Life Hacks

   By Wasike Elvis Renowned gospel singer and politician, Reuben Kigame, was arrested by anti-riot police yesterday as he led a group of youths in a protest against the ongoing abductions in Eldoret. The protest, which aimed to draw attention to the rising cases of forced disappearances, saw hundreds of demonstrators march through the streets, calling for justice and the release of abducted youths.The protest quickly turned dramatic when police officers apprehended Kigame and several protesters, frog-marching them to the Central Police Station. Eyewitnesses watched as the group was escorted to the station, while officers removed the protest placards, effectively halting the peaceful demonstration.At the police station, the arrested protesters were briefly detained for about 20 minutes before being released with a stern warning. Authorities insisted the protest had not been sanctioned, citing security concerns as the reason for the intervention. A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the protest had not been pre-notified, and therefore, the police had no obligation to provide security or an escort.Kigame, speaking to the media at Nandi Garden later in the day, condemned the police action, insisting that their demonstration did not require a permit. He expressed frustration with what he termed the “dictatorial” actions of the current government and the increased police brutality. “We demand the immediate release of all the abducted youths and an end to police violence against peaceful protesters,” he said, stressing that the fight would continue until justice prevailed.The protest, which drew significant attention, was part of a larger wave of unrest over alleged police abductions and the treatment of young people in the region. Police forces, aware of potential further unrest, patrolled known hot spots throughout the day, including Zion Mall street and the Eldoret-Nakuru highway, in anticipation of further demonstrations.Kigame’s arrest and the subsequent protest have reignited public debate over human rights, police accountability, and the state of democracy in the country. The situation remains tense as Eldoret residents continue to voice their concerns over the growing number of abductions and what they see as a crackdown on civil liberties.  Read More 

  Bolt, the leading mobility platform in Kenya, has unveiled its Bolt Rewind 2024, showcasing intriguing insights into rider and driver trends globally and in Kenya over the past year. In a shift from 2023, Saturday emerged as the most popular day for Bolt riders in Kenya in 2024, surpassing Friday, which held the top spot last year. Across Kenya, rides frequently began from airports and restaurants, emphasizing Bolt’s role in facilitating convenient travel and dining experiences. A record rider completed 1,477 trips. The top driver completed 8,104 trips, reflecting dedication and the growing demand for Bolt’s services. A remarkable distance of 79.884172 km was recorded for the longest trip taken in Kenya in 2024. Globally, the Bolt Business category showed its growing influence, with the highest number of rides taken in Bangkok, Johannesburg, and Asunción. Businesses predominantly used Bolt on Fridays, with most trips happening between 5 pm and 6 pm, underscoring the platform’s role in supporting professionals in bustling urban centers. Sandra Suzanne Buyole, Bolt Regional PR Manager – Africa said: “As we celebrate the end of 2024, we’d like to thank every one of our customers who took a Bolt trip with us. With this data, we can see how much our services have become part of the urban fabric in Kenya. Together with our 200 million customers and 4.5 million drivers, we look forward to a new year of taking more steps towards our mission to make cities for people, not cars in Kenya.” Bolt’s growth and performance in 2024 underline its commitment to providing reliable, safe, and accessible mobility solutions. The platform continues to empower drivers and enhance rider experiences, contributing to the transformation of urban transportation.   Read More 

  By Wasike Elvis  In a heartfelt ceremony that brought together residents from all corners of Trans Nzoia, Governor George Natembeya today awarded rising athletics star Emmanuel Wanyonyi for his stellar performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Wanyonyi, who made history by winning a silver medal in the men’s 800 meters, was lauded for his dedication, resilience, and the pride he brought to the county and the entire nation.Governor Natembeya, who presided over the event in Kiminini, presented Wanyonyi with a special award, recognizing his outstanding achievements on the international stage. The award ceremony, held at the county headquarters, was attended by local leaders, sports officials, and enthusiastic supporters from across Trans Nzoia, all eager to honor the athlete who has captured their hearts.“Emmanuel’s success is a reflection of the hard work, discipline, and spirit of excellence that we hold dear as a county. His achievements have shown that anyone, no matter where they come from, can rise to the top with determination and focus,” Governor Natembeya remarked during the event. “This award is a token of our pride in him, and we are confident that he will continue to inspire and achieve even greater feats in the future.”Wanyonyi, who is only 20 years old, has become one of the most promising middle-distance runners in the world. His silver medal at the Olympics was a monumental achievement, placing him among the elite athletes in his discipline. The victory has not only put Trans Nzoia on the global map but also reaffirmed Kenya’s dominance in middle-distance running.In his remarks, Wanyonyi expressed deep gratitude for the support he has received from his family, coaches, and the people of Trans Nzoia. “This award is not just for me, it’s for all of us,” he said. “The people of Trans Nzoia believed in me from the start, and their encouragement has been a huge motivation. I promise to continue working hard and to keep making this community proud.”The event also featured a traditional dance performance, celebrating Wanyonyi’s achievements in true Kenyan style. Local youth were encouraged to follow in his footsteps and pursue their dreams in athletics and other fields, taking inspiration from his journey from the fields of Trans Nzoia to the global stage.Wanyonyi’s performance in the 800 meters has sparked a wave of excitement and pride across Kenya, especially among aspiring young athletes. His rise to Olympic success is a powerful reminder of the potential within Kenya’s rural communities and the importance of nurturing and supporting young talent.Governor Natembeya reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting sports development, with plans to invest more in local sports programs and facilities to ensure that future champions like Emmanuel Wanyonyi continue to emerge from Trans Nzoia.  Read More 

