Four Confirmed in ICC Verdict


Anxiety and prayer as Kenyans await ICC ruling



It was a day of prayer on Sunday for some of the six Kenyans who will on Monday learn whether they will be committed to stand trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (IC
And leaders across the country called for calm ahead of the ICC ruling as Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti said adequate security measures had been put in place. (READ: Kenya pledges adequate security after ICC ruling)
Anxiously awaiting the decision of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber are Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Eldoret North MP William Ruto, suspended Cabinet minister Henry Kosgey, Postmaster-General Hussein Ali, public service head Francis Muthaura and radio presenter Joshua arap Sang.
The verdict will be made public at 1.30pm East African Time. (READ: How ICC will 

Eldoret North MP William Ruto during the church service at St 
Patrick's Catholic Church in Burnt Forest on January 22, 2012. 
Photo/JARED NYATAYA
Eldoret North MP William Ruto during the church service at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Burnt Forest on January 22, 2012. Photo/JARED NYATAYA
In Eldoret, Mr Ruto said the much-awaited ruling would be a defining moment, but one that should not be used to threaten peace and stability.
“We made a commitment that nobody will ever take arms against another Kenyan and it is this promise that will be demonstrated whatever the outcome of the ICC ruling will be,” he said.
Mr Ruto was speaking at a thanksgiving service at St Patrick’s Catholic Church at Burnt Forest in Uasin Gishu County.
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Burnt Forest bore the brunt of the 2007/2008 post-election violence in which more than 1,000 people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands were run out of their homes.
The United Republican Party (URP) founder said his quest for the presidency was still on course. (READ: Uhuru and Ruto: ICC ruling will not stop us)
Mr Ruto was accompanied by assistant minister and Marakwet East MP Linah Kilimo, Keiyo South MP Jonathan Kiptanui, Mosop MP David Koech and Eldoret East MP Peris Simam. Mr Ruto was later scheduled to address youth at the Eldoret Town Hall.
Speaking in Nyamira on Sunday, Mr Kenyatta urged Kenyans to remain calm even if the cases are confirmed.
The Deputy Prime Minister was attending a homecoming party for re-elected Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati.
Hata kama tunangoja hii mambo ya kesho, nataka Wakenya wajue kwamba yatapita na tutaendelea (Even if we are waiting for the outcome of these things tomorrow (Monday), I want Kenyans to know that it will come and pass and we will continue)”.
Mr Kenyatta asked Kenyans to maintain peace. “Kenyans should reject leaders who are out to divide them along tribal lines,” he added.

103 Government of Kenya websites hacked overnight

http://www.mwakilishi.com/sites/default/files/hacker.jpg
An Indonesian hacker on Tuesday attacked and defaced more than 100 Kenya government websites in a major cyber security breach.
The hacker, referred to as Direxer, broke into the sites and defaced them to show that he had managed to access them.
The websites included those of various government ministries, departments and local authorities. (READ: Some of the sites that were affected)
Notable sites affected included the ministries of Finance, Education, Public Health, Youth Affairs, National Heritage and Roads; as well as sensitive departments such as Administration Police, Immigration, Prisons and various city, municipal and county councils.
By Tuesday night, E-Government officials had shut down some of the sites as they tried to establish how the hacker managed to access them.
They were also working to guard against a repeat attack. The hacker claimed his “mark” on them, by defacing the front pages of the websites.
When opened, the website had the hacker’s name on it, with a message, and a song playing in the background, referring to his “victory”.
“We are making every effort within our resources to restore the websites and protect them from future attacks,” E-Government Directorate secretary Katherine Getao told the Nation.

Returned connection error
Dr Getao added that the directorate was capable of handling the restoration, saying that the hacking was a low level attack that did not warrant involvement of the Cyber Incidence Response Team based at the Communications Commission of Kenya.
Attempts by the Nation to log in to the affected websites returned a connection error reading:
“The gateway could not receive a timely response from the website you are trying to access.
“This might indicate that the network is congested, or that the website is experiencing technical difficulties.”
While others simply returned a “website could not be found” error. However, other sites were opening normally.
The hacker is part of an online Indonesian security forum known as Forum Code Security.

