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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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Latest NewsPolitics

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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Latest NewsPolitics

Miguna unleashes a scathing attack on Ruto, digs deep into his secrets (Watch Video)

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

After being attacked by Kenyans for continuously disrespecting ODM leader Raila Odinga by digging into his family matters on social media, self proclaimed general Dr Miguna Miguna has unleashed another scathing attack against deputy president Dr William Ruto.

Miguna had on Tuesday promised Kenyans that his ‘revolutionary hammer’ would today (Wednesday) fall on DP Ruto.

In the video shared on his social media handles and you tube, Miguna says that he had spared Ruto during his regular attacks on Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta just because Ruto is a deputy.

While referring to Ruto as a deputy despot, Miguna alleges that DP’s controversies dates back in early 90’s when he joined KANU has his studies at the University of Nairobi.

He alleges that the DP alongside former presidential candidate Cyrus Jirongo became KANU’s vicious youth leaders back in 1992.

He accuses Ruto, who he claims they schooled together at UoN, of forgetting about his visionary Christianity to join KANU instead of looking for work to do.

He further alleges that Ruto alongside Jirongo started brutalising Kenyans and spread propaganda as the main language of the ruling party.

The controversial lawyer says that it is in 1992 when the two started looting and plundering the economy of Kenya.

Digging into Ruto’s personal life, Miguna alleges that the DP has a son with Akinyi Odinga, a sister to Raila.

He alleges that Ruto has 27 children withing two years, with him managing to have over 30 children between 2007 and 2012.

Watch the full you tube video below.

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Crime & Investigations

How con woman used Uhuru, Ruto names to get cash

by The Star
written by The Star

A woman allegedly presented herself as a State House employee able to provide a tender for a military surveillance system, complete with all equipment and logistics — and a mandatory non-disclosure clause.

Another time, she allegedly presented herself as an employee of Deputy President William Ruto, able to provide tenders for 2,800 HP laptops valued at Sh180 million; one tender was for 120 laptops.

In both cases, the complainants were taken in by utterly convincing Wangari Kamau, alias Patricia Mareka. 

She allegedly was part of a ring of fraudsters. 

Kamau,  according to prosecution and victims, uses fake names and masquerades as a project manager or procurement officer at either State House or Harambee House Annex.

She also allegedly was part of a team of people masquerading as intelligence and military officers.

On Tuesday the woman who had been on the run for a year stood before a Kiambu magistrate and faced multiple fraud charges involving fake procurement deals linked to State House and the Department of Defence.

Kiambu senior principal magistrate Stellah Atambo ordered Kamau to be remanded at Lang’ata Women’s Prison until November 5, pending a bond hearing.

She is accused of defrauding Charles Ng’ang’a of Sh40 million and another Sh96 million by claiming that she was in a position to award him a tender to supply a military surveillance system, including 120 HP laptops for Sh96 million.

Kamau allegedly claimed the surveillance system was complete with equipment and logistical support and said a non-disclosure agreement was required.

There were various other tenders besides those for military surveillance and laptops, and a number of complainants.

Kamau faces other counts of falsely presenting herself as a State House employee.

Her lawyer Njau Kayai appealed for bail, saying his client is mentally ill and will not jump bail.

However, the prosecution objected, saying she had been on the run for a year after jumping bail in another similar case before a Milimani court, that one involving laptops and the DP’s office.

Kayai told the court his client hadn’t appeared because she suffers from a mental condition and therefore could not fully understand the conditions attached to her bail terms.

He also said that she had been admitted to Mathari Mental Hospital because of her condition, hence, the reason for her non-appearance. Kayai tabled a medical report indicating that Kamau she suffers from aggression.

The prosecution disputed the report, saying anyone could obtain documents from a doctor to support their claims. The prosecution said the investigating officer verified from Mathare that Kamau had been an outpatient only.

She is also accused of forging tender documents purporting them to be genuine, signed by Maj Gen Fatuma Ahmed Gaiti.

It is alleged that the accused introduced herself as ‘Ms Muhoro’, allegedly dropping government officials’ names and departments to lure victims with fake tenders.

In the case at the Milimani law courts, she is charged together with Alan Chesang and Augustine Matata.

Matata is in custody after a warrant for his arrest was issued for skipping court.

It is alleged that between May 30, 2018, and August 12, 2018, jointly with others not in court, the accused conspired to offer a fraudulent tender, in the name of Deputy President William Ruto for the supply of 2,800 laptops valued at Sh180 million.

The court heard that they obtained the laptops by false pretences from Makindu Motors Limited along Mombasa Road jointly with others who have not been arrested.

They allegedly presented fake local purchasing orders from the Deputy President’s office to defraud the complainants by claiming that the office was procuring the laptops.

The matter has been adjourned several times for several reasons, including the suspects’ absence.

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Latest News

Frustrated Kakamega cop sent on compulsory leave

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Jane Asimizi, a police officer who — last Wednesday — publicly protested against being “deployed to areas where making money is hard”, has been sent on compulsory leave.

Police Service Commission chairperson, Eliud Kinuthia, said that Asimizi was sent on leave to “cool off” as investigations into her alleged indiscipline continues.

“We have ordered that she be subjected to psychiatric examination. We want to ascertain that she is of sound mind. What she said on tape last week is not typical of a normal law enforcement officer,” Kinuthia said while addressing journalists in Mombasa on Tuesday.

On Friday, October 18, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai ordered Asimizi’s hospitalisation after her “complaint video” went viral.

