KENYA: Eric Latiff Biography: Age, Education, Career, Presidential Debate

Latiff is a seasoned broadcaster and journalist with over twenty years of experience as a media personality in radio, TV and digital. He was one of the moderators of the Presidential debate, working alongside Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara.

Here is his story as told by WoK.

Age

56-year-old Eric Latiff was born on August 17th, 1965 in Kenya.

Education

Eric joined the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) in South B, Nairobi in 1998. He studied as a Telecommunications Engineer and later graduated.

Career Background

But just like many other journalists, Latiff has a different career background from journalism. He first trained as a Telecommunications Engineer at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) between 1995 and 1998.

He first dipped his toes in media when he was part of the founding team led by Rose and David Kimotho in 2006 to launch K24. He oversaw the station come to life through its modular news concept.

He later joined the Standard Media Group (SMG) as a prime-time news anchor on KTN in April 2006. While at KTN, he spent six years sub-editing news bulletins, presenting, conducting live and recorded interviews, program design and implementation and news content production at the station.

Fast forward to 2019, Latiff joined Spice FM in 2019 when it was launched by the SMG. He was named as one of the hosts of The Situation Room, an uninterrupted morning talk show on Kenyan radio focusing on political commentary and insights about the state of the nation.

Personal Endeavors

Other than his radio and TV career, Latiff also runs two digital agencies. These are Zeze Digital, a data-driven marketing, advertising and training agency and Zeze Tunes, a digital video content aggregator, digital rights manager and distribution firm.

Services at the agencies include Corporate Digital Media Training, Digital Strategy, Digital Solutions Design and Build, Google Adwords, Facebook Advertising, Digital Media Buying and Social Media Management, among others.

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KENYA: PROPHESY OF THE SUN | TOM MBOYA'S THOUGHT

 Steve Okoth

  · July 23 at 1:34 AM  · 

TOM MBOYA

PROPHESY OF THE SUN | MBOYA'S THOUGHT

We all must love the song "Thuon ok ru".

Odera Akang'o, Ruoth of Central Nyanza in the colonial 1910s, sang the song when he was being led to his slaughter by the white men.

The king lost his temper with the incessant and unquenchable demands for more troops from Luos during the heat if World War 1.

Luos had committed in an earlier "Ogirmiti" (Agreement) with the British 1904/5 to provide personnel to the administration.

The British later betrayed Luos and contrived the deal that our people should send sons to the unknown the war in unknown lands.

Rwoth Akang'o thoroughly whipped a British District Commissioner in violent disagreement to a disrespectful episode.

The oppressive colonialists then sent their army to arrest, imprison, torture and kill our King.

Till this sad date, his body has not been returned for proper burial.

No compensation nor apology has been provided to Luos nor his family for the unlawful murder.

But today it's not about Odera.

It's about the prophesy in the song.

THUONDI

That song predicts that Luo heroes of courage, wisdom and strength and will one day rise, like a phoenix from the ashes, and revive the community from the rot, damage and rape of outsiders.

Luos looked forward to the time of the predicted "thuondi".

5th JULY 1969

Unfortunately, in 1969, another "thuon" who's was taken to be the "Messiah" was stuck down by the enemy's arrow of sadness.

The time of redemption had once again been postponed at the cusp of time.

"Yie nimo kochiegni gowo".

PROPHESY

While Odera "Makaka", left us with prophesy and inspiration, TJ Moya ("Rateng'"), left a treasure of intellectual riches.

Not just for Luos.

Not just for Kenyans.

But for all Africans.

TOM'S THOUGHT

Jarusinga's intellectual achievements stretch for miles, but his 1967 piece "A Developed Strategy for Africa: Problems and Proposals" summarises his thoughts on how the continent ought to develop:-

1. Governance systems should reflect African values.

2. Inter- continental Infrastructure is a priority for opening up economies of our people. There should be high quality intercontinental roads, ports and rails..

3. The focuss of Africans should be on intra-African trade.

4. Aid and donor support will only work if incorporated into local intellectual thought.

5. Best opportunities should he extracted for each sector.

6. Technology and education is key.

7. Risk profiling and management of key risks such as security, food and

This is called S.O.S !! The Slower, Older and Smarter

This is SOS

An Airbus 380 is on its way across the Atlantic. It flies consistently at 800 km/h at 30,000 feet, when suddenly a Eurofighter with a Tempo Mach 2 appears.

