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Possible Lockdown as Uhuru Convenes Extraordinary Summit to Review Surge of Covid-19 Infections

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday July 20, 2020 convened the fifth extraordinary session of the National and County governments coordinating summit.

The summit will be held on Friday July 24, 2020.

According to a press statement issued by State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena, the session has been convened following the surge of Coviod-19 infections across the country.

Out of the 47 Counties, coronavirus has now manifested in 44 counties. The cases started rising after the head of state opened up inter-county lockdowns, allowing Kenyans to travel freely.

The Friday meeting shall assess the Counties’ state preparedness within the wider national response to the Covid-19 pandemic and evaluate Kenya’s overall national response and capacity.

It shall also review the efficacy of containment measures in place and review the impact of the phased easing of the restrictions that were in place.

It shall also consider the evolution of the disease and medical models on how Covid-19 may propagate in Kenya within the months of August and September 2020.

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The Health ministry on Sunday July 19, 2020 announced 603 more cases of the coronavirus, raising Kenya’s tally to 13,353.

This number arose from the testing of 5,724 samples, Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said in a statement.

The cumulative number of samples tested in Kenya since the first case of Covid-19 was reported in March rose to 243,887.

The ministry further announced 682 more recoveries, raising the total number to 5,122, and nine more deaths, raising the fatality county to 234.

Of the patients who recovered, 562 were under home-based care while 120 were in hospitals.

Mr Kagwe noted infections are still rising so the public must not drop their guard in the fight against the virus.

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Politics

Senator Sakaja Resigns

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi County Senator Johnson Sakaja has resigned as chairman of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Covid-19.

Sakaja has this morning presented himself at Kilimani Police station.

Sakaja went to the police station accompanied by Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo jnr (in official governemnt vehicle) and Lawyer John Khaminwa.

He was released on a Ksh10,000 bond.

His lawyers say that he will be charged tomorrow but say the police have not revealed the charges he will face.

Sakaja also publicly apologized to Kenyans for going against the Covid-19 protocols.

Sakaja had been arrested on Saturday morning at a club in Kilimani, Nairobi for flouting Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Police found him at Ladies Lounge along Dennis Prit road while drinking in the company of 10. He was later released on a free bond and was to go back to the station and record his statement before being arraigned today (Monday July 20, 2020).

Police had started looking for him after he failed to record the statement. He had been given up to Sunday evening, but he did not show up.

He had allegedly switched off his phone and went into hiding.

According to Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo, following his release on Saturday, Sakaja had promised to present himself to the police.

“He has not recorded the statement. I am sure he will be recording anytime. We don’t know his whereabouts. He said he would present himself to the police. We hope he will keep his word,” Ndolo was quoted by a local daily.

He was arrested with three others and according to a police report, he became unruly after being ordered to leave the nightclub. He incited the others into staying put.

The officer on patrol called Regional Orderly officer Mr Asambasa who approached the senator in vain.

Mr Asambasa too called Deputy OCPD Kilimani Adan Hassan who arrived with a team.

It is then that he became violent and put his hands up to be handcuffed.

After being taken into custody, Sakaja is said to have threatened to have the officers at the station transferred within 24 hours.

He also declined to be released on free bond. After reports of his arrest went viral, he took to social media to deny, saying that he had not been arrested, and will never be arrested.

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Crime & Investigations

VIDEO: Sakaja Presents Himself at Kilimani Police Station After Two Days in Hiding

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi County senator Johnson Sakaja has this morning presented himself at Kilimani Police station.

Sakaja went to the police station accompanied by Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo jnr (in official governemnt vehicle) and Lawyer John Khaminwa.

Sakaja had been arrested on Saturday morning at a club in Kilimani, Nairobi for flouting Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Police found him at Ladies Lounge along Dennis Prit road while drinking in the company of 10. He was later released on a free bond and was to go back to the station and record his statement before being arraigned today (Monday July 20, 2020).

Police had started looking for him after he failed to record the statement. He had been given up to Sunday evening, but he did not show up.

He had allegedly switched off his phone and went into hiding.

According to Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo, following his release on Saturday, Sakaja had promised to present himself to the police.

“He has not recorded the statement. I am sure he will be recording anytime. We don’t know his whereabouts. He said he would present himself to the police. We hope he will keep his word,” Ndolo was quoted by a local daily.

was arrested with three others and according to a police report, he became unruly after being ordered to leave the nightclub. He incited the others into staying put.

The officer on patrol called Regional Orderly officer Mr Asambasa who approached the senator in vain.

