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Uhuru In Zambia For Kaunda’s State Funeral

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta is in Lusaka, Zambia for the state funeral of the country’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda.

President Kenyatta landed in Zambia on Friday July 2, 2021 and signed a condolence book at the Agriculture Show Grounds in the upmarket Lusaka upon arrival.

He joins other African leaders who have arrived in the country for Kaunda’s send off, among them being Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, Zimbabw’s Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana.

Zambia's President Kenneth David Kaunda
Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda. Photo/Courtesy

Tanzania’s former President Jakaya Kikwete and Namibia’s President Hage Geingob are also in the country for the ceremony that comes ahead of Kaunda’s burial on July 7.

South African head of State Cyril Ramaphosa and Mozambique’s Filipe Nyusi, who is the African Union chairperson, have also arrived in the country regarded as their second home.

The State funeral is being held at the Lusaka Show Grounds and the casket bearing Kaunda’s body was placed at the centre of the venue as Zambians waving white handkerchiefs and international mourners followed the procession.

Kaunda, 97, died at a military hospital in Lusaka after an illness. He will be buried at the Presidential Burial Corner, where Michael Sata, Levy Mwanawasa and Frederick Chiluba were also buried.

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Politics

List Of High-Profile People Shortlisted For IEBC Commissioner Jobs

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel has shortlisted 36 candidates  for the appointment of commissioners.

Through a press release on Saturday June 12, the IEBC selection panel published the names of the 36 individuals from a pool of 660 applicants who had expressed interest in the positions.

The shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a psychometric test on June 30 to assess their cognitive ability and mental ability.

Oral interviews will be held between July 7 and July 22 at the Kenya International Conference Centre.

“While considering the applications, the selection panel observed that there were many qualified Kenyans who expressed interest in the position in the position of commissioner of the IEBC,” the panel’s chairperson Elizabeth Muli said

According to Muli, the youngest applicant was 23 years old and the eldest 73 years old.

Human rights defenders, former members of the constitutional commissions and university dons are among those shortlisted for interviews to fill the vacant four positions at the electoral agency.

Former Gwasi Legislator Felix Nyauchi is also among the 36 candidates.

Other high-profile Shortlisted candidates include former ambassador to Zimbabwe, Lucy Chelimo, former SRC Commissioner Sellestine Mbii-Kiuluku, former national police service commission member Abdalla Mohamed (Nairobi), former judges and magistrates vetting board vice chairperson Roseline Doreen Adhiambo Odhiambo Odede (Siaya), former KNCHR chairperson Kagwigira Mbogori (Meru), former KNCHR chairperson Florence Shimbiri-Jaoko (Nairobi), Koki Muli and former NCIC commissioner Joseph Gitile Naituli (Meru).

Others are Abdirizak Arae Nunow (Garissa), Anne Mwikali Kiusya (Machakos), Caroline Njeri Ng’ang’a (Muranga), Catherine Muchiru Kamindo (Nyeri), Cecilia Ngoyoni (Marsabit), Con Omore Osendo (Kisumu),Dinah Jeruto Kipkebut (Nakuru), and Felix Useru Nyauchi (Homa Bay).

The positions fell vacant following the resignations of Roselyn Akombe, Paul Kurgat, Margaret Mwanchanya and Connie Maina after the 2017 general elections.

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Politics

Former CJ Willy Mutunga Undresses Uhuru In Viral Letter Over Rejection Of 6 Judges

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has slammed President Uhuru Kenyatta over his decision to reject the appointment of six judges last week.

According to Mutunga, President Kenyatta’s decision was driven by personal resentment and not principle.

Last week, the Uhuru declined to gazette names of the six, saying there were issues on their suitability.

High Court judges Joel Ngugi, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Aggrey Muchelule as well as chief magistrate Evans Makori and High Court Registrar Judith Omange’s nominations were left out.

In a letter to President Kenyatta dated June 8 and which has hence gone viral, Mutunga says “the scientific formulation in the Constitution on the appointment of judges was intended to be an antidote to this kind of whimsical and capricious presidential conduct as is being seen in ugly display in this matter.”

“This is not the time to commence muck-racking adventures in a feeble and abominable attempt to besmirch the character of the  judges and judicial officers.”

