OpenAI announced on Monday the release of its artificial intelligence model capable of generating video from text, now accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, thereby enhancing its engagement with multimodal AI technologies.
The company, supported by Microsoft (MSFT.O), initiated a generative AI trend with the debut of its ChatGPT chatbot in November 2022. It seeks to compete with similar text-to-video solutions from Meta (META.O) and Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Google, as well as Stability AI’s Stable Video Diffusion.
The AI model, referred to as Sora, was initially unveiled in February, but its availability was restricted to safety testers during its research preview phase. It is now offered to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users as Sora Turbo at no extra charge.
“We are developing customized pricing for various user categories, which we expect to introduce early next year,” the company stated in a blog post.
Users will have the capability to create videos with a resolution of up to 1080p, lasting up to 20 seconds, and in widescreen, vertical, or square formats.
OpenAI indicated that while Sora will not be available in EU countries, Switzerland, and the UK, the AI model will be accessible in other regions where ChatGPT operates.
The company also emphasized its commitment to preventing the creation and upload of harmful content, such as child sexual abuse materials and sexual deepfakes, on Sora to mitigate potential misuse.
“At launch, uploads featuring individuals will be restricted, but we plan to expand this feature to more users as we enhance our deepfake prevention measures,” it added.
I was unaware of what awaited me when I attended the premiere of ‘On Air’, a compelling Kenyan film based on real events.
Director Edwin ‘Edu Gee’ Nyongesa maintained a strict confidentiality regarding the film’s premise, yet I found myself thoroughly engaged by its unfolding narrative.
The enthralling story seamlessly intertwines elements of suspense, emotion, and social critique, all within the intense environment of live radio. Let us explore the film further.
Plot Overview The narrative revolves around Rango (Matayo Randu), an experienced radio host who becomes embroiled in a critical situation during his morning broadcast.
His life is already precarious, with swirling rumors of a scandalous revelation about him making headlines. The situation escalates when he receives a call from Ondivo (Richard Ndege), a fugitive.
Ondivo discloses that a failed robbery has resulted in the deaths of both an innocent bystander and a police officer. Now trapped by law enforcement in an apartment and fearing for his safety, he seeks Rango’s assistance to navigate his dire circumstances.
Having experienced hardship in his youth, Rango relates to Ondivo’s plight. Despite the disapproval of his producer, Shirleen (Wanjira Longauer), and intern colleague Marcus (Daniel Muturi), Rango persists with the live dialogue, gradually garnering their support as the tension escalates on air.
Simultaneously, Rango receives persistent calls from a Police Commander (Khalfan Shikely), urging him to persuade the thief to surrender. However, as Rango converses with the Police Commander, he begins to suspect that the police may not intend to take Ondivo alive.
Acting and Themes The performances in ‘On Air’ are remarkable, especially considering that many cast members are relatively inexperienced in acting.
Matayo Randu delivers an exceptional portrayal of Rango, skillfully balancing the character’s empathy and inner turmoil. His on-air exchanges with Ondivo are visceral and charged, allowing the audience to feel the gravity of each statement.
The supporting cast also excels, adding their own dimensions of tension and conflicting motivations to the narrative.
The impact of these performances is heightened by the profound themes they convey. ‘On Air’ delves into issues of poverty, systemic injustice, and the intrinsic value of human life. It poses challenging questions regarding society’s treatment of criminals and the impartiality of justice.
The combination of these themes, along with exceptional performances and a dynamic score, results in an emotionally resonant experience that remains with the audience long after the film concludes.
Cinematography, Direction, and Writing
Edu Gee’s adept direction imparts a distinctive voice and atmosphere to ‘On Air.’ The cinematography, characterized by its dark and gritty aesthetic, reflects the story’s tension and moral complexity.
The film’s visual approach fully engages the audience in the unfolding narrative, creating a sense of participation in the live broadcast.
Edu Gee effectively cultivates suspense, with the film’s structure—organized into five “verses”—facilitating a gradual build-up of tension from the initial scene to the dramatic conclusion.
The writing in ‘On Air’ is incisive and multi-layered. While addressing significant themes, the inclusion of humorous moments in the dialogue offers essential relief and adds depth to the characters.
