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Mustafa Juma

Talented and immensely creative journalist with a commitment to high-quality research and writing with over 5 years of professional experience. Dedication to sound investigative research methods and a strong desire to know the truth of the matter. Excellent reporting and interviewing skills and award-winning writing techniques. Experience writing and reporting across a variety of platforms, including Opera News Kenya, DailyActive.info, LitKenya.com, theexchange.africa and Scooper News

Business

USDA To Offer New Insurance Option For Conservation-Minded Corn Farmers

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) will soon offer a new insurance option for ‘conservation-minded’ corn farmers who split-apply nitrogen.

Split-application is done throughout the growing season rather than a single treatment before or during planting.

RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy says the Post Application Coverage Endorsement will provide payments for the projected yield lost when farmers are not able to apply the in-season nitrogen.

“This is important. A lot of folks are already doing this at least to lower input costs. And also cover the environmental side to help prevent nutrient runoff into waterways and ground water. And so we think it’s really good for producers as well as good for the environment.”

It’s for corn farmers with non-irrigated acreage.

“It’ll be available for the 2022 crop year. There will be more details that will come out here in the next couple of months.”

Flournoy says the coverage option was submitted by Illinois Corn Growers, National Corn Growers, Ag-Analytics Technology Company and Meridian Institute and was recently approved.

He says it builds on RMA’s efforts to encourage use of conservation practices including cover crops – through pandemic assistance –  and irrigation practices.

“You know, we came out with a new rice coverage, alternate wetting and drying to cover that type of irrigation practice in rice.”

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Business

State Department Of Insurance Approves Rate Hikes For 2022

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The state Department of Insurance has approved an average rate hike of 5.6% for individual health plans in 2022.

The carriers had requested an average increase of 8.6%.

For small group policies, the insurance department authorized an average rate hike of 6.7%. The insurers had asked for 12.9%.

State Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais said Friday that his department had saved consumers a collective $76 million next year by approving smaller rate hikes.

“Working on behalf of consumers, the department was able to reduce the health insurance rate increase requests … but we need to work to address the skyrocketing health care costs these premiums cover,” he said in a statement.

“The unit cost of hospital inpatient and outpatient care has historically risen about 10% per year. Prescription drug prices have risen even higher. I will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find long-term solutions that promote access and eliminate barriers to coverage here in Connecticut.”

Anthem Health Plans and ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., which sell individual and small group policies on the state’s Affordable Care Act exchange, Access Health CT, both sought higher rates.

Anthem asked for an average increase of 12.3% for individual plans that cover 28,071 people. The insurance department approved an average hike of 5.8% (the increases range from -.55% to 15.61%, depending on the plan).

Anthem also proposed an average rate hike of 11.5% on small group policies that cover 25,529 people. The state signed off on 2.9%.

ConnectiCare requested an average increase of 7.4% for individual plans that support 81,852 residents. The state authorized 5.5% (the increases range from -.6% to 14.8%, depending on the plan).

The company also suggested an average hike of 13.6% on small group policies. The state approved 10.3%.

Ten insurers are also selling policies off the exchange. The approved increases vary by plan.

“The department has exercised its authority as intended under state statute. The carriers may not concur with all the final determinations, but they respect the process,” said Susan Halpin, executive director for the Connecticut Association of Health Plans, which lobbies on behalf of insurers.

“Ultimately, premiums merely reflect underlying healthcare costs, and we couldn’t agree more with the Commissioner’s call for continued work by all stakeholders to lower the unit costs of care.”

The rate hikes drew criticism from several state officials.

“I’m disappointed,” said Comptroller Kevin Lembo, a former state health care advocate. “The cost of health insurance is going to go up for so many … at a time when people can least afford it.”

“The requested rate increases were completely unjustified and intended only to extract more money from Connecticut families and small businesses. … The rate review process is not sufficiently protecting consumers and needs to be completely rewritten.”

Even though the insurance department approved lower increases than those requested, Health Care Advocate Ted Doolittle said they still are high.

“The fact that the insurance department had to make big cuts to some of the requested rates does not inspire confidence that the carriers have all the tools they need to hold down medical costs,” he said. 

