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MCAs Publicly Beaten Like ‘Burukenge’ by Governor Wangamati’s Security Detail

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Two MCAs in Bungoma County are nursing injuries after being clobbered publicly by Governor Wycliffe Wangamati’s security detail.

According to multuiple reports, the two MCAs, Nominated MCA Fred Musebe and his Tongaren ward colleague, Elizabeth Tindi had stormed the governor’s event without being invited.

Reports indicate that governor Wangamati had convened a rally during the launch of an office of the ward administrator.

The situation went south when Tindi took to the podium to tear Wangamati’s development record apart accusing him of sidelining the ward. She was backed by Musebe.

“We Tongaren people are usually very keen before voting as we are straight forward people and if we will not have seen any development from you by 2022 we shall send you home parking,” stated Musebe.

While the latter was giving an address, the officers, who are attached to the security detail of the governor and that of his deputy, Ngome Kibanani, descended on the two leaders and snatched Musebe’s microphone.

The chaos that resulted after the encounter left Musebe and attendees nursing injuries.

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Lifestyle

Cessation of Movement in Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera Ends

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced end of cessation of movement into and outside Nairobi metropolitan, Mombasa and Mandera Counties.

The cessation will lapse tomorrow (Tuesday July 7) at 4am.

However,President Kenyatta stated that the country had not hit 100% on preparedness across the counties but had made significant progress.

Addressing the nation from Harambee House, Uhuru further stated that the curfew would be extended by 30 days.

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Lifestyle

Uhuru in a Closed Door Meeting With Ruto Ahead of 2pm Nation Address

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta is currently in a closed-door consultative meeting with his Deputy William Ruto.

Also in the meeting is a team of experts who are being consulted ahead of the 2pm Nation address.

The president is expected to address the nation today, following the expiry of a 30-day lockdown of some counties and dusk to dawn curfew.

This is the first time the President and his deputy are engaged in a consultative meeting since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Kenya in March.

Previously, DP William Ruto said that that they consulted through the phone, and could not engage a closed door meeting as a matter of security protocol.

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Business

Laikipia County, Co-op Bank Launch Affordable Financing Kitty For SMEs And Saccos

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

.The Laikipia County Government and the Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Co-op Bank) have today (Monday July 6) launched the Laikipia Enterprise Fund with an initial kitty of Ksh 300 million, to offer affordable financing and business support to co-operatives and entrepreneursin Laikipia County.

To kick-off the Fund, the bank and the county government have entered into an InterestSharing and Guarantee Arrangement.

This is aimed at supporting two key segments; First, to empower co-operatives in Laikipia County through affordable financing and Consultancy Services, to enable them have sufficient liquidity for lending to members, and strengthen their management structures, and Second, to support over 7,000 entrepreneurs in Laikipia County recover from the challenges of
the Covid-19 Pandemic by way of affordable financing and training.

Borrowers will pay single-digit interest rates, which makes this arrangement perhaps the most affordable lending program in Kenya today.

The low interest rate has been made possible by the interest-sharing arrangement, whereby the Laikipia County Government will be offering an interest subsidy of 5 per cent, thereby reducing the bank lending rate from 12.1 per cent to 7.1 per cent per annum for all borrowers.

In addition, borrowers will enjoy a reduced appraisal fee at 1.5 per cent of the approved loan amount.

Co-op Bank will match three times the amount that the County Government will place in the Enterprise Fund, to ensure as many borrowers benefit from the opportunity.

In addition to financing, the bank will make available the full basket of services that include digital banking tools, workshops for business training, and capacity-building consultancy services for cooperatives.

Repayment period for the loans will be upto 12 months for SMEs and upto 18 months for cooperatives. The county government shall undertake initial vetting of loan applicants as provided for in the Laikipia County Enterprise Fund Regulations 2020.

Co-op Bank will further appraise for qualification. The Laikipia Enterprise Fund commences operations immediately.

