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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

Politics

Strict Rules That Must be Followed While Viewing Moi’s Body

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The body of the late former President Daniel Moi is lying in the state at Parliament buildings for public viewing for the second day.

First public viewing was done on Saturday and is expected to end on Monday evening, which is the third day of lying in the state.

On Saturday, 24,683 Kenyans were able to view Moi’s body.

However, there are rules that must be followed while viewing the body.

First, an order has to be observed. Kenyans are supposed to follow the queue so as to give the security forces manning the crowd an easy time.

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When viewing the body, upon strict safety scrutiny from the security team, one is expected to spend at most 10 seconds at the scene.

In addition, children below 10 years are not allowed in the building. Some mothers were forced back by the security officials after showing up with underage kids.

Moreover, members of the public willing to pay their last respects to Kenya’s second president will only be allowed into the parliament buildings from 8AM to 5PM until Monday.

On this day (Sunday), several leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was in Ethiopia on Saturday, are expected to view the remains of the former president.

When public viewing of Moi’s body comes to an end on Monday evening, there will be a funeral service at Nyayo stadium on Tuesday, which was declared a public holiday of observation to allow Kenyans pay their last respects to the former head of state.

Moi’s body will then be interred at his Kabarak home on Wednesday February 12, 2020.

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Entertainment

Revealed: Unknown Details Behind The Sudden Death of Papa Dennis

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Emerging details have revealed what led to the sudden death of top gospel artist Papa Dennis.

According to a detailed report by a local daily written from a series of interviews, depression occasioned by a sudden change in financial fortunes and forlorn hopelessness is what led to the death of the award-winning gospel musician.

Just over a year ago, everything looked so rosy for Papa Dennis, even going ahead to reveal to Pulse Magazine that he had at least Ksh50 million stashed in three bank accounts in the country.

Fast-forward to one year later, the musician was a pale shadow of his flashy and flamboyant former self — his financial muscle had waned, and the good life was now a mirage.

He relocated from his solid rented house in Lavington, and started life afresh in a room in the Pangani studio — Nairobi Records — where he allegedly jumped from on Friday, February 7.

By the time of his death, Papa Dennis did not know where his next meal would come from, according the informants of the local daily.

“He only had a mattress in one of the rooms in the studio; that was the only thing he went back to after spending the day searching where his meal would come from. Occasionally, he would be assisted by the owner of Nairobi Records, Mash Mjukuu. Upon learning that Papa Dennis had nowhere to go after being evicted from his furnished Lavington home over unpaid rent, Mjukuu offered to house him in the studio, and gave him a mattress,” a source was quoted by the daily.

The sources further revealed Papa Dennis’ former manager, Sadat Muhindi, was the one financing his luxurious lifestyle, but allegedly stopped after the two fell out over reasons yet to be known.

A report filed at Pangani Police Station by Papa Dennis’ brother, Simon Mwangi, at 1:30am Saturday, says he fell from Kirima Building near Jubilee Party headquarters, with authorities confirming Dennis’ cause of death as suicide.

The incident — according to police — happened at 11:30pm Friday.

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Entertainment

Police Probing Death of Award-Winning Gospel Singer Papa Dennis

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Police have launched probe into the death of award-winning gospel singer papa Dennis.

The 2018 AFRIMMA Awards winner was on Saturday morning found dead along the road in Ngara.

It is being alleged that he fell from a 7th floor building in Ngara, Nairobi.

His body was found on the roadside near Pangani on the night of Friday.

Veteran gospel artiste, Daddy Owen, who was at the scene copnfirmed to a local daily the passing away of Papa Dennis.

“He was found dead on the roadside near the Jubilee Party headquarters,” Daddy Owen was quoted by the local daily.

However, details of whether Papa Dennis was knocked down by a vehicle, or whether he committed suicide by jumping from a tall building remains scanty, as we wait for the conclusion of police probe.

Papa Dennis, whose real name is Dennis Mwangi, was born and raised in Matunda, Kakamega County. He has a twin brother whose name is Simon Mwangi.

His mother died in 2006, leaving him and his four other siblings unable to fend for themselves.

After his mother’s demise, Papa Dennis relocated to Kisumu where he started a second-hand clothes business.

He was known for exhibiting flamboyance, on several occasions sporting expensive designer clothes, watches and shoes.

