Author: staff reporter

By Bernard Mulwa

The leaders have protested a new regime of Lesbians, gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and others terming it evil and warned if this is freely and openly embraced as diversity of sexual and identity, the society will find itself accepting bestiality on the same ground.   

The constitution of Kenya through Article 32(1) guarantees that “every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion” on this basis, the leaders said their collective conscience, opinion and belief that they believe in what is right and they will defend what is right so that everything is not left to windful destruction at the whims of sexuality liberals.

The Chairman of national Muslim leaders forum Abdulahi Abdi, said “this is a problem already with us, probably we are coming in late, today indoctrination is going on in schools” LGBTQ rights which he said is being blown into Kenya by winds from the West sweeping across the African continent.

In his speech at a news conference today in Nairobi, the Chairman of Inter-religious council of Kenya,Dr. Faridijn Abdala said there are books in the market with content encouraging same sex relations “We will not silently watch as our valued cultural moral fabric get pierced and shredded eternally disfiguring the fundamental pillars of and family unit. As interreligious leaders, we are prepared to face the modern times with rare hostility, uncompromising truthfulness and relentless defence of morality” they said.

PREVALENCE OF HIV/AIDS

In a study by the University of Nairobi faculty of health Science on Geographic Transmission of HIV among men who have sex with men {MSM}in Kenya as well as other majority studies show the prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men in Kenya has been on the rise . Specifically, HIV prevalence among men having sex with men in Kenya is at 17.8 percent in Kisumu, 24.5 percent in Coastal Kenya and 26.4 in Nairobi.

The United Nations estimate that 20 per cent of men having sex with men are infected with HIV. HIV/AIDS prevalence is higher among the LGBTQ than the normal heterosexual relations.

Section 162 of the Penal Code penalizes “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” with up to 14 years in prison, while section 165proscribes “indecent practices between males” and makes it liable to up to five years in prison.

The religious faith leaders are there for pleading with the President William Ruto and the State to protect children and teenagers from LGBTQ indoctrination by activists, individuals or any organization.   Also they call upon the ministry of education to conduct an audit of books by various authors and publishers on book encouraging same sex relations, and ban their circulations in Kenya.

The leaders have urged the national police service to introduce reporting desk for cases where minors are suspected of being introduced to LGBTQ so that action to be taken against the culprits.  

In their recommendations the leaders have also called upon the ministry of education and the ministry of youth, culture and heritage to conduct civic education on acceptable cultural behaviors and unacceptable books or learning materials that contains LGBTQ advocacy.

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By Bernard Mulwa

The university of Nairobi student leaders led by secretary general Vincent Nyakwach moturi today expressed their concerns of the nullification of the west kasipul ward election results by the court. He categorically blamed the court by being influenced by the petitioner who was being used by the ODM party to deny the incumbent hon.vickens bondo to represent the people of kasipul. His sentiments were seconded by ms fridah mongare that it is the time for the youth to lead this country and nothing is going to stop them. This was a show of solidarity from the student leaders since hon vickens bondo was once a student leader at the institution.mr Nyakwach further warned the ODM cocoons to desist from their foul play and not to interfere with elections since it is the will of the people that have spoken. The secretary general said there was need for the court to review its decision, since they have confidence in the capability of his leadership.

By Bernard Mulwa

Bar and hotel owners association have come together to speak on the ongoing national conversation on alcohol abuse across the country.

From the onset, Bahlita would like to acknowledge that the menace of alcohol abuse in our communities is a matter of concern both at the family and societal levels alike. While the recent move by the government to contain alcoholic abuse is welcome, there are some aspects of its implementation that we consider are not aligned with our expectations.

It is our considered view that the problem of illicit and counterfeit alcoholic drinks has largely been caused by the availability of cheap alcohol manufactured by dealers of fake products. This was further compounded by the laxity of security officers to heighten surveillance and enforcement mechanisms during the electioneering and transition period, especially during the 2022 General Elections. The result was that unscrupulous entrepreneurs took advantage of this lapse to conduct illegal business.

