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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

Ruto, Moses Kuria spark public uproar with their viral photo

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Is Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria warming up to taking Prime Minister post once Deputy President Dr William Ruto manages to become the head of state in 2022?

A viral photo of the two shared on Moses Kuria’s social media pages indicating that Kuria is to be the Prime Minister when Ruto becomes president has stirred heated reactions on social media.

The photo viral photo indicated that the two were perusing through a phone, with the item of discussion amusing Ruto who burst into laughter as Kuria stared stone-faced.

Kenyans while reacting wondered whether Kuria had joined the Ruto bandwagon.

DP William Ruto with Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria. The posted sparked an uproar on Saturday, November 30, 2019

Some Kenyans had to laugh off, citing that Kuria has fallen a victim of “If you can’t beat them join them”, thus becoming the latest tanga tanga recruit.

Some started speculating about 2022’s government structure, arguing that Mr Kuria might become Prime Minister, Ruto president as Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i becomes Deputy President.

The photo was taken at a wedding event that DP Ruto had attended on Friday evening.

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Politics

Moses Kuria, Wa Muchomba clash in front of Matiang’i over BBI

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria clashed with the Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni wa Muchomba after he dismissed those calling for adoption of BBI report through a referendum.

It all started when Mr Kuria told a gathering at a function in Kirinyaga on Friday that there was no logic in the country spending billions to take the document back to the public when they had already given their views on the same.

“It was just the other day we spent Sh500 million collecting views on the same initiative. Why would we again want to spend more on a referendum when we can easily get everything done through Parliament where we are the people’s representatives?” posed Kuria.

But Ms Wamuchomba dismissed the parliamentary route claiming that MPs could not be trusted to undertake the process as they can be compromised.

“We cannot allow this process to be left to these political thugs and it should be left to the people who are supreme on matters Constitution,” she said.

The Woman Reps remarks attracted the fury of MPs Gichimu Githinji (Gichugu) and Wangui Ngirichi (Kirinyaga Woman Rep), who were attending a harambee in aid of Gathuthini Hope Foundation organised by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho. Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i was in attendance.

“By simply expressing our democratic rights to state how we feel the BBI should move, and supporting that it comes through Parliament, does not make us political thugs,” Ms Ngirichi said.

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Latest NewsPolitics

If we implement BBI report the way it is, we will divide kenya further, ODM Lawmaker hints

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) senator has rejected the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report that was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Bomas of Kenya on Wednesday.

The Narok senator Ledama Ole Kina says a status quo should be maintained as per now.

He says if the report is implemented the way it is, it will divide kenya further.

The vocal ODM legislator adds that they is no way he is going to support a report that creates an imperial presidency.

“We maintain the Status quo for now! If we implement the report the way it is, we will devide kenya further … there is no way I will support a report that creates an imperial presidency – no way! ” he tweeted on Wednesday night.

According to the report, the President will remain the Head of State and Government and the Commander-in-Chief. He or she shall be the central symbol of National Unity.

The President will chair the Cabinet, which comprises of the Deputy President, the Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers.

The Executive, under the authority of the President, shall have the power to determine the policy of the Government in general, while the Ministers under the leadership of the Prime Minister, shall be collectively responsible in the National Assembly for the execution of the affairs of the Government.

This structure executive makes it more accountable in Parliament and to the people.

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Politics

Joshua Kutuny Owns up BBI Report Hours After Release

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Cherengany Member of Parliament Joshua Kutuny has taken credits in most recommendations made in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report just hours after being handed to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The BBI’s task force led by Garissa senator Yussuf Haji handed over the report to the president and ODM party leader Raila Odinga at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday.

Present was Deputy President Dr William Ruto.

However, Kutuny says the report set to be made public today ( Wednesday) at Bomas of Kenya is similar to what he was pushing for in 2018.

He says the BBI task force borrowed on his proposal to come up with its report in regard to the creation of the post of Prime Minister and his deputies.

“On matters Building Bridges Initiative (BBi)- This was the proposal I was pushing in 2018 to amend the constitution of Kenya. I am glad BBI taskforce borrowed on my proposal to come up with it’s report in regard to the creation of the post of Prime Minister and his deputies,” he posted.

In the BBI report, the president remains Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief, while the PM will draw his powers from parliament and supervise execution of day-to-day government affairs.

The PM, under the proposals, will be the leader of the largest political party or coalition of parties, and will be appointed by the president and approved by the House.