The pilot of the fighter jet slows down, flies alongside the Airbus and greets the pilot of the passenger plane by radio: "Airbus, boring flight isn’t it? Now have a look here!"

He rolls his jet on its back, accelerates, breaks through the sound barrier, rises rapidly to a dizzying height, and then swoops down almost to sea level in a breathtaking dive. He loops back next to the Airbus and asks, "Well, how was that?"

The Airbus pilot answers: "Very impressive, but watch this!"

The jet pilot watches the Airbus, but nothing happens. It continues to fly straight, at the same speed. After 15 minutes, the Airbus pilot radios, "Well, how was that?

Confused, the jet pilot asks, "What did you do?"

The AirBus pilot laughs and says, "I got up, stretched my legs, walked to the back of the aircraft to use the washroom, then got a cup of coffee and a chocolate fudge pastry.

The moral of the story is: When you’re young, speed and adrenaline seems to be great. But as you get older and wiser, you learn that comfort and peace are more important.

This is called S.O.S... Slower, Older and Smarter. Dedicated to all my "elder & older" Connections, don't worry about the Jet planes surrounding you. Enjoy your Cruise mode now with a Million Smiles.

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Sajjad Madani

July 11 2022 at 4:19 PM

KENYA: ‘I’ve Shed Off Weight On Purpose,’ Paul Muite Refutes Claims He Has Cancer

 

Paul Muite

Senior Counsel Paul Muite has come out to address claims that he is unwell and ailing from Cancer.

• Muite sought to clarify the social media reports saying he is in fact very fit and has never been in better shape in his life.
• The Safina party boss stated that he had personally come to the decision to lose some weight, adding that he even jogs in the morning now.

Muite, in a tweet posted on Friday afternoon, sought to clarify the social media reports saying he is in fact very fit and has – matter of factly – never been in better shape in his life.

The Safina party boss stated that he had personally come to the decision to lose some weight, adding that he even jogs in the morning now.

“Reports on social media that I am sick with cancer are not true. Given my age, I have had to shed off weight on purpose to keep sugar levels where they should be otherwise I have never felt better; enjoyed 1 & 1/2 hrs jogging in Ngong forest this morning,” he wrote.

This comes after an image of a seemingly frail-looking Muite, posing next to an unidentified woman, went viral on Twitter on Friday alongside a caption that seemed to suggest that he was not doing well.

Twitter user Abdulahi Adan shared the photo and captioned it: “This picture of second liberation icon, Paul Muite has touched my heart. Cancer one day you too will die. Quick Recovery Paul Muite.”

The tweet opened the floodgates to a myriad of ‘get well soon’ messages from Kenyans on Twitter, thereby making Muite a trending topic.

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KENYA: How educated is Governor Charity Ngilu?

Primary Education: Mbooni Intermediate School

High School: Alliance Girls - graduated there 1972

Then worked as a Secretary for Central Bank of Kenya: Before becoming an entrepreneur, she acted as director of plastics extrusion factory.

Then joined Kianda College and Government Secretarial College where she studied Governance and Secretarial Studies

In 2012 Ngilu graduated with Bachelor's degree in Leadership and Management from St. Paul's University

Born:28.01.1952

Vied for Presidency in 1997

Became second elected Kitui County Governor in 2017

2003-2007 Minister for Health

April 2008 - 2013 Minister for Water and Irrigation

2013 until 2015: CS for Lands, Housing & Urban Development

 2017:One of the First 3 female Governors in Kenya alongside Joyce Laboso-Bomet County and Anne Waiguru-Kirinyaga County.

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KENYA: Why we moved from the US to raise our children in Meru

 Mekenze Limiri had a wonderful childhood growing up in the suburban area of Utah, United States. Her parents provided quality family time for Mekenze and her four younger siblings.

George Limiri, his wife Mackenzie and their children (from left) Lukas Thuranira, Londynn Nkirote and Liam Muthomi at their home in Akithii, Meru County. 

“I played sports such as basketball, soccer and softball. I was also into music; I sang, danced and played the violin and piano. Some of my fondest memories include participating in music performances and sport tournaments. My parents were so supportive and encouraged us to pursue our interests. As a little girl, I often imagined how lovely it would be to have my own family and support my children the same way my parents did.”

George is an excellent farmer and keeps pigs, sheep, goats poultry as well as growing vegetables and fruits. The bulk of their diet is sourced from their farm.

However, in all the fantasies about her future family, never did Mekenze imagine that she would raise her children in a village in Kenya…

George Limiri and his wife Mekenzie  sample sugarcane at their farm in Akithii, Meru. The family relocated from the US this year to settle in Kenya permanently.

