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President William Ruto has intensified his battle against corruption within the Judiciary, and his latest statement has raised eyebrows and ignited a fresh wave of discussions.

The head of state through his official social media accounts on Thursday, January 4, reiterated his stand against the Judiciary, warning that impunity of bribing judges so as to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under his watch.

In his statement, President Ruto noted that flamboyant lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi had previously warned him of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers.

The first in command further says that he assured the senior counsel that there are many good officers in the judiciary and that his administration will root out the corrupt.

In what looks like a threat against the judicial officers, President Ruto went ahead to quote his famous phrase of “Mambo ni Matatu..waende jela, wahame Kenya ama waende mbinguni”.

“Ahmednasir SC ,you warned me of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers. I told you there are many good officers in the judiciary and that we will root out the corrupt. We shall. Muite SC, the impunity of bribing judges so as not to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under my watch. Not a single cent will be used to bribe nobody. Mambo ya wafisadi wote ni yale nilisema…..,” President Ruto posed.

The president’s post has stirred mixed reactions, with a section of netizens faulting him for the stand.

Some have argued that the move is meant to silence the Judiciary, with others saying commenting that it might cost him the 2027 presidency.

“So corruption is only corruption when it doesn’t favour you? What have you done with the parliament zakayo,” one of the X users posed.

“Wish you used the same energy to hold to account Kimwarer dam culprits. 63B of taxpayers money went down the drain. According to you, Judges are well meaning when they vindicate your cronies. Double standards!” another X user reacted.

President Ruto sparked the conversation when he remarked that the judiciary was being bribed by a few individuals to sabotage his projects.

While making reference to the court order that stopped the housing levy, the head of state said his administration will start disobeying such orders that are aimed at derailing his work.

This attracted condemnation from different sects, among them the Law Society of Kenya, the Kenya judges and magistrates associations, Chief Justice Martha Koome and a section of politicians.

LSK on Wednesday threatened to stage national protests to force President Ruto to withdraw his remarks against the Judiciary, but the head of state seem snot to be letting go of the war any time soon. Or is he?

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Just hours after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) urged President William Ruto to take back his remarks on the Judiciary, vowing to take to the streets for peaceful protests next week, State House has issued a statement telling off the lawyers.

In statement issued by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto has told off LSK for criticising and attempting to advise the President on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

According to the statement, President Ruto’s push for judicial reforms is unstoppable.

State House intimated that the advice by LSK was not necessary as the President has consistently upheld the rule of law and respected court orders, even in regards to his affordable housing pet project.

“We, however, agree with the Law Society of Kenya that Executive impunity is unacceptable. However, legislative impunity, by its own measure, is also unacceptable and so is judicial impunity,” reads the statement in part.

According to the State House Spokesperson, it would be a dereliction of the President’s oath of office, and a betrayal of the people’s mandate to allow their hopes and aspirations to be obstructed by corruption and impunity.

LSK had earlier on announced that it will organize peaceful protests across the country in defense of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 3, LSK President Eric Theuri accused the President of undermining the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary, which he said was “a cornerstone of democracy.”

Moments later, Chief Justice Martha Koome called out perceived judicial intimidation by the Executive and urged judges and judicial officials to carry on with their work without fear of reproach or coercion. 

It all started when President Ruto, while speaking in Nyandarua on Tuesday, claimed that the the Judiciary harbours rogue elements out to sabotage his legacy.

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Lawyer Miguna Miguna has revealed worrying details amid a war between President William Ruto and the Judiciary.

President Ruto caused an uproar after making remarks against the Judiciary.

The head of state while speaking in Nyandarua on Tuesday, January 2, alleged that some rulings made by the Judiciary were slowing down the implementation of the Kenya Kwanza development agenda.

One of the rulings that provoked the President’s ire was the court order that halted the implementation of the 1.5 per cent housing levy on salaried Kenyans, declaring it unconstitutional.