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Lifestyle

Uhuru Likely to Announce Tougher Covid-19 Measures

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta is likely to announce tougher Covid-19 measures on Monday July 6, 2020.

Kenyans are highly anticipating for lifting of cessation of movement into and outside the locked counties, as the current measures come to an end.

However, according to a statement issued by government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna on Sunday July 5, 2020, the government is likely to announce tougher measures.

Oguna in a statement posted on twitter said that the simplicity of the containment measures makes them very easy to ignore, and some of our people have literally abandoned them.

However, Oguna noted, if we must stop the spread of this virus, then we have no choice, but to obey them.

“The simplicity of the containment measures makes them very easy to ignore, and some of our people have literally abandoned them. However, if we must stop the spread of this virus, then we have no choice, but to obey them,” reads the statement.

Oguna further urged Kenyans to continue observing the current measures, which include proper wearing of face masks, washing of hands regularly, sanitizing hands using an alcohol based sanitizer and staying at home.

Kenya’s Covid-19 positive cases have been rising over the recent.

This evening, Health chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman confirmed 309 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 7,886.

The new cases are from 37 counties, which were confirmed after testing a total sample of 4,228 in the last 24 hours.

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Business

5 Reasons Why Kenyans Will Continue Being Fired From Jobs Even After Covid-19

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many Kenyans have been negatively affected, with many losing their source of income.

This follows the massive job lay offs that have been witnessed, and continue being witnessed in many companies, due to the economic effects of the pandemic.

However, Kenyans may continue losing their jobs even after the end of the pandemic.

Machakos County governor Dr Alfred Mutua says that the massive lay offs may not cease when the Covid-19 is finally contained.

Dr Mutua on Sunday July 5, 2020 listed various reasons as to why Kenyans will continue losing jobs.

1.Inability of Kenyan Economy to Cushion its Citizens

Governor Mutua says that it is quite concerning when we hear of mass sackings of employees from Covid-19 economic hardships. However, he notes that the main problem is not Covid-19, but the inability of Kenyan economy to cushion its citizens during times such crisis.

2. Lack of Economic Freedom and Expansion

According to Governor Mutua, we have, as a society, been primed to place more emphasis on politics and tribal blocs rather than economic freedom and expansion.

He notes that this is the reason families are hurting and Kenyans are suffering due to lack of money and general hardships in life.

3. Lack of Innovation

Governor Mutua notes that in Kenya, voices on need for innovation, economic growth and development are relegated to the back.

He notes that Kenyan politics is not about policy but about formations and who is who. As a result, Governor Mutua notes, while other nations are providing unemployment benefits, money to industries, our people are being fired.

4. Poverty and loss of dignity

According to Governor Mutua, the political class is comfortable while wananchi are living on less than ksh100 a day.

“I see poverty and loss of dignity every day in a country with so much to offer. I play my part in rolling back poverty but clearly development is never viewed as a priority.

“For those who have slept hungry, like I have, living in a Nairobi slum, you know the pains of being poor. Therefore we must ensure that we have a vision of how to transform this country, ‘ he said.

5. Journalists not playing their role right

Governor Mutua has accused journalists and editors of not playing their roles right. He says that it is laughable and ironic that journalists and editors who should be focusing on economic issues, instead give front pages to political games and politicians who have nothing to offer.

“As a journalist, I can say this. It is laughable and ironic that journalists and editors who should be focusing on economic issues, instead give front pages to political games and politicians who have nothing to offer.

“Now, most of these journalists have been fired. The political class that they gave headlines and front pages to are Ok. The journalists’ families will soon be hungry,” he said.

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Lifestyle

Distribution of The New 389 Positive Cases Per Counties And Estates

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya has registered the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases, with 389 people testing positive from 4,829 samples tested in the last 24 hours.

The total number of positive cases in the country is now 7,577 from cumulative tests of 185,035 samples. All, except three of the new positive cases, are Kenyans.

Of the 389 cases, 266 are males and 123 are females. The youngest is aged one (1) year old, and the oldest 93 years.