“Within a set number of days following the summoning of parliament after an election, the President shall appoint as prime minister an elected member of the National Assembly from a political party having a majority of members in the National Assembly or, if no political party has a majority, one who appears to have the support of a majority of MPs,” the 14-member BBI team has recommended.

The report says that prime minister shall have supervision and execution of the day-to-day functions and affairs of the government.

He/She shall also be the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly.

On the president’s tasking, the prime minister will chair Cabinet sub-committees. In the exercise of his authority, the prime minister shall perform or cause to be performed any matter or matters which the president directs to be done.

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Politics

BBI Report: MPs, MCAs to Lose Sitting Allowances

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta received the BBI report on Tuesday afternoon from task force chairman Senator Yusuf Haji.

Present were Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The report recommends that the state should eliminate sitting allowances of public officers in both the national and the county governments.

MPs and MCAs have been accused of earning huge sitting allowances.

In July 2017, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission abolished MCAs’ mileage reimbursements, sitting allowances for plenary sessions and special responsibility perks.

But last year, the High Court reinstated the benefits, forcing the SRC to return the allowances .

“Strengthen the capacity of the Controller of Budget to enable to detect and respond in a timely manner to misappropriation , wastage and illegal process,” the task force said in the report to be launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta tomorrow (Wednesday) at Bomas of Kenya.

The task force which was constituted by Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga following their handshake in March 2018 also calls for total enforcement of powers of SRC to rationalize all public sector salaries and to address the large discrepancies in remuneration.

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Politics

Tanga Tanga MPs Declare Support For BBI Report

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday received the much anticipated Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.

The report was handed over to duo at State House, Nairobi in presence of Deputy President William Ruto.

The report, among other issues recommends a President, with executive authority who will be directly elected by the people, with the loser in the State House contest directly nominated to Parliament and takes over as leader of official opposition.

On the structure of government, the BBI team recommends what it termed “a home grown and inclusive” system, that comprises an executive headed by a popularly and directly elected President, and a robust, structured opposition that holds the government to account.

This has seen a section of MPs allied to DP Ruto change tune, and publicly declare their support for the report after strongly criticizing it.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa who has been a great critic is among Tanga tanga members who have publicly declared support for the report.

He says that the report has avoided divisive referendum and reckons that the issues raised can be prosecuted through the parliamentary process .

“Now the BBI Task force has avoided the divisive referendum and reckons that the issues raised can be prosecuted through the parliamentary process.I wish to declare my support for this report,” he tweeted.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who has also been a strong critic of BBI said ” So far so good, Twende Kazi”.

The report will be made public to Kenyans tomorrow (Wednesday) during its official launch at Bomas of Kenya.

Kenyans will be allowed to read and understand it before making a decision.

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Politics

BBI: Ruto Wins Big From The Report

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The much anticipated Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report was on Tuesday finally handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Deputy President Dr William Ruto was present at Statehouse during the handover.

His dream to clinch the topmost seat in 2022 might come to pass, but what awaits him after the BBI report?

Well, the report recommends a President, with executive authority who will be directly elected by the people, with the loser in the State House contest directly nominated to Parliament and takes over as leader of official opposition.

On the structure of government, the BBI team recommends what it termed “a home grown and inclusive” system, that comprises an executive headed by a popularly and directly elected President, and a robust, structured opposition that holds the government to account.

The Executive, according to BBI, should include the President, a Deputy President, a Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers. The president shall have garnered at least 50% plus one vote in the State House race, and at least 25% of total votes cast in at least 24 counties.

The President, according to the report, shall remain Head of State and Government, and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces.

The Deputy President, according to BBI report, remains the President’s principal assistant, and running mate at the ballot.

The proposed Prime Minister in the BBI report shall be an elected member of the National Assembly. The President shall nominate a Prime Minister, whose appointment must be approved by the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister, according to the BBI report, shall control and supervise execution of day-to-day functions and affairs of the government. The Prime Minister shall also, be leader of government business in Parliament and chair of Cabinet Sub-committees.

The BBI report recommends Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, to chair the technical implementation committee that shall comprise all principal secretaries.

The report also proposes the return of Prime Minister’s time, where MPs can pose questions directly to the premier and cabinet ministers.

And in response to the ‘winner takes it all’ mantra that was cited as one of the key causes on bitterly contested elections, BBI has recommended that the loser in a presidential election be nominated to the National Assembly and takes over as leader of official opposition.

