Politics

1. Somalia

Somalia has ranked in the top 10 in Maplecroft's political risk index for the past six years.

Life expectancy:46 yrs
Literacy levels:24%
External debt: US$ 2.6billion

   2.Syria
Syria experienced the largest increase in short-term political risk over the last year,according to Maplecroft.The country moved from 44th place in 2010 to 2nd place this year.

  3.Afghanistan
More than 1000 Afghan civilians died in violent attacks in the first half of 2013,according to the UN.
  4.Sudan
  5.Democratic Republic of Congo
  6.central Africa republic
  7.Yemen
  8.Libya
  9.South Sudan
  10.Iraq

Malala Yousafzai, 16

In 2012, Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by the Taliban on the bus home from school in Pakistan. Malala was a target because of her vocal activism to better the education of girls under Taliban rule. After surviving the attack, the now-16-year-old didn’t hide in fear but strengthened her voice. “I speak for education of every child, in every corner of the world,” she said, and the world has been listening. This year she received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought and a Clinton Global Citizen Award. She was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Uhuru Kenyatta was dealt a blow after ICC judges ruled he must be present at his trial in The Hague.
It was a double blow as it emerged Kenya was last evening battling a proposal that officials fear if upheld could further complicate the International Criminal Court (ICC) cases against the President and his deputy William Ruto.
There was panic within the Kenyan delegation over a draft resolution providing that recorded testimony can be introduced instead of hearing the witness in person at the ICC.
Prior recorded testimony from either a dead witness or one who cites fear of reprisal to avoid testifying in court could be admitted if the proposal is upheld at the ongoing Assembly of States Parties.
Tuesday, the Trial Chamber V(b) of the ICC reconsidered its previous decision excusing President Uhuru from continuous presence at trial, citing the recent judgment by the Appeals Chamber. 
“Trial Chamber V(b) held that as a general rule, Mr Kenyatta must be present at trial. Any future requests to be excused from attending parts of the trial will be considered on a case-by-case basis,” the judges ruled.
They cited the Appeals Chamber verdict in the Ruto case that absence is only permissible under exceptional circumstances, and must be limited to that which is strictly necessary. President Uhuru’s trial is scheduled to start in February.
But there was a ray of hope after Kenya successfully lobbied for the plenary of the ICC conference to consider adopting a proposal to exempt the president and his deputy from continuous attendance in court.
The setback came on a day Kenya was fighting the latest headache related to presentation of evidence in court that could see the prosecution — which has complained of frustrations over the Kenyan cases — gain an upper hand.
The new proposal for evidence to be admitted at trial in the absence of the witness altogether has generated heat at the ongoing Assembly of States Parties at The Hague.
The amendment to Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence seeks to increase instances in which prior recorded testimony can be introduced in the absence of the witness.
These include instances where a witness is dead or unavailable to testify due to obstacles that “cannot be overcome with reasonable diligence.”
Also where the failure of the person to attend or to give evidence has been materially influenced by improper interference, including threats, intimidation or coercion.
During Ruto’s trial, the concealing of the identity of witnesses caused uproar, with defence lawyers arguing that it could encourage false testimony.
The Kenyan delegation reads mischief in the proposal, pointing out that ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda seemed to have laid the basis for its application in the Kenyan cases.
Bensouda has repeatedly said her prosecution of the Kenyan cases is frustrated by bribery, intimidation and execution of potential witnesses.
In a filing on November 5 while opposing Uhuru’s application to stop the trial on grounds of illegal conduct by the prosecution, Bensouda recounted the prosecution’s difficulty in accessing Mungiki witnesses.
And on November 20, while seeking protective measures for a witness due to testify in Ruto’s trial, Bensouda claimed “on-going attempts to interfere with, bribe and expose witnesses.”
The proposal formulated by organs of the Assembly over the last one year is packaged as designed to allow the judges of the Court to reduce the length of Court proceedings and streamline evidence presentation.
Predictably, defence lawyers have rejected the proposed amendment saying it provided for the possibility of parties introducing hearsay evidence without cross-examination.
The lawyers have urged the State Parties to carefully re-examine the proposed amendment as they contravene applicable law and practice of the court.
The amendment denied the accused the “minimum guarantee to confront witnesses against him or her, a fundamental right under the Statute and international human rights.”
The presentation of evidence at the ICC requires “witnesses (to) appear before the Trial Chamber in person and give their evidence orally,” argue the defence teams. 
“The proposed amendment constitutes a displacement of the principle of orality as enshrined in Article 69(2) of the Rome Statute which favours live in-court testimony.”
Also the proposal disregarded the court’s protective measures regime and “favour expedience over fundamental principles of justice.”
At present, the rules on prior recorded testimony are on condition that both the prosecutor and the defence had the opportunity to examine the witness during the recording. It is also permitted where the witness who gave the previously recorded testimony is present before the Trial Chamber and parties have the opportunity to examine the witness during the proceedings.
The Working Group on Lessons Learnt (WGLL) on proposed amendment said the proposals “reflect practice in international criminal tribunals.”
The Assembly of States Parties established the WGLL at its last session last year. The Kenyan cases were confirmed for trial in January, last year.
Kenya appears close to securing a compromise to ensure her leaders do not have to be present during their trial at The Hague.

