a very long history. special constituencies mostly related the current Chinese president de- ly) call friends, the wazee of the HK Before I explain why China’s rela- to economic activity. So some voters clared himself life president on as- democratic scene. tionship with Hong Kong has again have two votes: One for geographical suming office. His interventions in One is Jimmy Lai, age 71, founder attracted my attention and concern constituency members and one for what are domestic affairs of Hong of the Chinese language Apple Daily at this time, may I remind you of the a “functional constituency” mem- Kong, which constitutionally enjoy newspaper, for which I used to write salient features of the constitutional bers. The more commercially orient- considerable autonomy, are other (not in Chinese I have to admit). An- relationship between them? ed of these tend to be identified as examples of his disregard of the law. other is a 72-year-old former leg- “pro-China”. Funny how the desire Last year, you may have read about islator and barrister Margaret Ng. HONG KONG AND CHINA for stability leads the commercial the protests in Hong Kong--prompt- And finally my age-mate Martin Lee, Hong Kong was taken away from sector to be pro the (nominally com- ed by a proposal to pass a law to per- founder of the Democratic Party, China by the imperialistic Britain munist) Beijing government. mit sending HK people to China for and a lawyer—and my mentor. All in 1842, by force. It remained under The head of the Hong Kong trial. There is a clear link to earlier of them have the most distinguished complete British control until the government, the Chief Executive demonstrations in favour of HK peo- records for democracy and fairness early 1980s, when an agreement was (sounding rather like a corporate ple having a real choice in their lead- – and courage. made that HK would be returned head), enjoys considerable powers. ers: Originally the “Occupy Central These arrests are clear violations to China – when a 99-year lease of But he or she is not freely elected Movement”, which became known of the whole principle of the Basic part of the territory expired. The Si- by the Hong Kong people, but by as the “Umbrella Revolution”. Law of Hong Kong. Where is free- no-British agreement provided for a special electoral committee, and In recent years, the Chinese gov- dom of speech? Where is Hong some role for Britain for another 50 must have the endorsement of the ernment has made many moves to Kong’s autonomy? Where are Hong years, even after China ceased to mainland government. deprive HK of its autonomy. The oth- Kong people ruling Hong Kong? own Hong Kong, principally to en- The judiciary is independent. Its er slogan about “Hong Kong people The strategy is clearly intimida- sure that China honoured its under- top court, the Court of Final Ap- ruling Hong Kong” seems to have tion. Not an unfamiliar strategy for takings on Hong Kong’s autonomy. peal, even has foreign judges (or become an empty promise. Hong Kenyans. More news on In the meantime, HK people one foreign judge at a time). And Kong people maybe, on the surface, They say “know your enemy”. You our website. would acquire increasing degree their appointment is by an indepen- but not ruling HK. also need to know your friends. As Scan this quick of autonomy from the British gov- dent process. Foreign lawyers may One of the striking things has Emily Lau, another veteran and sev- response code ernment so that on the reversion practice law in Hong Kong. There been how engaged young people eral times arrested HK politician, using your to China, HK would enjoy a high are independent institutions like have become. No longer simply said on the BBC, HK’s situation is smartphone. degree of autonomy, at least until the commission against corruption concerned about only order and like “sleeping next to a tiger”. Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 07 SHOT OF THE WEEK the week

Residents wade through a flooded section in Ahero /OGENDO DANIEL

snapshots / FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Iran says it has launched fi rst Covid-19: Buhari asks chief Speculation: North Korea military satellite into orbit judge to free prisoners silent on Kim’s whereabouts

DUBAI/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iran said on Wednesday it ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean state media on Wednesday successfully launched the country’s fi rst military satellite into asked the chief judge to free prison inmates who have been made no mention of leader Kim Jong Un’s health or orbit, triggering protests from the United States and stoking awaiting trial for six years or more to ease overcrowding as the whereabouts, a day after intense international speculation already high tensions over Tehran’s nuclear and missile novel coronavirus spreads, a spokesman said on Tuesday. over his health after a cardiovascular procedure. North Korean programmes. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps said the A statement quoted Buhari as saying 42 per cent of Nigeria’s media presented a business as usual image, carrying routine satellite “Noor”, or “Light”, was orbiting 425 km (264 miles) 74,000 or so prisoners were awaiting trial. He urged Chief reporting of Kim’s achievements and publishing some of his above the earth’s surface.  e Pentagon declined to confi rm Judge Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad to reduce that number older, or undated, comments on issues like the economy. whether Noor was in orbit and operational, saying it would take “since physical distancing and self-isolation in such conditions South Korean and Chinese offi cials cast doubt on South time to make such an assessment. US Secretary of State Mike are practically impossible”. Korean and U.S. media reports that he was seriously sick, while Pompeo condemned the launch, however. the White House said it was closely monitoring the matter. 08 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 FROM THE COURTS FROM CORRIDORS OF POWER THE EXPLAINER REUTERS AN MP from a Coastal county with his eyes set on a governor seat has What the US reportedly gone back to the drawing funds freeze could board. Corridors understands that mean for WHO

