David Kimaiyo: I was stopped from going after Westgate terrorists

Inspector General David Kimaiyo has admitted for the first time that he was going to storm Westgate Shopping Mall and help to fight al Shabaab terrorists in September. Kimaiyo has not spoken publicly about his personal feelings on the Westgate attack that left 70 people dead but it was widely reported after the September 21 raid that he was prepared to fight the terrorists. During an award ceremony for outstanding APs this year, Kimaiyo said he had his gun ready. “I want to pay special tribute to Sergeant Emojong for the good work he did in defending the country. Actually, I was among the police officers who were the first to reach the scene and when I was informed he (Emojong) was in, I wanted to join him as I had a rifle and bullet proof vest but was restrained by other officers accompanying me,” Kimaiyo said. Kimaiyo, Internal Security minister Joseph Ole Lenku and Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces Julius Karangi were in charge of the operations that lasted four days. It was the most daring attack by terrorists – who are said to have been four and armed with AK 47 rifles and hand grenades.
During the siege, one of Kimaiyo’s tweets was widely published and discussed by international media.  “Taken control of all the floors. We’re not here to feed the attackers with pastries but to finish and punish them,” he wrote on Twitter on September 24. He was giving an update on the progress of the rescue mission on the third day, which involved troops of the Kenya Defence Forces. 
-www.standardmedia

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Signs your man is going to propose!

When you're in a relationship for a few years you start to wonder when he'll propose and if he'll propose. You don't want to push him away, but you want him to know you are thinking about taking your relationship to the next step, so how can you do that without scaring him? After six months or one year of dating, you might feel compelled to drop a few marriage and proposal hints. You might conveniently keep your television on WE or Oxygen and trick your man into watching one of countless wedding reality shows. But in all honesty, your boyfriend isn’t going to propose until he’s good and ready. There’s nothing wrong with having “the talk” and dropping the occasional hint. But if your man doesn’t seem interested in proposing -- or in getting married for that matter -- forceful, relentless hints can push him away.
This isn’t to say that he will never propose. Many men desire a committed relationship -- and contrary to what you may hear or read, some men want the fairy tale ending. So, how do you know if your boyfriend is going to propose? 

1. Re-decorates His Pad... If his former bachelor pad slowly transforms into a place suited for a mature adult, he might have a wife and family on the brain. Be especially suspicious if he starts watching HGTV or wants you to go furniture shopping with him. This shows that he values your decorating opinion and he’s looking to make his pad girlfriend or wife-approved.
 2. Limits Big Purchases... Pay attention to your boyfriend’s spending habits. As an unmarried man, he’s likely accustomed to shopping whenever he wants and taking last minute trips with his friends. But if you notice a slowdown in the amount of electronics that he buys, or if he constantly talks about saving money, he might actually be planning and saving for a ring. 
3. Missing Jewelry... Did you misplace your favorite ring? Did it mysteriously appear after much searching? Don’t make a big deal out of the ring’s vanishing act. There’s a good chance that your man is looking at engagement rings and swiped the ring to determine your ring size. 4. Begins to Take an Interest in Weddings... Convincing some guys to get dolled up for a wedding is often challenging. Be suspicious if he’s suddenly excited about attending weddings. And be very suspicious if he takes part in the wedding gift selection process. These are signs of wedding fever and a proposal is likely to follow.
5. Uses Couple Language...
“Me” or “I” is the main vocabulary word of men who are perfectly happy with the dating life. But if his “me” and “I” sentences are being replaced with “we,” “our” and “us,” the relationship and unit has become a top-priority. 6. He Seems Extra Nervous... Some men act somewhat discombobulated right before a marriage proposal. If he continues to shower you with love and attention, but seems a bit distracted and quieter than normal, he might be getting his mind ready for a proposal. Of course, you’ll need to consider whether he’s having problems in other areas of his life. Anxiety and quietness might have nothing to do with a proposal. It could be his response to issues at work or with friends.
7. He Hangs Out with Your Dad... If your boyfriend never hangs out with your dad alone, but he now wants his number to play golf or get a drink after work, this could be your boyfriend’s clever way of getting your father alone to express his interest in popping the question.
-The Nairobian

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Hangover effects of various alcoholic drinks...

At this time of year, even the most strong-willed of us can indulge in a tipple too many - only to regret it the next morning. So, what is the best way to avoid a hangover? All alcoholic beverages are variations of the chemical ethanol and the liver and brain deal with it the same way, regardless of whether you're quaffing Champagne or downing beer. But your favourite drink may also include ingredients that not only make a difference to how fast alcohol affects you but also how you feel the morning after.
Here, with the help of a leading expert on alcohol toxicology, Professor Wayne Jones, of the University of Health Sciences in Linkˆping, Sweden, we look at the differences between popular alcoholic drinks - and their hangover effect. And be warned: 'If you drink any type of alcohol on an empty stomach, the rate of absorption is sometimes so fast that it compares with getting it intravenously,' says Professor Jones.