Every Sunday you go to church to get spiritual nourishment from the man and women of God. They give you hope and a reason to face tomorrow as it will be more better that today. Right?  But are they there for money?
They come to church in imported handmade suits creased on the soft leather seats of their latest fuel guzzlers that any equally flashy member of the 11th Parliament would  break a bank to own.
Their expensive colognes waft luxuriant scents on the pulpit where jewellery from gold and ruby chains to diamond rings are just a peek into what prosperity gospel means in manifest opulence.
The lives that some pastors live makes you wonder if it is all about the word of God or money?
The Standard has this juicy article of the lifestyle of church pastors in Nairobi with a focus on the most flamboyant and stylish in flesh and blood:
1. BISHOP MARGARET WANJIRU
The founder of Jesus is Alive Ministries and immediate former assistant Housing Minister and Starehe MP  is now breaking the ground to build the ultramodern twin towers on opposite sides of the road along Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi which will connected by an overhead tunnel.  The building-whose budget will nearly peck the billion shilling lips- will be a near replica of the American twin tower and will change landscape of down town Nairobi.
The stylish bishop, who started off as a janitor (euphemism for cleaner) in Industrial Area before becoming a street preacher restocks her wardrobe on trips abroad. I wear golden sandals in the morning, changes to silver in the afternoon and retires in bronze in the evening, she once told a congregation.
2. THE KIUNAS
Allan and Kathy Kiuna started their own church from a rented room with a congregation of six is which has grown into 5,000 strong Jubilee Christian Church.
Allan is also a columnist for The Nairobian and Kathy hosts “The Woman Without Limits” on NTV.The couple plays golf and are blessed with three children: Vanessa, 21, a Law student in Australia, Stephanie, 16, who is in high school, and Jeremy, 11.
The Kiunas are no stranger to happy controversies. They have been bought birthday gifts of a BMW and Sports Range Lover by the church and just recently, pictures of their affluent pad made rounds on the social media.
Kathy has no apologies. Those who talk only know the after; they should have seen the before€ to appreciate the work of God, she explained in an interview. In a previous interview Kathy was quoted saying: God wants us to be prosperous in every single way. His desire for us is to walk in abundance. I am praying for church people to show the likes of Bill Gates dust!
3. PROPHET DR DAVID OWUOR
He arrived in a presidential-style convoy comprising sleek black Mercedes cars accompanied by siren blaring police outriders taking the lead, clearing the way. No traffic snarl-ups here as Prophet David Owuor was chauffeured to Kenyatta University annual student’s conference where thousands thronged to hear him preach last month.
It is not clear how this prophet coins his pretty penny. He has severally claimed that he never accepts church offering. Remember when senior pastors of his Ministry of Repentance and Holiness bought him a Mercedes S500 as a gift? Well, that gift cost Sh25 million.
Prophet Owuor globe trots, preaching in Angola, Uganda, Tanzania, Namibia, USA, Finland, China, Korea, Australia, UK, Burundi, Brazil and Holland.
4. BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO
Forbes magazine’s rates his wealth as approximately Sh14 billion making him Nigeria richest pastor. He owns an airline and a publishing house among other businesses.
During his recent visit to officially open Winners Chapel Likoni Road, East and Central Africas largest church, he made his grand entry aboard a private jet at the JKIA, where a motorcade of Range Rover Sports cars in tow whisked him to the sanctuary. By the way, the jet is one of four.
