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Storm In UDA As Members Protest Appointment of 31 Officials

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

A storm has broken out in Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party over its appointment of 31 officials.

On Thursday, some dissatisfied members protested that the list of the 31 officials, filed with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) was not satisfactory.

UDA Chairman Johnstone Muthama on Tuesday said the officials would be members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), an organ with a say in party nominations and elections.

Sources say the protests were so wrathful that UDA Secretary-General Veronica Maina in an attempt to calm the members reportedly posted in their Whatsapp group, “The party wishes to confirm that the list is not an actual representation of the party officials.”

However, Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu confirmed that the list earlier published by Nation was the one received in their office.

The letter showing the list of the officials was received by ORPP on September 15, two weeks after the resolutions were approved by the party on August 30.

Some of the dissatisfied members who protested had gone to some late entrants to the the ‘hustler movement’ and complained they had either been left out or their regions ignored.

As a prove of divisions in the party, some MPs claimed it was not the final draft while the beneficiaries of the appointment celebrated.

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Government Declares Monday a Holiday, Changes Name

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

The government has declared Monday 11, 2021 a public holiday.

Photo: Courtesy

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Ministry of Interior, Coordination and National Government.

In a statement issued by Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, he said that October 11 will be a public holiday because Utamaduni Day falls on Sunday 10 October 2021″In line with the provisions of Section 2 and 4 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110), it is hereby confirmed that 11 October 2021 will be a public holiday, by dint of Utamaduni Day falling on Sunday 10 October 2021.”

The statement further declares, “Whereas this day is already conferred by law, this shall be the first time Kenya will be celebrating Utamaduni Day and this press release serves to emphasize the need for all citizens to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Kenya in a manner that promotes unity, national cohesion, and economic progress in the country.”

Previously, 10 October was celebrated as Moi Day before it was later changed to Huduma Day and now Utamaduni Day.

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Politics

Raila Hints At Possibility Of Working With Ruto Ahead of 2022 General Elections

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has opened up on the possibility of working with Deputy President William Ruto ahead of 2022 general elections.

Raila also added that Ruto has already declared his interest in the presidency but he seems not to support anyone.

While talking to Kalenjin radio stations on Wednesday October 6, 2021, Raila told the community that he is waiting for them to give him someone he can work with.

So far, it is only DP Ruto and KANU party leader Gideon Moi who have declared their 2022 presidential ambitions among the Kalenjin community.

“I am still the Arap Mibei you used to know,” he told them.

Raila, however, hit out at DP Ruto’s hustler narrative, arguing that the second in command was misadvised.

“Whoever advised William Ruto to use the word Hustler misadvised him. Hustler ni mtu mkorofi, mwizi na mtu mwenye anatumia njia za mikato,” Raila said.

He said he was yet to declare whether he will run for presidency next year or not.

“For now I want to unite the country through Azimio La Umoja,” he added.

Raila further noted that he will not look for any endorsement ahead of 2022.

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‘Hakuna Makosa!’ Raila Breaks Silence On Pandora Papers Expose, Defends Uhuru

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

ODM leader Raila Odinga has finally broken his silence on the Pandora papers expose that revealed the secret wealth that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family has allegedly hidden in offshore accounts.

Speaking during an interview with Chamgei FM on Wednesday October 6, 2021, the former Prime Minister come defended President Kenyatta, noting that having an offshore account is not illegal so long as the owners explain how they opened it.

Raila said while he doesn’t have offshore accounts, it is acceptable for Kenyans who can explain the money in such accounts.

He added that the focus should not be on the account but how the money was obtained.

“Hii ni mambo ya Pandora box. Sioni kama kuna shida kuwa na account kule nje bora unaweza kusema jinsi ulifungua account vile Uhuru amesema atasema zaidi atakapo rudi (On pandora box issue, I do not see if there is a problem having an offshore account as long as you can explain how you opened it the same way President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that he will explain more once he returns to the country) ,” Raila said.

“Mimi sina chochote huko nje, yangu iko Kenya ( I don’t have any wealth outside the country, mine is okay),” declared the ODM leader.

