A dream doesn't become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination and hard work.

Tuesday 30 December 2014

Why do Africans think South Africa isn’t African?

Morningside in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by  Hansueli Krapf)
December 29, 2014

Morningside in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Hansueli Krapf)
There seems to be a general consensus amongst Africans that while it is occasionally acceptable to comparatively group countries within the continent together, South Africa stands on its own, South Africa is not real Africa. Are we only satisfied with a poorer, less developed Africa or has apartheid left an un-healable scar in the African continent?

Monday 29 December 2014

Arsenals 2014 Review: Top 10 pictures of the year

Aaron RamseyIt's been an exciting year at Arsenal and our club photographers have been with the squad every step of the way.

As 2014 draws to a close they've chosen their most memorable pictures from the past 12 months. Scroll down this page for the images with comments from Stuart MacFarlane and David Price.
1. Emirates Stadium, pre-Bayern Munich
Stuart says: "This amazing view of the Emirates was shot on a remote camera I fixed to the roof of the stadium before the match. The fans holding red-and-white cards really makes the picture."

How the Kenyatta case was won

The Kenyan government’s obstruction of the ICC and intimidation of witnesses fatally undermined the Kenyatta prosecution.
By Africa Confidential 
Ultimately, it was a combination of failings by the International Criminal Court prosecutors and the government's non-cooperation that resulted in the dropping of the case against President Uhuru Kenyatta on 5 December. The ICC Office of the Prosecutor (OTP), many believe, did not mount a robust enough defence of its actions or openly resist or sufficiently investigate the wholesale intimidation of witnesses, which cost Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda her case.

Saturday 27 December 2014

Daily Habits That Are Secretly Stressing You Out

Sara BoboltzThe Huffington Post
'Tis the season for completely losing it. The holidays are a worry-filled time for a lot of people, but it turns out that you might be partially to blame for your own pre-eggnog anxiety. But we know (or we hope) you're not purposely trying to sabotage yourself, so here's a quick rundown of things you might be doing without realizing they're actually making you feel worse.

Girl rides bicycle through Murang’a, Kiambu and Nairobi counties toraise mother’s morgue bill

esthernation.co.ke
Esther Wairimu,19, a househelp in Thika Town did not celebrate Christmas as she is struggling to raise funds for her mother’s funeral.
Her mother, Nancy Njeri, died on November 28, four months after she was allegedly hit with a wooden plank by a neighbour during an altercation over a footpath.
The woman’s body is being detained at Kenyatta National Hospital mortuary over a Sh1.1m bill.

Thursday 25 December 2014

Kenya’s Military-Geopolitical Power Rattles West

December 25, 2014by: nGeopolitikIntelligence NewsMilitary Intelligence
Somalia's future looks bright, but recent events including Kenya's military refusal to back up Somali soldiers has had catastrophic ramifications on the Somali army. United Nations mission in Somalia sees Kenya as the key to political and economic stability in Somalia. The West finds this strategic and increases Kenya's deterrent capability

MERRY CHRISTMAS💝💝💝

Sunday 21 December 2014

Why Men And Women Think Differently. This Guy Nails It.

It's no secret that men and women have always had difficulty fully understanding each other. But no one puts it better than International marriage speaker and comedian Mark Gungor:

Why Naivasha is giving the Coast a run for local holiday makers

By ANTONY GITONGA
Sunday, December 21st 2014
For years, the lakeside town of Naivasha was in the news for all the wrong reasons, from the infamous cannibal to donkey meat and as a rendezvous for illicit liaisons.
Despite this bad press, Naivasha town is steadily becoming not only one of the safest and fastest growing towns in Nakuru County, but an exciting holiday destination.

Raila Odinga talks tough as US warns against new security laws

You By DANIEL WESANGULA and KASSIM ADINASI
Sunday, December 21st 2014
CORD leader Raila Odinga has vowed to go to court to block the Security Laws (Amendment) Act, 2014 assented into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday.
Should the court bid fail, the Opposition leader says he will rally the country to oppose the law and ensure it is withdrawn without delay.

