Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has picked lawyer Linda Kiome who was Mithika Linturi’s running mate in 2022 governorship polls as his deputy.
Kiome is also Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel vice chair.
Mutuma, who was impeached Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s deputy, was sworn in on Monday after the High Court upheld senate’s decision to oust Kawira.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has hinted at running for the presidency in the next 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on the JKLIVE show on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Muturi said that while his decision to run for the presidency lies with the electorate, he will still consider it should Kenyans ask him to vie.
He argued that he had offered himself for the presidency in 2022, before he shelved his ambition and supported President William Ruto in the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
“Some of these things are the ones you need to leave to the electorate. Kenyans will decide these kind of things. If Kenyans were to ask me, why not? Remember in 2022, I had offered,” Muturi said.
Should he vie, Muturi will be among the candidates seeking to unseat President William Ruto, whom he seems to have since fallen out with following his stance on the abductions and extrajudicial killings. The fallout has seen the CS skip several Cabinet meetings months after he addressed a press conference calling out the government on abductions.
This comes moments after the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP), a party affiliated with him, issued a notice to leave the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
Muturi, during his JKLIVE interview, confirmed that he was aware of the party’s decision, saying it did not have to inform him of the intent to leave the Kenya Kwanza coalition because it is at liberty to make decisions.
“The party doesn’t have to inform me these days about the activities that they are doing because they do the normal things. The management committee and they are at liberty to make whatever decision they feel it is in the best interest of the party, and therefore they did not have to inform me about the decision to write to the registrar about the desire to exit the coalition,” Muturi said.
Muturi’s party issued a 30-day notice to exit the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, with Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu confirming that her office had received the letter.
“Kindly take notice that our stay in Kenya Kwanza is no longer tenable due to prevailing political developments,” the notice signed by DP Secretary General Dr. Jacob Haji and dated March 7, 2025, read in part.
“The Democratic Party of Kenya, through this letter, hereby gives a 30-day notice to exit the coalition, as stipulated in termination clause 8 of the coalition agreement.”
Muturi further said that he had just learned of the letter after it had been submitted.
“I just saw the letter also; whether I am okay with it or not, it is a decision that has been made by an organ of the party that I believe it is authorised to make the decision.”
Muturi joined the Kenya Kwanza alliance through the DP party under an agreement signed in May 2022, making the party one of the alliance’s constituent members.
The DP delegates had earlier installed Muturi as the party leader during a meeting on February 22, 2022, but he resigned from the position following his appointment as the attorney general.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi says he has asked to be excused from Cabinet meetings until the topics of extrajudicial murders and police kidnappings were discussed.
Over the last three months, Muturi has missed three Cabinet meetings: January 21, February 11, and March 11, 2025. This has led to speculation that he and President William Ruto may not get along.
Muturi clarified on Wednesday’s appearance on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show that although he is required to attend Cabinet meetings, he had asked President William Ruto for permission to be excused from them because of his position on the extrajudicial killings and police abductions that gained widespread attention after the anti-government protests in June 2024.
“It is mandatory to attend meetings unless given authority or excused by the chair of the Cabinet, who is the president but people do get indisposed for all manner of reasons. In my case, I have written and sought to be excused from Cabinet meetings unless the agenda of abductions and extrajudicial killings is formally tabled before Cabinet, through a Cabinet memorandum, so that the Cabinet is able to express itself and give the country the way forward with regards to abductions and extrajudicial killings. So, I sought to be excused for these reasons,” Muturi said.
The former Attorney General dismissed accusations of insubordination over recent comments he made that appeared to paint the current regime in an unfavorable light, expressing confidence in his role in the Cabinet.
Muturi claims that his action in denouncing the President and the government for the kidnappings and murders of Gen Z demonstrators late last year was in line with his sworn duty as a public servant and that he ought to be commended for it.
Just days after Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga entered into a deal with President William Ruto, he has issued fresh demands.
Raila on Tuesday, March 11, hit out at Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration for what he argued was failing to resolve several issues affecting Kenyans.