The exchanges between Rango and Ondivo stand out, imbued with intense emotion and ethical conflicts that captivate viewers.
Simultaneously, the script critiques the media’s influence on public perception and underscores the power dynamics between law enforcement and marginalized communities.
Final Verdict ‘On Air’ represents a daring and insightful debut that highlights the strengths of Kenyan cinema.
With its outstanding performances, compelling themes, and expert direction, it serves as both an entertaining film and a catalyst for critical reflection on societal issues.
Though it may not be flawless, Director Edu Gee has established a high standard with this debut, demonstrating that Kenyan filmmakers are significant contributors to the global cinematic landscape.
This film is essential viewing for enthusiasts of suspenseful dramas and narratives that engage with social consciousness.
A driver attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was shot and killed on Monday morning by suspected al-Shabaab militants during an assault in Lafey, Mandera County.
An unspecified number of assailants subsequently seized his four-wheel drive vehicle and fled the scene.
According to police reports, this occurred after the attackers had discarded the body of the victim from the vehicle.
A passenger who was present in the car was abducted by the assailants. Authorities suspect that the group had been waiting for the vehicle prior to launching their attack.
The deceased was assigned to the local police command.
This region is situated near the Kenya-Somalia border, an area frequently infiltrated by the terrorist organization.
In response, a significant operation was initiated in the vicinity, although it yielded no results.
Law enforcement officials indicated that the perpetrators had crossed into Somalia.
The body of the victim was subsequently transported to a local mortuary.
This incident marks the latest in a series of similar occurrences in the area, coinciding with operations conducted by various teams. President William Ruto is expected to visit the adjacent Wajir County for a meeting with pastoralists.
This situation has led to intensified operations aimed at thwarting any potential terrorist plans to target local residents.
Such operations have successfully disrupted numerous planned attacks in the region and beyond.
The area is currently under a multi-agency security operation, given its proximity to the Kenya-Somalia border.
The objective of this multi-agency initiative is to eradicate the militants from the region.
As a result, there has been a notable decrease in such incidents, although the area continues to experience a rise in terror-related activities.
This increase is largely attributed to its closeness to the Somalia border.
Border regions such as Mandera, Wajir, Lamu, and Garissa have similarly encountered attacks, which have adversely impacted overall development.
The government has stated that it has secured additional resources to bolster operations in the border area against the terrorists. These attacks have resulted in numerous fatalities and displacements, thereby hindering development.
The region is adjacent to the Kenya-Somalia border, where terrorists can cross freely to conduct attacks before retreating to their controlled territories.
Kenya has been conducting operations aimed at curbing their activities.
Detectives from DCI Kibra have apprehended a suspect in connection with the murder of Sospeter Osunga, known as ‘Akoko the Billionaire,’ which took place on November 18, 2024.
This arrest followed an extensive investigation into the murder of the Kirinyaga University student.
The inquiry has established that on the day of the incident, Osunga was violently attacked by a group of assailants in the Ayani area, resulting in severe injuries to his back, believed to have been inflicted by a sharp weapon.
Initially, three individuals were detained during the investigation and provided significant information that, along with other intelligence, led to the identification and arrest of the primary suspect, who is scheduled to appear in court today.
Director DCI Mohamed Amin urged the community to promote peace and to refrain from actions that could result in unnecessary loss of life and disturbances in the neighborhood.
Osunga succumbed to his injuries on the morning of November 18 outside a bar in the Kibera slums, having been stabbed and slashed multiple times in the stomach and back.
His companions, both male and female, are also recovering from stab wounds sustained during the attack by a group of Bodaboda riders following a dispute.
Authorities have gathered statements from at least five witnesses, including his two friends, his mother, and another acquaintance who was meeting with Osunga at the time.
The attack was determined to be unrelated to his previous employment. While no arrests have been made regarding the Bodaboda riders involved, police are actively pursuing them to face murder charges.
At the age of 23, Akoko was a fourth-year architecture student. On the day of his death, he had contacted a longtime friend residing in Kibera, expressing his desire to treat him.
The friend recounted that Akoko arrived in an Audi Q3 and parked it outside a club in the slums, accompanied by a man and a woman. He then offered to buy drinks for all the patrons present.
During their exploration, they discovered that a well-known musician was performing live at a nearby club in the slum.
