At least 29 people were killed in Kenya when their homes were swept away in landslides during ferocious overnight rainstorms, the government said Saturday.

Their homes were hit in the early hours of Saturday amid torrential rains in the Pokot region, 350 kilometres (220 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi.

"We are saddened to confirm that 12 people from Tapach and Parua in Pokot South, and 17 from Tamkal in Pokot Central lost their lives," Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i said in a statement.

"Our profound sympathies go to the families and friends of those who have been affected."&nbsp;

Army and police helicopters have been sent, Matiang'i said, with rescue efforts delayed because roads have been cut and bridges closed after streams turned into raging torrents.

"Massive landslides reported in various areas of West Pokot County following heavy downpour," Kenya Red Cross said in a message, adding its emergency response teams had deployed to help.

Devastating floods&nbsp;

West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello said that two children were pulled out alive from the smashed wreckage of their mud-covered homes.

"They have been rushed to hospital," he said.

Rescue efforts to dig bodies out of the dirt continued.

"The challenge we are facing is the heavy rains, but we are trying our best," he added.

It is not only Kenya that is affected. The landslides come amid weeks of destructive rains and flooding across East Africa.

Violent downpours have displaced tens of thousands in Somalia, submerged whole towns in South Sudan and killed dozens in flash floods and landslides in Ethiopia and Tanzania too.&nbsp;

Close to a million people in South Sudan alone are affected with growing fears of disease and starvation.

Floods hit East Africa regularly, but scientists say that it has been exacerbated by a powerful climate phenomenon in the Indian Ocean stronger than any seen in years.

The extreme weather is blamed on the Indian Ocean Dipole -- a climate system defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between western and eastern areas of the ocean.

The ocean off East Africa is currently far warmer than usual, resulting in higher evaporation resulting in rain over the continent. 
&nbsp;

At least 29 people were killed in Kenya when their homes were swept away in landslides during ferocious overnight rainstorms, the government said Saturday. Their homes were hit in the early hours of Saturday amid torrential rains in the Pokot region, 350 kilometres (220 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi.

At least 29 people were killed in Kenya when their homes were swept away in landslides during ferocious overnight rainstorms, the government said Saturday. Their homes were hit in the early hours of Saturday amid torrential rains in the Pokot region, 350 kilometres (220 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi. "We are saddened to confirm that 12 people from Tapach and Parua in Pokot South, and 17 from Tamkal in Pokot Central lost their lives," Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i said in a statement. "Our profound sympathies go to the families and friends of those who have been affected." Army and police helicopters have been sent, Matiang'i said, with rescue efforts delayed because roads have been cut and bridges closed after streams turned into raging torrents. "Massive landslides reported in various areas of West Pokot County following heavy downpour," Kenya Red Cross said in a message, adding its emergency response teams had deployed to help. Devastating floods West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello said that two children were pulled out alive from the smashed wreckage of their mud-covered homes. "They have been rushed to hospital," he said. Rescue efforts to dig bodies out of the dirt continued. "The challenge we are facing is the heavy rains, but we are trying our best," he added. It is not only Kenya that is affected. The landslides come amid weeks of destructive rains and flooding across East Africa. Violent downpours have displaced tens of thousands in Somalia, submerged whole towns in South Sudan and killed dozens in flash floods and landslides in Ethiopia and Tanzania too. Close to a million people in South Sudan alone are affected with growing fears of disease and starvation. Floods hit East Africa regularly, but scientists say that it has been exacerbated by a powerful climate phenomenon in the Indian Ocean stronger than any seen in years. The extreme weather is blamed on the Indian Ocean Dipole -- a climate system defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between western and eastern areas of the ocean. The ocean off East Africa is currently far warmer than usual, resulting in higher evaporation resulting in rain over the continent.

Death toll in Kenya landslides soars to 29

Kenya and Somalia have agreed to "normalise" relations and start reissuing travel visas to each other's citizens after a long-running dispute over marine borders strained ties between the neighbours.

The agreement, announced by Kenya's presidency late Thursday, followed a meeting in Nairobi between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somali counterpart, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.

The East African leaders "reaffirmed the invaluable relations that exist between Kenya and Somalia and agreed to explore avenues of strengthening bilateral and diplomatic ties" between them, a statement from Kenyatta's office said.

Kenyatta and Mohamed, better known by his nickname Farmajo, were seen smiling and shaking hands in photographs posted by the Kenyan presidency on Twitter.

The statement made no mention of a territorial dispute between Somalia and Kenya over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas.

Relations between Mogadishu and Nairobi deteriorated earlier this year after Somalia decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area.

Nairobi recalled its ambassador from Mogadishu&nbsp;in February in the row over which of the East African neighbours controls access to the lucrative deposits -- a dispute they've taken to the International Court of Justice.

The contested triangle of water, which stretches over an area of more than 100,000 square kilometres&nbsp;lies in a part of Africa only recently found to be sitting on significant energy reserves.

Somalia also accused Kenya earlier this year of detaining and confiscating the passports of Somali ministers trying to enter the country.

Mogadishu formally complained about Kenya restricting entry visas to MPs and cabinet ministers allegedly forced to return to Somalia despite holding diplomatic passports.

Somalia had also raised concerns that Kenya has reinstated a mandatory stop at Wajir, near the border between the two countries, for a security check on all flights from Somalia, a practice discontinued in 2016.

Kenya and Somalia have agreed to "normalise" relations and start reissuing travel visas to each other's citizens after a long-running dispute over marine borders strained ties between the neighbours.

Kenya and Somalia have agreed to "normalise" relations and start reissuing travel visas to each other's citizens after a long-running dispute over marine borders strained ties between the neighbours. The agreement, announced by Kenya's presidency late Thursday, followed a meeting in Nairobi between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somali counterpart, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. The East African leaders "reaffirmed the invaluable relations that exist between Kenya and Somalia and agreed to explore avenues of strengthening bilateral and diplomatic ties" between them, a statement from Kenyatta's office said. Kenyatta and Mohamed, better known by his nickname Farmajo, were seen smiling and shaking hands in photographs posted by the Kenyan presidency on Twitter. The statement made no mention of a territorial dispute between Somalia and Kenya over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas. Relations between Mogadishu and Nairobi deteriorated earlier this year after Somalia decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area. Nairobi recalled its ambassador from Mogadishu in February in the row over which of the East African neighbours controls access to the lucrative deposits -- a dispute they've taken to the International Court of Justice. The contested triangle of water, which stretches over an area of more than 100,000 square kilometres lies in a part of Africa only recently found to be sitting on significant energy reserves. Somalia also accused Kenya earlier this year of detaining and confiscating the passports of Somali ministers trying to enter the country. Mogadishu formally complained about Kenya restricting entry visas to MPs and cabinet ministers allegedly forced to return to Somalia despite holding diplomatic passports. Somalia had also raised concerns that Kenya has reinstated a mandatory stop at Wajir, near the border between the two countries, for a security check on all flights from Somalia, a practice discontinued in 2016.

Kenya, Somalia agree to normalise ties after tensions

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park.

With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.2sec, the Olympic champion became the first ever to run a marathon in under two hours in the Prater park with the course readied to make it as even as possible.

The 34-year-old already holds the men's world record for the distance with a time of 2hr 01min 39sec, which he set in the flat Berlin marathon on September 16, 2018.

But accompanied by a posse of 41 pacemakers and a car in front of them setting the pace, Kipchoge bested that mark, making good on a failed attempt two years ago in Monza, Italy.

"I am the first man - I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited," said the history-making Kipchoge.

"We can make this world a beautiful world and a peaceful world. My wife and three children, I am happy for them to come and witness history."

Maintaining a very regular pace at around 2:50 minutes per kilometre, he passed the finish line gesturing and smiling.

He had been 11 seconds in advance at mid-race as fans lining the course, many waving Kenyan flags, loudly cheered him on.

Kipchoge told reporters earlier this week that his attempt in the Austrian capital was about "making history in this world, like the first man to go to the moon".

"I just have to make that click in people's minds that no human is limited," he had said.

Surfaces evened out

Because of the way the run was set up and paced the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record.

The running surface had been partly retarred and readied with other features such as a banked corner that could save time and avoid injury.&nbsp;

Pacemakers took turns to support him throughout the 42.195-kilometre (26.219-miles) race. They included 1,500-metre Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz and former world champion Bernard Lagat.

The course included a 4.3 kilometre-long straight alley, which the Kenyan ran up and down several times amid dry but foggy weather.

"The course is extremely good. I'm happy with the course," Kipchoge, whose family has accompanied him to Vienna, said earlier this week.

Chris Froome, leader of Ineos cycling team, also watched Kipchoge's race in Vienna, according to the organisers.

Organisers only allowed their own cameras to film the run itself.&nbsp;

Throngs of fans cheered on Kipchoge whenever he passed by.

"It's history in the making. I'm very proud... It will be a motivation to a lot of young people. People are looking up to him," said Nichasius Koech, 37, a software engineer from Kenya who works in Germany, ahead of the run.

Another fan, Joe Saissi, 25, from London said it was "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

Kipchoge already tried in May 2017 to break the two-hour barrier, running on the Monza National Autodrome racing circuit in Italy, failing narrowly in 2hr 00min 25sec.

But this time he said before the race that he was mentally stronger and more confident.

The course had been prepared so that it should take Kipchoge just about 4.5 seconds more than on a computer-simulated completely flat and straight path, according to analysis by sports experts at Vienna University.

In total, he only had to descend 26 metres in altitude and climb 12 metres, the experts said.

The founder of the main sponsors, Ineos, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is taking a personal interest in the challenge and himself competes in Ironman triathlons.

The world marathon record has, for the past 16 years, been contested uniquely between athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations are also fierce rivals for distance medals on the track.

Kipchoge's record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, just two seconds short of the official world mark.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park. With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park. With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.2sec, the Olympic champion became the first ever to run a marathon in under two hours in the Prater park with the course readied to make it as even as possible. The 34-year-old already holds the men's world record for the distance with a time of 2hr 01min 39sec, which he set in the flat Berlin marathon on September 16, 2018. But accompanied by a posse of 41 pacemakers and a car in front of them setting the pace, Kipchoge bested that mark, making good on a failed attempt two years ago in Monza, Italy. "I am the first man - I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited," said the history-making Kipchoge. "We can make this world a beautiful world and a peaceful world. My wife and three children, I am happy for them to come and witness history." Maintaining a very regular pace at around 2:50 minutes per kilometre, he passed the finish line gesturing and smiling. He had been 11 seconds in advance at mid-race as fans lining the course, many waving Kenyan flags, loudly cheered him on. Kipchoge told reporters earlier this week that his attempt in the Austrian capital was about "making history in this world, like the first man to go to the moon". "I just have to make that click in people's minds that no human is limited," he had said. Surfaces evened out Because of the way the run was set up and paced the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record. The running surface had been partly retarred and readied with other features such as a banked corner that could save time and avoid injury. Pacemakers took turns to support him throughout the 42.195-kilometre (26.219-miles) race. They included 1,500-metre Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz and former world champion Bernard Lagat. The course included a 4.3 kilometre-long straight alley, which the Kenyan ran up and down several times amid dry but foggy weather. "The course is extremely good. I'm happy with the course," Kipchoge, whose family has accompanied him to Vienna, said earlier this week. Chris Froome, leader of Ineos cycling team, also watched Kipchoge's race in Vienna, according to the organisers. Organisers only allowed their own cameras to film the run itself. Throngs of fans cheered on Kipchoge whenever he passed by. "It's history in the making. I'm very proud... It will be a motivation to a lot of young people. People are looking up to him," said Nichasius Koech, 37, a software engineer from Kenya who works in Germany, ahead of the run. Another fan, Joe Saissi, 25, from London said it was "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". Kipchoge already tried in May 2017 to break the two-hour barrier, running on the Monza National Autodrome racing circuit in Italy, failing narrowly in 2hr 00min 25sec. But this time he said before the race that he was mentally stronger and more confident. The course had been prepared so that it should take Kipchoge just about 4.5 seconds more than on a computer-simulated completely flat and straight path, according to analysis by sports experts at Vienna University. In total, he only had to descend 26 metres in altitude and climb 12 metres, the experts said. The founder of the main sponsors, Ineos, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is taking a personal interest in the challenge and himself competes in Ironman triathlons. The world marathon record has, for the past 16 years, been contested uniquely between athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations are also fierce rivals for distance medals on the track. Kipchoge's record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, just two seconds short of the official world mark.

Kenya's Kipchoge becomes first ever to run marathon in under two hours

Last week a man walked into a Nairobi car yard and paid for a luxury Mercedes with a mountain of 1,000 shilling ($10) banknotes, desperate to offload cash that within days would be worthless.