the week the legislator, who was banking on the current governor and his party S President Donald Trump has told his administration leader’s endorsement, has gone to temporarily halt funding to the World Health OrganizationU in the midst of the back to his political advisers for a COVID-19 pandemic caused by new plan. This after he discovered the new coronavirus. The WHO’s 2020-2021 budget, approved that the governor and the party by health ministers last May, leader are courting a tycoon politi- amounts to nearly $4.85 billion in total and represents a 9 per cian in the county to run for the seat cent rise from the previous two- year period. in 2022. Those in the know say he * The US is the biggest overall now wants to be his own man and donor to the WHO and had contributed more than $800 fight for the seat, even without any million by the end of 2019 for endorsement the 2018-2019 biennial funding period. The Gates Foundation is the second largest donor, followed by Britain. AS the wrangles in the ruling * It is not clear whether its has Jubilee Party persist, it seems one already made all or part of its of the officials in a top party organ payments towards the 2020- 2021 budget, but its assessed is undecided on which side he be- contributions are normally made A man charged with defiling a Milimani law late in the year. minor yesterday was offended by courts/FILE longs. The infighting in the party has * Almost $1 billion of the 2020- the prosecution words that he was resulted in two camps, one operating 2021 budget is earmarked for not sure of what he was pleading around President Uhuru Kenyatta, WHO operations across Africa, guilty.A Nairobi magistrate could not the world’s poorest continent while the oscillating around Deputy with the highest rates of under- believe it when a defilement suspect five mortality from vaccine- casually admitted he slept with an President William Ruto. The official, preventable diseases. eight-year-old girl. “My boss [the who held an influential position in * Polio eradication remains a magistrate], I don’t want to hear major WHO programme and the one of the parties that folded to United States is a key contributor from this boss [the prosecutor] that to this effort. I slept with the minor, even after she form Jubilee, has of late surprised his colleagues with his indecision, * The WHO’s emergency told me that she was fine with me,” programme is also seeking to the suspect said.The magistrate was especially on matters touching on stamp out other deadly infectious so shocked that he asked him once disease outbreaks including the management of the party. A Ebola in the Democratic again whether he was pleading guilty. Republic of Congo. * Trump has He said yes.The magistrate ordered mole intimated to Corridors that the taken an increasingly critical official nowadays takes a backseat stance towards the WHO, that be remanded. accusing it of promoting China’s on controversial matters being pro- “disinformation” about the virus A man caused an ease when he and saying that likely led to a secuted by the crucial party organ wider outbreak than otherwise coughed in a Nairobi court, as if to would have occurred. scare the court staff when he was in what his colleagues say is playing * China has said it has been charged with breaking the curfew. safe not to offend any of the two transparent and shared But he said he was just clearing his camps. information with the WHO throat. “Just allow me pay Sh500 fine and other countries, including the United States. The WHO I don’t have money,” he asked the says China shared information magistrate. He was ordered to pay a A senior official in one of the key quickly and is cooperating in research and other areas. “Focus fine of Sh1,000. government agencies is a frustrated on the epic struggle right now man over what he claims to be open and leave the recriminations A man who was arrested and char- until later,” WHO Covid-19 bias in promotion in the institution. special envoy David Nabarro ged for not wearing a mask asked the told an online conference on court to give him one. He told a Nairo- The official complains of being over- Wednesday, without naming the United States or Trump. bi court that he was too broke to buy looked in promotions as a number of one because he even didn’t cash to his juniors with connections to who- * The agency has faced buy food. In another face mask case, controversy before. It was is-who in the State department accused of overreacting to the a magistrate asked a suspect for how 2009-10 H1N1 flu pandemic, and long he had his mask on.”I have used scale the ladder, leaving him at the then faced withering criticism for not reacting fast enough to it for some days now.... But at least same spot. The official is said to be the vast Ebola outbreak in West I have it,”he replied.The magistrate Africa in 2014 that killed more later ordered him pay Sh1,000 fine for so frustrated and is openly contem- than 11,000 people. breaching social distance rule. plating early retirement. Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 09 THE WEEK/ IN PICTURES TOP 4 STORIES

MONDAY, APRIL 20 Seven feared dead from mudslides, floods in W. Pokot Seven people were missing and feared dead while another 25 were injured after floods and mudslides hit Chesogon along the West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet border on Saturday night. Robert Katina from the Red Cross said more people might have died because many were still missing in affected villages. Chesogon police post was among installations swept away by the floods. The officer-in-charge Halkano Godana said the station had 18 officers but nine of them were on duty at the time of the incident

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 Why Kenya may escape Covid-19 disaster - studies

Scientists project that Africa will escape the kind of devastation caused by Covid-19 in Europe and America. The projection is based on evolving research which suggests the virus does not spread as fast in a warm climate. Two studies by scientists in Spain and in 1 the United States agree that Covid-19 thrives in the wintry dry weather and is hampered by warm and humid weather above 18 degrees Celsius. World Food Programme says countries like Kenya are likelier to suffer a pandemic-driven food crisis, than a health one.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 Seven Kenyans join race to find Covid-19 vaccine Kenya has joined the race to find a vaccine for Covid-19, with a prototype expected within six months. Seven scientists at the Kenya Medical Research Institute on Tuesday said they were 2 3 developing several vaccine candidates but will narrow down to the most promising. Globally, 115 projects are 1. VOI: Voi OCS James Mwanzia currently in the race for a vaccine against sets ablaze miraa worth more than the Covid-19 disease. Five of them have Sh400,000 outside Voi police station now entered the clinical phase, according on Thursday /SOLOMON MUINGI to WHO. But how long before the first vaccine becomes available to the public 2. MOMBASA: Casual labourers offload remains unclear. food to be distributed to over 227,000 Mombasa residents on Tuesday /JOHN CHESOLI THURSDAY, APRIL 23 3. WEST POKOT: Police officers and Sonko: I don’t know residents rescue an injured person during flooding in West Pokot on what I signed with Tuesday /MARRYANNE CHAI President Kenyatta

4. MACHAKOS: A cyclist wades through Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has a section of Utawala Katani Road in threatened to halt the transfer of the Mavoko constituency that has flooded county’s key functions to the national due to Wednesday night heavy government. In a bitter falling-out downpour /FREDRICK OMONDI with top state officials in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s circle, Sonko claims he was hoodwinked into signing thes agreement, saying he did not know its content when he signed. He pledged not to allow “cartels” to take charge of the city. Sonko, on his Facebook Page, 4 claimed he never saw the draft transfer of functions deed before signing it. 10 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020

HEALTH SWEDEN’S APPROACH Covid-19: Lockdowns will most probably result in more deaths