The former CJ further accused the President of having a ‘list of hate’ and being stubborn.

“Strikingly, the presidential ‘list of hate’ has even mysteriously changed , meaning the objection to the judges is driven more by personal pique rather than principle. That is not the way to conduct the serious business of state,” he said.

Mutunga urged the president to immediately appoint the judges whom he called exceptional.

“The president must resist the temptation to be garlanded in the pettiness of preforming power, particularly by those who have built a thriving pettiness cottage industry, completely consumed by the pursuit of personal vendetta at the expense of national good,” he said.

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Politics

Speaker Lusaka wants Sonko impeachment upheld by Courts as he joins Acting Governor Kananu’s kitchen cabinet

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka has now joined the City Hall cartels who want to ensure Anne Kananu is sworn in illegally as Nairobi Governor.

Lusaka who is famously known for the ‘Wheelbarrow scandal’ during his reign as Bungoma Governor now wants to ensure Kananu takes over the County by pushing the courts to dismiss the case which is pending judgment before the High Court challenging Kananu’s assumption of office and her planned swearing in as substantive Governor.

Lusaka who frequents Fair Acres Hotel in Karen in the company of Kananu is reportedly making phone calls to judicial officers claiming President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed him to ensure all petitions seeking to revoke the swearing in of Kananu as DG and Substantive Governor as well are dismissed.

According to sources at the hotel, the two normally leave the hotel in the wee hours of the night.

The Senate Speaker was recently paid millions of shillings by Kananu through his garbage collection firm, Wakiwa Company ltd which is alleged to be collecting garbage in Westlands area despite the company having only two lorries with one still grounded.

Lusaka now wants Kananu to be confirmed as Nairobi Governor so that his firm can continue getting the multi million shillinga tenders at City Hall. Lusaka’s daugther is also a contractor at City Hall and her firm which supplies stationery to Nairobi Couty Gov’t has also been paid millions courtesy of Kananu.

The High Court is expected to rule on LSK’s case seeking to nullify Kananu’s nomination as Deputy Governor and stop her swearing in as Governor on June 24, 2021.

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Education Sector At Risk Of Facing Crisis, School Heads Warn CS Magoha

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya’s education sector is at risk of facing a crisis after the midterm break, school heads have warned CS George Magoha.

Through the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairman Kahi Indimuli, the heads have decried Prof Magoha’s leniency to parents over school fees payment.

According to Indimuli, schools are currently facing financial constraints and wanted parents to be pushed to settle their arrears.

“Schools are only having a few percent of parents clearing the fees balances with the largest percentage failing to clear while others send their children to school without fees,” Indimuli complained. 

CS Magoha had earlier asked headteachers to allow students to learn without interference. 

The CS in March 2021, released a Ksh15 billion capitation fee for students and pledged to ensure schools get more fundings. 

Headteachers, however, complained that the amount was less and couldn’t meet all their needs. 

On July 26, 2021, all learners will start their first term for the 2021 school calendar. The term will end on October 1, 2021. 

Students will rest for nearly 10 days before they begin the second term from October 11 to December 23, 2021. 

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Politics

Havi: CJ Martha Koome Had A Hand In Uhuru’s Appointment Of 34 Instead Of 40 Judges

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Chief Justice Martha Koome had something to do with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appointment of 33 instead of 40 judges that were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has claimed.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Havi questioned CJ Koome’s presence at State House during the swearing in of the appointment judges.

President Kenyatta on Friday swore in the 34 judges at State House Nairobi despite protestations from lawyers and politicians over his move to reject six judges from the list recommended by Judicial Service Commission.

The ceremony was witnessed by CJ Koome and Chief Registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi and a host of judges.

“If CJ Martha Koome had nothing to do with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appointment of 33 instead of 40 Judges what was she doing at State House? How did the Judges end up there in robes? Did she tell the President what she has jotted down in that underwhelming unsigned note?” Havi posed.

Those who took the oath of office were seven judges heading to the Court of Appeal, 10 to the Environment and Land Court and 18 others to the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

JSC had recommended the appointment of 41 judges in August 2019 but one died in a road accident last year.

