Exclusive

From Shamba Boy to MP - Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna's Story

Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna. He set up the Nguna Cup, a tournament to empower the youth through sports.
Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna. He set up the Nguna Cup, a tournament to empower the youth through sports.

Soft-spoken but with a meaningful impact - that's how Mwingi West MP Charles Ngusya Nguna AKA (CNN) chooses to describe his style of politics.

The Wiper politician spoke to Kenyans.co.ke where he disclosed that politics may have not been part of his plan from a young age but that is where he feels he is serving the Kenyan nation most.

Born in a remote area in Kitui County, Nguna was raised for most of his life by his grandmother after his parents who'd landed scholarships travelled to Greece.

Though living in poverty, he was hopeful that they would overcome that season of their life. 

Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna launching a project in his constituency
Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna launching a project in his constituency

"We were very poor. In my teenage years, I would work as a shamba boy, I used to pick out weeds in people's farms and dig wells for a small wage. A day's job in the hot sun would earn me Ksh 200," the Migwani Boys Secondary Alumni elaborated.

He further stated that he would also make ropes from sisal to sell at the market - a trade he'd learned from his grandmother. "Life was hard but really simple then."

After completing his secondary education in 2000, Nguna pursued a course in International Business Administration at USIU, sponsored by his parents who'd started earning while working from Greece at the time.

After completing his university education, he began working with a real estate company as a project manager. There, he spotted opportunities and invested in various properties in Nairobi.

In 2007, he got a chance to study in the UK and went for his Masters in economics at the University of Middlesex.

"While in the UK, I'd work part-time jobs and even went ahead and did my second Masters in Political Science at the London School of Business," he stated.

After graduating in 2010, he tried looking for a job but the state of the economy at the time wasn't favourable, so he travelled back to Kenya.

From left: Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti and Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna during the Jamhuri Day fete at Kanyaa Primary grounds, Migwani, Mwingi West Subcounty on December 12,2018.
From left: Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti and Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna during the Jamhuri Day fete at Kanyaa Primary grounds, Migwani, Mwingi West Subcounty on December 12, 2018.
Twitter

He had a few stints in some major companies in the country before finally opting to join politics in 2016.

"I realised the incumbent MP wasn't performing and the youth in Mwingi West encouraged me to run. Also, I used to run youth projects Nguna Cup when I was still in University," he explained.

He joined the Wiper party and managed to clinch the seat. The joy of being an MP was quickly taken over by the downside of being an elected leader.

"I was stable financially, but when I joined politics, my financial status has declined but I'm not badly off. I have to share my income with the constituents and handle some projects from pockets as well," he stated.

He added that his personal life was also greatly affected as he got enemies and trolled on social media.

Nguna has however managed to lobby projects for his constituents including roads, building classrooms, conducting youth and women empowerment projects as well as encouraging the planting of trees.

"Water being a major issue in my constituency, I have constructed two earth dams from my salary together with a local NGO for the people of Mwingi West," he stated.

Being a member of the Wiper party, Nguna is cautious of the co-operation agreement between the party and Jubilee.

"When we held the NEC meeting, my views were that we go in with an agreement to work with the current government because I am wary of the Jubilee-KANU coalition. We can work with them until 2022 but after that, we get to decide which way forward," he conveyed.

The MP has quite an impressive sporty resume having won 12 gold medals in the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games EALA games.

From left: Homabay Senator Moses Kajwang', Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama and Charles Nguna (Mwingi West) in Dar es Salaam after winning 4*400 metres in EALA Games.
From left: Homabay Senator Moses Kajwang', Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama
and Charles Nguna (Mwingi West) in Dar es Salaam after winning 4*400 metres in EALA Games.

The legislator habours the ambition of vying for the governorship in the near future after serving his constituents.

"Alternatively, I would like to get a Cabinet Secretary or an ambassadorship position because I believe I am qualified for such national positions," he stated.

His advice for young aspiring politicians is, "Be conversant with the people on the ground, because they are the ones who will give you the power and have the power to take it."

 

 

Kamba Musician Tapped to Lead Media House Strategy

Mutisya wa ngai with his troupe of actors during the shooting of a scene
Mutisya wa Ngai with his troupe of actors during the shooting of a scene.

Popular Kamba musician and spoken word artist Carl-weathers Mutisya, 27, who goes by Mutisya wa Ngai has landed a managerial role at Kyeni TV.

In a statement released on Tuesday May 26, the artist was appointed as the Head of Strategy and Innovation at the station.

The Head of Broadcasting at Kyeni TV and Kyeni Radio Daniel Musembi explained to Kenyans.co.ke that the decision to appoint the artist was to drive the Kamba culture to a broader audience.