VODKA
 Vodka is made by fermenting grains or crops such as potatoes with yeast. It's then purified and repeatedly filtered, often through charcoal, strange as it sounds, until it's as clear as possible. PROS: Vodka is the 'cleanest' alcoholic beverage because it contains hardly any 'congeners' - impurities normally formed during fermentation. These play a big part in how bad your hangover is. Despite its high alcohol content - around 40 per cent - vodka is the least likely alcoholic drink to leave you with a hangover, said a study by the British Medical Association. CONS: Vodka is often a factor in binge drinking deaths because it is relatively tasteless when mixed with fruit juices or other drinks. 
Whisky or Scotch is distilled from fermented grains, such as barley or wheat, then aged in wooded casks. PROS: Single malt whiskies have been found to contain high levels of ellagic acid, according to Dr Jim Swan of the Royal Society of Chemists. This powerful acid inhibits the growth of tumours caused by certain carcinogens and kills cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. CONS: Whisky 'madness' - erratic and unpredictable behaviour - is a common problem with drinking whisky. It's caused by the way most people drink it - neat, explains Professor Jones.
His experiments show that among people drinking the same amount of ethanol, those drinking it in the form of spirits, such as whisky, had the quickest and highest peak in the blood alcohol concentration, which occurred less than an hour after drinking began. Whisky also contains lots of congeners, which tend to form during the ageing process in oak casks. A study by the BMA found that as a result, Bourbon Whiskey is twice as likely to cause a hangover as the same amount of vodka. 
WHITE WINE White wine is made from the fermented juice of grapes stripped of their seeds and skins. PROS: American researchers found that grape flesh contains the chemicals tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, which help lower arteryclogging LDL cholesterol. CONS: It's the sulphites formed naturally or added to white wine as preservatives to stop it going brown which are the most likely cause of the 'white wine hangover' many people complain of. Sulphites also carry the risk of an allergic reaction which can worsen symptoms such as a headache, or asthma. White wines also wear away tooth enamel faster, making teeth more sensitive.

RED WINE
 Red wine is made from fermented grape juice - but unlike white wine, with the skin and pips included. It's then left to mature for a minimum of three years, during which pigments from the skins leech out and colour the wine red. 
PROS: Contains more reservatrol - a plant anti- oxidant - than white wine. This helps to prevent blood clots and reduce inflammation, which is now considered to play a key role in heart disease. Also, the pips and skins used in red wines contain tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, chemicals which help lower artery-clogging LDL cholesterol.
CONS: Red wine drinkers can get worse hangovers than beer or white wine drinkers. Because of the way it's made, red wine produces two types of alcohol - ethanol and methanol. The liver processes the ethanol part of the drink first and leaves methanol until last. 'As a result, it's likely to be floating around in the body for a lot longer than ethanol, giving you that familiar "morning after" feeling,' says Professor Jones

BEER 
Beer is made by fermenting barley. Hops are added for flavour and yeast to make the grains ferment into sugar and alcohol. PROS: Beer is the least dangerous to drink and makes you feel you drunk the slowest. It has the lowest alcohol content - between 3 and 6 per cent for lager, and up to 8 per cent for ale and stout. A pint also contains more than a quarter of an adult's recommended dose of Vitamin B folate, which stops the build-up of homocysteinea chemical linked to heart attacks. CONS: Beer is high in compounds called purines, which boost the levels of uric acid in the blood, according to a study at Massachusetts General Hospital. This can form crystals in joints, leading to painful attacks of gout. The 12-year study found that drinking more than two beers a day doubled the risk.
Brandy is a spirit distilled from red wine. Fine brandies are aged for extra flavour in wooden casks. PROS: Because brandy is a distillation of red wine, it contains a high concentration of antioxidants which mop-up 'free radicals' which, it's claimed, can damage the body organs and tissues and lead to deadly diseases. CONS: It could give you the worst headache of all, according to research at London's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. This was closely followed by red wine, then rum, whisky and gin. Not only does brandy contain at least 40 per cent alcohol, the high quality cask-aged variety is likely to have the highest amounts of congeners, which are formed during the lengthy storage and fermentation process. Professor Jones says: 'Brandy contains literally hundreds of different volatile compounds, which gives it the distinctive pleasant smell but also contributes to the hangover.'