Saturday 20 December 2014

Why Moi and Ruto have not met in private since Jubilee took over

Deputy President William Ruto ( left) and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi during the Kimalel Baringo County Goat Auction in the Baringo County on December 20, 2014. Deputy President William Ruto has not held a one-on-one meeting with retired President Daniel Moi one and half years since the Jubilee government came to power. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | By SUNDAY NATION REPORTER

Uhuru Kenyatta should govern by consensus, not rule like Emperor Kenyatta II

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) and Deputy President William Ruto during the presentation of funds to resettle internally displace people, 242 families who have been talking refuge at NAKA camp in Yamumbi in Eldoret. FILE PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) and Deputy President William Ruto during the presentation of funds to resettle internally displace people, 242 families who have been talking refuge at NAKA camp in Yamumbi in Eldoret. FILE PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
 
In Summary

Well ever since the lift of the ban on graffiti…….see for yourself:

November 26, 2014
MATATU WITH LAMBORGHINI DOORS

Recently President Uhuru Kenyatta  lifted a ban on graffiti and artworks on Public Service Vehicles.

He gave his own personal reasons as to why he lifted the ban:

Majority of Kenyans want Raila Odinga to quit politics

Kenya: Majority of Kenyans want former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to quit national politics, according to a new opinion poll. Still, most of the respondents alluded confidence in the new ODM leadership.
In twin polls released yesterday by Ipsos Synovate, some 42 per cent of Kenyans want Raila to ‘completely retires’ from politics while 25 per cent think he should continue. They, however, say he should not contest the next General Election.

Friday 19 December 2014

I slapped Millie Odhiambo because she assaulted Joyce Laboso, GatunduSouth MP Moses Kuria says

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has said that he slapped Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo because she assaulted Joyce Laboso who is the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
Kuria, in a phone interview with Classic FM on Friday morning, however dismissed allegations by Odhiambo that she was stripped at Parliament amid the chaos over the Security Bill on Thursday.

THE SECURITY LAWS (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2014

By THE PRESIDENCY

by 

THE SECURITY LAWS (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2014 AN ACT of Parliament to amend the laws relating to security ENACTED by the Parliament of Kenya, as follows―
Short title.
1. This Act may be cited as the Security Laws (Amendment) Act, 2014 and shall come into force upon publication.
Amendment of section 3 of Cap. 56.

President Uhuru Kenyatta assents to security amendment bill

President Uhuru Kenyatta assents to security amendment bill
President Uhuru Kenyatta said the security law will improve the country's ability to avert terror attacks. (Photo:PSCU)

Nairobi: President Uhuru Kenyatta today signed into law the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014, which provides a firm framework for the fight against terrorism.

Speaking during a televised address to the nation shortly after signing the Bill into law at State House, Nairobi, the President said the amendments do not go against the Bill of Rights or any other provision of the Constitution.

Uhuru called on Kenyans to read the new law for themselves instead of depending on interpretations that mislead them.

“I am confident that you will find that there is nothing in this law that goes against the Bill of Rights or any provision of the constitution.  Its intent is one; to protect the lives and property of all citizens,” said the President.

The President criticized Members of Parliament saying their deplorable behavior in Parliament Tursday, denied Kenyans the opportunity to follow the proceedings of Parliament.

He said those who disrupted the smooth operation of Parliament were oblivious to the threat that is upon the country.

The President said the new law improves the capacity of the security agencies to detect, deter and disrupt threats to national security.

“For the first time, we now have a law that focuses on prevention and disruption of threats. Further, the law allows for the use of technology in processing and advancing the ability for successful prosecution of suspects,” said the President.

The new law establishes an institutional framework for the counter- terrorism war and will create synergy between the different security agencies by creating clear command structures.

“This synergy is cascaded from the highest level to the lowest level through the national Government security structures,” he said.

The President said the law also raises the threshold for public and state officers who are charged with the responsibility of protecting Kenya and its people.

The raised threshold was necessary because of the lack of integrity and its role in compromising national security, the President said.

“The law provides for heavy penalties for any transgression,” he said.

Uhuru said the Government has also set in motion reforms to rectify command and control problems in the security sector.

“We have also commenced wide-scale administrative and operational reforms that align command and control, improve doctrine and modalities of work and improve operational effectiveness on the ground,” said the President.

Uhuru said the new law was just one of the many measures that need to be put in place in order to guarantee security.

“We must remember that we are still at war and still vulnerable to terror attacks. I therefore call upon each one of us to remain vigilant and share any information that would aid in securing our country with relevant authorities,” the President said.

He wished peace and prosperity for all Kenyans during the festive season.