"We are aiming to integrate the cultural essence of Kamba nation and bring to the front things that are not understood by basically scaling up production and the production value of our pieces," he explained.

A show host at Kyeni TV studios
A show host at Kyeni TV studios

Mutisya who's has been a spoken- word artist for six years, expressed his gratitude for landing the job adding that he was ready to take on the challenge as a manager.

"In my new position, I will seek to have artists get paid more for their content. I'm also planning to embark on a tour of Ukambani to gather indigenous knowledge and share it. Information on medication, lifestyles, and ways of life," he told this writer over the phone.

Under his stage name, Mutisya wa Ngai, the artiste observed that communities that take pride in their cultural heritage thrive in national business and leadership platforms. 

"I champion the Kamba culture and celebrate the beauty of my motherland in an artistic blend of spoken word and musical accompaniment.

Carl-weathers Mutisya AKA Mutisya wa Ngai will now be head of Strategy and innovation at Kyeni TV.
Carl-weathers Mutisya AKA Mutisya wa Ngai will now be head of Strategy and innovation at Kyeni TV.

"My zeal is to balance the aspects of faith (religions) and positive culture among my community for it's from there we as the Kamba people will position our community in on the opportunity spectrum," he added.

He further revealed that alongside duties at Kyeni TV, he was looking to mobilise people with similar ideals under the group name 'The Young Elders.'

 

Mutisya wa Ngai
Mutisya wa Ngai uploads his work on YouTube where he teaches about the Kamba culture.
YouTube

 

Mohamed Mahmud: Ex-Citizen TV Reporter Running Own Media Company

Former Citizen TV reporter Mohamed Mahmud on January 26, 2013.
Former Citizen TV reporter Mohamed Mahmud on January 26, 2013.
Facebook

Beyond the glitz and glam of the cameras and the huge following on social media platforms, journalists and celebrities in Kenya unwittingly find themselves in a position where their lives are intruded upon by the sheer fact that they are considered influential in the society. 

Every picture, every post is analysed for any flaw or inconsistency by the internet and the personalities find their personal lives - the good, the bad and the ugly - playing out in public. 

Presenting an almost perfect life on Instagram is not easy and oftentimes, celebrities are compelled to flaunt well-choreographed lifestyles to keep their fanbase engaged.

Mohamed Mahmud, a former Citizen TV reporter, shared his story with Kenyans.co.ke on how life in the limelight made him live beyond his means due to societal pressure, falling into depression and how he overcame that to embody a better version of himself.

Mohamed Mahmud (right) with Brenda Mwai Gakuya AKA Julia during the shooting of Tahidi High in 2009.
Mohamed Mahmud (right) with Brenda Mwai Gakuya AKA Julia during the shooting of Tahidi High in 2009.
Facebook

Mohammed Mahmud had his sights set on a media career from an early age by establishing a journalism club while attending Muthambi Boys High School in Chogoria, Tharaka-Nithi County. His first brush with fame was when he joined the crew of Citizen TV's Tahidi High in 2008 as a production assistant.

"At that time we would shoot during the school holidays at the Nairobi School. I was the production assistant and would help in the scripting. After a while, I was called to play the character of Jamal," he narrated.

While studying at the Multimedia University of Kenya then referred to as the Kenya College of Communications Technology (KCCT), he sought an internship at Citizen TV in January 2010.

"I used to shoot some of my stories and edit them myself. I could report in both English and Kiswahili. Due to this, when the three months of internship ended, I was asked to remain as a Swahili reporter," he added.

Mahmud explained that it was in April 2010 that he started working at the station as a full-time Swahili reporter.

"I liked doing war and covering conflict stories and so I was assigned to cover the Moyale conflict and in Somalia," he stated.

Former Citizen TV reporter Mohamed Mahmud on an assignment
Former Citizen TV reporter Mohamed Mahmud on an assignment

In June 2012, he was recruited at KTN to join their investigative desk. While at the broadcaster, that is when the need to keep up with the image of a successful journalist became apparent.

"I used to take loans to buy vehicles and also lived in apartments in estates that were expensive. I used to just fly to Dubai for the weekend and post on social media because I loved to travel," he explained.

He added that the pressure to maintain the image in social platforms drove him to make some of his most reckless financial decisions.

"In 2015, just when I had left KTN, I was deep in loans and the cars that I had purchased were repossessed. At the time I had no one to talk to. My phone went silent, and my colleagues abandoned me. That's the time you come to know your true friends.

"The ego that came with the job was no longer a factor. I reset my Instagram account that had followers who totaled almost 120,000 and started afresh," Mahmud explained.