Mr Asambasa too called Deputy OCPD Kilimani Adan Hassan who arrived with a team.

It is then that he became violent and put his hands up to be handcuffed.

After being taken into custody, Sakaja is said to have threatened to have the officers at the station transferred within 24 hours.

He also declined to be released on free bond. After reports of his arrest went viral, he took to social media to deny, saying that he had not been arrested, and will never be arrested.

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Latest NewsLifestyle

Papa Shirandula’s Wife Exposes Negligence at Karen Hospital That Led to His Death

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The wife to the fallen actor Charle’s Bukeko popularly known as Papa Shirandula has exposed the negligence by the Karen Hospital that led to death of the entertainer.

Speaking during his burial in Funyula, Busia County this morning, Beatrice Andega said his husband would not have died if the doctors at the facility played their part well.

She accused the Karen Hospital of negligence, noting that it may have led to his death given that he died while still seated in the car.

Andega further noted the doctors at the Karen hospital took too long to admit Papa, and they never admitted him until he died.

Furthermore, she alleged that the hospital refused to carry out all the tests that she had instructed it to do on her husband.

She said she had instructed the hospital to carry out three tests, the Covid-19 test, the malaria test and pneumonia test.

According to her, the current weather is too cold, and that the Karen hospital would not have omitted the Pneumonia and Malaria tests.

Shirandula was laid to rest at 8:40am as per the Ministry of Health directives.

He died on the morning of Saturday, July 18 with the family noting that he faced sudden breathing complications before being rushed to Karen Hospital where he passed on.

Representatives from the Royal Media Services as well as his friends and colleagues attended his final journey that was monitored by police as well as medical personnel.

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Latest NewsLifestyle

Uhuru, Ruto Mourn CS Sicily Kariuki’s Daughter

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have mourned the passing on of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki’s daughter.

CS Kariuki on Saturday July 19, 2020 lost her daughter, Wendy Muthoni, a second-year law student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Karen Campus.

The head of state sent a message of comfort to the family of the CS following the passing away of her daughter at a Nairobi hospital.

The President wished the family God’s fortitude during this difficult period of grief and assured them of his support as they come to terms with the big loss.

In his message, DP Ruto described Wendy as a determined, diligent and honest lady who will be fondly remembered for her kindness and dependability.

“Our sympathies and prayers to the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Sicily Kariuki following the death of her precious daughter Wendy Muthoni ‘Noni’.

“A second-year law student at JKUAT Karen Campus, Noni was a determined, diligent and honest lady who will be fondly remembered for her kindness and dependability. May the family, friends and her college-mates find strength to get through this grief. Rest In Peace,” reads DP Ruto’s message.

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Politics

Moses Kuria Names Two Vocal ODM MPs in Ksh7 Billion Covid-19 Funds Scandal

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has named two vocal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MPs in a Ksh 7 billion Covid-19 funds scandal.

The controversial lawmaker on Sunday July 19, 2020 claimed that Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Homabay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga were allegedly part of the Kenya Medical Supply Authority (KEMSA) scandal.

According to Kuria, the PPE tender was given to an individual in single sourcing, and when investigations were conducted, Junet Mohammed and Gladys Wanga were given the Ksh7 billion tender.

Kuria further argues that the matter would have been discussed everywhere only if Kenya had a working opposition.

He claims that the matter is not being addressed because opposition went to bed with the government through the famous March 2018 handshake.

He urged Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe to stop touring the country and focus on solving the mstery behid the scandal.

The MP went as far back as when the independence party KANU united with KADU and noted that the period was marked by some of the country’s biggest scandals, most notably the looting of land.

Kuria warned that the union of ODM and the Jubilee Party could witness the same looting and even greater than previous ones experienced in the history of the country.

He added that the Kenya Medical Supply Authority (KEMSA) could be a first of many to come in the country.

KEMSA has been on the spotlight after the recently unearthed procurement and financial irregularities that jeopardised more than Ksh100 billion of donor funds as well as allegations of misuse of funds meant to boost the fight against Covid-19.

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Crime & Investigations

Sonko Rescue Team Retrieves 3 Infant Bodies From Nairobi River, Korogocho Slums

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Sonko Rescue Team has yet again retrieved three infant bodies from Nairobi River.

Taking to his official twitter account on Sunday July 19, 2020, Nairobi governor Mike Sonko revealed that the team had retrieved the bodies near Kogocho slums.