The new cases are distributed in 15 counties.

Nairobi County leads in the numbers with 248 of the 389 cases turning positive. Kajiado County has 36 cases, Kiambu County with 27, Mombasa with 23 cases, Busia has 17 cases, Machakos has10, Migori has nine cases, Kitui County has six cases, Makueni has three, Uasin Gishu County has three cases as well, , Nakuru has two, Kilifi with two cases with Garissa, Muranga and Narok having one case each.

In Nairobi County, the cases are distributed in various estates. Dagoretti North has 55 cases, Kibra has 40, Langata has 33, Ruaraka has 17 cases, Westlands has 14, Embakasi East has 13 cases, Makadara has 13, Roysambu has 11 cases, Embakasi South and Kasarani have eight cases each, Mathare, Starehe, Embakasi Central, and Embakasi West have seven cases each, Embakasi North has five cases and Kamukunji has three.

In Kajiado County, the 36 cases are from Kajiado Central which has 32 cases, with Kajiado East and Kajiado North having two cases each.

In Kiambu County, the 27 cases are in Kiambaa, Kikuyu and Ruiru which have six cases each, Kabete and Kiambu town which have four (4) cases each and Thika Town which has one (1) case.

Mombasa County cases are from Mvita which has nine (9) cases, Nyali has six (6) cases, Jomvu has three (3), Likoni has two cases, Kisauni has two (2) cases and Changamwe one (1) case.

Busia County cases are fro Teso North which has 12 cases and Matayos has five (5).

Machakos County 10 cases are in Athi River which has eight (8) cases, and Matangulu with two (2) cases.

In Migori County, all the nine (9) cases are in Kuria West. In Kitui County, all the six (6) cases are from Kitui West. In Makueni County, the three (3) cases are in Makueni which has two (2) and one (1) case in Kibwezi East.

In Uasin Gishu County, all the three (3) cases are from Ainabkoi. In Nakuru County, the two (2) cases are from Nakuru East with one (1) and Nakuru West one (1) case.

In Kilifi County, the two (2) cases are in Kaloleni which has one (1) case and Kilifi North one (1) case. Garissa County has one (1) case in Daadab. Muranga has one (1) case in Kihara. Narok county has one (1) case in Narok North.

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Crime & Investigations

Stolen Bata Shoes Worth Ksh1.5M Found at a Rented Single Room in Kayole

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Stolen shoes manufactured by Bata Company worth Ksh1.5 million have been found at a rented single room in Nairobi’s Kayole area.

According to a local daily, the shoes were on Friday night (July 3) recovered from a house in Obama Estate.

Police say the shoes were acquired using faulty vouchers from different Bata outlets in Nairobi by a suspected fraudster identified as Peter Matheka.

Kayole OCPD Isaac Thuranira told the local daily that Matheka is a former employee of Bata, and the police boss suspects he (Matheka) conspired with current workers at the different Bata shops to exercise the theft.

Matheka, Thuranira said, rented a single-room house in Obama area two weeks ago.

Neighbours said they recently saw a lorry filled with cartons containing shoes being offloaded and the shoes stashed in Matheka’s house.

It is suspected Matheka and co. were planning to sell the shoes when schools reopen.

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Politics

Ruto Allied MP Punished For Messing With CS Matiang’i

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kipkellion East MP Joseph Limo has been punished for messing up with the law that was introduced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i.

The lawmaker was kicked out as National Assembly Finance Committee Chairperson for overseeing the change which saw the 20% excise duty levied on betting firms scrapped. 

Limo a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto was de-whipped having narrowly survived Jubilee’s purge against politicians aligned with Ruto.

Yattani wrote a letter to the National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya on a number of amendments government was key on implementing, with the excise duty not listed therein.

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Kipkellion East MP Joseph Limo. PHOTO/Courtesy

The listed changes were an additional tax on helicopters, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) which was rejected and zero-rating maize and wheat as well as removing VAT on solar panels. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, June 30, signed into law the Finance bill 2020 which dropped the 20% tax on betting.