With a deadline looming before the Central Bank of Kenya bans all old edition 1,000 shilling notes, big fish with their fortunes stashed in cash are under pressure to find ways to jettison their money.

A new print of the 1,000 shilling banknote, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-launches-new-bank-notes-and-retires-old-1000-shilling-banknote-to-stem-illicit-flows-223995">the largest denomination</a>, was rolled out in June, with Kenyans given to September 30 to exchange their old bills at the bank or be stuck with bundles of useless cash.

The operation is aimed at flushing out dirty money being hoarded by tax evaders, crooked businessmen and criminal groups.

Large deposits of the old notes, embossed with the image of Kenya's founding father Jomo Kenyatta, raise alarm bells at banks and require paperwork to prove their origin.&nbsp;

The central bank in June said there were roughly 218 million 1,000 shilling notes in circulation, but declined to say what proportion was being stashed as black money.&nbsp;

Kenyan economist Aly-Khan Satchu said devaluing these bills works by "taking its owners by surprise".&nbsp;

"Four months is a short period of time when you want to launder big sums of money," he said.

"People who have that money will definitely try to save what they can", he added.

Car Wash

So people are getting creative, devising schemes to quickly unload small amounts of their cash while avoiding detection by the authorities.

John, a car dealer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-indian-nationals-killed-due-to-floods-in-kenya-247127">in Nairobi</a>, recalled his customer last week counting out thousands upon thousands of banknotes to purchase a luxury car worth $74,000.

"People want to get rid of their old notes, but they know very well that questions will be asked if they go put the money themselves in the bank," said John, who declined to offer his real name due to the nature of his business.

"When I go to the bank to deposit money from a car sale, people ask for the papers from the sale, sometimes even copies of emails, but it never goes further."

Other businesses are finding a lucrative side trade in washing 1,000 shilling notes through their tills -- for a bit in return.

"I was approached by a friend through another friend and we struck a deal. I get around 500,000 shillings every day to the bank together with my daily sales," said a liquor shop owner who declined to be named in Hurlingham, a district near downtown Nairobi.

"In return I get between five and 10 per cent, depending on the amount."

The amounts being deposited are below one million shillings, the threshold at which banks required detailed paperwork under a new transparency policy imposed by the central bank in June 2018.

Gentlemen's agreement

One canny businessman in western <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyas-high-court-unanimously-upholds-ban-on-gay-sex-221423">Kenya</a> dished out his cash in the form of small, interest-free loans of around 50,000 shillings.&nbsp;

The amounts are low, so those exchanging the old bills avoid detection, and upon returning the debt his money is cleaned into new bills.

"Nothing is written down, it is a gentleman's agreement," he said, declining to be named.

Other methods involve sinking cash into real estate or investment funds, or businesses moving large volumes of money, several businesspeople told AFP.

But it's not all underhanded and hush-hush.

One bar in the coastal city of Mombasa is offering to swap banknotes on behalf of drinkers, encouraging punters to spend big at their "Old Notes Send Off Party" being held the eve of demonetisation.

Last week a man walked into a Nairobi car yard and paid for a luxury Mercedes with a mountain of 1,000 shilling ($10) banknotes, desperate to offload cash that within days would be worthless.

Last week a man walked into a Nairobi car yard and paid for a luxury Mercedes with a mountain of 1,000 shilling ($10) banknotes, desperate to offload cash that within days would be worthless. With a deadline looming before the Central Bank of Kenya bans all old edition 1,000 shilling notes, big fish with their fortunes stashed in cash are under pressure to find ways to jettison their money. A new print of the 1,000 shilling banknote, the largest denomination, was rolled out in June, with Kenyans given to September 30 to exchange their old bills at the bank or be stuck with bundles of useless cash. The operation is aimed at flushing out dirty money being hoarded by tax evaders, crooked businessmen and criminal groups. Large deposits of the old notes, embossed with the image of Kenya's founding father Jomo Kenyatta, raise alarm bells at banks and require paperwork to prove their origin. The central bank in June said there were roughly 218 million 1,000 shilling notes in circulation, but declined to say what proportion was being stashed as black money. Kenyan economist Aly-Khan Satchu said devaluing these bills works by "taking its owners by surprise". "Four months is a short period of time when you want to launder big sums of money," he said. "People who have that money will definitely try to save what they can", he added. Car Wash So people are getting creative, devising schemes to quickly unload small amounts of their cash while avoiding detection by the authorities. John, a car dealer in Nairobi, recalled his customer last week counting out thousands upon thousands of banknotes to purchase a luxury car worth $74,000. "People want to get rid of their old notes, but they know very well that questions will be asked if they go put the money themselves in the bank," said John, who declined to offer his real name due to the nature of his business. "When I go to the bank to deposit money from a car sale, people ask for the papers from the sale, sometimes even copies of emails, but it never goes further." Other businesses are finding a lucrative side trade in washing 1,000 shilling notes through their tills -- for a bit in return. "I was approached by a friend through another friend and we struck a deal. I get around 500,000 shillings every day to the bank together with my daily sales," said a liquor shop owner who declined to be named in Hurlingham, a district near downtown Nairobi. "In return I get between five and 10 per cent, depending on the amount." The amounts being deposited are below one million shillings, the threshold at which banks required detailed paperwork under a new transparency policy imposed by the central bank in June 2018. Gentlemen's agreement One canny businessman in western Kenya dished out his cash in the form of small, interest-free loans of around 50,000 shillings. The amounts are low, so those exchanging the old bills avoid detection, and upon returning the debt his money is cleaned into new bills. "Nothing is written down, it is a gentleman's agreement," he said, declining to be named. Other methods involve sinking cash into real estate or investment funds, or businesses moving large volumes of money, several businesspeople told AFP. But it's not all underhanded and hush-hush. One bar in the coastal city of Mombasa is offering to swap banknotes on behalf of drinkers, encouraging punters to spend big at their "Old Notes Send Off Party" being held the eve of demonetisation.

Oncoming cash ban forces Kenyans to swap banknotes

Kenya gets Malaria Vaccine after Ghana and Malawi. To know more watch the video.

World's first Malaria Vaccine introduced in Kenya

At least six tourists, including a Kenyan tour guide and five Indian nationals, were killed when their van was swept away by sudden flash floods in the town of Naivasha on Sunday, the police said.

Quoting Rift Valley regional police commander Marcus Ochola, Xinhua news agency confirmed that the incident occurred at the Hell's Gate National Park.

"The guides did not read the weather of the surroundings. They know the killer waters usually originate from the highlands but didn't read this. We are there searching for possible survivors," Ochola told Xinhua.

Residents said one of the survivors alerted officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manning the park, after managing to escape from the raging floods in the gorges.

According to local authorities, the incident occurred at around 4pm&nbsp;(local time), after rains pounded the areas of Mt. Longonot and Kingdom.

Ochola said search and rescue efforts were underway but water levels were high in the gorges, slowing down the process.

He added that more police officers have been deployed in the park to join the search and rescue team.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said that an unknown number of tourists are feared to have drowned in flash floods while others survived.

"The ministry of tourism and wildlife is coordinating government agencies in a search and rescue operation. Our hearts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of those who died in the tragedy," the ministry added in a statement.

At least six tourists, including a Kenyan tour guide and five Indian nationals, were killed when their van was swept away by sudden flash floods in the town of Naivasha on Sunday, the police said.

At least six tourists, including a Kenyan tour guide and five Indian nationals, were killed when their van was swept away by sudden flash floods in the town of Naivasha on Sunday, the police said. Quoting Rift Valley regional police commander Marcus Ochola, Xinhua news agency confirmed that the incident occurred at the Hell's Gate National Park. "The guides did not read the weather of the surroundings. They know the killer waters usually originate from the highlands but didn't read this. We are there searching for possible survivors," Ochola told Xinhua. Residents said one of the survivors alerted officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manning the park, after managing to escape from the raging floods in the gorges. According to local authorities, the incident occurred at around 4pm (local time), after rains pounded the areas of Mt. Longonot and Kingdom. Ochola said search and rescue efforts were underway but water levels were high in the gorges, slowing down the process. He added that more police officers have been deployed in the park to join the search and rescue team. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said that an unknown number of tourists are feared to have drowned in flash floods while others survived. "The ministry of tourism and wildlife is coordinating government agencies in a search and rescue operation. Our hearts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of those who died in the tragedy," the ministry added in a statement.

Five Indian nationals killed due to floods in Kenya

In Kenya, as across Africa, populations of the world's tallest mammals are quietly, yet sharply, in decline. Giraffe numbers across the continent fell 40 per cent between 1985 and 2015, to just under 100,000 animals, according to the best figures available to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). But unlike the clarion calls sounded over the catastrophic collapse of elephant, lion and rhino populations, less attention was paid to the giraffe's private crisis.

Gentle giraffes threatened with 'silent extinction'

Plastic, plastic everywhere but not for African recyclers

Elton John on Wednesday held a celebrity-packed gala in the south of France to raise funds to fight HIV/AIDS in Kenya. 
 
The British singer-songwriter, on a break from his farewell world tour, welcomed the likes of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, actress Joan Collins and Taron Egerton, who plays John in the musical biopic "Rocketman," to a villa in Cap d`Antibes. 
 
"We`re here for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, our first south of France fundraiser, hopefully, to raise money for people who desperately need it in our fight against HIV and AIDS," John told reporters. 
 
Martin performed 'Viva La Vida'&nbsp;and John sang at the piano for guests gathered for a dinner and an auction, including the sale of a limited-edition luxury Bentley car. 
 
The Elton John AIDS Foundation last year announced a MenStar Coalition that aims to expand diagnosis and treatment of HIV infections, including a push for HIV self-testing particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. 
 
"The thing is for people to get tested, to know their status, not to be ashamed of it. It`s a very treatable disease," John said on Wednesday. &nbsp; 
 
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has donated some $450 million to projects since it was founded in 1992, according to foundation officials. Much of the money comes from annual parties and auctions in Los Angeles and New York.&nbsp;

Elton John on Wednesday held a celebrity-packed gala in the south of France to raise funds to fight HIV/AIDS in Kenya. The British singer-songwriter, on a break from his farewell world tour, welcomed the likes of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, actress Joan Collins and Taron Egerton, who plays John in the musical biopic "Rocketman," to a villa in Cap d`Antibes.

Elton John on Wednesday held a celebrity-packed gala in the south of France to raise funds to fight HIV/AIDS in Kenya. The British singer-songwriter, on a break from his farewell world tour, welcomed the likes of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, actress Joan Collins and Taron Egerton, who plays John in the musical biopic "Rocketman," to a villa in Cap d`Antibes. "We`re here for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, our first south of France fundraiser, hopefully, to raise money for people who desperately need it in our fight against HIV and AIDS," John told reporters. Martin performed 'Viva La Vida' and John sang at the piano for guests gathered for a dinner and an auction, including the sale of a limited-edition luxury Bentley car. The Elton John AIDS Foundation last year announced a MenStar Coalition that aims to expand diagnosis and treatment of HIV infections, including a push for HIV self-testing particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. "The thing is for people to get tested, to know their status, not to be ashamed of it. It`s a very treatable disease," John said on Wednesday. The Elton John AIDS Foundation has donated some $450 million to projects since it was founded in 1992, according to foundation officials. Much of the money comes from annual parties and auctions in Los Angeles and New York.

Elton John holds AIDS fundraiser for Kenya in southern France

Kenya plans to withdraw an old version of its 1,000 shillings ($9.88) banknote to tackle illicit financial flows and counterfeiting, its central bank governor said on Saturday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta promised to stamp out graft when he was first elected in 2013, but critics say he has been slow to pursue top officials and there have been few high profile convictions since he took office.

Patrick Njoroge said while launching new banknotes of other denominations that older versions of smaller denominations will remain in circulation alongside the new ones, but after October 1, the older 1,000 shilling note would be invalid.

“We have assessed the grave concern that our large banknotes, particularly the older one thousand shillings series, are being used for illicit financial flows in Kenya and also other countries in the region,” Njoroge said.

Speaking while launching the notes during a national holiday celebration, Njoroge gave no more detail on the illicit flows.

The central bank’s move comes as Kenyan lawmakers push for the implementation of amendments to banking laws that would relax the east African country’s rigorous requirements for recording transactions above $10,000.

The central bank has said these changes could undermine efforts to tackle money laundering, financing of terrorism and proceeds from crime.

Dozens of Kenyan government officials and business people have appeared in court since May 2018 on charges relating to the alleged theft of hundreds of millions of shillings from public coffers.