Sonko said that triplets might just have been killed by their mother, and thrown into the Nairobi River.

Sonko while condemning the incident said that he keeps on feeling sad whenever he sees such incidents all the time.

Sonko noted that there are women outside there struggling to have a child, while someone who has been blessed is going ahead to kill them.

“TRIPLETS KILLED: Just a few minutes ago, our team yet again retrieved 3 infant bodies from Nairobi River, Korogocho slums. I keep on feeling so sad seeing this all the time, bearing in mind some women are still struggling to have kids just to be called mums,” Sonko tweeted.

This is not the first time infant bodies are being retrieved from Nairobi River.

In June this year, bodies of two infants have been retrieved from Nairobi River in Korogocho. Members of Komb Green Solutions found the bodies as they cleaned the river

This brought to 21 the number of bodies retrieved from the river in the informal settlement since the launch of the Nairobi River Restoration Project early last year.

At the time, the tally stood at 16 infants and five adults.

In September last year, Sonko called for a 24-hour surveillance of the river to stop the dumping of bodies.

Residents were also asked to be on the lookout and report the culprits to the authorities.

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Politics

I can’t and won’t work with Ruto ! Prof Makau Mutua Turns Down DP’s Job Offer

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Professor Makau Mutua has turned down a job offer from Deputy President William Ruto.

Through his article in the Sunday Nation, Prof Mutua says that a top commander in DP Ruto’s campaign locomotive had begged him to work with them to ensure that the second in command clinches to the topmost political seat come 2022.

He says that the DP Ruto’s campaign team should read from his lips.

While responding to the offer, Mutua says that he cannot,and that he will not work with the DP.

He further notes that whenever he hears the mention of Mr Ruto, or sense his proximity, he heads in the opposite direction, noting that it has been so since Ruto’s emergence in Youth for Kanu ’92.

Mutua notes that the case on crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court cemented his political disdain for Mr Ruto.

He also says that Ruto volubly and vigorously led the No Campaign against the 2010 Constitution, and has been alleged to be involved in a number of corruption scandals.

In at least one case, Prof Mutua says, a court found Ruto liable for buying the grabbed farm of one Adrian Muteshi amidst the 2007-2008 poll violence. He says Ruto was forced to return the farm to Mr Muteshi.

Mutua also mentions unsolved crimes that have focused investigation on DP Ruto’s office.

He cites the most recent case where Sgt Kipyegon Kenei, a senior policeman in DP Ruto’s Harambee House Annex office, was murdered in mysterious circumstances hot on the heels of former sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa’s arms scandal.

Further, Mutua says that given DP Ruto’s anti-democratic legacy and the allegations of corruption, it stretches credulity that any legitimate civil society organisation – let alone the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC),would ever have anything to do with him.

“It is an open secret Mr Ruto and his brain-trust have targeted civil society groups like the KHRC to penetrate, convert, and instrumentalise them into witting, or unwitting, allies. It is in this context that they’ve approached me and others. This can only happen over my dead body. Mr Ruto can forget civil society,” he says in his article.

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Latest NewsPolitics

Plot to Have Uhuru’s Relative Replace CJ Maraga

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Chief Justice David Maraga is on record as the first top judge in Africa to nullify a presidential election in 2017. This was only borrowed recently by Malawi top court which also nullified the presidential poll.

However, Maraga is set to exit office. But who will now replace him?

Well, Attorney-General Kihara Kariuki is emerging the frontrunner in the race to replace Maraga who is set to retire anytime from now.

For now, if Maraga decides to proceed on leave, deputy CJ Philomena Mwilu will act. Mwilu is being favoured by a section in ODM to succeed Maraga by virtue of her closeness to former AG Amos Wako and now Busia senator on ODM ticket.

According to a local daily, Kariuki, formerly the president of the Court of Appeal, is being considered a safe bet by State House mandarins eager to have a reliable gatekeeper at the corridors of justice.

Supreme Court judge Smokin Wanjala is the favourite by the majority of lawyers according to a secret report compiled by various state agencies and if voting by lawyers was to determine the next CJ, Wanjala will definitely win. However, he is seen as independent-minded like Maraga.

Other names that are being touted include East African Community judge Charles Nyachae, former national assembly speaker Kenneth Marende, Supreme Court judge Njoki Ndung’u, Lady Justice Hannah Okwengu of Appeals Court and Solicitor General Ken Ogeto, and Justice Isaac Lenaola mong others.

