Month: October 2013

Kenyan actress and filmmaker, Lupita Nyong’o, seems unstoppable as she heads for the stars. Just three days after bagging her first Hollwood film award, the 30 year old has been nominated for yet another prestigious award.

The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), the nation’s oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers, announced the nominees for the Gotham Independent Film Awards, Thursday morning, via Twitter, signaling the kick-off to the film awards season, reports Indie Wire.

Awards categories include Best Feature, Best Documentary, Breakthrough Director, Breakthrough Actor, Best Actor, and Best Actress amongst others.

Lupita will face it off with Michael B. Jordan for the Breakthrough Actor category award, for their performances in 12 Years A Slave and Fruitvale Station.

The Gotham Awards ceremony will be held on December 2nd at Cipriani Wall Street, and will be streamed live at IFP.org.

Congratulations are in order to Lupita.

For the last one month and a couple of days now, Jackal News has been in a “persistent vegetative state”. The reason? Its founder and the Managing Editor, Dickson Bogonko Bosire has been missing since the night of September 19^th.

Search for the controversial blogger has taken his friends and family to all police stations as well as hospitals across Nairobi, public mortuaries and even pubs that he would go for a drink with pals, but that has not yielded no fruits, leaving the family at a loss.

However, last night celebrated TV host, Jeff Koinange revealed that Director Digital, New Media & Diaspora in the Office of The President, Dennis Itumbi knows where Bogonko is. This is after photo-activist, Boniface Mwangi said that he will run for a political office in 2017 if he’s not killed like they did to former radical activists.

Here’s an excerpt of that conversation;

Jeff: Boniface would run for an office?

Boniface: I think I would.

Jeff: You would?

Boniface: I think I would

Jeff: Are you going to?

Boniface: Am I going to? It’s too soon to answer. If I survive till 2017; if they don’t kill me like King’ara, GPO, Gitau wa Gitau, Pio Gama Pinto, Tom Mboya; all those people that they have killed. If I survive till 2017 maybe I’ll run.

Jeff: I think Kimaiyo (Inspector General of Police) is watching, he’s gonna make sure you’re protected.

Boniface: Itumbi as well! He works at State House…and Gichangi (NIS boss) as well. I want to speak and go home to my wife and kids.

Ekuru Aukot: I want to assure you Boniface, nobody will kill you. I think Kenya has changed. I think now we tolerate…

Boniface: Bogonko Bosire is missing. You know Bogonko Bosire?

Jeff: No, he’s not missing.

Boniface: Where’s he?

Jeff: He’s somewhere.

Boniface: Are you sure?

Jeff: He’s not missing. He’s not missing.

Boniface: Where’s he?

Jeff: Ask Itumbi.

Boniface: Itumbi? Itumbi said he doesn’t know where he is.

Jeff: Really?

Boniface: Yes!

Jeff: No. Ask Itumbi.

Could Jeff and Itumbi be knowing something that we don’t? Here’s that interview (watch from 31:43);

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Jacky Vike popularly known for her role as the chatty,naive but sassy house-help Awinja in Papa Shirandula is arguably one of the most versatile and entertaining actresses in Kenya right now.She has played a call girl in the highly acclaimed film Nairobi Half-Life and played a mischievous school girl with a knack for rumour mongering named Mildred on NTV’s Wash and Set.

Since she was discovered by Charles Bukeko a.k.a Papa Shirandula to play the role of Awinja,it has been an upward climb ever since.Born and raised in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate before moving to Western for high school education,the actress  owes her success to her greatest motivator, her mother.

Meet Awinja’s mother:

The Hostel series, which first airs on NTV has seems to have brought a lot of love to the scene. Tiba Murungi got married to fellow Hostel actor, Julius Kabungu; Eleanor’s, sister who appears as Patra, Helen Lukoma is engaged to fellow hostel actor, Dean Nsubuga, and the love goes on.

The couple of the moment, Eleanor Nansibo who acted as Hope and Mathew Nabwiso who acted as Gilo last weekend said “I do” in a colourful wedding in Uganda.

