Voice of reason calms coalition wars in Parliament

By Oscar Obonyo

Amid the political filth flying around and hardening of partisan positions in Parliament, a voice of reason is taking root in the august House.

The legislators pushing for a middle ground are persuaded by the need to break the ping-pong between rival parties ODM and PNU, and drive the national agenda in Parliament.

Ardent debaters, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua and Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale have emerged as the lead faces of this middle-ground team.

The Gichugu MP has repeatedly reminded colleagues not to view emerging issues of debate as a personal loyalty contest for President Kibaki or Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

"This is not about the two principals. It is not a power game between them; it is about our country, and is about reforms," she said last week, during the debate on judicial nominations.

Together

Voice of reason calms coalition wars in Parliament

By Oscar Obonyo

Amid the political filth flying around and hardening of partisan positions in Parliament, a voice of reason is taking root in the august House.

The legislators pushing for a middle ground are persuaded by the need to break the ping-pong between rival parties ODM and PNU, and drive the national agenda in Parliament.

Ardent debaters, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua and Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale have emerged as the lead faces of this middle-ground team.

The Gichugu MP has repeatedly reminded colleagues not to view emerging issues of debate as a personal loyalty contest for President Kibaki or Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

"This is not about the two principals. It is not a power game between them; it is about our country, and is about reforms," she said last week, during the debate on judicial nominations.

Together

Raila assures Kenyans coalition will hold

Prime Minister Raila Odinga started his tour of Meru with the promise that he will work together with President Kibaki.

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PM: I will work with Kibaki

Why Nakuru is home to land rows and ethnic violence

By Karanja Njoroge

The recent ethnic clashes in Likia area, Njoro District, have brought to the fore the simmering tensions over land in Nakuru County.

The county has the dubious distinction of having the highest land related rows that usually degenerate into ethnic conflicts.

In Likia, a 70-year-old farmer's killing triggered clashes between the Maasai and Kikuyu communities in the controversial scheme.

It rekindled memories of similar clashes five years ago where the communities fought over the 1,600 acres of land in the scheme, leaving at least seven people dead.

Witemere farm, where the recent killings occurred, forms part of the Likia extension, which is part of the Mau forest.

Both communities lay claim to the lands that was repossessed by the Government after being declared a water catchment area.

The herders claim it

Why Nakuru is home to land rows and ethnic violence

By Karanja Njoroge

The recent ethnic clashes in Likia area, Njoro District, have brought to the fore the simmering tensions over land in Nakuru County.

The county has the dubious distinction of having the highest land related rows that usually degenerate into ethnic conflicts.

In Likia, a 70-year-old farmer's killing triggered clashes between the Maasai and Kikuyu communities in the controversial scheme.

It rekindled memories of similar clashes five years ago where the communities fought over the 1,600 acres of land in the scheme, leaving at least seven people dead.

Witemere farm, where the recent killings occurred, forms part of the Likia extension, which is part of the Mau forest.

Both communities lay claim to the lands that was repossessed by the Government after being declared a water catchment area.

The herders claim it

On the spotlight: Bamboo (Simon Kimani)

By Matilda Nzioki

Pulse: Before you left Kenya six years ago your music was doing well locally. Why did you make the decision to leave for the States?

Bamboo: Well I left for the States to not only further my education (in music) but also to work in the U.S. music industry with some of the best producers and artists in the world, network and learn how the industry works inside and outside. I grew up in the U.S. until I was 16 years when I first came back to Kenya. I left Kenya only so that I could help lift the standard of music and entertainment in Africa but I have not forgotten my roots and I promise my fans that God willing, I will place Kenya on the international musical map.

P: You said that you do music full time there, so that means you live off your music?

B: Yes I do. I deal in music licensing which pays well. Publishing is also a big income earner. Once your music is placed in a movie, TV, or radio, you're paid every time it plays. The system actually works and artists are paid on time.

P: How do you manage to get shows, sell your music and get airplay there?

B: I get shows through promoters who have heard of me as well as being a member of

Rising prices erode consumer buying power

By John Oyuke

Despite bright prospects for the country's economy, whose growth is expected to hit the six per cent mark, inflation could dampen these hopes.

Analysts are wary of rising food prices due to unfavourable weather patterns and soaring fuel prices, which could put pressure on inflation, and consequently economic growth this year.

Inflation (the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising) rose to 5.42 per cent year on year in January from 4.51 per cent in December. Rising food prices, rent and school tuition costs, triggered the surge.

Inflation has been rising since October last year when it slid to 3.09 per cent, the lowest since November 2002. Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)

Why Nakuru is home to land rows and ethnic violence

By Karanja Njoroge

The recent ethnic clashes in Likia area, Njoro District, have brought to the fore the simmering tensions over land in Nakuru County.

The county has the dubious distinction of having the highest land related rows that usually degenerate into ethnic conflicts.

In Likia, a 70-year-old farmer's killing triggered clashes between the Maasai and Kikuyu communities in the controversial scheme.

