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Category: News

  • High Court declares BBI process unconstitutional

    By Neema Oloo

    (oloojneema@gmail.com)

    Judges Teresia Matheka, George Odunga, Joel Ngugi, Jairus Ngaah and Chacha Mwita at a court in Milimani, delivering the judgment on petitions challenging the BBI – Photo/ The Standard

    The High Court on Thursday declared the BBI referendum process unconstitutional, throwing the future of the initiative into uncertainty.

    The five judges; Joel Ngugi, George Odunga, Jarius Ngaah, Teresia Matheka and Chacha Mwita, unanimously dismissed the actions of the key players of the BBI.

    The judges upheld a consolidated case by eight petitioners that the constitution bears essential features that cannot be amended. The petitioners argued that the BBI was not the will of the people, but based on the changing political and socio-economic interests.

    The court held that the BBI secretariat and steering committee failed to provide critical information to the public as outlined in the procedure to amend the constitution through a popular initiative.

    The court also said that the president cannot initiate a process to change the constitution in the pretext of promoting national unity. If allowed, it would mean he would be granted the role of promoter and referee.

    “He (president) isn’t part of parliament. He has no power under the constitution to initiate changes under the constitution since parliament is the only state organ that can consider the effecting of constitutional changes,” said the judges.

    The court further observed that the BBI steering committee was unlawful and had no legal capacity to promote constitutional changes therefore, the entire process was done unconstitutionally. They said that the president did not comply with the law when creating the committee.

    The court also added that the Bill was not printed in Swahili for the common mwananchi to read, which means those who do not understand English were left out.

    “The BBI bill cannot be subjected to a referendum before the IEBC conducts voter registration. There is no quorum at IEBC to conduct its mandate including signature verification submitted by IEBC. At the time of launch of the report, there was no legislation to guide the conduct of the referendum,” said the judges.

    The court also found that in taking the initiative to amend the constitution, the President had failed to respect, uphold and subscribe to the constitution and to the extent that he had fallen short of the leadership and integrity threshold.

    “BBI is a hybrid initiative unknown to the constitution, therefore it is our finding that the popular initiative as means to amend the constitution under article 257 of the constitution is a power reserved for Wanjiku. Neither the president nor any state organ can utilize article 257 of the constitution to amend the constitution,” the judges said.

    The judgement from the court arose out of seven cases filed against BBI.

    The main case was filed by five activists namely, economist David Ndii, Jerotich Seii, James Ngondi, Wanjiku Gikonyo and Ikal Angelei.

    They sued Attorney General Kihara Kariuku, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Speaker of the Senate Ken Lusaka, as well as the IEBC.

    The push for the BBI referendum entered the homestretch on Tuesday after Senate overwhelmingly passed the Bill, setting the stage for the last two steps.

    The House attained a rare two-thirds majority after 51 senators voted in support of the Bill, 12 against and 1 abstained.

  • Larry Madowo Hired as CNN Nairobi-based Correspondent

    By Fatiha Shabir

    (fatihashabz@gmail.com)

    Journalist Larry Madowo – Photo/ The Star

    Journalist Larry Madowo, a Daystar alumnus, has left the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to take up a new position with CNN as their Nairobi-based Correspondent.

    The announcement was made on Thursday by Deborah Rayner, Senior Vice President of International Newsgathering and Managing Editor, Europe, Middle East and Africa, for CNN International.

    “From enterprise reporting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region to investigations into oil drilling in Namibia’s Kavongo Basin, via a range of cultural and business stories across dedicated programming, Africa has never been more visible on CNN’s multiple platforms,” Rayner said in a statement.

    “Larry is an experienced journalist whose expertise across politics, business, entertainment and hard news stories will play into our diverse coverage of East Africa and beyond.”

    Madowo said he enjoyed reporting from the US and around the world, but it’s a “real privilege” to return to covering Africa at such a critical time in Kenya and around the continent.