   By John Kariuki The President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Faith Odhiambo, has issued a strong statement in response to recent revelations about the state of human rights in Kenya. Speaking on behalf of the legal fraternity and allied organizations, Odhiambo asserted that the President’s pledge to release abducted individuals confirms that the Kenya Police Service is in possession of those who have been reported missing.“The ignorance feigned by the Inspector General must, therefore, come to an end,” she stated. “We call for the immediate release of all those abducted.”Odhiambo emphasized that the LSK and its partners are meticulously documenting acts of aggression and repression against citizens, ensuring accountability for violations of constitutional rights. She reiterated the need for the Kenya Police Service to act in strict compliance with the law and urged the public to report any incidents of police misconduct through established channels provided by the organization.The statement, jointly supported by the Police Reform Working Group – Kenya, Medics for Kenya, and the Law Society of Kenya, underscores the collective resolve to safeguard the rights and freedoms of Kenyans.Faith Odhiambo called on all Kenyans to remain vigilant and report abuses as efforts to demand justice and accountability continue.  Read More 

    St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies is accepting applications for aspiring African medical students for its January 2025 intake. SGU offers rolling admissions across three intakes—January, April, and August—at its True Blue campus in Grenada, giving students the flexibility to choose a start date that best suits their personal and academic schedules. Each intake offers unique benefits, allowing students to tailor their medical course to fit their individual needs. In addition, SGU’s partnership with Northumbria University in Newcastle offers students the flexibility to begin their medical education in the UK with September and January intakes. This partnership merges the strengths of both these institutions, offering a global perspective and access to a more comprehensive medical curriculum. By starting at Northumbria, students benefit from the experience of both Caribbean and UK-based medical systems, equipping them for a successful international medical career.Here are some compelling reasons why enrolling in SGU’s January 2025 intake could be a smart step for your medical career:Get a Jump Start on Your Medical Journey with Early Access to Clinical Rotations – Unlike traditional fall intakes, the January intake allows you to begin your course sooner, helping you complete your program and enter clinical rotations and residencies earlier than your peers, gaining hands-on experience sooner. This early exposure to real-world medical practice builds confidence and provides a competitive advantage when applying for residencies and internships, setting you on a faster path toward a successful medical career.Smaller Class Sizes for Personalized Attention – With a smaller cohort size in January, students benefit from a more personalized academic experience. Greater access to faculty, stronger mentorship opportunities, and a more intimate learning environment help enhance the quality of education and foster deeper connections.More Flexibility for Non-Traditional Students – The January intake is ideal for students who don’t follow a traditional academic timeline. Whether you’ve taken a gap year, are transitioning careers, or have completed an undergraduate study in December, the January intake allows for a smooth transition into medical school without the need for a long break. This ensures continuity in your academic journey and keeps you focused on your career goals.David Anthonisz, Executive Director of International Student Recruitment, SGU, said, “At St. George’s University School of Medicine, we are proud to offer flexible admissions cycles that cater to the needs of students from around the world. Our January intake is designed for those eager to begin their medical education without delay, ensuring they can pursue their ambitions on a timeline that suits them.’’The January intake opens the door to quality medical education experience, allowing students to not only gain comprehensive knowledge and skills but also to become part of a global network of aspiring healthcare professionals. As they advance through their studies at SGU, they will be equipped to face the challenges of modern medicine with confidence and compassion, making meaningful contributions to healthcare systems around the world.For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website  Read More 

