Entertainment

Gengetone music group Ethic Entertainment narrowly survived a grisly accident after a Subaru they were travelling in, rolled several times on Monday, July 5

The rappers were spotted posing with the vehicle in an interview posted on their Instagram page, hours before the crash. 

In a separate video doing rounds on social media, they could be heard bragging about the car to on-lookers, before they set off to Meru County. 

"Look at the speedometer. This vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 220km/h in seconds. 

 

Gengetone music group Ethic Entertainment

Twitter

"It also consumes fuel at a very high rate," one band member could be heard showcasing the vehicle. 

They also bragged about the heavily modified and upgraded automobile's chassis, engine, tyres - allegedly racing slick. The group tested and revved the car much to the delight of the fans. 

Pictures shared minutes later indicated that the car overturned and rolled into a drainage ditch near the highway. 

Reports indicated that the band members incurred light injuries after being involved in the accident. 

The Subaru wave picked up in Kenya during the World Rally Championship (WRC) that took place in Naivasha in June 2021. A number of motorists showcased their refurbished automobiles prior to and after the rally. 

They were, however, cautioned from causing chaos synonyms with most ‘Subaru Boys’. 

Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai assured rally drivers, motorists and spectators of their safety and urged all to adhere to stipulated laws. 

“I want to take this opportunity to assure all the stakeholders involved in the WRC Safari Rally that the government would provide much-needed security and there is no cause for alarm,” he stated. 

Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai speaks at the annual police conference held on Monday, July 5, 2021

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Tahidi High star Kamau Kinuthia's (Omosh) wives reacted to his pleas for menial jobs in several TV interviews. 

Omosh on Wednesday, June 30, disclosed that his two wives reprimanded him for begging for jobs and casting a desperate image during the live shows. 

He added that they were irked by his decision to conduct interviews without consulting them. 

"They were wondering why I went to beg, again, on national television without informing them what I’d say in the interview. Even my friends were taken aback by the now-misunderstood message," Omosh stated. 

A file image of Tahidi High actor Kamau Kinuthia (Omosh)

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He further told Kenyans.co.ke that going forward, he had agreed to discuss with them before making any major decision and that the wives had agreed to support and stand by him. 

"Right now we are okay. I have learnt to consult them and listen to their advice," he stated. 

Some of his friends had criticised the wives for failing to guide him and even lamented that they did not pass on crucial messages to Omosh. This included a plan to offer him rehabilitation. One of his confidants had spoken to the wives and an alleged personal assistant on the idea as the actor couldn't be traced.

The wives and the PA reportedly never conveyed the message forcing the friends to track him down and personally speak with him.  

Omosh also explained that the equipment he asked for and was granted by a well-wisher - a camera, microphone and other video production tools - would be used in shooting his skits that will be uploaded on social media. 

"But I am still jobless," he lamented. In a previous interview on TV47, he stated that he had planned to open businesses for his wives. 

On Monday, June 29, he told Kenyans.co.ke that he rejected offers to attend rehabilitation in fear of deserting his family for three months. 

His former Tahidi High colleagues had linked him with NACADA -National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Chiromo Hospital Group in Westlands who were willing to offer him services for free. 

Nonetheless, the friends were adamant that he attends rehab and the parties came to an agreement that Omosh would be enrolled for counselling at Chiromo on Saturday, July 3. 

"We intend to meet at Omosh’s home on Saturday 3rd July and invite well-wishers to come with food and money for his family. This is because he’ll be away for 3 months in rehab,” Kevin Onyiso (starred as Eddy in Tahidi High) told Kenyans.co.ke. 

Actor Omosh (left) receives a cheque from comedian Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) in February 2021

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Tahidi High actors who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke detailed how thespian Kamau Kinuthia (Omosh) declined their aid and why he needed rehabilitation more than money and jobs. 

On Monday, June 28, the artists lamented that they offered two free rehabilitation courses to Omosh,  but were surprised at how quickly he turned down their offers.

They requested to speak on anonymity as they were wary of being dragged in an escalating matter that had caught the public attention. Most of them complained that their image had been tainted by the saga as they were blamed for failing to guide him.  

