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Meet Citizen TV Actress Kanini; A Gospel Musician & Deacon

Maria series actress Alice Mari known by her cast name as Kanini
Maria series actress Alice Mari known by her cast name as Kanini
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'Kanini', a character played by Alice Mari on Citizen TV's Maria is one that has managed to keep the audience guessing on her never-ending schemes on the show.

Kenyans.co.ke caught up with Alice who intimated that she is nothing like Kanini in real life. In fact, she is a deacon and a gospel musician.

Below is the full interview;

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Maria cast pose for a photo with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho in Mombasa County on Friday, January 29, 2021
Twitter

How did you land Kanini on the Maria series?

I took part in auditions for the show and was lucky to get picked for the role I play.

What has been the most challenging aspect of playing Kanini?

Playing Kanini has not been a challenge to me because I guess I know it is acting and am passionate about it. I can pull any role /character given to me. It's been amazing and especially when my director and producer are happy when I deliver. 

How different or alike is Kanini to Alice?

Oh, Kanini is a wicked woman, using all ways to make her daughter, Sofia,  happy, including witchcraft. She hates anybody who annoys Sofia. She loves her daughter so much that she forgets how her daughter mistreats and sends her away. She still loves her with all her heart. 

Alice, on the other hand, fears God. Christ and I are friends, am a member of the woman's Guild, a deacon, married with children, calm, loving, and I wear a smile all the time. In short, am a happy lady. When I am not acting, I am at home doing house chores. 

Maria's actress Alice Mari popularly known as Kanini
Maria's actress Alice Mari popularly known as Kanini
Instagram

When did you start your music career?

My music career started last year. I wrote the song and took almost nine months before I went to the studio. All the same, I've been writing songs since I was in high school but never thought of recording them. 

Has Kanini the character impacted your music career?

No, the character Kanini has not impacted my music career. It just happened and I felt the need to record and thank God for everything that He's been to me. 

How many years have you been in acting and what motivated you to get into acting?

I started auditioning 10 years ago with no success, just very small unnoticeable extra roles. During that time, I had lost my job and I spent most of the time indoors. I was very frustrated and I had a small baby. I got into a habit of watching Afro cinema and that's how I got motivated to get into acting. 

Maria lead actors Luwi and Sofia
Maria lead actors Luwi and Sofia
Citizen Digital

What do you think should change in Kenya's film industry to grow it?

First, the government should recognise us. There should be a certain amount of money that the producer shouldn't go below while paying actors. Most producers misuse our talents in terms of paying less or not paying at all. If an actor asks for a contract, they are removed from the script.

Another issue in the industry is that the opportunities are limited, if only films produced locally could be aired at a higher frequency then we wouldn't have many actors getting depressed because of lack of a job.

Kenya's Magufuli Party Spends Millions in Ambitious Project

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Lawyer Dunstan Riziki (left) and Amemba Magufuli (right) during the launch of the National Reconstruction Alliance in January 2021
File

In early January 2021, a Kenyan youth who shares a name with Tanzania President John Magufuli ventured into politics and launched a new party which resonated well with the youth. 

Amemba Magufuli and his colleagues, lawyer Riziki Dunstan and Fredrick Ojiambo, unveiled the National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA).

The party slogan Mwamko Mpya (a new beginning) signals their determination to bring change and development prior to the 2022 General Elections and thereafter. 

Kenyans.co.ke spoke to the 29-year-old lawyer, Riziki Dunstan on his personal life, growth and decision to venture into politics alongside Magufuli. Riziki detailed they have so far spent nearly Ksh 20 million and will use more to ensure they are well established among the youth. 

What aspect of law do you believe will spur you to greatness? 

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Dunstan Riziki (right) and Amemba Magufuli (left) at the launch of NRA in January 2021.
File

Governance and Public policy. That is my favorite part. I am also a communication expert, problem solver and development expert. 

Did you face any challenges while growing up?

I grew up in a humble background, walked barefoot to Bugeng’i Primary School along Busia-Mumias Road in Busia County. 