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Latest News

Sen Mutula Kilonzo Jr Schools Matiang’i on Rescue Missions

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Makueni County Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior has schooled Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i on rescue missions following the West Pokot landslide tragedy.

Matiang’i on Monday failed to land in West Pokot due to what he claimed to be inclement weather.

The Interior CS alongside Devolution CS Eugine Wamalwa and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai were compelled to land at Eldoret International Airport while on their way to the affected areas..

However, Kenyans were bitter at Matiang’i for failing to land with a military chopper after Deputy President Dr William Ruto managed to land hours later using a private chopper.

Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior on Tuesday morning while replying to Dr Matiangi’s tweet asked him to watch the videos of the Brazil dam rescue mission early this year.

The senator says choppers were flying near touch down to rescue peole stuck in the mud sludge.

He further notes that the government of Brazil used all means possible to attend to its citizens, urging Kenyan government to learn to be sensitive.

“Please watch the videos of the Brazil dam rescue mission early this year .Choppers were flying near touch down to rescue peole stuck in the mud sludge. The government of Brazil used all means possible to attend to its citizens. GOK must learn to be sensitive ,” he posted.

Areas of Pokot South were over the weekend hit by mudslides which has cost 52 lives leaving several others injured.

Those injured are currently undergoing treatment at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital.

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Politics

BBI D-Day: Report to be Made Public on Wednesday

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report will be made public on Wednesday. 

The report will be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga today (Tuesday).

The report will then be officially launched by the duo on Wednesday at Bomas of Kenya.

The BBI chairman Yusuf Haji on Friday said that the report will be presented to the duo on Tuesday.  

 Haji divulged that claims that the report had leaked to the general public were fake. He reiterated that the contents of the report had been kept top-secret. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday asked leaders not to engage in the sideshows in the name of the report. 

He reminded the leaders to avoid the politics of insults whether they support or oppose the report. He also warned them not to spread rumours before they know the contents of the report.

The head of state made the remarks when he presided over the fourth Kibabii University graduation ceremony in Bungoma County.

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Entertainment

Magix Enga Reveals Why He has Forgiven Harmonize

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya’s legendary beat maker Clemmo who currently works with Ngoma on Sunday held serious talks with Kenyan producer Magix Enga over Tanzanian star Harmonize’s ‘Uno’ hit.

After the meeting, Magix Enga said he had forgiven Harmonize.

This comes moments after the two artistes engaged in the battles, with Magix Enga pulling down ‘Uno’ music video from you tube over what he claimed to be his stolen beat.

Magix Enga who maintained that Harmonize used his famous beat used in Dudaing hit that featured King Kaka and Kristoff said he has hence forgiven him and that he would take back the Uno video to you tube.

In a shared Instagram post, Magix Enga says growth of East African music is bigger than all, and as a result, he was going to release his copyright strike on Uno.

“Growth of East African music is bigger than all of us. And for this reason i have decided that I will release my copyright strike on Uno by Harmonize. I have decided to forgive the guy🇹🇿 Nitarudisha Uno by Harmoize Pale YouTube Wakati wowote, ” reads the post.

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Latest News

West Pokot Landslide Tragedy Death Toll Hits 42

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Death toll from the landslide witnessed over the weekend in West Pokot has hit 42.

West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo confirmed that the death toll rose after six other bodies were recovered from the mudslides.

Search and rescue operations are still continuing but have been hampered by thick fog and harsh weather conditions being witnessed in the region.

The danger of more mudslides still hangs over the residents and the roads have been rendered impassable by raging flood waters.

Several families have already fled their homes and pitched camp in nearby schools on higher grounds as they brace the cold waiting for food aid.

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Politics

Speaker Elachi Links Sonko’s Troubles With Authorities to Politics

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi has come to Governor Mike Sonko’s defence, linking his troubles with authorities to politics.

Speaking when she appeared on K24’S Punchline show on Sunday evening, Speaker Elachi said Sonko is also being fought for allowing her back to office after she was ousted by MCAs.

“We voted for Sonko. We fully voted for him. We knew his style of leadership….and I think Kenyans forget that Sonko is an orphan, he doesn’t have a mother and a father. He has his God and he will finish his five years. The only father Sonko has is President Uhuru Kenyatta,” said Ms Elachi.

Sonko has recently found himself on the wrong side of the authorities with investigative agencies digging into his financial dealings as well as his criminal past.

On November 5, Sonko spent was queried by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged cover-up of his past brushes with the law.