Speaking during a funeral service in Kiambu County, Raila faulted Ruto for poor governance, failing to address the challenges in the Social Health Authority (SHA), and imposing high taxes on Kenyans, including the Housing Levy, which he now says the head of state must address.
“I have told Ruto that SHA has a problem; it must be corrected. The taxes being imposed on Kenyans are also high, especially one on the houses,” he said.
Raila also dismissed claims that he has abandoned Kenyans to join and support Ruto.
According to him, he never approached the head of state for a deal, and that his stance remains the same.
The 2022 Azimio presidential flag bearer says it is Ruto who approached him.
“I have heard people saying that I have joined President William Ruto. I want to say that I never approached Ruto; it was Ruto who approached me. My stand remains the same,” Raila said.
Raila went ahead to claim that the Kenya Kwanza administration has developed a cold feet, prompting them to approach him for support.
According to Raila, the 10 point-agenda in the deal signed between him and Ruto is just a chance for the Kenya Kwanza administration to redeem themselves, by fulfilling the issues raised in the joint working framework agreement.
“These guys have caught cold feet and come to us, that’s why I’ve given them the ten agendas you saw. Those are the things we were always asking for and they’ve said they will fulfill them. We will give them an opportunity to work on those things,” Raila said.
On Friday, March 7, 2025, President Ruto and Raila signed a joint working framework agreement aimed at establishing collaboration between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in government.
The agreement, titled “Understanding to Resolve the Social and Political Challenges Facing Kenyans,” seeks to address ten key issues affecting the Kenyan population.
This pact aims to expedite the full implementation of the NADCO report, promote inclusivity in public life, strengthen devolution, protect the livelihoods of young people, uphold leadership and integrity, safeguard the right to peaceful assembly and protest, tackle the national debt, combat corruption, eliminate public resource wastage, enhance government efficiency, and protect the sovereignty of the people, the rule of law, and constitutionalism.
However, the pact has attracted criticism from a section of Kenyans and leaders, some of whom have viewed it as a betrayal.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has, on several occasions, flaunted his payslip to the public, with his net salary being as low as Ksh 18,000. However, the youthful lawmaker has managed to live large, with him even currently putting up a multi-million mansion in his rural home in Kisumu Ndogo village.
But have you ever wondered why Salasya has been able to eat life with a big spoon despite the loans and debts that have squeezed his payslip? Well, Salasya has been accused by a number of company owners of planning fraudulent tender schemes in his constituency.
Salasya approached a company in one such instance, presenting himself and members of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committee and offering a direct tender award.
The company was allegedly told to provide a Ksh700,000 bribe to a phone number registered in Salasya’s name in order to win the tender.
Salasya reportedly stopped communicating once the cash transaction was completed, and the promised tender offer was never given out.
The phone number in question had previously been reported by Salasya to the police as being used by scammers, the duped company was told when they tried to report the occurrence to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In addition, Salasya has been sued for outstanding debts. The Kakamega Small Claims Court ordered him to pay back Ksh500,000 to businessman Robert Lutta in November 2023. Lutta had given him the money in December 2022 with the understanding that it would be repaid in two months. Salasya disregarded the court’s decision, and in January 2024, an arrest order was issued as a result.
Because of allegations that the car was jointly owned by the National Assembly, attempts to sell some of Salasya’s possessions, including a Toyota Land Cruiser, failed, making it more difficult to implement the court’s ruling.
MP Salasya’s financial instability has been depicted by these occurrences. Even though he frequently exhibits amusing and lighthearted conduct in public, these ethical and legal difficulties point to more serious problems.
For his Mumias East constituency, MP Salasya’s accusations have important ramifications. Effective government depends on public faith in public authorities, and such disputes have the potential to undermine that trust.
The distribution and administration of public funds may be questioned by constituents, particularly if a representative is connected to financial wrongdoing.
There are now more demands for accountability and transparency as a result of the events that are taking place. To make sure that public office is not abused for private benefit, there is an increasing call for in-depth inquiries of Salasya’s financial transactions.
These incidents demonstrate the necessity of strong systems to hold public servants responsible and shield the public from dishonest behavior.
