The family of a 13-year-old boy who tragically drowned in the River Oluch in Katonde, Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, on Friday is seeking assistance from government authorities in recovering their loved one’s body.
Griffin Ochieng’, a seventh-grade student at Obujo Primary School, lost his life while swimming with friends in the river.
His father, Jared Dondi, recounted that they had left Griffin at home on Friday morning, and around midday, his friends invited him to join them for a swim in River Oluch.
This was the boy’s first visit to the river, according to his father.
During the outing, Griffin drowned in the presence of his friends, who subsequently took his clothes, returned home, and informed his family of the incident.
Since Friday, the grieving family has been stationed at the riverbank, hoping to recover his body, and they have now reached out to local divers and government agencies for assistance.
Recent confirmation of the intriguing observation that the universe is expanding at a rate exceeding expectations has prompted scientists to consider potential causes, possibly linked to unknown factors associated with the enigmatic components of dark energy and dark matter.
Data collected over two years from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has substantiated earlier findings from the Hubble Space Telescope, indicating that the universe’s expansion rate is approximately 8% faster than anticipated based on current astrophysical understanding of the cosmos’s initial conditions and its evolution over billions of years. This discrepancy is referred to as the Hubble Tension.
The observations made by Webb, the most advanced space telescope ever launched, seem to eliminate the possibility that the data from its predecessor, Hubble, was compromised by instrumental errors.
“This represents the largest dataset from the Webb Telescope—its first two years in operation—and it corroborates the perplexing discovery from the Hubble Space Telescope that we have been grappling with for a decade: the universe is currently expanding at a rate that surpasses our best theoretical models,” stated astrophysicist Adam Riess from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, who is the lead author of the study published on Monday in the Astrophysical Journal.
“Indeed, it seems there is a gap in our comprehension of the universe,” Riess continued, a 2011 Nobel laureate in physics for his co-discovery of the universe’s accelerating expansion. “Our grasp of the universe is significantly limited regarding two critical components—dark matter and dark energy—which together constitute 96% of the universe, highlighting the importance of this issue.”
“The findings from Webb may imply a necessity to revise our cosmological model, although identifying the specifics of this revision remains challenging at present,” remarked Siyang Li, a doctoral student in astronomy and astrophysics at Johns Hopkins and a co-author of the study.
Dark matter is estimated to constitute approximately 27% of the universe and is a theoretical form of matter that remains undetectable directly. Its existence is inferred from its gravitational influence on visible matter, such as stars, planets, and moons, which collectively make up about 5% of the universe.
Dark energy, on the other hand, is believed to account for roughly 69% of the universe. This hypothesized form of energy is thought to permeate large regions of space, counteracting gravitational forces and contributing to the accelerated expansion of the universe.
What could elucidate the unusual rate of expansion? According to Riess, numerous theories involve dark matter, dark energy, dark radiation, and even the possibility that gravity possesses some unconventional characteristics.
The researchers utilized three distinct methodologies to ascertain a crucial metric: the distances from Earth to galaxies where a specific type of pulsating star, known as Cepheids, has been observed. The findings from the Webb and Hubble telescopes were consistent with one another.
The rate of the universe’s expansion, referred to as the Hubble constant, is quantified in kilometers per second per megaparsec, with one megaparsec equating to approximately 3.26 million light-years. A light-year represents the distance light travels in one year, which is about 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion kilometers).
According to the standard cosmological model, which reflects the prevailing understanding of the universe, the Hubble constant should be around 67-68. However, data from Hubble and Webb suggest an average value of approximately 73, with a range between 70 and 76.
The Big Bang, which occurred 13-14 billion years ago, marked the inception of the universe, which has been in a state of expansion ever since. In 1998, scientists revealed that this expansion is not only ongoing but is also accelerating, with dark energy posited as the underlying cause.
The recent study examined Webb’s data, which encompasses about one-third of the total galaxies relevant to Hubble’s research. In 2023, the researchers announced that preliminary data from Webb corroborated the findings from Hubble.
What potential solutions exist for the Hubble Tension conundrum?
Additional data is required to more accurately define this clue. What is the precise magnitude of the discrepancy? Is the inconsistency situated at the lower range of 4-5% or at the upper range of 10-12% based on the existing data? Over what span of cosmic time does this discrepancy occur? These factors will provide further insights, Riess stated.
The festive season in December brings a spirit of joy, celebration, and unity.
Nevertheless, it can also lead to financial strain if not approached with caution.
Excessive spending, impulsive buying, and inadequate financial planning during this time can result in debt or financial difficulties in the upcoming year.
To navigate these challenges, it is crucial to be aware of the financial guidelines for this season.
The financial guidelines for the festive season include the following:
Establish a budget. Creating a detailed budget is fundamental to responsible spending during the holidays. Begin by outlining all expected expenses, such as gifts, decorations, travel, meals, and entertainment. Allocate a sensible amount for each category and adhere to it.
A carefully crafted budget helps prevent unnecessary spending and keeps you within your financial boundaries.