We note with great concern that part of the government’s plan against the sale of illicit alcohol is the reduction of licensed bars as well as the regulation of operating hours across various towns. We find this to be an affront to the efforts of Kenyan entrepreneurs who have invested their hard-earned money in running legitimate businesses that have in turn supported the livelihoods of thousands of young Kenyans and their families. Other auxiliary services like car wash, kinyozi and salons also risk closure if the government makes good its intention to implement these proposals.

It goes without saying that most of the illicit alcohol being sold around is done through unlicensed establishments, and even if we say that licensed entities are selling such alcohol is because the government has let its guard down and allowed the manufacturing of such alcohol. It is therefore improper for the government to punish even those entrepreneurs who are legitimately doing their business and paying the requisite taxes and levies.

We also wish to appeal to some County Governments like Murang’a which has vowed to implement the directive by the Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua to reduce the number of licensed bars to reconsider their move. We are not opposed to any efforts to sanitize the alcoholic industry, what we are calling for is the involvement of all stakeholders during the implementation of some of these government policies. By bringing all of us to the table, we shall be able to have a deeper look at the grievances and get a way forward that serves all our interests without being seen as unfair to any party.

At the same time, as members of BAHLITA we wish to put it on record that a key component that has also led to the rampant alcohol abuse and increase in the production and sale of illicits is the continued increase of taxes on alcoholic drinks. A case in point is the proposed increase in the price of excise stamps through the Excise Duty Excisable Goods Management System) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023. If the amendments are approved as is, this will lead to an increase in the prices of beer and spirits with the common mwananchi bearing the brunt. It does not help matters that the rise comes just a few months after the implementation of the 6.3 percent adjustment for inflation that came into effect last October followed by a 10% increase in excise implemented in July 2022 following the 2022/2023 annual national budget.

The above amendments in law continue to push away millions of Kenyans from accessing safe alcohol because they have proved to be out of reach for many. On 28^th September 2022 BAHLITA urged the Government not to increase excise duty on alcoholic drinks and we highlighted the impact that the increase would have on the survival of businesses and employment. Unfortunately, the government proceeded and implemented a double increase in excise duty in 2022 and we are now facing a risk of an increase in the price of the products with the proposed increase in excise stamps.

By Jeff Kizzilah

Hon. Patrick Osero has asked the government to put off other endeavors and give concerns pertaining to education priority, noting the need to prioritize pupils’ education.

Speaking to the media,said that because other agendas were given priority, the additional cash intended for development, infrastructure, and missions could wait.

In addition, he stated that considering what transpired previously atleast those pupils are in need to return to class.

He says he expects the funds to be released on time, but if they are not, leaders will even cancel the parliamentary debates that was scheduled for Mombasa.

by Jeff Kizzilah

Ukosefu wa usalama na wizi wa mifugo katika eneo la Turkana umechangia pakubwa kusalia nyuma kimaendeleo katika maeneo hayo uku watoto na jamii izo zikisalia na makovu mengi kutokana na kuporwa kwa mifugo wao na kuuwawa kwa watoto na kina mama wakati wa mashambulizi ya wizi wa mifugo,hii imekua donda sugu na kitendawili ambacho serikali imeshindwa kutegua kwa muda wa zaidi ya miongo miwili uku jamii husika zikishiriki mashambulizi ya kulipiza kisasi ambayo kwa mwezi huu wa January pekee yamepelekea jumla ya takriban wakazi kumi na tano kuuwawa kwa mujibu wa mbunge wa eneo hilo.

Wakiongea mjini Mombasa wakati wa kongamano la wabunge katika hoteli Moja,mbunge wa Turkana ya kati na mwenzake wanaopakana wa eneo bunge la Loima Jeremiah Lomurukai wamesema kwamba ni sharti serikali ilinde maisha na Mali ya wakenya wote na kuhakikisha imekomesha mashambulizi ya mara kwa mara kwa kuongeza askari wa akiba wenye mafunzo ya juu ili kukabiliana na wahuni hao ambao kwa mda mrefu wameangaisha maeneo hayo.

Aidha wabunge hao wameilaumu jamii ya nchi jirani Uganda almaarufu karamojong kwa kushiriki uporaji mifugo na mashambulizi ya kulipiza kisasi ambayo yanauwa watoto na akina mama wasio kua na hatia.

