Marmanet forest: CS keriako Tobiko Target

Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has named Marmanet forest as government’s next target days after successfully reclaiming encroached Mau forest.

OnSaturday the CS made an aerial and ground tour of the Marmanet forest in Laikipia County and has since issued a warning to those who have encroached on and obtained illegal titles over the water catchment area that their time is up.

The CS decried the state of forest that has been converted into large scales of commercial farmlands. The forest which originally measured 19,600 hectares has been reduced into commercial wheat and maize plantation

The water catchment area which is the only source of water for Lakes Bogoria and Baringo, and feeds Ewaso Ngiro River which later drains into the Lorian Swamp has been degraded and destroyed, through human activities including encroachment, illegal settlements and overgrazing.

In an effort to reclaim and restore the water catchment area Safaricom and Kenya Prisons have each adopted and replanted portions of the expansive forest.

But in what is proving to be a looming face-off between the government and the locals, an MCA from the area has told the residents to stay put and ignore Tobiko’s threat.

The county legislator, who has been at the forefront fighting for the people of Mochongoi to get title deeds for the land they were resettled in during President Moi’s reign, has also hinted that the community shall be launching a ‘major step’ towards resolving the land issue on November 22.

“There is no cause for alarm so far. I urge all of us to restrain from spreading comments that will cause unnecessary panic among the public. On 22nd November 2019 at Kabel Trading Centre, we shall be launching a critical step towards addressing the issues of Mochongoi and I, therefore, take this opportunity to welcome all of you,” Kipruto Kimosop who is the area MCA stated in his response to the reports.

Principal died along Naivasha Mai Mahiu road

A school Principal has died and another one left fighting for his life following an early morning accident along the Naivasha-Mai Mahiu road.

The two and their driver were on the way to Naivasha town to collect KCSE papers when their vehicle rammed into the rear of a stalled lorry near Governors camp.

On impact the female teacher from a private school in Mai Mahiu town died on the spot while the other teacher and the driver were seriously injured.

Naivasha deputy commissioner Mathioya Mbogo has confirmed the incident adding that plans had been made to supply the affected schools with the exams

'Our officers have been dispatched to the ground to get finer details of those involved but we have already dispatched the exams papers," he said.

47.6 Million Kenyans: 2019 Census released

The provisional report for the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census was released on Monday, indicating a population growth of nine million since the exercise was last carried out 10 years ago.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), which released the report, said the enumeration was successfully conducted from the night of August 24 to 31.

A mop-up followed from September 1-2 to cover those who were not counted the first time.
KNBS said Kenya's population is 47,564,296, with 23,548,056 males and 24,014,716 females. A total of 1,524 are intersex.

COUNTIES BREAKDOWN

Most populous:

Nairobi - 4,397,073 of which 2,192,452 are males and 2,204,376 females.

Nakuru - 2,162,202 of which 1,077,272 are males 1,084,835 females.

Kiambu - 2,417,735 of which 1,187,146 are males  1,230,454 females.

Kakamega - 1,867,579 of which 897,133 are males and 970,406 females.

Bungoma - 1,670,570 of which 812,146 are males 858,389 females.

Meru - 1,545,714 of which 767,698 are males 777,975 females.

Kilifi - 1,453,787 of which 704,089 are males 749,673  females.

Machakos - 1,421,932 of which 710,707 are males 711,191 females.

Kisii - 1,266,860 of which 605,784 are males 661,038 females.

Mombasa - 1,208,333 of which 610,257 are males 598,046 females.

Least populous:

Lamu - 143,920 of which 76,103 are males, 67,813 females.

Isiolo - 268,002 of which 139,510 are males 128,483 females.

Samburu - 310,327 of which 156,774 are males 153,546 females.

Tana River - 315,943 of which 158,550 are males, 157,391 females.

Taita Taveta -340,671 of which 173,337 are males, 167,327 females.

Tharaka-Nithi - 393,177 of which 193,764 are males, 199,406 are females.

Elgeyo Marakwet - 454,480 of which 227,317 are males, 227,151 are females.

Marsabit - 459,785 of which 243,548 are males and 216,219 females.

Laikipia - 518,560 of which 259,440 are males and 259,102 females.

Vihiga - 590,013 of which 283,678 are males, 306,323 females.