But according to sources, the State House mandarins do not want a repeat of the 2017 scenario where Maraga led the bench in nullifying the presidential election and that is why they want a reliable candidate for the CJ’s position, and that person is Kariuki.

Brief history of Paul Kariuki, Kenya's new Attorney General
AG Kihara Kariuki. PHOTO/COURTESY

Besides, the AG is a relative of Uhuru Kenyatta as his mother is the daughter of Senior Chief Koinange. Kariuki, who was born on May 11 1954 in Kiambu, is the son of the late bishop of Anglican Church Obadiah Kariuki and Lillian Wairimu, the daughter of Senior Chief Koinange.

It is to be recalled that Uhuru’s father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta married his third wife, Grace Wanjiku, daughter of Senior Chief Koinange and sister of Mbiyu Koinange in 1946.

But Wanjiku died when giving birth in 1951 to their daughter, Jane Makena Wambui (also known as Jeni). Jeni Makena Gecaga is the mother of Soiya Gecaga, Nana Gecaga, and Jomo Gecaga, who serves as the president’s private secretary.

Insiders added that State House is keen to have the holder of the CJ’s position a person they can trust since he or she will be instrumental in the re-composition of the Supreme Court bench which will determine any petition challenging a presidential election in 2022.

Already, Justice Jackton Ojwang has retired as Supreme Court judge after attaining the mandatory retirement age while Justice Isaac Lenaola is being fronted to head the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Apart from blood ties with the first family, Kariuki is also emerging the favourite due to his past rulings as a judge which have tended to side with the executive.

As the president of the Court of Appeal, he led the bench in overturning a ruling by High Court judge George Odunga that had declared the appointment of returning officers for the 2017 general election as not procedural, a day to the repeat presidential poll.

Justice Odunga had declared the appointments unconstitutional but had declined to grant the reliefs the petitioners were seeking, which included halting the polls.

Nevertheless, Odunga’s ruling, if not overturned, would have come in handy in the petition seeking to declare the repeat presidential poll a nullity.

It was this ruling that saw former Law Society of Kenya chief executive officer Apollo Mboya seek to block Kariuki after Uhuru tapped him to be his chief legal advisor.

Mboya filed a misconduct case at the Judicial Service Commission where he averred that Justice Kariuki was unfit to take over from Githu Muigai as Attorney General.

The JSC formed a special committee to look into the misconduct and insubordination allegations against Kariuki and his fellow Court of Appeal judges, Erastus Githinji, Martha Koome and Fatuma Sichale who had overturned Justice Odunga’s ruling.

The petition questioned how Justice Kariuki was able to impanel a three-judge bench of justices Githinji, Koome and Sichale on a public holiday and without the authorization from the Chief Justice.

He also questioned the manner the appeal was expedited and final ex parte orders given within minutes. But Kariuki passed the vetting and became a member of the JSC by virtue of his position as Attorney General.

Having resigned as a judge, the JSC was not in a position to pursue the matter of his misconduct further. If Kariuki lands the slot, to hoodwink Kenyans that he is not playing tribal card in Judiciary, a face outside Kikuyu will replace him as AG.

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Business

Co-op Bank Partners With Nyeri County to Salvage The Economy From Covid-19 Effects

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Cooperative bank and Nyeri County government have embarked on a partnership that will salvage businesses from collapsing because of the adverse effects of COVID-19.

Representatives from the county government led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga held talks with representatives from the bank today.

The deal is expected to be finalised next week, according to the Governor.

The partnership between the two entities on post Covid-19 economy recovery measures will tackle Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“The two entities will partner in capacity building, funding, cushioning of SMEs including private schools, saccos and Corporate Social Responsibility” Mutahi stated.

He laid emphasis on PayCheck Protection Loans to help businesses that are struggling to avoid laying off of workers which is hurting the families that are dependent on those wages.

The team was represented by Jacquelyne Waithaka, Director-Corporate & Institutional Banking Division, Moses Gitau Head-Business Banking, Silvance Nono Head-Government & Public Sector Banking, Annie Thagishu Relationship Manager, Ngumo Kahiga Head-Marketing and Communication and Samuel Mukiti Relationship Manager.

The county administration was represented by the County Secretary Ben Gachichio, Economic Advisor Ndirangu Gachunia and Trade Chief Officer Ibrahim Adan.

“Consultative meetings will be held next weeks to come up with a concrete plan on how to cushion Nyeri residents against the adverse economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and execute an MOU immediately” Kahiga stated.