Kenya plans to withdraw an old version of its 1,000 shillings ($9.88) banknote to tackle illicit financial flows and counterfeiting, its central bank governor said on Saturday.

Kenya plans to withdraw an old version of its 1,000 shillings ($9.88) banknote to tackle illicit financial flows and counterfeiting, its central bank governor said on Saturday. President Uhuru Kenyatta promised to stamp out graft when he was first elected in 2013, but critics say he has been slow to pursue top officials and there have been few high profile convictions since he took office. Patrick Njoroge said while launching new banknotes of other denominations that older versions of smaller denominations will remain in circulation alongside the new ones, but after October 1, the older 1,000 shilling note would be invalid. “We have assessed the grave concern that our large banknotes, particularly the older one thousand shillings series, are being used for illicit financial flows in Kenya and also other countries in the region,” Njoroge said. Speaking while launching the notes during a national holiday celebration, Njoroge gave no more detail on the illicit flows. The central bank’s move comes as Kenyan lawmakers push for the implementation of amendments to banking laws that would relax the east African country’s rigorous requirements for recording transactions above $10,000. The central bank has said these changes could undermine efforts to tackle money laundering, financing of terrorism and proceeds from crime. Dozens of Kenyan government officials and business people have appeared in court since May 2018 on charges relating to the alleged theft of hundreds of millions of shillings from public coffers.

Kenya to retire old 1,000 shilling banknote to stem illicit flows

Kenya's high court on Friday upheld a law banning gay sex, keeping same-sex relations punishable by 14 years in jail in the East African nation and drawing strong criticism from the United Nations and rights activists.

Same-sex relationships are a crime in more than 70 countries around the world, almost half of them in Africa. Neighbouring Uganda once enacted a law imposing a life sentence for certain acts of gay sex although it was later nullified by the court.

South Africa is the only African nation to have legalised gay marriage.

"We hereby decline the relief sought and dismiss the combined petition," Justice Roselyn Aburili told a packed courtroom in Kenya's capital Nairobi, relaying the unanimous opinion of the three-justice panel.

"We find that the impugned sections are not unconstitutional, accordingly the combined petitions have no merit."

Some gay rights activists wept outside the courtroom after the verdict while supporters of the ban clapped, congratulated each other and yelled "thank you" at the judges' bench.

Other people backing the ban held placards outside the court with messages, including "homosexuality is an abomination."

Campaigners who filed the petition to decriminalise gay sex argued that the law violated Kenya's 2010 constitution, which guarantees equality, dignity and privacy for all citizens.

"We will appeal. We expect that the court of appeal will overturn this erroneous decision which in our view is very biased," said Eric Gitari, one of the petitioners.

Traditional values

The justices, who began hearing the case last year, threw out the petition on the grounds that gay sex clashed with broader, traditional moral values encapsulated in Kenya's constitution.

Aburili said the constitution still outlaws same-sex marriage but that allowing gay sex would "open the door for same-sex unions."

"We cannot be another Sodom and Gomorrah," Alfred Rotich, a Catholic bishop, told Reuters at the court after the verdict.

In September last year, India's top court scrapped a similar colonial-era law that punished gay sex with up to 10 years in jail, raising hopes among activists worldwide, including in Africa, for similar reforms.

New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW)'s senior LGBT rights researcher, Neela Ghoshal, said the Nairobi court verdict reduced Kenya's gay people to "second-class citizenship."

"Rights cannot be trampled upon in the name of social disapproval. The Court of Appeal should revisit this ruling urgently," she said.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said the ruling "encourages hostility and even violence against LGBT individuals.”

Due to a lack of legal protection, rights campaigners in Kenya say sexual minorities are routinely abused, assaulted by mobs, raped by vigilantes or enslaved by criminals.

Kenya arrested 534 people for same-sex relationships between 2013 and 2017, according to the government.

The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, one of the petitioners against the law, has recorded more than 1,500 such attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Kenyans since 2014.

Christian and Muslim groups support the law and the attorney general has argued that decriminalising gay sex could lead to legalising same-sex marriage.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said, "gay rights is really a non-issue", while Deputy President William Ruto said Kenya had "no room" for gays. Legislator Aden Duale once told parliament that homosexuality was "as serious as terrorism".

Kenya's high court on Friday upheld a law banning gay sex, keeping same-sex relations punishable by 14 years in jail in the East African nation and drawing strong criticism from the United Nations and rights activists.

Kenya's high court on Friday upheld a law banning gay sex, keeping same-sex relations punishable by 14 years in jail in the East African nation and drawing strong criticism from the United Nations and rights activists. Same-sex relationships are a crime in more than 70 countries around the world, almost half of them in Africa. Neighbouring Uganda once enacted a law imposing a life sentence for certain acts of gay sex although it was later nullified by the court. South Africa is the only African nation to have legalised gay marriage. "We hereby decline the relief sought and dismiss the combined petition," Justice Roselyn Aburili told a packed courtroom in Kenya's capital Nairobi, relaying the unanimous opinion of the three-justice panel. "We find that the impugned sections are not unconstitutional, accordingly the combined petitions have no merit." Some gay rights activists wept outside the courtroom after the verdict while supporters of the ban clapped, congratulated each other and yelled "thank you" at the judges' bench. Other people backing the ban held placards outside the court with messages, including "homosexuality is an abomination." Campaigners who filed the petition to decriminalise gay sex argued that the law violated Kenya's 2010 constitution, which guarantees equality, dignity and privacy for all citizens. "We will appeal. We expect that the court of appeal will overturn this erroneous decision which in our view is very biased," said Eric Gitari, one of the petitioners. Traditional values The justices, who began hearing the case last year, threw out the petition on the grounds that gay sex clashed with broader, traditional moral values encapsulated in Kenya's constitution. Aburili said the constitution still outlaws same-sex marriage but that allowing gay sex would "open the door for same-sex unions." "We cannot be another Sodom and Gomorrah," Alfred Rotich, a Catholic bishop, told Reuters at the court after the verdict. In September last year, India's top court scrapped a similar colonial-era law that punished gay sex with up to 10 years in jail, raising hopes among activists worldwide, including in Africa, for similar reforms. New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW)'s senior LGBT rights researcher, Neela Ghoshal, said the Nairobi court verdict reduced Kenya's gay people to "second-class citizenship." "Rights cannot be trampled upon in the name of social disapproval. The Court of Appeal should revisit this ruling urgently," she said. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said the ruling "encourages hostility and even violence against LGBT individuals.” Due to a lack of legal protection, rights campaigners in Kenya say sexual minorities are routinely abused, assaulted by mobs, raped by vigilantes or enslaved by criminals. Kenya arrested 534 people for same-sex relationships between 2013 and 2017, according to the government. The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, one of the petitioners against the law, has recorded more than 1,500 such attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Kenyans since 2014. Christian and Muslim groups support the law and the attorney general has argued that decriminalising gay sex could lead to legalising same-sex marriage. President Uhuru Kenyatta has said, "gay rights is really a non-issue", while Deputy President William Ruto said Kenya had "no room" for gays. Legislator Aden Duale once told parliament that homosexuality was "as serious as terrorism".

Kenya's high court unanimously upholds ban on gay sex

An Ethiopian Airlines flight en route to Nairobi,&nbsp;Kenya with over 150 people on board has crashed. The airline said it is believed there were 149 passengers and eight crew on board.&nbsp;

"We hereby confirm that our scheduled flight ET 302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi was involved in an&nbsp;accident today," the airline said in a statement.

"It is believed that there were 149 passengers and eight crew on board the flight but we are currently confirming the details of the passenger manifest for the flight."

The plane, a Boeing 737-800MAX, is the same type of plane as the Indonesian Lion Air jet that crashed last October, 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Accident Bulletin no. 1 
Issued on march 10, 2019 at 11:00am 
Ethiopian Airlines will release further information as soon as it is available. Updated information will also be on Ethiopian Airlines website at <a href="https://t.co/Je7pXoKxHh">https://t.co/Je7pXoKxHh</a> <a href="https://t.co/07wKZHPVPl">pic.twitter.com/07wKZHPVPl</a>
— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) <a href="https://twitter.com/flyethiopian/status/1104672110994210816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Ethiopian Airlines plane took off at 8:38 am (0638 GMT) from Bole International Airport and "lost contact" six minutes later near Bishoftu, a town some 60 kilometres (37 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa by road.

The airline said "search and rescue operations are in progress and we have no confirmed information about survivors or any possible casualties."

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office issued a statement Sunday condoling with the families of the victims and saying the Boeing 737-800MAX was on a regular scheduled flight when it crashed.&nbsp;

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The Office of the PM, on behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, would like to express it’s deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning.
— Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMEthiopia/status/1104650609951719427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The office of the PM, on behalf of the government and people of Ethiopia, would like to express it`s deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on the regularly scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning," the PM's office said on Twitter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Ethiopian Airlines flight en route to Nairobi, Kenya with over 150 people on board has crashed. The airline said it is believed there were 149 passengers and eight crew on board.

An Ethiopian Airlines flight en route to Nairobi, Kenya with over 150 people on board has crashed. The airline said it is believed there were 149 passengers and eight crew on board. "We hereby confirm that our scheduled flight ET 302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi was involved in an accident today," the airline said in a statement. "It is believed that there were 149 passengers and eight crew on board the flight but we are currently confirming the details of the passenger manifest for the flight." The plane, a Boeing 737-800MAX, is the same type of plane as the Indonesian Lion Air jet that crashed last October, 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Accident Bulletin no. 1 Issued on march 10, 2019 at 11:00am Ethiopian Airlines will release further information as soon as it is available. Updated information will also be on Ethiopian Airlines website at https://t.co/Je7pXoKxHh pic.twitter.com/07wKZHPVPl — Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) March 10, 2019 × The Ethiopian Airlines plane took off at 8:38 am (0638 GMT) from Bole International Airport and "lost contact" six minutes later near Bishoftu, a town some 60 kilometres (37 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa by road. The airline said "search and rescue operations are in progress and we have no confirmed information about survivors or any possible casualties." Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office issued a statement Sunday condoling with the families of the victims and saying the Boeing 737-800MAX was on a regular scheduled flight when it crashed. The Office of the PM, on behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, would like to express it’s deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning. — Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) March 10, 2019 × "The office of the PM, on behalf of the government and people of Ethiopia, would like to express it`s deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on the regularly scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning," the PM's office said on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian Airlines flight en route to Kenya crashes with over 150 on board

Kenya has summoned its ambassador to Somalia back home after the Mogadishu government's decision to auction oil and gas exploration blocks at the centre of a maritime territorial dispute in the Indian Ocean, the foreign ministry said.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague is considering a claim on the two countries' maritime boundaries brought by Somalia in 2014 after negotiations over the 100,000 square km stretch of seafloor broke down.

Kenya said on Saturday it had summoned its ambassador, Lucas Tumbo, and asked his Somalia counterpart Mohammed Muhamud Nur to return to Mogadishu for consultation with his government.

"The summons is a consequence of a most regretful and egregious decision by the government of Somalia to auction off oil and gas blocks in Kenya's maritime territorial area," the foreign ministry said.

Somalia, which held the auction in London on February 7 according to Kenya, denied the accusation. "There was no auction of oil blocks," the government said in a statement.

Officials in Mogadishu had confidence they could secure the territorial integrity of the country through the legal process in The Hague, they said in the statement, adding they expected the court to rule justly.

Kenya said it had raised concerns with the Somali government a day before the auction after it noticed blocks in what it considers to be its maritime territory were included in the auction.

"This unparalleled affront and illegal grab at the resources of Kenya will not go unanswered and is tantamount to an act of aggression against the people of Kenya and their resources," it said in a statement, adding it was ready to defend its territorial integrity "at any cost".

The two states have been co-operating in the long fight against the al Qaeda-linked, al Shabaab militants in Somalia. Kenya said the row over maritime territory could jeopardise that.

Kenya has summoned its ambassador to Somalia back home after the Mogadishu government's decision to auction oil and gas exploration blocks at the centre of a maritime territorial dispute in the Indian Ocean, the foreign ministry said.