Deputy President William Ruto was present during the signing ceremony of the Bill and was also with the President during the live address.

The Bill was presented to the President for his signature by the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi who was accompanied by the Clerk, Justin Bundi.

Also present were Leader of Majority Aden Duale, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Monica Juma, Solicitor-General Njee Muturi, Members of Parliament Ndung’u Gethenji (Tetu) and Elias Bare Shill (Fafi).

Mr Gethenji is the chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Foreign Relations Committee while Mr Shill is the vice chairman.

Thursday 18 December 2014

Mum charged with murder after three dead babies found in filthy rat-infested home

America is in shock at the brutal case after four other children were found living in squalor at the home Erika Murray shared with her boyfriend Ray Rivera

A mum has been charged with two counts of murder after the remains of three babies were found in the filthy, vermin-infested home she shared with her boyfriend.

Erika Murray, 31, was initially charged with foetal death concealment, witness intimidation and permitting substantial injury to a child.

Her boyfriend, Ray Rivera, is charged with offences including assault and battery on a child and reckless endangerment of a child.

Prosecutors described the horrific conditions that four children - aged from six months to 13 years - were found alive in at the house.

Baby Murders Inside the House
Filthy: The house was condemned and had to be destroyed 

Authorities said there were piles of dirty diapers, rubbish strewn everywhere, and remains of dead animals.

The children were removed from the address in August after a 10-year-old boy went to a neighbour's house, and asked for help in quieting a crying baby.

The neighbour allegedly discovered a severely neglected six-month-old baby covered in excrement, and a three-year-old child.

After the older children were interviewed, police searched the house in Massachusetts, where they discovered the remains of three babies, MyFoxBoston reports.

Charges have been brought for the murder of two of the babies - one who was wearing a onesie, and the other who was in a diaper.

Baby Murders. Erika Murray, Mother
Mum: Erika Murray has been indicted with two counts of murder 

It is believed that that third dead infant still had its placenta attached, and Murray has therefore not been charged with its murder.

She is being held on $1million bail after pleading not guilty to the offences she was first charged with. Murray is yet to enter pleas to the murder charge.

The prosecutor said in court that DNA proves Rivera is also the father of all seven children that lived in the home, and quoted a paediatrician as saying this was worst case of extreme neglect she has ever seen.

The judge set bail for Rivera at $100,000 - he denies all the charges against him.

The house that the couple shared was condemned and has since been demolished.

Mass. Woman Arraigned After 3 Dead Babies Found

National security amendment bill passed by parliament

Screen Shot 2014-12-18 at 6.27.48 PM

December 18, 2014. ANTHONY MWANGI

A determined government side on Thursday forced through the controversial Security Laws (Amendment) Bill past the third and final reading beating the strict timelines allocated for the business.

Only the amendments proposed by the Committee on Administration and National Security and those by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee were passed albeit in a shouting match pitting the two coalitions.

Speaker Justin Muturi had to conduct business sandwiched in ring comprising Jubilee Coalition MPs and parliamentary orderlies. Even though he used a microphone, his voice was at times submerged by the cacophony of shouts, screams and giggles from the CORD Mps who had tried every trick to disrupt the business since morning.

Muturi was called in to take the House through the Committee of the Whole House after it became apparent that Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso was not able to conduct the chaotic session.

With the passing of the Bill, President Uhuru Kenyatta will now be free to appoint the new Inspector General of Police and forwarded the name to the National Assembly for Approval.  The Bill had proposed that the president nominate a candidate for the position surpassing the input of the National Police Service Commission.

The Samuel Chepkonga led Justice and Legal committee, had proposed that the National Police Service Act amended to have the Inspector General serve for a term of four years but may be removed before expiry of his term subject to the provisions of the Constitution. 

Legislators roughed up in House fist fight; Johnstone Muthama, SimbaArati injured

By Standard Reporter, Thursday, December 18th 2014 

Nairobi, Kenya: Business at the National Assembly came to a standstill Thursday afternoon after MPs disrupted a special sitting convened to debate the controversial security amendments bill.
The bill is set to go for third reading but CORD MPs are opposed to its passage until some clauses have been amended.

Wednesday 17 December 2014

Kenyans guzzled nearly half a billion shillings worth of Scotch

BUSINESS DAILYPicture
EABL range of whiskies. 
Kenyans guzzled nearly half a billion shillings worth of Scotch in 2013 and are expected to surpass this figure as the festive season concludes in 2014.

