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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

ODM unveils Imran’s Campaign Machinery in Kibra

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has unveiled the its machinery that will be behind Benard Otieno Okoth Imran’s campaigns ahead of Kibra by-elections.

The party’s director of campaigns and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed will be in charge of Imran’s campaigns.

Junet was officially confirmed to be Imran’s head of campaigns on Tuesday afternoon through the party’s official twitter handle.

Imran was presented with an ODM certificate in a ceremony witnessed by party leader Raila Odinga and other party officials at the Orange House on Tuesday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee Party has also issued its candidate McDonald Mariga with a party’s certificate which is to be presented before IEBC by today (Tuesday) 4:00 pm.

Imran nd Mariga will face off each other in a battle that is seen to be between ODM party leader Raila Odinga and deputy president Dr William Ruto.

Other contestants cleared for the November 7 by-election are Eliud Owalo of ANC, Ford Kenya’s Khamisi Butachi, Malaseh Hamida of the United Green Movement, Editar Ochieng of Ukweli Party (associated with activist Boniface Mwangi) and Fridah Kerubo Kingara, who hopes to run as an independent candidate.

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Politics

Blow to Orero as ODM Presents Imran With Certificate Ahead of Kibra By-elections

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

ODM ticket aspirant Peter Ochieng Orero has been dealt a major a blow after Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) presented Benard Otieno Okoth ‘Imran’ with party certificate ahead of November 7 Kibra by-elections.

Imran was presented with the certificate in a ceremony witnessed by party leader Raila Odinga and other party officials at the Orange House on Tuesday.

The party confirmed Imran’s candidature through a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.

“It is official, Bernard Otieno Okoth (Imran) is the party’s candidate in the November 7th by-election in Kibra Constituency. He was today presented with the certificate by the NEB at a ceremony witnessed by PL @RailaOdinga and other party officials #MbelePamoja ,” read the tweet.

Orero had moved before the parties dispute tribunal to challenge Imran’s nomination.

Mr Orero, who is also the Principal of Dagoretti High School, said Imran had an unfair advantage after serving in the constituency office under his brother, where he got access to the list of party members.

It is only registered party members who participated in the contest in which Imran emerged victorious.

Also Read: List of Female Aspirants That Have Joined Male-dominated Kibra MP Race

It is official that Imran will face off with Jubilee’s McDonald Mariga, ANC’s Eliud Owalo and Ford Kenya’s Khamisi Butichi in a race seen to be a battle between Raila and deputy president Dr William Ruto.

Other contestants cleared for the November 7 by-election are Malaseh Hamida of the United Green Movement, Editar Ochieng of Ukweli Party (associated with activist Boniface Mwangi) and Fridah Kerubo Kingara, who hopes to run as an independent candidate.

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Politics

List of Female Aspirants That Have Joined Male-dominated Kibra MP Race

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The race for Kibra parliamentary seat is hotting up after a total of four women decided to throw their weight in male-dominated race.

Ahead of the upcoming Kibra by-elections, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared a total of 10 candidates with the commission hoping to clear some more candidates by close of business today (Tuesday).

A good number of women have shown interest. Among those already cleared is United Green Movement Party’s Malasen Hamida who was cleared on Monday.

Hamida presented her papers to IEBC accompanied by UGM party members of National Executive Council, Secretariat and members of Team Hamida.

Addressing media in Nairobi after her clearance, the ‘Mama Mazingira’ as she is well known in the public for her continued advocacy on matters environment conservation, water and sanitation, youth and governance said she is up to the task.

“The journey has begun and I believe I am up to the task of representing the people of Kibra towards continued development,” said Hamida.

Editar Ochieng of Ukweli Party which is associated with activist Boniface Mwangi has also been cleared to face off the men from Jubilee, ANC, ODM and Ford Kenya parties.

Fridah Kerubo Kingara, who hopes to run as an independent candidate has also been cleared to battle for the seat that fell vacant following Ken Okoth’s demise.

Reports indicate that Martha Karua’s Narc-Kenya is also expected to sponsor a female aspirant, which will total the number of female aspirants in Kibra MP race to four.

Thecleared women will face off with Musalia Mudavadi ANC party’s candidate Eliud Owalo, Ford-Kenya’s Khamisi Butichi, Jubilee’s McDonald Mariga and ODM’s Benard Imran Okoth, should he win an appeal against him tabled before ODM’s dispute tribunal by Peter Orero.