On Friday, July 3, Matiang’i stated that the law on betting firms will be reintroduced as Kenyatta was adamant.

“All of you need to understand that this is something we made a decision on and our President has publicly expressed his thoughts on it and also lead from the frontline. We are not going back on our decision,” Matiang’i proclaimed. 

He further vouched for sanity as betting had almost destroyed families and children.

“We cannot allow criminals and money launderers from abroad to mess with our country,” he affirmed.

Yattani had earlier on lamented that betting activities in the country have adversely affected the social fabric of society, particularly the youth. The CS blamed the committee for sneaking in the changes. 

“As noted in the print media, the excise duty was removed through the Finance Act, 2020. The removal of this tax happened during the Committee Stage of the Bill,” an excerpt of Yattani’s statement read. 

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Entertainment

Andrew Kibe Opens up on Why he Quit Kiss FM

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Andrew Kibe has opened up on why he quit Kiss FM, barely a year into the job.

Kibe who was speaking to Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o through his popular YouTube show dubbed Bonga na Jalas on Friday June 3, 2020 said he had disagreed with his boss, the Raidio Africa Group CEO Patrick Quarcoo.

Kibe said that he gave a three months exit notice but did not let in anyone on his decision, not even his co-host, Kamene Goro.

“Just when Covid hit, mimi na mdosi wangu tukakosana, because huyu msee aliniangalia na madharau. You don’t want anybody to pity you. My boss looked at me with contempt and I decided I can’t work with him,” he said.

He added, “One day early morning, I sent a message, saying “3 months from today,  I will leave that office”. I told friends and everyone in my life but they did not believe me. They were all in denial. I didn’t tell anybody anything, even Kamene came to know the other day and she is devastated.”

While negotiating his exit deal, Kibe revealed that he was inebriated. He did also praise his former co-host with whom he worked with at NRG Radio.

During the show, Jalang’o confirmed that he was going to replace Kibe at Kiss FM. He said that he will be joining Kamene Goro starting Monday morning.

The vocal vlogger bid his fans goodbye on Tuesday morning via Twitter.

He said, “It’s been real watu nguyas. I will miss all your nonsense in the morning especially @KameneGoro.”

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Entertainment

NTV’s Ken Mijungu Fired

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nation Media Group (NMG) has fired NTV news anchor Ken Mijungu.

The company on Wednesday July 1, 2020 through a zoom meeting notified its employees of its planned reorganization that could lead to mass lay offs.

On Thursday July 2, 2020, the purge began from the Newspaper section, where senior editors and managers were affected.

The big casualties on Thursday include Nation Newspaper Division Managing Director Francis Munywoki, partnerships & projects manager and long-serving education editor David Aduda, Business Daily Managing Editor Ng’ang’a Mbugua and Daily Nation News Editor Francis Wanyonyi Wambilianga.

Reports indicated that the company was to shift its gear on NTV today, and the axe has fallen on Mijungu.

Taking to his official twitter account this morning, Mijungu notified his fans that he was among those that were affected by the axe that fell on the NTV Newsroom.

Mijungu noted that he had been given a two-paged termination letter that summed up his seven-year journey at the company.

He thanked NTV for giving him the opportunity, and thanked God for the journey, citing that people live to fight another day.

“The axe fell @NTVnewsroom and I was on its way. 7 years in those corridors summed up in a two page letter of termination. We live to fight another day. Thanks to God, He remains the greatest, thank you @ntvkenya for the opportunity and thank you for always staying tuned,” reads his message.

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Politics

Revealed: Damning Dossier That Forced Uhuru to Drop Aden Duale

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Details of why Uhuru Kenyatta bowed down to pressure to drop Garissa Township MP Aden Duale as the leader of majority can finally be revealed.

The vocal MP lost his post in a Jubilee Party parliamentary group meeting that barely lasted 22 minutes though a majority of legislators had heaped praises on him, for his outstanding performance in pushing the ruling party’s agenda in the house and outside.

