TUESday, MARCH 22, 2016 | www.x254.co
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Governors, MPS summoned over Malindi poll Mombasa’s Ali Hassan Joho and his kilifi counterpart amason Kingi have been summoned alongside four legislators to record statements with the police
NEWS
Gor Mahia in big attackline boost as striker tuyisenge returns to action
Indian wells chief Moore quit over Controversial remarks on equal pay
Youth Fund boss ignored PS order
T
he intrigues surrounding the loss of Sh180 million at the Youth Development Enterprise Fund deepened today after former Principal Secretary Peter Mangiti told MPs that his directive was
ignored. Mr Mangiti who appeared before the Public Investments
Committee which is investigating the scandal told the MPs that board chairman Bruce Odhiambo ignored a directive to furnish his office with documents detailing the payment. He said Odhiambo neither presented any documents to his office nor did he write to the EACC to investigate the matter. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
At least 23 killed as multiple explosions rock Brussels
Emergency workers and police at the Zaventem airport in Brussels, Belgium early today after multiple explosions rocked the capital in an attack that has left at least 23 people killed. PHOTO/OLIVER HOSTER/EPA
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At least 23 people have been killed in three explosions in Brussels, Belgium, according to Belgian media. Ten were killed at a subway station, according to two Belgian broadcasters, and at least 13 were killed at the airport, according to public broadcaster VRT. Two blasts tore through the departures area of Zaventem airport shortly after 8am local time. And an hour later, an explosion hit Maelbeek metro station, close to the European quarter, where much of the European Union is based. All metro stations in the city have since been closed, according to the official Twitter account for the city’s transportation agency. The attacks come four days after Salah Abdeslam, the main fugitive in the Paris attacks, was seized in Brussels. The Belgian government says there have been casualties at the airport but has given no numbers. The cause of the explosions has not been confirmed. Belgium has now raised its terror threat to its highest level. Prime Minister Charles Michel tweeted: “For the moment, we are asking people to stay where they are.” Belgian broadcaster VRT said that in addition to the dead at the airport, at least 35 people were severely injured. The Belga news agency reports that shots were fired and shouts in Arabic were heard before the two explosions. Some reports say it was a suicide attack. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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NEWS
Governors, MPs summoned over Malindi election chaos TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi have been summoned to record statements in connection with violence during the Malindi byelection held two weeks ago. Governor Joho said in a Facebook post that they were contacted to report to Malindi police station and record statements including robbery with violence incidents that took place during the recent mini-poll. “I have been requested to record a statement in Malindi tomorrow against the charges of “robbery with violence” that apparently took place during the Malindi by election. I shall comply with the request on Thursday this week because I will be attending to official duties on Tuesday and Wednesday,” the post read. Mvita MP Abdulswammad Nassir, Kilifi County Woman Representative Aisha Juma, Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori and Ndhiwa MP Agostino Ndeto who also received the CID summons said they would record statements on Thursday due to their busy parliamentary schedules. “I have gladly accepted to go on Thursday as I have parliamentary obligations on both Tuesday and Wednesday which include presenting and debating amendments I have proposed on The Community Land Bill currently on the final stage of
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho addresses the media last week following a stand off with the police to return his firearm. Looking on are Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, senator James Orengo and MP Ishrad Sumra.
legislation,” the Mvita MP also said in a Facebook post. ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga is expected to accompany the leaders on Thursday to protest against what they have called “victimization of Coast ODM leaders.” On Sunday, police released images
of main suspects who stripped a woman during Malindi polls that were marred with claims of voter bribery. On Tuesday last week, Governor Joho got a reprieve after the court stopped his arrest and recovery of his firearms by the police.
High Court Judge George Odunga granted the temporary orders in an urgent application the Mombasa Governor had filed to stop his imminent arrest after failing to return his guns as directed by police last week.
Several people feared dead as explosions rock Brussels From Page 1 Other also indicated at least one of the explosions at Zaventem was close to the American Airlines check-in area but this has not been confirmed. Zach Mouzoun, arriving on a flight from Geneva, told France’s BFM television: “It was atrocious. The ceilings collapsed. There was blood
everywhere, injured people, bags everywhere. We were walking in the debris. It was a war scene.” Rail transport to the airport has been halted and people have been told not to come. All flights have been diverted. Eurostar has cancelled all trains to and from Brussels. Security has been stepped up at Gatwick and Heathrow airports and the UK Foreign Office has advised
British nationals to avoid crowded areas in Belgium. UK PM David Cameron will chair a meeting of the Cobra response committee later on Tuesday morning. France has stepped up security. President Francois Hollande has held a cabinet meeting to discuss the Belgian explosions. There is also extra security at Dutch airports.
Paseengers are evacuated from the Zaventem airport terminal after twin explosions rocked the facility early today. Local media reported that at least 23 people had been confirmed dead. PHOTO/EPA
MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke
Youth Fund boss ignored PS order
From Page 1 “On learning the loss of the funds on October 19, 2015, I called the chairman of the board and instructed him to give me all the documents detailing the payment and also to write to the EACC to commence investigation,” Mangiti said. However, the PS then wrote to the then Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru upon realizing that the chairman did not heed his directive. He told the committee that he also wrote to the director of criminal investigation and Chief of Staff Joseph Kinyua who informed him that EACC will get to the bottom of matter. “The audit committee had noted that there was Sh180 million which could not be accounted for and I immediately advised the board for independent investigative agencies to be called in,” Mangiti said adding that he did not understand why the board chairman did not heed his directive. The former PS told the committee that he wasn’t aware that the board had changed the bank signatory to only one person, Catherine Namuye who authorized the payment. Last week, Ms Namuye claimed that she was acting at the behest of the board which put her under pressure to approve the payment to Quorandum Limited. But Mangiti differed with those sentiments saying the decision to make her the sole signatory was not made by the board but through forged documents presented to the bank. “I find it irregular with a bank that is familiar with handling public resources. I thought the bank should have done better. They should have allowed one signatory to a state corporation,” he said. sam_x254
Police warn against possible attacks by al Shabaab Police have warned of possible retaliatory attacks by al Shabaab Islamists following the steeped up assaults by Kenyan troops and the Somali National Army. In a statement, National Police Service spokesman George Kinoti said al Shabaab elements have been fleeing from the KDF assaults towards the Kenyan border posing real security threat to the citizenry. “al Shabaab elements have been fleeing in different directions with some heading towards our border. There is real danger that some may slip in and soon stage attacks in our country,” he warned. Kinoti has asked the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious people or objects without hesitation. He has asked security guards to thoroughly screen people and vehicles getting into premises. Matatu and hotel operators, and other service providers were also urged to be cautious. In the recent past, Kenyan troops in Somalia killed 34 al-Shabaab militants, captured a middle-
level commander and seized 27 AK47 rifles in two separate battles. Last month, a US strike killed more than 150 militants at a training camp where a largescale attack was being planned. The Kenya Defence Forces, however, lost two soldiers in the attacks, said military spokesman David Obonyo. On Saturday afternoon, 21 militants were shot dead and 21 AK47 rifles and three rocketpropelled grenades impounded. On Sunday, 13 terrorists were killed in Sarira, Lacta Belt, 30 kilometres north of Ras Kamboni, and eight AK47 rifles, two PKM (light machine guns) and two RPGs found. Col Obonyo said that, in the first attack, a convoy of KDF soldiers under Amisom heading to Afmadhow engaged the militants, who had laid an ambush in the Lower Juba region. Terror attacks in the country have claimed more 900 civilians in the past few years. wilson_x254
NE WS 3 NEWS tuESday, MaRCH 22, 2016
Women rep wants kitty increased Wajir Women Representative Fatuma Ibrahim has called on Parliament to increase the Affirmative Action Fund allocated to the 47 women representatives from Sh2 billion to Sh5 billion to enable them work effectively. Mrs Ibrahim argues that the money is not enough to support the youth, women and person with living with disabilities (PLWD) activities across the counties. Speaking to X-News on phone, the county MP explained that women reps have many programmes, which the fund would not adequately address but will be commendably done if they allocation was increased. “The fund is very little. We can do more if the kitty is boosted to a tune of at least Sh 3 billion,” she said. She noted that although the affirmative fund is meant to assist the vulnerable groups in the society, they are forced to stretch their pockets to support other programmes outside the dictates of the fund. Mrs Ibrahim further called on the National Assembly to re-consider the allocation so that they can be at per with their male counterparts. “We want to be considered and be allocated the amount of money allocated to a single constituency. It is so sad that we ran programmes across the whole county yet we are expected to felt with at the same level with an MP running a single unit,” she lamented. @hillary_x254
At least two killed as commuter bus rolls on Mombasa Road At least two people were killed last evening and 27 others left nursing injuries after a commuter bus they were travelling in was involved in an accident along Mombasa Road in Nairobi. The two were confirmed dead on the spot while nine sustained serious injuries with two others in critical condition. Most of the survivors were rushed to Mater Hospital by E-Plus ambulance crew while others were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital. “Two people have been confirmed dead following the Mombasa road accident. Casualties are being treated at Kenyatta and Mater Hospitals,” Traffic Commandant Jacinta Kinyua said of the tragedy yesterday. According to witnesses of the 9.15pm incident, the driver of the 32-seater bus, belonging to Indimanje Sacco, had attempted to overlap resulting to the accident. The vehicle is said to have been driven at a high speed before the driver lost control causing it to
The wreckage of the Indimanje sacco bus that rolled on Mombasa Road last night. Two people died from the accident.
roll. The commuter bus was ferrying some 29 passengers from Nairobi’s city center to Imara Daima when the accident occurred. Head of Traffic Police in Nairobi, Leonard Katana said most of those injured had been trapped in the matatu before being rescued.