Licha ya serikali kusema kwamba itakomesha milio ya risasi katika maeneo hayo
Hakuna hatua zozote zilizopigwa ili kuregesha amani maeneo hayo ivyo basi wananchi kubaki kuhangaika mikononi mwa wezi sugu wa mifugo uku viongozi wa eneo ilo wakikashfu vikali wanaoshiriki wizi wa mifugo ambao kulingana nao ni vigogo wa siasa na viongozi wenye ushawishi mkubwa serikali wakiongezwa na mbunge wa Tiaty William kamket ambayo mara kwa mara ametiwa nguvuni akihusishwa na wizi wa mifugo.

By Fred Maingi
About 30 glamour teams from Kiambu, its environs and Mt. Kenya region have confirmed participation in the upcoming Kenya Swimming Federation Kiambu County Level 2 Invitational Swimming Championship scheduled for 11th and 12th February, 2023 at Mpesa Foundation Academy in Thika.
Shadrack Mutiso – KSF Kiambu Competition Secretary told the medias that he is anticipating a thrilling contest as the gala will attract experienced swimmers who will battle it out with upcoming swimmers who trained hard and extensively during the Festive season.
Coach John Otieno, head of Mpesa Foundation Academy Team said he was upbeat that his squad would clinch top prizes in the upcoming gala since his team has been under intensive training since they opened the school in January.
“We have been in full swing action and I have a team capable of causing havoc in the event, ” said Otieno.
Alliance High school, and hosts Mpesa Academy, are among the top cream in the region expected to feature in the one day gala event.
Other glamour teams expected to show fireworks include Maryhills Girls, Mangu High, Pioneer Boys, Kiambu High, Wadi Degla, Crawford International School, Woodcreek School, and Regis School Runda.
Other participants include Potterhouse School Runda, Brookhouse School Runda, Peponi School, Gold Fish, Sea Horses Aquatics, Torpedo Eldoret, Kisumu Sharks, Bandari, Juja St. Peter’s, Thika High, Super Marlins, Thika Sharks, Mt. Kenya Academy, Meru Dolphins, JKUAT, MKU, Gretsa, Zetech,and Kenyatta University among others.
The gala according to Kiambu Swimming Federation Boss Stanley Kabiru is exoected to produce fireworks and thrilling moments.
The event will be used to assess the swimmers who will be headed for NCAA Level 3 Swimming Championship that will be held at Makini on 25th and 26th February. Moreover,Kabiru added, the invitational gala will be used to help the swimmers gauge and improve their timing ahead of Kampala Invitational Swimming Championship and Hamilton Aquatics Development Swimming Championship in Dubai. These competitions are part of KSF Kiambu’s vision of growing the popular sport of swimming in Kenya.
The Federation has encouraged the parents, coaches, clubs and schools to sign up for the upcoming international trips that aim to expose the swimmers talents.
The trips will also aid in encouraging best practice in both training and racing, promoting a ‘process driven’ approach to the sport and enhancing the arena skills of the athletes involved.

By Mersia Aloo

President William Ruto formally opened the 16th Annual General Meeting and Africa Prosecutors’ Association (APA) Conference, which was attended by leaders from all walks of life.
Directors of Public Prosecution (DPPs), Attorney Generals (AGs), and Prosecutors from both state and non-state actors from 43 African countries have been invited to this summit, which is being held for the first time in Kenya.
DPP Noordin Haji, DCI Amin Mohammed, Sebastian Groth, the German ambassador to Kenya, and Henriette Geiger, the EU ambassador to Kenya, were also present.
The conference’s theme—”Strengthening coordination and collaboration towards effective cross-border prosecution of transnational organized crime”—runs from Sunday through Thursday.
speaking at the event,
Haji pointed out that his office is only delegated to answer to Parliament.
“ODPP is independent but answerable to Parliament. We report to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) which is within Parliament”, DPP, Noordin Haji.