Kenya has summoned its ambassador to Somalia back home after the Mogadishu government's decision to auction oil and gas exploration blocks at the centre of a maritime territorial dispute in the Indian Ocean, the foreign ministry said. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague is considering a claim on the two countries' maritime boundaries brought by Somalia in 2014 after negotiations over the 100,000 square km stretch of seafloor broke down. Kenya said on Saturday it had summoned its ambassador, Lucas Tumbo, and asked his Somalia counterpart Mohammed Muhamud Nur to return to Mogadishu for consultation with his government. "The summons is a consequence of a most regretful and egregious decision by the government of Somalia to auction off oil and gas blocks in Kenya's maritime territorial area," the foreign ministry said. Somalia, which held the auction in London on February 7 according to Kenya, denied the accusation. "There was no auction of oil blocks," the government said in a statement. Officials in Mogadishu had confidence they could secure the territorial integrity of the country through the legal process in The Hague, they said in the statement, adding they expected the court to rule justly. Kenya said it had raised concerns with the Somali government a day before the auction after it noticed blocks in what it considers to be its maritime territory were included in the auction. "This unparalleled affront and illegal grab at the resources of Kenya will not go unanswered and is tantamount to an act of aggression against the people of Kenya and their resources," it said in a statement, adding it was ready to defend its territorial integrity "at any cost". The two states have been co-operating in the long fight against the al Qaeda-linked, al Shabaab militants in Somalia. Kenya said the row over maritime territory could jeopardise that.

Kenya summons its ambassador to Somalia as territorial row escalates

Just minutes after militants attacked a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi last month, the first ambulances roared up to collect wounded survivors.

Speedy medical help is taken for granted in the West, but many developing nations do not have centralised emergency command. Confusion during past attacks in Kenya cost lives.

This time, the response was far better, partly thanks to Flare, a new ride-hailing app whose ambulances were first to the dusitD2 hotel and office complex hit by Somalia's al Shabaab.

"Flare was telling us what is happening, how to position our ambulances, how to evacuate, how to ask for additional resources," said Kelvin Osano, ambulance fleet manager at the nearby private Avenue Hospital where the injured poured in.

The four gunmen and a suicide bomber killed 21 people, just around the corner from another al Shabaab attack in 2013 that took 67 lives at the Westgate shopping centre.

Back then, the medical response was "horrible," Osano said.

There was no triage at the scene. Bleeding patients were bundled into vehicles without being stabilised. A security cordon prevented ambulances from coming close to victims.

But at the hotel complex, ambulances scrambled by Flare - run by the Rescue.co company - arrived quickly after panicked calls from subscribers who had paid the 2,400 shillings ($24) annual fee. The first ambulance came within 12 minutes, and by the hour 20 were there.

Eric Ogot, a former nurse who mans the Rescue.co hotline, gave first aid by phone to office workers hiding as gunmen roamed. He helped triage patients remotely and assigned drivers. "Our job would be to try and be the calming presence," he said.

In the absence of official information, Flare's emergency number raced across Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

Soon, it was not just individuals or business customers calling, but relatives of the missing too.

The nearby Australian High Commission agreed to be an ambulance staging post for Flare.

Police fed Rescue.co information.

Peter Koome, a paramedic with charity St. John Ambulance, said the improved coordination, along with better training and access, certainly helped save lives.

Of 30 people badly wounded, all but two survived.

Americans Caitlin Dolkart and Maria Rabinovich founded Rescue.co in 2016. The Flare app works like ride-hailing and food-delivery services and now has tens of thousands of subscribers and 500 ambulances across Kenya.

Whereas Kenyans with an emergency are used to calling their closest hospital and ambulances often become ensnared in traffic, Flare streamlines services by monitoring ambulance locations and traffic conditions in real time. Dolkart said it hopes to expand, both around the region and into fire and security services - building on its experience at dusitD2.

Just minutes after militants attacked a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi last month, the first ambulances roared up to collect wounded survivors. Speedy medical help is taken for granted in the West, but many developing nations do not have centralised emergency command.

Just minutes after militants attacked a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi last month, the first ambulances roared up to collect wounded survivors. Speedy medical help is taken for granted in the West, but many developing nations do not have centralised emergency command. Confusion during past attacks in Kenya cost lives. This time, the response was far better, partly thanks to Flare, a new ride-hailing app whose ambulances were first to the dusitD2 hotel and office complex hit by Somalia's al Shabaab. "Flare was telling us what is happening, how to position our ambulances, how to evacuate, how to ask for additional resources," said Kelvin Osano, ambulance fleet manager at the nearby private Avenue Hospital where the injured poured in. The four gunmen and a suicide bomber killed 21 people, just around the corner from another al Shabaab attack in 2013 that took 67 lives at the Westgate shopping centre. Back then, the medical response was "horrible," Osano said. There was no triage at the scene. Bleeding patients were bundled into vehicles without being stabilised. A security cordon prevented ambulances from coming close to victims. But at the hotel complex, ambulances scrambled by Flare - run by the Rescue.co company - arrived quickly after panicked calls from subscribers who had paid the 2,400 shillings ($24) annual fee. The first ambulance came within 12 minutes, and by the hour 20 were there. Eric Ogot, a former nurse who mans the Rescue.co hotline, gave first aid by phone to office workers hiding as gunmen roamed. He helped triage patients remotely and assigned drivers. "Our job would be to try and be the calming presence," he said. In the absence of official information, Flare's emergency number raced across Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. Soon, it was not just individuals or business customers calling, but relatives of the missing too. The nearby Australian High Commission agreed to be an ambulance staging post for Flare. Police fed Rescue.co information. Peter Koome, a paramedic with charity St. John Ambulance, said the improved coordination, along with better training and access, certainly helped save lives. Of 30 people badly wounded, all but two survived. Americans Caitlin Dolkart and Maria Rabinovich founded Rescue.co in 2016. The Flare app works like ride-hailing and food-delivery services and now has tens of thousands of subscribers and 500 ambulances across Kenya. Whereas Kenyans with an emergency are used to calling their closest hospital and ambulances often become ensnared in traffic, Flare streamlines services by monitoring ambulance locations and traffic conditions in real time. Dolkart said it hopes to expand, both around the region and into fire and security services - building on its experience at dusitD2.

Kenya's ambulance 'Uber' at heart of siege rescue

In pictures: The week that was

Al-Shabaab: How Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked terror outfit terrorises Africa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-defeat-in-parliament-pm-theresa-mays-government-to-face-no-confidence-vote-today-190589">After Brexit defeat in Parliament, PM Theresa May's government to face </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-defeat-in-parliament-pm-theresa-mays-government-to-face-no-confidence-vote-today-190589">no-confidence</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-defeat-in-parliament-pm-theresa-mays-government-to-face-no-confidence-vote-today-190589"> vote today</a>

Labour opposition party&nbsp;Jeremy Corbyn has submitted a motion&nbsp;of asserting that the Conservative government led by PM Theresa&nbsp;May has suffered a "catastrophic&nbsp;defeat"&nbsp;who will now face a vote of "no confidence". The vote is due to take place today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-claims-responsibility-for-kenya-hotel-attack-report-190592">Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for Kenya hotel attack: Report</a>

The Al-Shabaab Islamist group in Somalia on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gunmen-storm-kenya-hotel-compound-somalia-islamists-claim-attack-190553">claimed responsibility for the attack&nbsp;</a>in the Kenyan capital, according to the SITE Intelligence Group which monitors jihadist activities, newswire AFP reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-already-leads-the-world-in-some-military-technology-pentagon-report-190597">China already leads the world in some military technology: Pentagon report</a>

China is on the cusp of fielding some of the&nbsp;world's most advanced weapons systems&nbsp;-- and in some cases already has surpassed its rivals, a Pentagon assessment released Tuesday found.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment-news/rihanna-sues-dad-to-keep-hands-off-her-fenty-trademark-190594">Rihanna sues dad to keep hands off her Fenty trademark</a>

Rihanna&nbsp;has sued her father for trading on her Fenty brand name and suggesting that a business venture he set up in 2017 is associated with her.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mcdonalds-loses-big-mac-trademark-case-to-irish-chain-supermacs-190596">McDonald's loses 'Big Mac' trademark case to Irish chain Supermac's</a>

McDonald's Corp has lost its rights to the trademark "Big Mac" in a European Union case ruling in favour of Ireland-based fast-food chain Supermac's, according to a decision by European regulators.

&nbsp;

After Brexit defeat in Parliament, PM Theresa May's government to face no-confidence vote today Labour opposition party Jeremy Corbyn has submitted a motion of asserting that the Conservative government led by PM Theresa May has suffered a "catastrophic defeat" who will now face a vote of "no confidence".

After Brexit defeat in Parliament, PM Theresa May's government to face no-confidence vote today Labour opposition party Jeremy Corbyn has submitted a motion of asserting that the Conservative government led by PM Theresa May has suffered a "catastrophic defeat" who will now face a vote of "no confidence". The vote is due to take place today. Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for Kenya hotel attack: Report The Al-Shabaab Islamist group in Somalia on Tuesday claimed responsibility for the attack in the Kenyan capital, according to the SITE Intelligence Group which monitors jihadist activities, newswire AFP reported. China already leads the world in some military technology: Pentagon report China is on the cusp of fielding some of the world's most advanced weapons systems -- and in some cases already has surpassed its rivals, a Pentagon assessment released Tuesday found. Rihanna sues dad to keep hands off her Fenty trademark Rihanna has sued her father for trading on her Fenty brand name and suggesting that a business venture he set up in 2017 is associated with her. McDonald's loses 'Big Mac' trademark case to Irish chain Supermac's McDonald's Corp has lost its rights to the trademark "Big Mac" in a European Union case ruling in favour of Ireland-based fast-food chain Supermac's, according to a decision by European regulators.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Nairobi Terror attack: At least 15 killed in attack at Kenya hotel complex

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said Wednesday that Islamists who stormed an upmarket hotel complex, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cctv-gunmen-enter-nairobi-hotel-at-least-15-killed-in-attack-190625">killing 14 people</a>, had been "eliminated" after an almost 20-hour siege in which hundreds of civilians were rescued.

At least one suicide bomber blew himself up and gunmen engaged security forces in numerous shootouts during the assault on the DusitD2 compound, which includes a 101-room hotel, spa, restaurant and office buildings.

The attack was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Somali group Al-Shabaab, which has repeatedly targeted Kenya since it sent its army into Somalia in October 2011 to fight the jihadist group.

The sight of armed Islamists and terrified civilians fleeing reminded Kenyans of a 2013 Shabaab attack on the Westgate mall left 67 dead in a siege that stretched out over four days and led to sharp criticism of the security response.

In a televised address, Kenyatta said some 700 civilians had been evacuated throughout the attack at DusitD2, with the swift and effective work from security forces drawing widespread praise in local media.

"I can confirm that... The security operation at Dusit complex is over and all the terrorists eliminated," Kenyatta said in a televised address to the nation.

"As of this moment, we have confirmation that 14 innocent lives were lost to the... Terrorists, with others injured." Police sources and a mortuary official had previously reported 15 dead.

It was not immediately clear how many attackers there were in total. 
CCTV footage broadcast on local media showed four black-clad, heavily armed men entering the complex on Tuesday afternoon.

At least one of them blew himself up at the start of the attack. A police source said two attackers had been shot dead Wednesday morning after a prolonged shootout.

"The two have red bandanas tied around their forehead and bullets strapped around their chest with several magazines each," the senior police officer said.

"Each had an AK47 which has been secured." - Briton, American among dead.

The attack began at about 3 pm&nbsp;on Tuesday afternoon, with a loud blast followed by gunfire and rapid calls for help spreading on Twitter.

Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinnet said the attack began with an explosion targeting three cars in the parking lot and a suicide bombing in the foyer of the Dusit hotel.

Among the dead was an American citizen, a State Department official said.

A mortuary official said there were also 11 Kenyan victims, a British victim, one with no papers as well as an unidentified torso of a male adult.

It was a tormented night for families of those trapped as they waited outside the hotel, with sporadic gunfire ringing out, and the rescue of dozens of people at about 3:30 am.

Explosions and gunfire intensified from dawn until police managed to secure the complex mid-morning.

As the first explosion and gunfire rang out in the leafy Westlands suburb, hundreds of terrified office workers barricaded themselves in the complex while others fled.

Distraught family members arrived at a nearby mortuary on Wednesday,&nbsp;where they said they had not been permitted to view the bodies.

"My sister is not in any of the hospitals and the last time we spoke she was a bit calm but suddenly she started crying and shouting and I could hear gunshots and her phone remained on but she wasn't speaking," said a woman who gave her name as Njoki.

"We have no doubt her body is here. Let them allow us in", she said, weeping.

A number of heavily-armed foreign forces, who appeared to be from embassies based in Nairobi, were at the scene alongside Kenyan security officers.

One survivor rescued from the building told a local television station the attackers were "very confident; they were people who knew what they were doing".

John Maingi said there had been "a flash of lights and a loud bang" at the Secret Garden restaurant where he works.

"When I peeped outside I saw a human leg which has been cut off. We hid in the room and then some police officers rescued us," he said.

