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  • Les Jeux Olympiques 2024

    Par Lilian Ruth

    {image par Paris2024}

     

    Les Jeux Olympiques de 2024 se dérouleront à Paris.

    La cérémonie d’ouverture a eu lieu il y a cinq jours à Paris. Pour la première fois, la cérémonie d’ouverture ne s’est pas déroulée dans un stade mais sur le pont de la Seine.

    L’un des étudiants de l’université Daystar, Patrick Odongo, qui est un athlète de rugby primé, s’est rendu à Paris le 8 juillet pour représenter l’équipe nationale masculine de rugby à 7 du Kenya aux Jeux olympiques de Paris.

    La cérémonie d’ouverture a été honorée par quelques dirigeants éminents et accueillie par le président français, Emmanuel Macron, au nom du peuple français.

    La cérémonie d’ouverture a suscité différentes réactions de la part de divers groupes et individus. Certains ont semblé quelque peu insatisfaits, tandis que d’autres ont apprécié la cérémonie.

    Les Jeux olympiques se poursuivent et plusieurs personnes remportent des médailles. Les jeux sont difficiles, mais les athlètes sont également équipés, entraînés et prêts à résister à la pression.

  • Team Kenya Gears up for Showdown in the 1500m Finals

    by Ben Ayuko

    contact info: benayuko@gmail.com

    {images by Reuters}

     

    Kenya’s runners in the 1500m event enjoyed a smooth transition from the heats into the finals at the Paris Olympica,2024.

    The three men, Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot and Brian Komen will be looking to reclaim the Gold Medal for their nation. Not since Asbel Kiprop in 2008 has there been a Kenyan athlete on the top step of the podium in the 1500m event. There is a dire need to rectify this error.

    And they feel it too.

    Asked about his ambitions going into the tournament, Reynold had this to say, “I believe we can win the gold medal. You see Timothy (Cheruiyot) is back, so we will be working together to ensure that one of us wins the title. What we will need is to work as a team.”

    Having won the 1500m event during the Olympic trials in Kenya, he is ready to throw his hat in the ring, looking to be the man who ends the drought for Team Kenya.

    This will be the 20-yr-old’s Olympic debut after placing 8th in the World Championships in Budapest, 2023. He is clearly pumped up and excited for the games as he lines up alongside his hero, Timothy Cheruiyot, to take on the best in the world.

    Brian Komen, another top athlete, is looking ready to take on the final after breezing through his heat and coming through in 2nd place. The 2024 African Championships Gold Medalist is in fine form and will be raring to go in the final, especially considering how close he was to missing the plane to Paris entirely.

    After beating compatriot, Timothy Cheruiyot, the Diamond League in May, he will be feeling very confident about his chances at taking Gold come the hour.

    Timothy Cheruiyot, perhaps the favourite among the 3, will be looking to get a certain monkey that has been living on his back for the longest time.

    Although he did claim the Gold at the 2019 World Championships in Qatar, it is the Olympic Podium that he wants to get a taste of. Having missed out in 2016 after failing to qualify during the trials, he improved his technique and just about found himself on the plane to Tokyo at the very last minute. This did not seem to deter him, though, as he managed an admirable 2ndplace finish. However, the Silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, proved insufficient to satiate his thirst. It is the Olympic Gold that he really wants to wear around his neck.

    “My dream is to get back to the top of the podium, ” Timothy said. “That silver in Tokyo was great, but I want to upgrade it. I need to have the gold.”

     

    It will not be smooth sailing though, as they will have to stave off competition from the Norwegian, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the current Olympic Champion and holder of the Olympic Record-time in the event.

    Englishman, Josh Kerr, will no doubt have thrown his hat in the ring, having had to settle for the Bronze medal in Tokyo 2020.

  • What The Girl Child Can Learn from the late Dr. Joyce Cherono Laboso

    by Leeroy Wuone

    contact info: leeroywuone02@gmail.com

    {image by KenyaInsights}

     

    The late Dr. Joyce Cherono Laboso defeated Isaac Kiprono Ruto to become the first female Governor of Bomet County in the 2017 general elections, running on a Jubilee ticket.