He noted that eventually he managed to reach out to his colleagues to share his pain and struggles at the time and got counsel on how he would provide for himself moving forward despite his financial position at the time.

After leaving KTN, Mahmud took on freelancing assignments around the world reporting for international media houses including France 24, Voice of America (VOA), TRT World, Press TV, and TVC News Lagos.

In 2018, he got an offer from Switch TV as the assignment editor. He would be later declared redundant in 2019, during restructuring in the company.

"After Switch TV, I took time for myself and enjoyed the freedom that I had," he stated in his journey to reclaim his life.

Mohamed Mahmud (left) with his colleagues at Switch TV, Daniel Kituu  and  Abulla Ahmed (right)
Mohamed Mahmud (left) with his colleagues at Switch TV, Daniel Kituu and Abulla Ahmed (right)
Instagram

"I meditated a lot and took time to build relationships in my life again," he recalls.

During his break, he founded Movid Media company in 2019, which deals with Brand Visibility.

"We just started formally in November last year (2019), and in the start-up phase. We just started doing things. A humble company indeed. But over time, we will grow God willing to become that multi-million company," he conveyed.

Movid Media website. It is a company that focuses on bringing to light and strengthening brand visibility.
Movid Media website. A company founded by former Citizen TV journalist Mohamed Mahmud in 2019.

Out of his experience, Mahmud noted, "When you lose what you thought you had, your job - fame, the person you loved most - good things happen. God doesn't take give you more if your hands are tied, he gives you when they are both empty to handle bigger and better opportunities."

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi: From Ksh200 Wage to Philanthropic Businessman

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi during a forum in 2019.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi during a forum in 2019.
Instagram

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, 32, may not be a vocal legislator but his leadership is evidenced by the development agenda in his constituency. In April 2020, as a way of youth empowerment and creating awareness on the Covid-19 pandemic he offered to cover production costs to any Kenyan who composed a song on the virus.

The father of one has also taken the lead in a door-to-door campaign for the distribution of food, sanitisers, and facemasks to several households in his constituency with the aim of reaching approximately 15,000 people.

The ODM legislator explained to Kenyans.co.ke that his philanthropic nature is inspired by his humble childhood.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi donating food to his constituents on May 9.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi donating food to his constituents on May 9.
Instagram

Early Life

"I was raised by my grandmother after my father died and my mother abandoned me," he stated adding that he would take on menial jobs to support his family while in primary school.

"I used to be herdsboy and make not more than Ksh200 for a weekend and that was enough to keep us going," the MP, who is also a maize and dairy farmer added.

Despite the hardships, Amisi was able to emerge as the top student in Western Kenya in the 2000 KCPE examinations

The MP revealed that he first wore shoes when he attended Starehe Boys Centre in 2001 - he was armed only with a padlock, everything was provided by the school.

He was able to proceed to university enrolling for a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce at the University of Nairobi.

"I used to work while in campus because I wasn't from a rich background," he added noting that he had to work hard to have what he has today.

Politics

His entrance to politics was by chance, spurred by his schoolmate and Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth who encouraged him to join his party and run in 2013. He failed to capture a political seat.

But his fortune changed in 2017 when he vied on an ODM party ticket in Saboti Constituency where it was alleged he ran one of the most expensive campaigns in the country.

"I had a lot to prove. ODM was not a popular party to sell in Trans Nzoia County and also I was young. So I used choppers to campaign - and I won," he proclaimed.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi addressing his constituents at Kinyoro Ward on Feb 3, 2020
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi addressing his constituents at Kinyoro Ward on Feb 3, 2020.

Being in parliament, Amisi continued to push for the youth agenda where he proposed for unemployed youth to be given a h4,000 monthly allowance by urging for the amendment of the Social Assistance Act 2012.

"The proposal is still at the budget phase but I am still following up on it. I believe that young people should be protected because unemployment leaves the youth susceptible to ills like drug abuse, criminal gangs and organised militia groups," he added.

 

As a young parliamentarian, Amisi revealed his strategy to get noticed and get legislation through.

"What you do is work through committees, that's how you get an agenda pushed through and I currently seat in the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee," he added.

The greatest lesson he has learned in politics is 'there are no permanent friends or enemies just permanent interests.'

Business Profile

Unconfirmed reports indicated him to be among the most wealthy young parliamentarians. Though he couldn't confirm nor deny, Amisi described his position as 'comfortable'.

Running three companies including a real estate company, a wine-importing firm, and a high-end spa called Miss White Spa - a commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and massage - situated in Hurlingham, Nairobi.