Reuben Kimani, a barista who was rescued after several hours trapped inside the hotel, said he recognised one of the attackers as a client.

"I knew one of them because he had a big scar on one of his hands," he said. "I saw them. They shot six of my friends, four didn't die but two succumbed."&nbsp;

An editorial in the Daily Nation newspaper said the attack was a stark reminder that Kenya's security challenges were far from over.

The last major attack in the country took place in 2015, when Shabaab killed 148 people at the university in Garissa, eastern Kenya.

Since then sporadic attacks have targeted security forces mostly in the remote northeastern parts of the country.

"Just when we thought that things were calm, the gangs unleashed mayhem. For Kenyans, the chilling reality is that the attacks are not ceasing," read the editorial.

In its statement, Shabaab noted the attack came exactly three years after its fighters overran a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing some 200 soldiers.

The government has refused to give a toll or disclose details about the attack.&nbsp;

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said Wednesday that Islamists who stormed an upmarket hotel complex, killing 14 people, had been "eliminated" after an almost 20-hour siege in which hundreds of civilians were rescued.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said Wednesday that Islamists who stormed an upmarket hotel complex, killing 14 people, had been "eliminated" after an almost 20-hour siege in which hundreds of civilians were rescued. At least one suicide bomber blew himself up and gunmen engaged security forces in numerous shootouts during the assault on the DusitD2 compound, which includes a 101-room hotel, spa, restaurant and office buildings. The attack was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Somali group Al-Shabaab, which has repeatedly targeted Kenya since it sent its army into Somalia in October 2011 to fight the jihadist group. The sight of armed Islamists and terrified civilians fleeing reminded Kenyans of a 2013 Shabaab attack on the Westgate mall left 67 dead in a siege that stretched out over four days and led to sharp criticism of the security response. In a televised address, Kenyatta said some 700 civilians had been evacuated throughout the attack at DusitD2, with the swift and effective work from security forces drawing widespread praise in local media. "I can confirm that... The security operation at Dusit complex is over and all the terrorists eliminated," Kenyatta said in a televised address to the nation. "As of this moment, we have confirmation that 14 innocent lives were lost to the... Terrorists, with others injured." Police sources and a mortuary official had previously reported 15 dead. It was not immediately clear how many attackers there were in total. CCTV footage broadcast on local media showed four black-clad, heavily armed men entering the complex on Tuesday afternoon. At least one of them blew himself up at the start of the attack. A police source said two attackers had been shot dead Wednesday morning after a prolonged shootout. "The two have red bandanas tied around their forehead and bullets strapped around their chest with several magazines each," the senior police officer said. "Each had an AK47 which has been secured." - Briton, American among dead. The attack began at about 3 pm on Tuesday afternoon, with a loud blast followed by gunfire and rapid calls for help spreading on Twitter. Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinnet said the attack began with an explosion targeting three cars in the parking lot and a suicide bombing in the foyer of the Dusit hotel. Among the dead was an American citizen, a State Department official said. A mortuary official said there were also 11 Kenyan victims, a British victim, one with no papers as well as an unidentified torso of a male adult. It was a tormented night for families of those trapped as they waited outside the hotel, with sporadic gunfire ringing out, and the rescue of dozens of people at about 3:30 am. Explosions and gunfire intensified from dawn until police managed to secure the complex mid-morning. As the first explosion and gunfire rang out in the leafy Westlands suburb, hundreds of terrified office workers barricaded themselves in the complex while others fled. Distraught family members arrived at a nearby mortuary on Wednesday, where they said they had not been permitted to view the bodies. "My sister is not in any of the hospitals and the last time we spoke she was a bit calm but suddenly she started crying and shouting and I could hear gunshots and her phone remained on but she wasn't speaking," said a woman who gave her name as Njoki. "We have no doubt her body is here. Let them allow us in", she said, weeping. A number of heavily-armed foreign forces, who appeared to be from embassies based in Nairobi, were at the scene alongside Kenyan security officers. One survivor rescued from the building told a local television station the attackers were "very confident; they were people who knew what they were doing". John Maingi said there had been "a flash of lights and a loud bang" at the Secret Garden restaurant where he works. "When I peeped outside I saw a human leg which has been cut off. We hid in the room and then some police officers rescued us," he said. Reuben Kimani, a barista who was rescued after several hours trapped inside the hotel, said he recognised one of the attackers as a client. "I knew one of them because he had a big scar on one of his hands," he said. "I saw them. They shot six of my friends, four didn't die but two succumbed." An editorial in the Daily Nation newspaper said the attack was a stark reminder that Kenya's security challenges were far from over. The last major attack in the country took place in 2015, when Shabaab killed 148 people at the university in Garissa, eastern Kenya. Since then sporadic attacks have targeted security forces mostly in the remote northeastern parts of the country. "Just when we thought that things were calm, the gangs unleashed mayhem. For Kenyans, the chilling reality is that the attacks are not ceasing," read the editorial. In its statement, Shabaab noted the attack came exactly three years after its fighters overran a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing some 200 soldiers. The government has refused to give a toll or disclose details about the attack.

Nairobi hotel attack over after 20-hour siege, 14 dead: President Kenyatta

Two explosions and gunshots heard in upscale hotel in Nairobi

The CBI has registered two separate cases of illegal trafficking of women and children to the United States of America and Kenya, officials said Friday.&nbsp;

They said the first case has been registered on a complaint from the US embassy which reported that an attempt was made by a woman Gagan Gupta, in August last year, to take four minor children to that country allegedly using assumed identities of four students of St Joseph's Convent in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district in Punjab.

The passports of the students were given to the children who were allegedly to be trafficked to the United States, the inquiry found.

The embassy said that the staff of United Airlines-83 flight stopped them from boarding the flight as the faces of four children did match with their photographs in the passport, they said.

However, their passports were not seized and they were allowed to leave the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the officials said.

The airline staff did not contact the local police but it provided photos of the minor subjects, of the passports and the airline tickets to the embassy officials, they said.

During inquiry by the embassy, it surfaced visas issued to the kids were part of a school group from St Joseph Convent for which a trip to the United States was organised by Click Education Services Pvt Limited.

The school was allegedly sending its students for a cultural trip to the US for which the passports of student and staff were collected by an agent promising them to help in the visa process.

The agent allegedly tried to send four of its clients on the assumed identity by providing them passports of the students to whom the visas were issued for the cultural trip.

The embassy officials managed to locate one of the children in Hoshiarpur who were attempting to travel on assumed identity.

During the inquiry his father admitted that an agent Balraj Khera of Kings Punjab Travel had allegedly demanded Rs 30.05 lakh from him if his son is successfully able to reach the US, the complaint alleged.

Based on the complaint received in February this year, the CBI started its preliminary enquiry which found that Gagan Gupta was allegedly attempting to traffic four children under assumed identities and passports of four students of St Joseph's Convent aged 13-15 years.

The passports of four school children studying in St Joseph's Convent in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (formerly Nawanshahr) district in Punjab were given to the children who were allegedly to be trafficked to the United States, the inquiry found.

Gupta allegedly misrepresented her self as the Principal of the school, he said.

The principal of the school told the CBI that an agent Chetan Sabharwal had approached his school for facilitating the cultural trip and kept passports of teachers, students in his possession during the visa process.

Following the enquiry the CBI has booked, agents Balraj Khera of Kings Punjab Travels in Jalandhar, Gagan Gupta, a resident of Pathankot in Gurdaspur district, Chetan Sabharwal of Click Education Services, Chandigarh, his employee Lovepreet Singh and Tilak Raj.

The second case has been registered on a complaint from the External Affairs Ministry that Indian embassy in Nairobi, Kenya has rescued three young girls who were allegedly trafficked to Mombassa on the pretext of giving employment as dancers but were coerced into prostitution,&nbsp;

The girls were taken to Nairobi by Shama Javaid Deen, a Kenyan national and an agent Aryan who allegedly ran an "organised crime syndicate" which involved her family members too.

"It appears that the above mentioned persons are running a human trafficking network by pushing young Indian girls into prostitution abroad with a false promise of good job and salary", Col Rahul Dutt, Director (Overseas Employment) said in complaint in March, 2018.&nbsp;

The complaint said that the girls were rescued during a raid by Kenyan police special cell last year in a dance bar from where these girls were rescued and were brought to Delhi on January 2, 2018.

"They were forced to consume alcohol and smoke against their will and were also being coerced to enter into prostitution. They were being physically and mentally tortured and threatened not to inform anybody otherwise they would be implicated in false cases," it said.

After conducting a preliminary enquiry, the agency registered a case of criminal conspiracy and sexual exploitation under immoral trafficking prevention act against a Ludhiana based agent Kala alias Emmnuel Masih and a Delhi based agent Aryan.

The CBI has registered two separate cases of illegal trafficking of women and children to the United States of America and Kenya, officials said Friday. They said the first case has been registered on a complaint from the US embassy which reported that an attempt was made by a woman Gagan Gupta, in August last year, to take four minor children to that country allegedly using assumed identities of four students of St Joseph's Convent in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district in Punjab.

The CBI has registered two separate cases of illegal trafficking of women and children to the United States of America and Kenya, officials said Friday. They said the first case has been registered on a complaint from the US embassy which reported that an attempt was made by a woman Gagan Gupta, in August last year, to take four minor children to that country allegedly using assumed identities of four students of St Joseph's Convent in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district in Punjab. The passports of the students were given to the children who were allegedly to be trafficked to the United States, the inquiry found. The embassy said that the staff of United Airlines-83 flight stopped them from boarding the flight as the faces of four children did match with their photographs in the passport, they said. However, their passports were not seized and they were allowed to leave the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the officials said. The airline staff did not contact the local police but it provided photos of the minor subjects, of the passports and the airline tickets to the embassy officials, they said. During inquiry by the embassy, it surfaced visas issued to the kids were part of a school group from St Joseph Convent for which a trip to the United States was organised by Click Education Services Pvt Limited. The school was allegedly sending its students for a cultural trip to the US for which the passports of student and staff were collected by an agent promising them to help in the visa process. The agent allegedly tried to send four of its clients on the assumed identity by providing them passports of the students to whom the visas were issued for the cultural trip. The embassy officials managed to locate one of the children in Hoshiarpur who were attempting to travel on assumed identity. During the inquiry his father admitted that an agent Balraj Khera of Kings Punjab Travel had allegedly demanded Rs 30.05 lakh from him if his son is successfully able to reach the US, the complaint alleged. Based on the complaint received in February this year, the CBI started its preliminary enquiry which found that Gagan Gupta was allegedly attempting to traffic four children under assumed identities and passports of four students of St Joseph's Convent aged 13-15 years. The passports of four school children studying in St Joseph's Convent in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (formerly Nawanshahr) district in Punjab were given to the children who were allegedly to be trafficked to the United States, the inquiry found. Gupta allegedly misrepresented her self as the Principal of the school, he said. The principal of the school told the CBI that an agent Chetan Sabharwal had approached his school for facilitating the cultural trip and kept passports of teachers, students in his possession during the visa process. Following the enquiry the CBI has booked, agents Balraj Khera of Kings Punjab Travels in Jalandhar, Gagan Gupta, a resident of Pathankot in Gurdaspur district, Chetan Sabharwal of Click Education Services, Chandigarh, his employee Lovepreet Singh and Tilak Raj. The second case has been registered on a complaint from the External Affairs Ministry that Indian embassy in Nairobi, Kenya has rescued three young girls who were allegedly trafficked to Mombassa on the pretext of giving employment as dancers but were coerced into prostitution, The girls were taken to Nairobi by Shama Javaid Deen, a Kenyan national and an agent Aryan who allegedly ran an "organised crime syndicate" which involved her family members too. "It appears that the above mentioned persons are running a human trafficking network by pushing young Indian girls into prostitution abroad with a false promise of good job and salary", Col Rahul Dutt, Director (Overseas Employment) said in complaint in March, 2018. The complaint said that the girls were rescued during a raid by Kenyan police special cell last year in a dance bar from where these girls were rescued and were brought to Delhi on January 2, 2018. "They were forced to consume alcohol and smoke against their will and were also being coerced to enter into prostitution. They were being physically and mentally tortured and threatened not to inform anybody otherwise they would be implicated in false cases," it said. After conducting a preliminary enquiry, the agency registered a case of criminal conspiracy and sexual exploitation under immoral trafficking prevention act against a Ludhiana based agent Kala alias Emmnuel Masih and a Delhi based agent Aryan.

CBI registers two cases of illegal trafficking of minors to US, Kenya

Gunmen kidnapped an Italian volunteer and shot and wounded four people in Kenya late on Tuesday in an attack that has sparked fears of an upsurge in activity by militant Islamists.