ANDERS OSTMAN he other day, a presenter on BBC World Service gave us a @ostman_anders story saying there is no so- cial distancing in Sweden, Östman is a retired Tshowing people outdoors enjoying Swedish diplomat the spring weather in Stockholm. living in Nairobi The underlying assumption of this highly contested statement seems to be that if a country is not on an enforced lockdown, it is bound for failure, mass deaths and the people in charge will have blood on their hands. The lowest number of deaths becomes the only measure of suc- cess. This is simplistic, untrue and mis- leading. The effort around the world to prove Sweden’s more ‘lenient ap- proach’ is not abating and I, as a Swede, became intrigued as to why this is the case. Are there deliber- ate attempts to make Sweden look bad to justify draconian measures elsewhere? The Swedish approach is less lax than it appears and not so different than other countries, if one looks at the effects. The coronavirus pandemic is not going to be over in weeks. It is a new virus with no immediate answers. It is, therefore, important to have ac- ceptance among people of measures taken over the long haul. Voluntariness and an educated public have always served Sweden well. People are sensible, consid- erate and have the ability to make informed decisions about commu- nicable diseases, says Sweden’s head of the Public Health Agency, Johan Carlson. have political leaders who are into den. The number of new admissions Commutters ran in society. The demand for health It is not the number of deaths political grandstanding. There is a to Swedish hospitals by seriously ill for dear lives care and intensive care is at the same that answers whether these mea- common approval of the approach people is not overwhelming health after they were time increasing initially but flattens sures are sufficient or whether we by Sweden’s political leaders. services. confronted by out later and decreases gradually. made the right assessments. Carl- The other approach, the ‘Euro- There is a common notion outside police at the It is difficult to see into the future son concludes that we could have pean model’, of closing down so- Sweden that it has a policy of ‘herd Likoni Crossing so we will only know later what an answer, perhaps, in four or five ciety, lockdowns, curfews, closure immunity’ which is false. Rather Channel in works and does not work. However, years about the trade-offs Sweden of non-essential shops, schools there is an understanding that herd Mombasa calculations on lockdowns indicate made and other secondary effects and borders is expected to lead to immunity is a consequence. If there / JOHN CHESOLI that closing down societies as done on the general health situation and a somewhat slower spread of the is no spread of the virus, there is no around Europe will most probably crowding-out effects at health ser- virus. In the short run, this will immunity. But the virus has spread result in more deaths in the coming vices caused by the virus. reduce the pressure on the health around the world and the only way years and an increase in the number Hence, Sweden does not enforce services and the need for intensive to stop it is a vaccine, which does not of lost years of life in comparison restrictions but recommends (not care facilities. exist yet or that a sufficient part of to the Swedish model. The Swed- ‘suggest’ as critics are saying). This Depending on how risk groups the population gets immune. ish model has challenged and even means that most Swedes follow the are isolated, the number of deaths If the virus spreads slowly as in threatened many around the world, recommendations without policing. from the virus might be lower in the the European model, it takes longer including scientists with a different Isolate risk groups (elderly and beginning. However the result of this to acquire herd immunity. There is outlook and politicians who are jus- people with certain diseases such policy seems limited, if you look at then an obvious risk for new waves tifying measures that no-one knows as lung disease and a low immune the number of deaths per million in- of the epidemic. If this occurs after will work. system) habitants in countries which got the the restrictions have been lifted, the The reasons behind the quick rush Stay at home if you have symp- epidemic at the same time as Swe- risk is high for new severe outbreaks, to introduce lockdowns has partly to toms and stay at home at least two with a recurrence of increased need do with the Chinese example, long days after symptoms are gone for intensive care and more deaths. before the virus became a threat Work from home Closing down society for an ex- elsewhere. A government with a People over 70 are told to meet as THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC tended period will lead to a serious leader afraid of being seen weak and few people as possible economic downturn, mass unem- of taking risks with peoples’ lives Wash hands often IS NOT GOING TO BE OVER IN ployment and anxiety. This will found themselves in a corner and Practice social distancing, avoid WEEKS. IT IS A NEW VIRUS impact on people’s health for many lost the bigger picture. Enforcing large gatherings and refrain from years and cause increased illness and draconian measures seemed right unnecessary travel. WITH NO IMMEDIATE ANSWERS. deaths from mental, cardio-vascular because it was about saving lives, But in general, the recommen- IT IS, THEREFORE, IMPORTANT diseases and cancer. During the fi- without trying to strike a balance dations given by the Public Health nancial crisis 2008-o9 it is reckoned between protecting people against Agency let people live a somewhat TO HAVE ACCEPTANCE AMONG that around a quarter of a million the virus and not destroying too normal life. However, business is people died of cancer alone. much of the country in the process. not normal in Sweden, like every- PEOPLE OF MEASURES TAKEN The Swedish model is expected to That’s what it seems Sweden is where else. So far, Sweden does not OVER THE LONG HAUL lead to a quicker spread of the virus trying to do. Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 11 COLUMN PARTY POLITICS Jubilee party wrangles are as a result of political dishonesty and immaturity

n the midst of coronavirus pandemic, what has been selling voters from one polling station to newspapers as well and maybe another. most effectively are the Jubilee This is the essence of political Iwrangles. corruption that explains the quality This is the juggernaut that pride of leaders that can be produced out itself of 171 MPs, 38 senators out of of such a shambolic process. ISAAC MWAURA 67 and more than half the country’s For a party that was cobbled @mwauraisaac1 47 governors. up in September to conduct a However, apart from a nationwide internal plebiscite on Senator for persons Parliamentary Group meeting last the basis of universal suffrage is with disabilties and held at State House to agree on the akin to expecting a seven-month chairman of the House leadership, there has never baby to sire a child. Further, the Albinism Society of been any other major meeting. subsequent presidential election Kenya If you asked any Jubilee supporter was also nullified on the basis of who is their national chairman is irregularities and illegalities. very fewkKnow. Nelson Dzuya This was unprecedented and it appears to be just a figurehead, and lead to protests, repeat elections this is demonstrated by the fact that only for McDonald Mariga to vie. campaign for online registration Langata MP and the consequent mock swearing- his own party couldn’t secure him One would expect that during via SMS and the Sh20 plastic Nixon Korir, in by Raila Odinga and later the a slot at the East African Legislative this Covid-19 crisis, the ruling membership card that was launched Nakuru Senator handshake that has further dealt a Assembly, yet it had six out of the party would be meeting to coble up amidst lots of fanfare. Susan Kihika, blow to the party and the opposition nine slots for Kenya. a position on how the state should In addition, the primaries meant Gatundu South coalition NASA. Further, the party is divided respond to the pandemic. On the to happen simultaneously across MP Moses Kuria Kenya has had this vicious cycle right down the middle with the contrary, Kenyans were treated to the country on Friday, April 21, 2017 and Soy MP of coming up with new parties each two factions of Kieleweke allied to Twitter and mainstream media wars failed miserably, amidst accusations Caleb Kositany and every election, thus stunting party leader Uhuru Kenyatta, the between the leaders of the Majority of bribery, ballot stuffing and at Lion Place, political maturity and signifying President, and Tangatanga allied to in the Senate and the National favouritism. Westlands the culture of impunity and lack of deputy party leader William Ruto. Assembly. This was over the dismal The repeat ones that were done on April 17 after political accountability. On one hand, there is David role that Parliament has played in from April 25, 2017 failed terribly as receiving a letter This is because such parties and Murathe, the vocal vice chairman providing leadership during this well. This is because the party used from parties coalitions are disbanded to escape who never quite resigned, and crisis, yet they belong to the same non-serialised ballot photocopies, Registrar the fulfillment of political pacts. secretary general Raphael Tuju. party and faction. lacked a membership register, used /ANDREW This reeks of dishonesty, fraud On the other hand are Soy MP It’s thus important to understand delible ink, and lacked a clear way KASUKU and political conmanship, and Caleb Kositany, the supposed deputy how we ended up here. The party of identifying bona fide election any leadership produced in such secretary general, and Gatundu was launched on September 10, 2016 officials. circumstances lacks legitimacy to South MP Moses Kuria, among after winding up 14 other outfits, Voters only needed their national exercise proper governance since other Ruto allies. Such is the state a masterstroke that was meant to identity cards to vote and there was the very foundation is hypocrisy of this dysfunctional party that the consolidate the political space in no clear tallying mechanism. It was and subterfuge. only time it has come alive is when the country, towards ideology based a big sham, to say the least. In fact, It’s for this reason that I have come there is a by-election, and even rather than tribal-based politics. many people who went through up with a political parties primaries then, there are problems. A case in However, the first challenge such a system have since confessed bill to help govern this rather too point is Kibra where Nairobi Senator the new party faced was during how they were aided with extra important political environment Johnson Sakaja promised that the primaries when membership ballot papers to stuff the boxes, over to institutionalise our parties, away Jubliee wouldn’t field a candidate, recruitment failed, despite a huge and above, transporting the same from the founders’ syndrome.