The Spa estimated to be worth Ksh60 Million made headlines in December 2019, when ODM leader Raila Odinga visited for a hair cut. 

ODM Leader Raila Odinga getting a haircut at Miss White Spa in Nairobi in December 2019.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga getting a haircut at Miss White Spa in Nairobi in December 2019.
Instagram

The launch was attended by a number of legislators including Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Babu Owino (Embakasi East) and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.

Amisi stated that he runs the salon with his wife of more than nine years. 

Words of Advice

To a young person interested in getting into politics, the youthful MP advises, "Know why you want to run because I know of some nominated leaders who don't even know why they are there and they still get salaries. Power without purpose is useless."

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi speaking at the Ma3 Awards on December 3, 2019.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi speaking at the Ma3 Awards on December 3, 2019.

 

Waititu's Response After Mitumba Shopping Photo Goes Viral

A photo of former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu shopping in the city
A photo of former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu shopping in the city
Twitter

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu on Wednesday, May 20, sought to set the record straight after photos of him shopping for mitumba clothes were posted online earlier in the week.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the former county boss confirmed that the photos were indeed taken recently as he was going about his business in Nairobi.

"I don't know what intention the person who posted had, because this was me going about my normal day," he told this writer over the phone.

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu pictured walking along Biashara Street in Nairobi.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu pictured walking along Biashara Street in Nairobi.

He was spotting casually looking through some clothes at a stall along Biashara Street in Nairobi.

"My wife and children don't buy my clothes for me. So, when I saw something good I went to see if it is something I could wear and that is when that picture was taken," he added.

However, the former governor did not reveal how much he bought the coat he was checking out for.

The seller, Peterson Muiru commonly called Mbao confirmed that Waititu passed by his stall earlier in the week and tried a coat on.

"He passed by two days ago and tried on the mitumba coat but he did not buy. He said he'd go to the bank and come back but he didn't return," he told this writer over the phone.

A photo of former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu shopping in the city
A photo of former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu shopping in the city
Twitter

Mbao further stated that he had a variety of coats on sale including checked coats and blazers all starting from Ksh 3,500. 

Kenyans were quick to come to the defence of the former Kiambu Governor as netizens poked fun at his now 'ordinary life' 

Eastleigh Business Community executive member, Asmali Mohamed posted, "Waititu felt cold. Got himself a jacket. Just like a normal Mwananchi."

Others tried to compare his situation with the goings-on in the Jubilee Party. 

Hussein Koro stated, "This man lost his position because of supporting one William Ruto. The same Ruto couldn’t even stand with him at the hour of his roasting. Those noisemakers shouting in the name GEMA supporting Ruto should learn something from."

Kenneth Ojuok commented, "Ferdinand Waititu has moved on. Power is indeed temporary." 

Waititu, in a previous interview, stated that his allies had abandoned him after he was ejected from the governor's seat.

He stated that the number of calls to his phone had reduced significantly. 

“I have now understood politics better. When I was Kiambu Governor, I used to receive a lot of calls from different people especially politicians seeking different favours from me. Some I built their careers and helped them win but now they don’t pick my calls when I call them,” he lamented.

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu at Movenpick Hotel during Council of Governor's election on January 20, 2020.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu at Movenpick Hotel during Council of Governor's election on January 20, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
Kenyans.co.ke

 

Trevor Ombija: From Intern to Senior Citizen TV Anchor

Citizen TV anchor Trevor Ombija hosting a forum at Laico Regency hotel on November 26, 2019.
Citizen TV anchor Trevor Ombija hosting a forum at Laico Regency Hotel on November 26, 2019.
Instagram

"Contrary to popular belief, I am not the judge's son," Trevor Ombija cheerfully clarifies over reports of him being related to retired Justice Nicholas Ombija Owano - a judge who'd been dispensing justice for close to four decades before he hung his robe in 2016.

After making it clear about that relation, the senior anchor and reporter at Citizen TV opened up on his humble upbringing with his father who was working as a teacher in the village and his high school education at Anding'o Opanga Secondary School, in Nyakach, Kisumu County.

The eloquent journalist spoke to Kenyans.co.ke, where he detailed his journey in journalism and how he handles his work at Citizen TV.

Citizen TV anchors Trevor Ombija (Left) and Waihiga Mwaura (right) on September 18, 2019.
Citizen TV anchors Trevor Ombija (Left) and Waihiga Mwaura (right) on September 18, 2019.
Instagram

While pursuing his journalism degree at the University of Nairobi, he was approached by China Central Television Africa (CCTV) bureau, now CGTN as an intern in 2012.