“The carriers are right that high medical prices are driving premium hikes. But that just leads to the question of why the carriers are not able to negotiate better prices.”

“If our insurers are not able to negotiate fair, sustainable medical prices, this is something the state needs to know about, and help with.”

Attorney General William Tong called the higher rates “one more strain” on residents during an already challenging time.

“While I recognize that the Connecticut Insurance Department did not give insurers all that they asked for, these rate hikes are still far too high,” he said.

“I am not convinced that any increase was warranted based on trends we are seeing in our own state and nationwide.”

The rate hikes are larger than those approved last year by the insurance department. In 2020, the department kept the rates essentially flat for carriers on the exchange.

In 2019, Anthem had asked for a 15.2% average increase on individual policies. The department authorized 6.5%.

The same year, ConnectiCare proposed a 4.9% hike on individual plans. The department signed off on 2%.

The carriers have cited several reasons for seeking higher rates, including rising demand for medical services and the swelling cost of prescription drugs, among other trends.

They also pointed to an increase in morbidity and expected severity of claims because of delays in care during the pandemic.

Insurers said recent legislation, such as a bill adopted last year that caps a 30-day supply of insulin at $25, was also behind the recommended hikes.

“What we consider to be the most significant challenge facing the market [is] the increasing cost of health care,” Steven Ribeiro, regional vice president of sales for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, told state officials at a public hearing last month.

“One of the key factors driving up the overall cost is the ever-escalating cost of prescription drugs, particularly new drugs and those that treat serious conditions. While Anthem appreciates their importance, these extraordinary, expensive treatments, like cell and gene therapies, bring additional costs into the health care system that must be reflected in our premiums.”

At the same hearing, residents, advocates and lawmakers asked the state to reject the proposed increases.

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Business

USA: Insurance Companies Reconsidering Stance On Covid-19 Treatment Fee Waivers

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Now that a significant portion of the public has been vaccinated for COVID-19, insurance companies are reconsidering their stance on fee waivers.

Early in the pandemic, insurance companies waived fees associated with treating the virus.

Now, with the availability of vaccines and the belief those who continue to go unvaccinated will remain unvaccinated into the future coupled with the high costs of COVID-19 treatments, has caused many in the industry to reconsider their previous stance.

Healthcare Costs

In 2020 most insurers waived out of pocket fees associated with hospitalization for COVID- 19. The fee waivers had different expiration dates depending on the provider.

Those costs, on average, have been determined to range between twenty thousand dollars to over twenty-two thousand dollars per patient with complications.

The CARES Act passed in March 2020, provided for testing as well as reimbursement to health care providers for the costs of hospitalization for low income individuals.

Vaccination

With the development of effective vaccines, the hope was to reach herd immunity before variants could circulate through the populace.

While the definition of herd immunity–the point at which a large enough percentage of the community becomes immune to a pathogen, varies.

According to some, the percentage needing to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity can be as low as “..seventy percent of the world-wide population…”

COVID- 19 variants and the breakthrough infections they spread have caused those numbers to be reconsidered.

Herd immunity is based on the infectious nature of the disease–how easily transmitted it is– and the development of natural immunity through exposure and natural immunity.

Breakthrough infections complicate the ability to determine immunity thresholds. Breakthrough infections are infections which occur in individuals who have been vaccinated against previous forms of the disease.

Mutations

Mutations or changes which occur in the virus which can render vaccines designed to control infection in previous forms, less or not effective. These changes in the form of the virus may be contributing to vaccine resistance.

The most recent variant of concern is the Mu variant. Mu, which is under observation, may  “avoid certain antibodies” which include those created by current vaccines which still are effective against the virus and the Delta variant.

Although the Mu variant has been identified in several states,  the Delta variant is currently the most prevalent variant in the United States.

The growth and spread of variants continues to cause much concern for public health officials.

There are groups who have the potential to be made seriously ill by breakthrough infections including the immunocompromised, elderly and transplant patients.

The current recommendation is that these groups consider receiving booster shots.