“Just went down. Feels good,” Nabwiso tweeted after saying “I do”.

The couple is believed to have started their romance while acting together in the popular TV series. Here are some photos from the wedding;

My oh my! Last night’s Jeff Koinange Live was sssmoooking! On the bench was photo-journalist turned activist Boniface Mwangi who pounced on everyone, from the Police boss, to the President referring to him as the “Commander-in-Thief”, Mwangi was relentless.

Among those whose Mwangi’s whip lashed is Director Digital, New Media & Diaspora, Dennis Itumbi better known as The Government’s Blogger who was referred to as a “sycophant-in-chief”. Itumbi has since responded to the radical activist.

To Boniface Mwangi: 1. I guess even when I helped you in organizing the Demo’s against Mp salary increase I was still Sycophant in Chief

2. For the record I do not mind the Title Sycophant-In-Chief – I will relentlessly and factually Promote, discuss and where necessary defend Government programmes and initiatives

3. I would rather be a Sychophant for an elected President as opposed to one for donors with a mission like USAID Kenya Transition Initiative (OTI) which has since closed down after failing in its mission, I will intentionally not name or disclose figures

4. I respect You Boniface Mwangi, re-packaging yourself from a field press photographer to an activist worth the note, deserves a standing ovation by all means – On that bit You earn my Respect

By the way, great show generally…

Here’s that interview if you missed it;

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Lupita Nyong’o is the name on everyone’s lips and with good reason. The lass who was born in Mexico but to Kenyan parents (her father is Kisumu Senator) has risen from obscurity to become one of the most talked about people in Hollywood at the moment.

And on twitter, Lupita only has time to see 8 people on her timeline and the 8 people are:

 Ghafla.co.ke ‏ @GhaflaKenya

 Thandie Newton ‏ @thandienewton

  Gold Derby ‏ @goldderby

 Michael K Williams ‏ @BKBMG

  taran killam ‏ @TaranKillam

  Sarah Paulson ‏ @MsSarahPaulson

  Michael Fassbender ‏ @MFOnline

So while the local snobs and quasi elitists are busy hating on the Ghafla business model dreamed up by Baba Ghafla, the real celebrities acknowledge that while there are still some kinks in the system, Ghafla is doing a commendable job. So by all means, keep hating. Keep the jibber jabber and diatribe up; except that no one cares!

Ghafla will not stop. Ghafla can’t stop. Ghafla is the word!

Wednesday, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo read journalists the riot act over the coverage of Westgate attack specifically about the CCTV footage. The Police boss went on to pinpoint KTN’s investigative editors, Mohammed Ali and John Allan Namu, threatening legal action.

And now former Presidential candidate, Peter Kenneth, has broken his silence over the IG’s statement. Speaking for the first time over the issue, Kenneth defended journalists and stood his ground insisting that the truth must be told.

“We must allow the truth to come out”, stated Kenneth.

One month on, the details that continue to emerge on the Westgate attack are confounding. It is becoming clear that rather than engage in a sober and objective investigation into what exactly happened, we are being treated to side shows in an attempt to obscure our failings.

An event of the magnitude of Westgate attack cannot be wished away. Many people were injured and many others lost their lives in an attack that could have been prevented with more diligence. This is not only a cause of grief but also of anger and embarrassment especially as emerging details indicate that the rescue operation could have been handled better and the saga brought to a close much sooner. It is unacceptable that one of the most wanted terrorists could have lived freely amongst us after being arrested and then released in very questionable circumstances. It is also unacceptable that one month after the attack, we still don’t know with certainty how many terrorists attacked us and their whereabouts.

As I stated earlier, Kenyans are owed the truth on this attack. As such, any efforts to uncover the truth must be treated with seriousness and handled with meticulous attention to detail. It is therefore unfortunate for some to make conclusive remarks exonerating individuals of wrong doing while investigations are yet to be completed. The Presidential inquiry should commence as a matter of urgency. The investigations must also be conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence.