Raila was commenting about the recently leaked International Consortium of Investigative Journalist’s (ICIJ) Pandora box expose which alleged that Uhuru and six members of his family have massive secret wealth stashed in foreign accounts.

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Drama At Nyandarua County Assembly As Police And Staff Fight Goons Allegedly Hired To Harm Embattled Speaker

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

There was drama at the Nyandarua County Assembly on Tuesday morning after the police and staff fought goons allegedly hired to harm the embattled Speaker Ndegwa Wahome.

Photo: Courtesy

The goons engaged the police in running battles as the House was in session but they were over-powered and several of them arrested.

The Speaker declined to enter the assembly alleging that there are eight armed goons sneaked in to harm him. But MCAs present in the session claimed that the speaker was causing drama to gain public sympathy since he does not have followers in the assembly.

Mr. Wahome engaged the county police commanders for two hours urging them to enter the assembly building to flash out and arrest criminals allegedly hired to harm him.

When the Speaker was invited by the county police bosses to join them in search for the goons in the House, Mr.. Wahome and the staff allied to him said they feared the Speaker would not be safe in the hands of the police bosses. The staff demanded to be allowed to accompany the Speaker.

It was later revealed that it was a plot to smuggle the mace out of the House to paralyze the assembly’s operations. The Speaker blamed Governor Francis Kimemia for leadership wrangles which have rocked the assembly for almost a year now. He claimed that the county boss wants to destroy the assembly to avoid oversight.

He stated that the assembly staff have missed three months salary since he and the clerk, Gideon Mikiri are denied access to the offices.

Mr. Wahome claimed the governor was involved in confiscation of his car and had it detained by Toyota Kenya. However, the MCAs have declined the governor’s involvement in assembly wars. They claimed that the Speaker was rejected by the majority ward reps who are his employers.

Ms. Wanjiku Muhuhu who chaired the morning session as the Speaker addressed the media from outside. She said the House had been adjourned to Tuesday next week after tabling of the budget papers for the next financial year.

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Politics

Uasin Gishu Governor Mandago Declares His Interest For Senatorial Seat

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has declared his interest to vie for senatorial seat when his second term ends.

Photo: Courtesy

While addressing residents at Kipkenyo Trading Center, He said; “I have been seeing many candidates traversing the county popularizing their candidature for different elective positions in the 2022 general election. Kindly preserve the Senate for me.

He said this while opening Chumz Ankara shop in the trading center and he criticized those who think the senatorial seat is preserved for those with a legal background.

“Our senator Prof. Margaret Kamar is not a lawyer, neither is Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka who was a District Commissioner.,” said Mandago adding that he will square it out with the other candidates running for the seat. However, Prof. Kamar has not declared whether she’ll defend her seat.

Mr. Mandago’s declaration could increase calls for democracy in the cosmopolitan county and jolt political prospects of other candidates, including Soy MP Caleb Kositany, and businessman Jonathan Bii who have declared their interest in the gubernatorial seat. They come form the larger Northern part of Uasin Gishu just like Mandago.

There have been suggestions from a section of leaders backed by elders that elective seats to be shared and rotated among the Northern (Soy and Turbo constituencies), Southern ( Kapseret and Kesses constituencies), and Eastern ( Moibei and Ainabkoi constituencies.

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Revealed: Kenya Received Sh 16.2 Billion For Arror And Kimwarer Dams During Probe

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Investigations have revealed that Kenya received Ksh 16.2 billion from an Italian bank, Intensa San Paolo for the construction of Arror and Kimwarer dams when the investigations into misuse of funds were going on.

The Treasury Public debt registry reveals that the Italian bank transferred billions in the year starting July 2019, a few days after Treasury CS Henry Rotich was arrested over misuse of the funds meant for construction of the two dams.

This shows tha the arrest and the investigations of a suspected loan deal to finance the dams did not stop the bank from releasing additional debt for the project.

The register shows Kenya had received Ksh 3.4 billion before July 2019 when reports of an investigation into the alleged misuse of funds linked to the construction of the two dams were in the public domain.