     

    Dr. Joyce Laboso took over as the Member of parliament for Sotik constituency after the seat was left vacant following the death of her sister, Lorna Laboso, who died in a plane crash in 2008. In a famous old clip, former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, is seen in the very same Sotik constituency where the late Dr. Laboso hailed from, supporting her in campaigns having won the party nominations under ODM ticket.

    Dr. Laboso was a woman of many firsts as she went ahead to become the Deputy Speaker in 2013, deputizing for the former Attorney General, Justin Bedan Muturi. She became the first woman from Bomet county to serve for two consecutive terms in Parliament, winning by majority vote round one. “The girl child should not expect anything from anybody at any time. You need to fight for your space to get trust from people, ’said Dr. Laboso in a public interview after winning the Bomet gubernatorial race.

    We can indeed see that the late Dr. Joyce Laboso earned her trust over the years from Bomet residents since 2008.

    Dr. Joyce Laboso is an example of many other women in the political space who put up a spirited fight against misogyny. Another example is in 2008 when the late Dr. Laboso was running for the Sotik parliamentary seat. Back then, she was referred to as “a Luo Lady” having found marriage outside of her birth community, the Kipsigis. They tried to portray her as a foreign person. This forced her to drop her husband’s surname, Abonyo, in favour of her own (Laboso) in order for her to keep her political career in guard. Her resilience and toughness enabled her to overcome this kind of misogyny.

    The girl child can learn the art of resilience from Dr. Laboso. She was able to break the chains of tribalism, receiving a lot of support, in equal measure, by Sotik and Bomet residents. This challenges the girl child that she can rise above criticism amidst the male sea of people who propagate male chauvinism.

    The late Dr. Laboso also went through some controversial moments while in leadership, for instance, with Mrs. Millie Odhiambo Mabona commonly known by her supporters as “Millo Gesa Gesa’’. She poured water on the late deputy speaker over the controversial 2014 Security Laws (Amendment) bill that would, among other measures, expand intelligence powers.

    Several provisions would restrict the media from covering of terrorist acts in Kenya, potentially inhibiting journalists seeking to report on matters in the public interest from doing so. Furthermore, Isaac Ruto supporters and the Doctor clashed in Ruto’s homebase of Chepalungu constituency, Bomet county, during campaigns. Despite all this, the late Dr. Laboso believed she had what it took to be the first female Bomet governor.

    Below are a few highlighted things that she did NOT fancy in a leader.

     

    1.Abrasiveness in leadership, whereby a leader is over-controlling, overreacting, threatening juniors and/or humiliating other leaders publicly.

    2. The girl child can learn not to be a chest thumping leader.

    3. A good female leader should do more consultations with other leaders of her gender and the opposite gender.

    4. “Do not be a know-it-all leader. When you speak, other people will listen to you. You should reciprocate the same amongst your constituents,” said the late Governor in one of her public appearances.

     

    The late Dr Joyce Laboso left a very solid legacy and inspiration amongst the Kipsigis community, especially the girl child. She succumbed to cancer on July 29, 2019, at Nairobi hospital. She was buried at her home in Fort Tenan, Kisumu County on 3 August 2019.

    Dr Joyce Laboso will be remembered for many more years to come.

    Rest in Peace.

    shujaa!

  • Throw Down Zeros Zeddy’s Judo Dreams

    by Ben Ayuko

    contact info: benayuko@gmail.com

    {images by NOC-K}

     

    In yet another first, Zeddy Cherotich made our nation proud when she became the first female Judoka to represent Kenya in the Judo event at the Olympics, Paris 2024.

    This time round, she was the only Kenyan Judoka in the tournament when she came up against the Portuguese, Patricia Sampaio. A tough match-up in only the first round of the tournament against the 2023 European Championship Bronze medalist. Zeddy would have to come with every bit of knowledge she had learned in her practice if she wanted to make it through to the next round.

    No sooner had the bout started, than Sampaio showed her class, getting in her first Waza-ari after she managed to flip Zeddy over her shoulder and onto the ground. A real show of strength and power.

    It was about 10 seconds later when Sampaio sealed the match with a dominant move as she pinned Zeddy onto the mat for her second Waza-ari. This was enough to earn her the win. Zeddy tried her hardest, but her opponent proved just a little too determined for her to deal with on the day. 10-0 the final score as the 2014 National Champion’s Olympic run came to an end.

