Manchester United wins Carabao Cup

 

Manchester United have won the 2022/23 Carabao Cup by beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the final at Wembley on SundayNewcastle started on the front foot but it was United that took the lead in the 35th minute when Luke Shaw floated a beautiful free kick in from the left-hand side and Brazilian Casemiro was on hand to head home.

Marcus Rashford doubled the lead just four minutes later when he was played in by Wout Weghorst and the England international saw his effort deflect off of Sven Botman up and over Loris Karius in the Newcastle goal.

After the break, Newcastle drove forward in an attempt to get themselves back in the game but time and time again the United rearguard was on hand to thwart their attempts.United remained a threat on the counter however and the Magpies had Karius to thank for keeping the score at 2-0 when he saved well from Rashford.

Despite the efforts of Eddie Howe's team to force their way back into the match in the last 20 minutes, United were able to keep them at arm's length and nearly made it 3-0 but Bruno Fernandes was thwarted by Karius in injury time.

It is Manchester United's first trophy since 2017 when they beat Ajax to win the Europa League and is also Erik ten Hag's first trophy since he joined the club as manager in the summer.

Supporters of the Red Devils will now be hoping that this team can use this success as a platform to kick on and bring more glory back to Old Trafford.

Raila: Western countries can stop me from traveling there if they want

 Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has said he is not afraid of being banned from visiting any country overseas as long as they agree with the fact that Kenya’s problems must be fixed by Kenyans.

He said calls by Kenya Kwanza to the West and allied countries to ban him from stepping foot in their countries are acts of cowardice and mere hot air.

Speaking in Kitale town on Sunday, Mr Odinga said he doesn’t care if he will be banned from visiting any overseas country as is being agitated by the President William Ruto administration.  

“Article 34 of the Constitution gives Kenyans the freedom to express themselves and to picket and we shall fight for our rights whether they like it or not,” he said.

He told Western countries not to listen to such calls and that they should first ask themselves if those making such calls are legitimately in power.

IEBC servers

“Why are they afraid of having the IEBC servers opened? They know what is in those servers and the truth is we won the election free and square” he said.

He said his main objective is to have electoral injustices ended and ensure the will of the people is respected.

“We respect our friendly countries. We have had and shall continue having a cordial relationship with our friends, but they should also know that our internal affairs must be dealt with by ourselves,” he added.

He vowed not to back down until his victory is given back to him. This comes after President Ruto’s administration said it wants the West to impose sanctions, including a travel ban, against the opposition leader over his calls for mass action and rejection of his election win.

Destabilising the government

Legislators and politicians allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration have revealed a raft of actions that they want the United States, the United Kingdom and western countries to take against Mr Odinga, whom they accuse of destabilising the government.

Similar travel and economic restrictions have in the past proved to be effective in softening political hardliners who fear losing access to their overseas investments and access to advanced healthcare.

The government wants Mr Odinga banned from travelling to friendly Western nations should he proceed with his plans for mass action intended to force President Ruto out of office.

Mr Odinga has previously staged mass protests that have paralysed economic activity and caused loss of lives, forcing sitting governments into power-sharing negotiations, ceding ground to policy and legal reforms, as well as creating room for negotiated political solutions.

Mr Odinga on Wednesday announced that he will lead mass protests in 14 days if the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition’s demands for changes in the formula for choosing Independent IEBC members and lowering the cost of living are not honoured by the government.

CS Kuria to help China Square owner set up a factory, partner with local traders

 

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Moses Kuria has announced that he will help Lei Cheng, the owner of China Square, set up a manufacturing facility in Kenya and develop a distribution alliance with merchants from Gikomba, Nyamakima, Eastleigh, Kamukunji, Muthurwa, and River Road.tt

The announcement comes after the CS had previously declared that he had given Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina of Kenyatta University the chance to purchase China Square’s lease and give it to neighborhood who had been criticizing China Square’s selling of inexpensive imported items.

“I’ve today given an offer to Prof. Wainaina the VC Kenyatta Uni to buy out the lease for China Square, Unicity Mall & hand it over to the Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa and Eastleigh Traders Association,” Kuria said.

According to Kuria, Kenya welcomes Chinese investors as manufacturers rather than traders.

On Saturday, the CS also lay blame on former Interior CS Fred Matiangi questioning why he issued work permits to Chinese traders.Cheng, on the other hand told Nation.Africa that he is unconcerned by Kuria’s outburst and only wonders what all the fuss is about.

