Do you back Imanyara’s censure Motion against judges over their Kadhi ruling?

Debate has been raging following last week's ruling by the three judges over the inclusion of Kadhi courts in the Constitution. Senior Political Writer Stephen Makabila and Staff Reporter Mangoa Mosota spoke to Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and Nyando MP Fred Outa on whether they are for the planned censure Motion against the three filed by Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara.

YES: Nyando MP Fred Outa

QUESTION: Do you support the planned Motion of censure on the three judges in Parliament?

ANSWER: Yes I do. I support the Motion 100 per cent because it is timely. The ruling by the judges was not fair at all. It remains suspicious and I am sure there are other MPs who also support the Motion.

Nyando MP Fred Outa

Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa

QUESTION: Is the Motion not interference on the independence of the Judiciary as an organ of Government?

ANSWER: I do not think so. The two arms of Government are separate entities, hence interference is not possible. Parliament is only doing its work of checking on the performance of the Judiciary. It (Judiciary) should do its work in a manner acceptable to Kenyans.

QUESTION: Do you think Imanyara, who has already filed substantive Motion, will convince Parliament that there is reason to discuss the personal conduct of the three judges?

ANSWER: There are many MPs who will support the Motion. The requisite number will be easily raised. The aim is to discipline the judges and show Kenyans that the judgement was wrong. It should be a lesson to avoid

Third force emerges to replace old guard

By Gakuu Mathenge

A group of youthful MPs has emerged as the most steadfast advocates of the Proposed Constitution in the face of dithering by a section of the old guard.

They have upped their rhetoric and candour in facing up to the 'No' camp, including the Church.

Among them are Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa, Garsen MP Danson Mungatana, Kinangop MP David Ngugi, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, Laikipia West MP Nderitu Mureithi and Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire.

As the big boys jostle for a platform for 2012 campaigns through the draft, there is talk of a possible third force emerging from this group.

During last week's PNU Parliamentary Group meeting at KICC,

Raids by Somalia militia on Kenyan soil ridiculous

Rebels from a rag-tag army in neighbouring Somalia drove into Kenyan soil, took a village hostage and engaged police in a 30-minute gun-battle, seriously wounding seven citizens.

The militiamen in two vehicles caught the village in Wajir unawares and outgunned the few policemen as they attacked the homes of miraa traders. This is not the first time militiamen from the chaotic Somalia have wounded, killed or kidnapped Kenyans.

Since the collapse of the Somali Government in 1991, the country's breakdown of law and order continues to pose a challenge to our security agents.

Granted, the Somalia border is too long

The new Silicon Valley of financial innovation

James Mwangi

Kenya is increasingly becoming the 'silicon valley' of financial innovation in Africa and the rest of the world.

The Silicon Valley in California is the hub of financial and technological innovation in the US. It earned its name and fortune as the cradle of the computer age and has never looked back since.

Today, Kenya has earned its place of pride in the global technological innovation sphere through the revolutionary M-Pesa service by Safaricom. M-Pesa, a mobile money transfer service, which can well pass as the innovation of the decade, has transformed lives and given most Kenyans who for years had been shunned by conventional banks a reason to walk tall.

From its launch in 2007, the numbers of users have grown to over 9. 5 million subscribers with an average of 14,000 new registrations per day while the agent network has grown from 3,000 agents to over 27,000 agents to date.

Utility payments

M-Pesa has evolved with time and now organisations are able to

KRU starts mandatory medical tests

By BS Mulavi

The rugby fraternity bid farewell to former national sevens player Joshua Gathumbi in a funeral service at the Holy Family Basilica Wednesday.

But Kenya Rugby Union took the occasion to announce a mandatory medical test for all national team players.

Speaking at the RFUEA grounds, KRU Secretary Frank Sabwa said he was saddened by the sudden loss of the Impala winger and he wanted to make sure the Union can do everything possible to make sure their players are safe.

Joshua Gathumbi (with ball) in a Kenya Cup match.

"Rugby being a contact sport, we have to be careful. Gathumbi succumbed to cardiac arrest, but we

Nandi bears triumph

By Feverpitch Reporter

The Nandi Bears team of Khayeka Roberts, John Anyonyi, James Siayi and Abraham Maichi are the champions of the Tusker Malt Golf Carnival 2009/2010.

With this victory, the team won an all expenses paid golf trip to South Africa next month where they will play on some of the top golf courses in the Johannesburg area including the famous Legend Golf & Safari Resort in the Limpopo Province.

Playing in the morning at the Muthaiga Golf Club, the all-single-handicap team, posted a team total of 105 stableford points early, a score that proved unassailable by the other 41 teams from around Kenya and Rwanda.

Roberts, playing off a handicap of

What South Mugirango election really means

By Beauttah Omanga

The South Mugirango by-election could be a contest that will heavily impact on national politics.

