Pensioners, billionaires and institutional investors are among the shareholders of Equity Group who will forgo hefty dividends after the lender cancelled its proposed payout of Sh2.5 per share or a total of Sh9.4 billion.

They include Britam Holdings, Equity’s CEO James Mwangi, the lender’s founder and former chairman Peter Munga, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited.

The investors were in line to receive gross dividends of between Sh38.5 million and Sh689.2 million each on July 24 but the bank retracted the payout last week, citing the need to conserve cash in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The estimates are based on the latest available disclosures of the investors’ holding of Equity shares and excludes the impact of taxes on various classes of shareholders.

Britam is among the biggest losers, having anticipated a Sh689.2 million payout. The insurer disclosed that it held 275.7 million shares of the bank as of December 2019.

Gross dividends

The insurer last year received gross dividends of Sh594.7 million on the 297.3 million units of the lender’s stock it held as of December 2018.

This was after the bank made a payout of Sh2 per share or an aggregate of Sh7.5 billion.

Cancellation of the dividend this year will reduce Britam’s cash flows and earnings, with the insurer also taking a hit from paper losses from the stock market rout.

Mr Mwangi is second after forfeiting the Sh471.7 million he was to receive, with the income loss coming after the billionaire pledged to give Sh300 million to aid in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

He received a dividend of Sh377.3 million last year from his 188.6 million shares or five per cent stake in the lender.

The NSSF will miss a Sh300.2 million payout, lowering its returns to retirees. The State-controlled fund last year earned Sh240.2 million, based on its latest available disclosure that it holds 120.1 million shares of the bank.

JPMorgan is among Equity’s top foreign institutional investors that will go without dividends this year.

The asset manager, which held 48.5 million shares as of April 31, 2020, was on course to receive Sh121.2 million.

Equity was to close its books for the dividend on June 12.

Sold down their stakes

Mr Munga, whose holding was last disclosed at 15.4 million shares, would have earned a dividend of Sh38.5 million.

This would have been a 25 percent increase from Sh30.8 million he received last year. Mr Munga is among the lender’s original shareholders who have sold down their stakes to take profits and diversify wealth.

Investment banker Jimnah Mbaru said Equity should issue a dividend in the form of shares.

“Equity Bank should have issued a scrip dividend in order to preserve cash instead of skipping the cash dividend previously announced. Shareholders would get the same dividend by selling the scrip shares on the stock exchange,” he tweeted.

This story first appeared in the Business Daily.

Nigerian singer, Davido has announced that he will be going on a personal sabbatical to help him keep away from social media and a section of people in his life.

Davido said on Instagram that, all his life, he has been putting other people’s needs first. That is now changing.

The musician said he had also changed his mobile phone number and requested the people who cannot reach not to try doing so.

“If you can’t reach me don’t reach me! I’ll contact you!! All my life I’ve put people before me….. I think it is time to actually live my life and take care of myself. I’ve changed my number!! I needed some cleansing to do LOVE Y’ALL,” wrote Davido.

Many of his fans including other celebrities appeared to support his decision telling him that self-care was important.

American rapper Ludacris replied, “Preach.”

Babeanimalatl wrote, “I just changed my number & Cut off a whole decade of people. I feel every f’ng word in this post. Self-love & self-care is hard for people with big selfless hearts. Took me too long to figure this out! I wish you & your family infinite peace, excellent health, love, protection & light.”

Kaylahoniwa said, “You deserve it pls rest,”

Twyse_16 commented, “It’s necessary sometimes.”

Irenejob stated, “We need you to be in the best state of mind and health to fulfil your purpose. You have done amazing OBO, even God wants you to be happy and healthy. I totally support this decision our Most Valuable Nigerian Youth.”

Odesope.olajide said, “Enjoy your peace king …. Thoroughly deserved.

Boujee.beni remarked, “Rest and take good care of yourself wish you a safe recovery love you.”

View this post on Instagram

Pls understand… see you when i drop ABT

A post shared by Davido Adeleke (@davidoofficial) on Jun 3, 2020 at 8:52am PDT

President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to outline new measures for fight Covid-19 on Saturday, June 6, 2020, and Kenyans are keeping themselves busy with witty predictions on what will happen.