The Late artiste, in his lifetime, won several awards, including a trophy in the 2015 Mwafaka Awards, 2016 and 2017 Pulse Music Video Awards, the 2018 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) and the 2019 Dear Awards.

Papa Dennis had several songs in his repertoire, including Tornado which he featured Tanzanian legendary singer Ray C. Other songs are: Nashukuru, Mayaya, Foundation (featuring Daddy Owen), Wabebe, among others.

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Politics

VIDEO: Two Akorino Pastors Move to Court to Stop Moi’s Burial, Table 3 Demands That Must be Met

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Two pastors on Friday morning moved to Milimani Law Courts seeking to stop the burial of the late former President Daniel Moi.

The pastors, Wilson Maina and Joel Mbugua, had gone to court to stop Moi’s burial, and at the same time apply to have Tuesday’s public holiday cancelled.

After spending hours at Milimani, they said they will file their suit on Monday.

They argue that Moi is not supposed to be laid to rest in his own home.

Being one of the presidents of Kenya, the pastors argue that Moi should be laid to rest on a government land to make it easily accessible by Kenyan Citizens who will wish to know where the second president of Kenya was buried.

According to them, it will be hard for the future generation and any other citizen to access Moi’s Kabarak home in the name of seeing where he was buried.

They say there will be no freedom of accessing his rural home.

They also want to know Moi’s real age.

This is after Lee Njiru, his long serving press secretary and family spokesperson argued that Mzee Moi died aged 102 or 103 years.

Njiru said that Moi had on several occasions told him not to believe the age written on his ID card.

The pastors argue that they need to tell their children the real age of Moi, and at the same time demand to know the reason as to why Mzee Moi lied about his age.

The pastors also want BBI campaigns stopped, arguing that Mzee Moi always advocated for peace, love and unity. According to them, Moi should not be buried until politicians bury their political differences.

Watch the video below courtesy of K24 TV.

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Business

Uhuru Secures Multi-Billion Deals With Donald Trump

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured that a new bilateral trade deal between Kenya and the US won’t undermine the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

The Kenyan leader spoke shortly after a meeting with the United States President Donald Trump at the White House during which the two leaders agreed to commence talks leading to a trade pact between Kenya and the US.

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President Kenyatta made the assurance when he addressed over 350 business leaders attending a US-Kenya Trade Forum in the US capital.

He said the proposed new trade arrangement with the United States of America would in no way undermine Kenya’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

At the White House meeting, Presidents Kenyatta and Trump said a new trade agreement would help increase volumes of trade and investment between Kenya and the US.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer who spoke shortly after the meeting between Presidents Kenyatta and Trump said, America recognizes Kenya as a leader in Africa and an important strategic partner of the US.

He said a new trade agreement presents the two countries a rare opportunity to explore ways of deepening Kenya-US economic and commercial ties.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we look forward to negotiating and concluding a comprehensive, high-standard agreement with Kenya that can serve as a model for additional agreements across Africa,” Amb Lighthizer said.

In line with the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability law of 2015, the Trade Representative will now officially notify Congress of the US government’s intention to start trade negotiations with Kenya.

Currently, trade between Kenya and the US stands at about USD 1billion a year with over 70 percent of Kenya’s export into the expansive American market in 2018, worth USD 466 million, entering under AGOA.

President Kenyatta told the Kenya-US forum that his administration is committed to developing and concluding the strongest ever trade and investment framework that would deliver increased trade between the two nations.

“Today I want to assure all of you of Kenya’s unwavering commitment in developing the strongest ever trade investment framework with the United States of America.

“We are very keenly looking forward to concluding the trade arrangement between our two countries and I believe that these trade agreements would not only serve Kenya and United States but would probably set the base for a new engagement between the United States and other African countries,”President Kenyatta said.

He dismissed speculation that Kenya is breaking away from its commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) saying the new arrangement with the US is only aimed at bolstering and deepening trade not only with Kenya but also with other African countries.

“At this juncture I just want to put away a few doubts because there has been a feeling that by Kenya engaging with the US to have a trade arrangement, we are running away from our commitment to the African Continental Free Trade arrangement. And I want to assure you that there can be nothing further from the truth as that is definitely not the case,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan Head of State pointed out that Kenya was among the first countries to sign and ratify the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and that its commitment to the agreement is steadfast.