Vaccine Hesitancy

On September 7, White House COVID-19 Data Director Cyrus Shahpar marked a vaccination milestone in a tweet, which stated the country “just hit” 75 percent of adults with at least one shot.

Even with this achievement still only about 53 percent of the nation’s population is fully vaccinated. 

In the second year of the pandemic, it is becoming clear that some will not be vaccinated, making the idea of herd immunity unfeasible. 

Those who are currently being hospitalized for COVID-19 are overwhelmingly unvaccinated. With the cost of hospitalization becoming more expensive many insurance companies have discontinued fee waivers.

Each insurer has their own policy for waivers. For example, Aetna’s waiver program was in effect until the end of January this year, while Blue Cross Blue Shield ended its fee waiver program at the end of February. 

In mid August, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported about 72 percent of large health insurance plans were no longer providing waivers as of August, and another 10 percent were expected to eliminate waivers by the end of October.

The best way to know which costs are covered and which waivers are in effect is to contact your insurance provider.

 

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Crime & Investigations

Wash Wash: DCI Sleuths Seize Over Sh60 Million In fake US Dollars In Industrial Area

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have seized consignment concealing over Sh60 million in fake US dollar currency destined for Muscat in Oman.

This is from a money laundering syndicate that has been under investigation.

According to a statement issued by DCI on Friday September 10, 2021, the 460 US dollar notes in denominations of 100 seized on Thursday evening were packaged in 12 bundles, which were declared as marketing flyers for a non-existing African Global Food Supplies.

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Acting on a report from Express Kenya security manager, police rushed to the transport logistics facility located at Lusaka Rd within Industrial Area, seizing the consignment bound to Muscat International Hotel in Oman.

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Investigations by our detectives has so far established that the consignor, one Belmont Joseph, is a member of a larger suspected criminal syndicate operating from Kajiado’s Ngong area.

Meanwhile, Interpol’s intervention has been sought to facilitate the arrest of the Oman-based consignee – Hamood Abdullah Hamood – as manhunt for the local suspect and his gang intensifies.

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Latest News

Woman Roughed Up In Kisii After Breaching Matiang’i Security Speaks, Exposes Police Boss

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The woman whose photos went viral on socila media after being roughed up by Interior CS Fred Matiangi’s security detail during a function in Ibacho, Kisii County on Wednesday, September 8 has come out to speak about the incident.

The woman only identified as Christine narrated that she only wanted to request the CS to transfer police officers from Nyaribari area.

Christine argued that there had been an increase in theft and attack cases in the area and that the police officers were not proactive when residents reported the matter.

A woman Attempting to Speak to Interior CS Held Back By Police Officers.

“We have raised the issue with the County Commander and the County Commissioner on a number of occasions and asked them to transfer some police officers, but it is yet to happen,” she stated.

Christine said she believed that some of the police officers in the area were working with law breakers and covering up felonies, referencing a case where two headteachers were burnt beyond recognition in their houses.

Woman Who Breached Security Being Handled by a Female Officer.

“I was so shocked when I was beaten up by the security detail. I did not want to borrow money from the CS, but wanted to pass across the important information,” she continued.

Christine had managed to snake through Matiang’i’s security detail and made her way towards his helicopter in a bid to get an audience with him.

Kisii County Commander, Francis Kooli, with the assistance of his junior officers, however, moved in to block the woman from getting to the helicopter.

CS Matiang'i Looks On as Police Officers Pull Away Woman Who Breached his Security.

She was adamant but was outnumbered by the officers who frog-matched her to a nearby police vehicle.

“The police commander most likely knew what I was going to tell the CS because I had reported the issues to him a number of times. That could have been the reason why he beat me up.”

Further, Christine disclosed that CS Matiang’i knew her, adding that they once talked on phone.

“If indeed I wanted money from him, I would have just sent him a message because we know each other, but that was not what I wanted.”

Christine, however, urged the CS to help her get a job opportunity, revealing that she was a university graduate, having studied Sign Language.

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Crime & Investigations

Police Narrate How DCI Officers Accidentally Shot Dead 17-Year-Old Huruma Boy

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Police have narrated how a 17-year-old boy was on Thursday night killed by a bullet fired by Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officers in Nairobi’s Huruma slums.