Mandera’s Billow Kerrow defends formation of pastoralists’ party Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow (pictured) has said the formation of a political party by the pastoral communities is solely to protect the interest of their people. Kerrow dismissed allegations that they are forming the party because area leaders are power hungry. “The main reason of forming this political party is to protect the interest of the pastoralists which have been ignored for a long time, nobody will look at the interest of our people, and we must do it ourselves” Kerrow said this morning on Citizen TV. The Mandera Senator said successive governments have failed the region and that’s one of the contributing factor for the formation of the party. “There is need to have our own voice, now that the opportunities are coming up in our region, we need to stand up in order for people in the region to benefit,” he said. He said despite the government introducing Equalization Fund, area leaders still feel the
interest of the region is not well articulated. “It’s not about getting power as some people may think, but the pastoralist region has been ignored for a long time by successive governments, it is time to champion the rights of our people directly through this political party,” he said. The lawmaker who is also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Commerce and Economic Affairs, however, clarified that the party will not only belong to leaders from the pastoralists regions alone. The leaders are yet to disclose the name of the party. “It is going to have a national look and anyone who wants to join us in championing for the rights of the pastoralists is welcomed,” Last week, over 70 leaders including MPs, governors and senators from Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, Tana River, Lamu, Kajiado and Narok counties attended the Pastoralist Leadership Summit held Saturday at the Samburu Simba Lodge in Isiolo County. The pastoralist representatives said the new party will be used as a negotiation tool. “The members agreed after a lengthy deliberation that it is necessary to secure an independent platform for advancing the common political interest and aspirations of the pastoralist people in Kenya,” said the resolution Kerrow. Kerrow said people from the region have been in various senior positions in government but due to being in different parties, they have not made an impact. “We want our own party, why should we be on someone else’s bus and we are not comfortable,” Kerrow said. @sam_x254
“The driver was reckless in his movements on the road as he had gone off the road overlapping when the vehicle rolled,” said Katana. One of the dead was a woman who police said was pregnant. A survivor said the driver was
speeding at the time of the accident. “He had been overlapping at high speed at when the accident happened I saw it turn as if we were going back to the CBD before it rolled,” he said. Elsewhere, a middle-aged woman was squashed by two matatus that ply the Githurai route while crossing Ronald Ngala Street. The woman was said to have been crossing the road when one of the matatu’s on the Githurai stage reversed and hit her against the other matatu. She was taken to a city hospital where her condition remains unknown. “I will give you more information after I speak to the officers,” Nairobi Central police boss Paul Wanjama said. It is not the first time a matatu has squashed a pedestrian crossing the road. In December, a matatu plying the mwiki route crushed to death Cecilia Njeri Gicheha just outside Tusky’s beba beba as the 23-year-old cross the road. @hillary_x254
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NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
NTSA now changes tact in drunk driving crackdown
National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will be carrying out random tests on drivers as opposed to mounting roadblocks at specific locations in a new tact to crackdown on drunk driving. NTSA chairman Lee Kinyanjui has said roadblocks had become familiar with motorists, making them to evade arrests for drunk driving offences. “A motorist will be stopped anywhere on the road to check for the alcohol levels as opposed to initial exercise where this would only be done on mounted roadblocks,” said Mr Kinyanjui. The move follows the launch of 45 enforcement patrol vehicles that will be used on major highways to restore sanity on the roads He said most of these vehicles would patrol notorious highways where there has been problem of compliance with traffic rules. The law requires that no driver should handle a motor vehicle if he or she has consumed alcohol in excess of 35 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood and 107 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine. The Traffic Act states that any person driving a car on a road or any public place while drunk shall be guilty to an offence liable to a fine not exceeding Sh100, 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both. Transport Cabinet Secretary
National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) chairman Lee Kinyanjui with Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia (center) during yesterday’s flagging off of 65 new vehiocles to be used by the agency in their road safety campaigns. Mr Kinyanjui announced new changes to their approach on drunk-driving.
James Macharia said he expects sanity to be restored along Thika Road where compliance to the traffic rule has almost been zero. “The first thing that these new vehicles should do is to restore sanity on Thika superhighway. I drive myself on that road and it has been evident many times that there is a lack of lane discipline,” said Macharia. Macharia said it was regrettable that the deaths caused by reckless driving
were still high, but expressed optimism that the patrol cars would play a critical role in bringing down the numbers. He noted that 3,000 people died in road accidents last year saying the number was still too high and urgent measures must be taken to reverse the trend. NTSA director general Francis Meja said the vehicles would be used to check all the traffic offences ranging from speeding
and using of fake documents such as the driving licence. “This vehicles are fitted with the gadgets that can tell whether the driving licence is genuine or not or if the vehicle is fitted with a fake sticker,” he said. Mr Meja said other areas of focus would be blackspots such as Salgaa along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway that has claimed many lives in the past. @wilson_x254
Kaimenyi orders ministry staff audit to tame corruption The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development will carry out an audit of all its workers, Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has said. The move is part of a turnaround strategy to curb graft currently facing the ministry. “Seventy per cent of corruption occurs in government offices across all ministries especially in procurement department. It is with such vices that my ministry will carry out a vibrant internal audit to every worker in the ministry to ensure we do away with graft,” he said. Speaking at a forum organized for him to interact with ministry staff, the CS said the level of corruption in his ministry is skyrocketing mainly through duplication of document, exaggeration of quantities as well as collaboration with contractors to get kick-backs in housing department. “It is clear that some of the workers in this ministry have fat accounts yet they earn very little given the fact that they have been on the payroll for very short period,” he said. According to Kaimenyi some of the workers collude with departments to be transferred to regions they can be get huge allowances. He said such directive is the only solution that will help the ministry counter the graft where the culprits will have to clearly highlight how they generated huge wealth. The CS expressed fears after reports from the ministry indicated that only 6 per cent of employees in the ministry are women not because they lack skills and merits but because of the deep rooted graft. However, he has called upon the public to maximise the use of suggestion boxes across all ministries to help the Jubilee government fight corruption.. The move follows a recent survey conducted by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission which ranked the ministry among the most corrupt ministry in the country.
Top stories from X News global partners Obama And Castro suffer Castro demands return of Reopen Old Wounds: Putin’s willingness and Bondholders oil price hit: Guantanamo Bay: President President Obama stood beside President ability to act abroad $150bn Investors have suffered losses of at Raúl Castro of Cuba demanded that Raúl Castro on Monday and declared gives a big boost at least $150bn in the value of oil and gas Barack Obama hand back Guantánamo a “new day” of openness between home: Dmitry Kiselev, anchor company bonds, as the slump in crude Bay and fully end the US trade embargo as their historic first summit in Havana witnessed an unexpectedly spirited clash of political values. Despite emotional scenes of reconciliation that earlier saw the Star Spangled Banner played to spine-tingling effect by a Cuban band in Revolution Square, the two leaders made clear that rapprochement had only come so far. “There are profound differences between our countries that will not go away,” said Castro as he turned the tables on the question of human rights and criticised the US for its failures to ensure universal healthcare and equal pay for women. www.theguardian.com
the United States and Cuba, but old grievances and disputes over human rights marred a ground breaking meeting and underscored lingering impediments to a historic thaw. The two presidents, meeting at the Revolutionary Palace for the first such official contact between their two governments in more than a halfcentury, engaged in a frank and at times awkward exchange with each other and reporters. Mr. Obama at turns prodded Mr. Castro to submit to questions during an extraordinary 55-minute news conference. www.nytimes.com
of Vesti Nedeli, a weekly television show, and Russia’s chief propagandist, has had much to say about victory in recent weeks. The Syrian ceasefire that began on February 27th, he told his viewers, was “definitely a Russian victory”, made possible by Russia and America, two great powers, taking joint responsibility for the world’s biggest crisis. The Americans had been convinced “to work with us and forget about their exceptionalism” both by Russia’s diplomacy and by its display of military might: the precision of its bombs, the efficiency of its pilots and the range of its missiles. www.economist.com
prices since the summer of 2014 has fuelled fears of a wave of defaults in the US and emerging markets. The 300 largest global oil and gas companies have also seen $2.3tn sliced from their stock market value over the same period, a 39 per cent slide since oil began its decline, an analysis by the Financial Times has found. The losses show how intense the financial strain on oil producers from falling crude prices remains, in spite of the partial recovery in prices since January. Oil is still down about 65 per cent from its June 2014 peak.
