Category: Features

By Joe Aura

Christmas season evokes memories of festive movies like ‘Home Alone’ and ‘The Grinch’, enchanting us with laughter, tears, and moments of sheer wonder. As snowflakes dance and fires crackle, these films beckon us into a world teeming with the enduring magic of Christmas.

An Animated Wonderland

Animation, the realm of boundless imagination, has long intertwined with the festive spirit, painting breathtaking winter landscapes in pristine white or adorning houses with spectacular, twinkling lights. This holiday, immerse yourself in a collection of the top ten animated Christmas films curated from visionary directors like Henry Selick, Satoshi Kon, and Sergio Pablos.

1. Tokyo Godfathers (Satoshi Kon, 2003)Satoshi Kon’s masterpiece, Tokyo Godfathers, unfolds as a captivating drama set on Tokyo’s streets on Christmas Eve. Three homeless souls discover an abandoned newborn and embark on a quest to reunite the infant with its parents. With a rich tapestry of characters, this film defies convention, becoming an instant holiday classic.
2. Klaus (Sergio Pablos, Carlos Martínez López, 2019)Klaus, a heartwarming gem from Sergio Pablos and Carlos Martínez López, weaves a charming narrative about a postman and a toymaker, rekindling the spirit of Christmas. Nominated for an Academy Award, it’s an enchanting journey through generosity and warmth.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1994)Is it a Halloween or Christmas film? Delve into Tim Burton’s eerie yet captivating stop-motion classic, traversing the worlds of Halloween frights and Christmas delights. Its bewitching musical numbers make it a cultural phenomenon, appealing to the creative at heart.
4. Arthur Christmas (Sarah Smith, 2011)Aardman Animations’ hidden gem, Arthur Christmas, blends uproarious comedy with heartwarming drama, narrating the tale of Santa’s son and his aspirations to embrace the family legacy. With an exceptional voice cast, it’s a vibrant celebration of joy and wonder.
5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Chuck Jones, Ben Washam, 1966)Originating from Dr. Seuss’ vivid imagination, this adaptation encapsulates the essence of the Grinch’s whimsical quest to steal Christmas. Chuck Jones and Ben Washam craft a timeless rendition, etching the term ‘Grinch’ into our holiday lexicon.

Honorable Mentions: Unmissable Gems

• A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)– A timeless TV special capturing the true essence of the season, cherished for decades.
• The Polar Express (2004)– Taking viewers on a magical train ride to the North Pole, blending creativity with visual splendor.
• “The Grinch” (2018)– A modern retelling adding fresh charm and a contemporary soundtrack to this timeless tale.

These animations, each a vibrant mosaic of creativity, remind us of the essence of Christmas—sharing joy, warmth, and wonder with loved ones. As the curtains draw on this cinematic yuletide feast, let these animated masterpieces kindle your holiday spirit and make this season truly magical.

What’s your go-to Christmas animation? Share your favourites and spread the festive cheer!

By Shirlene Omondi

[shirleneomondi@gmail.com]

The highly anticipated fun day had finally arrived, and the enthusiasm among Daystar students was palpable. This annual event provides a platform for students to come together, socialize, and have a great time. Much like the previous year, it was hosted at Paradise Gardens along Kiambu Road, with Newton Kamuyu, the Secretary General, taking the lead in organizing.

The event was graced by popular artists, such as Ethan Muziki, whose performance won over the hearts of many, and the beloved Kenyan Gengetone music group, Buruklyn Boys, who concluded the festivities with an unforgettable performance. There was also alot of fun activities such as horse riding and bouncing Castle, among others.

However, the day was not without its issues, particularly for students transiting from the  Athi River Campus. They were unexpectedly required to pay for transportation, contrary to prior promises, which understandably caused disappointment and frustration. Students had been informed earlier that transportation to and from the venue would be provided free of charge.

Another concern was the absence of food provided by the organizers during the event, which was contrary to students’ expectations. Traditionally, students have been provided with food, in addition to the option of purchasing from vendors offering various food items and snacks. Despite vendors being present, the high food prices left some students hungry or with unsatisfactory snacks, diminishing their ability to fully enjoy the day of dancing and singing.

This unfortunate situation stemmed from the assumption that students were not required to pay for this event, unlike previous years when a Ksh 200 entry fee was standard. These issues led to a series of questions among students, raising concerns particularly among those from Athi River Campus, who appeared to be the most affected. As it is known, majority of students from Athi Campus are government sponsored students who might be struggling financially especially with the hiking economy.