Police and residents said men armed with AK-47 rifles seized the 23-year-old from a guesthouse in Chakama, a small town south of the border with Somalia and near the coast Police said no group had claimed responsibility.

The Italian charity the woman was working for, Africa Milele, posted a short message on its website saying: "There are no words to comment on what is happening. Silvia, we are all with you." The group says it helps orphaned children.

Tourism is vital for Kenya`s economy but it suffered in the early part of the decade because of a series of abductions and attacks blamed on Somali militant group al Shabaab that culminated in a raid on a shopping mall in Nairobi in 2013 in which more than 60 people were killed.

The industry has since recovered and authorities say they have taken steps to thwart fresh attacks.&nbsp;

Two witnesses told Reuters they heard the gunmen speaking Somali. "There were three attackers and they targeted the Italian lady," said Chad Joshua Kazungu.

Ronald Kazungu, who helped the Italian volunteer by documenting her work through photography, said the gunmen made it clear she was their target.

Six of them followed her to her room at a guesthouse where she was staying and Kazungu failed in his attempt to protect her after one gunman, who was holding the volunteer by her throat, hit him with a club when he tried to intervene.&nbsp;

The attackers opened fire as they left, hitting two children, two teenagers and a man. One of the children, 10-year-old boy, was shot in the eye and a 12-year-old was hit in the thigh, police said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday a police helicopter circled over the green and yellow guesthouse.&nbsp;

"SMALL SHAKE-UP"

Tour operators said the attack would have only a limited impact on the sector.

"The European market might have a small shake-up but Malindi is 500 km from Nairobi so I don`t expect the safari industry to be affected," said Robert Katithi, sales director from Go Kenya Tours and Safaris.&nbsp;

Chakama in Kilifi region is 60 km (40 miles) inland from the coastal resort of Malindi. In 2011 and 2012 there were a series of abductions by al Shabaab, a group linked to al Qaeda, closer to the border with Somalia.

Gunmen grabbed a wheelchair-bound French woman from her home on the northern island of Manda in 2011 weeks after pirates killed a British man and kidnapped his wife from another resort island. The French woman died while she was still being held, while the English woman was released after a ransom was paid.

At the time, the government blamed al Shabaab, which has launched attacks inside Kenya in retaliation for its military interventions in Somalia. The militants denied responsibility.

Armed men kidnapped four aid workers and killed a driver at Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp in 2012.

The Italian foreign ministry said it was looking into reports of Wednesday`s attack.

Gunmen kidnapped an Italian volunteer and shot and wounded four people in Kenya late on Tuesday in an attack that has sparked fears of an upsurge in activity by militant Islamists.

Gunmen kidnapped an Italian volunteer and shot and wounded four people in Kenya late on Tuesday in an attack that has sparked fears of an upsurge in activity by militant Islamists. Police and residents said men armed with AK-47 rifles seized the 23-year-old from a guesthouse in Chakama, a small town south of the border with Somalia and near the coast Police said no group had claimed responsibility. The Italian charity the woman was working for, Africa Milele, posted a short message on its website saying: "There are no words to comment on what is happening. Silvia, we are all with you." The group says it helps orphaned children. Tourism is vital for Kenya`s economy but it suffered in the early part of the decade because of a series of abductions and attacks blamed on Somali militant group al Shabaab that culminated in a raid on a shopping mall in Nairobi in 2013 in which more than 60 people were killed. The industry has since recovered and authorities say they have taken steps to thwart fresh attacks. Two witnesses told Reuters they heard the gunmen speaking Somali. "There were three attackers and they targeted the Italian lady," said Chad Joshua Kazungu. Ronald Kazungu, who helped the Italian volunteer by documenting her work through photography, said the gunmen made it clear she was their target. Six of them followed her to her room at a guesthouse where she was staying and Kazungu failed in his attempt to protect her after one gunman, who was holding the volunteer by her throat, hit him with a club when he tried to intervene. The attackers opened fire as they left, hitting two children, two teenagers and a man. One of the children, 10-year-old boy, was shot in the eye and a 12-year-old was hit in the thigh, police said. On Wednesday a police helicopter circled over the green and yellow guesthouse. "SMALL SHAKE-UP" Tour operators said the attack would have only a limited impact on the sector. "The European market might have a small shake-up but Malindi is 500 km from Nairobi so I don`t expect the safari industry to be affected," said Robert Katithi, sales director from Go Kenya Tours and Safaris. Chakama in Kilifi region is 60 km (40 miles) inland from the coastal resort of Malindi. In 2011 and 2012 there were a series of abductions by al Shabaab, a group linked to al Qaeda, closer to the border with Somalia. Gunmen grabbed a wheelchair-bound French woman from her home on the northern island of Manda in 2011 weeks after pirates killed a British man and kidnapped his wife from another resort island. The French woman died while she was still being held, while the English woman was released after a ransom was paid. At the time, the government blamed al Shabaab, which has launched attacks inside Kenya in retaliation for its military interventions in Somalia. The militants denied responsibility. Armed men kidnapped four aid workers and killed a driver at Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp in 2012. The Italian foreign ministry said it was looking into reports of Wednesday`s attack.

Gunmen kidnap Italian volunteer and shoot children near Kenya's coast

The death toll from a crowded ferry capsizing in Lake Victoria rose sharply to 207 Saturday, a Tanzanian minister said, as rescue workers found a lucky survivor.&nbsp;

Public radio quoted the transport minister as updating the number of dead from 170 earlier in the day.

Joseph Mkundi, a lawmaker for the Ukerewe district, told AFP there were 41 known survivors among the passengers of the MV Nyerere -- a ferry built to carry 100 people, according to state media.

It capsized on Thursday close to the pier on Ukara Island.

Although hopes were fading of finding any more survivors by day three of the search effort, workers rescued an engineer who had managed to locate a pocket of air in the vessel.

According to Mkundi, the engineer had shut himself into a "special room".

Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Friday ordered the arrest of ferry management.

Witnesses told AFP the ferry sank when passengers rushed to one side to disembark as it approached the dock. Others blamed the captain, saying he had made a brusque manoeuvre.

In a speech broadcast on TBC 1 public television, Magufuli said "it appears clear that the ferry was overloaded."

He added: "negligence has cost us so many lives... children, mothers, students, old people.

"I ordered the arrest of all those involved in the management of the ferry. The arrests have already begun," he added.

National mourning

The president declared four days of national mourning and said the government would cover the funeral expenses of the victims.

State television cited witnesses reporting that more than 200 people had boarded the ferry at Bugolora, a town on the larger Ukerewe Island. It was market day, which usually sees the vessel packed with people and goods.

"I have not heard from either my father or my younger brother who were on the ferry. They had gone to the market in Bugolora to buy a school uniform and other supplies for the new school term," said Domina Maua, among those seeking information about loved ones.

Sebastian John, a teacher, said such tragedies had become part of life for those living on the lake.

"Since my birth, people have gone to their deaths on this lake, but what are we to do? We did not choose to be born here, we have nowhere to go," he said.

Overloading and 'negligence'&nbsp;

Tanzania's Electrical, Mechanical and Services Agency, which is responsible for ferry services, said it was unknown how many passengers were aboard the MV Nyerere.

The ageing vessel, whose hull and propellers were all that remained visible after it overturned, was also carrying cargo, including sacks of maize, bananas and cement, when it capsized about 50 metres (55 yards) from Ukara dock.

The cause of the accident was not immediately clear, but overloading is frequently to blame for such incidents.

The country's opposition has accused the government of "negligence".

"We have often raised concerns about the poor condition of this ferry, but the government turned a deaf ear. We have repeatedly denounced this negligence," said John Mnyika, deputy secretary general of Chadema, the main opposition party.&nbsp; 
Mnyika said overloading was "another failure of the authorities" and criticised "inadequate relief efforts as well as delays" in the rescue operation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Uganda and Kenya offered their condolences, while Pope Francis in a statement expressed "the greatest solidarity with those who have been bereaved".

With a surface area of 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles), oval-shaped Lake Victoria is roughly the size of Ireland and is shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.

It is not uncommon for ferries to capsize in the massive lake, and the number of fatalities is often high due to a shortage of life jackets and the fact that many people in the region cannot swim. 
&nbsp;

The death toll from a crowded ferry capsizing in Lake Victoria rose sharply to 207 Saturday, a Tanzanian minister said, as rescue workers found a lucky survivor.

The death toll from a crowded ferry capsizing in Lake Victoria rose sharply to 207 Saturday, a Tanzanian minister said, as rescue workers found a lucky survivor. Public radio quoted the transport minister as updating the number of dead from 170 earlier in the day. Joseph Mkundi, a lawmaker for the Ukerewe district, told AFP there were 41 known survivors among the passengers of the MV Nyerere -- a ferry built to carry 100 people, according to state media. It capsized on Thursday close to the pier on Ukara Island. Although hopes were fading of finding any more survivors by day three of the search effort, workers rescued an engineer who had managed to locate a pocket of air in the vessel. According to Mkundi, the engineer had shut himself into a "special room". Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Friday ordered the arrest of ferry management. Witnesses told AFP the ferry sank when passengers rushed to one side to disembark as it approached the dock. Others blamed the captain, saying he had made a brusque manoeuvre. In a speech broadcast on TBC 1 public television, Magufuli said "it appears clear that the ferry was overloaded." He added: "negligence has cost us so many lives... children, mothers, students, old people. "I ordered the arrest of all those involved in the management of the ferry. The arrests have already begun," he added. National mourning The president declared four days of national mourning and said the government would cover the funeral expenses of the victims. State television cited witnesses reporting that more than 200 people had boarded the ferry at Bugolora, a town on the larger Ukerewe Island. It was market day, which usually sees the vessel packed with people and goods. "I have not heard from either my father or my younger brother who were on the ferry. They had gone to the market in Bugolora to buy a school uniform and other supplies for the new school term," said Domina Maua, among those seeking information about loved ones. Sebastian John, a teacher, said such tragedies had become part of life for those living on the lake. "Since my birth, people have gone to their deaths on this lake, but what are we to do? We did not choose to be born here, we have nowhere to go," he said. Overloading and 'negligence' Tanzania's Electrical, Mechanical and Services Agency, which is responsible for ferry services, said it was unknown how many passengers were aboard the MV Nyerere. The ageing vessel, whose hull and propellers were all that remained visible after it overturned, was also carrying cargo, including sacks of maize, bananas and cement, when it capsized about 50 metres (55 yards) from Ukara dock. The cause of the accident was not immediately clear, but overloading is frequently to blame for such incidents. The country's opposition has accused the government of "negligence". "We have often raised concerns about the poor condition of this ferry, but the government turned a deaf ear. We have repeatedly denounced this negligence," said John Mnyika, deputy secretary general of Chadema, the main opposition party. Mnyika said overloading was "another failure of the authorities" and criticised "inadequate relief efforts as well as delays" in the rescue operation. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Uganda and Kenya offered their condolences, while Pope Francis in a statement expressed "the greatest solidarity with those who have been bereaved". With a surface area of 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles), oval-shaped Lake Victoria is roughly the size of Ireland and is shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. It is not uncommon for ferries to capsize in the massive lake, and the number of fatalities is often high due to a shortage of life jackets and the fact that many people in the region cannot swim.

Death toll in capsized ferry in Tanzania's Lake Victoria rises to 207

Indian football skipper Sunil Chhetri struck twice to beat Kenya 2-0 as India lifted&nbsp;the Intercontinental Cup 2018.

Chhetri was at his very best during the final game as he went on to hit&nbsp;a goal in the 8th minute at the Mumbai Football Arena.&nbsp;

It was off a ricochet during a free-kick from outside the box. Sunil was at the right place at the right time and then his finish is next to none. He found the back of the net to get India in the lead.

The second goal took Sunil on equal terms with Messi in the highest number of international goals scored by active players list.&nbsp;

Sunil needing another goal could not find it in the first half as India went into half-time with a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

The two goals today makes it 8, his highest number of goals in a tournament.&nbsp;

Minutes before the break, India had the chance to make it three when they were awarded a free-kick from a lethal position. Stepping up for the free-kick, Chhetri, however, sent the ball over the crossbar.

The second-half started off with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu showcasing his skills as he pulled off a stunning save in the 48th minute.&nbsp;

Kenya’s Ovella Ochieng released a shot from inside the box which saw Sandhu diving to his right to deny Kenya a way back into the tie.

Gurpreet stole much of the limelight of the latter half with his saves which kept India’s lead intact.&nbsp; At the final whistle, the Blue Tigers got the better of Harambee Stars to clinch the championship.