Apart from its effect on former MP Omingo Magara's political career, the by-election will show how much influence Prime Minister Raila Odinga has on the politics of Kisii.

Mr Magara, formerly ODM National Treasurer, is credited for countering and diminishing the influence of former Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae in Kisii in the 2007 campaigns.

"Magara will emerge a hero and will have a massive wave in Kisii against anybody that Raila will be fielding anywhere in future. That is why it is a matter of life and death to him," said political analyst Ibrahim Omar.

Mr Omar added: "To Magara, a loss will send him to the political dustbin."

The Abagusii community means a lot to Raila's 2012 voting blocs, and it is clear he has to do more than just talk.

It was Magara and long-time Odinga family ally Chris Bichage who single-handedly braved the Nyachae influence to introduce Raila's presidential bid to the Kisii community and rallied other Kisii leaders behind him.

Mixed reception

"I sacrificed a lot for Raila to a point that he was a man to beat in Kisii. Instead of him standing by me, he allowed himself to be misled by latecomers," said Magara.

As Raila campaigns in Kisii in the next few days, he will face mixed reception and will

Kenyan’s clean sweep in Shanghai

By Feverpitch Reporter and IAAF

The Kenyan brigade at Shanghai's second IAAF Diamond League meeting did not disappoint during a meeting where seven world-leading times were recorded.

Gladys Jerotich Kipkemboi beat compatriot and World Championships bronze winner, Milka Chemos to top honours in the women's 3,000m steeplechase in a world leading mark of 9:16.82.

Jerotich who was eighth in Berlin, took control of the race over the final kilometre to lead the Kenyan clean podium sweep, with Chemos dipping in second with 9:20.63 ahead of Lydia Rotich who registered a career best 9:21.38 for third.

"Wow," the tiny 23-year-old told

Enhance efforts to protect girls from wrong choices

That the girl-child in Nyanza is under threat is an understatement. Once again, statistics reveal the continued rot in the education sector in this province, what with alarming rise in teenage pregnancies becoming the norm. And to make it worse, only five girls from Nyanza secured a slot among the top 100 students and only eight scored 'A' in last year's KCSE examination.

One would imagine that since the Minister for Education and his assistant come from this province, this state of affairs would cause them sleepless nights. It should.

One does not need to be told there is something

KTB scoops international awards

The Kenya Tourist Board won top awards at the just concluded Asia and Africa trade fairs. The board bagged Best National Tourism Board in the Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean category.

The award was last year won by Mauritius Tourism Board. The award is sponsored by the Emirates Holiday, a division of Emirates group and is the largest tour operator in the Middle East. It also won the 2nd best Tourist Board award in the Good Safari Awards during Indaba 2010 in Durban, South Africa. The board said it won the awards in recognition of her marketing and

Show us way forward, clubs ask State

By Gilbert Wandera

Clubs taking part in the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) provincial league want the Government to declare the way forward on the management of the sport.

More than 150 clubs meeting at Charter Hall yesterday have also demanded a meeting with Prime Minister Raila Odinga next week.

Nick Mwendwa, who was speaking on behalf of the clubs said they want to take part in one league as they are tired of the constant wrangles and divisions in the management of football.

"We say enough is enough and want a clear way forward. We are tired of being tossed

How to avoid playing the wrong ball

By The Albatross

It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the ball in play is identifiable as his and that he plays 'the ball in play' throughout the stipulated round; with the proviso that the player, under advice to his fellow competitor in stroke play or his opponent in match play, may change the ball in play after completion of play of any hole.

This is such a cardinal rule in golf that it is covered by both Rules 6-5 and 12-2. Rule 6-5 states that 'the responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball'. Rule 12-2, under 'identifying ball', uncharacteristically repeats, word-for-word the requirements laid down by Rule 6-5. There is, however,

New initiative against HIV spread welcome

There is a real risk of eroding the gains made against the HIV and Aids pandemic if a constant eye is not kept upon vulnerable groups in society. The monies poured into managing the scourge run into billions of shillings, dispersed through groups and programmes from national level to grassroots community-based teams.

Government long realised the danger of letting the scourge literally obliterate sections of society and has since 1986 taken firm and proactive steps to address the problem.

National Aids and STD Control Programme went a step further to set up wellness centres along the Trans Africa highway as

TP Mazembe in Cecafa quarter-finals

By JAMES WAINDI in KIGALI, Rwanda

African champions TP Mazembe yesterday became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the ongoing Cecafa Club Championships with a laboured 2-1 win over Burundi champions Vital'O at the Nyamirambo Stadium.

Alain Kaluyituka scored the first goal in the 62nd minute through a penalty and midfielder Tresor Mputu added the second in the 67th minute with a volley from close range to give the DRC team a 2-0 lead. Super sub Mbakiye Beby Miami scored Vital'O's lone goal deep into stoppage time.