He later ventured into radio news at Nation FM which was at the time called Easy FM where he spent a year. Trevor later moved to NTV in 2014 where he was a senior anchor and reporter. In 2018, he was made an associate producer.

At this point, when there was a lot of poaching amongst media houses, he decided to move to Citizen TV.

"I had been at NTV for a while and decided it was time to try a new challenge. They (Citizen TV) were number one at the time and I figured it would be a good time to jump into a small fish pond with sharks. All the biggest names were there and wanted to see if I could compare to them," he stated.

At Citizen TV, Trevor hosts four shows which is the most for an anchor at the station.

From left: Citizen TV anchors Waihiga Mwaura, Zindzi Kibiku, Trevor Ombija on June 24, 2019
From left: Citizen TV anchors Waihiga Mwaura, Zindzi Kibiku, Trevor Ombija on June 24, 2019
Instagram

On Monday, he has the Monday Special Report and later in the week he switches to the morning shows with Wednesday's Daybreak where he holds discussions on the civil society, media and issues affecting the common mwananchi. On Thursdays, he hosts Bulls and Bear which is a business show and also does Friday's Social Square which focusses on the youth and issues that they face.

Trevor revealed that the key to a good interview is to have background information by carrying out research.

"The first thing is to size up the person you are going to talk to with the previous interviews they have done to know what kind of interviewer they are. Are they the abrasive kind to evade questions, take too long to answer questions, are they going demean you in the process?

"Research takes up the most time, having background information and coming up with questions, run them by your producer and editors," he added.

The senior anchor revealed that he's had his fair share of challenges when conducting interviews, especially when dealing with abrasive individuals.

"The most difficult person I've interviewed is Miguna Miguna as he is very arrogant and he will tell you things are borderline condescending on live TV. Police Spokesperson Charles Owino can be very rough and he is the kind who questions you when you pose a question," he stated.

In such interactions, Trevor revealed that he tries to keep a bold face even though deep down he's upset or jittery. 

"I don't like my interviews to be noisy because such confrontations are devoid of substance. I'm intentional in interviews where I know which questions I will pursue but not the drama of it all. I barely have shouting matches," he added.

Anchors Trevor Ombija and Najma Ismail take selfies at NTV studios on August 24, 2018.
Anchors Trevor Ombija and Najma Ismail take selfies at NTV studios on August 24, 2018.
Instagram

Trevor further revealed that his work hadn't received any recognition since he began his career, adding that it is a personal choice.

"I deliberately don't enter my stories for competitions. When I joined media I wanted to be the voice of the people not really for recognition. I've only entered one of my stories for a competition that did not win.

"I don't think it is wrong for journalists to enter their works for awards, I'm just not from the same school of thought. It is a personal decision. That said, I respect people who get awards," he added.

If he had a chance, Trevor revealed that he would advise his younger self not to worry about what people think, but rather live and as long as he gets the satisfaction.

"Live, love. laugh, fall, stand again and walk with your head held high. I live by three quotes; The essence of courage does not mean that your heart doesn't quake but nobody should know it does; No wind favours he who has no direction; Be still and know that I am God," he elucidated.

Citizen TV anchor Trevor Ombija on February 14, 2020
Citizen TV anchor Trevor Ombija on February 14, 2020.
Instagram

Trevor believes that the media landscape will result in having very many journalists, with the type of content being the differentiating factor.

"Everyone has a camera, everyone can record something, and every single person will have their own platform to hold a conversation with a niche of people who are interested. People are consuming different conversations from different platforms. Unfortunately, the truth will be very subjective," he noted.

Kenyan Graduate Connecting African Youth With Global Research Opportunities

Kennedy Mbeva Liti speaking at a conference.
Kennedy Liti Mbeva making a presentation at the UN Climate Change negotiations in November 2016 in Marrakesh, Morocco
File

Africa, and Kenya in particular, is teeming with talented scholars looking for an opportunity to apply their knowledge and impact society positively. However, the lack of a clear bridge to policymakers has resulted in career shifts, if only to make ends meet.

It is this specific challenge that inspired Kenyan research expert, Kennedy Liti Mbeva to create the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) alongside Dr Joanes Atela - a think tank that brings together some of the world's brightest minds and connects them to policymakers across the world.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke from Australia, where he is currently wrapping up his PhD in International Trade Policy at the University of Melbourne, the enthusiastic researcher opened up on his end goal as well as his personal journey.

Kennedy Liti Mbeva
Kennedy Liti Mbeva poses for a professional headshot photo.
File

"Research has always been my thing. Ever since my days at Kenyatta University (KU), I was always involved in everything to do with the environment and research.