President Kenyatta, during past media addresses, has hinted at the reopening of the economy and relaxation of the restrictions.

This information has been picked up by Kenyans on Twitter, and as expected, for the past few days, they have had a field day creating hilarious memes and videos some anticipating some“good” news and others “bad” news.

Videos and pictures have flooded various social media platforms showing how anxious Kenyans are just like high school students awaiting the closure of schools or visiting day.

In one video, the president begins his speech with his usual intro “Fellow Kenyans”.

Then a young man aping a news anchor interrupts him saying “Aaahh aaahh leo hatuko hapa juu ya siasa tafadhali, wewe tolea wananchi hii lockdown”. Then the president responds by saying “hatuwezi kuendelea Maisha na lockdown, hatuwezi kuendela maisha na curfew, na tukifungua”.

Another video is of the president on campaign trail asking citizens “mko tayari” repeating the phrase several times.

Tomorrow issa day that the Lord has made…we shall rejoice and be glad in it. Happy friyay #WorldEnvironmentDay2020 #COVID19 #UhuruKenyatta #Uhurustoughchoices #BlackLivesMatter #CurfewKenya #mutaikagwe #FreedomOfExpression pic.twitter.com/A1aszaA1yE

— THE IMPECCABLE (@RealDerro) June 5, 2020

A rather disappointing video is that of the president arriving to make his address only to extend the curfew for a further 21 more days.

The scene is followed by pictures of sad football fans with a sad gospel song playing in the background.

Kenyans waiting for lifting of CURFEW… Will Kamwana DISAPPOINT? pic.twitter.com/s0wlUBpQTY

— #itsWanjikuKenya | #4GNetwork_KE (@WanjikuKenya) June 5, 2020

Below are some of the comments by KOT:

Ni mimi peke yangu who doesn't watch live sessions from the President? Tomorrow I'll listen from the first word to the last#curfewKenya

— @i_am_Muiruri (@AmMuiruri) June 5, 2020

The way all Kenyans be waiting for tomorrow…..#CurfewKenya pic.twitter.com/Sxqs0Gw5I4

— xxǝlℲ (@ImDahDude_01) June 5, 2020

Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz are the proud owners of a new team bus which they’ve quickly branded the coolest bus in the league.

Club chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has revealed that the brand new bus was bought at a whooping Sh18 million.

BRAGGING RIGHTS

“There is no team in KPL which has ever acquired that kind of bus. Not even Wazito, who are always bragging that they have an exceptional bus. Sitting on it is like travelling in a tour vehicles. You can’t feel any movement in your seat even if it is on a rough road,” Shimanyula told Nairobi News.

Shimanyula added that the bus was just a motivational present for the team and more goodies are on the way if the team wins this season’s KPL title whose fate is to be known next week.

The quoted cost of the bus is almost four times the prize money reserved for the league winners at the end of every season.

Kakamega Homeboyz, who are sponsored by the County Government of Kakamega, are second on the log with 47 points, seven less than league leaders Gor Mahia.

EXPENSIVE BUS

Apart from Homeboyz and Wazito, owned by tycoon Ricardo Bodoer, AFC Leopards also own an expensive team bus.

Leopards acquired a 51-seater bus from Chinese manufacturing firm Golden Dragon in mid-March.

The bus was gifted to Ingwe through international fundraising expert, Nelson Sechere, who is a consultant with African Capacity Building Foundation – a specialised agency for African Union.

Juma Kwayera, who was part of the team that rescued AFC Leopards from relegation in 2009 and 2012, was instrumental in pushing for a bus for the team.

Reigning champions Gor Mahia also own abus which is currently being renovated at a Nairobi garage at a cost of Sh250,000.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) for Health Dr Mercy Mwangangi on Friday announced that 134 more patients had tested positive for COVID-19 after the analysis of 3,177 samples in the last 24 hours.

CAS Mwangangi, speaking during the daily briefings at Afya House in Nairobi, said 131 of the new cases are Kenyans while 3 are foreigners, making up 98 males and 24 females.