In September 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta cancelled the project after receiving reports from a task force that he formed to investigate the irregularities in the construction of the two dams.

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Politics

Tanga Tanga’s Gladys Boss Shollei Tears Into Uhuru Over Pandora Expose

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei has hit out at President Uhuru Kenyatta over the Pandora Paper leaks. According to Boss, the president is blurring the link between morality and legality in connection to the wealth hidden abroad.

Photo: Courtesy

While speaking to Citizen TV, the woman representative slammed Uhuru Kenyatta saying that he disrespect his office by not leading in the front in the fight against corruption.

According to Boss, the leaks displayed by the Pandora Papers does not exactly reveal the illegality committed by the president but it shows his ‘immorality.’ She now says the president should declare what his he has abroad and in the country the same way DP Ruto’s property was made public by the CS for Interiror Fred Matiang’i.

“President Kenyatta has constantly been clear that we should declare our wealth. He has been leading in saying that he wants to fight corruption. We have the recent list of wealth owned by the deputy president revealed by the minister of interior in Parliament, they went into great details scrutinizing the DP’s wealth,” she said.

“And now the president has stated that it is a new era for transparency. Now that we know what they own out there, we can now also have a discussion on what they own in here. It may not be illegal, but it is immoral, because if you are leading country. Even if you have that money and it is legitimate, why not repatriate that money back into the country and therefore improve our economy?” she continued.

Boss Shollei added that it is not appropriate to lead a country that is suffering economically and you take your wealth out of the country. Especially if most of the wealth was created in the within. “So the immorality of it is important, and it is significant if the Parliament adjourn and discuss the matter,” said the woman rep.

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Politics

Uhuru Breaks Silence On Pandora Papers That Linked Him To Massive Secret Wealth Hidden Abroad

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

President Uhuru Kenyatta has responded to the viral International Consortium of Investigative Journalism Pandora Papers leaks alleging that he has massive wealth hidden abroad together with his family.

Uhuru in his response noted that the reports will go a long way in enhancing the financial transparency and openness required in Kenya.

“My attention has been drawn to comments surrounding the Pandora Papers. Whilst I will respond comprehensively on my return from my State Visit to the Americas, let me say this.

“That these reports will go a long way in enhancing the financial transparency and openness that we require in Kenya and around the globe. The movement of illicit funds, proceeds of crime and corruption thrive in an environment of secrecy and darkness.”

He argued that the Pandora Papers and the consequent follow up audits will unearth secrecy and darkness for those who cannot come clear with their assets and wealth.

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Nyandarua County Deputy Speaker Fined 400k or Serve Two Months In Jail

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Nyandarua County Assembly Deputy Speaker Zachary Njeru is among three county officials found guilty of contempt of court. The deputy speaker, Majority leader Edinald King’ori and the acting county assembly clerk Elizabeth Muthui were found to have gone against court orders directing that they allow the County Assembly Speaker Ndegwa Wahome access to his office, return his official car and the assembly mace.

Photo: Courtesy

Appearing before Justice Hillary Chemitei, he fined the three Ksh 400,000 each or serve two months in jail. Nyandarua County Commissioner Benson Lepamorijo and County Commander Zachary Kimani were also part of the case

Justice Chemitei gave the county commissioner and the commander two days to ensure that the assemble is open for Wahome, his official car is returned and his mace taken back.

Ndegwa Wahome had been impeached by a group of MCAs but was reinstated by the High Court.

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Violence Rocks Kisii As Ruto, Raila Supporters Clash, Many Injured

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Deputy President William Ruto’s tour of Kisii County on Sunday October 4, 2021 turned chaotic after his supporters clashed with those of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Several people were injured after youths wearing ODM T-shirts clashed with Ruto’s supporters at Suneka, in Bonchari Constituency in Kisii.

The groups attacked each other with clubs and stones as DP Ruto approached Suneka junction to address the crowd.

The crowd donning ODM t-shirts heckled Ruto which caused supporters to clash with them in a fracas that lasted for minutes.

Less than five metres away, laid a man, helpless on the ground after being hit with a club on the head. Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi’s aides rushed him to hospital.