The numbers are revealed in a report released by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) that monitors the industry in Scotland, part of the UK.

SWA’s 2013 statistical report released late last month shows Scotch exports to Kenya stood at £3.37 million (Sh479 million), a 62 per cent increase from £2.08 million (Sh296 million) sold in 2012.

The Edinburgh-based association whose members include Diageo, East African Breweries Ltd’s (EABL) parent company, sources the data from UK customs officials and internal research.

SWA director of international affairs Campbell Evans said the increase in sales was due to a growing economy, more sophisticated consumer base and enforcement of laws.

“The market is developing and consumers are learning more about Scotch whisky. In addition, better enforcement of the tax system helps to ensure legitimate traders are able to invest in brands and retail sales,” Mr Evans told the Business Daily.

Mr Evans added that there was a possibility that 2014 sales could be higher.

“It is too early to say what the final outturn will be, but based on the first nine months of 2014 we would expect to see further growth in exports of Scotch whisky to Kenya this year,” he said.

Most sales have been of blended whisky but there has been growth in the high-street single-malt whisky.

SWA’s data only looks at Scotch whisky, implying that Kenyans could have drunk more than Sh500 million when whiskeys from American and Irish distilleries are included.

The growing consumption of the liquor has also caught the eye of EABL which has been rolling out brands targeting this market.

“Kenya’s social class is projected to grow 28 per cent from 2011 to 2020, one of the highest forecasts in the world. This group is touted to seek premium products.

‘‘Nairobi, itself, is experiencing a surge of whisky consumption where Scotch is an aspirational drink,” said EABL’s reserve brand ambassador Douglas Duncanson.

Since November, EABL has launched Talisker Storm and Bullet Bourbon Frontier Whiskey to serve this market.


Tuesday 16 December 2014

RULES OF FOOTBALL WHEN WE WERE KIDS



1. The fat kid was always the goalkeeper.
2. The owner of the ball decides who plays.
3. Penalties awarded only if injured player curses a lot.
4. The match only ends when everyone was tired.

Jobs to go as revokes registrations of 525 NGOs in Kenya, freezes their accounts.

By Ally Jamah
NAIROBI: At the stroke of a pen, hundreds of Kenyans are set to be jobless after 525 not-for-profit organisations officially became illegal after being struck off the register and their accounts frozen. Of the number, 15are accused of financing and facilitating terrorist groups, although they have not been listed in the report because the NGO Co-ordination Board Executive Director Fazul MahamedYusuf said it would compromise investigations still under way. "Investigations by local and international intelligence agencies have linked the 15 NGOs to criminal activities including terrorism.

Uhuru used the State as a shield against his trial

By GEORGE KEGORO
It was always the understanding that Mr Kenyatta, who faced charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) long before he became president, was charged in an individual capacity rather than as the President of Kenya. The AU also resolved, once again, that no serving African head of state should stand trial before the ICC and urged President Kenyatta not to attend his trial at The Hague.

ICC case against Uhuru Kenyatta prevented violence in 2013, says Luis Moreno Ocampo

By PETER LEFTIE

 “ICC changed the game,” Ocampo said.
    Last week, Mr Ocampo’s successor, Fatou Bensouda, dropped the charges against Mr Kenyatta.

Luis Moreno Ocampo has claimed the charges against President Uhuru Kenyatta prevented violence during the last General Election.

Konza City set-up starts with promise to create 17,000 jobs

The move follows completion of planning of the first phase of the city covering about 400 acres by US firm Tetra Tech.
    The tech park has been marred by accusations of corruption in land acquisition besides a boundary dispute that has pitted Machakos, Makueni and Kajiado counties against each other.
    He warned locals against playing politics that may stall the project which expected to attract billions in investment.

Showdown looms as Cord plots Parliament siege to block key Bill

By NGARE KARIUKI

“National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze, Cord MPs and senators will meet at Kamukunji to demand the inclusion of the Senate in reviewing the Bill.
    Cord co-principal Raila Odinga outlined 10 reasons he thinks the proposed law is dangerous and should be opposed if democracy is to prevail and the freedom and rights of the people protected.
    “The Bill introduces a new type of law that makes people responsible for the actions of others. For example, trade unions will now be liable to companies for economic losses resulting from strikes or to the government for causing traffic jams,” he said.