He was replaced by Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya, a one-time Finance minister in the Mwai Kibaki government.

According to insiders, it is Duale’s achievements that were stopping the president from dropping him before a detailed dossier was presented to the head of state by security organs linking Duale to a web of corruption and his brother Abdi Yakub Duale.

The dossier detailed how the former secondary teacher who was inducted into politics by Raila Odinga used his position as majority leader to amass wealth estimated to be over Sh5 billion.

With his brother Yakub, they use a firm Concordia building and Civil Engineering Company to manipulate state agencies to award them lucrative tenders.

Using the proceeds, they have invested heavily in the middle East and own a hotel. The dossier detailed how the most vocal defender of Uhuru’s government who earned the tag sycophant used his position to coerce parastatal bosses and other government agencies to award companies associated with him or owned by his cronies lucrative tenders.

Surprisingly, Duale family members boast to have influence at Ethics Anti Corruption Commission and Office of Director Of Public Prosecutions hence untouchables.

In return while majority leader, he would shield parastatal bosses from being probed by parliament or influence reports once they were summoned by the MPs.

The report that shocked the president stated that while not directly soliciting for favours, Duale would front his brother, Noor Barre and that explains how they expanded their businesses in Garissa, Nairobi and Mombasa and even expanded to neighbouring countries such as Somali and South Sudan.

In Garissa, Duale and his brother own the Nomad Resort, the second upmarket hotel in the town besides other commercial ventures, which include the affiliate Nomad Hotel in Nairobi’s Eastleigh.

The report revealed that Duale, who was born on June 15 1967 and is married to the daughter of retired General Mahmoud Mohammed, one of two families who own and control most of Garissa’s wealth, now lives like a king, owning a multimillion house in the posh Runda estate. He is thus an in-law to Dpp boss Noordin Hajj, son of senator Hajj.

The report revealed that Duale as leader of majority put up a four-storey building called Lilac Centre in Garissa town which is managed by his brother, Dubow Bare Duale and has also been using Medina Chemicals to supply veterinary products in the North-Eastern region, South Sudan and Somalia.

He also purchased a cattle ranch at the Coast of Kenya. The dossier further raised the possibility that Duale could be holding Somali and Kenyan citizenship though in the past he has denied holding dual citizenship.

The claims of Duale holding dual citizenship first resurfaced during the vetting of Mwende Mwinzi for appointment as the ambassador to South Korea.

The Garissa Township MP then claimed he was being blackmailed by those he termed ‘busybodies’ after he refused to facilitate Mwinzi’s approval.

Insiders add that the dossier detailed how Duale owns Concordia Building and Civil Engineering Company Limited which has won multi-billion-shilling tender mystery since he was appointed the Majority Leader.

The ownership of the company, the report added, put him in conflict with procurement laws, which prohibit state officers from doing business with the government.

Besides Aden Bare Duale, Concordia Building and Civil Engineering Company Limited another director is Abdi Yakub Duale. Insiders add that attached to the dossier handed to Uhuru were media reports that exposed how Duale and Yakub formed the company under Certificate of Incorporation number 144127, given by SM Ndisya for the Registrar of Companies, in 2013 after he was named the majority leader.

The company went in to bag its first big contract worth Sh185 million, to partition an office belonging to the Geothermal Development Corporation.

The dossier contains minutes of a meeting dated September 12 2014 and attended by Aden Bare Duale, Abdi Yakub Duale and Marian Mohammed Hassan, along with lawyer Fredrick Orego, in which Duale resigned as director and transferred his shares to Marian Mohamed Hassan.

Among the mega projects the company carried out are the improvement of commuter rail stations in Nairobi, construction of Rural Electrification Authority under CEO Peter Mbugua of its storage facilities, construction of Garissa Town water supply systems, and the failed Mitubiri Landfill project.

The four projects were worth Sh1.9 billion. The company was also awarded a Sh190 million contract for a water supply project under the Last Mile project being carried out by Kenya Power in Garissa.