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Politics

Oscar Sudi Pokes Fun at Report That Revealed he Hadn’t Spoken in Parliament Since 2017

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi on Friday July 17, 2020 poked fun at a report that revealed he hadn’t spoken in Parliament since 2017. 

Speaking at a funeral ceremony at Kabenes in Soy Constituency, the vocal Tanga Tanga MP faulted the media for making him the biggest topic yet some lawmakers with interests in 2022 presidential race were in the report as well.

Sudi noted that Baringo senator Gideon Moi has not as well said anything in the senate yet he is in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta come 2022.

Sudi went ahead to claim that he can as well content for the 2022’s topmost political seat just like the KANU party leader.

“I have never spoken in Parliament and neither has Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and yet he is the one who they want to make president in 2022, I think even I qualify to run for that seat,” he stated.

According to a Parliamentary Scorecard released by Mzalendo Trust, a Parliamentary Monitoring Organization (PMO), Sudi and his Nakuru Town West counterpart Samuel Arama have made zero contributions in the National Assembly since 2017.

Sudi furthermore declared that he was not interested in being a part of any parliamentary committee under the Jubilee administration.

“I have seen I have been nominated to a committee. I ask that you remove me because I have no desire to serve in any capacity under the leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We are not beggars, we are the ones who formed the government but it is being driven by corrupt and selfish individuals,” Sudi affirmed.

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Business

All M-pesa Services to be Unavailable For 13 Hours

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

All Mpesa services will be unavailable for almost 13 hours, Safaricom PLC has announced.

In a notice issued to its customers on Friday July 17, 2020, Safaricom said that M-pesa services will be undergoing an upgrade from Saturday night July 18 to Sunday morning July 19.

The planned maintenance is set to start at at 10 pm on Saturday to Sunday at 10 am. All M-pesa services including airtime purchase shall be temporarily unavailable during this time.

According to Safaricom, the timing of the maintenance activity has been scheduled to result in the least inconvenience to customers.

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This is however, not the first time the services are being interrupted for maintenance and upgrading purposes.

The first scheduled maintenance in June 2020, was announced on Wednesday, June 17, scheduled for Thursday from midnight to 5 am.

M-pesa usage has risen since March when the government appealed to Kenyans to use mobile money services as opposed to cash, to curb the spread of Covid-19. 

Safaricom M-pesa customers can continue enjoying free transactions under Ksh 1,000 as the Central Bank of Kenya on Wednesday, June 24 announced the extension of a set of measures that were announced in March 2020.

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Politics

Aisha Jumwa, 9 Other MPs Exposed For Evading Parliamentary Duties

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Malindi Member of Parliament Aisha Jumwa has not been attending any parliamentary committee meetings, report tabled by National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya has revealed.

According to the report tabled on Thursday, the rebel ODM MP is reported not to have attended any meeting by the Members Services and Facilities Committee from January to October 2019.

Jumwa’s disloyalty to her party made her ejected as the representative to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) in June.

However, in the changes that were announced on July 15, she has been moved  to the committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library.

Others who did not attend any meetings were Makadara MP George Aladwa who sits in the Departmental Committee on Lands and his Ruaraka counterpart Tom Kajwang (Ruaraka) who is in the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC).

Also highlighted were Emgwen MP Alexander Kosgey who was recently moved to the Procedure and House Committee from the Trade and Industry docket and Turkana North MP Christopher Nakuleu who will now serve in the Trade committee as well as the Public Accounts Committee.

Alfred Sambu (Webuye East) and Abdi Tepo (Isiolo South) who are both in the Committee on Delegated Legislation did not attend any meetings accordig to the report.

Makueni Woman Rep Rose Museo who sits on both the Labour and National Cohesion committees and Maison Leshomo (Samburu), Agriculture and Livestock and the National Cohesion committtes retained both positions in the new line-up.

Enoch Kibunguch (Likuyani) was also spotted as having absconded the committee meetings in that period. He was moved to the Special Funds Accounts Committee in the new changes.

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Politics

Ruto Allies Now Take Fight to Raila’s Doorstep After Losing to Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Members of Parliament affiliated to Deputy President William Ruto’s Tanga Tanga faction of Jubilee party have now taken their fight to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga’s doorstep, days after losing the fight to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The head of state has been carrying out a purge in the ruling party that saw tanga tanga affiliated members lose plum positions both in the senate and in the National Assembly.

This week, the MPs adopted changes in the National Assembly leadership, which saw Ruto allies kicked out of powerful house committees, with some like Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah being demoted from lucrative Budget committee to catering.