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Entertainment

Citizen TV Boss Defends Journalist Who Fumbled During Live Reporting

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Victor Kinuthia, a Citizen TV reporter from Murang’a County has been the talk of the internet since last night when Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro was arrested.

Kinuthia who was put on a live link during prime time breaking news fumbled with his English while trying to explain how Ndindi Nyoro was arrested.

Kenyans flocked the internet with criticism, laughing off Victor for lacking good command of English language at such a prime time.

Some went ahead to do a challenge on the same, but was this right?

Well, some argue that the Inooro TV reporter was just ambushed to do the live link.

But Citizen TV’s editorial director Joe Ageyo has come out to defend the reporter, saying that he did his best. Ageyo argues that he has bone live links for 21 years and it is no walk in the park.

He says Victor found himself in a breaking news situation and gave it his best, being his first live report ever.

” I’ve done this for 21 years and I can tell you it’s no walk in the park. Victor found himself in a breaking news situation and gave it his best- his first live report of that kind. He’s destined for greatness. Truly proud of him,” posted Joe Ageyo.

Ageyo was replying to a Kenyan who had raised concerns over Victor’s live reporting.

“I’m nt a jrnalst, bt frm a layman’s point of view, this is a very poor feed. Ur reporter dsn’t hav gud command of Eng lnguage, fumbled a lot. I couldn’t quite make wht he was trying to explain. Wth the likes of @LinusKaikai, @Fchurii, @YvonneOkwara @jageyo i thnk RMS can do beta,” Samson Owiti, a twitter user had posted.

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Politics

Wewe Ulijificha kwa Choo! Khalwale Roasted After Defending Ndindi Nyoro

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s defensive remarks after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro was arrested by GSU officers in Murang’a on Monday night have backfired.

Ndindi Nyoro’s arrest follows a scuffle with nominated MP Maina Kamanda at a Catholic Church in Murang’a county on Sunday.

He had just left Kameme TV studios in Murang’a before he was arrested.

But Khalwalwe has condemned the arrest arguing that use of force to intimidate leaders was wrong

He further argued that he was once arrested back in 2017 in an effort to frustrate him which did not work. Khalwale says efforts to frustrate Ndindi Nyoro won’t work, questioning why Maina Kamanda has not been arrested as well.

Also Read: Moses Kuria Hits out at Kieleweke, Tanga Tanga After Church Fight, Heap praises on ODM

“Somebody in the deep state thinks they can use force to intimidate leaders. Well, it never works! They arrested me hopping to silence me in 2017 (first photo) Now they are trying it on Hon NdindiNyoro. It won’t work! Why haven’t they also arrested Hon Kamanda?” tweeted Khalwale.

But Kenyans on Twitter did not read from the same script as Khalwale. They went on to roast the bullfighter, with some arguing that he has a bad luck since scandals started hitting Jubilee the moment he joined.

Some went ahead to tell off Khalwale, arguing that he was a loser just like Maina Kamanda.

Below are some of the reactions from Kenyans.

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Politics

Why State has frozen lavish retirement benefits of Raila

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The State has frozen AU emvoy Raila Odinga’s lavish retirement benefits.

The perks at the centre of the dispute include medical insurance, fuel allowance, fully furnished offices as well as 17 workers – including chefs, security, accountants, secretaries and personal assistants – all hired at taxpayers’ expense.

This is because Raila is already enjoying similar perks in his capacity as African Union’s special envoy for infrastructure development.

However, the move has drawn protests from Mr Odinga’s secretariat.

Treasury officials say that Mr Odinga has been enjoying similar benefits since his appointment to the African Union job, which, according to the Treasury, he secured after being backed by the Kenyan government.

However, Mr Odinga’s secretariat has accused the Treasury of seeking to once again deny him his rightful share of pension, saying that the AU perks are not financed by Kenyan taxpayers.

The dispute is likely to add a new test to the peace deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Odinga, popularly referred to as “the handshake”, of March 2018.

Mr Odinga was appointed to the AU position in October last year and has two offices; one in Nairobi and the other in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The AU provides him with medical cover, staff and cars. Mr Odinga’s secretariat has asked the Treasury to give the former PM’s office the cash equivalent to the benefits, a proposal that the former has declined.