    “I have long admired CNN International’s award-winning coverage, and I’m honored to be joining such a talented team. I look forward to sharing the full spectrum of life in one of the most dynamic parts of the world with CNN’s global audiences,” said Larry Madowo.

    Madowo had until recently being serving as the BBC’s North America Correspondent in Washington, D.C., covering major U.S news stories. He is known for covering the 2020 American presidential election, the protests following the death of George Floyd and the trial of Derek Chauvin, as well as providing constant updates on the Covid-19 outbreak all over the world.

    Before joining BBC, he started at KTN then worked for NTV Kenya. His new appointment marks a return to Nairobi for the Kenyan-born Madowo.

    Larry Madowo enrolled for a Communication degree in 2006 at Daystar University at the Athi River Campus and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree.  He also has a Master’s in Business and Economics Journalism from Columbia University in New York.

  • Long-Serving Ugandan President Museveni sworn into office

    Long-Serving Ugandan President Museveni sworn into office

    By Wangui Njau

    (njaucatherine3@gmail.com)

    Yoweri Museveni Sworn into office in Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala – Photo/NBS

    Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was on Wednesday sworn into office as Uganda’s President for a sixth term, after winning the January 14 general elections.

    The ceremony was held at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, and in attendance were African presidents including President Uhuru Kenyatta and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu.

    President Kenyatta, who currently chairs the East African Community (EAC), was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs), Peter Munya (Agriculture) and James Macharia (Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development).

    Yoweri Museveni is Uganda’s longest serving president, as well as the fourth longest serving president in Africa. As he took the oath of office, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader insisted that the economy has grown in the last 35 years, hinting at its growth in the coming years.

    “The economy will be growing at the rate of between nine and ten percent in the initial years of oil production… We can achieve much higher, much faster rate of growth and I will see to that,” said Museveni.

    Security was ramped up around the capital ahead of the inauguration. This also included tight security around the home of opposition leader Robert Kyangulanyi alias Bobi Wine, who accused the government of malpractice in the election.

    The campaign period was also marred by a deadly crackdown by security forces on Wine, other opposition candidates and their supporters.

    In the run-up to the vote, local civil society groups and foreign governments questioned its credibility and transparency, after scores of requests for accreditation to monitor the election were denied.

    Museveni and his NRM Party won the January 14 polls with 5.85 million votes (58.64%), while main opposition candidate Bobi Wine and his National Unity Platform garnered 3.48 million votes (34.83%).

    The 76 year old became president when his forces seized the capital Kampala after a five-year guerrilla struggle and has won five elections since 1996. Parliament has twice changed the constitution to allow him to run, first removing a two-term limit in 2005 and then abolishing the age limit of 75 in 2017.

  • LSK President Havi eyes Westlands MP seat

    by Diana Wambui

    (dianangotho17@gmail.com)

    President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Nelson Havi – Citizen TV

    The president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Nelson Havi, on Tuesday showed interest in running for the Westland’s MP seat in the upcoming 2022 elections.

    In a short statement via his Twitter on Monday, the 34-year-old staunch lawyer made a shift from law to politics.

    “I have accepted the request of the people of Westlands constituency to serve them and the Nation in that capacity effective August 2022 or earlier if Parliament is dissolved,” said Havi.

    His new inclination was brought about by the residents of Westland’s constituency, who are banking on his leadership skills. The constituency has 5 wards namely Kitisuru, Karura, Kangemi and Mountain View located in the Suburban areas of Nairobi County.

    Havi went ahead to outline duties of MPs as members of National Assembly stating, “The constitution enumerates functions and duties of a member of National Assembly making laws, protecting the constitution, determining allocation of national revenue and oversight of its expenditure, reviewing conduct of state officers and oversight of state organs, infrastructural development, wealth creation and poverty alleviation at the constituency level.”

    Nelson Havi vows to check on government excesses and to serve diligently leaving no stones unturned. The outspoken lawyer has had quite a tumultuous journey in the Judiciary.

    The advocate was always a top performer throughout his primary and secondary education, and his father’s death during the 1992 post-election violence encouraged him to be a lawyer.