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NEWS 5
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
Obama, Castro spar over human rights U.S. President Barack Obama put the authoritarian government in Havana on the spot Monday, taking questions from reporters and insisting that his Cuban counterpart also deliver answers to pointed queries on human rights, political prisoners and economic reforms. Though they both acknowledged deep disagreements on these issues, the two leaders found common ground on the topic of the economic embargo on Cuba, which both want lifted. Obama went so far as to declare that “the embargo’s going to end,” though he couldn’t say when. In an extraordinary sign of the shifting attitudes, Castro was willing to answer one question on why his regime was keeping Cubans incarcerated for expressing antigovernment views. But his response only underscored the schisms between himself and Obama. “Did you ask if we had political prisoners? Give me a list of political prisoners and I will release them immediately,” Castro said defensively when asked by CNN’s Jim Acosta why his government was incarcerating dissidents. Unaccustomed to press conferences, Castro at first appeared confused at whether the question was directed to him and later asked for it to be repeated as he juggled the headphones he wore to hear its translation. Later, Castro delivered a litany of areas where he said the U.S. was failing, from inadequate health care to lower pay for women. He ended the unprecedented question-
US President Barack Obama (left) and Cuban President Raul Castro at a joint press conference at Revolution Palace in Havana, Cuba yesterday. Mr Obama who is on a historic visit to the island nation put his host to task yesterday over human rights and political prisoners. EPA/ALEJANDRO ERNESTO
and-answer session after a second inquiry on human rights, saying he’d said “enough.” Obama, meanwhile, appeared to relish putting Castro on the spot, winking at the assembled journalists when it appeared Castro wasn’t going to answer his question. “Excuse me?” Obama said to prompt the Cuban leader. In his own message on human rights, Obama defended his decision to come to Cuba even as government dissent is punished. “We have decades of profound differences,” Obama said when asked what his message on human rights was during his “frank conversation” on the issue with Castro. “I told President Castro
that we are moving forward and not looking backwards.” “We will continue to stand up for basic principles that we believe in,” said Obama, who at points insisted that Castro answer the questions posed to him by American journalists. “America believes in democracy. We believe that freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, are not just American values but universal values.” Obama was speaking following an hours-long meeting with Castro at the Palace of the Revolution in Old Havana, his third meeting with the Cuban leader since work began to reopen diplomatic ties to the island. Castro, making a statement before the reporters’ questions, said that
work toward improving economic conditions in his country was progressing. But he added that a longstanding trade embargo prevents a full restoration of ties. “Much more could be done if the U.S. blockade could be lifted,” Castro said. “The most recent measures adopted by his administration are positive but insufficient.” Obama agreed that the restrictions would eventually be removed, adding that, “The path that we’re on will continue beyond my administration. The reason is logic.” Obama started his morning laying a wreath by the Jose Marti memorial, a massive monument to the Cuban revolutionary leader where a Cuban military band played the
“Star Spangled Banner,” another in a series of previously unthinkable moments that marks this week’s visit. The sight of a sitting American president setting foot on the island was a novelty for most Cubans. The last U.S. leader to visit was Calvin Coolidge, who voyaged into Havana Harbor on a battleship in 1928. In an elaborate welcome ceremony, Obama and Castro met with smiles and brief conversation before moving down long hallways lined with Cuban troops. Obama was overheard telling the Cuban leader he enjoyed his tour of Havana Sunday night along with his family. He also told Castro he had a “great” dinner at a “paladar” -one of hundreds of privately run restaurants that only recently became permissible in the state-run economy. Those types of businesses, along with new investments from American firms, give U.S. officials hope that Cuba is on a path to open its economy after decades of isolation. The vast differences between the Obama administration and the Castro regime were no less evident Sunday as Havana hurried to prepare for the U.S. president’s arrival. As Obama was en route, scores of anti-Castro dissidents from the group Ladies in White were arrested and detained after their weekly protest in Havana. Correspondents witnessed dozens of protesters being driven from the site in buses.
xnews | Tuesday, MARCH 22, 2016 | www.x254.co
BUSINESS
Inflation comes down as CBK maintains 11.5 pc lending rate Kenya’s month-on-month overall inflation fell to 6.8 per cent in February 2016, from 7.8 per cent in January, signalling a reprieve for the economy and consumers. This decline was largely driven by developments in food and fuel prices, according to a report by the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The monthon-month non-food-non-fuel (NFNF) inflation rose to 5.9 per cent in February from 5.5 per cent in the previous month, reflecting the revised excise tax on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, implemented in December 2015. The contribution to NFNF inflation of the CPI category (alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics) remained unchanged at 1.1 percentage points, mainly due to the state’s revised excise tax. In light of these developments, the Monetary Policy Committee has retained its lending rate 11.5 per cent with the committee urging commercial banks to reduce operating costs and enhance transparency in the pricing of credit. The MPC has maintained the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at
The foreign exchange market has remained stable even as the global markets were volatile due to pressures from China’s financial markets and uncertainties in the advanced economies. 11.5 per cent for the last five consecutive meetings on account of stability in the foreign exchange market, improvement in Forex reserves and a narrowing current account deficit. The Committee met on March 21, 2016 to review market developments and the impact of its previous monetary policy
Vivo Energy apologizes over ‘poor quality’ kerosene
Vivo Energy Kenya has apologised to its customers owing to a scandal involving the sale of poor quality kerosene. Consequently, the firm has stopped the sale of kerosene at Shell service stations to minimise chances of fuel adulteration. The firm said the matter of adulterated fuel had been discussed, resolved and finalised with the Energy Regulatory Commission and any affected stations are now operational after complying with the regulator’s instructions. “Vivo Energy Kenya values its customers and always aims to provide quality products and services therefore providing lasting peace of mind for our customers,” the firm said. Over 96 per cent of petroleum outlets in the country were free from contaminated fuel, according to ERC. Data gathered by the commission across the country between September 2015 and February 2016 indicates that 96.2 per cent of the 1,493 petroleum outlets tested were found to
be complaint with 56 stations recording non-compliance. A total of 8,945 tests were carried out in 1,493 petroleum outlets with the purpose of singling out non-compliant traders. “Given that kerosene is the main component of adulteration in both super and diesel, Vivo Energy Kenya has stopped selling kerosene at all Shell service stations in order to minimise any chance of fuel adulteration,” Vivo Energy said in a statement. The firm apologized to its kerosene customers for the sweeping action. The petroleum outlets that failed the tests were “required to upgrade the adulterated petroleum where applicable and also to pay penalties and taxes to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) before they were allowed to resume business,” ERC said. Petroleum adulteration is mixing of diesel with kerosene or super petrol with kerosene in order to take advantage of lower taxes on kerosene.