INTERSEX

Most populous counties:

Nairobi county-245
Kiambu – 135
Nakuru - 95
Wajir – 49
Meru - 41
Kakamega -40
Kajiado – 38
Kisii - 38
Mandera -37
Bungoma – 35
Migori - 35

Least populous counties:

Tana River - 2
Lamu -   4
Taita/Taveta - 7
Samburu - 7
Tharaka-Nithi - 7
Isiolo - 9
Vihiga – 12
Elgeyo Marakwet - 12
Nyamira - 13
Baringo – 13

HOUSEHOLDS
Average household size by county
Most populous:

Mandera - 6.9
Wajir - 6.1
Garissa - 5.9
Marsabit - 5.8
Turkana - 5.6
Least populous:
Nairobi City - 2.9
Kiambu - 3.0
Kirinyaga - 3.0
Nyeri - 3.0
Mombasa - 3.1

LAND AREA
Distribution of population by land area and population density by county per square kilometer.

Most populous:

Nairobi City - 6,247
Mombasa - 5,495
Vihiga - 1,047
Kisii - 958
Kiambu – 952
Nyamira - 675
Kakamega - 618
Kisumu - 554
Bungoma - 552
Busia - 527
Least populous:
Marsabit – 6
Tana River - 8
Isiolo - 11
Turkana – 14
Wajir - 14
Samburu – 15
Taita/Taveta - 20
Lamu - 23
Mandera - 33
Kitui - 37

CS keriako Tobiko: No compensation for Mau evictees.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has said that none of the settlers who have been kicked out of the Maasai Mau Forest will be compensated.

In the course of the voluntary exit which has since ended, some settlers argued that they bought the land they were occupying, with area politicians echoing the remarks.

However, Tobiko on Friday ruled out any compensation, adding that the State has mobilized money to fence off the Sierra Leone region and plant 10 million tree seedlings.

He said that about 40 per cent of the planting has since been done through aerial broadcasting planting method, with the fencing exercise having also kicked off.“

We are targeting 10 million trees in the entire Maasai Mau forest and we have also done four million seeds through aerial seeding,”  said Tobiko.

He added that all the families have since left, adding that the no one was brutalised of harassed by the police to exit the water catchment complex.

"For the last 60 days, we have done everything in the open and people left voluntarily. No bullet was fired nor anyone brutalised,” he added.

However, the eviction exercise has been carried out amid complaints from politicians from the Kalenjin community, who have even threatened to take legal action against the government.

On the other hand, politicians from the Maasai community have been in complete support of the evictions.

Man threatened to leave his wife over sh 2 million hospital bill

A Ruiru man has threatened to leave his wife and remarry if a community hospital does not release her despite a Sh2 million bill.

John Gitonga accuses the hospital in Kasarani of deliberately worsening his wife Esther Wanyoike's condition to extend her stay and inflate the bill.

She was admitted for back surgery and now has a serious wound to her leg.

"If they will not let her go, I will leave her with them because my life has come to a standstill. I am appealing for help from anyone," Gitonga told the Star.

He is a knife-sharpener, Esther is a vegetable seller. They have two children.

"I cannot afford the bill. Even if they took my bicycle and sold it, I still would not be able yo afford it," Gitonga said.

He was taking care of his wife every day after she fell and injured her spine five months ago.

After she was rejected by several hospitals, well-wishers offered to take her to the community hospital.

The hospital management was not immediately available for comment. A nurse, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Esther had suffered bedsores and the husband had been in agreement with all the measures taken.

"They admitted her and said she needed surgery to fix her spine. They asked for S100,000, which the well-wishers paid," he told the Star. The well-wishers were mostly extended family members.

Before she could undergo surgery, the hospital needed spinal samples from her neck, her husband said.

"Well-wishers pooled in their resources to help us because we couldn't manage the bills," Esther told the Star from her hospital bed.

When Esther returned from surgery, she noticed that her left leg had been bandaged.

"I asked the doctors for a week why I was covered up but they did not give me an answer," she said.

Her back improved but as soon as the bandage on the leg was removed, a wound was revealed.

"It was the size of my palm and it had pus all over it," she said. The hospital needed money to clean the wound and required specialised equipment, Gitonga said.

He had to hire the equipment from a private consultant.

"We paid in cash for the wound to be cleaned using a special machine. We were paying Sh20,000 a week which the well-wishers were providing," he said.

The wound was cleaned for two months yet Esther complained of more pain.