President Kenyatta, however, appointed 34 on Thursday leaving out justices Joel Ngugi, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Aggrey Muchelule, all currently serving as High Court judges.

He also rejected Evans Makori and Judith Omange Cheruiyot, who had been recommended for the Labour Court.

The Court of Appeal is required to have 30 judges but currently has 13 judges, following the retirement of some judges and promotion of others including justices Koome and William Ouko, who were elevated to the Supreme Court. 

Distancing herself from the recruitment process, which happened close to two years ago – before she was the CJ, Koome urged Uhuru to appoint the remaining six judges.

In a statement on Friday, she said, “The 34 Judges have today taken their oath of office witnessed by H.E the President. I note with great concern that 6 persons who wererecommended by the JSC for appointment were not gazetted.”

Koome gave the example of what happened in January 2014, when the JSC recommended the appointment of 25 nominees as judges, and in June 2014, the President initially appointed 11 of them and subsequently appointed the remaining 14.

On Friday, the LSK lawyers’ lobby demanded that the president should appoint the six remaining judges omitted from his gazetted list of appointments, or it will go to court.

LSK said in a statement by its Chief executive Mercy Wambua that the action of the president was unlawful and reeks of impunity.

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Politics

Uhuru Rejects Judges Who Stopped BBI Reggae As He Finally Gazettes Appointments

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has rejected the names of six judges as he finally gazetted appointments of 34 out of the 40 judges that had been recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in 2019.

Among the six names rejected on Thursday June 3, 2021 are the judges that issued a ruling that stopped the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) reggae.

They include Aggrey Muchelule, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Prof Joel Ngugi who were recommended for the Court of Appeal.

Ngugi was the judge who led the team which cut short the BBI train. Odunga was part of the team.

Judges approved for the Court of Appeal are Msagha Mbogholi, Hellen Omondi, Mumbi Ngugi, Francis Tuiyott, Pauline Nyamweya, Jessie Lesiit, and Imaana Laibuta.

The nine judges appointed by the president to be Judges of the Employment and Labour Relations Court are Baari Christine Noontatua, Gakeri Jacob Kariuki, Keli Jemima Wanza, Mwaure Ann Ngibuini, Matanga Bernard Odongo Manani, Rutto Stella Chemtai, Kebira Ocharo, Kitiku Agnes Mueni-Nzei, and Nderitu David Njagi.

Image

The president has also appointed 18 judges to serve as Judges of the Environment and Land Court.

They are Mboya Oguttu Joseph, Naikuni Lucas Leperes, Mwanyale Michael Ngolo, Addraya Edda Dena, Kimani Lilian Gathoni, Kamau Joseph Mugo, Wabwoto Karoph Edward, and Koross Anne Yatich Kipingor.

Others are Gicheru Maxwell Nduiga, Mogeni Ann Jacqueline Akhalemesi, Ongarora Fred Nyagaka, Christopher Kyania Nzili, Mugo David Mwangi, Omollo Lynette Achieng’, Washe Emmanuel Mutwana, Nyukuri Annet, Murigi Theresa Wairimu, and Asati Esther. 

In July 2019, the JSC interviewed and selected the 41 judges and recommended them for appointment by the President.

Some 11 names were forwarded for appointment as Court of Appeal judges and 30 for the High Court. One person has since died.

The list of the 41 judges was forwarded to the president for appointment in 2019 during the tenure of former CJ David Maraga. 

In mid-2020, Maraga tried to push the president to appoint the names forwarded to him but he did not receive any response from Uhuru.

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Politics

‘Angry’ Atwoli Reacts After Road Sign Named In His Honor Is Vandalized

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

COTU boss Francis Atwoli has reacted to the vandalism of a road sign that was named in his honor in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

The road formerly known as DikDik Road was renamed Francis Atwoli Road on Thursday May 27, with Nairobi County Deputy Governor Anne Kananu Mwenda witnessing the event.

“This road has been renamed after my good friend and brother bwana Francis Atwoli in recognition of his selfless contribution and agitating for the rights of the Kenyan workers in the last 54 years,” Kananu noted at the event that was attended by the trade unionist.

However, the road sign that had been raised at the road was pulled down by unknown people. Photos of the vandalized road sign were widely spread on social media on Sunday morning.