“My business is legal and is centred on healthy competition. We have cooperated with all government directives for opening a business in Kenya and we are here to break the monopoly. The people who are fighting us feel threatened because Kenyans now know we exist and we are not exploiting them in pricing,” Cheng told Nation.

Cheng said he smelled a business opportunity after visiting Kenya. He argues that his company strategy is approachable and appealing to many Kenyans who, although having low incomes, struggle with the high cost of living.

China Square said it would be temporarily closing shop today (Sunday, Feb 26) to consider cooperation with local traders with an aim to better integrate itself with the community.

The mega supermarket is a recently opened store at the Unicity Mall near Kenyatta University that offers inexpensive Chinese items.

Although it has attracted a lot of clients, some Kenyan traders have complained about how it is undercutting them.

Raila Odinga: My African Union expenses were paid by Nepad

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has denied claims that taxpayer money was used to finance his activities as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development.Mr Odinga yesterday said all his expenses during his tenure were borne directly by the African Union, via the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), and partly by himself.

In a letter, he further rejected claims by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa that he had an office in Nairobi, courtesy of his AU role, that was being fully financed by taxpayers to the tune of Sh600 million annually

“Throughout his tenure in the aforesaid capacity, our client was hosted at the Raila Odinga Secretariat—the premises he has used since 2012. There are no known premises in the Republic of Kenya established for the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa,” said Mr Odinga’s legal team.

The AU Commission directed the Sunday Nation to Mr Odinga’s office to share details of his tenure while he was in office. “H.E Odinga was High representative for the past four years, and if you want to know about his tenure now that it has ended, kindly approach his office if they wish to share those details,” National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed said that at no point have they passed a budget in Parliament with allocations to the African Union. “Any claim made must be followed by facts and figures. We have had budgets in the last 10 years and I have never seen the allocation Mr Ichungwa is talking about. Maybe he is confusing money going to his Kikuyu constituency for AU,” he said.

Nominated MP and ODM chairman John Mbadi also came to the defence of Mr Odinga, terming Mr Ichung’wa’s remarks reckless and not grounded in facts.

Mr Mbadi, who served in the Budget and Appropriation Committee when Mr Ichungwa was the chairman of the powerful panel, said at no time did they appropriate any money to Mr Odinga’s AU office. “Someone who has been the chairman of Budget and now Majority leader should know this better and should not be careless in his remarks,” the lawmaker said.

The former Minority leader said Mr Ichungwa is confusing the perks that Mr Odinga enjoys courtesy of having served as the former Prime Minister with his role at the AU.“Raila did not have any AU office in Nairobi, he has his private office in Capitol Hill which should be financed by taxpayers courtesy of the law. Either Ichungwa is confused or he does not know what he is saying,” Mr Mbadi told the Sunday Nation.“Budgets line presented and are clearly appropriated and no time did I see any allocation to the special envoy to AU,” he added.

He clarified that the amount paid to AU by Kenya as a subscription is paid by all other countries who are members of the outfit whether you have a special envoy or not.

“Someone who has been the chairman of budget and now majority leader should know this one better and should not be careless in his remarks and bring honour to that office,”

“Raila’s office as the former Prime Minister needs to be financed because that is the law but it has been a problem and even if it’s being financed, I doubt it is to the tune of Sh600 million as Mr Ichungwa puts it,” Mr Mbadi said.

Under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act No. 11 of 2003 for retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the officers are entitled to fuel, travel expenses, a fully furnished office, entertainment allowances, and wages for his employees.

Famous Tik Toker Baba Mona, Daughter and Two Sisters Perish in a Road Accident

 

Famous Tik Toker Baba Mona, his young daughter and two sisters have died in a road accident.The Tik Tok star was dropping off his sisters to school when the personal car they were in got involved in a car crash.

According to information provided by a close friend identified as Leonard Ochieng, Baba Mona was headed to Awasi but the car had a crash in Londian"Their vehicle got involved in a crash when they were near Londiani. He was headed to Awasi to drop off his two sisters before coming to returning Kisumu. He had charged me with booking for him an Airbnb which he was to stay in while in Kisumu."

In his last video on TikTok, he was advising kenyans to adjust their lifestyle due to the harsh economic times.He asked any kenyan who can afford three meals currently to thank God because most people do not take three meals in Kenya.

He requested his viewers to adjust by getting a cheaper house,take children to affordable schools and reduce luxurious things and urged families to stick together.