We would go back home for lunch, fetch firewood and water along the way. Fridays were more interesting we would cow with cow dung to smear our classrooms. We would also carry firewood for our teachers on Fridays. I later joined the university and graduated. 

What was your first job?

I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I didn’t know which sector to venture into. I started by selling charcoal, maize, body lotions and perfumes. I later indeed a job at Education Insight, a magazine that published education materials for schools where I used to earn 50,000 per month. I enjoyed writing and I still do. Unfortunately, I don't write as often time has become limited.

Have you ever quit any job before? 

I love challenges. I have quit 4 jobs in my career in search of interesting ventures. As long as you have your head intact, you can keep on trying and experimenting. 

Any regrets in life?

Not graduating in good time...but that's a story for another day. I had divided attention and interest in several things. 

What was the inspiration behind the formation of NRA?

To reconstruct Kenyan politics. We want to ensure the youth are given priority. We also want to ensure provide better leadership. 

How much did it cost to set up offices across the country?

Ksh 15,000,000. We have 41 offices across the country and we hope to double the number by end of the year. 

I think the major challenge we have faced is recruiting party members. There is a lot of mistrust fear and dishonesty among Kenyans. We want to ensure that those aboard are ones we can trust to lead our agenda. 

Do you aspire to run for office in Busia County or for President?

Obviously, I will. It’s too early to say as I want the people to decide for me.  

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Amemba Magufuli (left) and Fredrick Ojiambo consult each other at the launch of NRA in January 2021.
Facebook

What is your message to President Uhuru Kenyatta?

We need change. Create jobs, reduce poverty and elevate the youth and women. 

What do you feel should be done differently?

We are facing a myriad of issues. I can say that we are surviving by grace. We need to expand and grow our economy. As a country, we need to seriously relook at our investment plans and focus more on agriculture and industrialisation.

But isn’t that what Kenyatta is doing?

Yes, he is, but we need more. Without more developments in the agriculture and industrialisation sectors, unemployment and poverty will ravage us for long. 

We need to reconstruct the fabrics of our economy and move away from rain-fed or dependent agriculture to conservation farming. Investing heavily in industrialisation will grow our GDP and reduce unemployment.

Malawi is a developing country. In fact, they are very poor but are able to produce maize and the surplus which is sold in Africa. We can do better. 

So, what is the state of our country or economy according to you?

Pathetic. We are dependant on loans to service the expenditure budget. Our wage bill is leaking. It’s funny that the government taxes are high yet we are still borrowing and raising our debt ceiling. 

What do you aspire to achieve politically? 

I want to be part of the movement that shall bring economic emancipation to all Kenyans. 

Are you eyeing any alliances with existing parties?

Our party is open to political alliances but at the right time. For now, we shall sell our agenda of social, economic and political reconstruction until plenty is found within our borders.

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NRA members at the launch of the party in January 2021
File

Nairobi Expressway: Inside Multi-Billion Chinese Plant [PHOTOS & VIDEO]

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Multi-billion Nairobi Expressway assembly factory along Waiyaki Way
File

The China Roads Bridge Corporation (CRBC) was tendered with constructing the Ksh 62 billion Nairobi Expressway. The 27-kilometre road starts at Mlolongo, passes outside Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through Nairobi Central Business District and joins Waiyaki Way in Westlands. 

To save the cost of production, the company reportedly leased private land opposite Kabete Police Station, along Waiyaki Way as the assembling point. A multi-billion plant, containing various factories and departments and temporary residential houses was constructed at the parcel of land. 

At the entry point, one meets a heavy presence of police officers and private guards who screen visitors after they pass through a sanitising booth. Other health precautions such as social distancing and wearing of masks are strictly enforced owing to the Covid-19 outbreak.

CCTV cameras are also installed from the gate to the far ends of the premise. 

Inside the plant: Video 

 

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The plant is divided into section, with the first part being a cement factory. This not only reduces the cost of purchasing and transporting cement from factories outside Nairobi but also saves on time, as the project is expected to be complemented by  December 2021 or June 2022. 