Haila Asanake died after being hit by a stray bullet fired by DCI detectives.

Police now say that the detectives were repulsing hostility from residents.

Asanake’s family says the teenager was standing on a balcony at their Kiamaiko home at around 8pm, when the bullet fatally struck him.

Police now say DCI detectives attached to Pangani  post had stopped a suspicious motor vehicle, and when the driver of the car alighted, he “started a scuffle with the detectives”.

The resultant melee, police say, attracted other members of the public, who reacted by stoning the detectives.

“This prompted officers to shoot in the air,” says a police report filed at the Huruma Police Station under the OB Number 70/09/09/2021.

Asanake, who was allegedly killed by the fired bullet, died on arrival at the Jumuia Hospital, where his body is currently preserved awaiting postmortem.

The deceased’s uncle, Branu Boku Cheme, said the teenager was a law-abiding boy, who occasionally earned money from working as a porter.

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Crime & Investigations

Man Conned Kshs 123M By MP Gachagua Exposes How Ruto Man Milks Government Dry Through Money Laundering

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua’s woes are going deeper after a man claiming he was conned out of Sh123 million by the lawmaker now claims he was recently forced to sign an affidavit indicating the cash was paid into his bank accounts.

Earlier this year, Jim Carter Njagi had told the High Court that Gachagua conned him out of Sh123 million by pretending he would help him fund a project.

The project was for the supply of hospital operating theatre, ICU and maternity equipment to Bungoma county.

In court documents, Njagi said Gachagua promised to help him.

Instead, he said, Gachagua used him and his company as a conduit for money laundering to syphon funds from government departments. Njagi is a director and shareholder of Encartar Diagnostics Limited.

He made the claims in a case whereby the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) is seeking to have him forfeit Sh200 million believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Njagi said that on March 11 this year, he received a call from Gachagua asking him to go to his office at Liaison House near State House.

He proceeded and upon arrival, he was directed by the secretary to the boardroom. Rigathi and three other men, one of them a lawyer, were waiting for him there, Njagi said.

“Rigathi then proceeded to show me a copy of a statement I recorded with police officers attached at the Assets Recovery Agency. He asked me why I indicated in the statement that he did not pay me my money,” Njagi’s statement reads.

Rigthai then gave directions to the lawyer present and subsequently gave Njagi an affidavit to sign, Njagi said.

Gachagua left the room and Njagi was given an affidavit that he signed, without being given an opportunity to read it over and understand the contents, he said.

Officer Fredrick Musyoki, an officer attached to ARA, said that on June 8, he recorded Njagi’s statement about the veracity of the affidavit he allegedly signed at Gachagua’s office.

The affidavit dated March 11 this year was commissioned by an advocate identified as Meschack Obare. It was about payments to Encarter Limited, Njagi’s company, by the Bungoma and Kwale county governments.

Njagi has now disowned the affidavit, saying he did not write it.

“I was not consulted when the affidavit was being written. I did not consent to the preparation and writing of the affidavit,” he said in his statement

He said signing the affidavit was not free and fair and he was not allowed to read the affidavit before signing.

Regarding requests to cross-examine ARA investigator Musyoki on his affidavit, ARA disputes them. It argues Gachagua has not indicated what he does not understand and wishes to cross-examine him on.

“Gachagua has not filed any formal application seeking my cross-examination and is engaging delaying tactics so as to frustrate the expeditious conclusion of this matter,” Musyoki said.

ARA wants Gachagua to forfeit more than Sh200 million, suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

In his affidavit, investigator Musyoki detailed how the MP allegedly planned with his business associates to acquire the money from various state agencies through money laundering and corrupt practices. 

The MP has claimed he is being persecuted for being a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto and said his wealth has nothing to do with money laundering.

He said the money is from legitimate businesses. This has been denied by ARA.

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Crime & Investigations

Tiaty MP William Kamket Arrested Over Laikipia Clashes

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket has been arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over the ongoing clashes in Laikipia county.

According to reports, Kamket was placed behind bars on Wednesday September 8, 2021.