While many are inclined to hold the Secretary General accountable, the President also faced scrutiny. Some students claimed to have raised the issue with him, but his response was perceived as vague and unsatisfactory. The idea of students being charged for transport and also expected to pay for their own meals was distressing as they had to dig deeper into their pockets. The day concluded with a chaotic scene of students complaining about  the unexpected transportation charges and disputes over buses.

In light of these incidents,it is crucial for the organisers to address these concerns,ensure transparent communication,and uphold the welfare and satisfaction of all students attending such events.Despite its small hiccups,the event was successful and positive feedback was given by some students.

By Dephine Mutinda

Daystar University’s 2023 Culture Week, themed ‘Unity in Diversity, celebrated the harmonious blend of Kenyan-Community cultures from October 24th to 26th, creating a vast, yet vibrant tapestry of unity and love.

The event’s opening ceremony took place at the PAC, graced by the presence of the Vice Chancellor Professor Laban Ayiro, The Dean of Students REV Mutinda Musyimi, among other faculty members and students, as the cake cutting took place. This annual event, organised by the Daystar University Students Association committee aimed to promote unity and mutual understanding among the Daystar community by showcasing the rich of cultures that make up the institution that is honoured to host over fifty five nationalities.

The three day celebration kicked off with the “Ankara wear” on October 24th, where the University was an explosion of colour as students, staff, and faculty embraced their African roots with the different prints. This prints symbolised the cultural richness of the African continent. The pride that we all hold for our heritage was evident on every individuals face and courageous adorned self’s. The day featured a live cooking of different traditional meals, eating, dancing, photography and dancing sessions.

This beautiful day was followed by the career wear themed day, where students were encouraged to present their various careers by dressing in professional attires. This was a moment for students to visualize their future selves, while encouraging them to work hard to actually get there. Remaining tribes got to do their live cooking, as trivia questions were being thrown around with and colors being splash into the air.

Alongside the career day was the back to school theme where a step was taken back to memories of schooldays. A celebration of perseverance, memories, friendships and growth. The differently dressed students and staff in their old high school wears brought about a dejavu feeling.

Last but not the least was the vintage wear that was on the 26^th, kick started by the Old school music filling the air. The timelessness of fashion was highly highlighted on this day, reminding us of the importance of preserving history.

The climax of Daystar University’s Culture Week 2023 was the highly anticipated Gala Night, held on the evening of October 26^th at the Amphy theatre. The event celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Kenya, showcasing traditional dances, music, and fashion. Dancers from various Kenyan tribes wowed the audience with their captivating performances, underlining the country’s diverse and vibrant traditions.

{Emmanuel Locato, left and Hillary Semeyan, right}

The Gala Night also featured a stunning fashion show on traditional African attire. Models walked down the runway, showcasing the endless possibilities of African fashion through their creative wears. The highlight of the Gala Night was the crowning of Mr. and Miss Culture 2023. The winners, Hillary Semeyan and Emmanuel Lokato stood out for their embodiment of the university’s values of cultural appreciation, unity, and Creativity. They stand to serve as the cultural ambassadors for Daystar University throughout the academic year.

Daystar University’s Culture Week 2023 was a huge success compared to previous years. “These years culture week had more meaning to us, especially because the organizers ensured most people participated. It was not only about the Kenyan cultures that we have, but also the Daystar Community Culture, showcasing things that we love and enjoy doing as a community. Our cultures are diverse and uniquely beautiful. There is so much about each culture that we can barely exhaust. Each day is a learning experience and this has been an amazing one” Emmanuel Amani a student said.

As the event came to a close, every activity presented a lasting impression of the cultural riches that Daystar University and Kenya as a whole has to offer.

By: Shirlene Omondi

[shirleneomondi@gmail.com]

In a bizarre incident that has left the nation baffled, a video featuring high school girls from St. Theresa Eregi Girls in Kakamega has gone viral on social media. The footage shows a group of girls in their distinctive blue uniforms, their limbs trembling, and emitting strange noises, reminiscent of zombies.

While this occurrence has garnered significant attention, there has been no clear communication regarding what is genuinely happening to these girls. Theories abound, with some suggesting mass hysteria, while others lean towards a more spiritual explanation.

It’s important to note that the school is located in Africa, specifically in the western region of Kenya, which has seen its fair share of unusual happenings, according to numerous netizens. Additionally, health experts have remained baffled, unable to determine the root cause of the girls’ bizarre behavior despite conducting various tests on blood samples.