Chhetri was at his very best during the final game. He scored in the 8th and the 29th minute

Indian football skipper Sunil Chhetri struck twice to beat Kenya 2-0 as India lifted the Intercontinental Cup 2018. Chhetri was at his very best during the final game as he went on to hit a goal in the 8th minute at the Mumbai Football Arena. It was off a ricochet during a free-kick from outside the box. Sunil was at the right place at the right time and then his finish is next to none. He found the back of the net to get India in the lead. The second goal took Sunil on equal terms with Messi in the highest number of international goals scored by active players list. Sunil needing another goal could not find it in the first half as India went into half-time with a 2-0 lead. The two goals today makes it 8, his highest number of goals in a tournament. Minutes before the break, India had the chance to make it three when they were awarded a free-kick from a lethal position. Stepping up for the free-kick, Chhetri, however, sent the ball over the crossbar. The second-half started off with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu showcasing his skills as he pulled off a stunning save in the 48th minute. Kenya’s Ovella Ochieng released a shot from inside the box which saw Sandhu diving to his right to deny Kenya a way back into the tie. Gurpreet stole much of the limelight of the latter half with his saves which kept India’s lead intact. At the final whistle, the Blue Tigers got the better of Harambee Stars to clinch the championship.

India beat Kenya 2-0 to lift Intercontinental Cup, Chhetri scores both goals

India will face Kenya in the summit showdown of the Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai on Sunday.

In their previous clash, India had beaten Kenya 3-0 in the league game at the Mumbai Football Arena. The game was also skipper Sunil Chhetri's 100th appearance and the Indian captain did not disappoint the audience by scoring two goals.&nbsp

The team will look to replicate the performance of their league game against the African side again.&nbsp

Today's game is also claimed to be a 'house full' match by the organisers.

The tournament is being used by hosts India as a preparatory ground for the AFC Asian Cup, to be held in January next year, and a win in the final will surely boost their confidence.&nbsp

India won two of their three league games easily, before losing their third to New Zealand.&nbsp

The 2-1 loss, though, could not change the fact that India have already entered the final of the tournament.

Coach Stephen Constantine, who made 7 changes in the New Zealand match, will be wary of the team’s flaws and gaps, while Kenya will look to exploit the same to take the revenge.&nbsp

India will still enter the final as favourites though, but will still need to be careful against Kenya, who might surprise them, just like the Kiwis did.

The match will be played at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai at 8:00 pm.&nbsp

Today's game is also claimed to be a 'house full' match by the organisers.

India will face Kenya in the summit showdown of the Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai on Sunday. In their previous clash, India had beaten Kenya 3-0 in the league game at the Mumbai Football Arena. The game was also skipper Sunil Chhetri's 100th appearance and the Indian captain did not disappoint the audience by scoring two goals. The team will look to replicate the performance of their league game against the African side again. Today's game is also claimed to be a 'house full' match by the organisers. The tournament is being used by hosts India as a preparatory ground for the AFC Asian Cup, to be held in January next year, and a win in the final will surely boost their confidence. India won two of their three league games easily, before losing their third to New Zealand. The 2-1 loss, though, could not change the fact that India have already entered the final of the tournament. Coach Stephen Constantine, who made 7 changes in the New Zealand match, will be wary of the team’s flaws and gaps, while Kenya will look to exploit the same to take the revenge. India will still enter the final as favourites though, but will still need to be careful against Kenya, who might surprise them, just like the Kiwis did. The match will be played at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai at 8:00 pm.

India aim to defeat Kenya again to win 2018 Intercontinental Cup

Sunil Chhetri had made an impassioned plea to all the Indian fans of football legends Lionel Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo in India and urged them to please come to watch the country play against Kenya.

With less than 10 days left for the football World Cup to begin, India's all-time highest goal-getter demanded some love and affection for&nbsp;the team.&nbsp;

Chhetri’s appeal left people on social media extremely emotional, resulting in a completely packed stadium during India's clash against Kenya.

Thousands of people turned up to support the team in their international match on Monday after earlier matches saw scant attendance.

And Chhetri too did not disappoint the home crowd with two goals in his 100th international appearance as India won their second successive match of the Intercontinental Cup with a 3-0 victory.

As per a report, nearly 9,000 people were in attendance yesterday for the big clash.

Chhetri, who has earlier witnessed limited crowd to support the team, was overwhelmed after&nbsp;deafening chants of 'India' boomed from the stands.

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Super excited crowd not from where I'm seated. 'India! India!' goes the refrain as it nears time for match to start <a href="https://t.co/S1JFdKiyxO">pic.twitter.com/S1JFdKiyxO</a>
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/1003642317293547521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;supporters even chanted ‘Vande Mataram’ as the teams walked in.

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And now it's A R Rahman's 'Ma Tujhe Salaam'...tremendous atmosphere! <a href="https://t.co/TGh0Oh9sH2">pic.twitter.com/TGh0Oh9sH2</a>
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/1003644408909180929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rain may have cast a wet blanket over Sunil Chhetri’s 100th appearance in Team India’s blue jersey but the skipper made it memorable by scoring two goals.

After the game, the Blue Tigers walked up to the fans and acknowledged their presence, with the captain taking his players for a lap of honour as his proud family savoured the moment from the stands.

Chhetri also took to the Twitter to express his gratitude for the love and support the team received.

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We promise you that if that’s the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11/status/1003694651285442561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After India's thumping victory, several celebrities also wished him for the team's outstanding performance and Chhetri's 100th match.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chetrisunil11</a>: Thank you so much to the fans! You have no idea what this means. A little bit of appreciation goes a long way. We're going to give everything for our country. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvKEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvKEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhetri100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhetri100</a> <a href="https://t.co/75JK2aWIJ5">pic.twitter.com/75JK2aWIJ5</a>
— Aamir Khan⏺️ (@aamir_khann__) <a href="https://twitter.com/aamir_khann__/status/1003695161300303872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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WE ARE PROUD OF YOU CHAMP♥️♥️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunilChhetri?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunilChhetri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvKEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvKEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BleedBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BleedBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/sdgqUZAmpN">pic.twitter.com/sdgqUZAmpN</a>
— Manushi Chillar⏺️ (@Manushichillar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Manushichillar1/status/1003696152582111232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A special victory indeed. Well done, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>! Super achievement <a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chetrisunil11</a> on your 100th appearance and the 2 goals :-) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvKEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvKEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/bGn1mUPPdr">pic.twitter.com/bGn1mUPPdr</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1003717732343267328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While tickets were sold out, there were some empty seats in the nearly 10,000 capacity stadium as rains lashed Mumbai and players battled slushy on-field conditions.&nbsp;

The Intercontinental Cup 2018 is a tournament involving four nations- India, Kenya, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei.&nbsp;The tournament will act as a practice competition for India's AFC Asian Cup campaign and will also help in forming good relations with the other three countries.

Chhetri is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Indian national team and is an all-time top goalscorer with 61 goals in 100 appearances.

He started his professional career at the age of 17 when he signed a contract with India’s top club Mohun Bagan in 2002.

But he first got to don the India blues in 2005, when he was picked to play against Pakistan in a friendly match, in Pakistan where he scored his maiden international goal at the age of 20.&nbsp;

Thousands of people turned up to support the team in their international match on Monday after earlier matches saw scant attendance.

Sunil Chhetri had made an impassioned plea to all the Indian fans of football legends Lionel Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo in India and urged them to please come to watch the country play against Kenya. With less than 10 days left for the football World Cup to begin, India's all-time highest goal-getter demanded some love and affection for the team. Chhetri’s appeal left people on social media extremely emotional, resulting in a completely packed stadium during India's clash against Kenya. Thousands of people turned up to support the team in their international match on Monday after earlier matches saw scant attendance. And Chhetri too did not disappoint the home crowd with two goals in his 100th international appearance as India won their second successive match of the Intercontinental Cup with a 3-0 victory. As per a report, nearly 9,000 people were in attendance yesterday for the big clash. Chhetri, who has earlier witnessed limited crowd to support the team, was overwhelmed after deafening chants of 'India' boomed from the stands. Super excited crowd not from where I'm seated. 'India! India!' goes the refrain as it nears time for match to start pic.twitter.com/S1JFdKiyxO — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 4, 2018 × The supporters even chanted ‘Vande Mataram’ as the teams walked in. And now it's A R Rahman's 'Ma Tujhe Salaam'...tremendous atmosphere! pic.twitter.com/TGh0Oh9sH2 — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 4, 2018 × Rain may have cast a wet blanket over Sunil Chhetri’s 100th appearance in Team India’s blue jersey but the skipper made it memorable by scoring two goals. After the game, the Blue Tigers walked up to the fans and acknowledged their presence, with the captain taking his players for a lap of honour as his proud family savoured the moment from the stands. Chhetri also took to the Twitter to express his gratitude for the love and support the team received. We promise you that if that’s the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you! — Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 4, 2018 × After India's thumping victory, several celebrities also wished him for the team's outstanding performance and Chhetri's 100th match. .@chetrisunil11: Thank you so much to the fans! You have no idea what this means. A little bit of appreciation goes a long way. We're going to give everything for our country. #INDvKEN #BackTheBlue #Chhetri100 pic.twitter.com/75JK2aWIJ5 — Aamir Khan⏺️ (@aamir_khann__) June 4, 2018 × WE ARE PROUD OF YOU CHAMP♥️♥️#SunilChhetri #INDvKEN #BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/sdgqUZAmpN — Manushi Chillar⏺️ (@Manushichillar1) June 4, 2018 × A special victory indeed. Well done, #TeamIndia! Super achievement @chetrisunil11 on your 100th appearance and the 2 goals :-) #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/bGn1mUPPdr — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 4, 2018 × While tickets were sold out, there were some empty seats in the nearly 10,000 capacity stadium as rains lashed Mumbai and players battled slushy on-field conditions. The Intercontinental Cup 2018 is a tournament involving four nations- India, Kenya, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei. The tournament will act as a practice competition for India's AFC Asian Cup campaign and will also help in forming good relations with the other three countries. Chhetri is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Indian national team and is an all-time top goalscorer with 61 goals in 100 appearances. He started his professional career at the age of 17 when he signed a contract with India’s top club Mohun Bagan in 2002. But he first got to don the India blues in 2005, when he was picked to play against Pakistan in a friendly match, in Pakistan where he scored his maiden international goal at the age of 20.

Sunil Chhetri's plea: Social media rules in India's victory over Kenya

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri thanked the supporters who turned up at Mumbai Football Arena to watch that match between India and Kenya on June 4. Chhetri struck twice in his 100th international game to register a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup football tournament. After winning the match, Sunil Chhetri took to the Twitter to express his gratitude for the love and support Indian team received.

Chhetri tweeted, "We promise you that if that's the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!"

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We promise you that if that’s the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11/status/1003694651285442561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On June 2, Chhetri posted a video on social networking sites and pleaded to fellow citizens to come and support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity.

India responded to the heartfelt plea as the tickets of India vs Kenya match sold out in hours and a full house cheered for the team.

India comfortably defeated Kenya as captain Chhetri converted a penalty in the 68th minute to give a lead which was further extended by Jeje Lalpekhlua when he doubled India's lead in the 71st minute.

Sunil Chhetri took advantage in the extra time and scored the third goal for the team. He converted a beautiful cross-field assist from Balwant Singh to celebrate his 100th international match.

Team India has entered the finals but will play its next match against New Zealand.

'India, this night was special because we were in this together,' says Sunil Chhetri

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri thanked the supporters who turned up at Mumbai Football Arena to watch that match between India and Kenya on June 4. Chhetri struck twice in his 100th international game to register a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup football tournament. After winning the match, Sunil Chhetri took to the Twitter to express his gratitude for the love and support Indian team received. Chhetri tweeted, "We promise you that if that's the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!" We promise you that if that’s the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you! — Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 4, 2018 × On June 2, Chhetri posted a video on social networking sites and pleaded to fellow citizens to come and support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity. India responded to the heartfelt plea as the tickets of India vs Kenya match sold out in hours and a full house cheered for the team. India comfortably defeated Kenya as captain Chhetri converted a penalty in the 68th minute to give a lead which was further extended by Jeje Lalpekhlua when he doubled India's lead in the 71st minute. Sunil Chhetri took advantage in the extra time and scored the third goal for the team. He converted a beautiful cross-field assist from Balwant Singh to celebrate his 100th international match. Team India has entered the finals but will play its next match against New Zealand.