Keeping Up With The Timberlakes: Esther Arunga And Timberlake Are Back


You must admit, at some point you wondered what happened to the "crazy duo" of Esther Arunga and Timberlake. Well, wonder no more for they are back, and with a bang.
A string of "gutter" blogposts posted on CNN's iReport website have captured the attention of Kenyans who would do anything to find out about the train wreck that is Arunga and Timberlake.
We call them gutter because they are unverified by CNN.
The first one was that Arunga is coming back on TV with a salary of close to a million shillings.
"Now rumors are spreading on Kenyan streets that former TV news queen could be coming back to a local TV station with a bang. She is soon to go air on Ksh 930,000 a month," reads the post. "News that Esther Timberlake (nee Arunga) is joining a local TV station on Ksh 930,000 shillings a month  shines the spotlight on how far media owners in Kenya are willing to go to win/retain viewers and advertisers."
The second story was a sensational one on Timberlake. It says that former ODM advisor on coalition affairs Miguna Miguna is threatening to write a "tell all" book on how the former news anchor attempts to leave her husband Quincy Timberlake.
"Mr Odinga, in conjunction with her parents put her through that ordeal in order to abandon Quincy Timberlake in marriage. This is because Esther was to be forcefully married within the ODM circles and to be kept as a loyal asset and weapon for 2012 General Elections," read part of the 1765 word story that was posted by @Sydneynews on January 6th but reads like pure propaganda. It seems to give Timberlake a lot of mileage even equating him to a freedom fighter.
Esther's influence, continues the story, was to be used as an ODM tool for “pied piper” purposes in the media.
"According to Miguna, Timberlake is a very big upcoming threat in Nyanza politics because of his unique daring nature against the establishment of an Odinga dynasty," reads the story. "His freeness of speech is a special concern at the PM's office. PM has severally used his aides to consult Timberlake, but with vanity results. Who doesn't know that Timberlake has been maltreated in the form a freedom fighter??" It must be said, the grammar and the tone of the post reminds us of the man in a shiny suit.

Why Kenyans do it better

Kajairo's Show Canned?


 SMH!Rejoice all ye who were not impressed with "Kajairo's musical comedy show". It appears your prayers were heard and answered.
Yesterday, the show did not air and word out is the management received a lot of negative feedback about it with many saying it was bringing the station's quality down.
The show ran for a month and we doubt if there is anybody out there who will miss it.
Kajairo of the music remix fame this week hosted his own show the Kajairo show. Zile old problems that dog the show industry haunted him mbaya! poor organisation, bad lighting, unclear sound marred the show from the beginning. What pisses me most is how guys in "Twirra" hated on this fella with their pathetic updates!!  Kajairo needs encouragement not kuingiliwa!!!
However on Facebook, he said the show will be back!

Nancy Baraza Fiasco

Nancy Baraza saga is just not going away. Some people have decided to immortalize her with action packed photo shopped images.  Here are some of the photo shopped Nancy Baraza images doing rounds on the internet.

















The guard said Ms Baraza ignored the security desk – at which all people entering the mall are frisked – before going to various shops.
The guard told the police that she told Ms Baraza that she was to be frisked but she walked away.
Things got out of hand, the report says, when the deputy chief justice finished her shopping.
She went to the car before coming back to the security guard and threatened to shoot her, the report says, if she persisted in what Ms Baraza is alleged to have termed as humiliating her.
‘Unfortunate’
The Commissioner of Police, Mathew Iteere, has confirmed the investigation.
Ms Baraza has described the alleged incident as “unfortunate” but said she would not comment more since the matter was being investigated by the police.
Security has been tightened in all public places since Kenya invaded Somalia in October to kick out al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab fighters.
Kenya blamed the Somalia-based militants for bomb attacks and kidnappings.
There has been a string of recent attacks in Kenya, the latest one targeting New Year’s Day revellers in Garissa, North Eastern Province, in which five people were killed.
It is now common practice in Kenya for people to be frisked or be scanned with metal detectors before they are allowed in shops, theatres and even places of prayer.