Image

Atwoli has, however, condemned the incident, saying that it only amounted to impunity and primitiveness.

According to Atwoli, anyone who might have felt unsatisfied should have followed necessary procedures and processes stated in law to challenge the renaming of the road.

He noted that the police will deal with the matter.

“Vandalization is impunity and primitiveness. In a country that believes in Rule of Law there are procedures and processes to be followed when unsatisfied. I am against anarchy. However, the police will look into that,” Atwoli noted via his official Twitter handle.

This was not, however, the first road to be renamed by the Nairobi County government.

In 2021, Accra Road was renamed Kenneth Matiba road and Eastleigh first avenue renamed Yusuf Hajji avenue.

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Latest NewsPolitics

Former MP Kalembe Ndile Is Dead

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Kibwezi West MP Kalembe Ndile has died.

According to his family, the ex-lawmaker passed on at the Nairobi Hospital while undergoing treatment on Saturday

The politician died at 57 after struggling with a long illness.

His body was on Sunday morning transported to the Lee Funeral Home.

Ndile, a one-time Cabinet Minister during Kibaki’s regime in 2019 dismissed rumors that had been circulated online that he had passed on.

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Politics

Wajir Governor Mohammed Abdi Impeached

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Senators have voted to uphold the impeachment of Wajir County Governor Mohamed Abdi.

In a vote that took place on the night of Monday May 17, 2021, a total of 25 senators voted in favour of the ouster motion.

Two senators voted against the motion while four abstained.

The Governor had earlier made a passionate appeal to senators to be sympathetic and humane to him and spare his job.

The county chief appealed to the House to carefully study the charge that has been sustained by the committee that investigated his ouster, and give him another chance.

He pleaded before the plenary after a House committee that investigated his ouster recommended his removal for violating Article 43 of the Constitution.

The committee chaired by Nyamira senator Okong’o Omogeni had found the governor culpable of running down the health care system in the county thus compromising the right to health of the residents.

However, the governor said the offence does not amount to gross violation of the Constitution and proceeded to list the achievements his administration had made in the health sector.

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Politics

Police Raid ODM Governor’s Home

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A contingent of officers led by their police boss last night raided Kisii governor James Ongwae’s home who was holding a political meeting with the ODM brigade ahead of the Bonchari by-elections.

The incident was brought to light in a statement by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Friday, May 14, claiming harassment over the Bonchari by-election in the region.

“The governor was at the time having a meeting with Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri and another county leader when the officers descended on his premise with guns and teargas,” Sifuna stated.

In the statement, Sifuna alleged that the police boss had been informed that an unlawful assembly was taking place in the governor’s residence.

Speaking on the incident, Ongwae stated that even though he preferred to steer clear of political chaos, the incident had shaken him.

“The intimidation by the police was unnecessary. It is clear that desperate times have led to desperate measures and I have been forced to speak out because the use of excessive force is not good for democracy,” he explained on the incident that occurred on Thursday, May 13.

The ODM party further noted that several intimidation tactics had been used by the police during the campaigns for the Bonchari parliamentary seat.

ODM picked former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director-General Pavel Oimeke to fly the Orange flag.

On its part, Jubilee chose former legislator Zebedeo Opore to battle for the seat.

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Politics

Wetang’ula Declares His Final ‘Messy’ Position On BBI Bill, Attracts KOT’s Wrath

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula has declared his final position on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020, famously known as the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) referendum Bill.

The Bungoma Senator on Saturday May 8, 2021 through his official Twitter account defended his earlier position on the bill, saying that he was only a critic of the BBI referendum bill.

Wetang’ula on Tuesday made a surprise move, calling for radical amendments on the bill that has hence received a nod from the Members of National Assembly.

Wetang’ula who is a principal in the One Kenya Alliance said to be enjoying the blessings of President Uhuru Kenyatta, said the bill contains several provisions that will erode the gains the country has made.

Speaking during the debate on the Bill in the senate chambers on Tuesday, Wetangula said the provisions are a clawback and should be changed by parliament to realign them to the Constitution.