Metals are also drilled, cut and reshaped at this section. The second section contains warehouses where equipment is stored. These stores are temporary structures made of iron sheets. They are labelled as per the items stored therein. 

Management offices are in the third section which borders the assembly point. Staff and visitors are cautioned of falling debris, moving cranes and drilling activities. 

The technology used at the assembly point reduces the construction period of the elevated section by 50 percent. The contractor uses the fabricated bridge technology whereby the main components of the upper and lower structure of the bridge are prefabricated and assembled on-site in the yard. 

The assembly point consumes the largest part of the parcel and also has parking lots for highly sophisticated vehicles, from trucks to bulldozers and excavators. It is also an open field as the contractor opted against assembling the items inside a warehouse.  

To minimise traffic, the assembled items are ferried to the Nairobi Expressway construction sites, late in the night. 

Staff at the plant are said to work in two shifts, night and day. The total number of employees stands at 306. 259 are Kenyans and 47 are Chinese, most of them are supervisors and engineers. 

Some of the employees reside at the premise which houses temporary residential areas. Reports allege that most of them earn over Ksh 50,000 per month. 

During the day, one can spot area residents peeping through the wall to marvel at the plant and watch the staff at work too. A number of residents added that they were indirectly employed by the plant as some were selling foods and beverages at kiosks located outside the factory. 

"This is amazing. I have never seen or been at any Chinese factory and one can see how efficient and fast they are. We hope the project will be completed soon and motorists should be excited about using the highway," a matatu tout who was dropping passengers at a stage near the plant said. 

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A vehicle parked inside a Chinese plant along Waiyaki Way, Nairobi
File
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A cement factory at the Nairobi Expressway assembly bay along Waiyaki Way
File
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Cranes at an assembly bay at a Chinese plant along Waiyaki Way
File

Watch 10 facts about the Nairobi Expressway 

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Details of Citizen TV's Pay Deal for Lulu Hassan's Maria Show

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Citizen TV anchors Lulu Hassan (left) and Rashid Abdalla (right) in an Instagram photo on Saturday, October 17, 2020
Instagram

The 40 percent local content demand has contributed to the growth of filmmaking in Kenya. 

Producers and directors thus sell content to TV stations that have to adhere to the required standards to entertain, educate and inform the Kenyan audience. 

A producer privy with the details of how TV stations purchase content disclosed that Citizen TV pays the highest amount for local shows. 

The producer who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke disclosed that Royal Media Services purchases local content at between Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000 per episode. 

Citizen TV's Maria series cast post for a photo in 2019
Citizen TV's Maria series cast post for a photo in 2019
Instagram

That is Ksh 150,000 more than KTN, NTV, K24 and KBC's rate. The four stations purchase content at around Ksh 100,000 per episode. 

Citizen TV power couple Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla are one of the beneficiaries as their series Maria is among the most-watched shows in the country. 

Maria cast and other Citizen TV actors are better paid in the industry, earning between Ksh 10,000 and 25,000 per episode depending on the roles they play as compared to Ksh 5000 - 10,000 actors at NTV and KTN earn. 

Lulu and Abdalla also produced Moyo and Aziza drama series which aired on Citizen TV

Their other shows, Maza and Huba premiered on Maisha Magic East and Maisha Magic Bongo on MNet.  

According to the producer, MNet purchases local content at between Ksh 400,000 and Ksh 500,000 per episode. 

"MNet pays for content depending on colour grading, sound engineering, ambience, theme, adverts that will be aired therein and whether the content matches international standards," the filmmaker said. 

Citizen TV News Anchors Lulu Hassan (Left) and her husband Rashid Abdalla.
Citizen TV News Anchors Lulu Hassan (Left) and her husband Rashid Abdalla.
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I'm Unable to Sit KCSE Exams - Daughter Who Framed Father

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Julius Wambua embraces his children at Kamiti Maximum Prison gate in December 2020
File

Dorcas Mwende, the girl who admitted to framing her father Julius Wambua for alleged rape, reached out to well-wishers, saying that she had put the past behind her, and was looking forward to continuing with her education. 