Concordia was also among the two firms awarded a Sh2 billion contract to build the Mitubiri Landfill project in Murang’a county, which the government later pulled out of after protests from residents.

It also in April 2016, bagged Sh573 million contract to improve the Kahawa and Kikuyu railway stations. Other contracts Concordia bagged included the building of REA storage facilities in Mariakani worth Sh164 million, and maintenance of the Garissa-Mbalambala Road (Sh18 million).

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Business

What Co-op Bank Stands to Reap From Jamii Bora Bank’s 90% Acquisition

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Shareholders of Jamii Bora Bank have unanimously approved Co-operative Bank’s offer to acquire 90% of the bank. This is pursuant to an Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on 1st July 2020.

This will be through the subscription of 224,153,154 new class of Ordinary Shares that would enable Co-op Bank inject Kshs.1 Billion and appoint a Board to run the business.

The Co-operative Bank Group is one of the largest banks in the region with an asset base of over Kshs.470 billion, predominantly owned by the over 15 million member Kenya Co-operative movement.

Jamii Bora Bank is a fully-fledged Commercial Bank, licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, with over 444,000 customers in 17 branches and employs over 190 staff. The Bank has a strategic niche in MSME banking, offering working capital and trade finance solutions.

The next steps will now be the regulatory approvals notably from Central Bank of Kenya, Capital Markets Authority and the Competition Authority of Kenya.

According to Co-op Bank’s CEO Gideon Muriuki, the strategic entry of Co-op Bank coming in as a 90% strategic owner is an “Inclusive Growth Model” that particularly safeguards the existing shareholders of Jamii Bora; in that they will now share in the expected future Transformation gains/profitability growth.

The deal now awaits regulatory approval from Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Competition Authority of Kenya and the Capital Markets Authority. CBK had in March welcomed the talks saying the deal would enhance stability in the banking sector.

Co-op bank’s growth strategy has been more focused on expanding in Kenya as opposed to expanding beyond boarders. Outside Kenya, the lender owns 51 percent stake in Co-op bank South Sudan.

With over 440,000 customers and 17 branches, Jamii Bora is a value-add to Co-op Bank, with minimal overlaps and large upside potential for exploration of deeper banking relationships by Co-op Bank.

Co-op Bank has in the past indicated that upon acquisition, Jamii Bora may become the new platform for Co-op Bank to offer specialized business lines such as youth and women banking, asset finance and leasing.

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Crime & Investigations

Court Orders For Interrogation of Uhuru, Raila Over Leaked CCTV Footage

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Court has ordered for the interrogation of President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga over a leaked CCTV footage showing the two touring Nairobi CBD at night.

The Milimani Principal Magistrate Zainab Abdul on Thursday July 2 ordered an investigating officer assigned the case lodged against two Sarova Stanley contractees to record statements from President Kenyatta and Raila, whose videos were allegedly shared by the accused, consequently breaching the Cyber Crimes law.

The footage was obtained from June 2, 2020 CCTV recordings captured by Sarova Stanley surveillance cameras, which showed President Kenyatta and Raila inspecting a deserted Kenyatta Avenue at 8:20pm.

Patrick Rading Ambogo, a security supervisor, and Janet Magoma Ayonga, a CCTV controller contracted by Sarova Stanley, were on June 17 charged with unauthorised interception of computer data under Section 17 (1) of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act.

Ambogo and Ayonga, who are currently out on Ksh10, 000 bail each, are being represented by lawyers Danstan Omari and Apollo Moboya, who requested the court to order the investigating officer, David Tenei, to interrogate and record statements from President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga as their statements would be crucial to the case.

Milimani Principal Magistrate Zainab Abdul allowed Omari’s request, and directed Chief Inspector Tenei to obtain statements from President Kenyatta and Raila, and submit to the courts in one week’s time the pair’s recorded account of events.