According to the law, the former PM is entitled a monthly pension equivalent to 80 percent of his last salary, a lump sum of equivalent to 12 months of his last pay, security, medical insurance and a diplomatic passport for himself and spouse.

Other perks that Mr Odinga is expected to enjoy are; one personal assistant, one secretary, one accountant, two housekeepers, two senior support staff, two gardeners, armed security and two cleaners.

The others are two saloon cars and a four-wheel drive vehicle, both of which will come with three drivers and a fuel allowance equivalent to 15 percent of the monthly pay of the serving Deputy President. The vehicles are to be replaced after every four years.

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Entertainment

Kama Akuna Kaa na Mama Yako! Ochungulo Family Bows to Pressure to release ‘Mbigijii Imekulwa na Ndogi’ banger

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Street anthem bangers Ochungulo Family are set to release another jam following the pressure mounted to them by Kenyans over the weekend.

The ‘kaa na mama yako’ hit makers were pressured to compose something on the trending ‘mbigijii imekulwa na ndogi’ Meru community words, which loosely translates to Big gee has been eaten by the dog.

Just like the ‘makeki mainge’ young boy, another boy was speaking surprisingly on how a dog can eat a chewing gum, and Kenyans demanded a hit from Ochungulo Family, just like they did a hit from Governor John Lonyangapuo’s famous quote, ‘kama akuna kaa na mama yako, usikuje apa’.

Kicking off the debate was DJ Joe Mfalme who tweeted asking the music group to give Kenyans a remix, whereby one of the group members Nelly the Goon replied saying that they have already recorded the jam.

Nelly the Goon later shared the teaser of the song, telling Kenyans that the jam was comming soon. The Mbigijii imekulwa na ndogi instrumentals have been made and produced by dez kuru.

Listen to the whole instrumentals below.

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Politics

Orero Challenges Imran’s Victory in Kibra ODM Nominations

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Kibra parliamentary seat aspirant Peter Orero Ochieng has rushed to the party’s Dispute Tribunal to challenge Bernard Otieno Okoth (Imran)’s victory.

Orero reportedly claims that the register that was used during the primaries was doctored to favor Imran.

Imran was declared as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate for the Kibra by-election scheduled for November 7 after the primaries that were held on Saturday.

Imran Okoth, who is the brother to the late Ken Okoth, trounced nine other aspirants with 4382 votes.

Peter Orero emerged second with 1218 votes while John Otieno was third with 906 votes.

The nominations kicked off at 7 am and closed at 5 pm on Saturday.

Also Read: Why State has frozen lavish retirement benefits of Raila

The exercise was marred by delays and several voters’ names were found to be missing from the IEBC register in most polling stations.

However, Mac Oremo, the Returning Officer who announced the results, maintained that the exercise was conducted smoothly.

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Politics

Moses Kuria Hits out at Kieleweke, Tanga Tanga After Church Fight, Heap praises on ODM

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria has hit out at a Jubilee politicians who engaged in a fight on Sunday disrupting a church service in Murang’a.

Business at Gitui Catholic Church in Kiharu constituency came to a standstill after area MP Ndindi Nyoro stormed in and demanded to preside over a fundraiser that was going on led by Nominated Member of Parliament Maina Kamanda.

Nyoro, who is allied to Deputy President William Ruto-led Tanga Tanga faction, accused Kamanda and his Kieleweke group of disrespecting him by taking over a function in his constituency.

The fundraiser was disrupted for over ten minutes as security officers and church leaders tried to calm down the politicians and their supporters.

Revisiting Saturday’s peaceful Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party primaries, Kuria lashed at the two waring factions and accused them of soiling a holy place.

In a Facebook post, the vocal MP further accused Mt Kenya politicians of engaging in early campaigns and fighting unnecessarily for leaders who may forge an alliance ahead of the next election. 

Also Read: VIDEO: Tanga Tanga, Kieleweke MPs Trade Blows at Church Altar

“ODM conducted nominations in Kibra without any violence. Meanwhile Jubilee Kieleweke and Jubilee Tanga Tanga desecrated the House of God in Muranga. With over 1,000 days to go before the next elections. The rest of the country is calm. One can be forgiven for assuming that the next elections will take place in Mt Kenya only. What will you tell the people when Raila Odinga and William Ruto gang up to form a united team to take over in 2022?” he posted.