The senator took issue with the second schedule of the Bill that creates 70 constituencies, creation of the Judiciary Ombudsam, scrapping of 47 woman rep positions in the National Assembly and creation of the Youth Commission.

“I don’t understand why we are creating a Youth Commission. We have so many laws that govern our youth. Kenyans must learn to understand that youth is neither a disadvantage nor a disability. It is a transit state in human life,” he said.

The vocal lawmaker, a lawyer by profession, questioned the constitutionality, rationale and criteria for the creation and allocation of 70 constituencies to some 47 counties.

However, he has defended his position saying that he was only pointing out some of the shortcomings in the BBI bill.

He went ahead to declare his final position on the bill’s vote, saying that he will vote yes for the bill when it will be tabled in the senate.

“It does appear to me that many don’t understand the difference between a critic on a bill and opposing a bill. Pointing out shortcomings in a bill like I did on the BBI bill is a legislator’s duty. I will vote YES for the bill. It’s my and FK party position!” he said.

Wetang’ula’s statement did not, however, go well with a section of Kenyans on Twitter, who have condemned him for pointing out the shortcomings in the BBI referendum bill, but still going ahead to vote YES.

The seeming angry KOT criticized Wetang’ula for endorsing the BBI referendum bill with all the shortcomings he had pointed out.

Here are some of the KOT’s reactions.

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Politics

Bonchari MP’s Widow Teresa Bitutu Unveiled As UDA Candidate In Upcoming By-election

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has unveiled Teresa Bitutu Oroo, the wife to the late Bonchari MP Oroo Oyioka as its preferred candidate in the upcoming parliamentary by-election.

Johnson Muthama, the chairman of the party associated with Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday, March 25 announced that the party’s Secretary General Veronica Maina had issued certificate to the ex-MP’s widow to fly its flag.

The party also issued nomination certificate to Francis Muraya Githaiga, who will fly its flag in the forthcoming Rurii ward mini polls.

“Another significant day to @UDAKenya. Our Secretary General, Veronica Maina has issued certificates to Teresa Bitutu Oroo and Francis Muraya Githaiga to fly the party’s flag in the upcoming by-elections in Bonchari constituency and Rurii ward respectively,” Muthama tweeted.

Bitutu will now face off with ODM’s Pavel Oimeke and Jubilee’s Zebedeo Opore in the Bonchari by-election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission slated the by-elections for Garissa, Bonchari, and Juja on May 18.

The by-election for Rurii Ward in Nyandarua County will also be held on the same date.

The One Kenya Alliance will not participate in the forthcoming by-elections and will instead support candidates fielded by the Jubilee Party.

Members of the alliance, which brings together Kanu, Wiper, Ford Kenya and ANC parties, said the move was aimed at reciprocating the support Jubilee gave them in recent by-elections in Matungu, Kabuchai and Machakos.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday, Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula expressed gratitude to Jubilee for its support during the by-elections.

Wetang’ula said their victory in the concluded by-elections was an indication that the country was keen on a new transformational agenda.

Mudavadi said members of the alliance will move together to sensitise Kenyans about their agenda.

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Politics

Jitters In ODM As Powerful Agency Director Resigns To Join Bonchari MP Race

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The resignation of an agency director to run for the vacant Bonchari Constituency parliamentary seat has triggered jitters in Raila Odinga’s ODM camp.

Embattled Energy and Petroleum Regulatory and Authority (EPRA) boss Pavel Oimeke resigned and announced his intentions to vie for the Bonchari MP seat in the upcoming by-election.

Although he has not mentioned the political party he will be vying on, there are reports that Oimeke might settle to run on Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Oimeke told a local daily that he has kicked off consultations that will aid him to choose on the right party to vie on.

Pavel Oimeke. Photo/Courtesy

The seat became vacant after the death of John Oyoo Oyioka on Monday, February 15, after a long illness.

Media reports indicated that Oimeke had written to the Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter over his resignation. 

“I Pavel Robert Oimeke, would like to announce my resignation from the position of director-general at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory and Authority,” he stated.

Oimeke is embroiled in a graft case in which he is accused of demanding a Ksh200,000 bribe. It is alleged that Oimeke demanded the bribe in order to reopen a petrol station in Oyugis, Homa Bay county.