Winners Chapel International, also known as Living Faith Church, has a presence in 34 countries, with its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Faith Tabernacle in Nigeria was named the world’s largest church auditorium by Guinness Book. It is outside overflow capacity is 250,000.
5. MARK KARIUKI
Forget his well cut designer suits and shoes. Just know that to reach the former deputy head teacher of Kenyatta Primary School, your call first goes to his Personal Assistant.
One highlights of Bishop Mark Kariuki’s life- his recent glamorous wedding to Pastor Joyce Wacera Kariuki, featured on Samantha Bridal Wedding TV show. The invite-only Grand Wedding was attended by around 6,000 people, equivalent to 12 weddings at a go! Two flower companies were required to pull off the feat, five catering outfits divided to feed 1,200 attendants each while 300 VVIPs were taken care of via the Safari Park Hotels outside catering unit. There was private security for VVIP’s among others.
Besides the 10,000-seater sanctuary that is the Life Celebration Centre, Bishop Kariuki is the General Overseer of Deliverance Church for which he provides guidance to pastors in over 700 churches. Among his interests includes Kings Academy School, Kings Medical Centre and Homologeo Industries that comprises Homologeo Detergents & Body Products, Homologeo Tailoring and Poultry projects.
6. THOMAS WAHOME
The Helicopter Church Ministries Bishop whose sermons air on local TV stations not only carries a Bible but also has a licensed gun hid on his side.
Marked by shiny white suits, even along court corridors where he has been fighting his ex-wife, Leah Mueni who demands child support for their three children. Mueni who was demanding Sh300, 000, says Wahome earns Sh500, 000 as salary and millions in church tithe. However, he is willing to part with Sh5, 000 as monthly upkeep for her and the children.
He owns a Mercedes Benz which he once accused Mueni of retaining and refusing to hand over claiming that  he hire out for private functions at Sh15, 000 a month to supplement his income.
7. BROTHER PAUL KAMLESH PATTNI
He first shot into the national limelight with the Sh60 billion plus Goldenberg scandal. That he was dealing in gemstones meant wearing a Sh160,000 sapphire ring was no big deal.
Tribulations of biblical Jacob proportions came fast and furious. Pattni was jailed, accused of murder and the court cases never seemed to end, even after he gave the state the Sh4 billion  Grand Regency Hotel (now Laico Regency)
He then joined politics through his party Kenya National Democratic Alliance, but lost the Westlands constituency seat in 2002. The man who quotes biblical verses to stress every point changed religions. From Hindu, Pattni got saved and was baptised as Brother Paul Pattni. He thereafter started his own church.
8. MAINA NJENGA
Maina Njenga is the founder of Hope International Ministries Church in Kasarani Estate. The former Mungiki leader of the outlawed Mungiki sect and Cord coalition sympathiser commands a huge following where he charges to perform miracles.
Maina Njenga once asked politicians and wealthy businessmen who have been funding and supporting the sect to stop. Njenga, who has bodyguards, has occasionally hosted parties at his palatial residence in Kitengela.
9. PASTOR JAMES MAINA NG’ANG’A
He walks around with a gun, and has been photographed drinking something more bitter than peppered soup. A while back, social media went ablaze with accusations that the pastor had bribed policemen to release his dented Prado after a hit and run incident. His miracles are said to cost between Sh3, 000 to Sh50, 000.
[Source: The Standard] http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000097192&story_title=meet-city-s-flashiest-pastors