It rekindled memories of similar clashes five years ago where the communities fought over the 1,600 acres of land in the scheme, leaving at least seven people dead.

Witemere farm, where the recent killings occurred, forms part of the Likia extension, which is part of the Mau forest.

Both communities lay claim to the lands that was repossessed by the Government after being declared a water catchment area.

The herders claim it

Why Nakuru is home to land rows and ethnic violence

By Karanja Njoroge

The recent ethnic clashes in Likia area, Njoro District, have brought to the fore the simmering tensions over land in Nakuru County.

The county has the dubious distinction of having the highest land related rows that usually degenerate into ethnic conflicts.

In Likia, a 70-year-old farmer's killing triggered clashes between the Maasai and Kikuyu communities in the controversial scheme.

It rekindled memories of similar clashes five years ago where the communities fought over the 1,600 acres of land in the scheme, leaving at least seven people dead.

Witemere farm, where the recent killings occurred, forms part of the Likia extension, which is part of the Mau forest.

Both communities lay claim to the lands that was repossessed by the Government after being declared a water catchment area.

The herders claim it

PM Odinga decries ethnic politics

Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Saturday demanded that investigations be conducted on politicians who encourage ethnic politics.

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Kenyan leaders fight off 'KKK' tag

Football poll aspirants jittery over delay by IEB in publishing electoral code

By GILBERT WANDERA

Two candidates contesting for posts in this year's football elections have expressed frustrations over the delay in announcing the dates for the polls.

The candidates Sammy Sholei and Hussein Mohammed are also demanding that Football Kenya and Kenya Football Federation (KFF) both be dissolved and a neutral body be formed after the exercise.

According to Kenya Football Players Association (Kefopa) chairman Dan Shikanda, who read a joint statement signed by the two, they accused the Independent Electoral Board (IEB) of laxity in running the exercise.

They demanded that the board urgently publishes the electoral code indicating the

Crucial crooner

His rise to the top has been slow but steady. Aaron Rimbui is ready to make jazz popular, writes David Odongo

Kenya's finest pianist will launch his new songs, which are part of his upcoming album on Thursday next week. In a festival dubbed All that Jazz, Aaron 'Krucial Keys' Rimbui will headline the festival alongside other artistes at the National Museum.

Being a premier Jazz Festival, Rimbui says it is an opportunity for jazz artistes to do many concerts.

"In Kenya, people just organise gigs and performances but not necessarily concerts where patrons, music lovers just sit and listen to music. All That Jazz is one such concert. This is going to be a premier music brand throughout the year with various concerts under this title," says the musician.

"I will perform contemporary jazz with various African influences. C'est la Vie, which Eric Wanaina made tremendous input, is very popular. I also have Benin, Alfajiri and various high tempo songs that people appreciate," adds Rimbui who was brought up together with two other siblings. His younger brother Tim Rimbui, nicknamed 'The Innovator', is an accomplished music producer who has recorded music for Kenya's top artistes like Wyre, Nameless, Amani, Susan Kibukosia and Joy Mboya.

Having been passionate about music since childhood, Aaron says the realisation of All that Jazz is definitely a major

Crucial crooner

His rise to the top has been slow but steady. Aaron Rimbui is ready to make jazz popular, writes David Odongo

Kenya's finest pianist will launch his new songs, which are part of his upcoming album on Thursday next week. In a festival dubbed All that Jazz, Aaron 'Krucial Keys' Rimbui will headline the festival alongside other artistes at the National Museum.

Being a premier Jazz Festival, Rimbui says it is an opportunity for jazz artistes to do many concerts.

"In Kenya, people just organise gigs and performances but not necessarily concerts where patrons, music lovers just sit and listen to music. All That Jazz is one such concert. This is going to be a premier music brand throughout the year with various concerts under this title," says the musician.

"I will perform contemporary jazz with various African influences. C'est la Vie, which Eric Wanaina made tremendous input, is very popular. I also have Benin, Alfajiri and various high tempo songs that people appreciate," adds Rimbui who was brought up together with two other siblings. His younger brother Tim Rimbui, nicknamed 'The Innovator', is an accomplished music producer who has recorded music for Kenya's top artistes like Wyre, Nameless, Amani, Susan Kibukosia and Joy Mboya.

Having been passionate about music since childhood, Aaron says the realisation of All that Jazz is definitely a major

Parties\' disputes tribunal hands full at inception

By Stephen Makabila

SENIOR WRITER

After waiting for more than two years, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal is finally in place.A section of disgruntled politicians have complained of harassment, outright rejection or dismissal from their political parties.

There have also been unresolved internal wrangles in major political parties. Last week, the three members of the tribunal were sworn-in by Chief Justice Evan Gicheru after they were appointed on December 17, last year.

Section 5 (2) of the Political Parties Act (No. 10 of 2007), of the Constitution, gives the CJ powers to appoint members of the tribunal and determine rules