enough numbers in Parliament to ership changes in the ruling Jubi- do anything he wanted or thwart lee Party, he hammered down yet anything he didn’t want. another nail on this quickly tightly Ruto’s political sins Ruto also made sure he had his shutting political coffin. major political opponents either Fourth, the audacity with which rigged out or rendered politically he is publicly displaying insubordi- impotent. If in doubt, ask Martha nation is unmatched, and he is de- Karua or Peter Kenneth. This was a termined to beat the system that’s will cost his 2022 bid brilliant strategy, except it has back- so clearly dead-set against him suc- fired once the sleeping lion woke ceeding Uhuru. and is now making his presence felt. Fifth is Ruto’s failure to recognise merican essayist, poet and has committed political sins against Second, as part of his strategy to something Uhuru and many in the philosopher Ralph Waldo his boss. They are not different from stuff Parliament and key govern- so-called system finally have come Emerson famously said, engaging in an activity intended to ment offices with his loyalists, Ruto to admit: That is we cannot continue “When you strike at the cause political harm to the king, in cleverly used and continues to use like a ticking time-bomb set to rip Aking, you must kill him.” this case, President Kenyatta. the same politicians and foot sol- the country apart into pieces every SAM OMWENGA Emerson was describing a met- While the list of political sins diers to badmouth Uhuru, especially five years because of election woes. @TheStarKenya aphorical, not physical attack—but Ruto has committed is long, I can in the Mt Kenya region. That it is time power is wielded or the implication renders the distinc- raise several here without any fear The instigation of badmouthing of at least shared across the country, US-based legal tion one without a difference. of contradiction. They make a com- Uhuru or keeping quiet as his allies rather than having the presidency analyst and political In other words, taking a physical pelling case of why the challenges do the dirty work is the very defini- rotating between only two tribes. commentator swing at the king with the aim to in- Ruto faces as he seeks the presiden- tion of taking a swing at the king. Any of these examples is a fatal jure him and missing is no different cy are insurmountable. Third, Ruto’s ramping up and now political sin Ruto has committed from engaging in any activity that’s First, while the President was openly challenging or disagreeing but taken together, one can clearly intended to cause harm to the king, indisputably asleep on the wheel with Uhuru on some of the issues see he has taken many swings at the be it physical or otherwise. following the 2013 elections — or the President is espousing such as king. The outcome being that he has While Deputy President William oblivious to Ruto’s machinations — the fight against corruption is noth- nailed shut his political coffin. Ruto has not taken a physical swing the DP immediately started to plan ing but insubordination. That can at President Uhuru Kenyatta, an ex- his succession gameplan. only compound his already impos- Editors note: There is no evidence amination of his conduct and that of Ruto, for example, maximised on sible path to the presidency. Deputy President William Ruto his minions since 2013 clearly pro- the opportunity to rig in as many When Ruto challenged what is rigged in or out candidates in the vides ample evidence to conclude he MPs as he could in 2017 to have obviously Uhuru’s sanctioned lead- 2017 elections 12 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 GUEST COLUMN CLEANING THE ENVIRONMENT Could Covid-19 kill graft? Don’t bet on it

ovid-19 has spread to 210 the fi rst time. But where do you countries and territories place the coffi n carrying group? so far. ere are not a lot Perhaps that’s not an event we of places left that it has not should compare across countries, Ctouched. but then again Covid-19 is in 210 Corruption might have been king countries. Or maybe there is another before but Covid-19 wins the global explanation. RICHARD AYAH reach race easily. One assumption When people are corrupt, there @DrRichard_Ayah that corruption rankings make is an element of pride hidden is that life is so much better in somewhere, that some cleverness Director Science countries with low corruption. is involved; just that the persons and Technology Consistently in the top 10 rankings concerned choose to be morally Park, University of of countries where corruption bankrupt. But it might be, that we Nairobir is low, you will find, Denmark, are just not very good. New Zealand and Finland, in no at institutions are so run down, particular order. that they are at best mediocre, with In 2019, Transparency just a few individuals acting as fi g International ranked Kenya 137 out leaves, covering up, how poor things of 180 countries, as we all believe are. It is these few individuals we and know that Kenya is quite a hope can rise up in a crisis, to take corrupt country. Ask the average charge. Kenyan and they will tell you who Why are we so hopeful? are the corrupt ones, individually One problem we all have is to and institutionally. think in black and white terms. The National Ethics and That a mediocre person has it Corruption survey by the Ethics written on his face. We forget that and Anti-Corruption Commission key to knowing how widespread the There are then elements that A nurse is in the incompetence is not all round. ranked the Police as among the most virus is. ese countries are testing makeup corruption such as screening and A person can be thoroughly corrupt institutions in the country; 50-100 times more than Kenya is collusion, the world where cartels isolation fi eld incompetent in the office but public hospitals and police stations doing. So that partly explains why live in; and confl icts of interest. hospital set to produce beautiful babies at home. tied, for places where you have to they have more cases. Take some examples. There is fi ght against ey know just enough to claim bribe to get a service. Table Comparing COVID-19 a dire global shortage of personal the spread of credit and do a little bit more to So now into our corrupt country, Cases Least Corrupt Countries vs. protective equipment. Every country the coronavirus block those who can get the job enters Covid-19. Should we be Kenya. Adapted from https://www. wants to protect its health workers. at Machakos done. And another day passes. scared? worldometers.info/coronavirus/ Do we have sufficient trust that stadium on April Except that, for now, we have If we look at the Covid-19 statistics So what are the chances that the every PPE offered to our health 22 coronavirus lurking about. So people for Denmark, New Zealand and two primary institutions that we worker will not pass through the /REUTERS will die as we watch. Finland — the countries with have entrusted with Covid-19 will do hands of corruption? Who should The virus can be managed by the least corruption, and for now a decent job given the environment be tested is a scientifi c and moral cleaning the environment, hand ignoring the different strategies we know so well? question. washing and social distancing. e states are adopting to curb the Some defi nitions are useful at this At a time like this, you want the average cartel member thrives in spread of coronavirus — we fi nd a point. Corruption (Transparency very best people available managing making the environment as murky mixed picture. International, World Bank) is “the the crisis and thereafter. Do we have as possible and plotting in huddled When we compare with Kenya, it abuse of entrusted power for private the best people in the right place? spaces. So deaths have been hidden. may look like corruption wins. Of gain.” Or does the suspension of normal e way to manage corruption is the four countries, Denmark has UNDP defines it as misuse of practices because of the emergency much the same, improve sanitation had 1,250 cases per million persons, public power or authority for private allow favouritism and nepotism? and transparency in our daily while Kenya is at just fi ve. e death benefi t through bribery, extortion, This is the situation where an interactions with the public service. toll from Covid-19 is low in Kenya. infl uence peddling, nepotism, fraud, ambulance is used to take relatives Could Covid-19 kill corruption? But we do know that testing is the speed money, or embezzlement. home. You can be sure this was not Don’t bet on it.