“We had requested the prosecution to furnish us with statements filed by President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga, who are alleged to have been caught on tape touring the CBD at night, but the prosecution is yet to heed our request,” said Omari, who also asked the prosecution to supply the defense with an original footage of the June 2, 2020 CCTV recording.

Magistrate Abdul, who described the case as “interesting”, ordered the parties to appear before her on July 9, 2020.

The suspects were employed by Fidelity Guards and Robinson Security who are New Stanley Hotel’s property security guards and CCTV operators respectively.

The two were accused of “jointly intentionally and without authorisation intercepted a security CCTV footage capturing the Head of State’s entourage along Kenyatta Avenue.”

The charge, on conviction, carries a fine of Ksh10 million or a jail term of not more than five years or both.

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Crime & Investigations

Babu Owino Threatens to Sue NMG Over DJ Evolve Story

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is now threatening to sue Nation Media Group over a story on Felix Orinda, polularly known as DJ Evolve.

The controversial lawmaker, who he is accused of shooting the entertainer on the neck while raveling at B Club in Nairobi’s Kilimani area in January, denied the charges preferred against him at a Milimani court and was granted Sh10 million bail.

He later appealed, and the cash bail was reviewed to Sh 5 million after being charged with attempted murder and behaving in a disorderly manner.

NTV on Monday reported that DJ Evolve, who was recently discharged from Nairobi hospital, is still bedridden and cannot do anything by himself.

The video showed the DJ has not fully regained his voice and is struggling to talk.

But through his lawyers, Okatch and Partners Advocates, Babu asked the media for a public apology within two days.

He wants the media house to admit liability for ‘slanderous and libelous statements’ or he will sue.

In his demand letter, Babu claims that the piece aired on TV was aimed at pitting him against the public.

“That your story on the plight of Orinda though noble as it shows his improved state, has been used by yourselves to attack, accuse, persecute. reprimand, convict our client in the eyes of the public. The sole intention was indeed to whip up emotions, and incite the public against our client, ” the letter dated July 1 read.

Babu said the story infringes his constitutional rights to a fair hearing.

“That we have carefully listened to and watched the said story over and over and indeed at no point has the said Felix Orinda stated that he was shot by our client, ” he said.

“In fact, even before your news item, Orinda has never ever stated in any forum whatsoever that he was shot by our client. The Directorate of Public prosecutions has further confirmed that in fact Orinda has never recorded a statement on the matter.”

Babu said that the ‘slanderous, libelous defamatory remarks’ have made him suffer considerable mental anguish and embarrassment.

According to the DPP Noordin Haji, the case has been slowed down by the inability of the victim to record a statement following the shooting which affected his speech.

The DPP through a statement issued on June 30 said that Investigation report shows that the victim is paralyzed and has a speech impediment making it very challenging to record his statement.

The MP was arraigned in court on January 1, 2020 and was charged with attempted murder and behaving in a disorderly manner.

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Politics

Details of Uhuru’s Private Meeting With Atwoli & Other Western Kenya Leaders

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta today at Harambee House, Nairobi met Western Kenya leaders to discuss development projects in the region.

The President and the leaders discussed the ongoing Government efforts to revive the ailing sugar sector especially Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories.

The Head of State assured the leaders of the Government’s commitment to reviving the sector by fast tracking the implementation of the sugar taskforce report.

The sugar sector revival report generated by a Presidential taskforce co-chaired by Agriculture CS Peter Munya and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya outlined several interventions among them writing off of debts owed by the millers.

As part of the revival process, the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has already published the sugar sector regulations and is in the process of strengthening the legal framework to anchor sector reforms.

Shortly after the meeting, the President handed over a brand new 52-seater bus to Nzoia Sugar Company Chairman Joash Wamang’oli.

The bus will be used by Nzoia Sugar Football Club for their sporting engagements. The President also donated Ksh 2 million to the football team.

Nzoia Football Club is sponsored the by the sugar miller.

The leaders in today’s meeting were Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga) and Patrick Khaemba (Trans-Nzoia).

Other Western Kenya leaders present were Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

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