The cases were recorded in various counties such as Mombasa (67), Nairobi (31), Busia (15), Machakos (5), Taita Taveta (4), Kilifi 2, Kiambu 2, Nakuru 2, Garissa 1, Uasin Gishu 1 and Kajiado 1.

The CAS further stated that 51 patients had since been discharged from various health centres, bringing the total number of recoveries to 643.

She, however, stated that one patient had died in the last 24 hours, taking the tally of fatalities to 79.

The three foreigners are from Somalia, Tanzania and Congo.

The numbers in Nairobi are distributed in Kibra (19) Westlands (7) Makadara (3) Lang’ata (2) Emabaksi East (2) Ruaraka ,Kasarani and Embakasi South each had one case.

The youngest is six years old while the oldest is 70.

The government is on the spot for applying double standards in the enforcement of Covid-19 prevention protocols, giving preferential treatment to particular politicians and well-connected individuals.

This was evident in Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe’s backyard in Mukurweini, Nyeri County where more than 400 people were allowed to attend the funeral of a retired teacher on Friday.

The government set out regulations banning all social gatherings specifically limiting the number of mourners attending a funeral to 15 close relatives.

However, for this particular funeral, a crowd of more than 400 locals from the Kihate area were allowed to gather at Mutwewathi Primary School grounds right under the watch of police, leaders and even senior ministry of health officials.

Health Ministry Director General Patrick Amoth led a delegation from the ministry to represent CS Kagwe who was also expected to attend the ceremony.

Mukurweini MP Anthony Kiai and Nyeri County Assembly Speaker John Kaguchia also attended the funeral.

A contingent of police officers from the National Police Service and the Kenya Forest Service had been posted at the venue to beef up security.

About 20 ushers had been posted at the entrance to screen mourners and hand out face masks to locals, many of whom showed up without.

Hired goons were also later deployed with apparent instructions to separate the crowd from journalists and bar the press from accessing the school grounds.

Journalists from the Daily Nation, Joseph Kanyi, and NTV’s Melita Ole Tenges and Charles Muriithi were roughed up by the rowdy youth backed up by a gun-toting KFS officer for recording proceedings of the funeral.

They were demanding that the scribes delete all recording and photos they had taken.

“We are here to observe just how the government is enforcing its own directives. It is sad to see police officers harass journalists for doing their job,” Mr Tenges said.

The funeral went on uninterrupted and leaders present allowed to give speeches, including Dr Amoth.

Ironically, this comes barely a week after a widower was forced to spend a night at Tigania Police station with his wife’s body after relatives were barred from proceeding to their home for burial.

Charles Mwenda was forced to proceed for his wife’s burial at Kianjai in Meru County alone after a night of horror in the police station.

A similar incident was witnessed in Mathira, Nyeri County where Konyu Ward MCA Eric Wamumbi was forced to cut short his tribute to his deceased wife by police.

Police were deployed to ensure a limited number of mourners attended and the time for the funeral limited to 45 minutes.

“I am saddened that the police have no respect for the church and no feelings towards a family that had lost a loved one. It is very sad as to how low we have gone,” Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua said during Mr Wamumbi’s wife’s funeral.

Kakamega Homeboyz attacking midfielder Ali Bhai says the team will be among the top contenders for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title in the near future.

The midfielder says his side has all it takes to rival Gor Mahia and Tusker who have dominated KPL in the last decade.

GOR MAHIA’S DOMINANCE

“Kakamega Homeboyz has now transformed from a mid-table team to one of the best performing teams in KPL. We have shown that we can end the dominance of Gor Mahia and Tusker in the league,” Bhai told Nairobi News.

Bhai added that the team has proved this season that it can do well and dislodge big teams in the league by wining many tough a way matches.

The 32-year-old former Western Stima midfielder also says his team was sure of bagging this season’s title before coronavirus pandemic hit the country and led to suspension of of all sporting activities.

“We have come of age, shall keep focus and I’m sure we would have bagged this season’s trophy if this pandemic had not befallen us,” Bhai said.

Gor Mahia has won the league for the last three consecutive seasons while Tusker last won it in 2016.

Kakamega Homeboyz has however performed well this season and remain second on the log on 47 points after 22 rounds of matches.