by knowing what is happening (in- lecting 1 ppm of, for instance, the formation by testing) the virus can total Kenyan population of about 49 be halted. Social distancing is an an- million means 49, 000 tests. Even Information key in swer, but it is virtually impossible that is too high and expensive. in the poorer sections of a country Our suggestion is twofold. First and its refugee camps to enforce it. use stratifi ed random sampling with Enforcing is not an answer either a sample size of 10,000 to test a part beating Covid-19 because it will cause resentment. of the population. Making people understand that e test can be done in those ar- sneezing or coughing can transmit eas, mainly urban, where people the virus is another variety need- are more concentrated. One needs, AREND VAN nformation is key to resolving Cybernetics works by under- ed. Educate the people to behave normally, a sample frame or list of CAMPEN AND the Covid-19 crisis. One of the standing the fi rst rule: A situation cautiously. And provide cheap and people to select randomly but nor- MICHAEL HOPKINS key issues is to know who has can only be controlled if the variety eff ective face masks, that must be mally does not exist – richer coun- @ eStarKenya been infected through testing. of the controller matches the variety washed in soap and water after use. tries use census data. But one can IKits are available, sometimes in of the situation to be controlled. One A governmental and medical still go into an area and test one Campen is a their tens of thousands in a partic- variety is the unpredictability of the taskforce can be formed to focus person every tenth house in every systems eorist ular country then testing itself can virus within a community. on acquiring sufficient requisite district. Certainly the National Offi ce while Hopkins take up to a few days. e other variables can be under- variety. No such control system has of Statistics should work with the teaches at President Donald Trump could stood as the capacity of a system (for been created in China or the West, National Health Service to identify Strathmore not, or refused to sau how many test instance the government, society so illogical, draconian restrictions the sample and carry out the test. kits are needed in the US. In poor and citizens) to respond to risk (the will inevitably cause more damage Second, there is another huge is- countries, test kits are very few. So virus). is ‘controlling’ variety has later. e few places it has been done sue is that most poor people living how can countries control and end to be assembled. was in South Korea and Taiwan, and in urban informal settlements only the spread of the virus when infor- All societies generate tremendous in a small Italian town, Vo, where source of income is through work- mation is not available? variety such as human, environ- everyone was tested, eradicating the ing. Cut off their mobility through ere is a relatively overlooked mental, social, regulatory variety. virus threat in no time. curfews and they starve. e solu- methodology in science called cy- ey change all the time and can- But testing everyone is impossible. tion is not food distribution but the bernetics. It insists to control a situ- not be controlled, but they can be Even testing 1,000 people out of a direct transfer of cash in the form ation, all relevant information must steered by real-time information million will deliver only a part of the of a basic income to all individuals be obtained and used. It is known as so they can learn and adapt the needed information to reduce risks. living in a poor area – estimated at 10 the law of requisite variety. same way. is confi rms that only However, it will be a good start. Se- million in Kenya for example. Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 13

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC HEALTH AND ECONOMY

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi isolation hall fitted with emergency beds for Covid-19 patients / WILFRED NYANGARESI

data and expert modeling to inform To win war on the virus, Kenya decision-making. ENOUGH RESOURCES TO MEDICS The Ministry of Health and the coun- ties also need resources and capacity needs effective response plan to undertake mass testing, contact tracing, clustering, quarantining, isolation and case management. This The deadly and devastating nature of the coronaviruss and economic is the quickest, surest and guaran- teed roadmap to flattening the curve. disruption demands a comprehensive strategy to include the people The resurge of new cases in countries that had initially managed to stop the spread is a stark warning not to he global spread of the coro- astrophic. The response should, obliged to stay at home. gamble. navirus has overwhelmed therefore, be targeted and trans- Jointly, the national government It is important to have decen- health systems in some parent. Any emergency fiscal policy and the counties must enact policies tralised testing under the supervi- parts of the world and response should link directly to the and laws that offer targeted reliefs, sion of the National Public Health Tcaused widespread social and eco- pandemic to address the source of including moratorium and life relief Laboratories, and to engage and nomic disruption. the economic shock. funds on rent, food, medical care, partner with private laboratory NDUNG’U WAINAINA This pandemic is much more loan repayment postponement and services and research institutions. @NdunguWainaina than a health crisis. The deadly and GOVERNMENTS RESPONSE small businesses to remain afloat The national government and devastating nature of Covid-19 and The national and county govern- and keep jobs. the counties must do everything Executive direc- economic disruption demands a ments should immediately prepare While Kenyans have once again possible to ensure health workers tor, International comprehensive strategy. A strategy and present supplementary budgets demonstrated their generosity and in the frontline have the support Center for Policy that includes the entire government that review the 2019-20 financial care to fellow citizens, this is unsus- they need. and Conflict and the people in addressing short year allocation to increase spending tainable. The state cannot abdicate They must be provided with the and long-term challenges. on public health and provide relief to its obligations to citizens and or information, medical equipment, The strategy will be a pivotal and families and small businesses. prescribe private solutions to pub- personal protective equipment and foundational basis in developing Further, the government should lic problems. other resources they need. They efficient collaborative partnerships proceed and borrow as set out in the Parliament has to adjust fiscal must also be paid promptly, added among government, private and budget but use the funds to create a and monetary policy to respond to allowances and be given relief in tax- social sectors and the international support base to prevent the economy the Covid-19 crisis and ease access es and suspension of loan payments. community. from sinking completely. In addi- to credit for households and small The response must also ensure A pandemic of this nature cannot tion, there is need to seek debt re- businesses to help them survive. there are plans to deal with their be responded through measures that lief and rescheduling of loan repay- Right now the tax cuts and reduced long-term physical and mental informed by the dictate of impulse, ments and utilize those resources to interest rates will not work in an health implications. The frontline chance and luck. It is not just anoth- address health and economic needs. economy on its knees. soldiers must not become patients. er humanitarian crisis. When the Government should adopt fiscal Authorities should also ensure The scale and severity of the pan- government has a publicly known measures that provide social pro- there are no supply chain disrup- demic clearly rises to the level of a clear strategy and the people under- tection to cushion against shocks, tions for essentials such as food, public health threat that could justi- stand it, it can start planning. especially for the most economically medical supplies, and healthcare fy restrictions on certain rights, such An effective Covid-19 response vulnerable. services. as freedom of movement. strategy requires war-like mobil- Expanded safety nets could pro- It is now clear the faster cases are At the same time, however, careful isation of resources and efficient vide temporary relief to families detected, tested and isolated, the attention should be given to human delivery in government. whose earnings have been adversely harder we make it for this virus to rights principles, especially respect Such a response needs to be co- affected. Expansionary macroeco- spread. The sooner this is done, the for human dignity. Openness and herent, sustainable and live to the nomic policy cannot do much to in- more lives we will save. transparency underpin many fun- health and economic challenges. crease production and employment This is a collective effort by all damental rights and freedoms nec- The magnitude of the health and at a time when the country is near Kenyans but the government must essary to a more effective Covid-19 economic effects is potentially cat- economic shutdown and people are lead from the front with evidence, response. 14 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 COMMENT GENDER VIOLENCE