His arrest comes after eight people, including three police officers, lost their lives in a span of just six days from bandit attacks in the area.

Kamket was nabbed when the officers conducted a raid at his home in Tiaty, Baringo County.

He was taken to DCI offices in Nakuru where he is expected to be grilled over the ongoing skirmishes that have left hundreds of Kenyans displaced.

Rift Valley Regional Commander George Natembeya had declared war on all bandits and vowed to flush out their sponsors, some of whom are believed to be government agencies.

The legislator’s arrest comes just hours after detectives arrested former Laikipia North Member of Parliament (MP) Mathew Lempurkel.

Lempurkel was picked up on Wednesday morning while at his home in Rongai, Kajiado County.

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Business

Infinix, Royal Observatory Greenwich Team Up For Unique Out Of This World Collaboration

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Global smartphone brand Infinix has embarked on a corporate partnership with the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London as part of the company’s commitment and pursuit towards science and innovation, and is an exciting way to bring the public closer to astronomy using groundbreaking new technology from Infinix.

As part of their support, Infinix is also making a sizable donation to the Annie Maunder
Astrographic Telescope at the Royal Observatory so that people can learn about the universe and get inspired to explore for generations to come.

Skye Chen, Head of Infinix Global Public Relations said, “Infinix is proud to be on the list
of donors to the Greenwich Observatory as a supporter of astronomy.

As a supporter of astronomy, Infinix has kept a true to heart brand spirit of empowering today’s youth in the emerging markets to explore themselves, that has deeply resonated with space exploration and Greenwich’s philosophy in exploring astronomy.

Lucy Cooke, Head of Development at Royal Museums Greenwich said, “We are very
grateful for Infinix’s generous support and commitment to increasing access to astronomy.

“The collaboration is a natural fit for both our organisations and we are delighted that together, we can give more people the opportunity to explore and experience the Moon and universe.”

As part of the corporate partnership, Infinix will be holding an online workshop at the worldfamous UNESCO world heritage site at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, titled “Infinix presents: See beyond”, on September 13th, 2021, which will bring together a unique panel of experts, hailing from both the astronomy and technology fields.

Starting from where the eastern and western hemispheres meet, the Observatory will also be
the launch location of Infinix’s brand new smartphone that features ground-breaking
photography technology, aiming to provide a creative platform for the younger generation, and take them from ZERO to hero.

Stay tuned to social media and website updates for more information on the corporate
partnership and the Infinix presents: See beyond event.
https://www.infinixmobility.com/
Facebook: @InfinixMobile
Instagram: @infinixglobal
Twitter: @Infinix_Mobile

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Cate Waruguru with Ruto
Politics

Tangatanga Cry Foul As Mt Kenya Churches Block Ruto From Sunday Service At Last Minute

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto’s allies are crying foul after at least two churches from Mt Kenya region blocked their boss from attending church service that had already been scheduled.

The DP Ruto’s allies who are advocating for his 2022 presidency are now accusing the State of blocking his planned visit to Kieni.

This after the two churches he was scheduled to attend service in cancelled his events. 

DP Ruto, who is currently holding meetings with a section of Mt Kenya leaders, was scheduled to attend service in Mbiriri, Nyeri County on Sunday September 5, but at least two churches have pulled the plug on the events at the last minute.

His weekend itinerary was supposed to culminate in a Sunday service at PCEA Mbiriri but the leadership withdrew the invitation.

The DP’s allies claim that Kieni MP Kanini Kega was behind the withdrawal of the invitation.

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua accused Mr Kega of sabotaging the itinerary.

“Let me advise my good friend that when people offer help to his constituents he should not block it. We are aware he is trying to use the police to block the DP but he will come anyway,” Mr Gachagua said.

Following the withdrawal by PCEA and at least one more church, the DP is said to have settled on Full Gospel Church, still in Mbiriri, where he will worship alongside a battery of other politicians.

At least 45 MPs from Mt Kenya and Nairobi have been holding meetings at the Aberdare Prestige and Royal Cottages in Kieni East.