TITLE CONTENDERS

Gor Mahia top the standings on 54 points after taking to the pitch 23 times with the fate of this season still unknown since KPL is yet to give a way forward.

It is this stellar performance that has made Bhai to believe that Kakamega Homeboyz is establishing itself as one of the KPL giants from Western Kenya.

“With team work, dedication and input of our coach and technical bench, we are sure of making a huge progress in future by winning the league and other domestic cups,” he added.

Bhai stole the show on January 12, 2020 by scoring the winning goal for Homeboyz beat Gor Mahia 2-1 during a second leg match at the refurbished Bukhungu Stadium.

This season he has so far scored four goals for Homeboyz which he joined in 2018 after a short stint with Bandari. He also played for Western Stima under the late Henry Omino from 2009-2016.

His partnership with veteran striker Allan Wanga and Shami Kibwana has been instrumental in winning tough matches for the Kakamega based side.

Education CS George Magoha has lashed out at irresponsible parents and guardians for not taking good care of their children resulting in early pregnancies.

Prof Magoha, on Friday, while receiving the final education Covid-19 response committee report, said that parents should only produce children they are able to take care of.

And if they (parents) have no time to look after their children, then they have no business creating them, he said.

“I think we should only produce those children we are able to take care of. If you have no time looking after your child then perhaps you have no business creating a child,” Prof Magoha said.

Four-year scholarships

The CS lamented on how three girls whom he had taken to school with four-year scholarships for each, are already pregnant in the two months that schools have been closed due to coronavirus pandemic.

“On a sad note ladies and gentlemen, this ministry has noted that some parents, guardians and caregivers are not providing sufficient care on their children while at home,” he said.

“For instance, it is most heartbreaking that after I personally went to the slums to fish out some of the poor girls and having taken them to schools, and then looking for scholarships for them some of the scholarships are for four years. Three of these form one girls are already pregnant during this short period of two months. A very big shame on the parents. I would like to talk to them eyeball to eyeball.”

Prof Magoha said that it is now the responsibility of parents and guardians to make sure that they spend more time with their children.

“…this pandemic is going to be here for a while. I want to say without any fear of contradiction that our parents should change their mindsets. They should love their children, and love is measured by the number of minutes you spend with your child. And it is not measured by the amount of money you give to your child,” explained Prof Magoha.

“When you spend time with your child you spend part of your life with your child. That is what is lacking and I hope that my many other daughters who are at risk especially in the slums and in normal homes where people have carefree attitudes will listen to my advice.”

He hinted that schools would be reopened soon due to the rising cases of Covid-29 infections in the country.

Already, he says, 351 public schools are being used by the government as quarantine facilities while some universities are also used as isolation centres.

“It will look like an open secret because as we speak 351 public schools are being used by the government as quarantine centres. And some of the universities are being used as isolation centres. Further, the ministry will review the report before advising the country on the steps to take,” Prof Magoha said.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday arrested three suspects who were ferrying explosive material near Maili Tisa trading centre along the Namanga Nairobi Highway.

In a post on their Twitter account, DCI said that the three were carrying 17 rolls of detonating codes and one packet containing 100 pieces of supreme detonators.

Three suspects were identified as Moses Koite, 26, who was driving a vehicle registration number KBM 880 U, a Toyota Noah, Patrick Ng’ang’a, 36, and Sadic Harabe Sadic a foreign national aged 26, who was arrested ferrying the explosives near Maili Tisa trading centre.

“The suspects are in lawful custody pending further police action. Further investigations on the matter ongoing,” the DCI added.”

Newly appointed ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary Nadia Ahmed is mourning the death of her mother.

Ms Ahmed shared the sad news on her Instagram page recounting the last moments she had with her mother before she passed on.

The Youth Affairs CAS says that she is at peace because her mother died peacefully.

“Words cannot even begin to explain how i feel! But i am at peace and i thank God for He took my mother slowly and peaceful Mama joined the angels with a big smile on her face and she was glowing!” Ms Ahmed wrote.

She says her mother has been an important pillar in her life that managed to shape her into the woman she is today.

She promised to continue to excel and be greater and achieve all the great dreams they had together.