Despite losing the two matches in their group, Vital'O still

Chepkurui breaks own 12km record as Kitwara edges countryman Kirui

SAN FRANCISCO

Lineth Chepkurui shaved three seconds off her own 12km world record during the 99th ING Bay to Breakers 12K, one of the world's largest and oldest footraces.

The female road race phenomenon finished in 38:07 —the pending new world record — even before her 38:10 effort at May 2's Lilac Bloomsday event was ratified by IAAF.

Compatriot Sammy Kitwara, 23, became a back-to-back race champion in 34:15 as he edged countryman Peter Kirui (same time). Last year, Kitwara won and tied the 12K world record in 33:31.

Chepkurui, 22, who broke her own world record of 38:10 set

Regional governments to feature in MPs’ tour of Brazil

By Kepher Otieno

Three MPs have been invited to Brazil to study how the Senate and regional governments operate.

The MPs are Chris Okemo (Nambale), Olago Aluoch (Kisumu Town West) and Jamleck Kamau (Kigumo).

The MPs left the country at the weekend for a one-week tour.

Speaking to The Standard on telephone, Mr Olago said: "We are here to study the successful operation of the devolved system of governance and borrow the skills."

Brazil Government is a combination of democracy and federalism making it one of the largest stable democracies. The Proposed Constitution says the legislature will comprise two

Court blocks flower strike, orders parties to dialogue

By John Oyuke

The Industrial Court has declared the looming strike by flower farm workers illegal.

Principal Judge Charles Chemmutut ordered Agricultural Employers' Association (AEA) and Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (Kpawu) to start negotiations on Collective Bargaining Agreements of employees in the industry.

He ordered the two to commence negotiations on May 17 and report back to the Court on the progress made, if any, on May 27.

Central Organisation of Trade Union (Cotu) secretary general Francis Atwoli, had threatened to mobilise flower firms' employees to down their tools starting on May 17 following expiry of a strike

Kenyan volleyball teams advance

By OSCAR PILIPILI

Kenya's chances of reclaiming women's trophy brightened after all its three teams qualified for quarters of African Volleyball Clubs Championship in Mauritius.

Kenya champions Prisons, Pipeline and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) proved their superiority in volleyball after they reached the quarters without dropping a match at the group stage. Pipeline won their third match beating Vita Club of RD Congo in three straight sets of 25-20, 25-15, 25-15 to top Pool 'B'.

Pipeline face Patriotic Army of Rwanda (APR) in the quarters today. Prisons, which is captained by Bracksides Agala, passed easily through the group stage with

Coop Bank first quarter earnings rise to Sh1.3b

By James Anyanzwa

The Co-operative Bank Group has announced a 25.3 per cent growth in pre-tax profits for the three months period ending March 31.

The bank's profit before tax rose to Sh1.3 billion, up from Sh1.04 billion recorded in a similar period last year.

Mr Gideon Muriuki, the bank's Managing Director and Chief Executive attributed the impressive performance to new business lines, which continued to thrive in the first quarter of the year.

These, he said, included the bank's stockbrokerage services through the newly formed Kingdom Securities Limited mortgage product dubbed 'Good Homes', Points of Sale and the Coffee

Maritime nations urged to create deep, green seaports

By PATRICK BEJA

A global ports organisation has called on maritime nations to embrace deeper and greener seaports.

International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) wants ports to prepare for bigger ships being commissioned and urgently turn the facilities green to address challenges posed by climate change.

As Kenya pushes for the development of Lamu as a deeper seaport, IAPH president Francis Ndua sees such facilities as urgent, as bigger or new Panamax vessels are being commissioned for world trade.

Mr Ndua, who is also the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) acting managing director was speaking at the Pianc 32nd international congress and 125th anniversary celebrations in Liverpool, UK, last Monday.

Pianc is an international organisation that addresses issues of

Common market protocol opens barriers for 127 million people

By WINSLEY MASESE

The ratification of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol by heads of the five-partner states — Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi — opened a new chapter for traders within the bloc.

Producers and consumers will enjoy an increased market size of 127 million people and a combined GDP of Sh5.48 billion ($73million).

Under the protocol, whose operations commence on July 1 this year, there would be free movement of goods, services, labour and capital as well as the right of residence and establishment.

The arrangement foresees a smoothly functioning Customs Union, including complete elimination

Kenya, SA to share tourism expertise

By BEN AGINA in Durban

Kenya and South Africa plan to share expertise to boost tourism revenues.

Speaking at South Africa's annual Travel Trade Show, Indaba 2010 in Durban, Tourism Minister Najib Balala said the two countries recognised the importance of tourism in economic growth, and were working on ways to unlock their potential through joint marketing and promotion.