   By Wasike Elvis Turkana South MP John Namoit Ariko, alongside eight other co-accused individuals, breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after being granted bail by an Eldoret court. The group, charged with two counts, including the alleged assault of Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s son, was released on a cash bail of KSh 150,000 or a bond of KSh 300,000 each.The accused, who were arrested and charged on Friday, had spent the weekend at Eldoret GK Remand Prison following their appearance before the court for plea-taking. They were charged with assaulting the governor’s son, Nimrod Ekamais Lomorukai, 22, at Cherina’s Homes in Turkana Central Sub-County on April 29, 2024. The accused also faced a second charge of conspiracy to defeat justice. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to both charges.In court, the accused were all smiles when their lawyer, Rarienda MP Otiende Amollo, who is also a prominent constitutional lawyer, made an impassioned plea for their release. Amollo, who represented the group, argued that they were entitled to bail as per their constitutional rights. “It is their right to be granted bond, and we urge the court to uphold this fundamental right,” said Amollo, addressing the court.The accused persons included prominent figures such as Peter Lokutuni, a former member of the Turkana County Assembly; bloggers David Loyopo and Jamostar Silale; local politician Bonfestars Ekale; senior pastor Joseph Elikipan; law enforcement officer Peter Kodet; Sammy Esinyen, a manager at NG-CDF Turkana South; and former MCA James Esinyen.The assault charge alleges that the accused persons, together with others not present in court, inflicted bodily harm on the governor’s son, Nimrod Ekamais Lomokurai. The alleged incident occurred in April, sparking significant public interest in the case due to the involvement of high-profile individuals.During the hearing, Ariko’s lawyer, Otiende Amollo, raised concerns about the jurisdiction of the case, questioning why it was being heard in Eldoret rather than Turkana, where the incident allegedly took place. “We are surprised that the case was brought here to Eldoret for trial when it occurred in Turkana. This is a matter of local jurisdiction,” Amollo remarked.The defense lawyer also expressed concerns about the involvement of State Counsel Mark Mugun in the case, questioning his presence despite being transferred to Kitale by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. “We do not understand what interest State Counsel Mugun has in this case, given his transfer to Kitale,” Amollo pointed out.In response, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Mugun, maintained that the case would proceed in Eldoret, and that all necessary steps were being taken in line with legal procedures.Principal Magistrate Cheronoh Kesses, after hearing the arguments, granted the bail applications and set the next mention of the case for January 20, 2024.The decision to release the accused on bail came as a relief to the accused and their supporters, who had gathered outside the court. The case has continued to attract attention due to the involvement of high-profile political and religious figures from Turkana County, and the public eagerly awaits further developments.  Read More 

   This morning, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, visited the Eldoret Main Prison and the Eldoret Women Prison to assess the conditions of inmates and evaluate the infrastructure needs of these two critical facilities. His visit aimed to highlight the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of both inmates and prison officers across the country.During his tour, CS Murkomen was briefed on the various educational, vocational, and correctional programs being implemented within the prisons. He was particularly impressed by the efforts to rehabilitate inmates through these initiatives, which focus on equipping them with skills that will aid their reintegration into society once they complete their sentences.“I am deeply encouraged by the progress that is being made in the correctional programs here. Education and vocational training are central to the rehabilitation process, and it is reassuring to see such initiatives taking root in these facilities,” Murkomen stated. He also shared the festive season cheer with the officers and inmates, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and hope during this time of year.CS Murkomen acknowledged that over the years, numerous reforms have been recommended to enhance the efficiency of the prison system and improve the living conditions of both inmates and officers. However, he noted that some of these reforms remain pending.One of the significant initiatives he discussed was the expansion of the government’s Affordable Housing Program to include the Kenya Prisons Service. “We recognize that the welfare of prison officers and inmates is crucial. As part of our broader efforts to improve the quality of life for our people, we are extending the Affordable Housing Program to our prisons. This will ensure that both inmates and officers live in better conditions,” Murkomen explained.The Cabinet Secretary also addressed the issue of the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) and the delays in the implementation of its recommendations. He expressed concern over the long waiting periods for individuals recommended for pardon and promised to take action. “I am aware of the challenges surrounding the timely release of individuals who qualify for pardons. I will engage with the Attorney General to expedite the process, ensuring that those who have earned their release are not unduly delayed,” he stated.Murkomen’s visit to the Eldoret prisons comes at a time when the government is looking to implement comprehensive reforms within the justice system, with a focus on improving the living conditions for all involved. His commitment to addressing these issues reflects a broader vision of a more rehabilitative and humane prison system.As the festive season continues, CS Murkomen’s message of hope and reform resonates, underscoring the importance of creating a system that serves the public interest while ensuring fairness, dignity, and rehabilitation for all.  Read More