One of the actresses lamented that NACADA -National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Chiromo Hospital Group in Westlands had agreed to rehabilitate Omosh, but only if he would be willing to turn himself in. 

Actor Kamau Kinuthia broke down and cried at a past interview

File

"There were technicalities in between and nitty-gritty that weren't agreed on. Omosh failed to show up and I felt like it was a letdown. I don't want to speak deeply on his issue but I feel like he needs counseling more than the jobs and money. 

"He recently requested a tripod and camera yet some of us are in the production houses where we can do skits and shows for him. Omosh is so talented. Actually, I have never seen someone as skilled as him and I feel all of his talents may go to waste," the actress stated, adding that many Kenyans loved Omosh despite his theatrics. 

Actor Kelvin Oyiso (Eddy), while reacting to a post on social media added that Omosh cut off his former Tahidi High actors after he was rewarded with land, a house, and other donations including money. 

According to Onyiso, they were worried that Omosh may squander his newfound riches and may be tempted to sell the land and donations. 

His colleagues also felt that he needed further counseling not only on battling alcoholism but self-management and other related areas. They argued that his pleas can morph into a habit he would find difficult to contain and may find the courage to request favors without remorse. 

In a past interview, Omosh admitted to being addicted to alcohol. "I used to drink 10 beers daily without feeling any effect," he stated, adding that he attended rehab for three months where he underwent treatment and counseling. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Omosh confessed that he turned down the recent rehabilitation offers, lamenting that his family needed him most and being away for another three months would affect them.

"The ideas are amazing, but I can't desert my family for another three months. I wish to attend counseling. My heart is yearning and I will plan for it," Omosh explained. 

Some of his friends who aided him before alluded to cutting links with him. Comedian Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o)  lamented that they were almost completing the construction of Omosh's new house and the donors were aggrieved by his callous remarks on how they allegedly deserted him. 

"The only thing remaining is fixing window panes and applying paint before officially handing over the house to him. I will forever be grateful to all of you who donated to him. Even if he wants to auction this house, let him do so. He has to sell masks like other men along Uhuru highway," Jalang'o posted on Facebook. 

Omosh in an interview with TV47 had begged for menial jobs claiming that he spent the millions he had received before to offset debts. He lamented that some well-wishers who had pledged to assist him did not keep their word.

Actor Kamau Kinuthia's (Omosh) new house

Facebook

Shooting a gun in Kenya is associated with trained security officers such as the Kenya Police, the military, and even police reservists. Private citizens in Kenya who are licensed gun holders can also carry a gun with them. 

However, for Kenyans seeking thrilling outdoor activities other than the usual road trip or a safari, visiting a shooting range could be a creative addition to their bucket list. There are places in Kenya where a private citizen can head out to practice guns safely and under instruction.

Such places include the Kenya Rifles Regiment Club(KRRC) in Langata and the National Gun Owners Association shooting range located in Kirigiti, Kiambu county.

The KRRC was established in 1952 and has been a pioneer of developing shooting as a sport in Kenya, it is located at the Sailing Club in Langata.

A man aims at a target at a shooting range.

File

The location is easily accessible via matatu (tell the tout that you alight on Langata Road at "Carnivore junction" opposite the petrol station) and city bus. It is then a five minutes foot walk. The access road to the club has recently been tarmacked and now is very smooth and convenient.

To access this facility, you will be required to carry your national identification cards. The minimum age to participate in the shooting is14 years old. You will also be required to pay an entrance fee of Ksh 2000 and another Ksh 2500 for 50 rounds of ammunition.

Kenyans with privately owned and licensed guns can carry them to this club and they can also buy ammunition there according to the gun type. This facility opens from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays and weekends.

The National Gun Owners Association, NGAO-Kenya, is a registered independent, non-profit, and non-political association of law-abiding licensed firearm holders within the Republic of Kenya.

The primary requirement of accessing these events at NGAO is being a registered gun owner and you should also carry your own gun to this facility.

NGAO  provides professional training for licensed firearm holders in the proper use, handling, and safe storage of firearms, and they have a desire to promote shooting as a sport in the Olympics, Commonwealth games and other sporting events.