President Ruto claimed that the court order was a setback to his administration’s efforts to provide affordable housing to Kenyans, which is one of the pillars of the Kenya Kwanza development agenda, and hinted at disobeying subsequent orders.

This irked a section of Kenyans, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announcing that it will organize peaceful protests across the country in defense of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary.

LSK has also urged its members to wear purple ribbons throughout the next week as a symbol of protest against the President’s threats to defy court orders, which it termed as a “constitutional coup” and a “return of an autocratic regime.”

However, the State House in a quick rejoinder affirmed that President Ruto’s push for judicial reforms is unstoppable, telling off the LSK for criticising and attempting to advise the Head of State on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

In a subsequent statement by Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, State House intimated that the advice by LSK was not necessary as the President has consistently upheld the rule of law and respected court orders, even in regards to his affordable housing pet project.

The State House response prompted Miguna Miguna to take to his official social media accounts to reveal details that should worry Kenyans.

According to Miguna Miguna, this is just but the beginning of dictatorship in the country.

Miguna says dictatorship starts when the country is hungry, exhausted and desperate.

He goes ahead to note that the dictatorship starts by killing organized institutions and spaces that would protect the people against excesses by those in power.

“This is how dictatorship starts. It creeps in when the country is hungry, exhausted and desperate. It starts by killing organized institutions and spaces that would protect the people against excesses by those in power.

“We cannot allow anyone to turn the judiciary into a scared, threatened and bludgeoned institution because that cannot be in the interest of the people. We need a strong, INDEPENDENT, competent and ETHICAL judiciary. We cannot build one through executive threats, intimidation, coercion, or bribery!” Miguna posted.

In a separate statement, the JSC had also expressed concern over the public criticism and vilification of judges and judicial officers for issuing court orders that are perceived to be against state programmes and policies.

 JSC reaffirmed the independence and integrity of the judiciary as “a co-equal arm of government”, as enshrined in the constitution, and urged all judges and judicial officers to continue performing their judicial duties “without fear or favour”.

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  • Chief Justice Martha Koome has taken a firm stand against allegations made by President Ruto and his allies, accusing some officers within the Judiciary of operating with impunity.
  • The Chief Justice highlighted the positive duties of the State in ensuring respect for the law and adherence to it.
  • CJ Koome underscored the significance of respecting court orders, particularly when they involve disputes between citizens and the State.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has fired a response to President William Ruto over his remarks on the Judiciary.

CJ Koome has taken a firm stand against allegations made by President Ruto and his allies, accusing some officers within the Judiciary of operating with impunity.

In an internal memo to judges, judicial officers and staff seen by Daily Trends on Wednesday, January 3, she condemned the remarks as they touch on matters presently still being deliberated in court, noting that they can hence only serve to intimidate judges to rule in a certain way.

The Supreme Court President also emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial processes and called upon all Kenyans to report any acts that could compromise the judiciary.

Defending the Rule of Law

CJ Koome underscored the significance of respecting court orders, particularly when they involve disputes between citizens and the State.

She emphasized that deliberate disregard or disobedience of court orders by State officials undermines citizens’ right to access justice, posing a threat to the effectiveness of the legal system that citizens rely on to enforce their rights and legal duties.

Positive Duties of the State

The Chief Justice highlighted the positive duties of the State in ensuring respect for the law and adherence to it.

She urged State and Public Officers to recognize their responsibilities in upholding the rule of law, emphasizing the need for effective mechanisms to resolve disputes.

This statement reaffirms the Judiciary’s commitment to maintaining a legal system that citizens can trust and depend on.

JSC’s Commitment to Accountability

In response to the allegations, Chief Justice Koome assured the public that the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) is dedicated to keeping the Judiciary in order.

She emphasized that any judges or magistrates with questionable behavior would be promptly investigated, and the JSC has a proven record of taking swift action against those found in breach of the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics or engaged in corrupt practices.

