KISUMU COUNTY: Governor Jack Ranguma has asked the clergy to help the county government fight drug and substance abuse, which is threatening the lives of youths in the lake-side city.
Mr Ranguma, who was addressing a congregation at Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Kisumu, asked the church to have extensive drug abstinence campaigns during church services.
He blamed the rising use of narcotics and illicit brews on high poverty levels, prostitution and unemployment.
"We will allocate more funds for the various youth groups and give them loans. These loans are to be subsidised to allow them carry out development programmes," said the governor.
Ranguma said youths always have fresh ideas that can be channelled to good use and enhance development in the region.
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Bishop Winnie Owiti pledged to support the county government to enhance spiritual development among the youth.
Meanwhile, a magistrate's court in Kisumu has sentenced a man to 18 months in prison after he was found guilty of fraud.
BUSINESS VENTURE
Muhammed Abdul, who has two weeks to appeal the judgement by Chief Magistrate Lucy Gitari, was found guilty of defrauding businesswoman Dorothy Masuka of Sh3.5 million.
Ms Masuka was introduced to Abdul by a friend with whom she had partnered in a business venture, but who later turned out to be an accomplice of the accused.
During the judgement, the accused's lawyer, David Siganga, argued that Abdul was remorseful and asked for leniency.
"My client is deeply remorseful, he accepts his mistake and realises the loss he caused the defendant. He pleads with the court to be lenient and to consider that he is the sole breadwinner for his family and ageing parents," said Siganga on behalf of the accused.
According to the chief prosecutor, Abdul had caused Masuka adverse suffering and all she wanted was her money back. He also acknowledged that both parties desired to reconcile.
FIRST OFFENDER
"As (he is) a first offender, I have decided to sentence him to 18 months in prison. I have also noted the accused's failure to make an attempt to pay the defendant. I hope he realises how grievous his crime is," said Ms Gitari in her ruling.
Masuka said the accused had caused her a lot of trauma and she had spent a lot on the proceedings.
"I will let the State lawyers help me out at this juncture. The legal process has been lengthy and although I am not fully content with the judgement, I appreciate the attempts to serve justice," said Masuka.