The governor spent hours with EACC detectives at the Integrity Centre in Nairobi.

EACC sleuths accused Sonko of failing to disclose information about his pending multiple criminal cases in court when he was seeking clearance to vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial race.

Speaker Elachi said there is more than meets the eye in the Sonko’s woes since it were the same government agencies that cleared him to run as an MP and later for senate, long before he contemplated vying for the governor’s seat.

Watch the video below:

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Politics

Raila Set to Unveil ODM’s 2022 Strategy

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga will on Thursday unveil the party’s strategy ahead of 2022 politicking period.

The event which was to be held tomorrow (Tuesday) was postponed due to Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report which is set to be handed to President Uhuru Kenyatta on the same day.

Raila will also officially open ODM’s new offices in Lavington and launch a digital membership registration platform.

Details of the party’s elections set for next year will also be given.

Changes in the party’s leadership are also expected, with some top directors set to be shown the door as the party prepares for a revamp ahead of 2022.

Bangled party primaries witnessed in the past are some of the reasons behind the revamp with reports indicating that the party is planning to have a new team of professionals at the new Lavington headquarters.

Do you think Raila is planning to be in the 2022 Presidential race?

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Politics

Governor Kivutha Kibwana Crowned The Most Outstanding Public Servant of The Year

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Makueni County Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has been crowned the most outstanding public servant of the year 2019.

Kibwana was crowned by League of Young Professionals during the inaugural edition of Gamechangers Awards held at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi on Saturday night.

The second term county chief shared the news via his social media accounts. 

For the past seven years, Kibwana has initiated various development projects in Makueni, and changed the face of the county.

His exemplary performance has made Makueni a pioneer county for matters development. Leaders from across the country have been touring Makueni for bench marking. 

Some of the huge projects credited to Governor Kibwana’s administration include; Universal Health Coverage in the county, food processing factories among others.

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Crime & Investigations

Activist Links Rashid Echesa to Sex Trafficking, Calls For His Arrest

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Activist Boniface Mwangi has called for the arrest of former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa after linking him to sex trafficking business.

This follows an exclusive article by The Standard Newspaper that exposed a sex den in Ruaka which was using underage girls.

The Standard linked the sex den to an unnamed ex-minister, whom Boniface Mwangi believes is Rashid Echesa.

According to the local daily, Police rescued the underage girls and arrested three suspects including a 44-year-old man believed to be the brothel manager.

Skimpily dressed girls, most of them underage were led to the elevator, down the seven floors and into police vehicles. For close to a year, the house was being used as a brothel by the proprietors.

The daily further reports that the former Cabinet minister has been operating the brothel since the beginning of the year.

But activist Mwangi while referring to a previous incident where Echesa was linked to another trafficking case involving Pakistan Bale Bale dancers says Echesa conducted all these illegal activities while having police bodyguards.

The activist has accused the police authorities for protecting a sex trafficker and called for immediate action.

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Politics

Be Sober While Engaging in BBI Debate, Ruto Urges Kenyans

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to be sober while engaging in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) debate as the task force that compiled it prepares to release it on Tuesday.

He warned unnamed leaders against threatening or intimidating Kenyans about it, in what was largely seen as directed to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who is also the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Ruto said Kenyans would have a final say on the BBI report that is set to be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday.

Speaking in Laikipia and Tharaka Nithi Counties on Saturday, the Deputy President said opinions of all Kenyans irrespective of their status matter and would be respected.

“The debate should be done soberly and peacefully with no threats, propaganda or intimidations. What we know in Jubilee Party is that every opinion counts and must be respected,” he said, “No one should look down upon Kenyans because of their status in the society.”

The Deputy President asked leaders not to use the report to divide Kenyans on tribal or political affiliations.

He said the report offers Kenyans a unique opportunity to discuss ways to address challenges facing the country.

“When the report is out, all Kenyans will have the opportunity to read and give opinion on what they think is good for the country with the aim of finding solutions to our problems,” said Ruto.

He spoke during Ngobit Ward women groups empowerment programme at Makutano Shalom grounds in Ngobit, Laikipia County.

Present were MPs Catherine Waruguru (Women Rep, Laikipia), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Patrick Mariru (Laikipia West), Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), Joyce Korir (Women Rep, Bomet) and Patrick Munene (Chuka/Igamba N’gombe).

Others were Kubai Iringo (Igembe Central), Jane Chebaibai (Women Rep, Elgeyo Marakwet) and Mary Wamaua (Maragua).

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