"I was part of the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) which is how I got the exposure that changed my life," he recalled.

AYICC currently has a chapter across every country in at least 35 countries on the African continent where youth organizations, university groups, rural youth groups, schools, and like-minded individuals share knowledge, ideas, experiences, skills, and strategies on action around the continent on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Upon completing his degree in Environmental Management and Policy, Liti was picked as part of the Kenyan delegation to the 2012 United Nations Climate Change Conference that was held at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, aged just 24.

This was a key milestone in his blossoming career as he got to meet career policymakers and like-minded researchers from around the world.

"This was one of those proud moments but most importantly, I used the opportunity to network as much as I could and some of the networks I made then, proved instrumental in setting up ARIN," he explained.

Three years later, Liti was once again selected as part of the Kenyan delegation to the historic Paris Agreement that was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts.

Kennedy Liti Mbeva receiving the Green Talents Fellowship Award, from the Federal Minister for Education and Research, in Berlin, Germany October 2014.
Kennedy Liti Mbeva receiving the Green Talents Fellowship Award, from the Federal Minister for Education and Research, in Berlin, Germany October 2014.
File

By this time, he had already received a scholarship for a Masters programme at the UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development in Shanghai, China.

He was awarded the prestigious Green Talents Fellowship Award in Germany where he got to stay for 3 months as part of a global think-tank.

"The jury was particularly impressed with Kennedy’s enthusiastic activism and his clear vision of the practical applicability of his research to improving sustainable development in the future,

"They felt that he would benefit greatly from the opportunity to interact with German specialists as he prepares for the next phase of his academic career," reads an excerpt from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany.

For his Master’s thesis, Kennedy conducted a study on the effectiveness of international public climate finance in Kenya.

"I found that there's a huge gap when it comes to scholars and policymakers which results in a lot of them falling along the way or drifting to a different path and robbing the world of their gift.

"This is the very essence of ARIN, it's just a platform where like-minded individuals can meet up and exchange various ideas on how to tackle the various challenges that are visible in our local setting," he elaborated.

When he isn't cracking his head on how to address the growing concern of environmental changes, Liti plays the Jazz with some of his friends.

"We call ourselves Kwanza Nation," he revealed amid a burst of hearty laughter, " Nothing professional yet but now that you've mentioned it, we'll work on a YouTube page, its what I do to unwind," he stated.

He went on to explain his grand vision for his motherland which entailed a society in which the youth are given a platform to only connect and offer their solutions to various challenges, but also allowing them to take up crucial roles in policymaking.

Talented researchers and policymakers across Africa join the ARIN network through formal competitive process based on the demonstration of research excellence and transformative thinking, he further explained.

Network members have the opportunity to engage in periodic intellectual discussions on the future of Africa’s research and impact pathways. Members also engage in development and implementation of grant projects.

Kwanza Nation Jazz Band. From left, from Left to Right Kennedy Liti Mbeva, Reuben Makomere and Neeraj Luke
Kwanza Nation Jazz Band. From left, from Left to Right Kennedy Liti Mbeva, Reuben Makomere and Neeraj Luke
File

Aden Duale: How Majority Leader Might Survive Jubilee Purge

President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) with Deputy President William Ruto (right) and Majority Leader Aden Duale at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on January 29, 2014.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) with Deputy President William Ruto (right) and Majority Leader Aden Duale at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on January 29, 2014.
PSCU

The Office of the Leader of Majority Party is established under Article 108 of the Constitution where the leader of the majority party is the person who is the leader in the National Assembly of the largest coalition or coalition of parties.

Garissa Town MP Aden Duale has been the leader of the Majority in the National Assembly for two terms - he's the first holder of the office in 11th and 12th Parliaments under the current constitution.

As the Leader of the Majority, he is the sponsor of all government bills with a track record of 150 Bills sponsored from 2013 to date. 

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale (left) and Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen during a past function at Jubilee party headquarters
National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale (left) and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen during a past function at Jubilee party headquarters.
Citizen Digital

Recent political uncertainty, in the Jubilee Party, has put his fate as the Majority Leader in question especially after the ouster of Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

A source close to Duale who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke, stated that the legislator's position was assured adding that the possibility of the ouster was exacerbated by media reports.

Dismissing reports by local publications of plans to oust him for the powerful seat, the source stated that the majority leader had the support of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"He has the confidence of both the party leader (Uhuru Kenyatta) and the deputy party leader (William Ruto)," he stated.

Furthermore, having served as the majority leader for two terms, Duale has developed a good working relationship with members of the house. With this, he is assured that he will not be voted out, the source argues.