Nyoro on Sunday night was holed inside Royal Media Services since 9.30pm, evading arrest.He went to RMS’s Inooro TV for a show that was to end at 9pm.A few minutes to midnight, he is said to have sneaked out.

The Kiharu lawmaker was accused of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest moments after clashing with Maina kamanda in church.

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Politics

Murathe reveals the only man who can beat Ruto in 2022

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Jubilee Party interim Vice Chairman David Murathe has hinted at the man he believes can beat Deputy President Dr William Ruto in 2022 race to state house.

While maintaining his move to stop Dr Ruto’s 2022 presidency, Murathe said ‘Ruto must be stopped since his presidency is dangerous to the whole nation.’

He revealed that opposition leader Raila Odinga is the only politician who can beat Deputy Ruto in the 2022 presidential contest.

Murathe, regarded a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta, reiterated his determination to block Dr Ruto’s bid for State House, saying if he (Ruto) wins “we will all be finished.”

“If there is somebody who can stop that guy (Ruto) from becoming President, it is the former Prime Minister. There is nobody else,” said Murathe, adding: “Our main aim is to make sure that person (Ruto) does not become President because if he does we are all finished”.

Murathe made the remarks on Saturday night during the birthday party of Tony Gachoka, a KTN News PointBlank show host, where Raila was the chief guest. 

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Politics

VIDEO: Tanga Tanga, Kieleweke MPs Trade Blows at Church Altar

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Two Members of Parliament were on Sunday September 8, 2019 reported to have traded blows at a Church function when chaos erupted.

The two, nominated MP Maina Kamanda allie to the Kieleweke faction of Jubilee Party and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro who is allied to Jubilee’s Tanga Tanga faction traded blows at Gitu Catholic Church in Murang’ a County  when they clashed over who should be allowed to welcome leaders present to the altar to speak .

According to Daily Nation, the incident happened during a fundraising by the Kieleweke faction of the Jubilee party, that Nyoro stopped the function over the protocol and insisted on taking over the function.

It is reported that Kiharu MP came in late after over 20 members allied to the Kieleweke movement had taken their seats.

Kamanda is reported to have been on his feet then addressing the crowd and Kiharu MP waited for his turn.

When his turn came, he addressed the crowd and insisted on inviting a guest to speak, a matter that Kamanda objected to.

“I can’t allow people from Nairobi to come and take over my constituency as if they know this area. I am an elected leader and I tell Kamanda to his face that let them produce the list of the guests so that I can invite them,” Nyoro maintained.

This tussle led to his supporters flooding the altar in support of their Member of Parliament.

Efforts by the church heads to intervene amounted to naught as the warring parties pushed them to the edge of the crowd that had milled in front.

Watch the video below courtesy of Daily Nation.

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Crime & Investigations

Loss of 30 Million Heroin Exhibit Lands Mombasa Principal Magistrate in Hot Soup

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Mombasa Principal Magistrate Edgar Matsigulu Kagoni and four others over loss of Sh30 million heroin exhibit and Sh600,000.

According to DCI, the exhibits were handled recklessly leading to their loss.

The lost heroin weighed approximately 10 kgs.

Through their official twiitter handle on Saturday morning, the DCI revealed that the incident happened in July 2018 at Mombasa Law Courts.

“Following the reckless handling of Exhibits that led to the Loss of approx. 10 Kgs of Heroin valued at Ksh. 30M & Cash of various currencies valued at over Ksh. 600K, @DCI_Kenya Detectives have today arrested FIVE People – including the Principal Magistrate at Mombasa Law Courts,” posted DCI.

Others arrested are Mr. Abdalla Awadh Abubakar (Mombasa Executive Assistant ), Mr. Lawrence Thoya Bayan(Staff), Mr. Onesmus Momanyi (Court Assistant,Ruiru).

They will be arraigned in Court in Monday.

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Politics

It’s All Systems go in Kibra as ODM Decides

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Supporters of Orange Democratic Movement Party in Kibra Constituency have moved to the ballot to elect their flag bearer in the upcoming November 7 Kibra by-elections.

All the IEBC gazetted polling stations in the area are in use and voting is currently underway.