1. Somalia

Somalia has ranked in the top 10 in Maplecroft's political risk index for the past six years.

Life expectancy:46 yrs
Literacy levels:24%
External debt: US$ 2.6billion

   2.Syria
Syria experienced the largest increase in short-term political risk over the last year,according to Maplecroft.The country moved from 44th place in 2010 to 2nd place this year.

  3.Afghanistan
More than 1000 Afghan civilians died in violent attacks in the first half of 2013,according to the UN.
  4.Sudan
  5.Democratic Republic of Congo
  6.central Africa republic
  7.Yemen
  8.Libya
  9.South Sudan
  10.Iraq

Malala Yousafzai, 16

In 2012, Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by the Taliban on the bus home from school in Pakistan. Malala was a target because of her vocal activism to better the education of girls under Taliban rule. After surviving the attack, the now-16-year-old didn’t hide in fear but strengthened her voice. “I speak for education of every child, in every corner of the world,” she said, and the world has been listening. This year she received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought and a Clinton Global Citizen Award. She was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Uhuru Kenyatta was dealt a blow after ICC judges ruled he must be present at his trial in The Hague.
It was a double blow as it emerged Kenya was last evening battling a proposal that officials fear if upheld could further complicate the International Criminal Court (ICC) cases against the President and his deputy William Ruto.
There was panic within the Kenyan delegation over a draft resolution providing that recorded testimony can be introduced instead of hearing the witness in person at the ICC.
Prior recorded testimony from either a dead witness or one who cites fear of reprisal to avoid testifying in court could be admitted if the proposal is upheld at the ongoing Assembly of States Parties.
Tuesday, the Trial Chamber V(b) of the ICC reconsidered its previous decision excusing President Uhuru from continuous presence at trial, citing the recent judgment by the Appeals Chamber. 
“Trial Chamber V(b) held that as a general rule, Mr Kenyatta must be present at trial. Any future requests to be excused from attending parts of the trial will be considered on a case-by-case basis,” the judges ruled.
They cited the Appeals Chamber verdict in the Ruto case that absence is only permissible under exceptional circumstances, and must be limited to that which is strictly necessary. President Uhuru’s trial is scheduled to start in February.
But there was a ray of hope after Kenya successfully lobbied for the plenary of the ICC conference to consider adopting a proposal to exempt the president and his deputy from continuous attendance in court.
The setback came on a day Kenya was fighting the latest headache related to presentation of evidence in court that could see the prosecution — which has complained of frustrations over the Kenyan cases — gain an upper hand.
The new proposal for evidence to be admitted at trial in the absence of the witness altogether has generated heat at the ongoing Assembly of States Parties at The Hague.
The amendment to Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence seeks to increase instances in which prior recorded testimony can be introduced in the absence of the witness.
These include instances where a witness is dead or unavailable to testify due to obstacles that “cannot be overcome with reasonable diligence.”
Also where the failure of the person to attend or to give evidence has been materially influenced by improper interference, including threats, intimidation or coercion.
During Ruto’s trial, the concealing of the identity of witnesses caused uproar, with defence lawyers arguing that it could encourage false testimony.
The Kenyan delegation reads mischief in the proposal, pointing out that ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda seemed to have laid the basis for its application in the Kenyan cases.
Bensouda has repeatedly said her prosecution of the Kenyan cases is frustrated by bribery, intimidation and execution of potential witnesses.
In a filing on November 5 while opposing Uhuru’s application to stop the trial on grounds of illegal conduct by the prosecution, Bensouda recounted the prosecution’s difficulty in accessing Mungiki witnesses.
And on November 20, while seeking protective measures for a witness due to testify in Ruto’s trial, Bensouda claimed “on-going attempts to interfere with, bribe and expose witnesses.”
The proposal formulated by organs of the Assembly over the last one year is packaged as designed to allow the judges of the Court to reduce the length of Court proceedings and streamline evidence presentation.
Predictably, defence lawyers have rejected the proposed amendment saying it provided for the possibility of parties introducing hearsay evidence without cross-examination.
The lawyers have urged the State Parties to carefully re-examine the proposed amendment as they contravene applicable law and practice of the court.
The amendment denied the accused the “minimum guarantee to confront witnesses against him or her, a fundamental right under the Statute and international human rights.”
The presentation of evidence at the ICC requires “witnesses (to) appear before the Trial Chamber in person and give their evidence orally,” argue the defence teams. 
“The proposed amendment constitutes a displacement of the principle of orality as enshrined in Article 69(2) of the Rome Statute which favours live in-court testimony.”
Also the proposal disregarded the court’s protective measures regime and “favour expedience over fundamental principles of justice.”
At present, the rules on prior recorded testimony are on condition that both the prosecutor and the defence had the opportunity to examine the witness during the recording. It is also permitted where the witness who gave the previously recorded testimony is present before the Trial Chamber and parties have the opportunity to examine the witness during the proceedings.
The Working Group on Lessons Learnt (WGLL) on proposed amendment said the proposals “reflect practice in international criminal tribunals.”
The Assembly of States Parties established the WGLL at its last session last year. The Kenyan cases were confirmed for trial in January, last year.
Kenya appears close to securing a compromise to ensure her leaders do not have to be present during their trial at The Hague.