Salasya’s scandals are a sobering reminder of how difficult it is to guarantee moral behavior from public servants.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned President William Ruto against an alleged plot to lick out Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Gachagua has accused the head of state of orchestrating a wider plan to destabilize the Mt. Kenya region by first crippling its political leadership before turning on its economic foundations.
Speaking at a charged church gathering at AIPCA Igembe North in Meru County on Sunday, February 23, 2025, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto, alongside a clique of influential operatives within State House, is systematically eroding the region’s leadership to eliminate any effective resistance.
He also accused President Ruto of killing the Gen Zs during the widely-spread anti-government protests that were witnessed in the country in June 2024.
“Ako na damu ya maGen Z,” Gachagua claimed.
The former DP warned that once political figures have been subdued, businesses in the region will be left vulnerable, as there will be no strong voices left to defend them.
Gachagua framed the alleged scheme to remove CJ Koome as part of this broader effort, arguing that her ouster is not merely an attack on the judiciary but a calculated step in dismantling Mt. Kenya’s influence.
“Rais amepanga kufukuzza Justice Martha Koome,” he said. “Amepanga pale kortini na amehonga watu!” Gachagua added.
He declared that if Ruto proceeds with the plan, he should forget about setting foot in Meru.
“Ukifukuza Martha Koome, usijaribu kukanyanga hapa Meru tena!” he warned, telling the crowd that the community must resist what he described as a deliberate assault on its political and economic standing.
Gachagua also took aim at Meru leaders, including Members of Parliament, accusing them of being summoned and politically compromised to align with the president’s agenda.
He claimed they had abandoned their duty to protect the region and have instead chosen self-preservation.
He further criticised Ruto’s failure to honour his campaign pledges to miraa farmers, pointing out that the president had promised to revitalise the trade by removing barriers that prevent growers from earning better profits.
“Si alikuwa anakuja hapa kwa gari anakula miraa akiwa juu?” he asked the crowd.
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has raised alarm over what he describes as a life-threatening situation orchestrated by President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In a chilling statement on Friday, February 21, 2025, Bobi Wine revealed that unidentified armed men in civilian clothes have been patrolling his home since yesterday. According to him, these individuals have been trailing him and his associates, abducting some of his security personnel and political allies.
“Whatever happens to me, Museveni and his son are responsible,” he declared. “They have gone ahead to trail and abduct many of our comrades, including part of my security team. Right now, they’re raiding our Party headquarters. We expect anything from the cowardly regime – BUT WE ARE NOT INTIMIDATED!” he stated.
Whatever happens to me, Museveni and his son are responsible. From yesterday, our home is being patrolled by strange men in civilian clothes who appear to be armed. We have information that they're after my life – as threatened by Museveni’s son a few days ago. They have gone…
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) February 21, 2025
His claims come just days after an alleged public threat from Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has been widely seen as Museveni’s likely successor. Bobi Wine and his National Unity Platform (NUP) have consistently accused the government of using intimidation tactics to silence opposition voices.
Reports of political arrests and disappearances have been increasing in Uganda, especially targeting opposition figures and activists. This latest development adds to growing concerns over the state of democracy and human rights in the country.
As of now, Ugandan authorities have not officially responded to Bobi Wine’s claims. However, his supporters fear for his safety, given the history of violent crackdowns on opposition leaders.
Despite the threats, Bobi Wine remains defiant, stating that he and his team will not bow to intimidation. “We are not scared. We will continue fighting for freedom,” he assured his supporters.
The situation remains tense, and many are closely watching how events unfold in the coming days.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has met with over 80 former Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and Councillors from Nairobi County at his Wamunyoro residence.
Taking to his official X account on Thursday, February 20, 2025, just after concluding the engagement, Gachagua stated that the meeting focused on Nairobi’s evolving political landscape and opportunities for strategic engagement.
“This afternoon at our Wamunyoro residence, I met slightly over 80 former MCAs and Councillors from across the Nairobi County,” Gachagua stated.