They endorsed DP Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid and agreed to use the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party to seek elective posts in the next general election.

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Politics

“UDA Wants To Take Us Back To Dark KANU Era,” Moses Kuria Trashes Ruto Party In Explosive Social Media Post

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

By Hon Moses Kuria, via FB

I note with concern attempts by the team of my fellow Mt Kenya MPs who met in Aberdares today to label all other parties as regional, tribal or selfish

The truth of the matter is that the United Democratic Alliance which they purport to portray as the ONLY vehicle in the region is only one member of the Hustler Nation. Further, the Hustler Nation is and can not be owned by any particular individual as we started it all as a mass movement and an idea whose time has come

It is also a fact that UDA is perceived to be dominated by incumbent MPs who are hell bent to lock out their potential challengers out of the 2022 race.

Further, a party that has only 1 MP and 2 MCAs from Kiambu, Nyandarua and Nakuru can not claim to have bragging rights to brand all other parties as regional or tribal.

This is the kind of hubris and chest thumping that destroyed the Jubilee Party which we formed with so much hope and enthusiasm. It is the clearest attempt to take us to the days of the one party state and the dark KANU era. I was in the clamour for multi-partyism and the second liberation alongside Hon Mwangi Kiunjuri and Hon Martha Karua, as a young and vibrant student leader at the University of Nairobi. I am not as young and vibrant today and I can not go back to the streets to fight for multi-partyism again. I can only guard what is there.

The price of freedom is vigilance. We embrace and are all ready for team work, to work with everyone towards economic emancipation of all Hustlers. But we can not afford to close our eyes and forget contemporary history, let alone missing to learn from it. We are cognisant that history is a terrible bed to sleep in yet it is a wonderful lesson to learn.

It is this lesson that we failed to learn from the warning signals of 1992 and 1997 that led this country to a near armageddon of 2007/2008. If we had learnt this lesson in 1992 and 1997, a child who was thrown from the BOTTOM of a Church UP a window on 30th December 2007 would have survived.

I look forward to working with like minded colleagues in the HUSTLER NATION MOVEMENT to REALISTICALLY uplift the lives of all Hustlers.

I am a man on a mission to defend our hard fought democratic gains. In this MISSION I have no SPACE to retreat nor LUXURY to SURRENDER

UDA is NOT the only political party in the Hustler Nation Family. Any other narrative is false, outdated and ill-intentioned

HON MOSES KURIA, HSC
PARTY LEADER
CHAMA CHA KAZI
Los Angeles, 4th September 2021

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Politics

Kibicho Fires Tough Warning To DP Ruto Allies For Insulting His Boss

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Interior PS Karanja Kibicho has warned Deputy President William Ruto allies against insulting CS Fred Matiang’i.

DP Ruto’s confidants have been hurling insults against Dr. Matiang’i.

A section of Ruto’s allies, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi have been abusing Matiang’i and President Uhuru Kenyatta for some days now.

Kibicho, who was addressing the media from Kirinyaga County, said their remarks were baseless, adding that the Ministry was interested in serving Kenyans rather than politicking.

He endorsed sentiments made by Matiang’i when he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, saying that the ministry will continue with the rearrangement of security.

“There is a rise in personal attacks directed at some of us, I don’t understand how the politicians will benefit from such utterances,” Kibicho said.

Tangatanga launched the attacks after the CS listed what he claimed were Ruto’s properties and the number of the security detail attached to each.

They sarcastically welcomed the ‘lifestyle audit’, threatened to expose what they called “illegal land dealings by President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family”.

Speaking while at Deputy President’s Karen Residence in Nairobi County, on Thursday, September 2, Ruto allies were livid at Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS), Fred  Matiang’i, who gave an ‘exaggerated’ lifestyle audit of Ruto.

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Politics

Matiang’i, Kibicho And IG Mutyambai Summoned Over Ruto Security Drama

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, his Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai have been summoned to appear before the National Assembly committee on administration and national security.

The trio is expected to be grilled over the drama surrounding change of Deputy President William Ruto’s security.

Last week, GSU officers manning DP Ruto’s Karen residence were withdrawn and replaced by administrative police officers.