May be an image of 2 people, people standing and outdoors

Later, the DP headed to Mama Teresa home, a widow to the late former Bonchari MP Oroo Oyiako.

On his way back, another violence ensued causing a state of conodrum and panic while Ruto was preparing to address a crowd.

Residents scampered for safety and only returned after calm was restored when Ruto started his address. He condemned the act saying that it is not good for local leaders to pay youths to cause violence.

“I am calling on youths not to accept to be used to fight their colleagues. “You deserve a job and a business, not to be used as hooligans,” said Ruto.

He added that the money set aside for development should be used appropriately and not to pay for chaos.

He earlier on told off his critics for not taking serious his role in shaping Jubilee and development projects before falling out with his boss Uhuru Kenyatta.

He took credit for most development projects in Kisii saying that he took a big part in ensuring their implementation.

Ruto said he initiated the construction of over 3000 kms of tarmac road in the area, 140,000 households connected to electricity up from 27000 and provision of clean water.

His comments seemed to target interior CS Fred Matiangi who has also been taking credit of the achievements to his Gusii community. Ruto told the Gusii community to support him since he also has not abandoned them since 2013.

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Jimmy Wanjigi Launches A Scathing Attack At Raila Odinga Days After He Was Warned By ODM

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Business man and presidential candidate Jimmy Wanjigi has launched attacks at ODM leader Raila Odinga saying that he should come out to confirm if he will run for presidency in 2022.

He condemned those who are opposed to his move to open ODM offices saying that he is marketing the party at the grassroots yet some people are fighting him. The business man also emphasized that he will not leave ODM saying that he has invested a lot in the party and expects free and fair primaries.

While speaking in Mombasa, he urged ODM leadership to carry out genuine elections to identify real members in the party. He said Raila cannot be an umpire, player, the referee, the lines man and the VAR. He should announce his candidature and face all other interested candidates within the party law,” said Wanjigi.

ODM’s Central Committee on Wednesday threatened to take a disciplinary action against members planning to open branch offices in the grassroots without consulting the national office. This seemed to be a response to Jimmy Wanjigi after his move of opening offices in Central region.

ODM’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said anyone willing to open the offices should consult the national office, failure to do so attracts a disciplinary action. Sifuna’s response came days after the Registrar of Political Parties acknowledge receiving a letter from Wanjigi seeking that the part summarizes the presidential nomination process.

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Rigathi Gachagua Tears Into Mount Kenya Tycoons Days After They Met Raila

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua has torn into Mt. Kenya tycoons days after ODM leader Raila Odinga met them in a bid to seek support in the region.

According to Gachagua, the tycoons who met and endorsed Raila for the presidency are only interested in securing their wealth and creating more in future.

The Deputy President William Ruto ally sought to disapprove the claims by the billionaires that they are out to fight for the interests of Mt. Kenya residents.

” Those rich men do not care about the issues affecting Mt. Kenya residents, they are only interested with protecting their wealth and making more in the next government,” said Gachagua.

The politician while speaking at an event held at DP Ruto’s residence in Karen recalled various instances where the tycoons kept mum as the government suppressed Mt. Kenya locals.

“When our people were evicted from Nyamakima, they dd not meet to address the issue. They also failed to make donations to the displaced persons in Laikipia when the skirmishes broke out. They didn’t even help our people with PEPs during the COVID-19 period, yet they have the wherewithal to purchase face marks for everyone in the region,” he added.

The legislator further added that the Mt. Kenya Foundation have for a long time spread their risks and are not trusting. He said that the foundation financed both former President Mwai Kibaki and his opponent President Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaigns in 2002.

According to Gachagua, financing rivals by the foundation showed that they have no stand and are only interested in securing their wealth and investment opportunities.

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Murkomen Fingers CS Amina As Kamariny Stadium Returns To Haunt Him

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has pointed a blame finger at Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed over the stalling of Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Murkomen had on Jue 12, 2018 taken to social media to announce that the stadium was taking shape, and even went further to thank the government for progress.

“Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet County is taking shape thanks to the Government of Kenya,” Murkomen posted.