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 10-12, 2020 KFS should identify local tree species for farmers

he Kenya Forest Service wants farmers to plant more trees. On Wednesday on World Earth Day, TKFS Chief Conservator Julius Kamau said farmers need to help to raise forest cover from 7.2 per cent to 10 per cent (see P11). Kenya’s population is projected to grow from 48 million today to 85 million in 2050. ere will be tremendous land pressure. It will not be possible to expand gazetted forests. So the only way to increase forest cover (defi ned as trees covering more than 10 percent of an area greater than one hectare) will be to grow more trees on farms and in urban areas. Farmers in central and western Kenya have increased forest cover over the last 30 years by planting grevillea (for fodder and fi rewood) and eucalyptus (for poles). But these exotic Gender-based violence organisations in a procession against the abuse /FILE species from Australia do not increase Kenya’s biodiversity. Biodiversity can make farmers better off . Local trees will hold water and increase Even as we fi ght coronavirus, nutrients in the soil. More pollinators will increase crop yields. Farmers will not lose land by planting trees, they will enrich the land and women, girls must be protected themselves. Indigenous trees such as Cordia Africana or Meru Oak can be grown on farms to recent report by the Na- plinary approach that addresses all vere the torment. tional Council on Admin- aspects of sexual and reproductive A video that went viral on social create that win-win of higher productivity istration of Justice showed health and rights. Women and girls’ media this week showed a com- (fodder, fi rewood and more nitrogen) and that gender-based violence issues are always treated piecemeal pletely naked woman at a shopping cases have tripled in the country and never comprehensively ad- centre, seemingly in search of a man richer biodiversity. KFS should work with A since the curfew started on March dressed from their root courses and who had wronged her. One can just agroforestry organisations to identify the right 27. underlying issues. imagine what she had gone through indigenous tree species and incentive farmers But even prior to the Covid-19 As a result of the piecemeal ap- to pull such a daring stunt in public. to plant them. HUSSEIN KHALID pandemic, GBV has been a worrying proach to addressing the issues, Undoubtedly, the situation needs @husskhalid concern in the country. While eff orts women and girls remain unempow- to be reversed, and to do so will re- have been made towards recognis- ered, which then renders them sus- quire well-thought-out multi-disci- Executive director, ing women and girls as key actors in ceptible to sexual and gender-based plinary approaches. Even as we fi ght Haki-Africa the development of the nation, this violence. the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to recognition has mainly remained on In both public and private spac- ensure respect for the role of women QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND paper. In practice, they have con- es, they continue to suff er physical and girls in their communities. tinued to be marginalised, sidelined and psychological violence mostly We must also urgently address “I don’t want to live someone else’s idea of and even violated at home and in from persons known and familiar and decrease gender-based vio- how to live.” public spaces. to them.  is very fact proves that as lence in our homes and communi-  e prevailing situation is as a re- society, Kenyans do not value wom- ties. Specifi cally, we must prioritise sult of gender rights being viewed issues that render them vulnerable Denys Finch Hatton merely as an abstract on econom- to violence in their homes, includ-  e White Kenyan hunter was born on April 24, 1887 ic and political processes without WIFE BATTERING IS ON THE ing economic empowerment and looking at the social contexts where independence. they are based. RISE, RAPE IN MARRIAGES We should enable and encourage So while we can claim to have the women to speak out against psycho- one-third gender rule in the Con- BECOMING A NORM, AND logical and physical violence. /THESTARKENYA stitution — and general acceptance DEFILEMENT OF MINORS Further, as a society, we must deal that women must be given the same ruthlessly with those committing @THESTARKENYA opportunities as men — in the real HAPPENING UNABATED sexual and gender-based violence. sense, they are neither included Such individuals have no place in decision making positions/in- en around them let alone those away amongst us and should face the full WWW.THE-STAR.CO.KE stitutions nor do they have equal from them. In the Covid-19 pandem- wrath of the law. opportunities.  ey continue to be ic situation, therefore, women are While the state must do more to Lion Place, Waiyaki Way, Westlands considered as the weaker sex and left at the mercy of those who could protect women and girls during this PO Box 74497-00200 , Nairobi, Kenya denied to play their rightful role hurt them the most – their closest pandemic, the people must also play +254 20 424 4000 | [email protected] even in state-led formal institutions. relatives and friends. their role by saying no to women’s Kenya remains largely a patriar- Presently, women and girls are disenfranchisement. COO Associate Editor, Daily Political Editor chal society that views women’s en- bearing the brunt of the country We must remain vigilant and de- Agnes Kalekye Joseph Olweny Felix Olick gagement as a want and not a need. being in a closed community. Wife fend women and girls from violence Head of Content News Editor Photo Editor  is status quo presents a complex battering is on the rise, rape in whenever called upon to do so by Paul Ilado Francis Mureithi Jack Owuor scenario where women’s issues are marriages becoming a norm, and circumstances. Weekend Editor Digital Editor Sports Editor More news on not genuinely addressed. defi lement of minors happening If we eff ectively prevent and re- Francis Openda Oliver Mathenge Chris Mbaisi our website. For example, when it comes to unabated. spond to gender-based violence, Scan this quick sexual and reproductive health, the  e curfew and cessation of move- then we protect our own selves response code response has been to focus on mater- ment further mean that it is diffi cult from deteriorating into a worthless using your nal and newborn health rather than for women to run away from their society that dishonours its mothers, e Star is a publication of the Star publications smartphone. a comprehensive and multi-disci- situations and are forced to perse- wives and daughters. Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 THE-STAR.CO.KE 15 RIGHT OF REPLY SONKO MEMORANDUM