George Limiri grew up in Kibirichi, Meru County. Like his wife Mekenze, George’s childhood was packed with exciting activities. He stayed with his grandmother and spent days on end grazing animals, digging in the family farm and running errands.

Lukas, Nkirote and Liam are home-schooled, a decision the couple made to help them spend quality time with the children.

“I was very close to my grandmother. She taught me how to live well with people, to work hard and to have upright morals. I had the dream of becoming a dad one day and hoped to share childhood experiences to my own children.”

So, how did the young man from Meru meet the young woman from Utah and end up being a family?

Mekenze and George met in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2012. At the time, George was trying his hand in business, running a music record label. He had come to the US in 2005 as a student at the University of Georgia and was now looking for ways to make ends meet after completing his studies.

 “We met through a mutual friend. George was looking for a vocalist and this friend told me about it. I grew up singing, so when I heard of the opportunity, I was all in,” says Mekenze.

At first, their relationship was purely professional. They worked on a couple of music projects together. The nature of the job made them spend many hours recording music and they became friends. This friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship which was sealed by a spectacular wedding in Utah towards the end of 2012.

“We fell in love and decided to tie the knot even though I hadn’t met his family back in Kenya,” says Mekenze.

However, she was no stranger to George’s family as they communicated frequently on phone.

“We heard each other’s voices and that’s how we knew each other at first. About three and a half years into our marriage, in 2016, we visited George’s family and saw each other for the first time. George had been away from home for over a decade and it was quite a reunion. We stayed for six weeks before returning to the US.”

For those six weeks, the couple traversed different parts of Kenya, from the mountainous areas in Meru to the expansive plains of Maasai Mara. It was during these expeditions that the idea of starting a tour company occurred to them.

“We realised there were people in our networks and family who would love to experience the game drives and beauty of Kenya. So, we developed the idea into a tour company and named it Limiri Travels. We registered the business, got a van for the safaris and launched the company. It is one of our income sources to date,” shares Mekenze.

Shortly after getting married in 2012, the couple welcomed their first child, Lukas Thuranira who was named by his paternal grandfather. Then came the second child, Londynn Nkirote.

“My mum is a kind, joyful and pleasant woman. We named our daughter Nkirote after my mum’s character,” explains Mekenze.

Relocating to Kenya

After staying in the US for five years, the couple began to think more deliberately about moving to Kenya. For Mekenze, the thought was influenced by her brief stay when she came to meet George’s family back in 2016.

“I fell in love with the country, it was nothing like what I grew up seeing in the media. It was my first time to visit Africa as well. I was amazed to see how productive and beautiful the country was. It was during this visit that I began toying with the idea of moving to Kenya permanently.”

In 2019, the couple and their two children came to Kenya. Mekenze was pregnant with their third child, Liam Muthomi. Not even the hassle of traveling with little children could dampen the couple’s excitement. The plan was to stay for one year, test the waters and see how everyday life was like in Meru, Kenya before making the big decision to settle down permanently.

“Raising our children in the US was great. We lived close to my family and got to see them a lot. However, as the children got older and more active, we figured it would be best to introduce them to a different environment, one that allowed them to stay outdoors for longer and explore their curiosity. Having visited Kenya, and specifically Meru, I knew it would be the best environment for them,” explains Mekenze, adding that it was also important for the fast-growing children to know and bond with George’s family.

In most rural homes in Kenya, the family compound hosts several houses belonging to close relatives such as older siblings or uncles. The homestead of George’s parents was no different. It had extra houses for visiting relatives and this is where the Limiri family stayed for a whole year.

“Visiting a place is very different from staying long enough to experience everyday life. However, there was nothing to worry about as Meru already felt like our second home. Still, there were a few challenges like adjusting to a new diet, especially for the kids. And also new ways of cooking. Till now, I can’t slaughter a chicken or watch it being processed. It would ruin my appetite or make me go vegan. Fortunately, George is the primary chef of our family and his cooking is way better than mine.”

The covid-19 pandemic found them still in Meru and with the uncertainties that followed the onset of the pandemic--borders closing and the world shutting down--they rushed back to the United States.

However, the test-run stay in Meru had convinced George and Mekenze to relocate and so they began putting up their own home in Meru while still in the US. George travelled a few times to Meru to supervise the construction. The house was completed towards the end of 2021 and in March this year, the Limiri family moved in, this time for good.