Bracing for 2012 takeover

As the New Year fill beautiful days with glowing joyous spirit in many a music fans heart, it is business unusual in showbiz. Top local stars are falling over themselves performing while the new acts get set to break out in studios. STEVENS MUENDO unveils musicians to look out for this year
Away from the pomp and wild celebrations, that ushered the New Year, fast-rising hip-hop act Octopizzo remained caged in his little studio. The rapper was fine tuning and brushing up his yet-to-be released new singles, Octo-Montana and Bila Sonko — two controversial rap songs.
"I couldn’t just wait for 2012. This is my year. Let us see who springs out with the first hit and get this game on," said the Kibera-bred hit maker. He exuded confidence that indeed he is the star to watch this year.
Octopizzo is breathing new lease of life in the showbiz arena, showcasing rare lyrical genius and clever word-play. The underground star can no longer be wished away.
"I am here to spearhead a lyrical revolution in the underground and commercial showbiz game. My music addresses issues in the political and social scene. I call it Edu-tainment," Octopizzo explains.
And Octopizzo is not alone in claiming a breakthrough this year.
On New Year’s Eve, Angela Ndambuki aka Rabbo of Tattuu, also spent half the day in studio. She was penning her new Ogopa Deejays single expected to hit the airwaves in a few months.
Her debut solo effort Nipe Nafasi (featuring Frasha), released five months ago, is gaining ground in local showbiz charts.
"This is my big solo artiste breakthrough year. For the first time, I am without my fellow Tattuu pals. I want to affirm my presence in showbiz charts and shows. This is something I had wanted to do for years," says Angie.
Indeed, the showbiz revolution sweeping across Africa with fresh acts dislodging old guards has finally reached Kenya.
New artistes sprouted towards the end of last year with irresistible charm that even the old stars could not assume their arrival. The likes of Size 8, Avril, Kendi, Octopizzo, Rabbit, Camp Mulla and BMF claimed their stake while some big names fell on the wayside. And unlike the usual time frame of five years when new acts sprout out new acts, they are here to takeover the industry.
Size 8If going freelance has ever worked for any artiste in Kenya, then that would be sassy singer Size 8. She left Calif Records mid-last year due to differences between her and the stable. Ironically, Size 8’s star shone brighter when she was expected to go down. The release of her new single Fire ignited her energetic presence in the showbiz industry and as the year came to a close, she was rated the most popular newcomer in the showbiz industry. She has four new tracks set for release and yes, it’s game on to her rivals.
RabbitThis is yet another hip-hop rapper to watch this year. The Sneed Music signed-up rapper burst into the limelight last year with hits like Tales of Kaka Sungura, Dodoma (featuring Harry Kimani), Prodigal Son and Jam Nakam. His genius lyrical flare gives him an edge against many newcomers and more so his great new work, which has a team of professionals advising and working for him. His 17-track album, complete with documentary inserts, is set for launch in April.
"My music is mature and on point. This is the year of the Rabbit," he adds.
KendiShe is the new hot thing from Calif who has everyone talking. She has now won the tag name, The Calif Diva. Having made her debut two years ago as Mejja’s back-up singer in the hit single Mwanisema, Kendi went ahead to release Wasiwasi and Kuwa na Wewe (featuring Ala-C). The two ballads gave Kendi a face and after releasing Nipe Boy (featuring Jimw@t) in October last year, the chocolate girl is now enjoying her breakthrough. Many argue that Kendi is headed to showbiz stardom.
"The last quarter of of last year was great for me. Since August, I was booked for concerts every weekend. This means fans are now embracing my music. This year looks promising as it is the year I plan to launch my debut album," Kendi remarks.
"I have yet to release singles featuring Sana (Sanaipei Tande), Jua Cali and Mejja. I am now in studio working on more music, some of which will feature Kenrazy and Habida. It will be a matter of good timing as I launch each in the coming months. It is my year of musical triumph," she asserts.
Vanika Vanika was the latest showbiz name to emerge last year after Pulse discovered her recording her debut single at Homeboyz studios. The well-endowed songstress with a powerful vocal prowess is set for breakthrough. Besides having great singing talent, Vanika has a full managerial and marketing team. When she sings Wife Material in her yet to be released single, you will be sure that our judgment is right. The Wife Material video will be out in March ahead of her debut album launch set for August.
Ala-CAfter staying under the shadows in Calif Studios working under popular stars, Ala-C has finally come out of his shell. After releasing, Kuwa na Wewe (featuring Kendi) last year, the versatile singer released Wapi Nimuone on Christmas Day, a club song whose video is set to be launched this month. Ala-C and C-So are the new faces to watch from the reputable Calif Entertainment stable.
"I don’t want to pre-empt anything now. I have worked on several collabos with a number of stars and 2012 is looking good. Watch this space," he observes.
Kevoh YoutHe is the new face of gospel reggae and dancehall music. And yes, he is prodigiously talented. Kevoh Yout launched his debut album, Determination in November and is now set to reap from his many years of labour.
"My messages are simply inspirational and encouraging, and in many ways prophetic. I view my songs as sermons with beats. Think of songs like Ghetto Prophecy and Determination, that address the harsh conditions in the ghetto, the Mtaa Mentality they end up with and encouraging them that they can make it, or urging guys to be focused in their walk with God, it’s all about trying to uplift people," Kevoh Yout explains.
AvrilBesides Angela Ndambuki, Avril and Marya are the other two divas Ogopa Deejays is expected to cash on this year. So there goes Avril once again, not only coming to Chokoza your 2012 but also destined to assert her presence as one of the successful secular singers in the country.
Avril is talented and versatile. She is working with one of the top recording stables in the country. She is easily lovable and enjoys a massive fanbase. With over three new hit songs waiting to hit the airwaves, we can only wish the best for Avril this year.
Victor Mbuvi and Kris E BabaGiven a chance to put my money on any gospel male artiste this year I would bank on two people; Kriss E Baba and Victor Mbuvi. In an overcrowded industry dominated by a few men (Daddy Owen, Juliani, Jimmy Gait and Ringtone), Victor Mbuvi and Kriss E Baba waded their way through the murky waters last year and left a lasting impression with their hit singles Kwata Kawaya and E Baba respectively.
Their styles stand out. Mbuvi is versatile and cuts through two worlds as he blends his native Kamba lyrics with sizzling modern beats. His two new singles, Mutui Museo and Meko ma Ngwatanio are set to be released soon.
Camp Mulla and BMFThey represen the face of new urban music in Kenya. Camp Mulla boasts of great skills rarely matched by any other rap group in the local music scene. Their debut album launch late last year with hit singles Party Don’t Stop announced their arrival as the group to watch this year. Their swagger and lyrical prowess can only be compared to that one of gospel hot kids BMF, the group expected to lead the revolution in the gospel music scene this year.
courtesy of  standardmedia