He said Kenya needs to move faster and set the pace for other African countries in formulating new trade and investment arrangements with the US as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) comes to an end in 2025.

“All we are saying is that there are some of us like Kenya who feels that we are ready. We are ready to move forward and what we are saying is, let the rest of the continent see us as pacesetters.

“Let them see us as the people who are clearing the field for future negotiations with the rest of the African continent because Kenya feels ready for this arrangement,” the President said.

He noted that even as Kenya and the US work to strengthen their trade and investment ties, there is need to preserve and build on mechanisms and regulatory frameworks that already exist.

“As you may be well aware, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been a key mover for trade between Kenya and the USA. Through AGOA, the US is the third export destination for Kenyan products, with a share of about 8 percent of total Kenya’s export globally.

“Moving forward, we need to maximize the remaining years of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) that ends in 2025,” President Kenyatta said noting that the US is an important source of Kenya’s foreign direct investments (FDI), with the country holding an FDI stock of over USD 405 million in 2018.

President Kenyatta challenged American businessmen to explore new investment opportunities in Kenya and assured them of an enabling business environment.

“We have a wide range of potential areas for investment and I urge US companies to consider investing in key sectors of the economy such as; Agriculture & Agro-processing, Manufacturing, Construction & Real Estate development, infrastructure development, ICT, Blue Economy, Energy, Hospitality & Tourism, Health, FinTech & Financial Services, Petroleum, Mining, among others,” the President outlined.

Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs of the US Chamber of Commerce Myron Brilliant said the American business community is keenly following what President Kenyatta is doing in terms of improving trade between Kenya and the US and assured that the chamber will continue to support him by wooing more American investors to the country.

“We see your vision, we see your ambition, we understand what is happening in Kenya and we want to embrace it and support you,” Mr Brilliant assured the President.

President Kenyatta is accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries James Macharia (Transport), Adan Mohammed (East African Affairs) and CS designate for Trade Betty Maina among other senior government officials.

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Politics

Matiang’i Declares Tuesday a Public Holiday

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has declared Tuesday February 11, a public holiday.

This is to enable Kenyans to participate in celebrating the life of departed former head of state Daniel Arap Moi.

The announcement was made on Thursday noon by head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.

President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the nation in public viewing of the body from Saturday February 8, 2020 at Parliament buildings from 10:00 am.

All State Officials whose attendance is required by tradition and State Protocol have been notified; and they are therefore requested to be in the precincts of Parliament by 9:45 a.m. on Saturday.

The body of the late retired present Daniel arap Moi shall lie in state at Parliament buildings for three days from Saturday 8th to Monday 10th February 2020.

This is to allow the nation to reflect on President Moi’s momentous role and achievements, and to accord all Kenyans the opportunity to participate in public viewing and the paying of last respects to the former Head of State and Government.

After lying-in-state for three days, on Tuesday 11th February, 2020 the gun carriage and State Funeral Procession will make its way from Parliament Buildings to the Nyayo Stadium, the venue of the National Memorial Service.

The public viewing at Parliament Buildings will be done on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 08:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.

Remains of the late retired President  Moi will be Interred on Wednesday 12th February at his home in Kabarak.

All Kenyans have been encouraged to plant a tree in memory of the late former president.

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Crime & Investigations

Kakamega Primary Releases List of Stampede Victims

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kakamega Primary School has released a list of the stampede that left 14 pupils dead early this week.

The school administration has already made public, the list of the deceased pupils as follows;

1. Prince Vermaline

2. Bertha Munywele,

3. Simon Waweru,

4. Lavender Akasa,

5. Joseph Musami,

6. Naila Kiverenge,

7. Fidel Kumbetie, 

8. Samuel Simekha,

9. June Nakhumicha, 

10. Prudence Eliza,

11. Catherine Aloo,

12. Antonnet Iramwenya,

13. Nichole Achola,

14. Venessa Adesa.

Operations in the institution were put on hold until next Monday, to allow investigations towards the tragedy.

Following the unfortunate occurrence, 36 pupils got treated and discharged, while eight others are still in the hospital, among them, two being in the Intensive Care Unit. 

Local leaders have urged for thorough investigations, while Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya termed the happening as an abnormal.