Encouraging Whistleblowers

She further encouraged individuals with information on any acts threatening the integrity of judicial processes to come forward and report such cases to the JSC.

CJ Koome noted that the JSC is committed to transparency, and any allegations of misconduct or corruption will be dealt with firmly and swiftly in accordance with the Constitution.

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  • The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has declared a call to action with nationwide protests set to unfold next week.
  • This follows President William Ruto’s recent verbal assault on the Judiciary.
  • Expressing deep concern, the LSK highlighted the potential jeopardy to the Judiciary’s integrity posed by Ruto’s remarks.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has declared a call to action with nationwide protests set to unfold next week, spurred by President William Ruto’s recent verbal assault on the Judiciary.

President Ruto while speaking at the funeral of the father of Nyandarua Senator John Methu in Njabini on Tuesday, January 2, alleged a scheme by a few individuals who  bribe judges to halt key development projects across the country through court orders.

This seismic clash has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with legal professionals and political figures alike condemning Ruto’s remarks as an affront to the very bedrock of Kenya’s democracy.

1. LSK’s Stand Against Ruto’s Attack on the Judiciary

The Law Society of Kenya, in a press briefing on Wednesday, minced no words as it criticized President Ruto for his scathing comments that linked the courts to cartels.

Expressing deep concern, the LSK highlighted the potential jeopardy to the Judiciary’s integrity posed by Ruto’s remarks.

The LSK President Eric Theuri said all advocates and legal practitioners will put on yellow ribbons during the demos to signify their support for the Judiciary and the rule of law.

Theuri who was flanked by his deputy Faith Odhiambo, urged President Ruto to recant his statements as he is setting a bad precedent for the rule of law in country.

This move by the legal fraternity underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to protect the sanctity of the judicial system.

2. Judges and Magistrates Association Joins the Fray

In a rare show of unity, the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association also took a stand against Ruto’s verbal onslaught.

Accusing the President of flouting court orders, the association emphasized the constitutional duty to protect and uphold the independence of the Judiciary.

“Judges and judicial officers can not work freely with such threats, especially when made by no other than the President himself.

“By disobeying the Court Orders, the President is disobeying the very Constitution which he swore to protect and uphold by trampling upon the independence of the Judiciary,” reads the statement in part.

This condemnation adds weight to the growing opposition against what many perceive as an attack on a fundamental pillar of Kenya’s democracy.

3. Political Figures Speak Out

Leaders from various political quarters have also joined the chorus of disapproval.

KANU Secretary for Political Affairs, Fredrick Okango, urged the Law Society of Kenya to take decisive action against Ruto, emphasizing the threat posed to the independence of the Judiciary.

This sentiment was echoed by other lawyers and opposition figures, including Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who called for a united front against the perceived undermining of judicial autonomy.

4. Ruto’s Threat to Judicial Independence

The heart of the matter lies in Ruto’s alleged threat to the independence of the Judiciary.

Critics argue that by disobeying court orders, the President is not only undermining the Constitution he swore to protect but is also endangering the very fabric of Kenya’s democratic institutions.

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the delicate balance between the executive and the judiciary.

As the nation braces itself for a week of protests, the clash between President William Ruto and the Judiciary unveils a complex narrative of power dynamics and the struggle to uphold democratic principles.

The Law Society of Kenya’s call to action signals a collective determination to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the political landscape in Kenya.

The coming days will undoubtedly be a litmus test for the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions and the nation’s commitment to the rule of law.

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In a bizarre turn of events, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro’s Facebook account fell victim to a hacker takeover, causing quite a stir in the online realm.

Nyoro, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics with a massive following, revealed the cyber intrusion on his X account with a mix of concern and determination to regain control.

Addressing the unsettling incident that occurred on January 1, the Kenya Kwanza lawmaker acknowledged the breach, assuring his 500,000-plus followers that efforts were underway to recover the compromised account.