    The incumbent Tim Wanyonyi is serving his second term on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket since 2013. He is currently eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the next general elections after he shut down rumours of Bungoma bid.

    Nelson Havi will rival Arthur Mandela an award winning Kenyan vlogger of 31 years of age in the upcoming poll. Arthur Mandela alias Xtian Dela, expressed his disappointment on Twitter over lack of support from young people who he claims to be representing.

    The latter was responsible for the “Club Covid” invention in 2020 on Instagram at the helm of Covid-19, capturing young women competing in inappropriate dance contests over a cash price. He came under fire from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and three parents who sued him for airing explicit content and infringing on rights of teenagers.

    Whereas the future is uncertain for the two aspirants, the answer lies with the registered voters.

  • WHO classifies India variant as ‘global concern’

    By Rozanne Nthambi.

    (rozannenthambi37@gmail.com)

    A Covid-19 patient rests inside a banquet hall temporarily converted into a Covid care centre in New Delhi – AFP

    The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday classified the Coronavirus variant first found in India, as a global “variant of concern”. The organization said studies of the variant known as B.1.617, show that it may be more transmissible than others.

    Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for Covid-19 in the WHO said that the variant may also be able to evade some of the protections provided by vaccines. The shots, however, are still considered effective.

    “And as such, we are classifying this as a variant of concern at the global level,” said Maria in a press conference. “Even though there is increased transmissibly demonstrated by some preliminary studies, we need much more information about this variant in this lineage, in all of the sub lineages, so we need more sequencing, targeted sequencing to be done.”

    According to WHO, a variant can be labeled as “of concern” if it has been shown to be more contagious, more deadly or more resistant to current vaccines and treatments.

    The group however issued a clarification to their earlier remarks to state that Covid-19 vaccines “remain effective at preventing disease and death in people infected with this variant.”

    WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom attends a press conference on July 3, 2020 – CNBC

    India is in a critical place as the country is recording hundreds of thousands of new cases each day, with more than 366,000 cases reported on Monday alone. Moreover, the country is averaging about 3,879 Covid deaths per day, according to data compiled by John Hopkins University.

    WHO says the variant has already spread to more than 30 countries including the US, UK, France and Japan.

    The surge in India rose rapidly last month, overwhelming hospitals of the harders hit cities in the country.

    “This is unlike the first wave. And so I think what we’re seeing is more transmissible,” said Soumya Swaminsthan, Chief Scientist at WHO.

    The Wall Street Journal released reports saying that only 2% of India’s population have been vaccinated, out of a population of 1.4 billion people, making the country largely vulnerable.

    The WHO however does not recomment border closures, saying countries should take a nuanced assessment before imposing restrictions and disruptions to global travel.

  • New Dawn for students as council takes oath

    New Dawn for students as council takes oath

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Mrs Jane Irungu dedicates the DUSA student council 2021-2022 to God. PHOTO| Daystar University

    The newly elected council was on April 20 sworn in, to place them in the saddle of power, and usher in a new era for the student body.

    Team forward, as it’s known, is tasked with leading the students’ association and ensure that the recently launched strategic plan positively impacts students. The Marco Laboso led team has big shoes to fill- it’s predecessor having  successfully initiated a new dawn that brought with it Prof. Laban Ayiro. It is an undisputable fact that the team ascends to the helm of the association during a tough period of time, but with the right mindset and policies, can achieve great heights.

    The president, Marco, assured students of his readiness to serve them, promising to do so diligently. This is vital for a university that has experienced a vacuum in student leadership, due to tensions, changes and a severe pandemic. As the students’ leader, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the council, and represent the interests of the association at the senate.

    Daystar is an institution anchored on a history of servant leadership- as the VC has continuously shown. Students should be at the center of this government. Top in the priority list should be to promote their spiritual, intellectual and physical growth through the power bestowed unto you by the congress. Instill a culture of unity among students, and come up with ways that will push them to achieve self- actualization.