Deputy President William Ruto, together with the Education Cs George Magoha, called upon the investigators to ensure that the matter comes to a conclusion.

DP Ruto added that investigators had sufficient time to conduct their investigations. 

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Politics

Raila Recounts The Day he First Met Mzee Moi in an Emotional Message

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has recounted the day he first met former President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi.

In his condolence message, Raila says he first met President Moi in 1958 when his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga invited the first African elected members of the Legislative Council to their home in Bondo.

Raila says he was a teenager and Moi, who represented the Rift Valley, was in the company of Masinde Muliro, Lawrence Oguda, Tom Mboya, Bernard Mate, James Muimi and Ronald Ngala.

They operated under the auspices of African Elected Members Organisation, with Jaramogi as their chairman.

From that initial encounter, Raila says their paths and careers were later to cross in various capacities and roles.

Mzee Moi once sent Raila into exile, but the AU Envoy says they reconciled after the political differences of the 1980s and early 90s and they were able to work together to bring more reforms to the country.

Below is Raila’s full message.

Mama Ida and I mourn the passing of President Daniel arap Moi. We give thanks for his long life of service to this nation.

President Moi has had a chequered career and leaves behind a rich history, from representing the Rift Valley in the Legislative Council to MP for Baringo Central, Vice President and President.

I first met President Moi in 1958 when my father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga invited the first African elected members of the Legislative Council to our home in Bondo. I was a teenager and Moi, who represented the Rift Valley, was in the company of Masinde Muliro, Lawrence Oguda, Tom Mboya, Bernard Mate, James Muimi and Ronald Ngala.

They operated under the auspices of African Elected Members Organisation, with Jaramogi as their chairman.
From that initial encounter, our paths and careers were later to cross in various capacities and roles.
Moi inherited a fairly polarised political landscape when he became President in 1978. He strived to hold the country together as he struggled to unite the people, often with mixed results.

The decision by his administration to make the country a single party state became a major point of disagreement in our politics that caused the clamour for the repeal of Section 2 (a).
To his credit, President Moi gave in to the clamour for change and allowed the country to return to multiparty politics. He was constantly able to ease pressure in the country through incremental reforms.

Moi and I reconciled after the political differences of the 1980s and early 90s and we were able to work together to bring more reforms to the country.
Our cooperation gave way to merger with his party KANU, which put the country firmly on the path to a new constitution by enabling the formation of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC).
In his retirement, again to his credit, President Moi carried and conducted himself with complete dignity befitting an elder statesman.

I am grateful for the time I spent with him. At this moment of mourning, our hearts and prayers are with the family and the entire Moi clan.

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Crime & Investigations

Uhuru Issues a Tough Order Following Kakamega Primary Stampede

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has spoken on the stampede that occurred at Kakamega Primary School on Monday evening killing 19 pupils.

The head of state last evening sent a message of comfort to the families of the children who lost their lives following the stampede.

However, the president ordered for a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the incident.

By yesterday night, the death toll had risen to 19, all the way from 14.

Speaking during a phone interview with Citizen TV on Monday night, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha also questioned the incident that lead to the death of the pupils.

He said he was at the school last week and he witnessed the pupils come down the stairs in an orderly manner.

Magoha had confidence that there must be something that led to the stampede.

He has ordered his Principal Secretary Bellio Kipsang to arrive at the scene today morning as investigations into the matter goes on.

Earlier reports indicated that the pupils were rushing down the staircase of the school when they tripped and fell on each other.

Kakamega Central OCPD David Kabena said that at least 39 pupils were injured, noting that 20 had been treated and discharged.

Additional reports indicated that the injured pupils were in the region of 100 and that some of them have been admitted to the ICU in critical condition.

On Monday night, former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale who arrived at Kakamega County Referral Hospital to give a helping hand noted that 19 had died and that two were in the ICU.

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Politics

Mzee Had Clocked a Century Plus! Lee Njiru, Moi’s Press Secretary Declares His Real Age

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former President Daniel Arap Moi has died aged 102 or 103 years, and not 95 years.

This is according to his long serving press secretary Lee Njiru, who argues that Mzee Moi told him not to go by what is on his Identity card.

“Mzee told me many times not to go by what is on his ID,” Lee Njiru said through a phone call to Citizen Tv.