All aspirants expressed unity and confidence in odm preparations to conduct the nomination and pledged to support the winner of today’s procees

Party members who are participating in the nominations are expected to leave polling stations after casting their vote. Armed police officers have been deployed to Kibra to man polling stations as well as to patrol in all parts of the constituency

Aspirants are expected to ensure their supporters adhere to the rules of nomination. Any aspirant who will cause tension, violence or engage in any form of malpractice will be punished.

10 candidates are battling out for an ODM ticket. They are Stephen OKello Oguwa, Christone Odhiambo Owino, Peter Ochieng Orero, Tony Ogola Sira Sine, Reuben William Ayako Ojijo, Obaricks Eric Ochieng Obayi, Brian Shem Owino, Benson Musungu, John Milla Otieno & Bernard Otieno Okoth.

The winner of the ticket will face off with Jubilee party’s McDonald Mariga, ANC’s Eliud Owalo and Ford Kenya’s Eng Khamisi Butichi in by-elections.

The Kibra MP seat fell vacant following the demise of Ken Okoth who succumbed to cancer in July.

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Politics

Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe dies aged 95

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Robert Mugabe, the former president of Zimbabwe has died aged ninety-five years.

He has been ill for some time.

President Mugabe died in a Singapore hospital on Friday morning 6th Of September 2019.

The current President of Zimbabwe Emerson Mnangagwa has confirmed the passing away of the longest serving zimbabwean President.

“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe ,” tweeted Mnangagwa.

” Cde Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.

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Politics

Mariga to Face Off With His Former Football Coach in Kibra by-elections

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The race for Kibra parliamentary race is hotting up as Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) moves to the ballot on Saturday to conduct nominations aimed at fielding their flag bearer in the race.

The party has lined up 10 candidates who are to face off in an effort to seek party’s ticket. they are;

  1. Stephen Okello Oguwa
  2. Christone Odhiambo Owino
  3. Peter Ochieng’ Orero
  4. Tony Ogola Sira Sine
  5. Reuben William Ayako Ojijo
  6. Obaricks Eric Ochieng’ Obayi
  7. Brian Shem Owino
  8. Benson Musungu
  9. John Milla Otieno
  10. Bernard Otieno Okoth

However, Peter Ochieng Orero, a renown teacher and immediate Dagoreti High School Principal has been speculated to be Raila’s preferred candidate.

He however dismissed the allegations on Thursday saying that he was not even aware of such allegations, and added that if they were there, then it was Kibra people saying that because of his close interaction with them for many years as a teacher.

If he manages top go through tomorrow’s nominations, he will have to face off with his former student, the Jubilee candidate McDonald Mariga.

Orero revealed that football star was his former student at Kamukunji High. He further revealed to have coached Mariga in football during his time at Kamukunji High School.

“He’s a footballer. I was his football coach. I am the one who mentored Mariga up to where he is,” he said.He described Mariga as a very humble young man who might have been pushed to join politics.

Anxiety is now on ODM’s nominations. Will Orero go through to face off with his former student in November 7 by-elections?

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Politics

Uhuru Breaks Silence on Mau Evictions, Issues Tough order to Mt Kenya squatters

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has finally broken his silence on the Maasai Mau forest standoff following a demand from a section of Rift Valley leaders.

The leaders led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen had claimed that environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko had moved to evict people from Mau forest trust land without any order from the government.

But on Thursday, the government spokesman Cyrus Oguna said that President Kenyatta-led government ordered for Mau evictions.

Oguna further revealed that the government will move to push out squatters in Mt Kenya and Abardare forests. This is in an effort to conserve Kenya’s forests.

A section of Jubilee legislators from the Rift Valley had accused President Kenyatta of using “personal differences” with Deputy President William Ruto to oppress Mau forest settlers.

The MPs – Ronald Tonui (Bomet Central), Dominic Koskei (Sotik) and Joseph Ruto (Kuresoi South) alongside Segemian MCA Wesley Koech said Uhuru would order a stop to planned evictions if he had the people’s interests at heart.

The MPs spoke on Wednesday in Sabetet and Sierra Leone in Narok South subcounty.

Tonui said the evictions have caused tension and disunity among communities living in the area.

He accused Uhuru of turning a blind eye to the evictions “yet the people living there voted for him in the last General Election”.

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