Matiag’i was summoned to appear before the committee on Wednesday, September 1, days after the DP’s security was restructured.

Confirming the meeting, the Committee chairman, Peter Mwathi, noted that PS Kibicho, and IG Mutyambai, will also accompany Matiang’i to the meeting.

He further noted that all the three top security bosses have confirmed their attendance.

According to Mwathi, Members of Parliament will seek to establish the procedures and laws the top security organs used to downgrade Ruto’s security from the elite General Service Unit (GSU) to Administration Police (AP).

“We want them to shed light on whether the action they took is within the law, and if not, we will have no option but to ensure that the law is followed,” noted Mwathi.

The committee will also seek to establish the measures taken by the National Police Service to ensure that the DP is safe and his security is not compromised.

DP Ruto had initially protested the move, writing to the security bosses to explain the motive behind changes.

In a detailed letter addressed to the police boss, Ruto claimed that the new security detail, including the replacement of his personal drivers on Friday, August 27, might have been sent to his home with an ulterior motive.

It was reported that Ruto spent the whole day at his Karen residence.

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Lifestyle

List of The Most Guarded VIPs In Kenya And Their Security Details

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The following are some of the most guarded people in Kenya and their security details.

President Uhuru Kenyatta

He is the most-guarded VIP currently in the country.

Together with his family, the President has about 200 security guards drawn from the GSU.

State House and state lodges are guarded by the officers drawn from GSU’s G-Company.

The officers attached to the President are headed by PEU commandant Josephat Kirimi, who is a former head of Recce Company that is assigned to protect the President, Deputy President and some select VIPs.

PEU is a fully-fledged team, which can handle the movement of the President and his family anytime.

They, however, usually get the help of the local police whenever the President visits.

As part of security measures, they don’t allow armed police officers, especially those with rifles, at the events, apart from their members.

Whenever the President moves, the local police commander has to ensure the movement is guarded.

And if and when he addresses a gathering, tens of local officers are deployed.

The President enjoys some of the best police officers’ services as they are drawn from various units and trained on a common agenda.

Other than police officers, officials from National Intelligence Service also provide crucial services to the President.

Deputy President William Ruto

As the second in command, Ruto has more than 50 armed security officers, who also guard his family.

The officers also guard his property, personal assistants and some relatives as well.

Ruto enjoys the services of a lead car and a backup whenever he is on the move, and traffic personnel are always alerted on time to make way for him.

Changes in his security team on August 26 elicited concerns amid his fallout with the President.

His security is drawn from various units, including PEU, APS and Prisons.

Whenever the DP moves, the local police commander has to ensure the movement is guarded and if and when he addresses a gathering, tens of local officers are deployed.

Just like the President, the DP enjoys some of the best police officers’ services as they are drawn from various units and trained on a common agenda.

Before the trend was stopped, the members used to interchange between the President and DP for, among other reasons, exposure.

House Speakers Justin Muturi and Ken Lusaka

The speakers for both National Assembly (Muturi) and Senate (Lusaka) have security with them on the move, at home and in the office.

They usually have lead cars with up to eight police officers whenever they travel.

Their families are enjoying the security of armed police.

The officers are drawn from GSU, general duty, APS and Prisons.

Former President Mwai Kibaki

As former President of the republic, Kibaki still enjoys heavy security all the time.

Apart from himself, his businesses, family and some friends still enjoy security courtesy of him.

He still has a lead car and a backup together with another that usually carries his personal assistants.

His homes are also guarded by officers from G-Company of GSU.

Chief Justice Martha Koome

As the head of the Judiciary, which is also the third arm of the government, Justice Koome enjoys heavy security all the time.

Her home is heavily guarded and she enjoys the services of a lead car whenever she is on the move.

The officers are drawn from various units in the National Police Service.

Like many other VIPs, she is allowed to choose the security she needs.

Cabinet Secretaries

All Cabinet Secretaries enjoy armed security services.

Their personnel are drawn from various units in the service and are allowed to choose the people they want to protect them.

Some of the members of the Cabinet have lead cars that serve as a backup.