During the discussions, Gachagua and the former leaders reflected on the changes that have taken place since their time in office, the lessons they have learned, and how these insights could benefit emerging political teams.
“We discussed the changes that have come into play since their days in office, the lessons they have learnt along the way, and as the opportunities these changes and lessons present to our emerging team,” he said.
The meeting also explored the socio-political dynamics of Nairobi, emphasizing where and how to engage in shaping a positive future for the city. With Nairobi being Kenya’s capital and a key political battleground, Gachagua underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to drive meaningful change.
“We also discussed the dynamics of Nairobi and where and how to engage, to affect the positive change we envision. The consultations continue,” Gachagua said.
This afternoon at our Wamunyoro residence, I met slightly over 80 former MCAs and Councillors from across the Nairobi County.
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) February 20, 2025
We discussed the changes that have come into play since their days in office, the lessons they have learnt along the way, and as the opportunities these… pic.twitter.com/RFKZ1FVcJs
The Global Ranking Analysis has released a performance report form for the Woman Representatives for the Year ending 2024.
The team conducted an extensive and deep analysis with a comprehensive study on the key performance of various MPs in fulfilling their constitutional mandate for the Kenyan people.
During the analysis, the team examined several key areas, including the MPs’ oversight roles and activities, the reports presented in the House, the levels of participation by MPs in respective committee meetings, and the Bills they have sponsored.
The report further assessed the societal impact of their legislative initiatives and the consequences that have impacted.
Nakuru Woman Representative Liza Chelule was the top performing MP with 69.4%, followed by her Nyamira counterpart Jerusha Momanyi who scored 66%.
Kericho Woman Rep Beatrice Kemei emerged third with 65.4% followed Turkana’s Cecilia Asinyen Ng’tit who came in fourth place with 60.5%.
Below is the full list of the top 10 rankings.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has accused Embakasi East Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino of colluding with anti-government groups in Uganda in a plot to overthrow him.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at State House, Nairobi, during the official launch of Raila Odinga’s candidature for African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship bid, Museveni stated that Babu Owino has been adversely mentioned in Uganda’s intelligence reports.
“There are individuals in Raila’s group whom I think don’t know what they are doing. You know I am a consumer of Intelligence Services, so I always see Intelligence Services reports. There is a character called Babu. I always see Babu dealing with anti-NRM groups in Uganda. I have never accused Babu but I am now accusing him. But those are individuals, they are not Raila group,” Museveni said.
This is not the first time Uganda is accusing Babu Owino of meddling in its affairs.
In November 2028, Babu Owino was banned from entering the Republic of Uganda.
This is after the then Ugandan minister of Internal Affairs Haji Abubakar allegedly wrote to the then Kenya’s Foreign Affairs CS Monica Juma accusing Babu of undermining President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
Babu Owino’s relationship with Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobbie Wine is the main cause of his problems with Museveni.
In the letter Abubakar wrote that, “Our attention is drawn to the joint subversive activities of Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine and his Kenyan counterpart Babu Owino to undermine the legitimately elected government of the Republic of Uganda,
“The purpose of this letter is to make it known that Honorable Babu Owino is officially declared as persona non grata within the borders of Uganda and will not be permitted entry without special clearance from the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
“During Bobi Wine’s visit to Kenya last month, Babu hosted Wine in a number of functions and events. The duo uttered inflammatory and seditious words against the democratic and legitimate rule of President Yoweri Museveni,
“Any person found aiding or abetting the violation of this directive will be in contravention of a legal order and will be liable for prosecution.”
Babu Owino has been supporting Bobbie Wine’s move to have Museveni removed from power.
Recently, Ugandan youths held anti-government protests to call for Museveni’s removal, but they were thwarted by the excessive use of force by the police.
Bobbie Wine has been arrested several for protesting against Museveni’s rule.
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been impeached.
This is after 49 out of 67 Members of County Assembly on Thursday, August 8, 2024, voted in favour of the impeachment motion that was tabled by Deputy Majority leader Zipporah Kinya.
Kinya tabled the motion on July 31, days after she had withdrawn a similar one that she had tabled on July 17, 2024.