"He has a good rapport with leaders both on the opposition and the government side by being objective to his core role as per the constitution and making sure he delivers for the government," he added.

A photo of National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale addressing reporters in Nairobi on May 22, 2019.
National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale addressing reporters in Nairobi on May 22, 2019.

In a previous interview with Kenyans.co.ke, analyst Herman Mayora opined that Duale would be spared in the Jubilee purge but his loyalty would be tested.

"For Duale, what he has to do now is not only support the president but actually facilitate the removal of the 'rebels' from the positions of power in Parliament," he told this writer at the time.

The seasoned politician has fought for the President's agenda on several occasions with one of the most notable ones being the passing of the amendments of the Elections Act, ahead of the October 26 repeat presidential poll.

Despite strong resistance from the National Super Alliance (NASA) MPs, the Majority Leader marshalled Jubilee MPs into securing the extraordinary sitting where a special committee was formed to scrutinise changes to the Elections (Amendment) Act, 2017.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale addresses the media on June 13, 2019.
National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale addresses the media on June 13, 2019.
Citizen Digital

The majority leader has equally been vocal in his support for President Kenyatta and the Deputy President.

“If Uhuru and Ruto told me to jump from the top of the KICC and assured me that I will not break my leg, I will jump. I am so much indebted to these men. I can do anything for Ruto and Uhuru under the sun,” Duale was quoted on September 29, 2014.

Has DJ Evolve Been Discharged to Resume Work? Father Reveals

Felix Orinda alias DJ Evolve (pictured) was allegedly shot by Babu Owino after an altercation in a night club on January 17, 2020.
Felix Orinda alias DJ Evolve (pictured) was allegedly shot by Babu Owino after an altercation in a night club on January 17, 2020.

On the morning of Sunday, May 17, B-Club published a social media post with a nostalgic message about the return of Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve to his disc jockeying duties at the establishment. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, DJ Evolve's father John Orinda disclosed that his son had not been discharged from the hospital and was still undergoing treatment to regain full health.

He further stated that even though Evolve had made significant progress in his recovery.

"DJ Evolve has not been discharged. He is still at the hospital. The bill has really risen, it is nearly Ksh16 million. 

Felix Ondari alias DJ Evolve at the Nairobi Hospital where he has been receiving treatment.
Felix Ondari alias DJ Evolve at the Nairobi Hospital where he has been receiving treatment.
Facebook

"He has been making recovery strides though he is not yet healed properly," stated Orinda.

"Doctors told me that for him to fully recover, even after he gets discharged, he may need to be taken for regular clinic checks," he added.

Regarding the ballooning bill, Orinda noted that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino had promised to continue paying it and disclosed that Evolve would return to the decks as soon as he fully recovers.

"When he recovers, he can just continue with his job," remarked the father.

The Instagram post by B-club had given the impression that the DJ was ready to resume work by welcoming "back home King DJ Evolve (lowkey assassin), we can’t wait to dance to your vibe once this lockdown is over."

That followed a video clip that another Instagram handles bearing the DJ's name had shared of Evolve on the decks in a fully-packed club.

Evolve's friend, DJ Pierra Makena, however, confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that although she had not seen the DJ in the past week, he (Evolve) had not taken control of his phone yet.

Babu Owino, when reached for comment disclosed that he was still carrying on with the payment of the bill and thanked God for the DJ's health improvement.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino addressing a crowd during a past event.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino addressing a crowd during a past event.
Facebook

Ian Wafula: From Surviving Road Crash to Being Rejected 4 Times by BBC

BBC broadcast journalist Ian Wafula on April 18, 2018
BBC broadcast journalist Ian Wafula on April 18, 2018
Photo
Ian Wafula

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever" - Mahatma Gandhi.

In journalism like many other professions, you will get to experience victories and failures. These experiences build you and ready you for future obstacles.

For BBC Broadcast journalist Ian Wafula (28) it has been a journey of learning, unlearning and re-learning as the media landscape evolves with each passing day.

Journalist Ian Wafula at the BBC East Africa Bureau in Nairobi on  August 1, 2018.
Journalist Ian Wafula at the BBC East Africa Bureau in Nairobi on August 1, 2018.
Photo
Ian Wafula

The young anchor spoke to Kenyans.co.ke, where he shared his story about his journey in media and the lessons he's learnt along the way

What is BBC Fact finder?

The BBC Fact-finder is a media literacy and fact-checking show where we deal with misinformation, fake news and data journalism. The show airs on BBC partner stations across the continent.

As a fact-finder what is the most bizarre story you've had to debunk or set the record straight?