The 24-year-old, while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Tuesday, January 19, added that she had made peace with herself by recanting her statement, which was used by the court to acquit her father. 

Wambua was jailed at Kamiti Maximum Prison in 2010 after the wife, Jacqueline Nzilani, accused him of defiling their daughter. Nzilani was accused of coaching Mwende to frame the father, allegations she has denied. The ruling was, however, overturned exonerating Wambua in December 2020.

“I registered for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) this year (2021) and I am not prepared at all.  I have gone through a lot since this whole saga began. My education was halted after my father was sent to prison. 

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Dorcas Mwende, in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke reporter Kimani Mbugua on Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Kenyans.co.ke

“I am kindly requesting well-wishers to help me raise school fees and other necessities so that I sit the exams.  I believe that God will enable me to join a university,” the mother of one told Kenyans.co.ke reporter Kimani Mbugua, with tears forming in her eyes. 

Mwende added that her father was also struggling to make ends meet as he was jobless and still had to fend for the family. 

The Form 4 candidate added that she loved both her parents and her mother’s decision to reject the father’s forgiveness was not her burden to shoulder. 

“She is my mum and I appreciate her. However, the guilt of my heart made me speak the truth. I believe in God and I would be disobeying him by hiding the truth. I had a tough life. Everywhere I went people rejected me. I had a feeling that people knew I had made a mistake. I was alone and used to cry a lot. 

Our life was better when we were still a family. I asked for forgiveness for what I had done, and I am happy that I am Wambua’s daughter and he is my father. I don’t know how the other siblings perceived the matter but I thank God for taking away the pain I had. He makes a way where there is no way. He gave me peace,” Mwende said. 

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Jacqueline Nzilani (left), her daughter Dorcas Mwende and former husband Julius Wambua (right)
File

Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke on Tuesday, January 12, Nzilani claimed that her daughter Mwende had rejected her. However, she stated that she didn’t harbour any ill feelings for the child she gave birth too, and struggled to provide for. 

"Mwende has never even asked me to forgive the father. I would have opened up and forgiven him. I don’t want his forgiveness. Even my in-laws have never approached me to ask me to solve the issue,” Nzilani claimed. 

In his response, Wambua came out saying he still loves his ex-wife despite their altercations. He added that he was still struggling to adapt to his new life and urged donors to continue supporting him.

I heard her speaking to one of the media houses and that is her stance. I still love her, she was my wife,” he told Radio Jambo’s Massawe Jappani on Thursday, January 14. 

 Below is the video of the daughter's narration:

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Meet Kenyan Managing Multi-billion Complex in Rwanda

Festus Mutia is a Real Estate Professional based in Kigali Rwanda
Festus Mutia is a Real Estate Professional based in Kigali Rwanda
Courtesy

"Richard Branson said when an amazing opportunity is offered to you and you don’t know how to do it, say yes then learn later," A young Festus Mutia responds as to why he accepted to relocate to Rwanda for a job.

Speaking on his time in Rwanda, the young real estate professional told Kenyans.co.ke that he was offered the chance to manage the largest mixed-use development in the East African country in 2017.

The building he is referring was constructed at a cost of Ksh2.5Billion ($25Million) and is a pinnacle of modern architecture in the country.

In the whole enterprise, located in the Central Business District (CBD) of the capital Kigali, Mutia, serves as the senior leasing manager and mall expert at the plaza.

Festus Mutia is a real estate professional based in Kigali Rwanda
Festus Mutia is a real estate professional based in Kigali Rwanda
Courtesy

"Being the manager of the mall, my work involves meeting with prospective tenants, drafting contracts, ensuring smooth operations of the mall amongst other responsibilities," the 27-year-old explains adding that the best part of my job is dealing with different people mainly investors.

Mutia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from The University of Nairobi, holder of CPA-K, and currently pursuing Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a post-graduate diploma in Project Management.