The truth must be allowed to come out. For this to happen, we must allow the flow of information on Westgate attack. In this regard, I find the threats issued to journalists exposing the failures of our security agencies absurd and discouraging. A free press is critical for our democracy to flourish. As patriotic citizens, we must also require of the government a thorough investigation and those found to have played a part in destroying our national pride brought to account.

Without knowing the truth we will not be able to ensure that such an event does not recur. We must let the truth emerge.

When news broke out that the government of Kenya wanted to arrest John Allan Namu and Mohamed Ali over the “Jicho Pevu” investigative piece that exposed our Kenyan Defence Forces as incompetent looters, everyone was up in arms.

And with good reason. Rather than investigate themselves and come up with a solution, the government is looking for scape-goats and they have found scapegoats in the name of the media. That means that no one is safe to say or report anything objective.

And, that there are “sacred cows”in the government. And here is how Gado put that message across:

Eric Omondi is just that guy! From nothing to something and all that because he knows how to tickle your funny bone with words. He is just that guy indeed! But not many know just how much being a comedian has earned him. And even I was shocked to realize that he is a multimillionaire.

 From his comedic antics to his different endorsement deals to the events he emcees be they corporate or otherwise, the lad is minting money by the truckload and on this weeks edition of “Young Rich”he will be teaching you a couple of things about that hustler’s ambition that helped him turn giggles and chuckles into cold, hard cash!

Watch the trailer below:

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The weekend is finally here. And not a moment too soon. I am bushed and I need some R&R given the ups and downs of the week. And I am looking forward to Naija Nite and BBQ Live like a telescope! If you didn’t gerrit, It will hit you soon.

 And for everyone wondering what I am rambling about, trust me, I have no idea either. So that being said and done, let us jump into the ten hottest stories making splashes in Kenya’s entertainment scene:

#1. Huddah Monroe Unleashes A Picture Of How She Looks The Morning After You Bed Her (PHOTO) Feminists, you mad?

#2. Was there any doubt I would have the top 2 spots? Check Out The Beautiful Betty Kyallo With No Make Up On (PHOTO)

#3. Leading KTN Presenter Ties the Knot (Photos)

#4. Kenyans On Twitter Get Creative And Troll Celebrities With The Picture Of Lupita Nyong’o Chilling With Kanye West (PHOTO GALLERY)

#5. Huddah Monroe & Vera Sidika Trolled Badly By A KOT (Photo)

#6. Mohammed Ali & John Allan Namu Respond to Their Arrest Order

#7. Caroline Mutoko And The Kiss Fm Crew Hang Out With The Boss Lady (PHOTOS)

#8. Mohammed Ali of ‘Jicho Pevu’ On the Spot Yet Again; “Jicho Pevu is Al-Shabaab’s Mouthpiece”

#9. Fans Call ‘Busted’ Presenter Ciku Muiruri A Home Wrecker

#10.Meet Kiss Fm Presenter Adelle Onyango’s Fiance (Photos)

Are you male? Are you a huge fan of Churchill show?If you have answered yes to both of hose questions then this is for you.

Today, you get to watch your favorite comedians in action, for free ,yes for FREE. What is the catch you ask? All you have to do is have a dashing damsel by your side. If you do not believe me, here is what Daniel Ndambuki a.k.a Churchill posted on his page

Make sure you make your way to Carnivore Restaurant today with a fly woman by your side

12 Years a slave is full of raw emotion, gory details about slavery and is said to be the most realistic depiction of American Slavery. This movie has also put Shuga actress Lupita Nyo’ngo in the spotlight for her breathtaking role as Patsey a slave.

This movie has gotten sterling reviews form America’s number one dependable, objective resource website for coverage of movies and DVD,Rotten tomatoes.They organize and collect all movie reviews from a variety of sources (newspaper, online, magazines) and average them into a single score.Hereare some of the reviews for 12 years a slave:

James Berardinelli 12 Years a Slave is likely the most painful, clear-eyed feature ever made about American slavery. In that light, it almost seems faint praise to add that it will also likely prove to be the best film of the year.