They include Fred Matiang’i (interior), Ukur Yatani (Treasury), Joe Mucheru (ICT), George Magoha (education) and James Macharia (infrastructure).

Apart from the CSs, a number of Chief Administrative Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and some senior government officials also enjoy security around the clock whenever they are on the move as well as at their offices and homes.

The CSs are entitled to at least two armed guards at their homes at any time, and another two while travelling.

But depending on the risk assessment levels determined by security chiefs, some could have more security detail.

Other beneficiaries

Some embassies and ambassadors in the country are heavily guarded by Kenyan security.

They include those of the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Britain and Australia, China and Russia.

They have police including those from GSU deployed to them for their use.

Some heads of parastatals are also accorded police bodyguards.

The Central Bank Governor, Inspector General of Police and Deputy IGs, DCI, Director of Public Prosecutions and Attorney General and Chief of Defence Forces are also in the league of the heavily protected public officers.

They each have a chase car, at least five guards and another division protecting their spouses and children.

All judges, Controller of Budget and Auditor General, a number of commissioners, governors and their deputies and a number of staff at the counties also enjoy the security services.

An unspecified number of influential personalities, former Cabinet ministers and retired public servants also have police guards. This is because of risks posed by decisions they made and information they have by virtue of office.

Police sources reveal up to 13,000 police officers — out of the national tally of 60,000, some of whom, are in the traffic department — guard ministers, MPs, politicians, and top Government officials.

According to official policy, each of the more than 400 MPs and senators is entitled to an armed guard.

Senior police officers, however, claim some politicians and well-connected businessmen at times exploit their connections in government to be assigned police protection.

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Entertainment

Pole Sana! Larry Madowo Thrown Into Deep Mourning

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenyan journalist and CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has been thrown into deep mourning.

The journalist on Friday afternoon took to his official social media accounts to announce the passing on of his grandmother Francesca Madowo.

While mourning her in a very touching message, Larry Madowo described his grandmother as the family matriarch, family heartbeat and his comedy partner.

He went ahead to note that her death has left him numbing, and ripped his heart from the chest.

The journalist noted that light had gone out of the family following the death of the matriarch.

“My grandmother, the family matriarch, our heartbeat, my comedy partner, the dearly loved Francesca Madowo has joined the ancestors. I am numb. My heart has been ripped from my chest. Light has gone out of my life. Nind gi kwe, min Omollo,” tweeted Larry Madowo.

Before joining CNN, Larry Madowo worked as a North America correspondent for the BBC based in Washington, DC.

He was also named a young global leader by the World Economic Forum and twice listed among 100 most influential Africans by NewAfrican Magazine.

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Politics

Murkomen Reveals What Ruto Will Do To Deputy President’s Office If He Becomes President

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has alleged that one of Deputy President William Ruto’s mandate will be restoring dignity in his current office once he becomes the president.

Taking to his social media accounts on Friday August 27, 2021, the former senate majority leader weighed into the mistreatment DP Ruto is currently facing.

DP Ruto who has hence fallen out with President Kenyatta has been neglected in government, with the head of state recently daring him to resign over his continued criticism of the government.

President Kenyatta during an interview with media editors early this week told DP Ruto to consider quitting if he was unhappy with the government he is serving.

However, Murkomen argued that the second in command has just a number of days left before he finishes his term as Deputy President of the republic of Kenya.

Murkomen now claims that even as the government operatives continue undermining the DP’s office, Ruto will restore the dignity of the office once elected Kenya’s 5th President in 2022.

The vocal lawmaker claims that God is preparing DP Ruto to treat his deputy better and with dignity.

“HE William Ruto has only 346 days 17 hours &35 minutes in the office of the Deputy President.Even if you undermine the office&the institution,HE Ruto will restore the dignity of that office when his Deputy will be IN.God is preparing him to treat his Deputy better&with dignity,” tweeted Murkomen.

Murkomen’s remarks come just a day after government withdrew GSU officers manning DP Ruto’s Karen residence and replaced them with AP police officers.

The motive of the change of DP Ruto’s security detail is not however, clear even as Kenyans continue linking the move to 2022 succession politics.

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