    Echoing novelist Ken Kesey, you don’t lead by telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case.

    The new government has to make a clean break with the past, and work on leaving a mark through good leadership and innovative ideas. We have an opportunity to craft a future of hope and progress. However, this will only be achieved through courageous leadership, and the ability to actualise new, bold ideas. As you take your seat on the high table, bring with you unique ideas and a sense of individuality to foster development agendas for the association.

  • Prof.Laban Ayiro azungumzia Elimu ya Utatuzi chuoni Daystar

    Na; Righa Sedellar

    Profesa Laban Ayiro – Naibu Chansela.

    Hivi leo katika makala ya Dau La Elimu na Frank Otieno kwenye runinga ya KTN, Naibu Chansela wa chuo kikuu cha Daystar,Profesa  Laban Ayiro pamwe na Mhadhiri wa chuo kikuu cha Moi,Profesa Violet  Naanyu  na Profesa Lukoye Atwoli wa chuo kikuu cha Aga Khan walichangia pakubwa katika mjadala wa Elimu Ya Utatuzi Masuala (Problem based learning) na kusisitiza kuwa, mfumo huu wa elimu una faida nyingi sana katika maisha ya mwanafunzi.

    Elimu ya utatuzi masuala ni mfumo wa elimu unaolenga kutengeneza binadamu  anayeweza  kutatua matatizo mbalimbali ya kijamii,anayeweza kujimudu maishani na mwenye maadlili yanayoweza kutegemewa nchini na ulimwenguni.

    Profesa  Laban Ayiro alisisitiza kuwa chuo kikuu cha Daystar kimeshachukua mkondo huu wa mafunzo na kusema,”Katika chuo cha Daystar  Walimu huwa wanaenda madarasani ,wanawapa wanafunzi maswali na kuwaaacha wajadiliane na kutatua matatizo mbalimbali kisha kusahihisha matokeo yao kwani  nia yetu ni kutoa wanafunzi walio kamili baada ya kumaliza masomo yao katika chuo kikuu cha Dasystar”.

    Vilevile,wenza wake Profesa Ayiro walisisitiza kuwa,mfumo huu wa elimu unaweza kuwa wa manufaa zaidi japo walimu  pamwe na serikali yetu ya Kenya itatilia mkazo na kuhakikisha kuwa mfumo huu wa elimu umetiliwa maanani na kila mwalimu kutumia mfumo huu kuwaelimisha wanafunzi vyuoni.

    Aidha ,jopo hili la wataalam wa Elimu lilisisitiza kuwa,kuna haja kubwa sana ya walimu kunolewa zaidi na kufunzwa mfumo mpya  wa elimu ili nao pia waweze kuwafunza wanafunzi vyuoni kwani walimu wa sasa walifunzwa mfumo tofauti wa enzi zao. Imekuwa changamoto kubwa sana kwa walimu hawa kuwafunza wanafunzi kutumia huu mfumo mpya wa elimu.Fauka ya hayo,Profesa Violet Naanyu  alisisitiza kuwa elimu huwa ni safari  kwani huwa kuna mwanzo na huwa kuna lengo kuu la mwanafunzi anaposoma na mwalimu anapofunza. Kwa hiyo,Violet alilonga kuwa kuna umuhimu wa walimu kuwa na ushirikiano na wanafunzi ili pamoja waweze kukamilisha ‘safari’ ya  elimu aisee! Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa .

    Kaditama,wataalam hawa walitoa maoni yao na kusema kuwa ,japo tunataka mfumo huu wa elimu kutufaidi ifaavyo, itabidi viongozi wa vyuo wafunzwe mbinu mpya ya uongozi. Viongozi wawe wanaokubali maendeleo na kuhakikisha kuwa maendeleo tofauti yanatekelezwa katika vyuo wanavyosimamia.