However, the construction of the much hyped stadium has remained stalled, three years later.

Netizens on Friday October 1, 2021 reminded Murkomen of his post, which has now returned to haunt him.

To save his image, the former Senate Majority Leader shifted the blame to the current sports minister, arguing that Kamariny Stadium has stalled under her watch.

Kamariny Stadium came into limelight in 2017 after Deputy President William Ruto promised that it would be completed in six months time alongside other stadia in the country.

CABINET SECRETARY AMBASSADOR DR. AMINA MOHAMED – KENYA'S CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION | Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Spain
President Uhuru Kenyatta with Sports CS Amb. Amina Mohamed. Photo/Courtesy.

The promise was made when the ruling Jubilee party was launching its campaign manifesto in 2017.

Murkomen also attacked the State House and the Presidential Delivery Unit, that mainly improves the coordination of National Government flagship programs, monitors, evaluates and reports on the timely fulfillment of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s important development priorities.

The lawmaker claimed that the two bodies have abandoned their roles and instead involve themselves in politics, giving state projects little attention.

He also claimed that most government projects stalled immediately President Uhuru Kenyatta made “Handshake” with his former political rival Raila Odinga.

“Madam Amina Mohammed from 2018 to date Kamariny stadium has stagnated under your watch. Meanwhile State House and PDU Delivery are busy playing politics. The story of GOK under handshake/BBI administration is that of broken promises from Big 4 Agenda to stadiums, A laughing stock,” tweeted Murkomen.

The self-spoken politician went on to attack President Uhuru Kenyatta for persecuting politicians who fought for him in his maiden term of presidency and in his quest for re-election.

According to Murkomen, the government has abandoned Rift Valley since the DP fell out with his boss.

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‘I Am Feeling Heart Broken’ Says A Depressed Isaac Mwaura’s Wife

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Nelius Mukami, the wife of former nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura has opened up about depression. She candidly narrated this on her social media saying that living with depression costs her a lot. She stated that living with anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the hardest experiences she has faced in life.

“It has taken a lot from me and it continues taking. It just takes so much effort to avoid it and it still finds me even i my happiest of days and in my solitude,”said Mukami. She also said that she sometimes finds it difficult to wake up in the morning for her routines.

Mukami said nobody seems to understand how it drains her just to get out of bed. She said depression has robbed her memories, experiences and people. “I find myself being broke and unworthy,” she claimed. She added that she has lost herself and she sometimes stare at the mirror and cannot recognize herself.

In a past interview with World Is, she revealed that she faced a rough time after losing two-thirds of her triplets. She disclosed that she has been fighting depression since April 2018 after being discharged from the hospital. She said her mental health journey has been a roller coaster and many find it hard to understand her.

Mukami lamented that her condition is not a state of mind that can just be done away with without proper motivation. She said she is however grateful for the days she lives. “I know deep down I am not broken and I am worthy. I know there is till so much for me to conquer,” she said. She regretted that she took a lot of time grieving the woman she was and forgot the woman she was becoming. “I am a work in progress,” said Mukami.

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Politics

Gazettement Date Of 2022 General Elections Changed

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has changed the day of Gazettement of the 2022 General Elections.

In an announcement made on Friday, the commission said that it will Gazette the date of elections on January 19, which is a change from an earlier set date of March 14, 2022.

IEBC also announced that it has made changes to the date on when political parties should submit candidates’ names to the agency.

The new date for political parties to declare their candidates in the next General Election is May 26, 2022.

Initially, the parties were to conduct party primaries, resolve intra-party disputes and submit names of candidates from April, 16 2022 to May 19.

The electoral body said that this will expand the timelines and allow parties a period of 129 days to conduct party primaries.

The Commission’s chairperson Wafula Chebukati last month said that the general elections will be held on August t, and no plans to adjust the date.

On August 9, during a meeting with media stakeholders in Mombasa, Chebukati said that he saw reports of planned delay of the general elections.

He said that IEBC does not react to opinions from organizations or individuals.

According to him, the election date is clearly indicated in the Constitution and no one has supreme power to alter poll dates.

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