In the past two years, they have partnered with Kenya Prisons Staff Training College Range Ruiru to organize competitions that bring together civilian firearm holders and members of the disciplined forces – Kenya Defense Forces, Kenya Prisons & Kenya Police.

The Kirigiti based shooting range is located at Gitata Farm, in Kiambu county. You can take the bus number 100 from Odeon in the CBD and alight at kirigiti stadium then You proceed to the Gitata farm where the shooting happens. The charges for the training are Ksh 10, 000 and you are sure to be trained proficiently by the gun masters.

Process of Owning a Firearm in Kenya

Anyone looking to own a gun is mandated to go through a laid out process in the Firearms Act.

The first step is to report to the nearest police station to your area of residence and submit a formal request to own a gun to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS).

You will then be provided with a form to fill. The form will indicate the various documents that are mandatory for any gun owner.

This documents include;

• A letter detailing why an individual is looking to own a gun.
• A letter form a psychiatrist confirming that one is of sound mind.
• A police clearance certificate also known as the certificate of good conduct.
• Certified bank statement to ascertain that one has a steady source of income.
• Clearance letter from the police station closest to your residence - the letter should be stamped.
• 4 Passport photos.
• A copy of the National ID or Passport
• Incase the applicant has had any incident or run in with any sort of criminals, he/she is required to provide the OB numbers for any filed cases.

The applicant will then be directed to wait for the next interview. 

The internal vetting process usually takes an estimated 3 months, depending on the workload at the licensing board. The applicant, is then called to a final interview before being directed to pay Ksh5,000 for the official certificate. 

A man aims at a target at a shooting range.

File

Members of the afro-pop band Sauti Sol accused one of their own, Willis Chimano, of swindling their savings while the group was still in its early years. 

Speaking on the group's show Sol Family aired on Showmax, Bien-Aime Baraza disclosed that Chimano used the group's Ksh30,000 savings they had toiled for, without consulting them. 

The vocalist added that Chimano has never refunded the group its savings.

"Up to date, we have never been paid back. Chimano alituosha (Chimano conned us)," Bien alleged. 

Sauti Sol boy band during a past photo shoot

File

According to Polycarp the guitarist, Chimano explained to the group that he used the funds to pay his school (university) fees. 

"Chimano, you need to pay us back our money. At that time we were so broke and he was in charge of our savings. 

"He ended up using our money. I think he explained that he used it to pay his school fees but I don't believe him," Polycarp disregarded Chimano's excuse. 

Savara Mudigi added that the amount he took, almost 14 years ago, had accrued interest and would be repaid back. All the members, though, accused him on a lighter note considering that the group sacrificed a lot to build an international brand. 

"I have never taken their money and I don't know what they are talking about. Those are my comments for now," Chimano responded. 

The musical group has won public admiration with their unity throughout their growth - in an industry where most groups quickly separate over financial and publicity disputes. 

In June 2021, the Grammy award-winning band were unveiled as brand ambassadors for a mobile tech company and will be featured in a new integrated campaign for Infinix which will run across TV, print, and online channels and in-store.

The band has also embarked on several successful tours in Africa and Europe, topped Kenyan charts and gained international attention with shows in Europe and the US.

Willis Chimano of afro-pop band Sauti Sol

Instagram

Former Taita Taveta Woman Representative Joyce Wanjala Lay has taken a break from politics to focus on her newfound calling as a gospel musician. 

The 47-year old has settled on the artistic name, Jewel, and is set to launch her album in the coming days.

Having taken a keen interest in the LGBTQIA community, her music should be a soothing balm to these members of the group. 

''I heard that voice telling me that God wanted me to share the love of Christ with the LGBTIQ community.

''The message was very clear, that they've been discriminated and most of them are being persecuted. Most of them are being judged and condemned.'' She noted while speaking to Nation.

Joyce Lay Addressing the Public During an ODM Mashinani at Mwanyumba Stadium in Wundanyi, 2012 Source : Facebook

She vied for the Taita Taveta Senate seat in 2017 on a Jubilee Party ticket and secured 35,590 votes but lost to Johnes Mwaruma who had garnered 43,803 votes on an ODM Party ticket.