CHAMPAGNE
 Champagne and sparkling wine are made in roughly the same way as wine - but then more yeast is added and it's left to ferment in the bottle a second time, producing carbon dioxide.
 PROS: The antioxidants in Champagne may help protect your brain against damage incurred during a stroke and against neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, according to a team of researchers from the University of Reading. They found that high levels antioxidants, called caffeic acid and tyrosol, helped protect brain cells from damage. 
CONS: The bubbles speed up the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. And contrary to popular belief, Champagne won't lift your spirits - alcohol affects brain receptors in the same way, whatever its source.
-: DailyMail

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President Uhuru Kenyatta orders KDF to rescue 1, 600 Kenyans stranded in South Sudan

President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered KDF to immediately evacuate 1, 600 Kenyans who are stranded in South Sudan following Sunday’s attempted coup.

Most of those affected are in the town of Bor in Jonglei State. Others are in the towns of Rumbek, Ayod and Panyabol.
State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu in a press statement said President Uhuru also directed immediate delivery of , water and medicine to South Sudan to assist tackle the emergency.

Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Amina Mohamed is among the team holding mediation talks between parties involved to resolve the stalemate.

“As a neighbour with knowledge of the South Sudan and who has worked closely with the government there, the government has sent additional mediators to help with the dialogue. They include General (Rtd) Elijah Sumbeiywo, as well Amb. Bethwel Kiplagat, Rev. Julius Kobia, Hon. Dalmas Otieno, Amb. Elijah Matibo and Hon Mark Too”, read part of the statement sent to newsrooms.

The deliveries started Saturday morning and Kenyan military aircrafts are currently delivering the consignments to South Sudan.

Relative calm has returned to Juba.

-standardmedia.co.ke

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13 absolutely worst types of men to date

Dating is a hard game and there are some types of men who should be avoided. What are these types? Let guest contributor Lillian Blue help you weed out the bad with this list of worst types of men to date.

1. The Scaredy-Cat

While seemingly a normal, possibly timid guy, things can go extremely wrong when he finds out your true feelings. Men like this aren't mature enough to handle relationships, so they avoid them at all costs. For example, he may show signs of sharing your infatuation, but when talk of commitment comes up, he acts as if you've never even met. If this man comes into your life, don’t beat yourself up over his sudden change of heart. He’s simply a scared little boy, not the man of your dreams.

2. The Flirt

We’ve all met a flirt. Also known as the ever elusive «player». He has dozens of women on the backburner and possesses a constant hunger to string more along to fulfill his insecure mindset. When you spot this man, don’t let him get to you. You can bet those charming one-liners and suave winks have been used many times before to his advantage. You’ll always be an option, but never a priority.

3. The Blow off

This man has no trouble setting plans and organizing dates. In fact, he is usually the one that routinely lights up your phone every Friday night. He wants to have some fun this weekend. To make sure he isn’t left alone, he schedules numerous «dates» and weighs his options. If you’re not top on his list, you’ll probably get the «Oh, sorry I’m not feeling so well» text or possibly no response at all. Don’t let it bother you, he wasn't worth your time.

4. The Narcissist

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Does your man spend more time getting ready than you do? Does he constantly check his hair in every mirror he comes across? Is he seemingly more in love with himself than in you? Are his interests limited to his own idealistic opinions and profound theories? Yeah, he’s head over heels. With himself. Ditch the Ken doll, you shouldn’t have to put up with someone so plastic.

5. The Dramatic

From past relationships I’ve learned that the majority of these boys have been total primadonnas. You’ll know you’ve met this type when he freaks out if you show up five minutes late to a date. You can be sure he’ll fan every little disagreement into a full-blown argument. It’s not worth the stress. In my experience, this type can’t handle sarcasm very well, either. Their serious attitudes tend to translate humor very literally.

6. The Mushball

Now, I know I can appreciate some roses and chocolate from my man every once in a while, or on special occasions, but what about when the gifts and compliments get out of control? Constant flattery can seem fake after a while, and while endless gifts sound nice; they ultimately result in an awkward situation. If all of that mushball behavior is one sided and we girls end up on a pedestal, the relationship can often become unbalanced.

7. The Deadbeat

This man is most often seen sporting a cheese puff-stained shirt; lying on the couch in his mom’s basement. If for some reason he leaves the house and you two end up talking; you’ll find him very light on the activities aspect of life. But who knows? He could be a driven, hard-core gamer and if you’re into that sort of thing then you’ve met your match! But if he’s just a no good couch potato, it’ll take a lot longer for you to try and change him then it will for him to finish off another bowl of Cheetos.

8. The Power Monger

This type of man has a need for control. Over you, and everything else in his life. If he starts ordering you around or trying to manipulate you in any way, get out of this relationship. He’ll only continue to build power by wearing you down. In order for a relationship to happily function, both sides need to share authority. He isn’t the boss of you; you control your own life.

9. The Know It All

Everyone hates a know it all. If you find yourself with this man, you’ll become aware of your situation very quickly. You’ll probably be told you’re incorrect more frequently and you should prepare for the flood of «extensive knowledge» your partner is going to heap upon you. The information you’re being bombarded with is this man’s way of looking smarter or trying to impress you. It’s not impressive, it’s downright annoying.