Kawira now banks on the Senate for survival, having survived two previous impeachments.
Kawira has been impeached on allegagions of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party has endorsed proposals by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to appoint Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and his Suba North counterpart Millicent Odhiambo to leadership positions in parliament.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, said Azimio had approved Junet’s appointment as new National Assembly Minority Leader, and Millicent Odhiambo as Minority Whip.
Sifuna thanked the Azimio constituent parties for endorsing the ODM proposals.
“The Azimio PG meeting has unanimously endorsed the proposals from ODM party to appoint Hon Junet Mohamed and Hon Millie Odhiambo as the new Minority Leader and Whip in the National Assembly respectively. On behalf of ODM, I thank all the Azimio constituent parties for their support and wish the two leaders well in their new positions,” Sifuna said.
The Azimio PG meeting has unanimously endorsed the proposals from @TheODMparty to appoint Hon Junet Mohamed and Hon Millie Odhiambo as the new Minority Leader and Whip in the National Assembly respectively. On behalf of ODM, I thank all the Azimio constituent parties for their…
— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) August 6, 2024
ODM proposed Junet to take up the position of Minority Leader in the National Assembly after the position was vacated by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi upon his appointment by President William Ruto as Energy Cabinet Secretary.
Junet who has been the Minority Whip will be replaced by Millie Odhiambo in the ODM house leadership changes.
I thank my Party Leader the Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga and @TheODMparty, for trusting and proposing me to lead the Minority Coalition in the National Assembly at this pivotal moment.
— JUNET MOHAMED, CBS, MP. (@JunetMohamed) July 31, 2024
Our movement will triumph. pic.twitter.com/FbR8UPH4Ue
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi was proposed take up the role of chair, the Public Accounts Committee left vacant by Nominated MP John Mbadi was was nominated as Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo will take up the seat of chair, the Public Investments Committee.
The changes are part of resolutions reached by ODM’s Central Management Committee which was chaired by party leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday last week.
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa was on Saturday rushed to Karen Hospital in critical condition.
Echesa who was being detained at Muthaiga Police Station since Thursday was taken to hospital due to a reported deterioration in his pneumonia and high cholesterol levels.
According to his lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta, Echesa’s condition could have led to further health complications had it not addressed in time.
“My client’s health deteriorated hence his admission to the hospital,” Omari told the media.
Echesa had been held at Muthaiga police cells since Thursday night, pending arraignment on Tuesday over allegations of extortion and staged abduction.
Police said they will guard him at the hospital ahead of his arraignment.
Echesa through his lawyers had asked the police to release him from custody to allow him seek medical attention.
His lawyers are also want him to be granted cash bail to “continue with his journey towards full recovery.”
Echesa who is also the chairperson of the Kenya Water Towers Agency, was arrested and initially taken to Muthaiga Police Station.
According to Danstan Omari, his continued detention would have made his health deteriorate adding that any form of justice related to his arrest cannot possibly take precedence over his health.
Echesa was arrested over claims of extorting money from Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa.
Prior to his arrest, videos of him pleading for mercy after allegedly being abducted had gone viral.
In the videos, Echesa is heard asking his alleged abductors to tell governor Barasa to forgive him. He is also heard begging his alleged abductors not to kill him as his children would suffer.
However, a section of Kenyans have argued that the abduction seems to have been stage-managed as a part of ways to extort governor Fernandes Barasa.
Another video of Echesa conversing with an unknown man while handcuffed in a car boot also went viral.
This is not a first controversy to hit the former sports CS, who has previously been accused of photoshopping former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala in what looks to have been the same extortion ring.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro is a man in dire need of a shoulder to lean on after it emerged that he is nursing the wounds of being dumped by a concubine who is believed to have vanished with close to Sh200 Million and other multi-million properties registered in her name.
The two have been in a three year secret but romantic relationship built on trust and honesty in what appears to have been a strategic move by the concubine to strike when she has amassed enough from the unsuspecting governor.
The concubine in question is a surveyor by profession and first met with Mung’aro when he was serving as the Cabinet Administrative Secretary in the ministry of lands.