    Wakufunzi nao  wawe tayari kujadiliana na kukosoana na wanafunzi wasiwe na akili ya kufikiri kuwa ni wao pekee wanaojua yote. Wanafunzi pia walihimizwa kuwa na bidii za mchwa na wawe watu wa kutaka kujua mengi, wafanye utafiti na kutumia utafiti huo kutatua matatizo mbalimbali.

    Kwa uhahika,mjadala huu ulikuwa na mafunzo chungu  nzima na ni ombi langu kuwa wewe kama msomaji wangu utaweza kuyatilia maanani yaliyosemwa na wataalam na kuhakikisha kuwa, polepole  na kwa uhakika unakubali mfumo mpya wa elimu kwani mfumo huu una manufaa kadha wa kadha.

  • INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 239

    INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 239

    Issue 239

     

    Use the link above to access the Involvement Newspaper issue 239 which features a range of articles written by our writers to ensure that you stay informed on News within and outside Daystar.

  • Daystar mourns death of lecturer

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Dr. Solomon Nzyuko PHOTO| Daystar University

    The Daystar community is this morning mourning the death of senior lecturer and researcher, Dr. Solomon Nzyuko.

    Dr. Nzyuko died on Tuesday morning at the Marter Hospital, according to the university chaplaincy, who confirmed his death to the community.

    “Our University has suffered a terrible loss following the death of our colleague…which occurred today, Tuesday 6 April,” read a statement from the Chaplaincy.

    Members of the Daystar community have since sent out their condolences, describing the deceased as a true servant of God.

    “A true servant of God and a man of integrity. A true elder who desired to serve God with everything he touched. God rest his soul in eternal peace,” said Mrs. Phyllis Mutua, the institution’s Finance Manager.

    Daystar Christian Fellowship (DCF) chair, Moses Tibagye describes his death as a deep loss to the institution, as he called on God to comfort and console his family.

    “It is a deep loss for the University. The rate at which we are losing people we love is devastating. It is never a good time to lose a loved one but I pray that God shall be the peace to the bereaved family,” said Moses.

    DUSA Council president Aloys Otieno described the deceased as a dedicated servant leader, who served students with dedication and excellence.

    “On behalf of the entire student body, I wish to pass our sincere condolences to the family. We will remember them in prayer,” wrote Aloys.

    Prior to his death, Dr. Nzyuko served as the Director for the Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI). He was also a project officer with African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF).

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayiro will this morning lead the Daystar community in special prayers dedicated to the deceased’s family. The prayers are scheduled to start at 9, at Valley Road’s DAC auditorium.

  • Hostel elections rescheduled to April 2

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    ECD Officials- Peter Sidika, Vice Chair Elizabeth Waudo and CEO Michael Mwanza.

    The congress elections for hostel representatives have been rescheduled to April 2, to pave way for the schools’ congress elections which take place today.

    Through a communication sent by Vice Chair Eizabeth Waudo to the respective aspirants, the electoral commission states that this will prevent students from getting registered twice- voting twice in the process.

    “Residence will be on Friday to avoid people voting twice. For example, I’m in school of communication and I stay in DUPA, the link allows you to vote once and just for your school,” reads the message.

    According to the message, only students registered in the on-campus hostels shall participate in these elections.

    The message was not well received by some the aspirants, who have called out the commission for its incompetence in how it’s conducting the elections.

    “They’re not competent because they sent this communication last night, yet we were prepared for the elections today…They had also informed us that we shall be voted for by residence assistants but have now changed this too,” decried Eunice Siameto, an aspirant for the position.

    Involvement Newspaper has reached out to the commission, who have yet to respond to the allegations raised against it.

    The other aspirants for the position include Juliet Muturi, John Mathu and Sharon Mwaura.

    Elsewhere, the schools’ elections will proceed as planned, with results being expected to start flowing in later in the day. Students have been requested to activate their Emails for the purposes of accessing the voting link, with voting scheduled to run from 8:00AM till 9PM.

    “Kindly note that with an inactive E-mail, you’ll not be able to access the link to vote. This is a matter of URGENCY for you to be able to practise your democratic right,” read a statement from the commission.