    Sampaio would advance further and further into the tournament, losing only one match which was against the eventual tournament and Gold medal winner, Italian Alice Bellandi.

    She would have to settle for victory in the Bronze medal match, securing yet another Bronze medal in her second year running.

    No cigar then for Zeddy as she goes back to the drawing board and prepares for her next tournament when she will get the chance to prove herself once more.

     

     

  • Gathimba Battles it out on the Race-Walking Track

    by Ben Ayuko

    contact info: benayuko@gmail.com

    {image by NOC-K}

     

    Samuel Gathimba was our Kenyan representative, out of 50 competitors, in the 20 Kilometer Race-Walk event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

    He was coming up against a tough field, including defending Olympic and World Champion, the Italian, Massimo Stano.

    It was a tough race with different competitors employing different strategies. Some were opting to shoot off immediately from the onset and build up a gap between themselves and everybody else, while others were conserving their energy early on, hoping to deploy it deeper into the race.

    The eventual winner of the race, Ecuadorian Brian Daniel Pintado, opted for the latter strategy. He was running in as low a position as 37th place during the early stages of the race.

    Gathimba opted for the secret option number three strategy: maintaining a steady pace for the whole race, which could have worked had he got a better in a higher position.

    He was steadily climbing up the field and found himself in 10th position with 5km to go. He could have found himself fighting for one of the medal positions considering he was, at this point, ahead of the Brazilian, Caio Bonfim, who eventually finished the race in 2nd place. However, this is when his energy reserves started to betray him. Try as he might, he just couldn’t keep up with the race and slowly started fading away.

    Alas, despite clocking his fastest time of the season– 1hr 21min 26sec – and finishing in the top half of the field, he could only muster a 22nd place finished.

    “Kulikuwa na mabingwa wengi wenye walikuwa wameshinda 2023, 2022…na hata ukifuatilia, utapata hata hawakumake bracket,” Gathimba said. “Let me say, Expectations zangu hazikuenda vile nilikuwa nataka. So, im going to run more and more...”

    Translation: “There were previous winners from past years who didn’t even make the cut,” Gathimba said. “My expectations didn’t pan out to my liking. But I’ll keep running…”

    A valiant effort from the 2-time Africa Games Champion as he can live with his head held high knowing he gave his best effort in the competition, which is really all anyone could have asked of him.

     

  • Team Kenya Taken Down by Polish Precision

    by Ben Ayuko

    contact info: benayuko@gmail.com

    {image by KBC}

     

    Team Kenya‘s Volleyball ladies took on Poland in the second group game of the Olympic tournament.

    Poland, one of the favourites to win the whole tournament, was looking to keep up their winning run after an opening round victory against the Japanese.

    Kenya was looking for redemption after the dire humbling tach came against Brazil

    Kenya actually started off well, managing to secure 3 points early in in the first set to put Poland on the backfoot. It was looking like it could be a new day for the Malkia Strikers, who were putting their best foot forward. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

    In no time at all, Poland had pulled away and opened up a gigantic lead that saw them take the first set, 25-14.

    The story of the second set was very similar. Team Kenya kept up with the Polish outfit initially as the set began. And then, suddenly, Poland just blew us away. 25-17 how the set ended.

    Set three, however, was a different story. Whereas before we started the set on level footing, this time, we were completely blown out of the water from the off. We simply could not keep up with the 2-time European Champions as they looked to see out the game without giving up any chances for a comeback. 25-15 how the set ended as we, once again, were defeated 3-0 without reply.

    The was a silver lining for Team Kenya which lay in the performances of Kenya Pipeline duo Pamela Adhiambo and Veronicah Oluoch. They topped the scoring charts with 14 and 13 points respectively.

    Back to the drawing board then as the Malkias prepare to face off against Japan in the final group game.

  • THE UNYIELDING SPIRIT OF CHANGE ACROSS GENERATIONS. (YOUTH REVOLUTION.)

    By Valarie Maingi.

    {image by illest}

     

    Youths have been revolutionizing governments through protest by challenging systems and demanding justice for a better future. Streets are filled with peaceful youth demonstrators with a mindset of acquiring their rights.