“I am who i am because of my Mother and now that she is our Guardian Angel, my brother @ahalimhamada2001 and i will make sure to live up to her dreams and be greater that what she envisioned In shaa Allah! Alhamdulilah Ala Kulihal I am at peace, it won’t be easy but God already saw this coming and i put my whole trust and belief in Him Mama i will always Love you!!! I am your fierce lady,” she said.

View this post on Instagram

Words cannot even begin to explain how i feel! But i am at peace and i thank God for He took my mother slowly and peaceful Mama joined the angels with a big smile on her face and she was glowing! I am who i am because of my Mother and now that she is our Guardian Angel, my brother @ahalimhamada2001 and i will make sure to live up to her dreams and be greater that what she envisioned In shaa Allah! Alhamdulilah Ala Kulihal I am at peace, it won’t be easy but God already saw this coming and i put my whole trust and belief in Him Mama i will always Love you!!! I am your fierce lady!

A post shared by Nadia Ahmed Abdalla (@n_adia_ahmed_) on Jun 5, 2020 at 2:47am PDT

Media personality Julie Gichuru has lit up social media with her sweet message to her husband on his birthday and an intriguing photo of the two in a PDA moment.

Mrs Gichuru started off her affectionate message to her husband by thanking him for having shown her love and support in their marriage.

“You found a tiger & gave me a home in you; a haven of love, family, friendship & companionship. You are my gift. May I always be a gift for you my Simba, my precious,” she said.

She added: “May I always delight your mind, body & soul on this milestone we give thanks May you double these years with ease Happy Birthday month my love!”

The picture posted on Instagram by Mrs Gichuru captures the couple in a tight romantic embrace.

Julie and her husband Anthony Gichuru have five children together.

View this post on Instagram

You found a tiger & gave me a home in you; a haven of love, family, friendship & companionship. You are my gift. May I always be a gift for you my Simba, my precious May I always delight your mind, body & soul On this milestone we give thanks May you double these years with ease Happy Birthday month my love! Yours always & all ways, JG

A post shared by Julie Gichuru (@juliegichuru) on Jun 5, 2020 at 12:53am PDT

The Police Reform Working Group has raised concerns over the increased cases of extra-judicial killings and police brutality.

In a press statement on Friday evening, the group welcomed a recent move by the Ministry of Interior aimed at improving human rights-based and professional policing during the Covid-19 outbreak.

“The urgency of such a dialogue at this time could not be clearer. Millions have broken emergency measures and physical distancing protocols in one global protests,” the statement read in part.

The group cited an example of the protests that started following the murder of Mr George Floyd in Minneapolis in the United States of America.

It condemned the recent murders of civilians by police in Kenya saying that those who die deserve to be alive and the action should be taken against their killers.

“We have, however, always maintained that the culture of disrespect for human rights and integrity has to be uprooted for the public to have confidence in the public service,” the statement further read.

The group further issued eight requirements that they need to be resolved concerning extra-judicial killings.

They include; office of the Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai to express zero tolerance for police violence and that all the cases should be directed to independent agencies to investigate.

They also asked Mr Mutyambai to publicly list the names of police officers who are facing corruption and cases against human rights.

The group demanded that the office of the Attorney General operationalises the National Coroner’s Service Act and the prevention of torture act.

The further asked the office of the Director of Public Prosecution to hand over all the inquests into police brutality to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

“Like America, Kenya has clear constitutional, legal and operational policies that embed the respect for human rights. Breathing life into them at this time will transform public confidence levels,” the statement read.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s big address will now happen at 2pm.

State House had earlier announced that the speech would start at 11:15am.

“His Excellency the President will address the nation at 11:15am today,” the morning message read.

Later, State House, citing “unavoidable circumstances” announced that it would start at 2pm.

“Due to unavoidable circumstances, President Uhuru will address the Nation at 2 PM and not this morning as earlier communicated,” a dispatch from State House read.

The head of state is expected to appraise the country on the way forward after the expiry of measures put in place to fight the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

The measures include the cessation movement into and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Mandera counties.

There is also a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew that starts at 7pm and ends at 5am.

Kenyans anticipate a relaxation of some of the measures.