Lapsset to pay Sh1.5m an acre

By GALGALO BOCHA
Mr Abdalla Fadhil, the former Lapsset steering committee chairman resigned last week and yesterday said he quit because of corruption in the project.
    “I resigned because I did not want to be part of the dirty grand corruption going on in the Lapsset project,” he told the Nation.
    Senior officials from the land commission, the Land ministry, the Lamu County Government and some wealthy people were involved in a scheme in which the list was expanded from 62 to 250 individuals, he claimed.

Thierry Henry to join Sky Sports

henry_skysportsThierry Henry has announced his retirement from football and that the next step in his career is to join Sky Sports as a pundit.
Arsenal’s leading goalscorer drew his illustrious career to a close after spells with Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls, and on his Facebook page he revealed he’d be returning to London to embark on a career in the media.
After 20 years in the game I have decided to retire from professional football,” he said.
It is now time for a different career path and I am pleased to say that I will be returning to London and joining Sky Sports. 

Matiba’s driver tells his secrets of survival

Robert Mwaniki at his homeRobert Mwaniki at his home
December 14, 2014 
By Waikwa Maina @PeopleDailyke
Driving very important persons (VIPs) is a dream job for many drivers. But, Robert Mwaniki has a different story after years of experience.  He was Kenneth Njindo Matiba’s personal driver for nine years.
“I will never drive a VIP, regardless of whether he or she is a politician or not. I know of politicians whose drivers work for two days without a meal or a sleep.

Monday 15 December 2014

GITHURAI BUS CREW WHO ASSULTED A WOMAN have been found guilty

Death sentence for two Githurai bus crew (NAZIGI SACCO) who stripped and sexually assaulted a womanDeath sentence for two Githurai bus crew (NAZIGI SACCO) who stripped and sexually assaulted a woman THE CREW OF A NAZIGI SACCO GITHURAI BUS WHO STRIPPED AND  SEXUALLY ASSAULTED A WOMAN ARE NOW STARING AT A DEATH SENTENCE OR A VERY STIFF PENALTY
The two, a driver and a conductor of a Githurai NAZIGI sacco bus have been found guilty of robbery with violence and sexual assault. Nicholas Mwangi and Meshack Mburu robbed the 21 year old woman valuables worth more than Sh 41,000 before stripping and sexually assaulting her inside their bus

Sunday 14 December 2014

Muna Hassan: ‘One of us mentioned vaginas and Michael Gove went reallyred!’


muna hassan
By 
Muna Hassan, young anti-FGM campaigner: 'Education about FGM has to happen from a young age.' Photograph: Antonio Olmos for the Observer
The young anti-FGM campaigner who told David Cameron to ‘grow a pair’ has helped to get the issue on the political agenda this year

Saturday 13 December 2014

Section of NGOs not happy with ICC withdrawing Kenyatta's case

ASP update: "something very sinister on the part of the executive in Kenya"
The 13th session of the Assembly of States Parties(composed of countries who have signed up to the ICC) is currently underway, and Kenya's civil society is strongly represented at the meeting in New York. The activists - who have been quite vocal at the ASP - say that they are advocating for justice and providing accurate information about the latest developments in the Kenya ICC cases.
By Janet Anderson

General Karangi kicks out Mike Sonko from military lineup

sonko-karangi The Star
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko was on Friday stopped from receiving President Uhuru Kenyatta during Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo Stadium.
The brief traditional ceremony is usually held outside the venue, just before Uhuru is ushered into a waiting armoured Land Cruiser, open above but with bullet-proof glass.
The President is accompanied by his ADC, Chief of DefenceForces and two security men.

Friday 12 December 2014

From diaspora with gifts! You're kind off not welcomed.....

Screen Shot 2014-12-12 at 6.57.09 PM
By Wambui Muriithi @wambuiMN
Christmas season is here, the time for long lost Kenyans to return home for the holidays. Some have been in the Diaspora for almost a year, others for years, they all come to spend the festive season with their families. You will recognise them by their fresh faces, big hair and equally big sunglasses.

Museveni breathes fire over ICC, vows to push for mass exit

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni addresses Kenyans during the Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nairobi yesterday. Photo/Bernard MalonzaUganda President Yoweri Museveni addresses Kenyans during the Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nairobi.