decisions. The Committee noted that the fall in month-on-month inflation had returned to within the government’s target range of 2.5 to 7.5 per cent. “The foreign exchange market has remained stable even as the global markets were volatile due to pressures from China’s financial markets, and uncertainties
in the advanced economies. Developments in the foreign exchange market are supported by a narrowing current account deficit with improved exports, strong diaspora remittances, and a lower oil import bill,” CBK Governor and MPC Chairman, Dr Patrick Njoroge said in a recently-released statement. Dennis_x254
CBK EXCHANGE RATES 1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH
MEAN 101.4599 146.9572 114.4592 6.6553 33.2349 21.5554
BUY SELL 101.3639 101.5559 146.8033 147.1111 114.3333 114.5850 6.6479 6.6627 33.1542 33.3156 21.4857 21.6251
ERC crackdown on fuel adulteration registers success The Energy Regulatory Commission has announced a successful crackdown on fuel adulteration across the country. Petroleum adulteration is mixing of diesel with kerosene or super petrol with kerosene in order to take advantage of the lower taxes on kerosene. Dumping of export products involves diverting fuel meant for neighboring countries and selling it locally because the export products are not taxed in Kenya. Data gathered by the Commission across the country between September 2015 and February 2016 indicates that over 96 per cent of petroleum outlets sampled were free from contaminated fuel or fuel meant for export. The Commission is empowered by the Energy (Retail Facility Construction and Licensing) Regulations of 2013 - Legal Notice No. 7 of January 28, 2014 to publish a list of retail dispensing stations that may have committed offences under the Energy Act,2006. Such offences include offering for sale of adulterated petroleum products or products earmarked for export in the local market. A total of 8,945 tests were carried out in 1,493 petroleum outlets with the purpose of singling out non-compliant traders. 96.2 per cent of the 1,493 petroleum outlets tested were found to be complaint with only 56 stations recording non-compliance. The petroleum outlets that failed the tests were closed. Their operators were required to upgrade the adulterated petroleum where applicable and also to pay penalties. kevin_x254
Over 250 jobs to be lost as Uchumi shuts down five more local outlets
Uchumi Supermarkets has closed five outlets as part of the retail chain’s reorganisation process that will see about 253 workers lose their jobs. The retailer, however, maintains that it is on the road to recovery and plans are underway to keep it in a state of sustainability. The outlets that Uchumi has shut down include Taj Mall, Embu, Eldoret Sugarland, Nakuru and Kisii. Uchumi Chief Executive Officer Dr Julius Kipng’etich said the closure will help the retail chain reduce the retailer’s operational costs enabling it to concentrate its efforts on a leaner structure as dictated by the current business environment. The move comes after Uchumi posted a Sh1.02 billion loss before tax at the beginning of March. It also follows the firm’s closure of its operations in Tanzania and Uganda in a reorganisation exercise intended to stem losses. The supermarket is neck deep in debt and has been in the midst of a restructuring drive that has seen the chain cancel plans to enter the Rwandan market. The retailer owes hundreds of millions of shillings in unpaid bills for goods and services to
its business associates across the East African region. The firm is also suffering the financial brunt of unpaid rent, electricity bills and taxes as well as employees’ social security contributions. As of June 30, 2015, Uchumi’s Finance costs had jumped to more than Sh335 million compared to over Sh64 million the year before, according to a company statement. The retailer’s announcement comes just after the retail chain wound up its Ugandan operations after a bout of financial woes that has left the firm
in a state of crisis and caused over 400 job losses within the company. In Uganda, it is estimated that more than 100 businesses have been affected by Uchumi’s closure. Kipng’etich noted in an earlier announcement the company would reorganise the management of underperforming branches or could close or relocate the worst performers to try to return to profit growth in 2016. He says the closures will enable the firm channel its resources to fewer branches and optimize operations for maximum gain. kevin_x254
Uchumi Chief Executive Officer Dr Julius Kipng’etich said the closure will help the retail chain reduce its operational costs.
BUSINESS 7
Kenya, Uganda to continue talks over Sh400bn oil pipeline after deadlock TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
Kenya and Uganda will continue holding talks towards the construction of an oil pipeline after a meeting of the countries’ presidents yesterday failed to yield fruits. The discussions were deferred to the technical teams of the two countries after President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni failed to agree after a lengthy meeting. During a forum at State House, Nairobi, Uhuru and Museveni heard presentations on the proposed East African crude oil pipeline. The pipeline is set to create employment for hundreds of
people across both regions and spur development within the East African expanse. The two leaders heard technical presentations by Kenyan and Ugandan energy officials on options of constructing the pipeline from Hoima on Lake Albert through Kenyan ‘northern route’ via the oil fields of Lokichar. Uhuru is set to travel to Kampala in two weeks when the technical teams are expected to deliver their verdict on whether the pipeline would pass through Kenya or Tanzania. Resolving the pipeline route is crucial to helping oil companies
National Museums to host Africa’s leading art collector, scholar National Museums of Kenya will host Africa’s leading collector at the Nairobi Gallery tomorrow in a move set to shake up the cultural arts sector. World renowned African cultural arts preserver, collector and scholar, Prince Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon of Nigeria foundation, OYASAF holds about 7,000 pieces of traditional and neo-traditional African art, contemporary and modern African paintings, sculptures and about 55,000 photographs of Nigeria’s fast-disappearing cultural festivals. The move seeks to give Kenya’s art industry a much needed boost. The visit comes barely a week after Namibia and Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperative technical assistance in sectors such as arts and crafts. They also agreed on the speedy implementation of a plan of action, which would benefit the current and next generations of the two countries. Economic, social and cultural relations between Namibia and Kenya dating back to long before Namibia’s independence were cemented on March 18 when Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry John Mutorwa and High Commissioner of Kenya to Namibia Isaac Njenga Gatitu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU.
Gatitu stressed the key role of the cooperative movement in the economic emancipation of world economies as it provides the organisational means through which the lessendowed people in society are able to fully engage themselves in economic development and enhancing social integration. Prince Yemisi’s move seeks to not only create awareness but also spur the development of the cultural arts sector at a time when many artists are finding it difficult to succeed within this market. He has presented to top museums and universities in three continents of the world and will discuss his foundation’s efforts to create a hub of Nigerian art to the world and a major point of contact for scholars, critics, artists and enthusiasts of Nigerian art and culture Omooba is a Prince of Ake in Abeokuta, Ogun State of Nigeria. He hails from the Sogbulu and Ogunfayo lineage of the Lararun ruling house of Ake in Egbaland, who unsuccessfully contested for the throne of Alake of Egbaland in 2005. So far, his organisation Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF), has sponsored over sixteen fellows from the USA, South Africa, Ghana, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Dennis_x254
involved in Uganda and Kenya to make final investment decisions on developing oil fields. Kenya has initially fronted the northern route through Lokichar as its preferred course because as part of the Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) project, it would transform infrastructure and the way of life of the people in the towns and counties across its path. Among others, officials from Tullow Oil, Total and China’s CNOOC received invites to today’s meeting. Energy Company, Total had previously raised security concerns
about the Kenyan route. It is believed that if constructed on the preferred route, sections of the Kenyan pipeline could run near bordering country of Somalia, from where militants have launched attacks on Kenya and could pose great danger to the construction. Meanwhile Kenya and Uganda’s move seeks to ensure there is no delay in commercializing petroleum resources. This follows the already delayed commercialisation of Uganda’s oil reserves which were discovered nine years ago. A two week assessment programme
has since been set by both states and will allow technical officials from Uganda and Kenya harmonise presentations focusing on cost option for the pipeline, viability of the ports of Lamu, Mombasa and Tanga as export options. The harmonised presentations will also focus on constructability issues along all routes that include existing and planned infrastructure terrain and elevations as well as assessing and confirming the current proven reserves, which will have an impact on the size of the pipeline. Dennis_x254
8
BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
Fusion Capital to pump cash into landmark Meru property Real estate developer Fusion Capital has announced that cash raised from its D-REIT (Development Real Estate Investment Trust) will be used to develop a landmark property in Meru County. Located in a prime address within Meru town on which construction work has already started, the Sh3.7 billion project dubbed: Greenwood City is a mixed use development that will comprise a shopping mall, an upscale office block and executive apartments. The project is to be developed and sold within 36 months at a yield to investors. “Besides being the commercial hub of an agriculturally productive catchment, with a cash-rich economy, Meru is currently underserved with similar developments. Greenwood City was conceptualized to meet this need and provide first-class shopping and executive residential accommodation for a growing and vibrant middle class and grade A office space for firms doing business in the region,” said Luke Kinoti, Group Chief Executive at Fusion Capital. “We want to make this the ultimate destination providing a holistic ‘live, work and play’ environment,” he added. In addition to its attractiveness, Meru County is a major transit gateway town, a big contributor to the tourism economy and is home to all major banking and financial institutions.
A model of Meru Greenwood Park. Meru County is a major transit gateway town, a big contributor to the tourism economy and is home to all major banking and financial institutions. The real estate firm has stated that the development is a game changer for Meru County, and provides a model approach for other counties we are targeting. Initial marketing has generated a promising uptake for the development, he added. Last month, Fusion Capital received approval from the Capital Markets Authority to launch D-REITs into the Kenyan market. The nod from the regulator allows it to facilitate the issue and eventual listing on news units of a commercial D-REIT of a minimum value of Sh1.15 billion and an upper threshold of Sh2.3
billion. Speaking at the time, Mr. Kinoti said Fusion Capital would move fast to ensure the D-REIT is available to investors through an initial public offering (IPO) and subsequent listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, with the minimum investment being Sh5 million. The move by Fusion Capital Limited comes at a time when property as an asset class is receiving a lot of attention in Kenya with sustained talk of a boom. According to the latest Economic Survey, growth in real estate and property sector is set
to continue, driven by demand for new office space and urban housing. The survey notes that high demand for fixed assets, largely property, was a major contributor to a 5.3 per cent expansion in the Kenyan economy in 2014. Demand for high quality commercial and residential property continues to grow at one with the country’s economy and rising wealth. The real estate sector has further been bolstered by the devolved system of Government which has created investment and development opportunities in the counties.