There a couple of stories. Most recently, during this Covid-19 crisis. There were reports predominantly in the Coast that people were taking strong black tea to prevent themselves from catching coronavirus. We had to debunk that.

The most bizarre one was the Jakadala story and people in Nyanza were saying they were not having sex anymore because of the STI that was killing people in less than five days. It was circulating because a picture had been taken of a man in a hospital bed and his genitals were swollen. I tracked the man down in Kisumu and found that actually he had penile cancer.

Any backlash after a fact-check...

No, hopefully. When you fight people with the truth I don't think they can have anything else to say because if you have the facts, no one can get back at you. The tricky bit involves making sure you are always right. When you get the facts wrong you risk ruining your reputation and your credibility even as a journalist.

How has your journey as Journalist been

I started as an intern at KTN in 2013. My editors started taking me seriously when covering the Westgate attack after I did my first live report. I began being compelled to do security and investigate stories and I got to work with John Allan Namu and Mohamed Ali.

My best feature was Terror Foretold which exposed that security personnel had intel prior to the Garissa Attack happening. They didn't act on it. After my piece aired the Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery at the time fired the entire the security team.

At KTN, Yvonne Okwara (who's now at Citizen TV) coached me on anchoring news and I started doing the 1 p.m. Bulletin and also investigative reporting.

I joined K24 TV in 2015 where I hosted the morning show for two years. It helped me get out of my comfort zone as I found myself doing entertainment interviews. I joined BBC in 2018, where I was absorbed into the fact-checking show.

Ian Wafula Hosting the Daily Brief at K24 on April 12, 2018.
Ian Wafula Hosting the Daily Brief at K24 on April 12, 2018.
Instagram

You were once in an accident while on assignment for KTN

In 2014, we got an accident on our way to Ramu in Mandera together with Hussein Mohammed. We were in a pick-up and there were no roads over there, just sand. We were driving at 60Km/hr the pick-up just overturned. But we all came out unscratched.

My boss at the time (Joe Ageyo) suggested we come back to the office but we opted to finish the mission instead. Red Cross helped us and they took us to Mandera to cover the conflict.

Which station has been the best to work at...

KTN has a special place for me because that where they saw the potential in me and I got to work with some of the biggest names in the industry.

BBC was a game-changer for me because you just don't cover stories from your country but you have to look at issues from a global and continental perspective. I've learned more at the BBC than anywhere else.

You were rejected four times to work for the BBC...

I applied for a reporter job at the BBC, I was rejected. Then there was a career fair that would easily expose you to potential employment at the BBC, I applied and didn't get that. Then I applied for the Discussions Program I didn't get as well. I think I got around four rejections before I finally got picked for the fact-finder program.

Ian Wafula (left) with Fathiya Mohamed Nur May 9, 2019.
Ian Wafula (left) presenting with Fathiya Mohamed Nur for BBC Fact Finder May 9, 2019.
Instagram

With the situation for many media houses right now with the downsizing and slashed salaries... How should the industry adapt in these times?

It's not just the media that has been affected and we are in uncertain times where we don't know when things will go back to normal. The best media houses can do is support the employees beyond the financial aspect to make sure they are safe while working from home. Try to make them as comfortable as possible to still perform their duties.

What do you project the media landscape will look like in the next five to ten years

Covid-19 has given companies enlightenment on how to conduct business. As a journalist, I have my own kit where I can report anywhere with a phone that can record good video, a phone stand, laptop, and microphone. So I can do everything without having to go to the studio. 

Employers need to be open-minded and as long as the work is delivered there's no need for a 9-5 kind of situation. Social media has proved to be a crucial aspect as well, just ways to make it interesting to consume news especially if you want to attract younger people.

You founded an organisation that tackles social issues on the internet...

I founded Heal The Web as a social side of what I do at work to address social issues online, cyberbullying, revenge porn, trolling, hate speech. We also educate people on fact-checking.

The idea of Heal The Web came after I had a personal experience where I was blackmailed after an altercation. I felt powerless where I had false stories written about me on blogs. So I want to educate the bloggers, journalists on the importance of verifying information and also the masses not to take in information blindly and believing everything they read. 

Advice to your younger self

To be more patient and trust in the process, because you'll find people in the media industry will want to jump on every opportunity.  Sometimes I wonder if I'd have grown more if I was at KTN but then I can't know for sure. And also

sometimes what you want you may never get but later on you'll understand why. You simply have to trust in the process.

Final Word...

It is a difficult time for everyone and now more than ever we need to be there for each other as we are in uncertain times. For those who are uncertain about the future should know that all this shall pass.