So, what precisely is mass hysteria or mass psychogenic illness? According to experts, it refers to an outbreak of unusual and atypical behaviors, thoughts, feelings, or health symptoms experienced by a group of people. Those afflicted by mass hysteria often share a common belief that something specific has triggered their symptoms and may possess an exaggerated fear of a threat, whether real or imaginary. Historically, “hysteria” was a term applied to a wide range of mental and physical health symptoms experienced predominantly by women, occasionally leading to the involuntary hospitalization of individuals without actual health issues.

Several factors can trigger or exacerbate hysteria, including a strict school environment, communal grief, tense interpersonal relationships, or life in a secluded community, especially one governed by a strict religious faith that punishes deviations. Considering that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams are looming on the horizon, and the pressure on Kenyan high school students during this period is well-known, it’s plausible to wonder whether the stress of impending exams could be a contributing factor or if there’s a spiritual dimension to this enigma.

Reflecting on a similar incident, students from a Malaysian school once claimed to see ‘dark figures’ within their school premises. Even some teachers eventually asserted that they could sense a mysterious presence. This phenomenon persisted until approximately 100 students became convinced that they were witnessing apparitions. The situation escalated to the point where spiritual healers and even witches were summoned to “purify” the school, after which things returned to normal. To this day, the true nature of what transpired remains a baffling mystery. Could this parallel the situation at St. Theresa’s Girls?

As for the St. Theresa’s Girls, no conclusive answers have emerged. Despite tests conducted by health experts from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the cause remains unknown. The entire nation, especially concerned parents and intrigued netizens, waits anxiously for an explanation.

Is it just stress-induced hysteria, a spiritual occurrence, or something far beyond our understanding? The mystery deepens, leaving us all in suspense, wondering about the inexplicable events haunting these schoolgirls.

By Samuel White

Don’t you just hate it when someone chews so loudly, or someone is talking and food particles are flying off their mouth and you just don’t know how to politely ask? Well, this is the article for them. You might want to share this with them and ask, “Don’t you think this is cool?” This is not just for them but also for us looking to be sophisticated, and you never know when good etiquette can make a good name for you.

To start us off, there are two types of formal dining that one should know about; American style and Continental (European) style of dining. The two are kind of the same, and the difference comes where, in American style, once you cut your food with your knife, you are to place it down and switch the fork to your right hand and repeat the process till you are done with your meal. In continental style, the fork and the knife stay on the same hands(fork on your left and knife on your right hands respectively) till you are done with your meal.

Let us now get into the process of when you arrive at an event or dinner party or generally at home with family, till the table is set.

When invited to an event or dinner party or something of the sort, note that, you should arrive on time, not too early-in that, if they are behind on schedule, they would not be embarrassed and you would not join the preparation party- and call in advance when you know you are going to be late.

When at a brunch, for example, and there is food and drinks, avoid crowding your hand. Get food and eat and once done, get a glass or a cup of a drink. Always keep one hand free. When drinking, if you must have an alcoholic drink, drink in moderation. This shows respect to the hosts and you can drive or leave for home safely.

Another important thing to note is that you should always place your bags, purses, sunglasses and any other accessories on an empty chair or on the floor next to you, never on the table. Your elbows should also be below the table.

When sat at a table, you want to put your napkin on your lap and it remains on your laps throughout the meal. If you need to be excused, you should place the napkin on the chair you are sat on, never on the table top. Only when a host places the napkin on the table are you allowed to place yours on the table. When the host does this, it signifies the end of the meal.

Unless you are by yourself, one is advised to order food that is easy to eat and not messy. For example, one can order steak, rather than non-steak. This makes it easier to converse at the table and one does not struggle with the food.

It is typically polite to always wait for everyone to be served so that one can start eating. The only exception for this is when whoever has not been served asks for you to do so.

At a table, when presented with a number of utensils, make sure to start from outside and work your way in. For example, if you have two forks provided, start with the one on the outside as you progress inward. Make sure to also not talk with your utensils for example, pointing at someone with a knife. If it is a self-service at a table, make sure to pass food to your right. If you are the first one serving, offer some to the person on your left, then serve yourself and pass it to the right. When asked to pass something from the table, never pause to use it before passing it on. It is rude and un-classy.

During a meal, it is advisable to eat slowly and take a few and small bites at a time. Chew then with your mouth closed and do not talk with food in your mouth. Avoid slurping or blowing soup or hot drinks, instead, with a spoon, stroke gently till it cools or wait for it to cool.