Bob Mondello –NPR Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, written by John Ridley and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, is a necessary corrective to the antics of Django Unchained, not to mention Mandingo and its ilk.

Liam Lacey -Globe and Mail- A brutally powerful and emotionally devastating film that takes great pains to rip any lingering vestiges of romanticism from America’s most shameful institution.

Lou Lumenick -New York Post-An important work, but one that’s more potent on an intellectual level than an emotional one.

Frank Swietek-One Guy’s –Opinion McQueen imbues his film with undeniable artistry and intellectual rigor, but startlingly little passion. You will be angered, horrified and moved by what you witness, but you will not be challenged.

Jeff Meyers-Metro Times (Detroit, MI-With this powerful, almost classical drama, British director Steve McQueen has made the seminal film about slavery that Hollywood feared to tackle.

Robin Clifford Reeling Reviews-A gripping drama and immaculate depiction of human suffering and strength.

Tim Brayton Some might dread its violence, but in its truth in showing us the American slavery experience, 12 Years a Slave is glorious in its brutality. It’s required viewing for all Americans and a vital universal lesson about man’s inhumanity to man.

Laura Clifford So raw and distressing is this historical account of a true-life American slave, it’s tempting to turn away from the screen. Or maybe just cover your eyes for a few minutes of respite. Try not to.

On Lupita hanging out with Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt, Gabrielle Union and Kanye West;

Anybody (even you) can take a photo with Obama…so that ain’t a big deal. Just because you are in a movie with Brad Pitt doesn’t mean you will be hanging out with him. That’s like saying if you worked for Apple when Jobs was alive, you would be hanging out with Steve Jobs.

It doesn’t work like that.

Hollywood is the most cutthroat club in the world. It is extremely difficult to cut it in Hollywood if you started your career playing slave roles. Will Smith became a Hollywood star by first building his own fan base (in hip hop and Fresh Prince of Bel’Air)–

So Will always had millions of fans that would see his movies before he even tries to get more fans. Tupac would have been a Hollywood star because he also had his own loyal fan base. Of course both Tupac and Will are also great actors.

Unfortunately for Lupita, her looks doesn’t help. Hollywood likes Halle Berry looks. At least for women, being charcoal dark doesn’t help. For men, dark is good. Eddie Murphy opened the doors for the darkest of black men to become super stars.

Darkness is sexinesss if you are a dude; if you are a lady, Halle Berry is the standard. If we must have a Nyong’o in Hollywood, Issis has IT. How come nobody is even noticing her? If that was Halle Berry, she would be commanding attention. Believe me when I say this: I am doing this as a form of tough love..

Some of us lived in our cars chasing our dreams before breaking into this American society. Lupita goes to Hollywood she is gonna start from the bottom. She ain’t a star; You’ve got to be a realist. Tough love.

Lets not celebrate Lupita prematurely. She is like an intern that just landed a gig with Google. You can’t go around saying that the intern is a successful technology visionary.

That’s all I am saying.

Respectfully.

Plain truth or negative criticism? Be the judge…

Al Jazeera pride themselves with having a stranglehold on the Middle Eastern media market and they decided to branch out. The stranglehold was thanks to heir exclusive footage from terrorists and Iraqi and Afghani fighters.

 Now they do stories that appeal to the entire world. And they are giving CNN a run for it’s money everywhere else other than in America -naturally. Anyway, they recently highlight what they allege could be a racist Halloween mask that reminds me the shameful and disgusting days of “black-face” acting.

The offence novelty mask is a black mask tht pretends to be a realistic representation of a black African Kenyan’s face. Check it out below:

Looks a little like former Prime Minister Raila Odinga come to thing of it but that’s just my opinion.

This story was highlighted by twitter bigwig @Sickolia

Monday evening, Kenyan actress and filmmaker, Lupita Nyong’o, bagged her first Hollywood award during the 17^thHollywood Film Awards held at the Beverly Hilton, Monday evening. The award saw her receive acclamation from her Brooklyn neighbourhood to her rural village in Kisumu County.