the end objective being to ensure  irdly, Elachi made her ruling the transaction of business within based on the provisions of Standing the limits of the Standing Orders, Order 146( 4 ) which provides that; Elachi did not err in Statutes, and precedents. “Where the Governor’s Memoran-  e speaker is, therefore, guided dum on any Bill raises a question of by the law and the rules of the as- Constitutionality of the Bill or pro- law or procedure sembly, and blind to external infl u- visions of the Bill, the Speaker shall ence. Elachi has faithfully upheld notwithstanding the provisions of this doctrine while discharging her paragraph ( 2 ) (a) give a determi- duties, including in this case. It is nation on the Constitutionality of PETER IMWATOK y attention was drawn matter. Mulwa also alleges Elachi laughable to allege she can direct such a question’’. to a commentary by had initially directed the Finance a committee to rewrite a budget.  e Speaker observed as follows: @ eStarKenya Ben Mulwa in the Star committee to rewrite a supplemen- Secondly, , Standing Order 43 ( 2 “Having reviewed the Memoran- Minority Whip, on Monday, April 20 ti- tary budget that had been submit- ) provides: “If a message is received dum by the Governor, I have deter- Nairobi assembly Mtled ‘Elachi wrong to reject Sonko ted by the county executive. from the Governor or the Senator mined that the said Memorandum Memo’.  is is a narrative he has been of the County, at a time when the entirely raises questions of Consti- In his arguments, Mulwa claims propagating in his other media County Assembly is not in session, tutional and Legal interpretations Nairobi speaker Beatrice Elachi did briefi ngs. It is not clear whether the Speaker shall forthwith cause that require my determination’’. not follow the law and procedure he is acting on Sonko’s or not since the message to be transmitted to As such, the speaker set-aside the when presiding over the memoran- he was publicly dismissed as his every Member and shall report the entire memorandum and referred dum from Governor Mike Sonko personal assistant a while ago. message to the County Assembly back the Bill to the governor for on his refusal to assent the Supple- Nevertheless, these claims can- on the day the County Assembly assent as it was passed on April 2. mentary Appropriations Bill, 2020. not be left unanswered because next sits.”  at is the procedure that Mulwa In a complete show of ignorance they question the role of the Speak- In fulfi lling the requirements of and other persons questioning the of the assembly’s Standing Orders, er and portrays her as partisan and this order, all members were cir- process need to understand. practices and precedents, Mulwa with vested interests. culated with the memo on April Uunder the current dispensation, avers that the memo was not sub- First, the Offi ce of County Speak- 16, having been received by the the speaker has the power to pub- jected to the MCAs and the speaker er is privileged, in that members speaker on April 15 since it was lish laws passed by the assembly abrogated the powers of the High entrust the holder with the power received while the assembly was as long as the prescribed period Court judge while ruling on the to preside over the assembly with out of session due to coronavirus. lapses. PARTY POLITICS Ruto has prepared to jump Jubilee ship

here are times you want to general as well. not that Ruto’s basic instinct seeks sympathise with Deputy Raphael Tuju said he was shocked to salvage the Jubilee Party as his President William Ruto but that high-ranking party offi cials 2022 political vehicle. His sojourn you never get the invitation. had decided to use social media to could be served, if he were to create THis often-outlandish display of prosecute diff erences in the party. as much hiatus and constipation in arrogance and brazen playing the “ e only matter of concern is Jubilee and then abandon the shell. victim syndrome card under false that social media was supposedly He’s a student of the “Tinga Eff ect” KIBISU KABATESI sense of entitlement with whatever chosen by some leaders to air their on Kanu in 2002. His could be a plan he wants is a put-off . grievances while they do have to torpedo Jubilee to smithereens so @ Political eStarKenya Take the case of proposed changes at their disposal other internal that its ruins cannot be rehabilitated communication in the Jubilee Party. Only a person on channels of communication,” Tuju by anyone else and used to challenge consultant a [political] suicide mission can dare is quoted as saying. him in 2022. take on his party leader publicly in The result is Ruto has painted Ruto’s mien in confrontation the manner he has done and hope himself into the corner of with Uhuru reveals he has decided to survive. insensitivity to the plight of Kenyans to throw away the baby with the That Ruto is responsible for that detractors had reserved for him. bathwater.  e defi ance points to bringing internal party wars to the And it gets worse. By alleging that a man ready to jump ship and the front pages of the media is distasteful President Uhuru Kenyatta, the party time is this. He will not wait to be as it is uncouth at this time of the leader, wasn’t complicit in what shuffl ed out. war on coronavirus. Decency Ruto denounces as a ‘fraud’ and Unleashing his allies to dare requires the DP to attend to national “coup” in Jubilee, the DP cynically Uhuru directly shows the die is priorities such as Covid-19. called his boss out, inviting him to cast. Yet he won’t resign and expose Civility requires that Ruto should “if you aren’t the fraudster, then himself as an immobile target. He have found something else to bring denounce the coup”. He referred will stay put to sink Jubilee fi rst. him back in the limelight after to Uhuru proxies as “political rejects, I predict Ruto has a party to a lengthy disappearing act from gangsters, crooks, conmen and which his cohorts will retire to coronavirus war. fraudsters” after demobilising Jubilee. Insolent But not him. He chose his cavalier In actual sense, Ruto was rudely Senate Majority leader Kipchumba trademark approach of going public and publicly undressing his boss, Murkomen lectures the President with the most frivolous, as long as but wearing the façade of innocence in demeaning terms – “functional it gets him political mileage.  e and feigning whistle-blower. He has dictator” - though Uhuru is his boss timing was deprived because Ruto’s been consistently on this page as an in government and party. selfish political survival appears unapologetic oppositionist within Soi MP Caleb Kositany and Jubilee much more urgent than rallying government. deputy secretary general nuances eff ort against Covid-19 pandemic. It’s now an all-out war and one achieve the same eff ect, contempt Where have his million donations centre must give in. I predict it will for the President. gone to? be Ruto. Right on cue, Ruto retainers Ruto’s mistake is not that he dared Unusually blunt, all the planning on a scenario board. Deputy President from the Mt Kenya region have dispute. He could have gracefully President’s men have come out The avalanche of instantaneous William Ruto at thrown caution to the wind and raised it through the organs of the guns blazing that they are only mobilised rebellion through his Karen offi ce are unrestrained in barking at party — he is deputy leader — as messengers, doing Uhuru’s biding. hundreds of letters, including 146 during a media their party leader and electoral now politely advised by the Registrar  at infuriates Ruto. It’s as if a trap MPs, to the Registrar of Political briefi ng on coro- benefactor. All that goes to untie of Political Parties. set up for him worked marvelously Parties obviously took thorough na virus /DPPS an orchestrated mass exodus from He has advantages an ordinary – he walked in and got fi xed. He execution. Jubilee by the Ruto wing. party member doesn’t have. But his can only jettison Jubilee to nurse Ruto may have fi nally decided Not that it matters. Little birds choice of social media, which lacks his wounds. to slow-puncture Jubilee while he whisper Jubilee remnants are decorum, through which he dared But hubris isn’t a talent you nurses a fallback party. plotting an ODM-plus-others his party boss to a fi stfi ght irritates, can deny Ruto. It is apparent that  at’s why pundits may be way merger. It’s a matter of who blinks irritating to the party secretary his social media rant took tedious off the mark on Ruto’s intention. It’s fi r s t . 16 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | April 24-26, 2020 FARE THEE WELL