He emphasized the necessity of harmonizing inconsistent laws from various nations for successful cross-border prosecution.
Currently, different countries have varied rules, making it difficult to pursue money-laundering and cybercriminals who commit crimes and flee to another nation.
To improve collaboration between African authorities and prosecution agencies, the Africa Prosecutors’ Association was founded in 2003.

by Maximilla Wafula

Githunguri MP and Chairperson of Parliamentary Coffee Caucus, Gathoni Wamuchomba with other legislators today visited the East African Tea Trade Association

A group of legislators from the Coffee Caucus Committee and National Assembly today were hosted by Vice – Chairman Mr. Abdi Hussein and entire board at the Tea Trade Centre Mombasa , who interacted with some key stakeholders including the buyers , brokers and other associate of the auction.

As members of the parliamentary committee our visit was geared towards the facts finding , understanding how tea is treaded and what are the challenges towards that process and how to use parliamentary platforms to provide solutions for the challenges there in.

“We had the tea-coffee caucus in the 12th Parliament and they had a plateful of issues to deal with that meant that some of the matters were never given the attention they deserved,” said Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who chairs the 40-member group.

Speaking during the press briefing in Mombasa, Hon. Kosgei, Hillary Kiplangat Mp. Kipkelion west constituency said ‘’the tea was the highest income earner in 2021 more than tourism, tourism has a stand in its own ministry and it gives the country less than tea sector, so we are going to elevate tea production, marketing and selling to make sure that we double in the next few years our exports and double income on our farmers down in the constituencies” said.

Kipkeleon constituency is on the least of tea farming and coffee, which form the coffee and tea caucus but we have chilchila ward that does tea on the other side but we are also concern not necessarily on kipkelion west a lone but also kericho which is known for tea and therefore as a leader I have to participate fully in seeking solution not only into problems of my constituency but those ones affecting my county.

On behalf of our members we want to promise our farmers that we are there for them, they elected us so that we can find solutions, we will advocate and lobby on their behalf. Members agreed to create a rapoo to avoid blame games as in the past.
As Tea and coffee caucus we have come here to reach out, to understand how we can facilitate their trading process for the benefit of the farmer.
Ends.

By Njeri Irungu
A section of MPs from Kenya’s tea growing constituencies met The East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) to discuss on how to improve tea exportation in the country. Some of the MPs are drawn from Kiambu, Embu, Nandi, Nyeri, Kirinyaga among other counties. The Caucus which is chaired by Githunguri Member of Parliament Hon. Gathoni wa Muchomba decided that there is a need to establish a direct link between all tea stakeholders in the tea sector.

EATA Managing Director, Mr.Abdi Hussein said that the Kenyan tea is packaged in Egypt yet the government can make it easier by having it packaged here in Kenya. The main Kenyan tea importer, he said, is Egypt and Singapore so there is also a need to create more markets for the crop.

The 13 member caucus through the chairperson suggested that the tea policy that was abandoned in 2014 should be relooked and reviewed since it was very beneficial to the farmer. The taxation regime in the country needs to improve and the Senate should also review the Pending Bill that was abandoned by the 12th Parliament.

The Githunguri Legislator said,”together with the Deputy President, we will push for more value addition on all cash crops.”

Manyatta MP, Hon Gitonga Mukunyi added,”We will begin yo remove app impediments to the value addition to all our cash crops; maize, coffee and tea which will then give the guaranteed minimum return to the farmer.”

by Bernard Mulwa

Makadara Chief area in nairobi Alixander Hoops has issued a stern warning to locals engaging in brewing illicit brews. In his efforts, the administrator said this is in respond to the government efforts in fighting alcoholism through nyumba kumi platforms to eliminate  the menace in the society.

Alixander assured the locals about his new plans to re-brand the brewing processes of the illicit brews and shifting the entire process to the industrial sector, away from domestic and residential premises where families live.

During the pilot program in Makadara sub county, Alixander said the first plan will be translocating brewing activities and process away from nyumba kumi units. “People’s participation will be a key component in the entire process, Industrial and medical input will be another key component where education awareness and moral concerns will accompany the processes including mental health issues,” he said value addition in the holistic brewing industry of second generation brews will be considered to bring positive change to the society. 

The fourth and other several steps going forward he said will be adopted with a clear supervision and facilitation of the government where necessary.

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