World Bank forum to promote gender equality, inclusion The World Bank is set to hold a live forum today aimed at promoting gender equality and financial empowerment among women. The halfday event, dubbed “Gender Empowerment: Advancing Our Commitment”, brings together a group of thought leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities related to gender, empowerment, peace and security in Africa. The panel of eminent African leaders, World Bank Group staff, and invited guests, will explore how the World Bank Group, in collaboration with African institutions and development partners, can build on its commitments and increase its engagement on key gender challenges. The panel has invited interested parties and stakeholders from across the globe to join the conversation online. The discussion comes at a time when studies in countries such as Kenya have shown that if women have the same advantages as men in agriculture, for instance, productivity would increase by as much as 20 per cent. In Kenya, the Bank Group’s Gender Action Plan (GAP)— Gender Equality as Smart Economics – helped fund training for Water and Irrigation Ministry staff charged with ensuring women have a voice in water sector development. Dennis_x254
Over 950,000 jobs to be lost Airlines urge States’ action over French workers strike should Britain quit Union Leaving the European Union might cost the UK $145 billion (Sh14.7 trillion) in lost economic output and 950,000 jobs by 2020, the Confederation of British Industry said as it stepped up its campaign against a socalled Brexit, Bloomberg reports. A vote to leave the bloc in the referendum Prime Minister David Cameron in June 23 “would cause a serious shock to the U.K. economy,” Britain’s main business lobby group said, citing a study it commissioned from PricewaterhouseCoopers of two Brexit scenarios. “Leaving the European Union would be a real blow for living standards, jobs and growth,” CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn said in a speech in London Monday, according to remarks released in advance by the lobby group. “The savings from reduced EU budget contributions and regulation are greatly outweighed by the negative impact on trade and investment.” According to the study, U.K. GDP might be 5 per cent lower than it would otherwise be by 2020 in the case of withdrawal, though it might only be 3 percent lower if a free-
trade deal is rapidly reached with the rump EU. Growth might be as low as zero in 2017 or 2018, the CBI said. “The economy would slowly recover over time, but never quite tracks back to where it would have been,” Fairbairn said. “Leaving the EU would mean a smaller economy in 2030.” The CBI said last week it will campaign to keep the U.K. inside the EU after a survey found four-fifths of its members believe this would be best for their businesses. Brexit campaigners argue Britain would be better off outside the bloc because Europe is a shrinking market for UK exports and the government would be able to conclude its own trade deals with fast-growing economies around the world. “The EU funded CBI are desperate to recreate the same scare stories they spread when they urged Britain to scrap the pound and join the euro,” Matthew Elliott, chief executive of Vote Leave, which is campaigning for an exit, said in a statement. “They were wrong then and they are wrong now.”
Ryanair and Easyjet are urging governments and the European Commission to take action over a strike by French air traffic controllers. The strike is in protest at planned staff cuts. Hundreds of passengers flying with Ryanair, Easyjet and British Airways have continued to face flight cancellations. Ryanair reportedly cancelled about 200 flights while Easyjet, which has operations in parts of East Africa, said it had cancelled 145 flights yesterday. It has been called by UNSA-ICNA, the third largest French union for air traffic controllers, which has said the cuts are unrealistic due to the “operational needs of control centres”.The union said air traffic was going to grow and it criticized the French Civil Aviation Authority for being too slow to invest in new technology. Ryanair and Easyjet are two of the five founding members of the newly formed lobby group, Airlines for Europe.The others are Air France KLM, International Airlines Group and Lufthansa.Easyjet said in a statement that the group was working with the other carriers “to call on governments and the EU to develop an action plan to minimize the impact of air traffic control strikes on passengers.” “It’s grossly unfair that thousands of ordinary European consumers have their travel and
holiday plans disrupted by the actions of a selfish few,”Robin Kiely, head of communications at Ryanair said. The airliner, which has been the most outspoken of the carriers, repeated its demand that the European Commission ban air traffic controllers from striking to prevent passengers being “held to ransom.” Ryanair said the strike was not only affecting travellers going to and from France but also those flying through French air space.It wants other air traffic controllers in Europe to be allowed to manage flights over French airspace during such action. The airline also urged consumers to sign its “Keep Europe’s Skies Open” petition to the European Commission. When it has obtained 1m signatures it said it planned to present it to the EU Commission and the EU parliament.Passengers travelling from Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton Airport are being forced to wait for or reschedule their flights due to the action which started on Sunday. The DGAC, France’s Civil Aviation Authority, said it had requested a third of flights were cancelled to and from Paris-Orly and other regional airports on Monday.Air France warned of last minute cancellations and delays but said it planned to operate its long-haul services and all flights to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle, which is unaffected.
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
ACCE
fashionscoop
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topstory
YES THE
a
pope
head of Easter, the good Pope has decided to join Instagram…how progressive! Pope Francis has joined Instagram under his Latin name @ Franciscus on March 19, the third anniversary of his inauguration as the Bishop of Rome. Perhaps his favorite filter will be “rise.” It seems fitting with his role as the Vicar of Jesus Christ! “For a man who admits he doesn’t know how to use a computer, it’s remarkable that Francis has been named the most influential global leader on social media,” says Michael J. O’Loughlin, author of The Tweetable Pope. “His posts inspire, console, and challenge his 30 million followers.” By joining Instagram, O’Loughlin argues that the pope has shown that he isn’t afraid to take risks and that he understands that for the faith to spread, it must be communicated where today’s people are and in the language they speak. Every
IS NOW ON INSTAGRAM!
one of Jesus’s beatitudes was fewer than 140 characters, so there’s no reason the faith’s message cannot be delivered effectively in today’s social media era. Pope Francis has always understood that. From the beginning of his pontificate, the Argentinian pontiff has traded in the lengthy and abstract discourses of his predecessors for a more pithy and accessible message that resonates with everyday people. Pope Benedict’s first public homily in St. Peter’s Square in April 2005 was a 3,000-word theological masterpiece on the origins of the papacy delivered in Latin. Francis’s first homily eight years later was a short, off-the-cuff exhortation to treat others with tenderness. A master of words, Francis’s oneliners aren’t easily forgettable: • “How I wish for a Church that is poor and for the poor!” • “Satan rips us off—every time!” • “If a person is gay and seeks out the Lord and is willing, who am I to judge that person?” • “The Church is not a tollhouse. It is the house of the Father, where there is a place for
Bobby Wine in cop drama
A
BoBBy Wines
fter Uganda police arrested one of his employees, Ugandan singer Bobby Wine had no other option but t to shout down the cops at their police station. Word in the streets of Kampala is that Bobby had to revert to such unorthodox behavior after what he believed was wrongful dentation of one of his employees who had a spat with a local gang.
HOT TOPICS
everyone, with all their problems.” But it isn’t his words alone that make Francis a compelling communicator of the gospel. There are three ancient transcendental attributes to describe the nature of God: truth, goodness and beauty. Pope Francis always communicates first God’s beauty. Describing God’s truth and goodness often requires eloquent and refined words. God’s beauty is more widely accessible. It can be communicated with simple gestures and images. For example, on Easter Sunday 2013, Pope Francis embraced a young American child with cerebral palsy, Dominic Gondreau. The photo and the video of the scene went viral, becoming one of the most shared images of the year. In a subsequent interview with Megyn Kelly on FOX News, Dominic’s father said that in their encounter, Dominic and Francis showed the whole world how to love each other. It didn’t take a lengthy theological discourse. It didn’t even take the Bible. It took witnessing human person and a human encounter to show the world how to love.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter went to Rome to proclaim that with God’s love in Jesus, there’s a different way of doing things. In this public center of culture, he told of a new kingdom where new rules are established. In the community Peter described, the last are first, the poor are blessed and enemies are loved. Black lives matter here. LGBT lives matter here. And so, too, do the lives of the refugees, the imprisoned, the unborn, and anyone
Rapper gifts producer in style
R
apper Wangechi Waweru had no other way but to thank her producer, Provoke with a one million shillings worth birthday present. Wangechi gave Provoke, a 2015 Honda cbr650 and shared on her social media spaces. She said’ he got me from nothing to something’ ahem! Wangechi
else who suffers exclusion. Two millennia later, Francis makes a foray to Instagram—where images are the currency of choice— to continue this proclamation of God’s invitation to a revolution of tenderness. Days before the coming Easter festivities, that’s not a bad way for a pope begin the holiest week of the year. @duncan_x254
idris is broke?
A
fter winning $300000 (Sh30M) from BBA, the hunky Tanzanian is rumored to be dirt poor. Idris Sultan who emerged the BBA Africa Winner three years ago had difficulties explaining that he has spent all his money. However Sultan is saying that he invested in Television and Communications where he is hoping to get returns.
idris
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ART&CULTURE
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2014 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER MARCH 22, 222015 2016
aboutLove
If you don’t trust your partner, It wIll be dIffIcult to maIntaIn a lastIng unIon
The white lies you tell today, if quietly snuck into a marriage, could transform into a messy divorce down the road.
headbdbrhd abdb SIGNS YOU ARE NOT READY TO GET Being in a relationship can give you a feeling of walking on clouds.. All of these good feelings can make you think you’re ready to take a trip down the aisle, but are you really ready? Here are a few signs that you need to take a step back and rethink your decision. You’re selfish A healthy marriage requires give and take. If you’re still hung up on your own needs and desires and don’t have room for anyone else in your life — other than you, yourself, and then you again — you might be better off alone. Why should someone spend their life only catering to you? You have an unresolved past Emotional baggage must be
MARRIED
unpacked. One piece of luggage that must be handled: your ex. If you’re still not over a past love, it’s time to slow down. Also, if you have any ongoing issues like drug or alcohol addiction, or unresolved emotional wounds, it is imperative that you get help for this before asking someone to spend their life with you. You like playing the field If you’re hesitant to throw out your “Single and Ready to Mingle” T-Shirt from college, that may be a sign you’re not ready for a permanent tan line on your ring finger. There’s nothing wrong with having a full and active dating life, just remain transparent with everyone you’re being full and active with.