    Young people have used their voices to challenge the status quo and demand change since way back. We can’t forget about the 1976 Soweto uprising against the Afrikaans medium decree introduced in schools forcing all black schools to use Afrikaans language and the movement for “Free Mandela!! Viva Mandela!!” Highschool students were against the policy and regarded the language as “the oppressor’s language” protesting on the streets. Today in Kenya, Generation Z (Gen Z) have taken to the streets to protest against the Finance Bill 2024, and are advocating for transparency in governance, economic opportunities, better public services and end of police brutality during peaceful demonstration.

    The spirit of resistance and the quest for justice during the Soweto uprising was depicted in the movie Sarafina! The film portrays the courage and determination of the South African students retaliating against the apartheid regime. Sarafina symbolizes the resilience and hope of the youths as they faced overwhelming odds in their fight for freedom.

    Though separated by time and geography, these movements share a youth driven spirit of revolution for freedom and justice. The Soweto uprising drew international condemnation of apartheid supporting the global anti-apartheid movement. The Kenyan Gen Z protest is benefiting from global digital solidarity, with activists and organizations worldwide rallying in support of their cause.

    Cultural elements are playing a crucial role in the movements. Soweto music and dance “freedom is coming” symbolized resistance and unity. Digital content and music “Reject” is used for mobilizing support and reflecting on cultural trends. “Comrades power!! Viva!!” is the bold leadership mobilization among the youth enabling them to have a sense of direction and togetherness during protests.

    Violent suppression, police crackdowns and arrests are common with an attempt to suppress youths but despite all these efforts, the youths’ resilience remains unshaken. Protests show the enduring power of youth movements in the quest for justice. They demonstrate that young people, regardless of era, possess the ability to drive significant change. Their courage, creativity and commitment to a better future inspire not only their peers but also attract the global community’s attention.

    In Kenya, the legacy of the 1990 Saba Saba protest serves as a historical backbone for today’s youth movements. On July 7, 1990, youths took to the streets demanding political reforms and greater freedom. The Saba Saba movement was vital in Kenya for highlighting the power of collective action and the importance for fighting for democratic rights.

    The courage displayed by the youth during the ongoing protest is inspiring and essential for a societal progress. The use of digital platforms to amplify their voices, creating a global network of solidarity that was unimaginable in the past helps create a platform where the demands for justice are listened to by the authorities. Their demands for transparency are crucial for the advancement of the society.

    As the country witnesses the ongoing protests, the legacy of Soweto and Saba Saba serves as a powerful reminder of the impact the youth had in challenging their oppressive system. The fight for freedom and justice is a continuous journey and education never comes to an end, carried forward by a new generation who refuse to accept the status quo. From apartheid in South Africa to Modern-Day Corruption in Kenya youths unite to fight for justice.

  • In and Out, the Mangrove Forest

    by Ben Ayuko

    contact info: benayuko@gmail.com

    {image by GettyImages}

     

    If you studied the Kenyan Syllabus, then you have probably heard of the Mangrove Forest and its breathing roots.

    For those who don’t know, the Mangrove Forest is an interconnected system of trees found on Kenya’s coastline. They really like hot temperatures and swampy areas which is why they can only be found sea-level.

    {image by sciencedirect.com}

    Now, it might be a swampy, marshy wetland of a forest. But it’s still a Forest. Well, unlike many forests, it has breathing roots. But similar to any forest, it has all sorts of plants that can be found there. For instance, different species of mangrove has tannin (chemical substance) which can have numerous healing abilities. The Mangrove is also home to plenty of different fish and crabs and other animals that can be a good source of food to the communities that live near it. With its bulging roots it also provides protection from incoming tides and erosion for settling communities near the area.

    Now, I know what you’re thinking. “That’s nice and all about the Mangrove, but why are you telling me about it?”

    Well, first of all, that’s rude.

    Second of all, did you know mangrove forests have breathing roots?

    And thirdly, I’m telling you this because the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, via Future Earth, has just awarded a year-long grant worth Kshs. 6.5 million to Kenyan researchers in the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). Their main aim is to be map out mangrove resources and get finer details of their condition in real time. This will enable them to better understand how and when to best take full advantage of them. Being a forest, of course, mangrove is also a decent source of fuel and wood. Predictably, we have overdone it.