The petrol station had been shut down over tax violations. Oimeke denied the graft allegations even as the case continues to drag in court.

The former energy boss was appointed EPRA boss in August 2017 for a three-year renewable contract. However, this was contested over allegations of abuse of office and fraud.

This led to Justice Hellen Wasilwa of the Employment and Labour Relations Court stopping the renewal of Oimeke’s contract to allow investigations to continue.

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Politics

Tanga Tanga Lawmakers Didmas Barasa, Cherargei And Nelson Koech Arrested In Kabuchai

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Police have arrested Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Belgut MP Nelson Koech and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei during the ongoing Kabuchai parliamentary by-election.

Police say the tanga tanga lawmakers were intimidating the voters at the polling stations, thus interfering with their voting.

The two leaders are agents for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Evans Kakai Masinde.

Police have also arrested the UDA Candidate for Kiamokama Ward by-election Nyandusi Nyakeramba over allegations of voter bribery.

Police also arrested businessman Don Bosco Gichana who was with Nyakeramba at Moremani in Kisii monitoring the voting process.

Nyakeramba had confronted police officers demanding to know why they had teargassed his convoy yet he claimed not to have committed any offence.

“Why are you arresting my supporters as they vote? This is unfair what is my mistake, take me to court if I have committed any crime,” Nyakeramba said.

In Matungu, police are also looking for former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa after he engaged in an altercation with an IEBC official in the morning.

Echesa was caught on video slapping an IEBC official at Bulonga polling station.

This happened as he accused IEBC official Peter Okura of barring their agent to witness the voting.

“Sheria inasema kuwa poll agents must witness the voting!” he was heard shouting as he told off the IEBC agent.

In the not so audible video, the IEBC agent was heard defending himself saying that he was following instructions.

But before he could finish talking, Echesa slapped him.

“You were told by who? Umeambiwa by who? You cannot keep our agents outside. Why are you chasing them outside…. This is stupidity my friend…” Echesa says as he slaps the official.

Okura allegedly stopped one of United Democratic Alliance’s agents from entering the polling venue because he did not have a facemask.

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Politics

Drama In Matungu As Ex-Sports CS Rashid Echesa Slaps An IEBC Official (VIDEO)

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

There was drama this morning at Bulonga polling station in Matungu Constituency, when former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa assaulted an IEBC official during the ongoing voting in by-election.

Echesa lost his temper while accusing the electoral agency official of barring the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Alex Wamukoya Lanya’s agents from witnessing the voting.

The official who was trying to explain himself did not finish his statement after meeting with a slap from Echesa.

In the video that has gone viral, Lanya is seen trying to calm down Echesa.

The contest in Matungu is a battle be between Deputy President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi. 

More than 61,000 voters in Matungu have gone to the poll to pick a new MP to replace Justus Makokha Murunga who died in November last year.

The 15 candidates in the race were on Wednesday putting final touches on their logistics for Thursday and deployment of agents.

The candidates are Peter Nabulindo of ANC, David Were of ODM, Alex Lanya (UDA) Charles Kasamani (UDP), Paul Achayo (MDG) and Faida Auma of Maendeleo Chap Chap.

The Independents are Bernard Wakoli, Athman Wangara, Murunga’s widow Christabel Amunga and son Eugene Ambwere, Wilberforce Lutta, Kevin Nectus, Anzelimo Kongoti and Gregory Atoko.

Murunga was sponsored by ANC, but soon after 2017, shifted his allegiance to DP Ruto.

Kanu, Wiper and Ford Kenya are backing the ANC candidate.

Raila will be using the by-election to test whether his influence in the region he has commanded for close to two decades is still intact. 

DP Ruto will be using the poll to gauge the impact of his spirited campaigns in the populous county.

Both ANC and ODM teams have claimed that there are plans to rig the poll by each side.

Mudavadi and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya who is leading the ODM campaigns have expressed confidence that their candidates will emerge victors.

Security was beefed up in the constituency starting Monday ahead of the vote. Matungu has 116 polling stations spread out in 57 polling centres.

Western regional police commander Peris Kimani said security arrangements were complete to ensure peaceful voting. Returning officer John Kurui said that all was set for voting day.

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