"Her brother said the wound was getting bigger instead of healing and they insisted on surgery. In surgery they removed some flesh from the leg and bandaged her up," he said.

The wound has gradually been healing for two months.

She has undergone three surgeries for Sh242,000, excluding hiring the equipment

The bill has continued to rise due to her stay at the hospital. It nos stands at more than Sh2 million.

When well-wishers were no longer able to help, he turned to NHIF. "My cover catered for Sh230,00 which was not enough," he said.

He has no property, no title deed, no car logbook to offer the hospital to secure Esther's release.

The nurse who took care of Esther also told the Star, "She was bedridden and could not walk. When she came in, she had a blister which later developed into the wound after it burst."

There was no reason for the hospital to inflict the wound, he said. After the back surgery, the doctors left a drain on her back but not on her leg, she added.

"We had a specialised doctor come and do a flapping procedure because the wound was wide,"s he said.

The nurse added they were in agreement with the husband and she was surprised at his account.

Churchill to retire and lead private life

Has transformed many lives by giving young people a platform to showcase their talent.

Realised he will not be Churchill for the rest of his life so he chose to keep his loved ones away from his fame.

Comedian Daniel Ndambuki, aka Churchill, says he wants to retire and lead a private life.

Despite being in the limelight for more than a decade now, little is known about him beyond his comedy.

Speaking to Word Is on Wednesday, Churchill said at some point he realised he will not be Churchill for the rest of his life so he chose to keep his loved ones away from his fame.

“At some point after giving all my life to the public as I have done, I will jump into a private life with the people who have been pushing me from behind,” he said.

Churchill said celebrities should keep their families, especially those little angels, away from media glare  so they can live their lives and pursue their dreams.

The comedian has transformed many lives by giving young people a platform to showcase their talent.

He says his late father taught him to work hard. “My dad was a great guy and he taught me the discipline of looking for work and working for the little coins that you have without waiting for handouts,” he said.

Churchill said that for one to succeed they must be disciplined.

“That discipline you take to the work ethic and living around the people you love and respecting your job. With discipline, you earn respect as well,” he said.

Churchill was interviewed during an event organised to recognise and award YouTube creators who have reached certain milestones.

He was given the Golden Button Award for hitting one million subscribers on YouTube, on October 30.

The colourful creator awards were presented by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.

Google Kenya country director Charles Murito and Africa PR Lead for Google Dorothy Ooko were present.

“The consumption of comedy is very high and the best we can do is produce more quality content for TV,” Churchill said.

Mau evictions kick off as Families leave forest Land

Phase two of Mau evictions is set to continue on Monday following the expiry of the ultimatum given to the families still living in the forest land.

The government on September halted the evictions to allow for the school going children to sit for their KCPE exams.

The period for the voluntary exodus from the Mau forest expired on Thursday, October 31.

However, the looming forceful eviction to families yet to vacate the forest has attracted massive opposition from a section of Rift Valley leaders.

On Thursday, the leaders, led by Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony, Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen, Emurua Dikir MP Johana Ng’eno among others, asked the government to shelve the eviction plan until families get an alternative shelter.

In a joint statement that was read by Governor Chepkwony, the leaders scolded the government for subjecting its people into an inhuman conditions.

“Away from the attention of the media, human rights defenders and citizens of Kenya, a humanitarian crisis of monumental proportion is escalating in Narok South.

Innocent citizens are being targeted to be subjected to deliberate abuse, torture, discrimination, humiliation and other atrocious crimes by the security officers of the government of Kenya,” said Chepkwony of the joint statement.

Also, the leaders slammed the government for ignoring them despite numerous attempts to find an amicable solution on the matter.

“We have written to the president seeking audience over this matter but we are yet to receive any response.

We are shocked by ongoing operations of unarmed citizens being carried out by a legitimate government in Narok south. This is completely unacceptable heinous and criminal…” added Chepkwony.

The leaders also claimed that the Executive arm of the government has intimidated the judiciary against issuing any order that contravenes the operation.

The leaders’ statement comes at a time when the government is set to launch its ambitious plan of planting 10 million trees at the Mau forest.

On Friday, it is reported that Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko will lead the first phase of planting 50,000 tree seedlings in the forest.

It is not yet clear the number of families that are yet to vacate the forest but a humanitarian crisis is in the offing given that the majority of those who vacated voluntarily claimed they had nowhere to go.

