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Flight Connections Enhanced: Kenya Airways and Delta Airlines Expand Codeshare Collaboration

Kenya Airways (KQ) and Delta Airlines have taken a step further in their collaborative efforts by expanding their codeshare agreement, resulting in improved travel opportunities for their passengers across Africa and the United States. This extended partnership, including KQ’s Nairobi-New York service, came into effect recently. A codeshare agreement allows both airlines to market and operate the same flights using their own flight numbers and designators.

 

With the updated KQ-Delta alliance, travelers gain access to a more extensive array of travel choices, spanning over 31 destinations in Africa and encompassing 57 cities throughout the United States and Canada. The previous phase of this partnership expansion in 2020 had connected direct flights to three key locations: Dallas, Washington DC, and San Francisco.

 

This development not only offers passengers the advantage of streamlined routes and enhanced flight connectivity between the two carriers, but also extends benefits to frequent flyer members of KQ’s Asante Rewards and Delta’s SkyMiles programs, allowing them to accumulate miles on the partnered services.

 

Allan Kilavuka, the CEO of KQ, underscored the significance of this partnership expansion, highlighting its potential to bolster connectivity between the United States and Africa. Furthermore, he emphasized the ability for Kenya Airways to present its services directly through its American counterpart. Echoing these sentiments, Delta’s President International, Alain Bellemare, acknowledged the positive impact of this collaboration in enhancing air travel between the two continents.

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Football Sports

Tottenham’s New Era Commences with Gritty Draw Against Brentford

Tottenham Embarks on Kane-Free Era with Hard-Earned Draw Against Brentford

In a significant moment marking the start of a new era sans Harry Kane, Tottenham secured a hard-fought draw against Brentford. Under the management of Ange Postecoglou, this Premier League showdown saw Spurs make a comeback from a 2-1 deficit, courtesy of Emerson Royal’s skillful right-footed strike midway through an extended 11-minute first-half stoppage time.

Christian Romero was central to the prolonged added time, initially undergoing a head injury assessment after a clash with Bryan Mbeumo. Romero then seized the opening goal from James Maddison’s well-placed free-kick, an explosive header from six yards out. Despite his protests, the force of the header prevented his continued participation.

Brentford responded swiftly, leveling the score with a penalty. VAR prompted Robert Jones to review Son Heung-min’s trailing leg clip on Mathias Jensen. While VAR had previously determined Romero’s onside position for the opener, this time it influenced the referee’s decision, awarding Brentford a penalty that Bryan Mbeumo converted with flair, emulating Ivan Toney’s insouciance.

Exploiting Royal’s vulnerabilities, Rico Henry created an opportunity for Yoane Wissa, who navigated past the right-back to deliver a cross. Wissa’s shot deflected off Davinson Sanchez and Micky van de Ven, leaving Guglielmo Vicario no chance for a save on his Tottenham debut.

However, Royal quickly redeemed himself, showcasing his prowess by netting a goal from 20 yards out, courtesy of a brilliant setup by the highly impressive James Maddison. Despite Spurs dominating possession in the second half, missed opportunities, mainly from Richarlison, plagued their attempts. Yves Bissouma’s masterful performance bolstered their defense, fending off Brentford’s rapid yet sporadic counter-attacks.

The first half at the Gtech Stadium endured a seven-minute delay due to water supply disruptions.

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U.S. Backs ECOWAS-Led Efforts in Niger Crisis, Urges Constitutional Order Restoration

In an expected move, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has fully committed to supporting the West African bloc, ECOWAS as they take center stage in addressing the recent crisis in Niger. While refraining from an explicit endorsement of military intervention, Blinken’s stance supports ECOWAS’ pivotal role in the region’s stability.

Deputy Secretary of State Nuland’s recent engagement in Niger has cemented America’s commitment to resolving the crisis through diplomatic means. Having personally engaged with military leaders responsible for the current situation, Nuland delivered a clear message on the importance of restoring constitutional order. Equally noteworthy, ECOWAS has emerged as a driving force, uniting West African nations in demanding the swift return to constitutional governance.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Blinken underscored that the junta now in control must be held accountable for the safety and wellbeing of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected, his family, and other detained government officials. The United States, echoing global concerns, is resolute in its call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

As tensions remain high, all eyes are on ECOWAS and the collective efforts of the international community to steer Niger back on the path of constitutional integrity. With diplomatic avenues taking precedence, the world watches with bated breath, hopeful for a peaceful restoration of order in this pivotal West African nation.