May their souls rest in peace

Manchester United Beats Barcelona 2:1

 

Europa League: Manchester United have continued their impressive run at Old Trafford after they beat Spanish giants Barcelona at Old Trafford to knock them out of the competition, while there were wins for Juventus and AS Roma as well .

Manchester United came from behind to beat Barcelona in the Europa League R16 Playoff as they got the better of the Spanish giants by 2-1 on the night and 4-3 on the aggregate. Goals from Fred and Anthony were enough for the Red Devils to cancel out Robert Lewandowski’s opening goal in the second half as they now look forward to the R16. In other games, Italian powerhouse Juventus and Roma also won their respective matches to book a place in the R16.

Two bandits arrested after daring attack on KDF at Kainuk

 

Daring bandits continue staging attacks in Turkana and Baringo counties despite the ongoing security operation to mop up illegal firearms in the restive region.In a brazen Wednesday evening attack, dozens of bandits ambushed Kenya Defense Forces and police officers in Kainuk and engaged them in a fierce shoot-out. However, the security officers managed to repulse the armed bandits.

Confirming the incident, Rift Valley regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan revealed that at least two bandits have been arrested in Kainuk, following the attack.

"On Wednesday heavily armed bandits attempted to ambush KDF and police who are currently conducting a security operation in Kainuk, Turkana South. However, the bandits were repulsed," revealed Dr Abdi,who addressed the press at his office in Nakuru.

"We have been able to arrest two bandits in Turkana following the incident and security officers also recovered one firearm," he added.

Tension is still high at Kainuk town near the border of Turkana and West Pokot Counties after residents spotted armed bandits suspected to be on a revenge mission after they were repulsed by KDF and police officers near the bridge.

Locals suspect the bandits are regrouping in their numbers after some of them were either killed, injured or their firearms are taken away during the Wednesday encounter with police and soldiers at Kainuk bridge.

Ms Shirleen Akolong, a trader said that the bandits were by 11 am still gathering at Amolem village, which they usually occupy after they forcefully displaced residentsand in between River Malimalite and the lower side of the town that has a thicket.

"We are in great fear as we have never spotted such a big group of armed bandits," Ms Akolong said.

On Wednesday, the town remained deserted as police officers and KDF soldiers came in contact with bandits near the bridge and at Amolem village.

County Commissioner Jacob Ouma said that the multi-agency security team on usual patrol targeting any civilian brandishing illegal firearm came into contact with the daring bandits.

Kainuk residents said that before the operation began, the bandits and livestock traders from neighboring West Pokot County would either roam freely in town and villages, but at the moment it is not easy to spot one.

AU terminates Raila’s role as High Representative for Infrastructure Development

 

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s mandate as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development has come to an end.

The announcement was made in a letter from the African Union Commission president Moussa Faki, dated February 19.

In his letter, Faki commended Odinga for his leadership in leveraging infrastructure as a key priority in the continent, stating that his role in the journey has been invaluable. Raila’s term ended as the NEPAD Agency prepared to take full charge of the docket.

“The transformation of the NEPAD Agency to the African Union Development Agency has now been completed, with a full mandate to implement the Continental agenda on infrastructure,” Faki said.

He added, “Your role in this journey, Excellency, has been invaluable. Allow me to express my profound gratitude for accepting to serve in this role during the transition period, which has now come to a happy conclusion.”

Raila Odinga was appointed to the position in October 2018, as part of the African Union’s drive to expedite the integration of the continent through infrastructure, in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development.

During his tenure, Raila focused on the missing links along the transnational highway corridors identified as part of the Trans-African Highways Network, with a view to facilitating their development and modernization.

He also paid particular attention to the continental high-speed train, which is one of the flagship projects of the First Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063.

The African Union’s focus on infrastructure development remains a key priority, and the organization will undoubtedly continue to work towards improving the lives of Africans through improved access to infrastructure.

“This decision is part of the African Union’s drive to expedite the integration of the continent through infrastructure, in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development,” Faki said.

“He will also support the Commission and NEPAD initiatives to encourage increased commitment from development partners.”

Millers demand yellow maize as shortage bites

 

To address the severe grain scarcity and protect customers from rising flour and other food prices, millers have petitioned the government to enact a number of measures, including permitting yellow maize to be processed for consumption. The government should remove restrictions on cross-border trade, according to the millers, and allow for an unlimited flow of grains into the nation. According to them, the six million bags of white maize now on hand can only be used for two months.