"Besides my work, I also run a small real estate consultancy firm that covers East Africa region dealing with feasibility studies, market research, and property consultancy as a whole," he states.

Real estate services and construction in Rwanda contributes around 14.8% to the GDP as Mutia noted that the Kigali has attractive rental returns, with the sector recording an average of 9.0% compared to 7.0% returns in Kenya, 10.5% of Tanzania and 11.4% of Uganda.

"Rwanda’s real estate market is a very young market and historically challenging due to the low purchasing power of its citizens hence selling out spaces is not a walk in the park.

"However, the rate of growth of the market and the economy at large is the highest in the region," he explains.

Rwanda is a lucrative market for Kenyans with a 2013 report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicating Kenya as Rwanda’s top investor and trading partner.

At the time RDB noted that 1,302 Kenyan companies had been domestically registered into Rwanda, directly employing close to a quarter a million Rwandans, and more than 2000 Kenyan expatriates had also gotten jobs, serving not only the hundreds of Kenyan companies in Rwanda but also government agencies.

Working in the two countries has been made easier as both Kenya and Rwanda abolished work permit fees for East African nationals working in the two countries.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwanda President Paul Kagame
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwanda President Paul Kagame
Twitter

In 2015, Uganda also signed the agreement to liberalise the movement of labour as it also abolished the fees.

Working in Rwanda is an unforgettable experience, as Mutia puts it noting that the language barrier in the country that is dominantly French and Kinyarwanda has pushed him to learn essential words to communicate in both languages. 

The country has become his second home noting that its rapid growth offers new opportunities for investors.

"Rwanda has been ranked highly on the easiness to do business and hence it is an ideal place to invest, so yes, I wouldn’t mind investing in Rwanda and settling here as well," he states.

Festus Mutia is a Real Estate Professional based in Kigali Rwanda.
Festus Mutia is a Real Estate Professional based in Kigali Rwanda.
Courtesy

 

My Daughter Disowned Me - Wife of Machakos Man Framed for Rape [VIDEO]

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Jacqueline Nzilani (left), her daughter Dorcas Mwende and former husband Julius Wambua (right)
File

Jacqueline Nzilani, the wife of Julius Wambua opened up on her daughter disowning her and also shared details of her next plans in life after the former husband was released from jail.

Wambua had been accused of defiling his daughter, Dorcas Mwende, in 2010 and had spent 10 years in prison. However, the ruling was overturned and the court exonerated him in December 2020 after Wambua and Nzilani's daughter, Mwende, recanted her testimony.

Mwende also alleged that her mother had coached her into framing the father out of personal feuds.

Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, Nzilani lamented that her daughter had rejected her. However, the mother said she had no ill feelings for the child she gave birth too and struggled to provide for. 

Julius Wambua and his daughter Dorcas when they left the Kamiti Maximum Prison on December 18, 2020.
Julius Wambua and his daughter Dorcas Mwende when they left the Kamiti Maximum Prison on December 18, 2021
Twitter

"When the story was aired on TV showing that Wambua had been released, Mwende escaped from our Makadara, Nairobi home and went to live somewhere else.

"My neighbours asked me whether I was her real mother as she had told them that I was an aunt. Before that, we were very close and I once took her daughter (my granddaughter) for treatment," she told Kenyans.co.ke reporter Kimani Mbugua. 

Nzilani reiterated her stance, arguing that the husband raped the daughter after the couple parted ways in 2010. 

By then, the former husband had remarried, but the children were staying in a separate house from their stepmother. 

She defended her statement with a doctor's letter which she obtained after reporting the incident. Mwende's mother argued that she had never lied to anyone in her entire life. 

The two clashing parties were set to meet up after Wambua was released, but Nzilani turned down the offer to reunite. She said that she was hurt by her daughter disowning her and the husband reportedly lying that she sold their land after planning his downfall. 

"He is the one who secretly sold the land. I never received any share at all. Even the Ksh 75,000 he says he offered me is a pure lie. 