However, the hackers, not content with a mere takeover, shamelessly posted explicit videos on the page’s story section, triggering a wave of reactions across social media platforms.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai couldn’t help but express astonishment at the unexpected turn of events, questioning how Ndindi Nyoro’s Facebook page had transformed into a platform for explicit content.

“Ndindi Nyoro’s Facebook page just serving porn huko kwa stories. Awuoro!” exclaimed Alai, capturing the disbelief that reverberated among netizens.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino added another layer to the saga, revealing that the audacious hackers had gone a step further by reaching out to him with a direct message, attempting to coerce him into sending them money.

“Ndindi Nyoro’s Facebook account has been hacked, and the hackers are inboxing me to send them some money,” Owino disclosed, shedding light on the extent of the cyber breach.

Blogger Dennis Itumbi joined the chorus, confirming the unfortunate incident and cautioning the public against giving credence to any fresh updates originating from the compromised page.

“Please take note that hackers have taken control of the FB profile of Ndindi Nyoro and the official page of Ndindi Nyoro,” Itumbi warned, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to reclaim and restore the pages.

Despite the gravity of the situation, a quick inspection of the lawmaker’s page revealed that, surprisingly, the hackers had refrained from posting anything controversial, except for the explicit content in the stories section.

The last two posts on the Facebook page, shared with its impressive 562,000 followers, included a heartfelt Happy New Year message posted on January 1, 2024.

The saga continues as Nyoro and his team work tirelessly to reclaim his virtual stronghold from the clutches of these audacious hackers.

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Raila Odinga

President William Ruto’s foreign trips will not attract any investors into the country, opposition leader Raila Odinga has said.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citizen TV aired on Wednesday evening, the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader said Kenya Kwanza’s hiked taxes are scaring away investors.

According to the former Prime Minister, the head of state’s foreign trips are a waste of time.

Raila went ahead to note that the current administration has created a very unfriendly environment for business and as result, investors are opting for tax-friendly destinations.

He said investors ask those already in the country how the environment is before they choose to invest.

President Ruto has made more than 40 foreign trips to several countries since taking over power in September last year and has defended them as a mission to attract foreign investors to Kenya and organize jobs abroad for Kenyans.

Speaking on December 17 at State House during a joint press interview, the President said that despite his many travels he can account for every shilling.

The President said that through his foreign travels, Kenya has benefited from the bilateral deals that have revived stalled projects and given Kenyans jobs.

Ruto admitted that he has travelled more than his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta and affirmed that it is because of that the country is now stable.

An analysis of Controller of Budget reports, since Ruto ascended to power in September last year, shows that the presidency has spent Sh357 million on foreign travel alone.

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Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was on Saturday December 2, caught up in yet another violent confrontation in Kakamega.

The first term lawmaker’s car was pelted with stones by rowdy youths, destroying its back window after attending the burial event of former nominated senator and Kakamega nominated MCA Godliver Omondi in Bulimbo village, Kholera Ward, Kakamega County.

According to Salasya, the group of the rowdy youth had been hired by his political nemesis to block him from attending the funeral.

The MP managed to attend the funeral, only for him to face the attack while leaving.

In a video posted on his official social media accounts, Salasya accuses Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa of planning the violent confrontation for “fear of the bitter truth” the lawmaker has been speaking.

He adds that the Kakamega county chief was afraid of the warm reception the MP would have received at the funeral.

“I told him the truth days ago and because he knew I would come to the burial and be treated to a warm welcome, he staged youths to block me,” Salasya is heard saying in the video.

“I am a protected leader. Let no one endanger the lives of the youth. What if they attacked me and my security team acted in defence?” he added.

ODM leader Raila Odinga who attended the funeral urged MP Salasya and governor Fernandes Barasa to embrace a handshake and work together.

Playing a mediator, Raila asked the leaders to shelve their differences and work together to the advantage of their respective subjects.