'We will give our lives on the pitch,' says Sunil Chhetri to express gratitude for fans' support

Ace Tennis player Sania Mirza is one of the many Indian sports celebrities who extended her support to football skipper Sunil Chhetri, a day after he urged fans to come to stadium and watch the country play the sport.&nbsp;

She took to her Twitter handle to extend her support and commented on the video Chhetri shared on his account.&nbsp;

But her comment was not taken as a support by some Twitter users as she asked Chhetri to arrange tickets for her if possible.&nbsp;

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Legend ? can I have tickets pls ??? <a href="https://t.co/OysLcazVVc">https://t.co/OysLcazVVc</a>
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1003191413587128321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Within minutes, several Twitter users slammed Sania for her comment, with many advising her to buy them instead of asking.&nbsp;

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Buy them ?
— Giri 1478 (@giri1478) <a href="https://twitter.com/giri1478/status/1003258879210209280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nodusricountry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nodusricountry</a>
— Nabadeka (@Nabadek75201330) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nabadek75201330/status/1003256152522493952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I have one extra ticket ..Please take permission from <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realshoaibmalik</a> sir ...lol???
— Choudhary Rajesh Ranwa (@Rajeshranwa04) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rajeshranwa04/status/1003266206638325760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaSania</a> Fancy joining us, the <a href="https://twitter.com/BluePilgrims?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BluePilgrims</a> tomorrow???? 
 
Hope to see you in Andheri...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsKen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvsKen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunilChetr100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunilChetr100</a> <a href="https://t.co/fihPE1Ne5b">pic.twitter.com/fihPE1Ne5b</a>
— Rutuj RMCF (@rutuj_k_) <a href="https://twitter.com/rutuj_k_/status/1003194169358102528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Here are the tickets <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaSania</a> ! Will be great if you actually go and support ??
— Rajesh Bajaj (@TheRajeshBajaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRajeshBajaj/status/1003220241852203011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Indian football captain also replied to Sania's comment and assured to arrange the tickets if she promised to do the same during her games.

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Only if you promise to sort me out with some when you're playing next!
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11/status/1003273190708150272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chhetri made a plea to the fellow citizens to come support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity. He urged the people who abuse to come to the ground and scream at them instead of taking out their anger on the social media platforms. &nbsp;

The Blue Tigers will face&nbsp;Kenya today, which will also be Chhetri’s 100th international match.

She commented on the video Chhetri shared on his account

Ace Tennis player Sania Mirza is one of the many Indian sports celebrities who extended her support to football skipper Sunil Chhetri, a day after he urged fans to come to stadium and watch the country play the sport. She took to her Twitter handle to extend her support and commented on the video Chhetri shared on his account. But her comment was not taken as a support by some Twitter users as she asked Chhetri to arrange tickets for her if possible. Legend ? can I have tickets pls ??? https://t.co/OysLcazVVc — Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 3, 2018 × Within minutes, several Twitter users slammed Sania for her comment, with many advising her to buy them instead of asking. Buy them ? — Giri 1478 (@giri1478) June 3, 2018 × #nodusricountry — Nabadeka (@Nabadek75201330) June 3, 2018 × I have one extra ticket ..Please take permission from @realshoaibmalik sir ...lol??? — Choudhary Rajesh Ranwa (@Rajeshranwa04) June 3, 2018 × @MirzaSania Fancy joining us, the @BluePilgrims tomorrow???? Hope to see you in Andheri...#IndianFootball #IndvsKen #SunilChetr100 pic.twitter.com/fihPE1Ne5b — Rutuj RMCF (@rutuj_k_) June 3, 2018 × Here are the tickets @MirzaSania ! Will be great if you actually go and support ?? — Rajesh Bajaj (@TheRajeshBajaj) June 3, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Indian football captain also replied to Sania's comment and assured to arrange the tickets if she promised to do the same during her games. Only if you promise to sort me out with some when you're playing next! — Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 3, 2018 × Chhetri made a plea to the fellow citizens to come support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity. He urged the people who abuse to come to the ground and scream at them instead of taking out their anger on the social media platforms. The Blue Tigers will face Kenya today, which will also be Chhetri’s 100th international match.

Twitter trolls Sania Mirza for demanding football match tickets from Sunil Chhetri

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri struck twice in his 100th international game to register a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup football tournament at Mumbai Football Arena on June 4. With this victory, team India has entered the finals of the tournament.&nbsp;

After the goalless first half, Chhetri scored after a controversial penalty that was given to the hosts in the 68th minute to give a lead to the team, the lead was further extended by Jeje Lalpekhlua when he doubled India's lead in the 71st minute.

Lalpekhlua found a loophole in the Kenyan defence and scored an outstanding right-footer into the far corner of the net.

Sunil Chhetri took advantage in the extra time and scored the third goal for the team. He converted a beautiful cross-field assist from Balwant Singh to celebrate his 100th international match.

Intercontinental Cup has given a lot of boost to the Indian football. Recently, the captain Sunil Chhetri,&nbsp;himself had urged the fellow citizens to come and support the team at the stadiums. The request made a huge impact and a houseful&nbsp;stadium was waiting to welcome the team at Mumbai Football Arena.

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This time <a href="https://twitter.com/jejefanai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jejefanai</a> blasts it in. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhetri100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhetri100</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvKEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvKEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianDream?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianDream</a> <a href="https://t.co/6bOfpUSCGp">pic.twitter.com/6bOfpUSCGp</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1003669662792540160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Master <a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chetrisunil11</a> scores in his 100th International match. That's his 60th International goal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhetri100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhetri100</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvKEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvKEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianDream?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianDream</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vvp8AvbXkc">pic.twitter.com/Vvp8AvbXkc</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1003669375818260481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India have already qualified for the final of the series and will play its next match against New Zealand on June 7.

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri struck twice in his 100th international game to register a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Kenya

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri struck twice in his 100th international game to register a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup football tournament at Mumbai Football Arena on June 4. With this victory, team India has entered the finals of the tournament. After the goalless first half, Chhetri scored after a controversial penalty that was given to the hosts in the 68th minute to give a lead to the team, the lead was further extended by Jeje Lalpekhlua when he doubled India's lead in the 71st minute. Lalpekhlua found a loophole in the Kenyan defence and scored an outstanding right-footer into the far corner of the net. Sunil Chhetri took advantage in the extra time and scored the third goal for the team. He converted a beautiful cross-field assist from Balwant Singh to celebrate his 100th international match. Intercontinental Cup has given a lot of boost to the Indian football. Recently, the captain Sunil Chhetri, himself had urged the fellow citizens to come and support the team at the stadiums. The request made a huge impact and a houseful stadium was waiting to welcome the team at Mumbai Football Arena. This time @jejefanai blasts it in. #Chhetri100 #INDvKEN #WeAreIndia #BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/6bOfpUSCGp — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 4, 2018 × Master @chetrisunil11 scores in his 100th International match. That's his 60th International goal. #Chhetri100 #INDvKEN #WeAreIndia #BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/Vvp8AvbXkc — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 4, 2018 × India have already qualified for the final of the series and will play its next match against New Zealand on June 7.

Intercontinental Cup: Sunil Chhetri strikes twice as India beat Kenya 3-0

The tickets of India vs Kenya match sold out in hours after a heartfelt plea made to fans by Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri. The match is scheduled to take place at&nbsp;Mumbai Football Arena on June 4.

On June 2, Chhetri posted a video on social networking sites and pleaded to fellow citizens to come and support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity.

Chhetri made the plea a day after his hat-trick helped India defeat Chinese Taipei side 5-0 in front of a sparse crowd at Mumbai Football Arena. He is regarded as one of the greatest footballers that India has produced, urged the people who abuse to come to the ground and scream at them instead of taking out their anger on the social media platforms.

The appeal was also backed by India's cricket heroes Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar which helped in in a quick sale of the tickets.

"To all of you who are fans of big European clubs and support European clubs with so much passion and sometimes you guys think that the level is not the same, so why do you waste your time? Agreed, the level is not the same, not even close but with our desire and determination, we will try our best to make your time worth," Chhetri said while thanking the fans who did show up and requested others to support the team.

Chhetri will play his 100th match at Mumbai Arena against Kenya on June 4 and a house full stadium will be waiting to cheer him as well as the team.

On Monday, the website selling tickets for the four-nation tournament showed 'Sold Out' for the match against Kenya.

A popular Mumbai social media commentator, Nikunj Lotia, said he had booked an entire stand for the game which will be Chhetri's 100th international.

The tickets of India vs Kenya match sold out in hours after a heartfelt plea made to fans by Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri

The tickets of India vs Kenya match sold out in hours after a heartfelt plea made to fans by Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri. The match is scheduled to take place at Mumbai Football Arena on June 4. On June 2, Chhetri posted a video on social networking sites and pleaded to fellow citizens to come and support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity. Chhetri made the plea a day after his hat-trick helped India defeat Chinese Taipei side 5-0 in front of a sparse crowd at Mumbai Football Arena. He is regarded as one of the greatest footballers that India has produced, urged the people who abuse to come to the ground and scream at them instead of taking out their anger on the social media platforms. The appeal was also backed by India's cricket heroes Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar which helped in in a quick sale of the tickets. "To all of you who are fans of big European clubs and support European clubs with so much passion and sometimes you guys think that the level is not the same, so why do you waste your time? Agreed, the level is not the same, not even close but with our desire and determination, we will try our best to make your time worth," Chhetri said while thanking the fans who did show up and requested others to support the team. Chhetri will play his 100th match at Mumbai Arena against Kenya on June 4 and a house full stadium will be waiting to cheer him as well as the team. On Monday, the website selling tickets for the four-nation tournament showed 'Sold Out' for the match against Kenya. A popular Mumbai social media commentator, Nikunj Lotia, said he had booked an entire stand for the game which will be Chhetri's 100th international.

After plea by football captain Sunil Chhetri, India vs Kenya tickets sell out in hours

The Intercontinental Cup is a four-nation association football tournament which is underway.&nbsp;This is the first edition and will be concluded on June 10, 2018.

The tournament is organised by The All India Football Federation (AIFF) which is treated as a part of the senior men's team's preparation for 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

It is a great initiative taken by India to promote football at the grassroots level and also it will be a morale booster of the India team ahead of Asia Cup.

According to the FIFA Rankings, as of June 1, 2018, the Indian team was ranked 97 when they entered the competition. Although, it is expected that the team will better their international ranking after this tournament.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-indian-football-team-salutes-sunil-chhetri-on-his-100th-match--142096">Watch: Indian Football team salutes Sunil Chhetri on his 100th match</a>

Apart from India, Kenya, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei have also participated. The Chinese Taipei national football team is the official name given by FIFA to the national association football team of Taiwan aka. The Republic of China.

Initially, South Africa was announced to participate in the tournament but Kenya later replaced them when South Africa expressed its inability to participate.

So far, India leads the tally by winning the first match 5-0 which was against Chinese Taipei.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/intercontinental-cup-2018-all-eyes-on-chhetri-as-india-face-kenya-in-mumbai--142086">Intercontinental Cup 2018: All eyes on Chhetri as India face Kenya in Mumbai</a>

Star footballer of India, Sunil Chhetri is the top goalscorer of the tournament with a hat-trick that he scored against Chinese Taipei.

India will play its next match against Kenya on June 4 and the finals will be played on June 10 at the Mumbai Football Arena.

Star footballer of India, Sunil Chhetri is the top goalscorer of the tournament with a hat-trick that he scored against Chinese Taipei

The Intercontinental Cup is a four-nation association football tournament which is underway. This is the first edition and will be concluded on June 10, 2018. The tournament is organised by The All India Football Federation (AIFF) which is treated as a part of the senior men's team's preparation for 2019 AFC Asian Cup. It is a great initiative taken by India to promote football at the grassroots level and also it will be a morale booster of the India team ahead of Asia Cup. According to the FIFA Rankings, as of June 1, 2018, the Indian team was ranked 97 when they entered the competition. Although, it is expected that the team will better their international ranking after this tournament. Watch: Indian Football team salutes Sunil Chhetri on his 100th match Apart from India, Kenya, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei have also participated. The Chinese Taipei national football team is the official name given by FIFA to the national association football team of Taiwan aka. The Republic of China. Initially, South Africa was announced to participate in the tournament but Kenya later replaced them when South Africa expressed its inability to participate. So far, India leads the tally by winning the first match 5-0 which was against Chinese Taipei. Intercontinental Cup 2018: All eyes on Chhetri as India face Kenya in Mumbai Star footballer of India, Sunil Chhetri is the top goalscorer of the tournament with a hat-trick that he scored against Chinese Taipei. India will play its next match against Kenya on June 4 and the finals will be played on June 10 at the Mumbai Football Arena.

All you need to know about the Intercontinental Cup 2018

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