While in office, she championed a bill that sought to govern in-vitro fertilization.

Joyce is married to William Lay - a Kenyan-based American businessman who previously served as CEO at CMC Motors.

Beyond encouraging her and supporting him his husband sought to separate his name from her artistic pursuits by advising her to pick the stage name Jewel.

She further mentioned that nobody can exercise honest leadership if they didn't have God in their life. 

If she's not in the studio you'll likely find her being a mother of two, studying for her Bachelor's Degree, vocal training, or engaging in business deals.

When questioned if she would like to venture back into politics, she has no wish to seek any elective post in the 2022 General Election. However, she entertains the idea of it in the future. 

Lay maintains that she harbors no regrets for leaving politics.

This move into launching a music career comes as no shock as there's an increasing backdrop of Kenyan musicians venturing into politics and vice versa.

Former Taita Taveta MP Joyce Lay Source: Facebook

Comedian Elsa Majimbo has vowed to hop from one country to another, spending outrageous amounts to accommodate herself rather than return to Nairobi, Kenya. 

In an interview with Dubai's Anash Bukhash on Tuesday, May 25, Majimbo spoke against bullying and lamented that she faced a lot of criticism in Nairobi since her high school years. 

The internet sensation who rose from a digital comedian to brand ambassador admitted that she has a poor relationship with Nairobi and she'd relocate to South Africa as a last resort. 

"I have faced a lot of bullying in Nairobi and when I say bullying people only think about the internet, but it has been my whole life. At the university, I chose my friends and the company I was in and it got easier. 

Kenyan comedian Elsa Majimbo in an interview with Dubai blogger Anash Bukhash

YouTube

But when I got to the internet it became as worse as it was in high school. I would mind my own business and sit inside the house in Nairobi. When I left for South Africa in February, I left and never went back to Kenya," Majimbo recalled.  

She added that she has been travelling with her manager and some of her family members across the world. In May, the comedian took her entourage to Dubai where she has been spending nearly ten times what she would have spent elsewhere. 

Majimbo pointed out that she didn't have a plan as she hadn't figured out her next stop after Dubai. 

"I found happiness outside (of Kenya). I don't know where I am going and yesterday my sister suggested travelling back to Nairobi to which I declined. 

"It is the worst option possible. I will go back to South Africa where I know I have a home. South Africans supported and defended me from Kenyan bullies. Kenya is not that place (to call home). It is tough but life is tough," she told Bukhash. 

She revealed one of her worst memories in Nairobi was being laughed at by friends who she alleged were asking her to bleach herself and be like other light skin ladies. She added that she hates school and doesn't think of setting her foot inside a class to listen to lectures. 

The award-winning star dropped out of school. She was studying for a Degree in Journalism at Strathmore University. 

"It does hurt. It really hurts. Negativity has a way of overshadowing the good. It's not the bullying that hurt me most, it was the pity. People asking whether I was okay or was about to hurt myself. I don’t want to pity myself because I want to be in a peaceful space. 

"I am a tough girl and I will stand strong. I need to have a thick skin as I know that I will face a lot of criticism," she encouraged herself but later on broke down into tears, recalling the struggles she went through to build her success. 

Comedian Elsa Majimbo who won the People's Choice Award for Favorite African Social Star in 2020

YouTube

The Nation Media Group has set aside one day each month for the use of the language among its employees.

In an announcement on Thursday, May 27, the media house divulged that the move is aimed at intensifying its efforts to promote the use of Kiswahili.

The Kiswahili Day will be on every last Friday of the month, which will see all staff required to communicate in Kiswahili in their conversations and email communications.

NTV studio at Twin Tower along Kimathi Street.

Twitter

The launch of the Kiswahili day will start Friday May 28, where all NMG staff from its Headquarters in Nairobi and its office in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Eldoret, Meru, Kisii, and Kakamega will be required to communicate in Kiswahili.

"This move aims to encourage workers and Kenyans in general to be proud of Kiswahili as a language that identifies Kenyans and East Africa as a whole as well as to revive the spirit of pride in African culture.

NMG will continue to take steps to promote Kiswahili through its platforms such as newspapers, TV, radio and other networks," NMG Chief Executive Stephen Gitagama stated.