The concubine who is almost hitting 30 is only identified as Loise Makena and is known for her stunning, delightful, charming, dazzling and intoxicating approach and lifestyle that played a get role in sweeping Mung’aro off his feet.
According to our documents Makena is still the Director at her survey firm.
Makena, as per the grapevine chronicles made deep rooted networks in the ministry of lands and her partnership with Mung’aro saw them swindle millions through proxy companies for consultancy services.
When Mung’aro declared interest to run for the Kilifi seat, their relationship rocketed miles high with Makena getting elevated into serving more like Personal Assistant, manager and advisor on critical issues especially mobilization of funds.
She sat at the helm of the campaign.
She is the one Mung’aro chose to trust when he got elected and one of her primary roles was to identify and bring on board companies, suppliers and partners to help the governor swindle public coffers either through ghost supplies, commissions on fraudulent contracts at dubious partnership programs.
She is known to be very aggressive, smart and intelligent with top tier social skills that make her an outstanding negotiator and one that is difficult to doubt.
This made Mung’aro trust her with all illicit money emanating from dirty deals and it is estimated that she was in control of at least 2M USD which is approximately Sh200 million.
The governor, blinded by the steamy and irresistible love escapades courtesy of Makena, is believed to have bought and registered a number of properties under Makena’s personal details.
Some of the multi-million properties are located on the Coast.
Makena is a strong figure in the procurement corridors in Kilifi and seats at the head of the table in key decision making moments.
Most of the deals as per our grapevine revolve around garbage collection, consultancy services especially in the office of the governor and his lieutenants and key programs key to Mung’aro’s development agenda.
However, the fallout between the two imparts more pain to Mung’aro who had trusted Makena as he was amassing funds for his reelection in 2027.
A section of the MCAs who are aware of the happenings are happy that the governor has been taught a lesson.
“Boy child Kimemuramba and he deserves it,” a jubilant MCA stated. Another MCA said: “A man who trusts a slay queen more than his wife or even brother deserves it,”
The governor who is said to be using close friends to Makena to try and lure her back for negotiations has been pleading that the shameful ‘telenovela’ does not hit headlines.
As for Makena, word has it that she must be counting her profits far away from her enemies as she plans to settle with one of her boyfriends
A group of activists referring to themselves as “friends of Uganda” have filed a petition to the government of Denmark appealing for a suspension of funding to the Ugandan government over its human rights record.
In the February 14th 2024 letter to the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Mr Dan Jorgensen, the activists are calling for an urgent suspension of funding to the Ugandan government and halting support for the environmentally contentious East African Crude Oil Project(EACOP).
“We write to express our deep concern regarding your past and the recent financial support extended to Mr Museveni’s regime by the Danish government, as reported in the meeting on January 24, 2024,” reads the petition in part.
“The substantial funds allocated, ostensibly for climate change and refugees, have raised alarm given the ongoing human rights violations, displacement, and environmental degradation associated with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project in Uganda.” Adds the petitioners.
The petitioners allege that the EACOP initiative has been marred by egregious acts such as land grabbing, illegal displacements, and environmental harm since its inception in 2017. They also note that there have been disturbing trends of gross human rights violations, especially concerning the construction of the pipeline which has adversely impacted local communities, wildlife, and the overall climate.
They also accuse the Kampala regime of misappropriating most of the financial support provided to the country, resulting in the purchase of arms, tear gas, and other tools of oppression, rather than addressing the urgent needs of the people of Uganda.
The situation, they claim, has led to the displacement of countless individuals, who now reside in makeshift camps under deplorable conditions without compensation for their losses.
Also protested is the recent request by Mr. Museveni for the Danish government’s support in the ‘wetland reclamation program which they say “is deeply troubling.”
“ We must question the legitimacy of such initiatives and ensure that funds are directed towards transparent and accountable projects that genuinely benefit the Ugandan population,”
“Numerous reports and documented cases highlight the severe human rights abuses, arrests, and illegal detentions of individuals advocating for their rights and protesting against the EACOP project. The lack of due diligence before extending financial support is a matter of grave concern, and we urge the Danish government to reassess its involvement in this project.” They submit.