With critics heralding her turn in “12 Years a Slave” as the movie’s breakout performance, Lupita is already being called a lock in the supporting actress category at the Oscars.

However, not everyone has been all “awwwwww’ing” her success. One Dr. Fred Shamalla Masinde, a doctor of Philosophy who resides in Brooklyn, New York, has been showing the 30 year old actress some tough love.

According to Dr. Masinde, “Lupita does not have IT. At her age if she had IT she would be a Hollywood star by now.”

He adds,

There are not many roles suiting her “here I come straight-out-of-the-jungle” ethnic looks. I guess that’s why she is in a Slavery Movie. I wonder how many slavery movies are created by Hollywood per year.

There are at least 100 Nigerian “Nollywood Stars” who have better acting skills than Lupita and yet they haven’t been accepted by Hollywood. Lupita can continue hanging out with wazungu thinking they love her but the truth is that in big screen, she cannot play any other role but slave related. Now, here are Africans who are more talented and are trying to make it big in Hollywood. They are doing much better than Lupita and yet not many pple know of them. Lets not forget Professor Odera Oruka’s son, Owiso Odera, who has been in Hollywood for more than 10 years..

So I understand that Miss Malaika Lupita thinks she is the best thing on earth but the truth is the opposite. Trust me there are more talented Africans out there who haven’t made it in Hollywood. Hollywood is a different beast.

I see people now comparing Lupita to Djimon Hounsou. Don’t forget that Djimon Hounsou was a male super model in France and then in the US before becoming a movie star. Djimon Hounsou was also a dancer for Janet Jackson in some of her greatest hits which exposed him to Janet’s fans and Hollywood in general.

She is not even the main character in that movie. But Djimon Hounsou was one of the main actors in Amistad, his first real movie.

Some people have IT; some people don’t.”

 Here’s Part II

Wednesday afternoon, Inspector General of Police, c, declared that KTN’s investigative reporters, Mohammed Ali and John Allan Namu of ‘Jicho Pevu’ and ‘The Inside Story’ will be arrested and prosecuted following their expose on the Westgate Mall attack.

According to the Police boss, the two journalists are “not patriotic” and that their investigative pieces contravened what the Constitution says about media freedom. While the public awaits with bated breath to see if Moha and Namu will be put behind bars, the bold and authoritative journalists have since responded.

Posting on his Twitter timeline, Moha said,

So now we are wanted by the police for telling the truth. I just love this country. Ukweli ni dhambi kenya.

— Mohammed Ali (@MohaJichoPevu) October 23, 2013

“So now we are wanted by the police for telling the truth. I just love this country. Ukweli ni dhambi kenya.”

While Namu simply put it like this,

A country must be built on truth

— John-Allan Namu (@johnallannamu) October 23, 2013

“A country must be built on truth”

In a bizarre twist, the Police boss David Kimaiyo on Wednesday changed his tune and lashed out at the media on the media coverage of the Westgate terror attack. Kimaiyo specifically pointed out KTN journalists John Allan Namu and Mohamed Ali for the expose on the KDF soldiers looting the shops at the mall.

The Inspector General of Police accused the journalists of “provoking propaganda” and inciting Kenyans against the authorities with investigative stories which exposed command confusion during the operation and said that the two investigative journalists will be arrested for incitement and spreading propaganda.

He added that “Jicho Pevu” and “Inside Story” lacked patriotism and gave Kenyan ‘too much information’ which was a breach of security. The two exposes aired on Friday and repeated on Tuesday on KTN.

“Those individuals who in one way or another might have committed incidences of crime within the law will soon be apprehended and appear in a Court of Law to face the consequences,” declared Kimaiyo.

When word broke out that Willis Raburu was in Atlanta, my colleague Jeff Omondi was all over it. Willis Raburu who is one of Citizen TV’s most highly rated news anchors has apparently joined CNN and is taking in the sites and sounds of Atlanta Georgia has to offer. Including an Atlanta Hawks NBA game.

 And I got my mitts on the pictures of him enjoying the game and I thought I should share them with you. So without further ado, I present to you: