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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

Raila to honor hero who paid ultimate price for ODM’s victory in Ganda ward

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga will today (Saturday) honor the hero who ‘paid the ultimate price for ODM’s victory’ in the just concluded Ganda ward by-elections.

Ngumbao Jola, who was felled by assassin’s bullet in Ganda Ward on October 16 will be laid to rest in a ceremony set to be attended by Raila.

ODM through their official twitter handle confirmed that their Party Leader will be there to honour the hero.

“Today, Saturday October 26, we lay to rest our Shujaa Ngumbao Jola, who was felled by assassin’s bullet in Ganda Ward on October 16. Our Party Leader @RailaOdinga will be there to honour the hero who paid the ultimate price for our victory in Ganda. May his memory be blessed,” reads the ODM tweet.

Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa was arrested alongside Otieno, her gardener and domestic worker after Ngumbao was shot dead.

Ngumbao was shot dead during a fracas that erupted at the home of ODM candidate Reuben Katana in Ganda ward.

Trouble started after Jumwa stormed the home to disrupt the meeting between Katana and ODM agents for the by elections, saying the campaign period was over.

Jumwa and her bodyguard, Okuto Otieno, were later granted Sh1 million bond and a surety of a similar amount with the alternative of Sh500,000  bail each after spending one night behind the bars.

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Crime & Investigations

Female MP urges Court to lock up her estranged ‘husband’

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari has urged High Court judge Daniel Ogembo to deny her estranged partner Peter Karanja bail, saying Karanja, who is a suspect in the murder of Tob Cohen, does not have a fixed abode as claimed in his bail application.

Karanja, in his pre-bail report, told the court that his home is in Gilgil Town, where he lives with Martha Wangari.

The MP through her lawyer, George Kimani, however, denies that Karanja owns the said-house.

“The said-house No. 063 in Gilgil Town is my property. He [Karanja] has no right to claim occupancy or ownership of it. Therefore, Karanja cannot persuade the court to free him on ground that he has a fixed abode,” said Wangari in her affidavit.

The lawmaker, however, says she and Karanja are currently embroiled in a court case over the ownership of the Gilgil Town property.

She alleges that Karanja, whom she refers to as an acquaintance and not ex-husband, is trying to “illegally” occupy the house by alleging that they were married through a customary arrangement.

“That is not true. I have never been his wife,” she said, adding: “He was an acquaintance, whom I have since parted ways with, and I can prove that.”

Karanja, however, says he got married to Wangari in 2010 and were blessed with two children.

Their relationship, however, got turbulent a few years ago, leading to their separation, which is yet to be ratified through divorce, said Karanja.

Wangari, on her part, says the only known residence that Karanja can claim is that of his parents at Miti Mingia area in Gilgil.

The MP sought to see Karanja’s pre-bail report.

The accused’s lawyer, however, objected to Wangari’s application, saying she has no direct or indirect interest in the Tob Cohen murder case.

The State also opposed the parliamentarian’s application, saying: “It is not clear what role she wants to play in the case.”

“This [Tob Cohen murder case] is not a divorce case, it is not a land case. The probation officer has captured the marital status of the accused and the current status of the house. It is already before you [Justice Ogembo] for the court to make its decision,” said the State counsel.

In response to the two objections, Wangari said she has a right to seek any public document from any agency, given Article 35 of the Kenyan Constitution allows her to do so.

“The same way the Constitution protects any other Kenyan, I do not need to be invited in any case by the prosecution,” said Wangari through her lawyer.

Karanja’s family pleaded with the court to release him on bail, saying the accused has a permanent residence, is God-fearing and has no history of criminal activities.

The suspect’s sister said Karanja is the sole bread-winner in their family, and that he should be released so that he can continue “paying school fees for our sister who is living with disability”.

Karanja’s kin, led by his father and sister, say should he be freed on bail, the family will sell a 1-acre parcel of land belonging to Karanja’s grandmother so that they can raise the money.

Justice Ogembo rejected Wangari’s plea to have Karanja denied bail.

The suspect’s bail ruling will be made on Tuesday, October 29.

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Latest NewsPolitics

No Diwali! Matiang’i denies Kenyans the most anticipated holiday

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Interior cabinet secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has said that Monday 28th remains a normal working day.

This is after a document started circulating on social media claiming that the CS had gazetted Monday 28th October as a public holiday to mark Diwali celebrations.

The ministry of interior through their social media handles urged Kenyans to ignore the document, citing that it was fake.

“Kindly ignore a gazette notice circulating on social media claiming Monday 28th October 2019 to be a public holiday. Monday 28th remains a normal working day,” read a statement posted on social media by the Ministry.

Diwali, Deepavali or Dipavali is a four-to-five day-long festival of lights, which is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists every autumn in the northern hemisphere. 

The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights,” which are lit on the new-moon night to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

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Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why You Should Date A Single Dad

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Is it time to stop dating men who don’t treat you right, and start dating single dads? There are lots of unexpected benefits to dating a single dad, and it’s possible that dating a single dad could solve all of your dating problems.

First, however, you’ll need to figure out if a single father would be your type of man or not.

It’s undeniable that having a kid changes a person. Typically, it changes a person for the better because they become more mature, more selfless and more responsible.

Here are 10 major pros of dating a single dad:

1. They Know How To Love 

Single dads have learned what love is. They know how to love genuinely, unconditionally, and patiently. Their little one helped opened their hearts that much more, creating more capacity to love.

Plus, if he has a daughter, he’ll naturally want to treat you the way he wants a man to treat her one day.

2. They’re Not Afraid of Commitment

If you’re sick of commitment-phobes, you’re in luck. A single dad knows how to commit to something. He has made a huge commitment to his kid, and he isn’t afraid of commitment anymore.

He’s at the point in his life where the idea of settling down doesn’t scare him, because he realized he had to settle down the moment he knew he was going to be a father. That means he’s more likely to be looking for something serious. Plus, he has too much on his plate to add the headache of juggling women – and he doesn’t have time to troll for women at the bars.

The likelihood that a single dad is a player is quite slim, so if you’re sick of dating players who can’t fathom the idea of commitment, look no further than your local daycare or neighborhood park.

3. They’re Mature

If you’re at a point in your life where maturity is important to you, know that single fathers have that maturity. Even if you’re dating a young dad, he’ll still be mature, because having a kid forces you to grow up.

Being a father-figure requires maturity, and single dads have to be accountable. Single dads have responsibilities, and that’s a sign that they’ll be able to handle a relationship maturely. Speaking of fatherly responsibilities, single dads have to take their kids to the Dentist, the Doctor, and other appointments. This means that it should be relatively easy to meet a single dad if you’re looking to date one.

4. They’re Consistent and Reliable

There’s nothing worse than dating a man who is all over the map, and you might be sick of dating unpredictable, unreliable and inconsistent men. An unattached man without responsibilities tying him down is much more likely to be unpredictable, flaky and unreliable. However, a single dad will naturally have a much more predictable schedule, and he’s also be used to being relied upon and counted on.

Dating a single dad means you’re likely dating someone very reliable, who doesn’t pull disappearing acts or randomly end up in Vegas with the boys when you thought the two of you had plans.

Players tend to be completely inconsistent and unpredictable, keeping you guessing and wondering all of the time. A single father, however, isn’t about that life. It’s a breath of fresh air to date someone consistent who can actually be counted on.

5. They Take The Lead

If you’re into a man who takes the lead, is dominant, and maybe a little bossy – single dads for the win. Single dads have learned leadership qualities, since they have a child who is dependent on them.

When he was younger, he might have been more indecisive and passive. Now, as a parent, he’s become someone who takes more initiative, takes the lead, and makes decisions. This is an incredibly sexy quality in a man. He may even be used to being a little bossy, as a parent, and a little bossiness is another a sexy quality.

6. They’ve Nailed the Date-Night-In

If you’re the type of woman who loves staying in for date nights, you’ll love dating single dads. Babysitters can be expensive and hard to find on a Saturday night, so staying in for date night will likely be the norm when you date a dad.

However, a date-night-in can still be sexy, fun and romantic. For example, after his kid goes to sleep, you can set up a romantic date night at home. Light some candles, put on a sexy playlist, and set up wine and cheese night. Plan ahead by picking up a nice bottle of Cabernet and figure out your wine and cheese pairings for the evening. The ambiance of romance can easily be created at home, and it’s much more relaxing than being out on a Saturday night.

7. They’re Providers

When he suddenly had to start providing for a little one, he started getting better at managing his finances and realized how much purpose it gives him to be a provider.

Now, he’s a provider through and through. Being a provider is part of his identity now, and he’ll love providing for you if you become part of his world. It’s nice to know that someone you’re dating has the capability to take care of you, even if you don’t need to be taken care of. You’ll feel safer and more comfortable.

8. They Won’t Rush You

Moving too fast can guarantee a failed relationship, which is why moving slow is so important. If you like taking it slow, know that single dads are great at thoughtfully taking their time. Single dads tend to take it slow because they need to make sure you’re compatible before they introduce you to their kid.

They also already have a lot on their plate, so they aren’t desperate to move things along too quickly. This works for you, since you don’t want to be rushed into making an important decision about a relationship.

9. They’re Over the Bar Scene

If you’re over the drinking and partying scene, you’re in luck. A dad is likely no longer partying like crazy, drinking all the time, or getting out of control. Once you become a dad, you tend to reign it in, enjoying a more low-key lifestyle.

Once a man becomes a dad, he becomes a real man. He’s well-adjusted and has a good head on his shoulders. He no longer sees much appeal in a crazy night out.

10. They’ve got Good, Old-Fashioned Values

If you’re looking for a man with good, old-fashioned values, look for a single dad. They have learned what’s really important in life, and they have their priorities straight. They understand the value of a quiet night at home with loved ones, and they know that love and family are the most important things in life. They don’t prioritize casino nights with the boys, video games or bar-hopping.

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Crime & Investigations

Ex-MP Elizabeth Ongoro, her husband summoned over Sh48m non-existent Kasarani school

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned ex-Kasarani MP Elizabeth Ongoro and 18 others in a Sh48 million Kasarani Girls High School graft probe.

DPP Noordin Haji has approved the prosecution of the suspects after an in-depth investigations by the anti-graft commission.

The commission established that the award of the contract for the construction of the school was awarded without due regard to the procurement laws, the school does not exist and that payments were made to different individuals and companies associated to National Government Constituency development fund.

Already two suspects who served in the Kasarani NG-CDF tender committee have been arrested over the ghost multi-million project.

The two are former Kasarani District Development Officer Kefa Omanga Omoi and ex-Kasarani CDF Committee member Jecinta Akoth Opondi.

The anti-graft agency has directed that the former lawmaker and 18 others present themselves to sleuths at EACC’s headquarters at Integrity Center immediately.

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Also to record statements include; Mwalim Rashid, Ruth Kanini Kitonyi (former Kasarani District development Officer), Silvan Onyango, Pamela Mudha, Nashon Odongo (former Nairobi provincial accountant), Claperton Ouda, Douglas Parshet, Vitalis Obunga Ogingo (former regional accountant, Nairobi), Fredinand Masha Kenga, Maricus Otieno and Peter Aming.

Others include Maurice Orongo, William Ogutu Weda, James Juma Ochieng, Peter Ongeyo, Charles Owino, John Obonyo owinga and James Miruka Dola.

They will all face nine charges of conspiracy to commit offence of corruption, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, engaging in a project without prior planning, unlawful acquisition of public property and willful failure to comply with the law relating to procurement.

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Politics

Three key ODM politicians summoned over Kibra campaigns

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned three ODM politicians who are expected to appear before the commission on Monday.

Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Babu Owino (Embakasi East) and former Embakasi South MP Irshard Sumra are to record statements regarding allegations they made inciting remarks at a political rally in Kibra constituency.

In an exclusive interview with a local daily on Thursday, NCIC chief executive officer Hassan Mohamed said investigators are piecing together evidence before the file is forwarded to Director of Public Prosecution for action.

“Investigations are ongoing. We have looked at the video clips and investigators are also on the ground looking for more evidence,” Mohamed said.

He however stated that the three politicians had disputed the clips

“When they came here they said they wanted time to look at the video clips before they can record statements. We agreed they come back on October 28,” he said.

Rarieda MP and lawyer Otiende Amolo representing Junet and Babu denied the allegations terming the investigations “prejudicial” .

“The investigators shared with us their fashion of what they claim was said in Kibra. We have taken them and we shall check if they tally with our fashion,” Otiende told journalist after a closed door session with the investigators led by police chief inspector Jonson Kilua.

Mohamed had warned that stern action will be taken against the politicians .

“The commission is in receipt of a number of audio and video clips of politicians making what may amount to inflammatory statements,” he said.

He added: ” The clips are currently being reviewed by the commission in conjunction with other agencies. Should the clips reveal violations of the law, the perpetrators will be held accountable. “

Mohamed noted that campaigns in Kibra have been largely peaceful but accused some campaigners of using abusive language and inciting the electorate.

Mohamed also sounded a warning to social media users, saying those found to be in breach of NCIC Act will not be spared.

“The commission is also monitoring social media platforms to ensure that these platforms are not used to incite violence or propagate hate speech or ethnic contempt. We continue to urge members of the public to maintain peace not just in the areas conducting the by-elections but in the country at large,” he said.

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Crime & Investigations

KCPE candidate’s fingers wrapped in newspaper, soaked in paraffin and set ablaze by parents

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A 14-year old KCPE candidate set to sit for national exams at Kasuna Primary School in Nyando, Kisumu county was attacked on Wednesday by his father and step-mother for allegedly stealing a mobile phone.

According to K24 Digital, the boy’s father, Apolo Onjulu, and his wife, Rose Awino, wrapped the 14-year-old’s fingers in a newspaper, soaked the papers in paraffin and lit a fire.

The boy’s screams of pain caught the attention of a neighbour, Richard Muga, who rushed to the scene and rescued the teenager.

The victim was, thereafter, taken to Ahero Sub-County Hospital for emergency care.

According to Kisumu County Director of Health, Dr. Dickens Onyango, the minor’s condition is stable despite sustaining severe burn wounds.

“The doctors at Ahero Hospital have assured me that he will be able to sit the KCPE test next week,” said Dr. Onyango.

Nyando police boss, Matete, says for the period that the suspects will be in custody, the boy will put up at a Good Samaritan’s place.

“A Good Samaritan has offered to accommodate the minor for the period that he will sit the KCPE exam [which begins next week Tuesday and ends on Thursday],” said Matete.

It is alleged that the teenager’s step-mother had accused him of stealing a smartphone, and when the boy denied the allegations, the suspect vowed to “teach him a lesson”.

Police say Awino waited until the boy’s father returned home from Awasi and told him [father] that the son had stolen a phone.

“It was at that point that the boy’s father wrapped the minor’s fingers in a newspaper and lit a fire that left him nursing serious burn wounds,” said Matete.

The suspects are being held at Ahero Police Station.

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Politics

Uhuru’s ‘railway to nowhere’ remains closed days after launch as residents cry for help

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A week after the Mai Mahiu SGR station was opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta it has remained closed and inaccessible much to the chagrin of travelers and local residents.

The situation has been worsened by ongoing rains and dilapidated road that connects the station to the nearby Mai Mahiu-Narok Road.

Residents have now called on the government to either pave or upgrade the access road to murram standard.

Addressing the press at the Mai Mahiu SGR station, Benson Mungai, a local leader, said passengers willing to travel to Nairobi from the station are being referred to Suswa station, which is 30km from Mai Mahiu town.

“We saw the train here on Saturday and Sunday, and it only dropped passengers while those wishing to board it are told to travel all the way to Suswa in Narok County,” Mungai said.

His sentiments were echoed by a local elder, Peter Ngigi, who said he parted with Sh600 to pay a boda boda rider to ferry him and his wife to the Mai Mahi SGR station.

At the SGR station, the elder said they were told there were no tickets and then referred to the Suswa station.

 “The President disputed reports that this railway was heading to nowhere and said it would assist residents access the capital city with ease but we don’t know what is the meaning of closing this station,” Ngigi said.

Another local resident, Freshia Njoki, called on the government to power the villages near the SGR station using the railway’s transformer.

“The station has a transformer that can be used to power four villages, and as the host community we ought to benefit from government projects near us,” she said.

But during Mashujaa Day celebrations, Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui promised that the road linking the Mai Mahiu SGR termins would be upgraded.

“Plans are underway to construct a road from the Mai Mahiu-Narok Road to the newly-opened SGR station in Mai Mahiu,” he said.

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Politics

Itumbi trolled for begging Kenyans to take Mariga for shopping in Othaya

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former sate house director of digital and diaspora communications Dennis Itumbi on Thursday found himself in trouble with Kenyans when he invited Kenyans to take Jubilee candidate in Kibra mini polls McDonald Mariga for shopping in Othaya market.

Itumbi through his official twitter account said that Mariga had invited his supporters in and outside Kibra Constituency to take him shopping in Othaya Market.

He noted that Mariga would later on after the shopping unveil his Infrastructure and Trade Manifesto.

” Jubilee Candidate MacDonald Mariga is inviting his supporters in and outside Kibra Constituency to take him shopping in Othaya Market. After shopping he will unveil his Infrastructure and Trade Manifesto,” tweeted Itumbi.

Kenyans on twitter however could not take any of Itumbi’s invitations.

While reacting to the post, Itumbi was trolled, with some alleging that Itumbi is just creating a confusion since Mariga had no any manifesto.

Some went ahead to tell him off, arguing that fingers will be pointed at him should Mariga fail to clinch to parliamentary seat in the by-elections scheduled for November 7.

Here are some of the reactions.

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Politics

Uhuru nominates Maina Kamanda’s son-in-law for a top state job

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated Maina Kamanda’a son-in-law for a top state job.

In a gazette notice, Uhuru nominated Danvas Makori to National Cohesion and Integration Commission pending approval from goverment.

Mr Kamanda, a former Starehe MP, was also nominated to Parliament by the president after losing in nominations to musician Charles Njagua alias Jaguar.

Mr Makori, a former Finance Minister in Governor Mike Sonko’s goverment, was sacked by the city hall boss after a slight disagreement.

Uhuru further nominated Samuel Kona, former Rangwe MP Phillip Okundi, Peris Nyutu, former Madera East MP Abdulaziz Ali Farah, Fatuma Tabwara, former Vihiga Woman Rep Dorcas Kedogo as members.

Clergyman Samuel Kobia is expected to take over as Chairman NCIC following his nomination. The team was previously headed by Francis Ole Kaparo.

Born in March 1947, Kobia is a Methodist clergyman and the first African to be elected as the secretary-general of the World Council of Churches serving between 2004 and 2009.

Kobia also served as a commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission between 2013 and 2015 before his abrupt resignation.

Makori, who is married to Kamanda’s daughter, was accused by Sonko of working with former Governor Evans Kidero. Sonko also accused him of calling him an academic dwarf.

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Latest News

Senior NHIF officials on spot for deducting money from poor Kenyans to finance the rich

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Senior National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) officials are on the spot for turning the fund into an outfit benefitting a select few for specialised treatment abroad at the expense of millions of other beneficiaries.

The accusations came as MPs grilled fund chief executive Nicodemus Odongo, who appeared before the National Assembly’s Health committee on Wednesday.

Consequently, the committee members demanded that NHIF table a list of all individuals, who have been financed to seek treatment abroad since the beginning of 2018.

The members claimed the fund has been deducting money from poor Kenyans to finance healthcare for the rich.

“NHIF is using poor people’s money to fund other people’s healthcare outside Kenya. Let this committee know whether there are hospitals that have not been paid their claims,” said Ugenya MP David Ochieng.

At the same time, Ochieng and his counterparts Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren) and Thuku Kwenya (Kinangop) expressed concern that close to half of the NHIF budget was being used to settle claims from private hospitals at the expense of government and mission hospitals where a majority of poor Kenyans seek treatment.

The lawmakers were reacting to documents tabled yesterday by Odongo before the committee that showed that out of Sh37.4 billion in benefits between July 1, 2018 to June this year, private hospitals, most which have international affiliations, had taken the lion’s share—Sh22.1 billion compared to Sh7.1 billion and Sh8 billion paid out to government and mission hospitals, respectively.

Thuku said private hospitals were taking the highest share of the funding “because the fund was paying the rich to seek treatment abroad at the expense of other Kenyans”.

Simiyu sought to know the criteria for selecting those who have so far travelled abroad for specialised treatment.

“How are you selecting those people who are going abroad and who have been covered by NHIF?” he asked.

“It is evident that the poor are financing the rich through your institution,” he added.

Responding to the MPs’ concerns, Odongo admitted that there could be possible loopholes in how the fund offers its specialised packages, but added that the national insurer has pre-authorisation forms that are duly signed by the doctors to ensure the claims are not abused.

He added that in cases where treatment is not locally available, the Health ministry approves such services abroad.

The package is currently capped at Sh500,000.

“The lack of age limits for members, and access to overseas treatment for members of some negotiated schemes pose challenges of financial risks that have seen utilisation steadily go up,” said Odongo

The NHIF report showed that out of the total budget, specialised packages had taken up Sh17.7 billion, representing 172 per cent utilisation compared to Sh12.5 billion and Sh9.3 billion paid out for inpatient and outpatient claims respectively.

“Of the money set aside for specialised treatment, the biggest share was taken by major surgeries at Sh6 billion, normal delivery Sh2.3 billion, renal dialysis Sh2 billion, and Caesarian section Sh1.6 billion.

Minor surgery consumed Sh1.4 billion, and specialised surgery Sh906 million,” read the report.

Another Sh554.8 million went into chemotherapy for cancer treatment while Sh505 million catered for computed tomography (CT) scans.

Magnetic resonance imaging scans commonly known as MRI took up Sh478.6 million, ultrasound Sh363.5 million, radiotherapy Sh235.7 million, rehabilitation Sh134.5 million, kidney transplant Sh38 million, and specialised lab costs Sh3.7 billion. 

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Politics

Sonko opens up on connections with Ruto’s company, how he paid millions

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has admitted to paying millions of shillings to Amaco Insurance, a company reportedly associated with Deputy President Dr William Ruto.

Speaking on Wednesday night on the Pointblank show hosted by Tony Gachoka, Governor Sonko rebuffed claims that the payment smacked of corruption.

“I paid Amaco. A company which is associated with the Deputy President, ” he said.

According to the flamboyant county boss, the Nairobi County government entered into a contract with the insurance company even before he became the governor.

The contract would see vehicles belonging to the county government of Nairobi panel beaten back to shape should they be damaged.

Sonko explained that Amaco sub-contracted panel beating to another company he said is owned by his friend.

He rejected claims that the award of the tender was flawed, saying that Amaco was subjected to a competitive and rigorous process before the tender was awarded.

The payment to Amaco is part of an ongoing investigation initiated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

According to the EACC, money was wired to Governor Sonko’s personal account by an individual who was given a tender by the county government of Nairobi, raising questions of financial impropriety.

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Latest News

Another Kenyan teacher wins an international award

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Just a few months after Peter Tabichi hit the headlines by winning a prestigious global award, a Mathematics and Chemistry teacher at Asumbi Girls High School, Mr Eric Ademba, has been recognized as the best teacher in Africa in this year’s inaugural Africa Union Continental Teacher Prize held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

The award was conceptualised and made a reality just after the World Teacher’s Day on October 5, when the African Union requested its member states to nominate two outstanding teachers (male and female) for the prize.

Though Kenya’s Teachers Service Commission (TSC) also nominated Mrs. Damaris Mwende of Mbooni Boys High School, Ademba emerged victorious in the overall category having undergone a vigorous selection process by the continent’s well established education experts. 

The Asumbi Girls teacher, a school located in Homa Bay County, won the top prize because his chemistry students ranked among the top 10 in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams the last two years.

TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia hailed the win, saying that Kenya was the home of the world’s best teachers. 

“Coming months just after Peter Tabichi emerged the best global teacher, we are proud of the caliber of staff that are attending to our children in Kenya,” Ms Macharia said.

Mr Ademba was also the first runners-up for the Teacher of the Year (TOYA) Awards in Kenya in 2018.

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Politics

Onyango Oloo puts up fight to save his job

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ousted Kisumu Speaker Onyango Oloo put up a spirited fight Tuesday afternoon in an effort to save his job.

Mr Oloo, through his advocates, presented arguments seeking to sway the Employment and Labour Court to rule in his favour even as defense lawyers urged the court to dismiss the suit.

The embattled former Speaker will know his fate on December 10 when the court delivers a verdict on his suit challenging his impeachment.

Muga Apondi and Carlos Omondi told Justice Nduma Nderi that Oloo’s rights were violated after ward representatives failed to give him ample time to respond to allegations made against him.

“Within an hour of issuance of the notice, the County Assembly met and purported to impeach him,” said Mr Apondi, adding that there was no evidence linking Oloo to theft of funds at the County Assembly.

The advocates claimed Oloo made an attempt to issue a response but was barred from accessing the County Assembly by hooligans.

But in an affidavit filed by acting Speaker Elisha Oraro, the County Assembly said Oloo’s impeachment was lawful. They said the decision was made by the House Business Committee before it was communicated to the MCAs for debate.

Oloo is seeking six orders, including one reinstating him as Speaker. He is also fighting for the reinstatement of the benefits, allowances and privileges that he enjoyed when in office.

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Latest NewsPolitics

CS Kariuki at pains to explain why she “dumped” Sh63bn “useless” machines to counties

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki was at pains to explain why her docket delivered medical equipments worth Sh63 billion to 30 health facilities in 27 counties and yet they are not being used.

Appearing before the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Medical Leasing Equipment on Tuesday, nominated Senator Mary Seneta was the first to question Ms Kariuki, demanding to know why some counties were still paying for the maintenance of the equipment.

“What was the hurry for purchasing these equipment if they cannot be commissioned? MES is not working,” Ms Seneta said.

Kariuki defended the purchase of the equipment, saying not all of them were idle because of lack of personnel.

“I want to tell the committee that the equipment were not dumped in the counties. What I know is that for the discussions on how the counties will adopt the equipment… each county gave its own demands,” said Kariuki.

She added that the digital general X-ray had been installed in the hospitals, ready for use.The problem is some of the hospitals do not have adequate electricity.

“Other equipment like mammography, ultrasound and OPG are also ready to offer services,” Kariuki said.

Nominated Senator Judith Pareno, however, faulted Kariuki’s explanation, insisting that counties were never consulted when the MES agreement was mooted.

Ms Pareno said in some cases, three CT scans would be delivered to the county hospitals through the programme, despite county governments having already purchased a CT scan.

“The equipment are idle because counties had already purchased others earlier,” said Pareno.

“What I understand from this issue is that some people won tenders through MES and decided to dump them in county hospitals. The ministry was just reckless to allow this.”

Committee chairperson Fatuma Dullo also sought to know from the CS whether her ministry had made any interventions to ensure the equipment were functional.

“This is ridiculous. You mean after three years these equipment are still idle? You must have surely done something to fix the electricity if that was the problem,” said Ms Dullo.

On the issue of personnel, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula wondered what kind of consultation happened between the ministry and the county governments when the equipment were delivered.

He said if there was proper consultation, the machines would not have been delivered without having at least one qualified staff to operate them.

“Who did you consult in the counties?” Mr Wetang’ula posed, then added: “That notwithstanding, you did not tell counties to first train their own personnel before you handed the machines to them. You went ahead and dumped the equipment in the various county hospitals in counties.”

The committee also learned that although the Council of Governors (CoG) had complained that it was not consulted when the contracts to purchase the machines were floated, some governors still went ahead to accept them.

Last week, when CoG chairman Wycliffe Oparanya appeared before the committee, he said governors were not consulted and that the equipment were just dumped in the hospitals.

According to the documents tabled in the Senate, several governors, among them Oparanya, Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu), Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta), Ali Roba (Mandera), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru) and Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), accepted the machines.

In a letter dated March 20, 2018, and seen by The Standard, Oparanya requested Deputy President William Ruto to consider Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCTRH) as one of the recipients of the MES programme machines.

“Looking at the success of the implementation of the MES programme rolled out by the National Government in all the counties, it is our desire to request the inclusion of the KCTRH in the MES programme,” reads the letter.

In Nyandarua, Mr Kimemia wrote to the ministry on September 6, 2017, requesting it to expand the MES programme to other facilities within the county.In Meru, Mr Murungi sought the installation of an ICU facility in Meru Hospital.

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Court suspends ‘old’ Mary Wambui’s appointment to NEA

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Employment Court has ordered the suspension of the appointment of Mary Wambui to the National Employment Authority.

The court, through Justice Hellen Wasilwa, on Wednesday, October 23, directed that Wambui should not assume office until a petition challenging her appointment is heard and determined.

The petitioner, the Kenya Young Parliamentarian Association, through its legal representative Mwenje & Karanja Advocates, argue that Mary Wambui is not qualified to lead the Authority as its chairperson.

The petitioner says the former Othaya MP does not meet the requirements set by Section 10(2) of the National Employment Authority Act.

One of the requirements that Section 10 (2) of the National Employment Authority Act stipulates is that the chairperson should “have at least seven years’ experience in human resource management or its equivalent”. According to the petitioner, Wambui does not have any HR qualifications.

Other requirements include: the holder must be a citizen of Kenya and is known to be a person of integrity.

The Kenya Young Parliamentarian Association chairperson, Johnson Sakaja, had instructed the outfit’s lawyers to lodge a legal complaint against Mary Wambui’s appointment.

Labour minister Ukur Yatani on October 14 appointed Wambui to the position of chairperson of the National Employment Authority, sparking criticism from Kenyans on social media, who argued the Jubilee Government has a penchant for recycling “elderly and failed politicians”.

 Mary Wambui, however, defended her appointment, saying she has what it takes to lead the agency.

“I got the post because I am better than those complaining. I have the qualifications and experience to run the office,” she said last week.

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