It might sound cliché but it is advisable not to clean your plate, it is polite to leave some food on the plate. When you are done eating place your cutlery in a 10,4 o’clock position. This signifies that you are done and the waiter or the waitress will come to pick your plate. In the case of unformal dining, just leave the plate on the table and your host will take care of it.

Congratulations, now you know of the dining etiquette. Now go out there and conquer the world. Remember, nobody was born perfect so you can practice and soon enough it will come to you naturally.

[Photo courtesy of IGP]

By Dennis Mungai

An embattled governor’s Senate hearing revealed just how “backward” people are in some parts of the country. To devalue and dehumanize someone to the point of seeing them as sexual objects just shows how low the bar has fallen, if it was existent in the first place. For eons this has been the sad narrative women have had to go through in the hands of society, mostly men and apparently, the more things change the more they remain the same.

It has become a constant fight, with the men on one hand trying to put down women who genuinely want to be better versions of themselves, and on the other hand, women doing whatever it takes just to prove a point. How many times have we read stories of how ladies worked their way to the top, and when they eventually succeed, show up on interviews talking of how they overcame so many obstacles just to get there?

If you analyse keenly, a majority of these challenges are set by men. Women would not have to be termed as “warriors” or “survivors” if there wasn’t a fight in the first place. In the workplace, school, and the society in general,  some men feel intimidated when women are successful. Hence they try and stifle their progress in life by any means necessary. When this fails, they try to attack them from the top. This is when one hears statements such as “she slept her way to the top job in the company” or “she was given that post just because she’s pretty.”

We need to nip this in the bud. They say one cannot start climbing a tree from the top, neither does uprooting it. We need to address the underlying issues behind such statements, thoughts and stereotypes.  It is inhuman for someone in this day and age to still think that all women should do in society is be “child- bearers”.

It’s all a mentality. Men need to unlearn some of these ideas that were fed to us when we were growing up. Even today in some communities, there are certain parts of an animal that a lady should not eat, or certain places women should not be found. These are some of the ideas that are still being circulated around.

Exposure is very important in curbing this menace. Basic education is a foreign concept to some of the people purporting such ideas. Youths today call it “kienyeji mentality”. Travel the world, read books, associate with people who have more helpful knowledge than you. Ask questions if need be. It is sad, though, that even the most learned of individuals still have such misogynistic behavior. Women have to work twice as hard just to reach a man’s level. This should not be the case. They should be treated just as equally as men. The fact that a lady can go to school, learn, get a job and make her own money without having sexual relations with the CEO or compromising her values is basis enough for them to be spared of the harsh criticism they face day in day out.

Successful nations have been led  by women. Key government parastatals have been led by women before. Of course there is the argument that women are trying to overthrow men as the head of the society. People who have such ideas should realize that these two are independent of each other. Why would a lady vying for a political seat make the male competitor feel threatened? She is just looking for an opportunity to lead as you are. Once we start seeing them as fellow humans and not people of the opposite gender, the backwardness witnessed recently would be a thing of the past.

By Tabitha Museo

The opening of a water plant marked a major advancement for Daystar University’s commitment to sustainability and the wellbeing of its students. Professor Laban Ayiro, the Vice Chancellor, led the initiative and was present to commemorate its launch.

With its state-of-the-art equipment, the water treatment facility guarantees that the water provided to the campus community is of the purest quality and satisfies all safety regulations. The plant’s architecture ensures a steady and dependable supply of water by processing and purifying water from the school’s borehole.

The initiative’s most noteworthy effects have been seen in the students’ financial situation. Now that they have access to drinkable, clean water on campus, students don’t have to set aside money for bottled water. For many, this has resulted in real savings, enabling them to reallocate money toward other requirements, like personal and educational ones. “I do not have to walk all the way to the shops outside school to get fresh water, ‘’ Julian a fourth-year student said.

The student body has expressed strong support for the water plant’s financial relief and convenience. Julian Tallam, a fourth-year law student, expressed her gratitude saying, “This water plant is a game-changer for us.” Every week, we used to spend a large sum of money on bottled water. We may now use that money for other necessities like education.”

Furthermore, the greater availability of clean water has resulted in a considerable increase in students’ hydration levels. With the scorching sun a regular aspect of the region, being appropriately hydrated is critical for the students’ well-being and performance. The water plant has reduced the need for students to carry heavy bottles across campus, assuring a steady supply of fresh water to keep them refreshed and attentive throughout the day.

As the sun continues to shine on the Daystar University campus, students may take comfort in the realization that access to safe, inexpensive water is no longer an issue. Daystar University establishes a commendable precedent in establishing a sustainable and healthy educational ecosystem with this landmark achievement.