“As soon as we settled into our new home in Kenya, I began making short videos to keep my family updated on how we were all settling in. A few videos in, I thought of starting a YouTube channel which I named Mekenze in Kenya. I still upload videos on that channel. I never expected to get such a warm reception online and I am grateful for my viewers and subscribers. The channel is a creative outlet for me.”

Home-schooling

In addition to adapting to the village life, George and Mekenze have added an interesting twist to their parenting style by choosing to home-school their children. This began while they were still in the US as the couple wanted to spend a lot of time with the children. While home-schooling is common in the US, In Kenya it is still at a budding stage.

“We have always wanted to ensure our children thrive in all areas. Back in the US, my parents and family were very supportive of the idea of home-schooling. Here, the concept was initially unclear to George’s family. They kept wondering when we would enrol the children to regular school. Eventually, they came around after seeing that the children were learning well at home,” shares Mekenze.

Lukas, Nkirote and Liam learn core school subjects including Math, Language, Science, History and Art. They are creative when it comes to inventing games and are sociable whenever they get to meet and interact with other children. The couple agrees that plenty of outdoor time has done the children good, nurturing their minds to stay curious and always ready to learn.

Remember George’s dream as a young boy to one day share his childhood experiences with his children? Well, he is definitely living the dream. The family grows most of their food and keeps animals and poultry and children help with chores such as feeding the animals and tending the farm.

“We have beehives and harvest honey for sale. We also keep goats, sheep, pigs and chicken. I followed in the steps of my grandma who was a successful farmer. I am happy to see my children doing chores around the farm. I am glad we got the chance to come back to Kenya, it was something I always hoped for back when I was living in the US,” shares George.

It’s been barely five months since the Limiri family settled into their new home, but you cannot easily tell this by looking at them. Mekenze fit right into the village life and the children have not only started making friends but also picking a few Kimeru words from the everyday conversations around their dad.

“Truth is , it can be hard to be away from family. Like I mentioned, my family in the US is particularly close. But we have found a way to bridge that gap thanks to frequent video messages and calls. We are all excited for my mum to come and visit later this year. Other family members will visit for sure too, next year,” Mekenze says and adds in her parting shot;

“Children are young for such a short time, it is important for parents to be present and involved in their formative years. It is such a rewarding experience. Also, Kenya is a beautiful place for kids to grow and thrive.”

Maryanne.gicobi@gmail.com

SOURCE

KENYA: Uhuru-Kenyatta University land drama: VC sacked

 Trouble is brewing in Kenyatta University after the secretary to the cabinet Joseph Kinyua ordered the Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina to surrender university title deed as the row between the university and the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital over the ownership of a 1,000-acre piece of land escalated.

This even comes amidst reports that Prof Wainaina has left the institution under unclear circumstances. 

Prof Wainaina addressed staff on Tuesday morning telling them “This is probably the last time you’ll see me addressing you as VC”. 

It is also understood that the University council has been replaced, and anew team set to take over running of the institution later today. 

This comes just two days after President Uhuru Kenyatta castigated the university management for opposing plans to cede part of the learning institution’s land to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is setting up a Sh600 million emergency hub to cater for its regional operations.

The university and the hospital have been warring over the land, with the varsity saying it was hived off without its knowledge.

Speaking to the press last week, Kenyatta University vice-chancellor Paul Wainaina said the idea to grant land to WHO was not in the best interest of the university as no consultations were done and they were not involved.

But without naming names, Mr Kenyatta said some individuals do not reason with the nation in mind, saying such managers should shape up and be ready to go home with him as he retires in a month after his reign in office comes to an end.

“We have individuals who are very ignorant and behave as if they have never entered a classroom… they don’t understand that Kenya has never operated in isolation. We shall deal with those individuals swiftly and very effectively,” he said. 

The WHO Emergency Hub will be completed in three years and the Kenyan government has allocated 12.4 hectares with a committed fund of $5 million (Sh600 million) for the investment.

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KENYA: Kenyatta University VC Prof. Paul Wainaina Resigns After President Uhuru's Warning

 Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina has resigned days after President Uhuru Kenyatta warned that action would be taken against the institution’s management following contention over a piece of land that the government has allowed for the construction of the World Health Organization (WHO) African regional operations and logistics hub.

Prof. Wainaina is reported to have been in opposition to a decision by the government to allow WHO set up the hub on the grounds adjacent to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRH).

On Saturday, during a groundbreaking ceremony for the project, a visibly-agitated President Kenyatta lectured the university management telling them to know that the land is public property and they are just but caretakers of the property.