Telegram has a new update because that brings new features.

The company said it was upgrading the media editor with support for animated stickers and editing videos.

“You can now enhance video quality automatically in two taps – or manually tweak a dozen parameters, like brightness or saturation, until your inner Kubrick is satisfied,” said Telegram in its blogpost.

It added that for a perfect paintbrush precision, zoom in on photos or videos when drawing on them to get every line just right.

Your made-up makeup – or your classmates’ handlebar moustaches – will never look the same.

The latest update version 6.0 also comes with ‘Chat experience’ and ‘Channel performance monitoring’ features. Along with that, it also includes new emojis.

The Chat experience feature allows Telegram users to organise chats in Chat Folders.

Users will be able to include or exclude all chats of a particular type, like Channels, or Unread – or one by one.

Further, this will allow them to pin unlimited chats and hide some chats.

Swiping left on a chat will transfer it to users’ archived chats folder.

When an archived chat gets a notification, it will pop out of the folder and back into your chat list. Muted chats will stay archived forever.

This update also brings the option to view detailed statistics for channels with more than 1,000 subscribers to study about their growth and the performance of its posts.

Coming to emojis, the latest additions are the animated emojis that “can help you be brave and urge your friends to stay safe and healthy,” Telegram said on its blogpost.

Earlier this month, Telegram introduced a Discussion Button in a bid to let users access a separate group chat extension even on chat restricted channels.

The new feature allows admins to provide a whole new chat section associated with the specific channel, Telegram said.

The Gif panel also received some new features which include a trending section that allows you to choose from the most popular Gifs on the app and emoji-based sections which provide relevant GIFs for emojis such as the thumbs up or heart eyes.

Telegram reached 400 million active users in April. Apart from the new active user milestones, the app also introduced educational snippets and quizzes together with a new 20,000 stickers directory.

The company is planning to release secure group video calls before the end of the year.

Police officers who violate the rights of civilians will take individual responsibility, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has said.

The CS said that the officers will be subjected to the law. His warning comes at a time when members of the public have raised concerns over increased police brutality across the country.

The CS said this after he met a group of more than 20 civil society organisations and non-state actors at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete.

A handful of uncultured police officers

Dr Matiang’i condemned the conduct of what he called a handful of uncultured police officers and asked members of the public not to judge the entire service.

“We have challenges in our law enforcement, and we must all rise and start dealing with them collectively instead of creating a stigma around the police. We invite our colleagues from civil society organisations to join us in improving the civil-police relations. Help the public appreciate the sacrifices made by our officers,” he said.

The CS added that officers bear the burden of maintaining national security, which is never easy and they have to sacrifice a lot. Still, they are under-appreciated for their work.

At times, he said, even police officers are roughed up by members of the public and even killed, and no one talks about it.

He also slammed unsubstantiated claims about the misconduct of law enforcement officers.

“We won’t run away from taking responsibility, but we will continue investigating the reports submitted by all our stakeholders and ultimately go the direction facts will take us,” he said.

Referencing the recent claims about the use of excessive force on unarmed civilians, the CS stated that police violence remains a global challenge. He added that all cases lodged against errant officers will be taken to their logical conclusions to ensure justice is served to the victims.

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said the Service, through the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), continues to discipline officers found violating law enforcement policies even before forwarding them for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has been working on 171 files on claims on police violence, and 81 cases are currently in court.

Twenty-three of them resulted in death. DPP Noordin Haji divulged that he had formed a specialised unit to expedite the prosecution of cases related to police excesses.

The Sixth Schedule of The National Police Service Act outlines when officers are allowed to use force, which must be proportional to the objective to be achieved, the seriousness of the offence, and the resistance of the person against whom it is used.

Starehe MP Jaguar has pleaded with President Uhuru Kenyatta to relax some of the Covid-19 restrictions lest hunger and depression consume Kenyans.

Without offering any evidence, Jaguar claimed 342,300 Kenyans had lost their jobs in the last two months due to the curfew and restriction of movement imposed by the government as a way to fight the spread of coronavirus.