Consumers are having a hard time with rising commodities prices. Should the situation continue, putting these suggestions into practice will help to contain the rising costs of commodities based on wheat and maize, the companies claimed in their plea.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) regulations should be reviewed to permit yellow maize to be used as food, according to the millers, who met with President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua on January 23. This recommendation came after it became clear that importing 10 million bags of white maize would take longer than anticipated due to low stocks on the global market.

Additionally, the businesses urge the government to remove import duties on wheat in an effort to lower consumer costs and harmonize cess and levy requirements across counties. The millers claim that in order to relieve pressure on white maize and lower the price of animal feeds, the duty waiver on yellow maize needs to be extended for another six months.

In their advice to the government, the millers stated that "it is also crucial that the government introduce FX allocations for those in the food industry, as is happening in the petroleum sector." Since it appears that it would take a while until the 10 million bags of imported duty-free grains arrive in the country, maize prices are predicted to stay high.

The millers want to import maize, which will raise the price of flour by Sh6,000 per 90kg bag compared to Sh4,800 on the local market. The 10 million bags of duty-free corn were supposed to be accessible this month, but the Ministry of Agriculture reports that this will not be the case.

Due to logistical issues, such as the delayed choice of the importers, "we expect the duty-free maize to arrive in Kenya early next month," Crop Development Principal Secretary Kello Harsama stated. Between February and August, the ministry permitted importers to bring in 900,000 tonnes of duty-free white maize and 600,000 tonnes of duty-free milled rice.

"This will make it possible for the nation to have enough supplies to last until the following harvest in July or August. White maize and milled rice imported by August 6 will be eligible for the tariff remission, according to a notice from the State Department for Crop Development. Thirty businesses have received government approval to import maize, but none have done so. Other traditional suppliers of maize, such as Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, and Ethiopia don't have any supplies save South Africa.

According to estimates, the nation produces 3.2 million tonnes of maize per year, compared to a consumption of 3.8 million tonnes. Normal imports from East Africa Community (EAC) members are used to close the imbalance. With a 2.4 million tonne yearly need for wheat, the nation imports a lot of its 100,000 tonne annual production.

Kenya imports 60% of its shortfall, primarily from Russia and Ukraine. The supply chain has been hampered by the existing conditions in the two nations. Players in the market have therefore resorted to pricey wheat from the US, Argentina, Australia, and Canada, raising their operational costs, according to the millers.

Prices for 90kg bags of maize increased by 47% from Sh2,850 in 2021 to Sh4,200 in 2022. Persistent drought and fewer visitors from EAC member states were blamed for the problem.

A 19 Year Old Italian Proposes to His 76 Year Old 'Soul Mate'

Giuseppe D'Anna, a 19-year-old Italian, shocked his 3 million TikTok fans and his 120k Instagram followers when he posted a video with his 76-year-old rich 'fiancée,' Milina Gatta. When the couple revealed their relationship in May 2022, the information quickly went viral.

The Italian man showed his followers the moment he knelt down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. He also posted a picture of an exquisite ring. And this is just the first installment in a lengthy series, he added.

Although the video generated thousands of encouraging responses, not every viewer wished the pair luck.

Online trolls made fun of the boy, saying he was seeing his great-great-grandmother mainly so he could get a Playstation 5. Some admirers believed he was pursuing her against her will, with one saying: "Oh she rich... We are all aware of his motivation.

We are 56 years apart, but love transcends all barriers, the young man responded by releasing a video and insisting it was pure love. Due of their age difference, the pair was also covered by the regional Italian media. Recently, the 19-year-old male announced that they are expecting a child.

It's important to understand that age caps may not always be legal or enforceable. In many countries, it's illegal to discriminate against someone based on their age. This means that even if you have an age cap for your partner, you may not be able to legally enforce it.

It's also important to consider the societal norms surrounding age and relationships. While age differences between partners are becoming less stigmatized, some people may still view relationships where there is a significant age difference with skepticism or disapproval. It's important to be aware of these attitudes and to be prepared to deal with any negativity or judgment that may come your way.Finally, it's important to keep an open mind and to be willing to consider partners who may not meet your initial criteria. Love can sometimes surprise us, and it's possible that you may find a partner who is older or younger than you initially envisioned, but who is still an amazing match for you.

In conclusion, having an age cap for your partner is a personal decision, but it's important to consider all the potential implications and to keep an open mind when it comes to love and relationships.

A 19 Year Old Italian Proposes to His 76 Year Old 'Soul Mate'