They chose to head there. Upon their arrival, a disturbance broke out as a throng of fans trailed Akoko, leading to a confrontation.
The student was known for his lavish lifestyle, which he often displayed on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
At least one individual lost their life and several others sustained injuries when a bus, traveling along the Londiani-Muhoroni road in Kericho County, was involved in an accident.
The bus, which had departed from Nairobi and was en route to Kisumu, encountered the incident on the morning of Monday, December 9, in the Jambo Kenya area, according to police reports.
This location is recognized as a high-risk area for accidents.
The collision occurred around 5:30 am, resulting in multiple injuries.
Emergency response teams promptly arrived at the scene to transport the injured to medical facilities.
Dr. Resila Onyango, spokesperson for the National Police Service, confirmed that at least one juvenile fatality was recorded, and numerous passengers were injured and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
This incident occurs amidst intensified efforts to address the increasing number of accidents on major roadways.
Statistics indicate that a total of 4,282 fatalities have been reported in accidents this year, compared to 4,090 during the same period from January to November in 2023.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja noted that this reflects an increase of 192 lives lost due to road accidents this year, describing the rise as alarming.
A fourth-year student from Kenyatta University was discovered deceased in a residence following an alleged suicide in the Marrel region of Bungoma County.
Authorities reported that the individual, identified as Ian Ngahu, aged 24, was found hanging in his parents’ maize storage facility.
The deceased was suspended by a sisal rope that had been secured around his neck after the incident that occurred over the weekend.
No suicide note was located, and the underlying motive remains undetermined, according to police reports.
The body, which exhibited no visible signs of injury, was transported to the mortuary at Bungoma County Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.
This incident is part of a troubling trend that has recently emerged.
In a separate case in Kitengela, Kajiado County, a 13-year-old boy took his own life in his father’s home.
Police who responded to the scene indicated that the boy had used a bed sheet to hang himself from a truss within the house.
The reasons behind this tragic event are not yet clear, and the body has been sent to the mortuary pending an autopsy and further investigation.
In Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, a 23-year-old man named Hillary Kiprotich also died by suicide, found hanging from a tree in the Gataka area.
Authorities reported that they were summoned to the location and subsequently transported the body to the mortuary for an autopsy.
In Homabay, a 14-year-old girl from Kibanga village, a sixth-grade student at Wiga Primary School, died by suicide.
She was discovered hanging from a tree with a rope.
No suicide note was found, and the motive for her actions remains unknown, according to police.
Her body has also been moved to the mortuary for an autopsy.
Law enforcement officials have noted a concerning increase in suicide incidents, with at least two cases reported daily.
The government has stated that measures are being implemented to combat this issue.
The World Health Organization attributes such incidents to factors including unemployment, bereavement, academic pressures, legal and financial challenges, as well as bullying, prior suicide attempts, familial history of suicide, substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has further decreased the benchmark lending rate by 75 basis points, bringing it down to 11.25 percent, which represents the third reduction in rates this year.
During the final Monetary Policy Committee meeting of the year, CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge encouraged commercial banks to lower their lending rates in light of this adjustment.
He indicated that this decision was influenced by a decline in inflation, a relatively stable currency, and a slowdown in economic activity during the first half of the year.
Nevertheless, the regulator expressed concerns that, despite multiple rate cuts, commercial banks in the nation have been hesitant to pass on the benefits to borrowers.
“Indeed, banks have been slow to reduce their interest rates. As you are aware, I have held discussions with the banks. In the past two weeks, we have met with all the bank CEOs, and I believe they now recognize the necessity of actively lowering interest rates for consumers,” stated Dr. Thugge.
This appeal follows a recent meeting between the CBK and bank CEOs aimed at addressing persistently high lending rates.
Credit growth to the private sector in Kenya has faced challenges, exhibiting signs of stagnation.
Initially, banks across the country resisted lowering interest rates, citing an increase in deposit rates, which hindered their ability to reduce lending rates.
“Currently, the situation has changed; the 91-day Treasury bill, which was approximately 16 percent just a few days ago, is now at 10.45 percent,” the CBK Governor noted.
“Consequently, as some deposits begin to mature, banks should now be in a position to lower their funding costs, and they ought to translate these savings into reduced lending rates. This will enable us to extend more credit to the private sector and less to the government, thereby stimulating economic activity and creating jobs.”
The Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to reconvene in February of the following year.
A 28-year-old woman is currently in custody at Siaya police station after she reportedly turned herself in following the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend in the Mur-Ngiya sub-location of Siaya County on Saturday night.
Vivian Akoth is accused of attacking her 35-year-old boyfriend, Charlton Obare, over suspicions of infidelity.
Grace Otieno, the Assistant Chief of Mur-Ng’iya sub-location, reported that the victim returned home around 9:00 PM with a friend named Reagan, shortly followed by Vivian.
During the incident, Reagan heard a disturbance and saw Vivian fleeing in the dark, pursued by Charlton, who had already been stabbed in the chest.
According to Otieno, Charlton was unable to continue and collapsed. Upon realizing he had fallen, Vivian contacted Reagan to check on Charlton’s condition and arranged for a motorbike to transport him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Assistant Chief confirmed that law enforcement officials responded to the scene, retrieving the body for transport to the Siaya County Referral Hospital mortuary, while Vivian had initially fled the area.
Subsequently, it was revealed that Vivian, a mother of one, voluntarily presented herself at the Siaya police station, where she remains as investigations are underway.
Otieno also took this opportunity to urge young people to seek peaceful resolutions to their conflicts.
Four individuals were apprehended in Maua township on charges of selling firearms and ammunition following a covert operation by undercover police officers from Igembe South, Meru County.
As detailed in a police report obtained by Citizen Digital, the officers, posing as potential buyers, approached the suspects with the intent to purchase two AK-47 rifles in the Maili Tatu area.
One suspect arrived with the firearms hidden inside a miraa bag on a motorcycle.
Shortly thereafter, the officers disclosed their identities and arrested the four men: John Mutuma, also known as Pastor, Pius Mutembei, Richard Muriungi, and Peter Kithinji.
The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, and the motorcycle was seized and taken to Maua Police Station.
The report stated, “They have provided leads that may lead to further recoveries and progress report to follow. They will be presented before Maua Law Courts through a Misc.”
Additionally, the officers have submitted a request for custodial orders to keep the suspects in detention to aid in the ongoing investigations.
A recent scorecard released by Mzalendo has revealed that 19 Members of Parliament (MPs) did not participate in any debates within the National Assembly during the year 2024.
Mzalendo, a non-partisan Parliamentary Monitoring Organisation based in Kenya, advocates for transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in Parliaments across Kenya and the African continent.
The scorecard highlights that Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Makadara MP George Aladwa are once again among those who failed to engage in discussions within the house.
Among the 19 MPs identified, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party had the highest representation with 10 members, followed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with four, the Amani National Congress (ANC) with two, Wiper with one, DAP-K with one, and Jubilee party with one.
Additional MPs on the list include Rongo MP Paul Abuoro (ODM), Hamisi MP Charles Gumini (ANC), Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui (UDA), Kuria West MP Mathia Nyamabe (UDA), Subukia MP Samuel Gachobe (UDA), and Bahati MP Irene Njoki (Jubilee Party).
Mzalendo pointed out that these MPs were notably inactive in voicing public and constituent concerns, as well as debating issues of both local and national significance, which is a fundamental responsibility of parliamentarians.
The assessment was based solely on the frequency of individual MPs’ speeches in Parliament, as recorded in the official Parliamentary Hansard.
Mzalendo explained, “After compiling all the Hansards for a specific session from February to December, we generate speech counts for each member using our word-scraper, which tracks speech frequencies based on the Hansard entries.”
“To ensure accuracy in our rankings, we conduct a manual verification of the Hansard entries to confirm the automatically generated counts. This information is also presented on our website in a cumulative format.”
The rankings exclusively focus on plenary sessions, which are information that is easily accessible to the public.
Mzalendo noted in its report that “Information regarding committee proceedings is not as easily accessible. This limited availability complicates their inclusion in the rankings.”
The Parliamentary Scorecard is an annual assessment of the performance of Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Initially published in 2014, this ranking is solely based on the MPs’ performance within Parliament, particularly during plenary sessions.
Engagements of MPs outside of Parliament are not taken into account.
Here is the Full List (Name, constituency, and Party):
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