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Football Sports

Transfer Deadline Showdown: Liverpool Stuns with Blockbuster Moises Caicedo Deal

Image: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

The long-drawn saga of Moises Caicedo’s transfer is finally reaching its climactic conclusion, and it’s shaping up to be a remarkable one. Following months of intricate negotiations between Brighton, Chelsea, and Liverpool for the Ecuadorian midfield maestro, an astonishing twist has occurred.

The transfer tussle seemed to be Chelsea’s to claim, but Liverpool has swooped in dramatically, snatching the deal away at the eleventh hour and setting a new British record for the transfer fee.

Breaking this sensational turn of events was none other than the heralded Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that Liverpool’s audacious bid of £110 million had been accepted. If everything falls into place, Caicedo will be donning Liverpool’s colors in a swift turnaround.

Adding to the chorus of confirmations, David Ornstein lent his credibility to the news. According to Ornstein, Chelsea’s final and most robust bid stood at £100 million, leaving Liverpool as the triumphant victors in the race for Moises Caicedo’s signature. With a medical examination slated for Friday, Liverpool seems to be aiming to wrap up the deal promptly, just in time for the commencement of their ’23/’24 Premier League campaign.

Liverpool’s late surge in this transfer saga was triggered by an unexpected twist. Chelsea, in their pursuit of Romeo Lavia, a player on Liverpool’s radar, inadvertently propelled Liverpool into the forefront. Brighton then introduced a tight deadline, decreeing that the highest bidder would claim the prized Moises Caicedo. As the day wore on, the winds shifted decisively in Liverpool’s favor, leaving Chelsea grappling with the reality of the situation.

This abrupt turn of events presents a tricky situation for Chelsea. While Caicedo’s move to Chelsea seemed all but certain, Liverpool’s swift maneuvering has changed the landscape. With their aspirations of securing Caicedo now dashed, Chelsea must act swiftly to secure an alternative midfield solution before the transfer window closes. The specter of an impending clash against Liverpool on August 13th adds an extra layer of urgency to their efforts.

One viable route for Chelsea could involve striking a deal with Southampton for Romeo Lavia, a shared target with Liverpool. Nonetheless, the next steps Chelsea will take remain veiled in uncertainty. This scenario serves as a potent reminder of the capricious nature of the football transfer realm, where unforeseen twists can shatter carefully laid plans and set the stage for unexpected narratives to unfold.

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Senator’s Suspension Sends Shockwaves Through Parliament

The Senate Powers and Privileges Committee, chaired by Speaker Amason Kingi, wielded its disciplinary authority to suspend Senator Orwoba until February of the 2024 due to alleged serious misconduct.

The gravity of the situation lies not only in the suspension itself but also in the severe penalties attached to it. Orwoba’s absence will come at a cost – not only in terms of her sitting allowance but also her privilege to attend committee and senate plenary meetings.

The grounds of Parliament will be off-limits to her, making it a symbolic and tangible exclusion. The ripple effect continues as she faces restrictions on both local and foreign travel – a blow to the extra opportunities MPs often utilize to boost their income.

The suspension sends a clear message that breaches of conduct will not be taken lightly. In a potential road to redemption, the committee’s recommendation outlines a path for Orwoba to rejoin the Senate. Upon the resumption of Senate sessions for the Third Session in February 2024, she would need to extend a formal apology to the Senate, fellow Senators, the Senate clerk, and the Parliament Secretariat. Only then will she be readmitted to the Senate fold.

The charges against Orwoba are multi-faceted, reflecting the seriousness of her alleged actions. The first charge revolves around her unsubstantiated claims of sexual misconduct and discrimination within Parliament. The committee’s findings point to various messages shared by Orwoba on the Senate Business WhatsApp Group, where she made these allegations.Charge Two focuses on the disrespect Orwoba allegedly exhibited towards her fellow Senators, specifically, typing improper WhatsApp texts and disseminating disrespectful information regarding fellow male senators asking her for sexual favours in the Senate Business WhatsApp Group.

The repercussions of this suspension have resonated deeply within the legislative house. Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot expressed the embarrassment felt by the House, acknowledging that this incident marks a historical moment where such severe punishment has been recommended against a sitting Senator.

He emphasized the need to address this collectively and not reduce it to a partisan dispute. Senator Okongó Omogeni from Nyamira shared his thoughts, deeming the penalties as excessive and unreasonable – particularly concerning for a young, female member of parliament who should be nurtured and celebrated.

The fate of Senator Orwoba now hangs in the balance as the House prepares to deliberate on the committee’s report and ultimately decide her future. The implications of this suspension extend beyond her individual case, prompting reflections on conduct, discipline, and the image of the Parliament itself.