Nevertheless, the government has maintained its stand on the operation saying families residing on the forest land have no option but to vacate.

Media company has fired 160 workers

Mediamax Networks Ltd has called the 160 worker marked for sacking for a meeting at a Nairobi hotel. Employees, drawn from various departments, are expected to get their letters at the meeting, which spell out the terms of termination.

They were informed of the meeting yesterday through personal phone calls by the human resources office.

The management has also invited counselors and financial experts to give talks to those affected as they prepare to face life outside.

The meeting, being held at Emory Hotel in Kileleshwa from 8am today, is expected to be emotional, as sacked employees try to come to terms with their employer’s decision.

The management may have decided to hold the meeting outside the office to minimise work disruptions and away from the CBD to avoid public limelight.

Losing a job is not easy, and moving on afterwards even harder.

Insiders at Mediamax, where 10 K24 TV journalists have been sacked, say the counseling session should have come earlier and not at the exit point. The lay-off has mainly focused on radio and TV, as the company seeks to reduce operational costs.

Meanwhile, the sackings at Mediamax remain the talk of town, with the unprecedented move of sacking all editors from K24. The station has been left in the hands of Eric Njoka and a number of reporters. The company is expected to reorganize the team.

At Kameme TV the whole newsroom was sent home after management decided to change strategy by scrapping news gathering to concentrate on entertainment.

People Daily has so far not suffered major casualty apart from three journalists who left last week ahead of the lay-off. Oscar Obonyo, who had joined from Standard, left even earlier barely a month after reporting to rejoin Nation Media Group.

Instead, the People Daily has hired former Daily Nation journalist Emeka Mayaka  who reported on Monday on the features desk.

K24 Staff Sacked

1. Fred Njiri – Managing Editor K24

2. Tony Timase – Head of Business k24

3. Torome Tirike – Head of Sports

4. Franklin Wambugu – Managing Editor, Swahili

5. Boniface Mutakha – Managing Editor, English

6. Frankilin Macharia – Senior Reporter 

7. Anders Ihaji – Political reporter

8. Ali Mtenzi- Deputy Managing Editor

9. Mwanaisha Chidzuga – Swahili anchor

10. Juma Bhalo – Swahili Anchor. 

Emoo FM

1. Erick Rono of News

2. Sir-Eliud Eliud (Kiprotich Eliud) of News

3. Abraham Kiplimo of Business News

4. Kiplagat Kwambai (Ng’ombe Hamsini ) 

5. Benwaa Cheruiyot of Sports 6.

6. Edwin Arap Tanui

7. Julius Kibet

Kameme FM

Moses Kanyira –  reporter and continuity announcer

Mau Forest evictions, Tension in Bomet county

There was tension in Bomet county on Saturday, as the government moved in to prevent any sort of rally that was planned to castigate the ongoing Mau Forest evictions.

This comes barely three days after a section of Kalenjin politicians condemned the competed evictions, threatening to take legal actions against the government.

Initially, area youth had planned a rally at the Bomet Green Stadium over the same issue, which was, however, called off hours earlier.

However, authorities did not take chances at all, deploying contingents of anti-riot police in Bomet Town, with the stadium being completely cordoned off.

Bomet Central County Police Commander Musa Omari Imamai said that the authorities were taking caution, after the police heard about the rally.

"It is normal patrols over reports we had about a prayer rally which had been banned and we did not want to leave anything to chance,” he said.

He added that the police also had information that the rally was going to be a big one, and judging with the fact that the police are tasked with the role of protecting Kenyans and their property, caution had to be taken.

“There was fear after word went round that no business would be allowed to operate because of the planned rally," he added, as the rally planners accused police of causing fear.

Some business owners in Bomet Town closed their shops fearing a possible confrontation between the police and locals

Four candidates in Narok ,Bomet and Nakuru counties write KCPE in maternity wards

Four KCPE candidates from Narok, Bomet and Nakuru counties are sitting for their examinations at separate hospitals after they gave birth hours to the start of the examinations.

In the first incident, the candidate from Oloisailal Primary School in Transmara West sub-county sat for her morning paper at Lolgorian District Hospital after she went into labour and gave birth in the night and admitted to the hospital’s ward.

The area County Director of Education Philip Wambua confirmed the incident and said the minor was in stable condition.

“The girl gave birth naturally and is in stable condition. She sat for the paper at her hospital bed,” said Mr Wambua.

It was a similar situation at Mulot Primary School in Narok West where a candidate was rushed to Longisa District Hospital in the neighbouring Bomet County after experiencing labour on Friday. She gave birth last night through caesarian operation. In the same facility is another pupil from Lako Academy in Chepalungu who is also sitting for her exams after delivery.

"The girl underwent the operation and sat for the paper afterwards after health officials confirmed that she was in a position to do the exams," he said.

The education official, however, revealed that the examinations kicked off at 8:30 am as required despite some of the vehicles getting stuck in areas such as Olposimoru at Narok North sub-county.

“There was a bit of mobility challenge due to heavy mud following the heavy downpour but we managed to pull through and avoided the delays in starting time,” said Mr Wambua.

In Nakuru, a candidate at Emitik Primary School in Kuresoi south was forced to write her first KCPE papers at Olenguruone Hospital after she gave birth to a baby girl.

“Knec supervisors have been directed to supply all examination papers at the hospital,” said Lawrence Karuntimi, the Nakuru Education Director.

On Monday, Bomet County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding said police had launched a manhunt for suspects alleged to have impregnated 12 candidates sitting this years’ KCSE exams.

Mr. Omonding said five of the candidates are from Kiplokyi Girls Secondary School while seven of them are from Mulot Girls Secondary School.

Omonding said the candidates will sit the exams without any impediment.

“They have a right to sit the exams despite their situation,” said Omonding.

“Police have taken up the matter and we will ensure those responsible are prosecuted,” he added.

He said cases of pregnancies among school children were regrettable.

Broken Heart: Churchill show come to end on NTV

Popular comedian and entrepreneurDaniel Ndambuki alias Churchill, broke the hearts of many fans he announced the end of his show.

Taking to social media on Thursday, October 31, he declared that weekday's episode of Churchill Raw as the season finale.

The longer version of the program, Churchill Show, will continue airing on Sundays.

Endeared comedian Jasper Muthomi alias MC Jessey was the host of Churchill Raw whose final episode was televised on Thursday, October 31.

Churchill, MC Jessy, Shiks Kapienga, Mbusi and Sleepy David crack jokes during Churchill Raw's final episode on Thursday, October 31 (Photo/Courtesy)

"Do you know these faces? Today we celebrate a journey of nothing but growth and transformation. The 'mid-week' dose of fun and laughter comes to an end on NTV today (Thursday, October 31)," Churchill tweeted while leading his fans in lauding comedians he had nurtured through the show.

Notable comedians including Steven Oduor (DJ Shiti) Carolyne Wanjiku (Teacher Wanjiku) Sleepy David, Edwin Butita graced the show. Radio personalities including Radio Jambo's Daniel Mwangi alias Mbusi and Hot 96 FM's Shiks Kapienga also featured on the show.

"Dj Shiti started off on Raw as Magazine doing standup comedy. We are proud of you. Let's face it, Sleepy David hajaongeza height ata kidogo...many years later (Sleepy David has not grown tall)," Churchill joked.

MC Jessy also took to Instagram to appreciate the opportunity which the comedy godfather had given him.

"It’s been an amazing journey hosting Churchill Raw. The Churchill Raw family reunites as we air the season finale. As we restructure the show to bring you even better content, we want to thank you for the amazing support that you’ve given us over the years.

"Some of the raw talents that have passed through the show have gone to become the movers and shakers of our entertainment industry. Keep it here, don’t move as we plan to serve you more," MC Jessy posted.

According to Jessy, it was a formality and normality for a show to take a break so as to find new ways of keeping their fans entertained.

"There is a time Churchill show also took a break. That's the same strategy we are emulating. We want to create better content and we will come back with the same show. Our fans should be calm as we adopt new criteria," MC Jesse informed.

The fans responded to the season finale, expressing gratitude to Churchill for the many years he had uplifted their spirits with the show.

Many of them listed their favourite comedians and their most memorable moments watching the show.

"Churchill Raw has been a hub for comedians and it has played a pivotal role in producing most celebrated brands," Marvin WordSmith lauded.

"Thank you also for Churchill for giving my friends Akuku Danger and Bulla James an opportunity to shine," Kibet Benard appreciated.

"Every successful talent is a product of a process. Churchill Raw's final episode attests to that," a Twitter user praised.