"We have never spoken on the issue again. Mwende ako na madharau na hajawai niambia mambo ya maisha yao (Mwende looks down upon me and never shares details of their life. She even told reporters that I am not her mother yet I strived to feed her when we were facing a hard life under the father," she stated, with tears nearly trickling down her eyes. 

Nzilani further said that she won't forgive Wambua and that she wasn't interested in his forgiveness either. She disclosed that she would live her own life, do menial jobs to make ends meet and only urge the former husband to stop shaming her. 

"Mwende has never even asked me to forgive the father. I would have opened up and forgiven him. Even my in-laws have never approached me to ask me to solve the issue. 

"Uyo mwanaume aache kuniaibisha na kusema niliuza shamba. Akuje anionieshe ni shamba gani hio. (Let him prove that I sold the land). I fear God more than man," she declared. 

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Jacqueline Nzilani (left) in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke journalist Kimani Mbugua on Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Kenyans.co.ke

Watch the detailed exclusive interview below 

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EXCLUSIVE: Wife of Man Framed for Rape Speaks Out After Release

Julius Wambua and his daughter Dorcas when they left the Kamiti Maximum Prison on December 18, 2020.
Julius Wambua and his daughter Dorcas Mwende when they left the Kamiti Maximum Prison on December 18, 2021
Twitter

Jacqueline Nzilani, the wife of Julius Wambua, has spoken out six days after the husband who was framed for defiling their daughter was released from prison. 

Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke on Tuesday, December 22, Nzilani stood her ground that she never offended her husband and does not need his mercies. 

Wambua, after being exonerated by the courts, said that he had forgiven his daughter Dorcas Mwende and the wife who orchestrated his downfall and had him jailed for ten years. 

He was released on Wednesday, December 16, after Mwende recanted her testimony and accused her mother of coercing her to frame the father

Julius Wambua and his daughter Dorcas when they left the Kamiti Maximum Prison on December 18, 2020.
Julius Wambua and his daughter Dorcas when they left the Kamiti Maximum Prison on December 18, 2020.
Twitter

"I currently reside in Pangani, Nairobi, and I sell vegetables to feed myself. My life was disoriented by the whole saga. I feel a lot of pain when I see people discussing me on the television. It has made me feel so sad and now let them hear my side of the story. 

"I did not wrong anyone, and I do not need Wambua's forgiveness. I carried my children in my womb for nine months each and I know how the pain of a mother feels," Nzilani said. 

She argued that her daughter, Mwende, went through a lot after the father was jailed, and they struggled to meet ends meet. Nzilani alleged that the daughter, who she said is a Form 4 candidate, dropped out of school while in Form 2 and was almost getting married.

She said a well-wisher rescued her, and took the responsibility of paying her school fees. Wambua was released after Lulu Hassan's 2019 feature dubbed Prison Diaries aired on TV  -  highlighting his plight. 

The wife disclosed that Mwende attempted to organise a reunion between the three family members after Wambua was released from jail. 

"My daughter called me to ask if we should meet and discuss the whole issue. I just told her that I am still hurt, and I do not want to meet my husband ever again. Living with him was so miserable. I also do not want to reunite with him nor marry any other man. 

"I do not hold anything against my daughter. I even supported her throughout her education to my level best. However, for this new case, no one shared any proceedings with me. All I heard was what I saw from the TV," she said. 

Nzilani added that her other children almost disowned her (the mother) after their father was released from jail. She alleged that they started calling her 'their aunt' when neighbours in Pangani related her to the saga. 

Wambua was offered a 2-acre piece of land by former Kibwezi MP Kalembe Ndile with other Kenyans donating a motorbike and other goodies to start a new life.

Nzilani, however, denied that they had quarrelled over a parcel of land.

"I want him to come forward and prove that I sold the land, and which land is it? How did I make him homeless?" She vented.

Citizen TV anchor Lulu Hassan and Wambua's daughter, Dorcas Mwende pose for a photo.
Citizen TV anchor Lulu Hassan and Julius Wambua's daughter, Dorcas Mwende pose for a photo.
Instagram

Gladys Shollei Remarries After Divorce

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Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei (right) at a past homecoming event
File

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei remarried on Saturday, December 12 in Eldoret town, 12 months after divorcing her former husband Sam Shollei. 