However, Salasya says there will be no any handshake between him and the governor after his car was destroyed in the violent confrontation.

“There will be even no handshake between me and Barasa after he did this to me. I can even leave Azimio if the leaders insist that we have a handshake,” Salasya said.

He went ahead to promise governor Barasa a fierce battle in the 2027 Kakamega gubernatorial race.

“In fact I will vie for the Kakamega gubernatorial race in 2027 and I will unseat you Barasa very early in the morning,” Salasya dared.

“There shall be no more handshake between me and this childish Governor and because of this I will vie for Governor 2027 nikipita ni Sawa Nikianguka ni Sawa,” he said.

This is not the first war the youthful MP is having with Governor Barasa.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Salasya was attacked and chased out of a church service at Bukaya Catholic Church by rowdy youths said to be supporters of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.

Mr Salasya’s bodyguards were forced to shoot into the air as they evacuated the MP.

Men allegedly allied to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa snatched the microphone from him in an attempt to cut short his speech.

The first-time MP, who has become a fierce critic of Governor Barasa, was midway through his speech, which was highly critical of the governor’s performance and the county government’s handling of the Mumias sugar company, when he was shouted down.

Salasya’s fight against Barasa dates months back when the lawmaker accused the governor of suppressing efforts to revive the Mumias Sugar Company.

During President William Ruto’s meeting with the Western region’s leaders at Kakamega State Lodge in August, the lawmaker accused Barasa of presenting his own opinions as the resolutions made by legislators from Kakamega.

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Kenyans on social media have expressed mixed reactions after it was revealed that President William Ruto will fly to India on Monday, December 4.

President Ruto who is currently attending COP28 in Dubai will be making his inaugural state visit to India.

He will be in India for three days and will engage in bilateral talks with various government officials besides holding discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ruto will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on December 5.

On the other hand, a state banquet will also be hosted by the Prime Minister in honour of Ruto and his delegation.

It was detailed that the ceremonial welcome was aimed at India’s goal of enhancing its foreign relations with Kenya.

President Ruto has made over 40 foreign trips in under one and a half years since he took over from Uhuru Kenyatta on September 12, 2023. 

The revelation about his trip to India has sparked heated social media reactions, with a section of Kenyans expressing their displeasure against the head of state.

Some say that the term “tangatanga” that he had been branded during the last term of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime was a definition of his true self.

Others have urged the President to stay long in the country and find a way of turning around the economy.

Below are screenshots of some of the reactions.

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Drama erupted in Harambee, Kholera Ward in Kakamega County when a man accessed the dais and took a microphone from ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The Azimio leader was speaking during the funeral of former Senator and Kakamega nominated MCA Godliver Omondi when a group of youths at the funeral began fighting.

Raila’s speech was interrupted when a man who was a member of the deceased’s family moved to the dais and grabbed the microphone from the former Prime Minister.

Raila complied and handed over the microphone to the man who expressed displeasure at the youth who had disrupted the funeral.

The man complained that a section of politicians in the area have been using the youths to cause chaos due to political differences.

According to him, politicians have been buying alcohol for the youth so that they can cause such chaos once drunk.

In response, Raila who was given back the microphone noted that he was going to bring together the politicians, so that they can work together for the region to benefit.

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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the William Ruto-led government cannot deal with money launders and other fraudsters conning unsuspecting Kenyans.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu county on Saturday, December 2, on the sidelines of the inaugural Great Chepsaita Cross Country run, DP Gachagua said the government cannot offer any help on money laundering and other frauds.

Instead, the second in command advised Kenyans to exercise extra caution to avoid being conned.

He stated that the country is unable to come up with any legislation to cushion Kenyans against the rackets that perpetrate the frauds.