You’re hiding a secret If you’ve got an army of skeletons in your closet, you have two options: either fess up or keep your skeletons locked down and don’t get married. Your little secret will eventually turn into a big one. The white lies you tell today, if quietly snuck into a marriage, could transform into a messy divorce down the road. You have doubts The doubts could be about your partner or about the relationship in general. Either way, trust is an essential component of any relationship. If you don’t trust your partner, it will be difficult to maintain a lasting union.
asK dr X
I CRY BECAuSE OF MY RELATIONSHIP ALL THE TIME
Dear Phanice,
Dear Dr X,
I tell everyone I am in a great relationship. Granted, I love him and he loves me. But I cry often and easily and because of him. What can I do? Help! Phanice
Wake-up, you’re not the first person in the world to go through tough times.
This is a huge sign. How do people miss this?. So stop making excuses for why and take this as a sign you need to break up. And don’t tell me it’s because of your special circumstances — you’re unfulfilled in your job or in a depression or haven’t found yourself yet. Wake-up, you’re not the first person in the world to go through tough times. If you’re crying all the time because of your man, stop telling yourself it’s going to be better after the tough times. There will always be tough times. If you’re crying over little things like hasn’t texted you back, you’re missing the writing on the wall. Your relationship sucks. Because if it were just the fact that he didn’t text you back, it wouldn’t make you cry.Dump him and move on!
Dr X
Send your agonising queries to adhyambo@x254.co
HERE IS WHY THE FLYWHISK IS IMPORTANT A fly-whisk is a tool to swat or disturb flies. It is used as part of regalia in some cultures. In Indonesian art, a fly-whisk is one of the items associated with Shiva. The fly-whisk is frequently seen as an attribute of both Hindu, Daoist, and Buddhist deities. The fly-whisk is evident in some configurations of the Ashtamangala, employed in some traditions of murti puja, particularly the Gaudiya Vaishnava. It is also used as an accessory in the ritual aspects of folk performance traditions, especially folk-theatre forms like Palagaan where it can double as a prop. Fly-whisks are in use in parts of the contemporary Middle East, such as Egypt, by some classes of society, e.g. outdoor merchants and shop keepers, especially in summer when flies become bothersome. Those have a wooden handle and plant fibers attached to them. The more expensive ones are made from horse hair. In the eastern parts of the Indian subcontinent it is made from the tail-hairs of the yak. Fly-whisks appear frequently in traditional regalia in many parts of the African continent. This use has sometimes carried on into modern contexts: Kenyan leader Jomo Kenyatta carried a fly-whisk, a mark of authority in Maasai society, as did Malawian leader Hastings Banda, while South African jazz musician Jabu Khanyile also used a Maasai fly-whisk as a trademark when on stage. The fly-whisk is one of the traditional symbols of Buddhist monastic hierarchy in China and Japan, along with the khakkhara, jewel scepter and begging bowl. The fly-whisk in Buddhism represents the symbolic “sweeping” of ignorance and mental afflictions.
ARTSHOCK ROCK ART
T
here is always a way of bringing out the best in rocks. Be it in carving, painting or using them to build an abstract form of art. With this in mind, Australian artist Elspeth McLean has an additional way to add flavor on to rocks through using Buddhist tradition of mandalas and symmetrical drawings to transform ordinary sea rocks into mesmerizing art. Her drawings on the rocks tell a story drawn from her life experience.
OuR ROOTS
10
11
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TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
@Chanel SpRinG-SummeR baG COlleCtiOn
aLL aBOut BaGs
FASHIONscoop
Too cool for school backpack.
B
ags have been a household accessory since the pre-colonial times but just because they hail from centuries ago, they don’t have to be boring. Whether in the form of a back pack, handbag, clutch bag or just a simple coins pouch, Chanel have released an all bags-fashion line featuring bold prints, leather, tweed and wool to ensure that every day is a styled up day for you, no matter what the occasion may be. Take a look:
Bowling bag rejuvenated.
Perfect makeup bag.
@mercy_x254
Plaid is never delayed.
Big enough to fit it all, small enough to carry.
filmlab
BEST
For the working woman.
Our rating: H H H Rating: R Genre: Biography Cast: Tom Hiddleson, Elizabeth Olsen, Maddie Hasson Runtime: 2h 3min.
Batman vs superman Batman and Superman share the screen in this Warner Bros co-production penned by David S. Goyer and Chris Terrio, and directed by Zack Snyder. Amy Adams and Diane Lane return as Lois Lane and Martha Kent, respectively. Our rating: H H H
Rating: PG 13 Genre: Action and adventure Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams Runtime: 2H 31min.
i saw the
LiGht
This is the story of the legendary country western singer Hank Williams, who in his brief life created one of the greatest bodies of work in American music. The film chronicles his meteoric rise to fame and its ultimately tragic effect on his health and personal life.
my BiG Fat Greek weddinG The film reveals a Portokalos family secret that will bring the beloved characters back together with more drama, more suspense and more love than the original film. But what exactly is this secret? Our rating: H H H
Rating: PG 13 Genre: Comedy Cast: Nia Vardalos, Rita Wilson, John Stamos Runtime: 1H 34Min
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WEATHERFORECAST
DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Today you might be feeling a very powerful and all-consuming love for everyone around you, and perhaps for all life forms in general. You’re also likely to be feeling romantic, passionate, and anxious for the company of a love partner. You’re also feeling very spiritually inclined. AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Co-workers, friends, family, and the special person in your life are likely to be happier for having basked in this glow, and should reciprocate. You’re feeling especially generous, Aquarius, so buying gifts is likely to be on your agenda. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself, too.
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TUESday 22/3/2016
sunny
More sun than clouds
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27ºC 43%
WEDNEsday 23/3/2016
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28ºC 34%
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THURsday
29
Fill in the blanks with the numbers 1-9. every row, column and 3x3 box must contain all nine digits with no repeated number. Yesterday’s Solution
PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 You’re unlikely to concentrate on work, and you might reach for the phone constantly to seek a friendly voice. Images of beautiful objects may dance in your head. Don’t worry about your concentration. It will be back tomorrow! ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Therefore, you’re likely to give and receive a lot of expressions of affection, both overt and subtle. A significant other should feel especially romantic toward you, so relax and let him or her shower you with attention. Children could also prove a powerful source of support.
Sudoku
12
TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 You’re a gregarious person by nature, Taurus, and today you might want to socialize and enjoy yourself. You could be overly concerned with your appearance, possibly because you wish to impress a current or potential romantic partner. Don’t worry; they’ll think you look great. GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 The increased pressures of work might have strained your nerves a little. However, a lot of love and attention from friends, children, and the special person in your life should have you feeling better about everything in no time. In the evening, relax and watch a video with your mate!
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CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Perhaps you’re getting a substantial bonus, or maybe you’re slated for a significant raise. Either way, Cancer, you’re going to be in pretty good financial shape. You’re going to be feeling very optimistic about your future, and therefore your relations with others will be warm and congenial.
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LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 However, you and the special someone in your life could well leave it early in order to steal some time for intimate conversation together. You should be looking and feeling great and be especially optimistic about your future and the future of your relationships. VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Your aesthetic sense is sharp, as is your physical energy, so once you set upon a particular course of action, you aren’t likely to abandon it. Family members or others close to you may join you and create an atmosphere of strong companionship. Make an impromptu party of it. LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 It could be in the form of letters, phone calls, emails, or texts Friends from far away whom you haven’t heard from in a long time could keep you busy catching up on the phone. Relations with family members or a partner are likely to be supportive and intimate today. SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Perhaps you’re getting a good bonus, or perhaps you’ve received a good review and will be getting a substantial raise. Hearing about this will definitely boost your mood, Scorpio, and because you’re feeling good, you’ll be especially nice to those around you. They’ll reciprocate in kind. Enjoy your day! SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Perhaps this is for a friend, child, lover, or maybe for all life forms on the planet. You’re also feeling especially artistic, so if you’ve been planning to make something as a gift, this is the time to do it. All signs bode well for other artistic projects as well. Go to it, and enjoy your day.