“342, 300 Kenyans have lost their jobs in the last 2 months. Millions will lose theirs if the status quo remains. The risk of economic collapse is real. Hunger & depression will overwhelm Kenyans. I urge His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta, to reopen the economy,” tweeted Mr Jaguar.

He argued that Kenyans now appreciate the dangers of Covid-19 and have also shown that they will follow instructions of wearing facemasks in public places, washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water and maintaining social distance.

“Kenyans understand the dangers of Covid-19. They’ve shown that they care for their fellow Kenyans by wearing masks, washing their hands, & maintaining social distance. Moreover, they’ve observed the nationwide curfew & the lockdown in Eastleigh, Nairobi and Mombasa (Old Town),” he added.

President Kenyatta is expected to address the nation this afternoon to give a way forward on the new measures to be put in place.

342, 300 Kenyans have lost their jobs in the last 2 months. Millions will lose theirs if the status quo remains. The risk of economic collapse is real. Hunger & depression will overwhelm Kenyans. I urge His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta, to reopen the economy. #June6th

— Hon. Jaguar (@RealJaguarKenya) June 6, 2020

Hip hop lovers on Friday evening had something to dance to when Trace Live on Friday evening hosted Khaligraph Jones live on their Facebook and YouTube channels for a virtual concert.

Backed by a live band and ZJ Heno on the decks, Khgaligraph walked on set dressed all in black with a red beret.

He took his fans through his musical journey from his earlier hits to the most recent tracks such as Ngori, Leave Me Alone, Yego, Yes Bana and Mazishi, among others.

“Being an artiste who has influence I choose to celebrate our athletes through my music, I decided to do something for my brother (javelin thrower Julius) Yego and thus the track dedicated to him and the rest of the Kenyan athletes,” said Khaligraph as he introduced the track.

Looking like Chris Brown

About three years ago, Khaligraph showed up for a live show “looking like Chris Brown which left some of his assuming that he had bleached. That gave birth to his Toa Tint.

Born and bred in Kayole, one of Eastlands’s toughest hoods, Khali schooled there all the way to Form 4 and the song Ngori (slang for problem) is dedicated to the hood he grew up.

Khaligraph paid glowing tribute to the late Kantai who passed away recently saying “rappers like Kantai paved the way for guys like us to make it in this industry, he was like a mentor to me and may his soul rest in peace” just before he performed their song Ting Badi Malo.

As the band kept the music flowing, ZJ Heno could be seen psyching up the band members as she moved from one to another

The guitarists stood out as the most psyched up as he moved from corner to corner stringing his guitar.

The two-hour show amassed over 10,000 views with the OG performing more than 20 of his songs. His fans had this to say:

@jayjay “kesho lockdown ni mazishi”

@enlarcan Morgan “comments zinakuja thick and fast”

@don Don Jay “ uhuru just typed yes bana kesho ni sherehe”

@eric geovani “OG Omollo Gang. He needs 5 hours he has hits all over Africa”

@john mwaura ” Ilikua Ni mazishi OG ametisha Kama kawa Kama dawa”

Michael Jordan said Friday he is making a record Sh10 billion ($100 million) donation to groups fighting for racial equality and social justice amid a wave of protests across the United States.

The NBA legend said in a statement his Jordan Brand would distribute the money over 10 years to different organisations in a bid to stamp out “ingrained racism.”

The pledge is believed to be the largest financial contribution to non-profit groups ever made by a figure from the sports world.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

“It’s 2020 and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life,” a joint statement from Jordan and his Jordan Brand said.

“Yet as much as things have changed the worst remains the same.

“Black lives matter. This isn’t a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people,” the statement added.

“Today we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organisations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.”

Jordan’s donation comes after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests across the United States following the death of an unarmed black man during an arrest in Minneapolis.

Large scale demonstrations have been held in all 50 states, with protesters demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism after George Floyd’s death on May 25.

Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest player in NBA history with an estimated net worth of Sh210 billion ($2.1 billion), had already issued a passionate statement decrying Floyd’s killing.

“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan, 57, said last Sunday. “We have had enough.”

LAST DANCE

Jordan’s donation and impassioned recent statements followed criticism during his playing career over his reluctance to take a more prominent role in activist causes.