Plan your purchases in advance. Planning ahead can help you avoid the traps of last-minute shopping, which often leads to inflated prices. Investigate prices, seek out discounts, and compare offers from various retailers or online sites. This approach also allows you to take advantage of sales events to buy holiday essentials at lower prices.
Prioritize your savings. Although the festive season encourages expenditure, it is vital to maintain focus on your savings objectives. Set aside a portion of your income for savings before allocating funds for holiday festivities. This practice ensures that you do not jeopardize your long-term financial stability for short-term pleasures.
Give thoughtful and budget-friendly gifts. Meaningful gifts do not have to come with a hefty price tag. Handmade items, personalized gifts, or shared experiences often hold more significance than expensive, generic purchases.
Monitor your expenditures. Maintain a detailed account of all your costs throughout the holiday season. This approach promotes accountability and helps you adhere to your budget. By regularly assessing your spending, you can pinpoint areas where you might need to reduce expenses.
Prepare for the upcoming year. Use this holiday season as a chance to enhance your planning for future celebrations. Consider establishing a savings account specifically for holiday expenses. Contributing a modest amount each month can help you accumulate a sufficient fund for next year’s festivities without causing financial stress.
Conversely, here are some financial pitfalls to avoid during the December holiday season.
Avoid excessive reliance on credit cards. While credit cards can offer convenience and rewards during the holidays, overusing them can lead to substantial debt if balances are not paid off in full. Steer clear of making purchases that you cannot afford to settle immediately, and restrict your credit card use to pre-planned expenses.
Refrain from impulse buying. Holiday displays, advertisements, and promotional deals are designed to entice unplanned purchases. Resist these temptations by adhering to your shopping list and avoiding unnecessary items. Impulse buying can quickly disrupt your budget and lead to regret later on.
Be cautious of hidden costs. Holiday celebrations often come with unforeseen expenses, such as delivery charges, wrapping costs, or travel fees. Overlooking these can significantly increase your total spending. Stay aware of these additional costs and incorporate them into your budget.
Avoid financial overcommitment. It’s easy to stretch your finances too thin during this season, whether through hosting extravagant gatherings, purchasing costly gifts, or incurring extra travel expenses. Remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to set boundaries and decline when necessary. Overcommitting can leave you in a difficult financial situation after the celebrations conclude.
Avoid borrowing for holiday expenses. Taking out loans or seeking financial assistance to fund holiday celebrations can lead to serious financial repercussions. While the festive season is fleeting, the impact of debt can last for months or even years. If certain expenses are beyond your means, explore more budget-friendly options rather than turning to borrowing.
Remember to prepare for January. The joy of December can often distract from the financial obligations that arise in January, which typically includes costs like school fees, utility bills, and rent. To ensure you are ready for the new year, be cautious with your spending in December.
The holiday season should be a time of joy, not financial strain. By exercising financial discipline and awareness, you can enjoy the festivities without jeopardizing your financial health. Focus on the importance of experiences, relationships, and thoughtfulness rather than material possessions. Teach yourself and your family about the significance of budgeting and responsible spending.
In conclusion, achieving a joyful and stress-free holiday season requires a balance between celebration and financial accountability. Following the financial guidelines provided can empower you to navigate the holiday period confidently and start the new year on solid financial ground.
Celebrate wisely, and let financial responsibility be one of the most valuable gifts you give yourself this season.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced a temporary halt to its flights to Comoros and Mayotte in response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Cyclone CHIDO.
The cyclone is anticipated to impact both islands.
“Authorities in both nations have issued alerts regarding the cyclone’s potential effects, which are expected to persist until Monday, December 16, 2024,” stated KQ.
The airline emphasized that this decision was made to prioritize the safety of its passengers and crew.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. The safety of our passengers and staff is our top priority,” KQ remarked.
The airline expressed regret for the disruption and extended its thoughts to the residents in the affected areas. “We are praying for the safety and well-being of those impacted by these severe weather conditions.”
KQ is actively monitoring the situation and intends to resume flights on Monday, December 16, 2024, once conditions have improved significantly.
Passengers affected by the disruption are encouraged to check for the latest updates on Kenya Airways’ website under Flight Status or to contact the Customer Excellence Center for assistance via WhatsApp (+254 705 474 747) or X (formerly Twitter) @KQSupport.
The airline remains dedicated to ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for all its customers.
Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on the region, are rapidly rotating storms that originate over tropical oceans and can vary in speed, size, and intensity. They rank as the second-most dangerous natural hazards, following earthquakes.
On December 10, Google unveiled its Year in Search 2024 lists for Kenya, providing insights into the topics that engaged Kenyans over the past year.
This annual analysis highlights the most popular search trends and showcases the global interests of users.
In Kenya, there was a notable enthusiasm for culinary exploration, as evidenced by searches for chicken curry recipes, pumpkin soup recipes, and a variety of other delicious dishes, indicating a rising appreciation for diverse flavors.
Law enforcement officials showcase the seized drugs. [PHOTO | COURTSEY]
Police in Rongai, Kajiado County, apprehended two women on Saturday morning for the possession and distribution of narcotic substances, including bhang, which were cleverly disguised as cigarettes to evade detection.