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PLAY 13 TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
CROSSWORD Across 1. Jar or pot, in Italian 5. Capital of Bangladesh 10. Bypass 14. “Time ___ the essence” 15. Sioux City native 16. Ice planet, in “Star Wars” 17. Hardship 19. Say yes to 20. Collected 21. Pledges 22. Monty Python comedian 26. HBO deliverer 30. Hunchback’s home 34. Greek theater 35. Kid Rock’s “____ Deep” 36. 1988 Hanks comedy 37. Soprano who attended Columbia U. 39. ___ party: sleepover 42. Ending for decem or octo 43. Sunday song 47. Widely known 48. Thirst-quencher 51. Requires 52. Theater intermission 54. “As Seen on TV” knife 57. Mixed drink 62. “____ on the roof...” (Elton John line) 63. Equal 66. Heb. judge 67. Certain belly button
68. ____-en-scène 69. Cutesy, to a Brit 70. Called the game 71. “To ____ Unknown” (Steinbeck novel) Down 1. Life, in Lima 2. “____ sure you’ve heard...” 3. Living room furniture 4. Whacks 5. Kitchen gizmo 6. Escape artist 7. Cobbler’s tool 8. Kit ____ (wafer candy bar) 9. At ___ rate 10. Was rude in a crowded place 11. Gorilla who learned sign language 12. “____ a Putty Tat” (Tweety short) 13. Part of P.E. 18. “___ reason why not” 21. Tankard contents 23. Prisoner 24. “____ a girl!” 25. Let fall 26. Musical group 27. “Doe, ___, a female ...” 28. ___ child (give birth) 29. Former Israeli airport name 31. Lose intensity 32. Played charades 33. Old way of saying “Yikes!” 38. Hone
40. ____ Green Gables 41. Sloppy ____ 44. Pirate’s exclamation 45. Moldovan’s IOC code 46. Businessman’s accessory 49. Snuggle 50. Large antelope 53. Fooled around 54. General meaning 55. What “vidi” means 56. Point the finger at 58. “Glee” city 59. Don’t give ____ 60. “Wishing will make ____” 61. ____ in the wool 63. Crazy, in Paris 64. Suffix in elements 65. Internet protocol
Sunday’s answers
YOURSAY Kenya Power must ensure electricity reliability Kenya Power must address in earnest the power hitches that have been rocking different parts of the country. The Coast region experienced a major power blackout on Friday night after other parts of the country experienced similar blackouts in recent past. Such occurrences have become commonplace and Kenyans are resigned to it, yet that should not be the case. During last week’s inter-ministerial public symposium, one of the key areas in which the Jubilee government claimed credit was in power generation. First, a significant amount of megawatts of geothermal power has been added onto the national grid, cutting down power costs by 68 per cent. Additionally, the Government boasted it had been able to nearly double the number of those with electricity connection from 2.2 million in 2013 to 4.3 million in only three years. This achievement is eclipsed by the preoccupation with getting as many people as possible connected to power supply yet the infrastructure has largely remained the old type, which cannot support the excess demand. In many instances, this has resulted in sporadic power outages as the outdated transformers and power grid lines break down at an alarming rate. Power outages are not only occasioning a lot of losses to businesses, they contribute to
insecurity and are a threat to life, especially where hospitals lose power while say, operating on patients. Hours of inactivity result in industries making huge losses. As a major tourist destination and gateway into the Kenya and neighbouring landlocked countries that rely on the port of Mombasa for their exports and imports, the last thing Mombasa needs is a power blackout. That has the capacity of grinding everything to a halt and causing anxiety among tourists. Hydro and geothermal energy supply is doubtless erratic and there is urgent need to look into ways of generating nuclear energy. The Kenya Nuclear Energy Board must put its stamp on the energy sector. In 2014, Kenya signed a pact with China to set up its first nuclear power plant with a capacity of 1000 MW by 2025, with ambitions to boost that to 4000 MW by 2033, and to make nuclear electricity “a key component of the country’s energy” production. The Energy Regulation Commission (ERC) also signed nuclear power cooperation agreements with Slovakia and South Korea to boost its capacity to generate power. For us to achieve our endeared 24 hr economy and Vision 2030, our energy sector must remain at par with demand and supply. Kenya Power and the energy regulator must ensure clear policies to avert loses that could arise from such errors. — Nderitu
KDF doing a great job in fighting Somalia militants The recent killing of 34 al Shabaab militants is proof that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) mission in Somalia is not in vain. The soldiers are doing a great job keeping our
enemies at bay and they need our full support as Kenyans. They are determined to put their lives on the line for our safety. The government should increase funding for
KDF and seek more help from the international community to bolster our solders’ effort and wipe out the militants completely. — Joy
Selfish MPs will meet waterloo in General Election Unlike the previous time when Deputy President William Ruto toured Kisii County, Governor James Ongwae attended the DP’s function in the county yesterday. Kisii MPs who snapped the Kisii Entrepreneurship Summit that was held to discuss investment opportunities and showcase existing inventions were in attendance, as usual not because they wanted to foster development in the region, but because of their own selfish interests. Leaders who attended the
Harambee presided over by Ruto expressed the need for Abagusii working with the Jubilee Government; to them that’s the only way they can bring development to the region. The Governor in his part unequivocally stood in the right side to defend Abagusii and Devolution. He made it clear that he was elected by voters from both Opposition Cord and Jubilee. The governor said he doesn’t have to be a sycophant to get government support. The Constitution by and large outlines a distinct formula
on how resources should be shared to counties and that everyone must be meant to believe that Devolution means independent, equality and equity to all Kenyans. You don’t have to be a Jubilee sycophant to get government goodies. All Kenyans are entitled to the Kenyan Cake no matter a political party, tribe or race. To Our Members of Parliament, feed your hungry stomachs for your time is limited. Your voracious appetite will be quenched in the ballot come 2017. — Hillary
Obama’s visit is historic, but how effective will it be? The nine people who died while trying to flee Cuba last week voiced more about the country than virtually anything President Barack Obama can assert during his visit. Their bodies were shoved overboard. That’s all their companions could do. A Mexican cruise ship picked up the 18 survivors Friday, severely dehydrated and floating in a 30-foot boat. They were about 130 miles from Florida and had been at sea three weeks. Add their numbers to the nearly 270 Cubans who tried to reach the U.S. by sea just last month and the more than 43,000 estimated to have reached the U.S., many via the Mexican border, in the last fiscal year. Cubans are desperate to leave in greater numbers, worried that normalized relations with the U.S. will end the special provisions that Cubans enjoy within immigration law. Cubans who step foot into the U.S. must
merely pass a quick inspection and can receive legal permanent resident status after a year. Those caught at sea are turned back. They’re taking their chances now. Desperate enough to risk climbing into rickety rafts or attempting to make it north through much of Central America and Mexico. Let’s see if these suffering Cubans get a reference in Obama’s remarks after Tuesday, when he is expected to meet with the dissident group Ladies in White. Or if the president publicly mentions the $1.9 billion in U.S. losses, property and land seized from Americans living and working in Cuba after Fidel Castro took over. Add interest and these certified claims are worth more than $8 billion today. Discussions about settling these scores — key to lifting the embargo — only began in earnest last December.
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SPORT TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
SPORTS BRIEFS Fans die after fighting amongst fans of rivals clubs in Morocco Two people were killed in fighting among fans of Raja de Casablanca on Saturday, the Moroccan Football Federation (FMRFF) has confirmed. Fans threw flares and ripped up parts of the Mohammed V stadium after Raja’s 2-1 victory over Chabab Rif Al Hoceima. The country’s DGSN security service said in a statement that 31 people were arrested for “acts of vandalism”. FMRFF has banned fans from the next five Raja home matches and fined the club 100,000 dirhams (£7,170). Footage on Moroccan media showed the fans, dressed in the club’s green colours, charging at each other. It was unclear how the clashes had erupted. DGSN revealed 10 people had been arrested prior to the game. Prosecutors have opened an inquiry into the fan trouble.
Uncapped Burnley keeper Tom Heaton replaces Joe Hart Uncapped Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been called up to replace injured Joe Hart in the England squad for games against Germany and the Netherlands. Hart and winger Raheem Sterling were taken off during Manchester City’s 1-0 derby defeat by United on Sunday. Heaton, 29, will join the squad for the friendlies against Germany in Berlin on Saturday and the Dutch at Wembley on 29 March. England boss Roy Hodgson will not be adding to his outfield players. “Tom has been with us on several occasions and I am welcoming him back into the fold,” said Hodgson. “Obviously it’s very disappointing for Joe and Raheem to suffer injuries which will rule them out of our games against Germany and Holland.