In light of the above, the petitioners have, therefore, demanded the Ceasing of all financial support to Mr Museveni’s regime and the EACOP project immediately, a public declaration by Denmark that the country will not contribute further to the EACOP project and a commitment to advocate for other nations, including the UK, EU, USA, Germany, and others, to withdraw support for the EACOP project.
“The consequences of continued funding to Mr Museveni’s regime and the EACOP project are dire, with lasting effects on the human rights, environment, and future of Uganda. We implore you to act swiftly and decisively in the interest of justice, human rights, and accountability.”
“For a comprehensive understanding of the situation, we encourage you to review the evidence we have compiled, including videos, pictures, and news articles, available through the following links,” the petitioners further appeal.
The petition also delved into the 2021 contested general elections which they claim was violent with President Museveni exerting a lot of undue brutality on opposition supporters, many of whom remain incarcerated to date. Based on the above, they are of the view that stringent conditions are put in place before advancing any more support to the regime in Kampala.
“Given the alarming documentary evidence by the BBC detailing President Museveni’s brutal actions during the 2021 presidential election campaigns in Uganda, it is imperative that conditions are established before providing any further funding to his administration. The ongoing reports of abductions, rape, torture, and murder indicate a clear violation of human rights in the country. To ensure that funds are utilised for the betterment of Ugandans and not to further oppress them, stringent preconditions must be implemented.”
“These conditions should prioritise the respect for human rights, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that the financial assistance serves its intended purpose and contributes positively to the well-being of the Ugandan people.” The petition further demands, with hope “that Denmark will stand on the right side of history.”
January 24, President Museveni met with the Danish Envoy, Mr. Dan Jorgensen, who is the Minister for Development Cooperation & Global Climate Policy, and his delegation at State Lodge Nakasero where he requested the Danish government’s support for his wetland reclamation program, which aims to address the issue of illegal rice growers in swamps that serve as important sources of rainfall in Uganda.
“I have a wetland reclamation program to encourage these illegal rice growers in swamps to relocate. They are there illegally, so I try to incentivize them. I wouldn’t call it compensation because they are the ones in the wrong. Therefore, if you can mobilize funding to incentivize them to leave the swamps and engage in fish farming on the periphery instead of the centre,” President Museveni explained.
In response, the Danish envoy appreciated President Museveni’s efforts and commitment to addressing climate change and refugee issues. He expressed Denmark’s willingness to support Uganda’s wetland reclamation program and contribute $95 million to help mitigate the effects of climate change and provide assistance to refugees.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has stepped forward with a compassionate donation of Kshs. 1 million to aid the victims of the tragic Embakasi gas plant explosion.
The explosion, which occurred in the Mradi area of Embakasi East on Thursday night, claimed three lives and left over 270 people injured.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, took to social media to announce the gracious gesture from Raila Odinga.
According to Owino, the leader of the Azimio coalition sent the funds on Saturday morning, just a day after the devastating incident.
“I received 1 million Kenya Shillings from H.E Baba Raila Amolo Odinga this morning to help the fire victims. In addition, I have donated an extra 1 million shillings towards this noble cause, totaling 2 million shillings. Other Azimio Leaders are also contributing towards this. God bless Kenya, and please pray for Embakasi East,” Babu Owino tweeted.
The Embakasi East MP expressed his commitment to supporting the victims and revealed that other leaders affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja coalition party are also actively contributing to the cause.
The tragedy has sparked a nationwide outcry, with many questioning the safety measures surrounding the licensing of the gas plant within a residential area.
President William Ruto has responded swiftly, ordering the immediate arrest and prosecution of all officials involved in issuing the licenses to the gas plant.
The additional 1 million Kenyan Shillings donated by Babu Owino, combined with Raila Odinga’s initial contribution, brings the total relief fund to 2 million shillings.
The funds are expected to provide much-needed assistance to the affected families and aid in their recovery from this devastating incident.