10. The Judgementalist

It’s one thing to people watch. It’s another to point out every flaw in those around you. This type of man can spot someone unique and different from a mile away and has this conformist need to cut them up and express his dislike of their differences. They’re incredibly shallow and don’t have the capacity to dig deep and really get to know anyone out of the ordinary. You don’t want to date a mean, un-understanding man. So, find someone who can accept people for who they are and is secure with himself.

11. The Kept Man

This is the guy with who has no job and no plans on ever getting one. What's worse is that he's got champagne taste on a beer budget and knows how to manipulate his way into your wallet to support the lavish lifestyle he desperately wants. He might seem like a super nice guy who is going through some tough times, but he's only concerned about what you can do for him. Don't let this guy charm him way into your heart or your wallet!

12. The Mama's Boy

I love a man who is close to his family, but if he can't make any decisions without his mama's input, it's a deal breaker. It might sound harsh, but I'm not talking about consulting his mother on life-altering decisions here. This is a guy who needs his mom's advice on clothes, his job, car, even what he eats! Take a pass on this type of man unless you're ready to play second fiddle to his mom.

13. The Married Guy

I know most women run away from a guy who's married, but some aren't aware of his relationships status or they find out after they've already fallen for him. In either case, don't get caught up with the married guy. He's obviously unable to stay faithful to the woman he made a vow to be with, but he also manipulates his situation so that you feel sorry for him and fall for all of his lies. He might lead you to believe that he's trapped in a loveless marriage and that he's going to eventually leave his wife and children for you, but in most if not all situations there's very little chance that he's going to change for anyone.

This post was written in collaboration with editor Lisa Washington

-allwomenstalk.com

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How to identify the Nairobi conmen

Nairobi’s conmen have used several tricks to fleece Nairobians over the years and some of the tricks in their fraudulent bags have become sophisticated: 1. Sweepstake winners  They mostly insist that they are from Meru (or any other upcountry town) and don’t know their way around Nairobi. They will target men, since on average men are greedier. They show you the ticket that they have won Sh1 million and ask for help with directions, mostly to a dingy building in the CBD. Once you get there they promise to share a percentage of the windfall but will insist that they cannot enter the building because they are afraid and suspicious of Nairobi and its denizens.  They will give their victim for an ID, money or even phones as proof that you will not disappear with the ticket. Naively, many individuals agree to part with whatever they have as a guarantee that they will come back. As you climb the stairs, smiling on your luck on a Tuesday afternoon, they disappear. When you get to the right office, you will encounter a totally different office that has received many visitors of your kind. 2.  Praying for pedestrian
Conmen are also known to pull innocent looking pedestrians to the roadside, to ask for directions to some spiritual convention going on in town. They claim mostly that they are from Tanzania and it is their first time in Nairobi. As you show them the way to KICC, they will engage you in small talk. Ask you about your family, predict, often accurately your problems before asking to pray for you. What is not known is how they are able to daze one completely and defraud you. By the time they are praying, you would have given them all your money and material possessions. They will instruct you to walk around and come to the same spot, where you find they have vaporized to only God knows where. 3.  Selling fake phones They will show a particularly good and fashionable phone that they are selling cheaply. As you haggle, they push it back to the pocket, tacitly indicating that it is stolen, so you have to hurry up. As soon as you give them the money, they will give you the fake phone, and disappear. When you get home, you never know whether to cry or to laugh for your folly. 4. Bogus makangas There are fake bus conductors galore come the festive season such as December holiday. Most mill around at bus stations with dog-eared ticket books and blue or green aprons. They pretend to be working for an unknown bus and will ask for those who need to travel urgently and are without luggage. Once you pay, he will drop the book there; pretend to be going for a bathroom break with a warning that no one should go anywhere for long given the bus is just around the corner. That is the last you see of him. 5.   M-Pesa scheme
They are the most notorious of all Nairobi con artists. They compose a message and send to unsuspecting victims indicating they have sent you a certain amount of money. Afterwards, they will call and politely ask that you send them back the money. If you are not keen, you will send them your money. Sometimes they use blackmail threats, like that of forcefully recruiting you into Freemasonry or any other revered institution if you don’t return the money. 6. Sham jobs on offer These ones go a step further to advertise in newspapers and even reputable internet websites dedicated to jobs and careers. They will use elaborate ruses including long fill-in forms demanding details that can easily tell your desperation. Once you have filled in forms, notification stating that you have been selected are sent to you. However, they ask for some money for some medical check-up, training or certain certification process. They demand that you send the money electronically. Once you have sent the money, you discover that you were part of the crowd that has been swindled.  UN jobs have been used as bait mostly, owing to their lucrative nature.
-www.standardmedia

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