The cop said she had been assigned the lucrative task of manning an exam container in Kakamega, but was withdrawn from that duty four days later because “my bosses thought I was making a lot of money from the posting”.

Asimizi was captured on video ranting about unfair treatment by her bosses, alleging she has often been condemned to “non-lucrative tasks” because she is a native of Turkana County, an area, she said, is inhabited by a “minority group in Kenya”.

Asimizi also alleged that she was withdrawn from the container-guarding duty because — due to her financial status — she could not “bribe her superiors to let her continue with the lucrative task”.

“I have had enough of being frustrated and intimidated,” she said in her rant captured on tape Wednesday.

“Why can’t my bosses treat me fairly?” she posed.

“I have now resorted to speak out, even if it would cost me my job. All along, they post me to areas where I cannot easily access money. Why?”

“Is it because I am from the Turkana ethnic community, which is a minority group in Kenya? I am in Kakamega because I am married to a man from the Luhya ethnic group,” said Asimizi.

“I am fed up, and I want my gripe to reach my bosses in Nairobi, and [even the Interior minister] Fred Matiang’i. For the lengthy period that I have served in the disciplined forces, I have never breached any regulations. My seniors can bear me witness.

“With such unappealing postings, I am only left with my salary to survive on. Special tasks such as exam container-guarding duties often allows a cop to make extra money,” she said.

Asimizi’s rant reached IG Mutyambai, who said that it was unprofessional of the cop to publicly air her work-related frustrations.

“The woman’s frustrations ought to have been channeled through private avenues. As a police officer, she shouldn’t have gone public to express her anger. I have given instructions for the officer to be taken to hospital [for mental examination]. We are managing the matter without raising hullabaloo about it,” Mutyambai told K24 Digital on Friday, October 18.

Asimizi’s direct boss, Leonard Omollo, who is the Western Kenya deputy regional police commander said that the AP officer lied about being originally assigned to man the exam container.

“I would like to state categorically that nobody deployed that [police] officer to guard that container,” said Omollo.

“That officer was going on escort work, and she wasn’t assigned the duty of guarding that [exam] container. We have an operation order that shows where an officer has been deployed and what he or she should do [at his or her work station]. Officers deployed to guard containers were made aware of the postings a long time ago.

“In the case of this officer [Asimizi], I would say, again, that nobody deployed her there. I am treating her case as one of indiscipline. As a service, we have procedures of handling such cases. I won’t allow anyone to come up with a fabricated claim that I deployed a cop somewhere because I wanted money. I do not do that, and that won’t happen [under my watch],” said Omollo.

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BusinessLatest News

Safaricom introduces a NO EXPIRY DATE data bundles after being sued

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Telecommunication giants Safaricom have introduced a no expiry date on their data bundles after they were sued.

Safaricom on Wednesday morning got themselves in yet another data and airtime heist where Kenyans got a chance of stealing from them due to a technical problem.

In screenshots shared on social media after the heist that happened between 3:00am and 4:00am, safaricom has introduced the no expiry date on their data.

Image

A city-based lawyer on Tuesday filed a complaint against Safaricom ,Airtel and Telkom Kenya over high cost of data and expiry of unused data bundles.

In his complaint to the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal, Adrian Kamotho accused the three firms of unlawfully and irregularly depriving consumers of their unused data bundles.

Mr Kamotho said the firms have failed to provide an option to consumers to roll over unused data thus illegally depriving them of their property.

“The complainant is immensely aggrieved over the high cost of data and profoundly frustrated by the arbitrary expiry of hard earned data bundles…Expiring data bundles have become a thorn in the flesh of Kenyan mobile users. Despite charging an arm and a leg for data, the Respondents have been depriving off consumers, the right to quiet enjoyment of legitimately acquired data bundles,” Mr Kamotho said in his complaint.

Further, Mr Kamotho accused the telcos of discriminating against their consumers by charging them “out of bundle” rates that are different from normal bundle rates.

The lawyer wants consumers allowed to keep the data that they have purchased for as long as they remain active on the vendor’s network.

“Data should not have an expiry date until used up‚ as long as the SIM card is active and the consumer keeps recharging,” said Mr Kamotho.

Mr Kamotho said the data expiry model is unfair to the poor majority, who can buy low-amount bundles, which are designed to expire sooner than big bundles, which only the rich can afford.

He said requiring consumers to use their bundles within a given period is irrational, given the phenomenal deficiency in network coverage in various parts of the country.

He said the firms should send consumers reasonable depletion notifications to enable them to track usage.

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Crime & InvestigationsLatest News

Police officer slapped, gun stolen as she chats on WhatsApp

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A prison warder from Mpigi District in Central Uganda has been arrested after she lost an AK-47 rifle assigned to her.

Police say that Hadijah Katono was chatting on WhatsApp on Monday afternoon, when the firearm was snatched from her.

According to Daily Monitor, Katono had been deployed to guard prisoners in Mpigi Town Council, when a man armed with an arrow tip-toed to where she was, slapped her twice, picked the weapon and escaped into a nearby forest.

“It’s unfortunate that we haven’t recovered the gun (AK-47) yet. Our preliminary investigation shows that the prison wardress was on WhatsApp before her gun was stolen,” Mpigi District police boss, Joab Wabwire, told Daily Monitor.

The news outlet reports that cases of insecurity are rampant in Mpigi District.

Katono was arrested and detained at Mpigi Central Police Station as investigations into the loss of the firearm continue.

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