Lee Njiru who has been President’ Moi’s Press Secretary for over 40years.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday morning shared a proclamation statement confirming the passing on of Moi.

The retired Head of State has ailing for a long time despite several admissions to hospital.

Lee Njiru says Moi started walking using a walking stick then a wheelchair, noting that his decline was very worrying.

He has been hospitalized since October 10th 2019 and has never left hospital.

“He started walking using a walking stick then a wheelchair, I have seen a steady decline. His decline was very worrying. He has been hospitalized since October 10th 2019 & has never left hospital,” Njiru noted.

In October 2019, the former president was admitted to the Nairobi Hospital on Saturday after he developed breathing complications.

That was the second time in two weeks that the 95-year-old former president was being attended to at the city hospital.

The former President’s Press Secretary Lee Njiru at the time stated that Moi had been rushed to hospital on Monday for what was termed as a routine checkup.

“Yes, l can confirm that Mzee Moi visited The Nairobi Hospital for a routine medical check-up.

“It is prudent for any human being to undergo regular medical check-ups, so there is nothing to worry about,” remarked Njiru.

Njiru, however, avoided giving further information on the type of checkup the ailing ex-Head of State underwent at the facility.

In December 2018, the once Vice President during the reign of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta had been rushed to the same hospital for a similar routine checkup.

In May the same year, Moi had been taken ill at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, following a complaint of a previous knee injury.

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Crime & Investigations

Prof Magoha Speaks on Kakamega Primary Stampede, Reveals Unknown Details

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has spoken on the unfortunate stampede at Kakamega Primary School that left 14 pupils dead and 39 others seriously injured.

Speaking during a phone interview with Citizen TV on Monday night, Prof Magoha questioned the incident that lead to the death of the pupils.

He said he was at the school last week and he witnessed the pupils come down the stairs in an orderly manner.

According to Magoha, there must be something that led to the stampede.

Magoha says a bell ring can’t cause the panic witnessed on Monday evening.

He has ordered his Principal Secretary Bellio Kipsang to arrive at the scene tomorrow morning as investigations into the matter goes on.

Earlier reports indicated that the pupils were rushing down the staircase of the school when they tripped and fell on each other.

Kakamega Central OCPD David Kabena said that at least 39 pupils were injured and that so far, 20 have been treated and discharged.

Additional reports indicate that the injured pupils are in the region of 100 and that some of them have been admitted to the ICU in critical condition.

The pupils are said to have been running away from a teacher who was reportedly punishing another pupil in one of the classes upstairs.

However, some reports also indicate the children were rushing to go home after the bell rung.

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Crime & InvestigationsLatest News

Details: Death Toll From Kakamega Primary School Stampede Hits 14

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Death toll from Kakamega Primary School stampede has hit 14.

This is after a pupil succumbed to injuries at Nala Nursing Home, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya says.

Earlier reports indicated that the pupils were rushing down the staircase of the school when they tripped and fell on each other with 13 dying on the spot.

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Kakamega Central OCPD David Kabena said that at least 39 pupils were injured and that so far, 20 have been treated and discharged.

Additional reports indicate that the injured pupils are in the region of 100 and that some of them have been admitted to the ICU in critical condition.

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The pupils are said to have been running away from a teacher who was reportedly punishing another pupil in one of the classes upstairs.

However, some reports also indicate the children were rushing to go home after the bell rung.

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Politics

Moses Kuria Exposes Chief Goon Allegedly Plotting to Attack Him During Meru BBI Rally

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

An attack on Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria during Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally in Kitui seems not enough.

The controversial MP has foiled an alleged plot by goons to attack him and members of DP Ruto-allied Tangatanga leaders during the February 15 BBI rally in Meru.

Taking to his social media, Kuria posted an alleged message by an informer forewarning him against attending the rally without speaking to one Mike Makarena.

In the message, Makarena is described as the ‘Chief goon’ in Meru who is set to coordinate the purported humiliation of Tangatanga MPS should they set foot in the rally.

The author of the message, one Kiogora, also tells the MP to forewarn all the other MPS in his camp about this planned attack.

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu on Saturday during BBI rally in her county directed security officers at the function to eject Kuria out before he reportedly pleaded with them to return him to the dais.

DP William Ruto condemned the act of ejecting Kuria from the rally, saying it only served to roll back the democratic gains made over decades.