Every Sunday you go to church to get spiritual nourishment from the man and women of God. They give you hope and a reason to face tomorrow as it will be more better that today. Right?  But are they there for money?
They come to church in imported handmade suits creased on the soft leather seats of their latest fuel guzzlers that any equally flashy member of the 11th Parliament would  break a bank to own.
Their expensive colognes waft luxuriant scents on the pulpit where jewellery from gold and ruby chains to diamond rings are just a peek into what prosperity gospel means in manifest opulence.
The lives that some pastors live makes you wonder if it is all about the word of God or money?
The Standard has this juicy article of the lifestyle of church pastors in Nairobi with a focus on the most flamboyant and stylish in flesh and blood:
1. BISHOP MARGARET WANJIRU
The founder of Jesus is Alive Ministries and immediate former assistant Housing Minister and Starehe MP  is now breaking the ground to build the ultramodern twin towers on opposite sides of the road along Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi which will connected by an overhead tunnel.  The building-whose budget will nearly peck the billion shilling lips- will be a near replica of the American twin tower and will change landscape of down town Nairobi.
The stylish bishop, who started off as a janitor (euphemism for cleaner) in Industrial Area before becoming a street preacher restocks her wardrobe on trips abroad. I wear golden sandals in the morning, changes to silver in the afternoon and retires in bronze in the evening, she once told a congregation.
2. THE KIUNAS
Allan and Kathy Kiuna started their own church from a rented room with a congregation of six is which has grown into 5,000 strong Jubilee Christian Church.
Allan is also a columnist for The Nairobian and Kathy hosts “The Woman Without Limits” on NTV.The couple plays golf and are blessed with three children: Vanessa, 21, a Law student in Australia, Stephanie, 16, who is in high school, and Jeremy, 11.
The Kiunas are no stranger to happy controversies. They have been bought birthday gifts of a BMW and Sports Range Lover by the church and just recently, pictures of their affluent pad made rounds on the social media.
Kathy has no apologies. Those who talk only know the after; they should have seen the before€ to appreciate the work of God, she explained in an interview. In a previous interview Kathy was quoted saying: God wants us to be prosperous in every single way. His desire for us is to walk in abundance. I am praying for church people to show the likes of Bill Gates dust!
3. PROPHET DR DAVID OWUOR
He arrived in a presidential-style convoy comprising sleek black Mercedes cars accompanied by siren blaring police outriders taking the lead, clearing the way. No traffic snarl-ups here as Prophet David Owuor was chauffeured to Kenyatta University annual student’s conference where thousands thronged to hear him preach last month.
It is not clear how this prophet coins his pretty penny. He has severally claimed that he never accepts church offering. Remember when senior pastors of his Ministry of Repentance and Holiness bought him a Mercedes S500 as a gift? Well, that gift cost Sh25 million.
Prophet Owuor globe trots, preaching in Angola, Uganda, Tanzania, Namibia, USA, Finland, China, Korea, Australia, UK, Burundi, Brazil and Holland.
4. BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO
Forbes magazine’s rates his wealth as approximately Sh14 billion making him Nigeria richest pastor. He owns an airline and a publishing house among other businesses.
During his recent visit to officially open Winners Chapel Likoni Road, East and Central Africas largest church, he made his grand entry aboard a private jet at the JKIA, where a motorcade of Range Rover Sports cars in tow whisked him to the sanctuary. By the way, the jet is one of four.