A specialized team from the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) acted on intelligence reports indicating that the suspects were selling drugs from a residence while posing as sellers of high-end dogs.
According to a police report detailing the operation, “A multi-agency team, including the police sniffer dog unit and NGAO NPS, conducted a raid based on intelligence regarding drug distribution activities.”
The residence, camouflaged with iron sheets and other materials, functioned as a front for their illegal operations, allowing the suspects to package and distribute narcotics without raising suspicion.
The drugs were reportedly concealed within Oris cigarette packs.
“Upon arrival at the targeted location, the team uncovered various plant substances believed to be cannabis, along with several related paraphernalia. The cannabis was packaged to resemble Oris cigarettes,” the police report further states.
Authorities suspect that the suspects may involve children in the packaging and distribution of these drugs.
The two women were subsequently taken to Ongata Rongai Police Station and later transferred to Muthaiga Police Station, where they are being held pending their arraignment on Monday at the JKIA Law Courts.
One individual has lost their life, and another has sustained serious injuries after being struck by a lorry while attempting to board a ferry at the Likoni Crossing Channel in Mombasa on Friday evening.
As reported by the police, the incident took place at approximately 7:15 PM.
The lorry, loaded with building materials, was making its way down the mainland ramp towards the ferry when the driver, identified as Bakari Gonga, lost control and collided with two pedestrians.
A female pedestrian, whose name has not yet been released, was killed on the spot, while a male pedestrian suffered multiple fractures in both legs.
The injured individual was promptly taken to Likoni Sub-County Hospital for medical attention, and the deceased’s body was transported to Coast General Hospital Mortuary.
Authorities have since relocated the Mitsubishi FH lorry to Likoni Police Station as investigations continue.
In the Nyabeda sub-location of Yala sub-county, two homes were set ablaze following the discovery of a seven-year-old boy’s body abandoned in the bushes.
Angry residents descended upon the residence of Dominic Odhiambo, whom they believe is connected to the death of the young boy, identified as Michael Owino Alumba.
Tom Aruwa, the Assistant Chief of Nyabeda sub-location, indicated that Odhiambo’s son is considered a suspect in the case.
The child had been reported missing on Wednesday evening, with his body found the following day.
Aruwa noted that initial investigations revealed that the suspect, 28-year-old Evans Odeny Odhiambo, had been caught stealing bananas from the farm belonging to the deceased boy’s father and had been warned to cease his actions.
It is believed that he returned to the homestead and assaulted the child.
Authorities have initiated a manhunt for the suspect while a postmortem examination is underway.
The Assistant Chief urged the community to refrain from taking vigilante action.
On Friday, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan initiated a collaborative venture aimed at developing a next-generation supersonic fighter jet by 2035, intended to succeed the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The new venture will see Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) each holding a one-third stake, a development described as a significant milestone for the global aerospace and defense sector, as stated in their press release.
JAIEC is a company that receives joint funding from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, remarked, “Today’s agreement represents the culmination of extensive collaboration with our industry partners and reflects the dedication of all those involved in this strategically vital program.”
He further noted that the venture will “unite the considerable strengths and expertise of the participating companies to establish an innovative organization that will spearhead the development of a next-generation combat air system, generating long-term, high-value, and skilled employment opportunities across the partner nations for many years to come.”
The three nations have committed to creating a new entity under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a multinational initiative launched by the UK, Japan, and Italy in 2022, aimed at developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter to replace both the Typhoon and the Japanese F-2.
The establishment of the joint venture is anticipated by mid-2025, with responsibilities for the design and development of the GCAP aircraft. Manufacturing and final assembly will be subcontracted to BAE Systems, Leonardo, MHI, and the broader supply chain.
The aircraft is projected to enter service in 2035, ahead of the competing Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project led by France, Germany, and Spain, and is expected to remain operational until 2070.
Google has enhanced its Artificial Intelligence (AI) model with the introduction of Gemini 2.0, which features an interactive design that offers improved performance and quicker response times.
This new AI model builds upon the achievements of Gemini 1.5, which gained immense popularity as a search feature, reaching an audience of over 1 billion users.
Gemini 2.0 introduces new functionalities, including the capability to generate images and provide steerable text-to-speech in various languages.
Additionally, Google is launching ‘Deep Research,’ a groundbreaking advancement in AI technology that will offer sophisticated reasoning abilities, making it a more effective and impactful research assistant.
To assess user engagement with the new features, Google has released an experimental version.
“Throughout the past year, we have made remarkable strides in artificial intelligence. Today, we are unveiling the first model in the Gemini 2.0 series: an experimental version known as Gemini 2.0 Flash,” stated Google.
“This model serves as our workhorse, characterized by low latency and superior performance, representing the forefront of our technology at scale.”
Research prototypes, including Project Astra, Project Mariner, and Jules, have also been introduced to explore new avenues for AI models in automating intricate tasks and delivering effective solutions.
“These releases mark a significant advancement toward our objective of creating the world’s most helpful personal AI assistant. They also signify progress in making our products more agentic; as Gemini continues to improve, it will be able to act on your behalf to accomplish even more.”
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