The Head of State went ahead to warn that those opposing the project would be health with "swiftly and very effectively."

“Some people don’t just seem to get it. It is not your property. It is public property. You are just a caretaker. And when you recognise that, and also recognise a whole government approach. Then you also recognise that Kenya has never operated in isolation. Kenya is a respected member of the global community. On top of that, Kenya throughout her history is recognised as a very strong supporter of our multi-lateral institution,” said Kenyatta.

He added: “Alafu unaenda huko kusema hii shamba ni yako... shamba yako kutoka wapi? Hii ni shamba ya wakenya. Lakini bado nimebaki wiki tatu... we shall deal with those people swiftly and very effectively. Tutaenda nyumbani na wao. We can’t have people operating as individuals.”

Among the high-profile guests at the event was WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.

The University council is set to unveil Prof. Wainaina's replacement.

According to Prof. Wainaina the idea to cede part of the land to WHO was not in the best interest of the university as no consultations were done.  

Kenyatta University and the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital have been embroiled in a row over ownership of the land in question.

On Saturday, President Kenyatta said the Government has allocated 30 acres of land adjacent to KUTRRH and committed USD 5 million (Ksh.600 million) towards the operationalization of the hub to facilitate the commencement of its operations.

He added that the Government has also provided WHO with rent-free office space at the KUTRRH to accommodate the initial staff component of up to 150 officers needed to start preparations for the establishment of the hub.

 “This space has been identified on the Training Research and Innovation (TRIC) building of the KUTRRH,” President Kenyatta said.

Kenya is one of the three African countries selected by the WHO to host a logistics hub that will be equipped with emergency medical personnel, commodities and equipment to support countries with emergencies in Eastern Africa.

Senegal and Nigeria are the other two African countries selected to host the WHO hubs that will also be centres of excellence in emergency medical training with a capacity to respond to over 100 crises at a time.

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IEBC threatens to suspend polls in 31 elective areas with petitions

 The electoral commission has threatened to suspend elections in at least 31 electoral areas having pending court cases.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati said that the ongoing cases may stall the printing of ballot papers.

Mr Chebukati asked the Judiciary to fast-track the cases to allow the commission meet some of its key electoral timelines in preparations for the August 9 polls.

“I want to urge the Judiciary to finalise them (cases). If for any reason they are not finalised in good time, then as a commission, we cannot wait forever, we shall be forced to suspend elections in those areas where decisions that affect the printing of ballot papers are made because we cannot wait forever,” said Mr Chebukati.

The 31 pending cases arose from the 325 disputes that were lodged with the IEBC’s Dispute Resolution Committee.

The commission has since started printing ballot papers for electoral seats with no disputes pending in court. The first batch of the papers arrived in the country on Thursday.

The commission has indicated plans to print the ballot papers for the presidential race starting July 15. The commission plans to fly representatives of the candidates to Greece to monitor the printing.

Read: Eyes on IEBC as first batch of ballot papers make surprise arrival

Some of the cases were settled by the committee while the 31 proceeded to the High Court for Judicial Review.

Some of the high profile pending cases include petitions challenging the candidatures of Nairobi governor candidate Johnson Sakaja and Mombasa counterpart Mike Sonko.

Mr Sakaja is running on Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance ticket while Mr Sonko is running on Wiper.

Mr Chebukati made the remarks at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Saturday morning during a meeting convened by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission for the presidential candidates to commit to peaceful campaigns.

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South Gem ODM candidate Nick Wanga dies in hospital

 Wanga, who was admitted to Nightingale Hospital in Kisumu earlier this week, passed away on Saturday morning. 

Siaya ODM chairman Oloo Okanda said the Orange party received the news of Wanga’s demise with shock.

ODM nominee for Gem South Ward Nick Wanga. He died on July 9, 2022.

“I personally called him on Wednesday because I wanted to meet aspirants' agents to prepare for the August polls, but I could not reach him on phone,” said Mr Okanda.

He added, “I was later informed that he was hospitalised after attending a rally in Gem on Monday. He had complained of body pains. His demise is a big loss to the Orange party.”

Wanga was a brother of the current Kisumu City manager Aballa Wanga.

He won the South Gem Ward ODM ticket in the party primaries held on April 13 and was subsequently cleared by the IEBC to participate in the August 9 elections.

Currently, South Gem Ward is represented by David Audi who is defending the seat on a UDM ticket.

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