    Kenya’s mangrove forests had succumbed to logging and deforestation in the 1990s and early 2000s when approximately 450 hectares of mangroves and their breathing roots disappeared every year.

    {image by: Nevil Agesa}

    Luckily, one of the most famous projects in the world concerning mangrove restoration is a project in a small village in South Coast Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean with a mangrove forest.

    The carbon offset project Mikoko Pamoja (Mangroves Together), formed in 2013, is the first of its kind in the world to successfully trade mangrove carbon credits.

    Dr. James Kairo, the chief scientist at the KMFRI who will be spearheading the research, has previously stated how little is known about the extent of the benefits one could accrue from the mangrove, aside from helping clean up Kenya’s carbon footprint. “We have been doing mangrove restoration and mapping, but now we are taking it further,” he said. “We want to use machine learning to map mangrove conditions, their status and how they are growing.”

    He will be joined by 2 students: Gilbert Kosgei– studying Hydrology at Maseno University- and Mary Kisilu– studying Environmental Science at Chuka University.

    If everything goes according to plan, this arrangement could breathe new life into Kenya’s agricultural sector. But first, we need to learn how to breathe from our roots.

     

     

     

  • Kenya Caned by Brilliant Brazilians

    by Ben Ayuko

    contact info: benayuko@gmail.com

    {image by GettyImages}

     

    The Kenya Women’s Volleyball Team kicked off their Olympics campaign against Brazil on the 30th of July 2024

    The 2023 African Volleyball Champions were looking to carry the same form that earned them a Gold Medal in the African Championships, just a year prior, into Paris.

    Led by Captain, Triza Atuka, they took to the court to face what would prove to be a tough test against a well-trained outfit in Brazil.

    Our Malkia Strikers put their best foot forward, but they were not prepared for this Brazil team as they claimed point after point.  The completely overwhelmed the Kenyans who had no response for the aggressive nature with which they took to the court. Every serve was returned, every rally was turned over, every spike was blocked…everything the Kenyans tried to orchestrate was immediately shut down and returned with vigour from the other side of the net. And they only seemed to get stronger the longer the game went on.

    It was quite the statement of intent from the Canarinhas as they finished the game after winning all 3 sets without reply (25-14, 25-13, 25-12). A rude awakening for Team Kenya in case any of the players were doubting the reverence that is bestowed upon games with the Olympic tag.

    Despite the disappointing result, Captain Atuka found some positives that her and her team could take from the experience. “We had our good moments and (I am) happy that we have improved on our reception, which is usually an issue…” she said, “…having played Brail today is an eye-opener…now we know what to plan on to approach the next match.”

    With 2 more group games to play against Japan and Poland in the coming days, they will have some time to regroup and refocus their efforts to try and salvage their Olympic charge.

  • The 2 Kenyans Swimming with the Best of Them

    by Ben Ayuko

    contact info: benayuko@gmail.com

    {image by NOC-K}

     

    Bwana Abubakar Ridhwan Mohamed represented Kenya in the 400m freestyle event in swimming competition at the Paris Olympics.

    He was facing a tough field of swimmers, and it showed from the start as they took off, leaving him behind. It wasn’t until the 100m meter mark when he caught up to the rest of the field and, in a turn of events, took the lead of the race; no doubt a proud moment.

    Alas, it was to be a moment and nothing more, as by the time they hit the 200m mark, he had been overcome by the strong swimmers.

    He finished in 4th place in his heat which, unfortunately, meant his Olympic dream had come to an end. But not before giving us a glimpse of what we have to look forward to in future tournaments from the 23-year-old.

    The National Recorder will now be focusing his attentions on cheering on his fellow swimming teammate, Maria Brunlehner, as she prepares to emulate his achievement in her own event, the 50m freestyle on Saturday, the 3rd of August 2024.

    Maria will be looking to replicate the performance she gave in 2019 that earned her a Bronze Medal in the Africa Games held in Rabat, Morocco. Of course, at the time she was competing in the 4x100m medley relay and therefore was working in a team.  However, she is quietly confident of her chances in the event.

    “It’s an honour to compete there and I’m very excited,” Maria said. “Hopefully I can break the National Record. I just want to do my best.”

    With her sights locked on setting a new National Record, like Abubakar before her, we can only cheer her on as she fights through the field on her way to the final on the grandest of stages.