COMMENT HASSAN MOHAMED @TheStarKenya Leaders should help effect social discipline

The viral spread of the coronavi- rus in Kenya and the world at large has been mainly caused by social indiscipline to the established rules for its prevention. Mobility with undue disregard for social distancing, time and locational restrictions; not wearing face masks and lack of proper hand washing/ sanitisation continue to aid the spread of this infectious disease. Health and government officials A woman waits to receive free protective masks that have been bought by evangelicals in China and are distributed by Members of the Evangelical Christian Church, as have repeatedly told us this. the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Rome / REUTERS On March 24, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said, ”Kenyans are very in- discipline and it will cost us. We want LETTERS OF THE WEEK STAR POINTS responsibility among citizens, Keep Write to us [email protected] MOBILITY WITH UNDUE Kenya should keep an Covid-19 presents an DISREGARD FOR SOCIAL and an IGAD member. eye on Horn region As of April 22, there were 946 opportunity for police to DISTANCING, TIME coronavirus cases, two deaths style up, serve Kenyans The Kenya on Wednesday is and 113 recoveries. On Friday, April AND LOCATIONAL concerned by the spread of 17 Djibouti’s Ministry of Health RESTRICTIONS; NOT coronavirus in the region. announced 141 new confirmed “This past week alone, we cases, bringing the total number to There has been for a long time, even WHO funding WEARING FACE MASKS have seen significant changes 732. after efforts to reform the service, AND LACK OF PROPER of infections in our own Experts have pointed the huge some condemnation of the Kenya “Halting funding for neighbourhood,”, Health minister numbers to be due to its location — police service. The “Utumishi Kwa the World Health HAND WASHING/ Mutahi Kagwe has said said during a connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf Wote” mantra has worked to the daily update press conference . of Aden — and the fact that it hosts contrary where presumed innocent Organization during a SANITISATION CONTINUE In particular, Kagwe said they a number of foreign military bases. wananchi have received full wrath, world health crisis is as TO AID THE SPREAD OF THIS are concerned by the rate at which They include China, France, the US, indignation and humiliation in the dangerous as it sounds. cases have skyrocketed in Somalia Italy and Japan. It declared its first hands of the police. The enforcement INFECTIOUS DISEASE and Tanzania. case on March 18. of the Covid-19 measures, according Their work is slowing “Covid-19 cases in Somalia have It is important to note that about to media reports seems, to have the spread of COVID-19 your kids home...you people of the multiplied ninefold in a single week 4.6 million refugees and 8.1 million aggravated the matter with some and if that work is media need to tell them”. from 14 cases from April 13 to 237 IDPs and their host communities are police officers beating, harassing stopped no other Kagwe said Kenyans have been by yesterday,” the Health Minister at risk. Kenya has refugees camps and exhorting indiscriminately.In warned against contracting the dis- said. There are now 286 cases and on Kakuma and Daadab. Cases of some of the incidences reported, organization can replace ease but they feign ignorance. 16 deaths. Already, the Somalia local transmission have now been the enforcement officers are now on them. The world needs At the time, there were reports of government reported in all countries of the full swing with extremely skewed @WHO.” people defying various government has imposed region. The need for preparedness and subjective application of the law directives including the requirement a dusk-to- ALTHOUGH KAGWE is therefore urgent as if coronavirus and protocols given to combat the to self-quarantine for 14 days after dawn curfew gets into these camps, then hell will situation. Thedirectives that were Bill Gates returning from abroad. However, in Mogadishu DID NOT MENTION break loose. issued to help in the war against the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation while it is easy to criminalise and and banned IT, THERE IS A Measures by governments in virus has turned into a cash cow. The even brutalise these misbehaviours, public the region to contain the spread coronavirus has affected all of us and we need to look at the underly- gatherings PROBLEM IN of Covid-19 are evolving rapidly, it is time for the much-needed col- ing causes with a view of nipping in mosques, with frequent changes to border/ laborative approach that should be them in the bud. Behaviour change beaches and DJIBOUTI, WHICH IS entry restrictions or limitations on adopted and steered by the police. requires a deep understanding of restaurants PART OF THE HORN internal movement. However, there The manner in which public preven- problems and devising humane in a bid to is need for particular focus on the tive measures are being enforced working methods and incentives for impose OF AFRICA AND AN region. Not to forget, we still have by the force needs a complete shift Covid-19 management their correction. social IGAD MEMBER the locus invastion with us. The from the usual “leta fujo uone” to a Our leaders have unfortunately let distancing. combined impacts of coronavirus much more facilitative and participa- “MOH_Kenya has received us down on this issue. For example, He also noted that cases in and the desert locust invasion tory one. A start would be respective they are not using the public kitties Tanzania have increased sevenfold will worsen the already dire food commanding officers taking every the 2nd batch of donation they manage to sponsor a large- from 32 to 254 in the same period. security situation in the greater Horn measure and avenue at their dis- by Jack Ma Foundation scale purchase and distribution of On Wednesday, Tanzania of Africa. posal to engage community on the including 18,900 swabs and face masks and hand sanitisers to announced 30 new coronavirus As a result, it is critical that locust measures including sensitising them. viral transport medium, the wananchi. Neither are they curb- cases raising the total to 284 and 10 surveillance and control operations, Structured efforts during such a dif- ing public movements by rolling out a deaths. as well as livelihood and food ficult time would reposition National 18,912 extraction kits, feeding programme throughout this This is at a time that President security responses continue, even Police Service in all its formations and 3,790 medical disposable difficult period. Pombe Magufuli has insisted on with the movement restrictions in turn such Covid-19 times into golden protective clothing, Kenyans, and especially our holding prayers against Covid-19, place to prevent the spread of the opportunity to reclaim the loosening leaders, should be at the forefront even as WHO advises against social virus. and lessening glow of the service. ventilation machines, in facilitating the adoption of social distancing. thermometer guns and discipline during this extraordinary Although Kagwe did not mention MICHAEL MUREITHI MUTETHIA WA MBERIA medical gloves.” health crisis. it, there is a problem in Djibouti, Blogger Nairobi which is part of the Horn of Africa Ministry of Health Commentator based in Garissa Twitter