Sources privy to the event detailed that the vocal Jubilee lawmaker tied the knot with her newfound love, a male foreigner of caucasian descent. 

The nuptial was conducted by ordained clergy and under strict Covid-19 wedding rules.

Reports stated that less than five politicians were invited to the wedding.

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Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei pictured in photos which leaked online in January 2020
File

It was also conducted at a secret location with attendees barred from entering the premises with their mobile phones.

Wedding organisers reportedly authorised only one photographer to take photos of the covert event. 

The newly wedded couples photos leaked online on Friday, January 24, 2020, a fortnight after Shollei's former husband and ex-Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei remarried. 

"Congratulations my sister, Gladys Boss. They move on, we move on. They get engaged, we get engaged," Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo Mabona then posted, congratulating Shollei and the foreigner.

Gladys, a lawyer, maintained her silence on the leaked photos which went viral. 

Sam Shollei married journalist Faith Ronoh who hails from Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet on Friday, January 10, 2020. 

The wedding was reportedly attended by relatives and close friends of the two families.

Gladys, a lawyer, and Sam divorced in early January 2020 with the Woman Rep being granted custody over their two children. 

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Former Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei (centre) weds journalist Faith Rono (left) in January 2020
File

Nelson Havi: LSK President Charges Ksh2 Million in Legal Fees 

LSK President Nelson Havi using his retro wired phone in his office
LSK President Nelson Havi using his retro wired phone in his office
Kelvin Mwirigi
Kenyans.co.ke

Kenyans who live the high life, don't come anymore suave or sophisticated than top legal minds like the Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi.

In an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke the city lawyer revealed that he charges at least Ksh2 million in legal fees. 

He argued that a lawyer of his standing should not charge anything below that amount, adding that it costs an arm and a leg to train a lawyer. 

LSK President Nelson Havi in his office
LSK President Nelson Havi in his office
Kelvin Mwirigi
Kenyans.co.ke

As a testament, he pointed to the voluminous file cabinet hugging the wall of the office, and which serves as a trophy cabinet, as it’s full of judgements, rulings and cases which he has won

He explained that despite the high fees they often charge, lawyers also have to do pro bono cases because they have a duty to the society. 

He tells young lawyers that every successful lawyer has at least 40% free cases and in some instances, he only tells clients to pay court filing charges. 

“If I charge you anything less than Ksh2 million, consider it a discount,” he quipped. 

He can be spotted immaculately dressed and known to indulge in the luxurious side of life. His red or blue ties have earned him a few swipes from his peers.

Havi is known to own a Ksh 600,000 Montblanc timepiece that tells more about the lawyer than the time of day. 

LSK President Nelson Havi in his office
LSK President Nelson Havi in his office
Kelvin Mwirigi
Kenyans.co.ke

With an office that can be easily confused as a modern museum for former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Havi’s law sanctuary is dotted with classic relics, notable among them a retro wired phone with a rotary dial, the Statue of Liberty and a war trumpet from the 1800s. 

The popular law series, Suits, is a testament of how much personal image and branding can go a long way into improving people's perception of you. 

Away from the city, Havi has built himself a magnificent two-storey mansion in Likuyani Constituency, Kakamega County. 

The vast building that sits quietly surrounded by a canopy of trees presents an image of a balanced and well-proportioned symmetrical appearance from the front view.

The house is an embodiment of village ambience and serenity that gives one a sight to behold.

His fast-rising legal career has afforded him a life far different from the thatched home he grew up in and is now one of the elders of his community.

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LSK President Nelson Havi in his office
LSK President Nelson Havi in his office
Kelvin Mwirigi
Kenyans.co.ke
LSK President Nelson Havi with Kenyans.co.ke journalist Kimani Mbugua
LSK President Nelson Havi with Kenyans.co.ke journalist Kimani Mbugua
Kelvin Mwirigi
Kenyans.co.ke