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Politics

Raila Leaves The Country For Prayers in The US

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

African Union Envoy Raila Odinga has departed Kenya this evening for the United States.

The former Prime Minister will be attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.

According to a post he shared on his social media pages, he will also hold a Roundtable meeting with African Ambassadors in the US to brief them on the Continent’s Infrastructure and continental trade agenda.

Raila is AU’s highest representative for Infrastructure and development.

“Departing for the USA to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. I shall also hold a Roundtable meeting with African Ambassadors there to brief them on the Continent’s Infrastructure and continental trade agenda,” he tweeted.

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Politics

VIDEO: Kila Mtu Afanye Kazi Yake na Tuheshimiane, Ruto Hits Back at Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has hit back at President Uhuru Kenyatta, who on Friday swore to stop sending representatives to launch projects on his behalf, saying they had failed him.

Uhuru’s statement was subtly directed at Ruto, who had launched the last mile connectivity project in Nyandarua county, only for it to stall.

”I came here to see myself whether the people in this region had been connected to the national grid as alleged by the people I had sent here…why are they not yet connected? I will not be sending people anymore, I will come by myself,” an angry Uhuru said while addressing residents of Nyandarua.

A defiant Ruto, however, on Sunday, maintained that he would continue flagging off development projects around the country since that was part of his job description, as deputy president.

”Hiyo kazi nitafanya na bidii. Hii ya barabara…na ya maji, na ya stima, na ya kusomesha watoto wetu…kwa sababu kazi ya deputy president ni hiyo nafanya (I will work even harder to steer roads, water, electricity, and education programs….what I am doing is the work of the deputy president)” the politician said during a church function in Kisii.

Ruto added that defamatory utterances could no longer fool Kenyans, as they are intelligent enough to observe who has delivered in his/her docket, and who has not.

”Wananchi wako na akili. Watajua ni nani wa kufanya kazi, na ni nani wa kupiga story (Kenyans are an intelligent lot. They can decipher who is a hard worker and who is a busy body),” the DP said.

”Tulikubaliana Kenya wajinga waliisha (We all agreed that there are no longer fools in Kenya),” he added.

He further asked his fellow politicians to stop interfering with his work as the second in command.

”Kuna mtu analalamika hapa DP anafanya kazi yake? Iko mtu analalamika nimefanya kazi yake? (Is there anyone who can claim that I am doing his job?),” the irate deputy head of state sarcastically posited.

He was speaking during the consecration of Reverend Joseph Omwoyo Ombasa, as the Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya.

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Politics

Ruto Responds to Moses Kuria’s Harassment by Goons During Kitui BBI Rally

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has broken his silence following the brutality that Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria faced during a BBI rally in Kitui on Saturday.

The second in command has called upon leaders to take an inclusivity approach to Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) politics.

Speaking during the consecration of the second Diocesan Bishop, Rev Joseph Omwoyo Ombasa, in Kisii, Ruto termed the use of brutal force against individuals with differing opinions as primitive.

”Nataka niwaulize viongozi hao wengine wote, tuwache makelele na fujo na ubabe na mambo hayo ambayo yanaturudisha nyuma (my appeal to all leaders is that they should stop bickering, using excessive force and dictatorship, among other backward practices),” Ruto said.

He preached the message of honorable dialogue, insisting on the need to hear out all opinions, on matters of national discourse.

‘‘Kama ni mjadala mnafanya tuweke heshima, tuweke ungwana, tusikize yale yanasemekana na mtu yeyote, humpendi, unampenda (On matters of national interest, let us take a respectful approach and hear each other out, whether you like a particular person or not),” the DP added.

He further called for an equitable dialogue platform, terming all views as imperative.

”Hakuna maoni yanayozidi maoni mengine (there is no opinion that is superior to the other),” the emotional deputy head of state said.

He noted that ongoing BBI discussion should not be reserved for a particular group of people, rather, it should be opened up to all, including the common mwananchi. 

Kuria was on Saturday almost driven out of the venue of a BBI rally, where ODM leader Raila Odinga was in attendance, after area governor Charity Ngilu, asserted that people who were disrespectful to President Uhuru Kenyatta were not welcome at the event.

It is only after the crowd intervened that Kuria was allowed back into the rally.

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