“Hatuwezi kutengeneza sheria ya kuondoa ‘washwash’ na conmen, ni watu wajichunge na wajue kwamba yote amabayo inapatikana kwa urahisi si kweli (Loosely translates to We can’t come up with laws to deal with ‘wash wash’ and conmen, it is for Kenyans to be careful. They ought to know that nothing good comes easy),” DP Gachagua stated

He added that Kenyans should work hard for their success and avoid falling for get-rich-quick schemes which the fraudsters operate behind.

“We want to ask our people to be careful with those who take advantage of them. When they come to cheat you they will double your money, why can’t they triple theirs?” he added.

In September this year, President William Ruto signed the Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting of Terrorism Financing Laws Amendment Bill, 2023.

The bill would amend the Extradition (Contiguous and Foreign Countries) Act (Cap 76) and the Extradition (Commonwealth Countries) Act (Cap. 77) to allow the surrender of a fugitive criminal who consents to be extradited to a requesting State.

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Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai has listed Cabinet Secretaries who he says President William Ruto must fire for him to succeed in his first term.

Taking to his official social media handles Thursday morning, the blogger-politician listed CS Eliud Owalo ICT), Florence Bore (Labour and Social Protection), Aisha Jumwa (Public Service, Affirmative Action and Gender), Alfred Mutua (Fireign Affairs) and Roselinda Soipan Tuiya (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry).

He further accused Dr. Mutua of lacking truth and honesty.

“Ruto, if you want to succeed in your first term; Fire Eliud Owalo, Florence Bore, Aisha Jumwa, Alfred Mutua and Roselinda Soipan. Give them other jobs like directors elsewhere but the CS job imewashinda. Mtu kama Mutua I think doesn’t have any affinity with truth or honesty. His character is to exaggerate and tell petty fibs,” Alai posted on Twitter.

Alai’s comments comes amid speculations of a looming cabinet reshuffle.

The speculations are based on the attacks on some Cabinet Secretaries by President Ruto’s close allies.

Embattled Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni told one of the leading local dailies that the ongoing happenings are most likely being informed by an approaching cabinet reshuffle.

MPs allied to Ruto have been attacking ministers, the latest one being Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.

Namwamba has found himself under heavy criticism over claims he failed to facilitate the Kenyan team that participated in the Special Olympics in Germany.

According to Kioni, these are not just MPs holding the minister to account, but possibly people being used to paint him and the others who have been accused black to give Ruto a reason to switch them.

Ruto’s MPs have also had issues with Owalo, Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Susan Nakhumicha (Health) Florence Bore (Labour) and Alfred Mutua of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Do you think Robert Alai’s advice to the head of state is as a result of the actions of the above-mentioned MPs?

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Mzalendo Trust, a non-partisan entity that keeps an eye on Kenyan Parliament has released its first scorecard for the Members of the 13th parliament.

The report has detailed the most active MPs, and those who have never spoken on the floor of the house since being elected in August 2022.

The most active MPs were Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), James Nyikal (Seme) and Ken Chonga (Kilifi South).

Among the youthful MPs, Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta) of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) stood out as the most active, having contributed a noteworthy twenty-one times. 

Mukunji’s engagement was followed, though at a distance, by Nominated MP Irene Maka, who also made a respectable twelve contributions. Not far behind, Jesses Lelmengit of Emghwen made eleven valuable contributions.

Additional youthful MPs who left their mark with substantial contributions included; Robert Ngui Basil (Yatta), Jushua Kamilu (Kaiti), and Amos Mwango (Starehe).

Over at the Senate, Samson Cherargei (Nandi) from the United Democratic Alliance made his presence felt as the most vocal member, closely trailed by Eddy Oketch (Migori), John Kinyua (Laikipia), and Mohamed Faki (Mombasa).

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the least active Senators were Mirah Abdullahi, Joyce Korir, and Shakilla Abdalla, all of whom are nominated. Also included among the less active were George Mbugua (Nominated) and Issa Boy Juma (Kwale).