Winners Chapel International, also known as Living Faith Church, has a presence in 34 countries, with its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Faith Tabernacle in Nigeria was named the world’s largest church auditorium by Guinness Book. It is outside overflow capacity is 250,000.
5. MARK KARIUKI
Forget his well cut designer suits and shoes. Just know that to reach the former deputy head teacher of Kenyatta Primary School, your call first goes to his Personal Assistant.
One highlights of Bishop Mark Kariuki’s life- his recent glamorous wedding to Pastor Joyce Wacera Kariuki, featured on Samantha Bridal Wedding TV show. The invite-only Grand Wedding was attended by around 6,000 people, equivalent to 12 weddings at a go! Two flower companies were required to pull off the feat, five catering outfits divided to feed 1,200 attendants each while 300 VVIPs were taken care of via the Safari Park Hotels outside catering unit. There was private security for VVIP’s among others.
Besides the 10,000-seater sanctuary that is the Life Celebration Centre, Bishop Kariuki is the General Overseer of Deliverance Church for which he provides guidance to pastors in over 700 churches. Among his interests includes Kings Academy School, Kings Medical Centre and Homologeo Industries that comprises Homologeo Detergents & Body Products, Homologeo Tailoring and Poultry projects.
6. THOMAS WAHOME
The Helicopter Church Ministries Bishop whose sermons air on local TV stations not only carries a Bible but also has a licensed gun hid on his side.
Marked by shiny white suits, even along court corridors where he has been fighting his ex-wife, Leah Mueni who demands child support for their three children. Mueni who was demanding Sh300, 000, says Wahome earns Sh500, 000 as salary and millions in church tithe. However, he is willing to part with Sh5, 000 as monthly upkeep for her and the children.
He owns a Mercedes Benz which he once accused Mueni of retaining and refusing to hand over claiming that  he hire out for private functions at Sh15, 000 a month to supplement his income.
7. BROTHER PAUL KAMLESH PATTNI
He first shot into the national limelight with the Sh60 billion plus Goldenberg scandal. That he was dealing in gemstones meant wearing a Sh160,000 sapphire ring was no big deal.
Tribulations of biblical Jacob proportions came fast and furious. Pattni was jailed, accused of murder and the court cases never seemed to end, even after he gave the state the Sh4 billion  Grand Regency Hotel (now Laico Regency)
He then joined politics through his party Kenya National Democratic Alliance, but lost the Westlands constituency seat in 2002. The man who quotes biblical verses to stress every point changed religions. From Hindu, Pattni got saved and was baptised as Brother Paul Pattni. He thereafter started his own church.
8. MAINA NJENGA
Maina Njenga is the founder of Hope International Ministries Church in Kasarani Estate. The former Mungiki leader of the outlawed Mungiki sect and Cord coalition sympathiser commands a huge following where he charges to perform miracles.
Maina Njenga once asked politicians and wealthy businessmen who have been funding and supporting the sect to stop. Njenga, who has bodyguards, has occasionally hosted parties at his palatial residence in Kitengela.
9. PASTOR JAMES MAINA NG’ANG’A
He walks around with a gun, and has been photographed drinking something more bitter than peppered soup. A while back, social media went ablaze with accusations that the pastor had bribed policemen to release his dented Prado after a hit and run incident. His miracles are said to cost between Sh3, 000 to Sh50, 000.
[Source: The Standard] http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000097192&story_title=meet-city-s-flashiest-pastors