He explained that the company is also seeking cooperation with other stakeholders such as Government institutions  to promote and disseminate Kiswahili.

Nation Media Group CEO Stephen Gitagama.

Daily Nation

Richard Tobiko, Director of Finance NMG urged the staff to be the Kiswahili language ambassadors.

NMG recently made changes affecting managers and editors in an effort at transformation from a traditional broadcast content provider to a digital operation.

This was after the Kimathi Street based media house recorded a 94% drop in profits citing the Covid-19 pandemic that led to loss of revenue.  

The Nation Centre building located at Kimathi Street, Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).

Photo

Kenyans.co.ke

Andrew Mugure popularly referred to as Mustafa from hit Citizen TV show Mother-in-law has opened up on struggles he faced after losing two jobs.

Speaking in an interview, the famed actor who was also a radio presenter at Hot 96FM explained that he had to survive on very little as well as handouts from family and friends during the difficult period.

He explained that in 2020, he was fired from his radio presenter job and at the same period, the Mother-in-Law show was also looking to cut on budgets so he got fewer episodes and eventually terminated him from the show.

Muthure recalled that at the time of his retrenchment, his wife was five months pregnant, and due to complications she was put on 24-hour bed rest.

Andrew Muthure AKA Mustafa with wife Harriet

Instagram

Seeking treatment ate into their savings and the little income he made from the episodes of the show he had shot previously.

At that time, his family and friends help out with the basic things he needed. His landlady as well was understanding of his predicament as he was allowed to pay rent in installments.

"I am not earning anything currently as I still do not have a job. My family has been very gracious to us as they bring me food and help in paying the rent and they also encourage me not to give up," he stated.

The actor explained that there were friends who did not pick or return his calls when he needed their assistance.

During the period, he started to create content for online platforms but he faced a setback when his filming equipment and laptops were stolen from his home.

"Now I just shoot on my phone and I also edit on the same device," he explained.

To make ends meet, Muthure got into small-scale farming to provide for his family as he looks for a more consistent source of livelihood.

Despite his situation, the popular actor joined an initiative to raise Ksh3.5 milllion for Baby Neillah, a three-year-old girl who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy that restraints muscle movements in her body.

"I just had to help out where I could even it was just in prayers and also getting the word out there for people to contribute the money for her treatment," he conveyed.

Actor Andrew Muthure aka Mustafa

Twitter

Citizen TV actress, Brenda Michelle, was rushed to a hospital in Nairobi County on Thursday, May 13, after she was involved in a road accident. 

Michelle plays the role of Alma in the drama series Zora, scripted and produced by Citizen TV's power couple, Rashid Abdalla and Lulu Hassan. 

The actress was being driven by her husband and music producer, Jacky B, on Wednesday, May 12 when they were rammed into by an oncoming cargo train. 

"Our car was hit when we were about to cross a railway line. It was dark and raining heavily. The train had no lights on. It never hooted too. It just ran into our car and propelled us into a flooded area nearby.

Citizen TV actress, Brenda Michelle (Alma) at a hospital in Nairobi after she was involved in an accident on Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Instagram

"I felt like a building fell on us. It was a very traumatic experience. Michelle felt most of the impact as she was in the co-driver seats," Jacky B stated, adding that he escaped with soft tissue injuries.

The duo checked in at a nearby hospital for tests, with Jacky B stating that they were not alarmed as the actress had not complained of incurring any critical injuries.  

However, he was forced to rush her back to the facility after they were discharged and issued with prescribed medication. Michelle had complained of severe pain which they suspected may have been internal bleeding. 

"Earlier on, a few tests were run on her head and limbs where she was complaining of pain and the doctors said it was tissue and muscle damage. 

"However -later on-  she started complaining of chest pains, dizziness and nausea. We are back here to run more tests. They suspect that she may have suffered from thoracic trauma," the artist explained. 

A number of celebrities and followers reached out to the family wishing them well. 

“We appreciate this immense amount of concern and support,” Jacky B stated. 

Music producer Jacky B (left) with his wife and Citizen TV actress Brenda Michelle (Alma)

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