Mzalendo Trust noted that the report covers only plenary proceedings, whose information is readily available to the public, and not committee sittings.

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A year after Kenyans went to the ballot to elect various political leaders, 15 Members of Parliament have not uttered a word on the floor of the house.

According to the 13th parliament first scorecard released by Mzalendo Trust, a non-partisan entity that keeps an eye on Kenyan Parliament, there are MPs who have not made their maiden speeches.

Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, his Makadara counterpart George Aladwa Nakuru Town West MP Samwel Arama have not uttered a word in Parliament since their election on August 9, 2022.

Others who have also not spoken a year since being elected are Charles Gimose (Hamisi), Feisal Bader (Msambweni), Innocent Momanyi (Bobasi) and Mohamed Soud (Mvita) and Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon).

Those who have not yet made their maiden speeches include Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, his Mvita counterpart Mohamed Soud, Rongai’s Paul Chebor and Vihiga MP Ernest Kagesi.

Others are Joseph Iraya (nominated), Teresia Wanjiru (nominated), Elizabeth Kailemia (Meru County Woman MP), and Muthoni Marubu (Meru County MP).

Mzalendo Trust, which monitors Parliamentary activity, based its findings on Hansard records from September 29, 2022, to June 30, 2023. 

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Kapsaret MP Oscar Kipchumba Sudi has broken his silence over a media report that claimed that he dropped out of school at class seven.

The Standard Newspaper had on Wednesday, June 22 reported that the lawmaker quit school while in class seven and did not proceed to secondary school.

The newspaper ran the story after Derrick Juma, an investigator from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) told the court that he visited all the schools Sudi claimed to have attended and interviewed the head teachers but the MP’s name was not listed as a student in any of the said schools.

According to the investigator, Sudi’s name only appeared at Luok Ngetuny Primary School in Eldoret where the teachers confirmed that he enrolled in 1995 under the name of Kipchumba Kipng’etich, but that he exited the school at Class Seven.

While responding to the report through his official Twitter account, Sudi said that he deserves to be celebrated if he has managed to get to where he is, as a class seven drop out.

He went ahead to call out Standard Media Group for what he termed as spreading falsehoods.

“If I can manage to this far just as class seven drop out then I deserve to be celebrated. Standard should stop spreading falsehood. Wacheni fitina,” Sudi said.

Sudi is accused of forging a diploma certificate in Business Management, issued by the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and a KCSE certificate and a school leaving certificate from Highway Secondary School.

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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has blamed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for the mishap that saw Azimio MPs skip Parliament on Wednesday evening during the voting of the proposed Finance Bill, 2023.

The lawmaker in a video posted on his official social media handles says the original plan from the Parliamentary leadership was for the voting process to take place next week after the third reading, only for speaker Wetang’ula to change tune moments after a section of Azimio MPs had left.

The controversial lawmaker read malice in the situation, pointing out that several MPs from the Azimio la Umoja coalition missed out on the voting process because of the initial directive. 

Babu Owino said he missed the voting since he had arranged to meet his lawyer to prepare for his defence hearing at Milimani Law Courts slated for Thursday, June 15, following Wetang’ula’s earlier communication. 

He says he had already consulted with Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi whom he disclosed that he had to prepare for his court case.

“I was not present today (Wednesday) in Parliament because my case has been scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) in court for defense hearing and I was with my lawyer,” he said.

Out of 257 MPs present at the August House, 176 voted for the bill while 81 legislators voted against it during the second reading. The Bill now moves to the Third and final reading where legislators get a chance to amend certain clauses within the Bill. 

The Finance Bill, 2023, was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, June 13, by the National Assembly’s Finance and National Planning Committee. 

The committee, chaired by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, advocated for certain amendments in the Bill to cater to the concerns raised by the public. 

This involved reduction of the Housing Fund tax from three percent to 1.5 percent. Further, the proposed digital tax was revised to five percent from the initial 16 percent. 

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