In the recent “The Last Dance” documentary, he addressed his infamous quip that he had steered clear of politics because “Republicans buy sneakers too.”

Jordan said the remark had been a flippant comment made as a joke.

Jordan added that he never saw himself as an activist athlete in the vein of former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

“I do commend Muhammad Ali for standing up for what he believed in,” Jordan said. “But I never thought of myself as an activist. I thought of myself as a basketball player.”

Jordan acknowledged that his apolitical stance might be viewed as selfish in some quarters.

“I wasn’t a politician when I was playing my sport. I was focused on my craft,” Jordan said.

“Was that selfish? Probably. But that was my energy. That’s where my energy was.”

Jordan said he had instead sought to set an example by his achievements as an athlete.

“The way I go about my life is I set examples. If it inspires you? Great, I will continue to do that. If it doesn’t? Then maybe I’m not the person you should be following.”

Many Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) are openly flouting the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on the number of passengers they should be ferrying, a spot check by Nairobi News has established.

Vehicles plying Githuria – CBD and Kiambu – CBD routes are fond of breaking the rules when it comes to the number of passengers they should carry.

For instance, on Thursday, a bus plying the Githurai – CBD route had every seat occupied by passengers, which is against the Ministry of Health guidelines.

Victor Otieno who lives in Githurai 45, told Nairobi News that the operators take advantage of the rush hours to exceed the number of allowed passengers.

“They usually tell somebody to alight if they do not want to sit next to someone else. They don’t take the one-meter distance rule seriously,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by another passenger who lamented on Facebook what he had experienced in the hands of the matatu operators.

Albert Nyakundi said that he was disturbed when he did a random survey on Thika Road vehicles found there was laxity on how Covid19 protocols were enforced.

“This bus in the photo is plying the Nairobi-Githurai 45 was ferrying passengers abnormally. These ladies were seated three of them against the current directive in terms of capacity. The opposite seat had two passengers, against the current directives. Who is enforcing them in the matatu sector?” he posed.

“This happened even though the tout was wearing a reflecting jacket emblazoned with the words ‘Komesha Corona Kiambu County na Governor Nyoro’.”

The scenario was similar for PSVs plying the Kiambu route. On Wednesday, Jane Mwihaki, a nurse who works at a medical facility based in South C, said that she was forced to share a seat with someone.

Ms Mwihaki said that she tried to tell off the tout who told her to alight and board another matatu.

“They do it during rush hours because they know there is nothing you will do as you are trying to beat the curfew and arrive home in time,” she said.

According to her, traffic officers are not keen on the number of passengers, something that the crews have been exploiting.

Kenyans were on Saturday left disappointed after President Uhuru extended the lockdown of Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera as well as the nationwide curfew by 30 days.

The president, however, said that the current curfew hours which were between 7pm-5am will now be from 9pm-4am beginning tomorrow June 7.

Kenyans were looking forward to Saturday as the day the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in the country to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus would end after the President extended it for 21 days last month.

In accordance with the advice of the National Security Council, the President also extended the cessation of movement into and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Mombasa and Mandera by also another 30 days.

“Opinion is divided on how we go on, some I included wanted to open up now while others were against the mass re-opening but we accept that we are caught between two rights. Those who want us to open and those are opposed,” said President Kenyatta.

According to the Head of State, if the country relaxes the interventions by 20 percent, it would have 200,000 infections and 30,000 deaths by December 2020.

“We must speak truthfully to each other, rate of infection in Kenya would have been very high had we not taken the measures we took, if we hadn’t taken the interventions that we did, more than 800,000 Kenyans would have been infected by now,” he said.

It was not a surprise as recent statements by senior government officials had tended to dampen the expectations of a majority of Kenyans, with some resigning to the possibility of the perpetuation of the status quo or a new order with just slight changes.

President Kenyatta has also been facing pressure from religious leaders to open places of worship.

Religious organisations have formally written to him asking for a review of the measures and promising to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.

However, speaking at State House, Nairobi on Saturday, the Head of State announced the lifting of the cessation of movement of Kwale and Kilifi counties.

The President also lifted cessation of movement order into and out of Eastleigh and Old Town from 4am June 7, 2020.