"A joint marketing and promotion is needed to unlock the great potential in Africa's tourism market. The continent has not been turned into a jewel because of limited resources, among other factors," said the Minister

Mr Balala said Kenya will be

Tea farmers want contentious Bill put on hold

Small-scale tea farmers in Nyeri want the contentious Bill meant to improve regulation of the tea sector shelved until the input of all stakeholders is taken into consideration.

Through their directors, the farmers complained that the Bill, The Tea (Amendment) Bill, 2010, is likely to cause more damage to the sector and negate on the benefits realised under the current Tea Act. The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) directors from factory companies in Zone Four said though farmers were in support of an improved Act, the proposed Bill by Konoin MP would destroy rather than improve the industry.

"The Bill

Rwanda to name rare gorillas on World Environment day

By Philip Mwakio

Rwanda will host this year's World Environment Day (WED) on June 5 alongside the traditional Kwita Izina (Gorilla naming ceremony).

A statement from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said Rwanda was privileged to host the two events this year.

This years Kwita Izina, which is the 6th edition, will see the naming of 11 mountain baby gorillas at the foot of the Volcanoes de Virunga mountains, Kinigi,Mutsanze in the Northen Province.

The gorilla naming ceremony is solely aimed at raising awareness for the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas.

"Rwanda has been selected by the United

Police boss must stop road accidents

When Mathew Iteere was appointed Commissioner of Police, he moved swiftly and enforced the 'Michuki Rules' that temporarily helped tame road carnage.

Iteere's move came as a relief after a huge public outcry because of the death trap the Kenyan roads had become.

But going by the number of accidents that have occurred within the past week, it seems the old bad habits are back on our roads. Many Kenyans would be forgiven for thinking the move by Commissioner of Police was a mere a public relations exercise.

Road carnage is back and recent statistics show 170 people lost

State to enhance improvement of sports venues

By GILBERT WANDERA

The Government is working on legal frameworks to make it possible for local authorities to partner with private companies in the rehabilitation of sports facilities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government Musalia Mudavadi said the regulations will make terms of such partnerships clear and avoid challenges in future.

"We want to avoid a situation like what happened at Nyayo National Stadium, when Coca-Cola signed a deal with the Government, only for the State to pull out," said Mudavadi.

He added: "We want such partnerships to be protected so that no one can just wake up

Award to recognise good governance

By Macharia Kamau

The Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK) plans to launch an award to recognise good corporate governance.

The ICPSK champions of governance award will recognise practice and application of good governance in corporate boards as well as innovations by companies that entrench good governance in their business.

ICPSK chairman Jackson Maingi said the award would set apart governance issues from other corporate issues, noting that governance was a major challenge to many companies.

"Principles of good governance have now evolved from being academic exercises to practical practices in many entities both private and public," said

China-Kenya deal to see Lamu Port takeoff

By PPS

President Kibaki returned home from Shanghai, China after a successful five-day state visit.

The construction of Lamu port was top on the agenda he discussed with the Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The two leaders agreed that the port had the potential to open up vast parts of Northern Kenya and benefit regional economies of Southern Sudan and Ethiopia. They agreed to prioritise the construction of the Lamu Port as a key pillar project towards the attainment of Kenya's development blue print, the Vision 2030.

The discussions also looked at appropriate modalities for financing the project to avoid any

What ‘Yes’ vote means for national unity

By BIKETI KIKECHI Political Editor

Church leaders and some politicians led by Eldoret North MP William Ruto have kicked off the 'No' campaign in earnest.

Ruto, Special Programmes Minister Naomi Shaban and a group of MPs from Rift Valley have braced themselves for battle with heavyweights President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Leaders in districts like Mt Elgon, Kuria and some areas in Rift Valley Province have made it clear they will oppose the Proposed Constitution.

Unlike in 2005, observers say the referendum on constitution change to be held in August will most likely pass.

Those who will reject the draft will therefore end up living with it, unlike the last referendum when Kenyans reverted to the current Constitution because the 'No' side won.

"That is what happens when a constitution is decided by a referendum and nothing can be done about it," said former Constitution of Kenya Review Commission Chairman Yash Pal Ghai.

Efforts for a consensus for Kenyans to vote for a non-contested or Yes-Yes referendum collapsed on Thursday.

Mathare under pressure to silence Sofapaka

By Gilbert Wandera

The ninth weekend of the Kenya Premier League (KPL) is the most exciting and could not have been better than this.

Among other interesting match-ups it is the first time that the current champions Sofapaka are taking on former champions Mathare United and promises to have all the ingredients of a top of the bill encounter.

Tomorrow's Sofapaka versus Mathare United fixture at Nyayo National Stadium will probably be the most attractive weekend tie.

United will be under pressure to end what has been clearly a slow start to the league with only two matches won so