After losing the fight to reclaim their positions in parliament, Ruto allies have now claimed that the ODM party is now running the government and must relinquish its Minority party positions in Parliament.

According to The Standard, Ruto’s camp now wants the plum positions that are being held by ODM, taken up by MPs in Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) who would play the opposition role in both the National Assembly and the Senate.

Soy MP Caleb Kositany and his Aldai counterpart Cornelly Serem on Thursday July 16, 2020 announced plans to write to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to make a ruling on whether ODM should continue holding the positions after “joining the government and taking up Majority side slots.”

The two MPs declared that they were ready to move to the High Court to seek an interpretation of the current setup of Parliament and whether ODM should continue acting as the opposition.

Kositany argues that ODM is running the government and Kenyans cannot expect them to oversight the excesses of the same government.

Similar views were expressed by Serem, who said they are ready to take up the battle to kick out ODM MPs from Minority leadership positions as well as oversight committees held by the opposition.

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Lifestyle

Murkomen Reveals How he Used to ‘Bribe’ His Parents to Evade Punishment

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Markwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed how he used to trick his parents to avoid being punished while he was still young.

Taking to his official twitter account on Thursday July 16, 2020, the former senate majority leader narrated how he would disappear from home the whole day, go play and come back later in the evening with a small ‘bribe’ to the parents.

While referring to a meme that he said was reminding him of his past days, Murkomen said that he would come back in the evening after playing the whole day,with a small log of wood which he called in his native language as sipeen, and make sure he throws it to the compound from the top of the fence.

According to Murkomen, the small gate pass could eventually not save him but at least helped in mitigation.

“This picture always cracks me up.Reminds me the days I would come back in the evening after playing the whole day,with a small log of wood (sipeen)&make sure I throw it to the compound from the top of the fence.Eventually it couldn’t save me but at least helped in mitigation,” he posted.

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Politics

Ruto Sends Bold Message to MPs Over Changes in Parliamentary Leadership

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Samoei Ruto has sent a strong message to Members of Parliament, a day after conclusion of changes in Parliamentary leadership including committee membership and leadership.

Taking to his official twitter account on Thursday July 16, 2020, the second in command urged the lawmakers to unite and work together.

He told them not to be divided but put their hands together in serving the people of Kenya.

DP Ruto went ahead to dedicate a biblical scripture to the lawmakers, quoting Colosians 3:23, which says, “Whatever you do,work at it with all your heart, as working for God,not human master.”

“With the changes in Parliamentary leadership including committee membership & leadership now concluded, I urge all MPs NOT to be divided but work TOGETHER in serving the PEOPLE. Col.3:23, Whatever you do,work at it with all your heart, as working for God,not human master,” he tweeted.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga have tightened their grip on five parliamentary committees crucial for constitutional reforms and approval of Cabinet appointments.

The two party leaders packed the committees with their loyalists, completing a purge that saw allies of Deputy President William Ruto moved to less influential ones.

Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Committee on Appointments, Budget and Appropriations, Finance and Delegated Legislation play important roles in the envisaged reforms the two leaders seek under the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

And the anticipated Cabinet and Principal Secretary appointments to cement agreements the Jubilee Party struck with opposition outfits including Kanu, Wiper, Chama Cha Mashinani, as well as another envisaged with ODM, explains the reconstitution of the committee that vets the nominees.

The Kieleweke camp comprising supporters of President Kenyatta and Raila has since tipped MP Muturi Kigano (Kangema) to chair JLAC, Kanini Kega (Kieni) to chair Budget, Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) to chair Finance and William Kamket of Tiaty to chair Delegated Legislation.

Committee on Appointment is chaired by Speaker Justin Muturi. Muturi and the four MPs set to take up the leadership of the committees are all allied to Uhuru and Raila.

The committees are set to hold elections for chairperson and vice chairperson positions today and tomorrow.

The leadership and membership of four of the committees was previously in the control of MPs allied to Ruto and who are accused of fighting the BBI project. 

Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wa who was recently de-whipped from the lucrative Budget and Appropriations Committee has been slotted in the Member Services Committee, previously known as the Catering Committee.

Ichung’wa is among the 16 MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto, who were axed from the leadership of key House committees in the purge orchestrated by President Uhuru Kenyatta, as he sought to wrestle control of Parliament from his number two.

The second-time Kikuyu lawmaker welcomed his inclusion into the Member Services and Facilities Committee, though seen as a demotion from the influential Budget Committee.

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