Indian Wells chief Moore quits amid equal pay row Indian Wells tennis tournament chief Raymond Moore has resigned after his controversial comments about equal pay. Moore, 69, said the women’s game “rides on the coat-tails” of the men, and that male stars had “carried the sport”. Men’s world number one Novak Djokovic then claimed his tour should fight for more money. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said Moore’s comments were “extremely prejudiced”, adding female players may boycott Indian Wells if Moore stayed. Moore said female players “should get down on their knees” in thanks to male players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, before later apologising for his “erroneous” comments. Djokovic, who won the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Sunday, described Moore’s comments as “not politically correct”. But the 28-year-old Serb suggested men should get more prize money because more people watch their matches. World number one Serena Williams said Moore’s statement was “offensive”, calling it “mistaken and very, very, very inaccurate”. A statement from the tournament owner Larry Ellison said: “Ray let me know he has decided to step down from his roles as C E O a n d
tournament director effective immediately. I fully understand his decision.” Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam winner, had warned that women may not want to play at Indian Wells if he stays in charge. The 59-year said the views of South African Moore were “really disheartening”, “extremely prejudiced” and “very oldfashioned”. “We have made it this far on our own, without help from male players, and will continue to do so in the future,” Navratilova added. “It would be hard to imagine any women to want to go and play at Indian Wells if Moore stays as the tournament director.” Navratilova was also disappointed by comments from world number one Novak Djokovic, who said he believes men should be awarded more prize money than women because it was more popular. Speaking after his straight-sets win over Milos Raonic in the men’s final at Indian Wells, the Serb said women deserve the money they get, but men should fight for more because their
game attracts more viewers. “Novak Djokovic, as much as I love him, clearly doesn’t understand why, when women and men play in combined tournaments, they must be paid equally,” Navratilova said. “I thought we settled that issue years ago.” There has been equal prize money in all four majors - the Australian Open, US Open, French Open and Wimbledon - since 2007, as well as at combined Masters events, such as Indian Wells and Miami. But female players are paid significantly less at women-only events when compared with similar-sized men’s tournaments. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) said player equality is a “bedrock” principle and has been extremely critical of Moore. “There is no place in this sport for antiquated, sexist or uninformed ideologies,” read a statement from Katrina Adams, who is the USTA’s chairman, chief executive and president. She added that Moore’s remarks “in no way reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of those in the tennis world”. Chris Kermode, chief executive of the Association of Tennis Professionals, called Moore’s comments “disparaging” and said they had been “made in poor taste”. Former British Davis Cup captain David Lloyd backed Djokovic’s assertion that the men’s game was more popular than the women’s right now but said the opposite had been true in the past. Lloyd said the women’s game had been “better” to watch than the men’s when Steffi Graf and Monica Seles were at their peak in the early 1990s. As a result, the public had been willing to pay more to see them play. “It’s supply and demand and it could swing back in the future,” he said.
Australia edge past valiant Bangladesh Australia sealed their first win of the 2016 World Twenty20 with a threewicket victory over Bangladesh in Bangalore. Spinner Adam Zampa took 3-23 but Bangladesh scored 44 in the last three overs to make 1565 after being put in. All-rounder Mahmudullah struck seven fours and a six in an unbeaten 49 from 29 balls and Shakib Al Hasan made 33. In reply Usman Khawaja fired a maiden T20 fifty but Australia lost 5-37 inside five overs before edging home with nine deliveries remaining. The Australians, winners of five 50-over World Cups, have yet to win the T20 version, with defeat by England in the 2010 final the nearest they have come to date. Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore who has quit his position after his controversial comments on equal pay for tennis players sparked a row with players and stakeholders. PHOTO: DANIEL MURPHY/EPA
Tuyisenge return gives Gor boost in attackline SportPesa Premier League champions Gor Mahia have received a shot in the arm with forward Jacques Tuyisenge returning to full fitness. The striker, who joined Gor from Rwanda’s Police FC on a Sh4 million move is expected to make his long awaited debut for K’Ogalo when the league resumes next weekend with the champions travelling to Kakamega Homeboyz. Tuyisenge was part of the Gor team that hammered FC Uropa 4-0 in a friendly match at the Camp Toyoyo Grounds on Sunday with Enock Agwanda notching a hat-trick to add on Ivan Anguyo’s own goal. “I feel happy to have recovered and play a match. It has been tough being out but I feel I can now play full 90 minutes of a competitive match. I’m optimistic that when I get back to the pitch I will be ready to give my best,” Tuyisenge said. The 25-year-old, who skippered Rwanda at the 2016 African Nations Championship and last year’s CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, is yet to feature for the record 15-time champions due to a knee tendon injury he picked while on national duty in February. Tuyisenge’s maiden appearance could not come at a better time especially now that Gor is struggling in the attack. It has not been business as usual for Gor since the departure of Meddie Kagere, Michael Olunga and Ali Abondo, who scored 65 goals between themselves last
Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge (right) in action against an FC Uropa opponent at the Camp Toyoyo during a friendly match yesterday. Tuyisenge’s return to action will give Gor Mahia a big boost as they continue the search for their first league win this season. PHOTO: CAPITAL FM
season, helping Gor defend the title for a third season in a row with an unbeaten record. Gor have scored four goals in eight competitive matches this season and the introduction of Tuyisenge will spur matters for them. New coach Jose Marcello Ferreira has been taking the team through double sessions at their Camp Toyoyo Ground and a win over Kakamega Homeboyz will inspire them put their title defence back on track.
Captain Jerim Onyango has touted Tuyisenge to shine, describing the Rwandese as a goal poacher. “The training has been superb under the new coach and everyone is looking forward to getting the team back on top. He is a very good trainer and I’m optimistic by the time the league resumes, we will have grasped his philosophy and ready to bite again,” Onyango said. MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke
France in emotional return to stadium months after attack France manager Didier Deschamps says the team must “move forward” as they prepare to make an emotional return to the Stade de France. The stadium was one of the targets in the November 2015 attacks on Paris that left 130 people dead. France, who were playing Germany when the attacks took place, return to
the stadium to face Russia on 29 March. “No one can forget what happened, but there’s no need to talk about it,” said former Chelsea midfielder Deschamps. “We lived very emotional moments, all together. Now we must move forward. All safety measures will be taken.” The France and Germany squads both slept at the stadium after the 13
Fans gather at the Stade de France during a friendly match between France and Germany at the stadium last November following a terrorist attack.
November attacks, with the sound of explosions outside clearly audible inside the ground during the game. The 81,338-capacity Stade de France has staged Six Nations rugby union matches - including Saturday’s game when England claimed the Grand Slam - since the attacks. France will host Euro 2016 between 10 June and 10 July, with the Stade de France the venue for the opening match of the tournament between France and Romania. France are away to the Netherlands on Friday before hosting Russia on Tuesday in Paris. Premier League stars dominate the French 23-man squad with Leicester City’s combative midfielder Ng’olo Kante and West Ham’s inform attacker Dimitri Payet both making the cut. Others are Arsenal pair of Oliver Giroud and Laurent Koscienly, Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho, Man City’s Bacary Sagna, Newcastle midfielder Mousa Sissoko, Crystal Palace’s Johan Cabaye, Tottenham’s Hugo Loris and Manchester United’s martial all of whom will link up with other big names in the squad such as Paul Pogba of Juventus and Blaise Matuidi of PSG.
SPORT 15 TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
tuesday, MaRCH 22, 2016 | www.x254.Co
Tuyisenge BoosT for gor mahia
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Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama. Reports indicate he might fail to link up with the team in Guinea Bissau and return to his club’s base in England after he got stranded in Morocco for lack of a connecting flight to the west African country.
Wanyama blow for Kenya’s Stars H
arambee Stars have been hit by more bad news today with reports that Captain Victor Wanyama may fail to link up with the team in Guinea Bissau for their crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier against the host tomorrow. Wanyama who turns out for English Premier League side Southampton was due to link up with the team yesterday evening in Bissau. But reports indicate the midfielder is now stranded in Morocco and may fail to join his teammates due to unavailability of a connecting flight to the West African state. Wanyama now says he is considering flying back to his club’s training base in England before he links up with the team for the return leg this weekend in Nairobi. “I have been here the whole night. There is no option but for me to go back to my training base in Southampton,” Wanyama is quoted by Dimba Sports as having said. “I hope to link up with the boys later – perhaps in the return leg,” he added. Wanyama was an instrumental substitute on Sunday as Southampton rallied from
a 2-0 down in the first half to beat Liverpool 3-2 at the St Mary’s. And it will be a major blow for Stanley Okumbi’s squad which has already lost Wanyama’s midfield partner Teddy Akumu to injury. Akumu who plies his trade with Zambian side Zesco United was hit by an object during his team’s African Champions League clash against host Horoya in Conakry, Guinea on Sunday. The absence of the two leaves the squad with no experienced holding midfielder after Okumbi dropped Gor Mahia’s Collins Okoth who has marshalled the midfield alongside Wanyama over the last two years. The team is now praying that no more misfortune hits especially in the goal keeping department with the Okumbi having travelled with just one goalkeeper against the normal two which is the standard practice. It was hope that first choice keeper Arnold Origi would link up with the squad as was the case with all foreign based layers. But analysts say the travelling party ought to have included two goalkeepers.
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