December 13, 2014 
Ugandan president says he will call on AU Summit to have the continent withdraw membership from Rome Statute
By Mercy Mwai @wangumarci
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni yesterday renewed his fight against the International Criminal Court (ICC), vowing to lead African counties in a mass withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Witness lied, Ruto lawyer now tells ICC judges

By People Correspondent @PeopleDailyKe

Deputy President ICC lawyer Karim Khan. Photo/FILE
Deputy President ICC lawyer Karim Khan. 

Deputy President William Ruto’s lawyer Karim Khan has used the prosecution’s evidence to demonstrate to the International Criminal Court (ICC) judges that the 27th witness had lied to the court that he had taken the body of person number 10 to the mortuary.

According to the death certificate in possession of the Office of the Prosecutor, the person died on December 31, 2007 at the Moi Referral Hospital, while the witness claimed he took the body to the mortuary a day earlier. “Are you aware that person died on 31st December?

He was admitted at a particular ward for treatment at Moi Referral Hospital but tragically the person did not survive, he died at the hospital, and that is what the prosecution’s document – the certificate of death – shows,” Khan explained.

But the witness insisted that he saw the person’s body lying in a pool of blood on December 30, 2007 and in fact took it to the mortuary. The witness during his earlier testimony told the ICC judges that the person’s body had machete cuts on the face.

The witness told the court that on December 31, he was at a café near a fund-raising event in Ziwa in Eldoret where funds were raised to sponsor the 2007 attacks in the Rift Valley.

According to the witness, during the harambee that lasted for about 20 minutes, Jackson Kibor announced that Ruto had sent a contribution of Sh200,000.

The cross-examination ended yesterday the status conference today. The conference is expected to provide a road map of the next sessions of the trial. Presiding Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji earlier said the prosecution will be required to close its case in early 2015.

This will pave way for the defence teams of Ruto to decide if they will file a motion of no-case-to-answer or prepare a defence case to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Meanwhile, the Government of Kenya has been invited to make submissions by December 22 regarding the prosecutor’s leave to appeal the Trial Chamber V (b)’s decision not to refer Kenya to the Assembly of State Parties for non-cooperation.

Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda wants to be allowed to appeal so that Kenya can be reported to the ASP for failing to cooperate with her office in submission of documents required in the case against President Uhuru Kenyatta.

UK weather: Country set for worst winter in 200 years with FIVE FEET ofsnow

Horses at exercise on Middleham Moor in the Yorkshire Dales after overnight snow.
One weather expert has warned Britain will be hit by an Arctic blast to rival the Big Freeze of 1963

 Britain could soon be shivering in a repeat of the 1963 Big Freeze - the worst winter for more than 200 years.
One weather expert has warned Britain will be hit by an Arctic blast which is set to arrive over New Year and hang around for at least a month.

Thursday 11 December 2014

UK weather: Hundreds of cars stuck in snow as further 4 INCHES expected this weekend

Forecasters are warning of difficult travel conditions as sleet and snow is set to sweep across the UK on Friday morning

Stranded Vehicles on A68
Blocked: The A68 in Northumberland became impassable in both directions due to snow

Around 100 cars were stuck on a road at the border of England and Scotland due to heavy snow this morning - and more is on the way.

The A68 at Carter Bar in Northumberland became blocked in both directions in the early hours as Arctic conditions moved in.

Volunteers from Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team joined police with helping dozens of stranded drivers and clearing the road.

Snow on A68 leaves up to 100 vehicles stranded
Frosty: Rescuers said there was around five inches of snow on the road 

A spokesman told the BBC: "There were about 70 vehicles stuck south of the border and another 30 on the Scottish side.

"The snow was only four or five inches deep, but it was the speed at which it fell that took everyone by surprise."Severe gales and big waves continue to batter the coast at Aberystwyth

Commuters should expect travel disruption as bad weather brings sleet and up to four inches of snow on higher ground. 

The Met Office said Aviemore in Scotland has recorded the most amount of snow, where 13 cms has fallen so far.

Gale-force winds of up to 70mph will continue to batter the country, bringing down power lines and trees.

The Met Office said in a statement: "A cold, showery westerly airstream will stay in place across northern Britain, with a continued threat of travel disruption and difficult driving conditions due to both snow and ice. 

"Whilst winds remain strong, with gales and local severe gales in places at first, they will continue to decrease slowly."