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ODM Thrown Into Deep Mourning

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has been thrown into deep mourning.

The Raila Odinga led Orange party on Tuesday July 7 announced the passing on of one of their staunch and loyal member, and a loyal supporter of the former Prime Minister.

ODM through their official twitter handle said that they were mourning the passing on of Mama Mary Abich Nyaramba popularly known as Min Party.

The party said that Mama Abich had passed away on Monday July 6, 2020, while undergoing treatment at Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The Orange party further noted that Mama Abich was active in party activities and that she was true to the ideology.

“We mourn the passing on Mama Mary Abich Nyaramba popularly known as Min Party yesterday at the Homabay Teaching & Referral Hospital. Min Party was a staunch/loyal member of the party & loyal supporter of PL @RailaOdinga. She was active in party activities & true to the ideology,” tweeted ODM.

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

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ruto Allied MP Punished For Messing With CS Matiang’i

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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

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

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

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

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Kipkellion East MP Joseph Limo. PHOTO/Courtesy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Revealed: Damning Dossier That Forced Uhuru to Drop Aden Duale

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nzoia Football Club is sponsored the by the sugar miller.

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

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

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VIDEO: Raila Steps Out Donning Shorts, Issues Special Message Amid Health Fears

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has stepped out in a video for the first time since he was flown to United Arab Emirates (UAE) for treatment.

The African Union envoy, in a video posted by his daughter Winnie Odinga said that he was strong and doing better.

In the video, the former Prime Minister steps out donning a pair of sky blue shorts, an orange T-shirt and black shoes.

Winnie asks him how he was feeling, and Raila answers that he was feeling good, strong and rejuvenated.

In her caption, Winnie says that they were back, strong and fresh, ready for the game.

“And we’re back! Feeling good and fresh, ready for the game! A special message from @RailaOdinga,” she posted.

Raila while responding to his daughter’s post thanked everyone who sent him messages of goodwill.

“I’m feeling great and let me thank everyone who sent me messages of goodwill. Asante, Asante, Asante Sana,” he posted.

Early this week, Raila’s wife Ida Odinga had noted that the former Premier will stay longer in Dubai after undergoing a minor surgery.

Speaking to The Standard Newspaper, Ida revealed that her husband was successfully treated of a nerve disorder affecting one leg.

She revealed that the condition resulted in pain in the affected leg adding that she stayed in contact with him on an hourly basis.

She, however, noted that Raila might not be coming home soon as he needs more time to rest

According to Ida, many people would be flocking the home to see him if, was he around. She noted that each visitor always wants at least to talk to him thus eating away into his recovery time.

She also cited that since there are no commercial flights currently, the family will have to charter a plane if Raila was to come back. She noted that the process will be kicked off once he fully recovers.

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Drama in Parliament as 2 Female Senators Exchange Blows Over Ledama Olekina

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

There was drama in the parliament on Wednesday July 1, 2020 after two nominated Senators exchanged blows during the election of vice chair of the House Health committee.

According to a local daily, the two senators, Beatrice Kwamboka and Mary Seneta went physical moments after Narok Senator Ledama Olekina was declared the winner of the contested election that pitted him against Seneta.

Seneta was reportedly backed by a section of the committee members led by Deputy Majority Chief Whip Farhiya Ali.

According to senators who were at the meeting, Farhiya’s team allegedly forged a signature of nominated Senator Millicent Omanga to ensure Seneta won the seat.

Omanga did not attend the session and it was not immediately clear the candidate she was backing.

The alleged forgery of the signature triggered a bitter altercation between Kwamboka, who is the Deputy Minority Whip, and Seneta, leading to a physical fight that forced the meeting to end prematurely.

“You can not tell me anything , mimi ni mtu wa Raila Odinga (I’m in Raila Odinga’s team) and I am in the leadership, I will deal with you,” Kwamboka charged as she went for neck of Seneta.

Speaking to journalists moments after the confrontation, Ole Kina said he was shocked by the happenings, barely two months after he was unceremoniously removed from the County Public and Investment Committee by his party – ODM.

“How come I always have problems in every committee I am elected to lead? I was elected the chair of CPAIC, I was kicked out and now vice chair of health commitee” he said.

Ole Kina and Seneta are both from the Maa community. They hail from Narok and Kajiado respectively.

During the polls, Senator Michael Mbito (Transnzoia) was elected as the chair of the committee unopposed.

The election of vice chair was deferred following the chaos.

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Uhuru Heaps Praises on Major General Badi For His 100-Days Achievements

by PSCU
written by PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) for its efforts in improving service delivery in Nairobi and its catchment.

The President expressed satisfaction with the progress made by NMS in implementing the directives he gave to the new agency at its launch on 18th March this year.

“I issued several directives to NMS to achieve within the 100 days, which period ended on Saturday, 28th, June this year.

“The directives were aimed at enhancing service provision in the areas of waste collection and disposal, water and sanitation, housing and urban development, transport and public works.

“I am satisfied that the directives for the first 100 days have been implemented in earnest,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke today at Harambee House in Nairobi when he received the 100-days performance report by the NMS.

At the ceremony also attended by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, the President challenged NMS to work towards making Nairobi a model city.

“I challenge NMS to demonstrate that Nairobi can be the model of our Post Covid-19 National Recovery Strategy,” President Kenyatta told NMS top leadership led by Director General Mohammed Badi.

Major General Badi assured the Head of State of his agency’s determination to transform Nairobi into a smart city by fully implementing its broad mandate.

DG Badi said NMS had created new jobs by employing the youth and street families in its projects through the government’s “Kazi Mtaani” initiative.

“On re-carpeting of CBD roads, NMS has completed 30 percent of all the roads and is using Kazi Mtaani initiative.

“To this end, NMS has engaged our youth in drainage clearing, waste management and rehabilitation of roads,” DG Badi said, adding that street families provide the bulk of the labour force for the ongoing construction of Grogan Road.

Shortly after receiving the NMS report, the President toured some of the agency’s projects in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

The President visited community water boreholes and water purification facilities at Kiboro Primary School (Mathare), Chief’s Camp (Mathare North) and at Kibra DCC’s office.

Communities neighbouring the boreholes receive treated water for their domestic use at no cost.

The Head of State also toured ongoing urban renewal and affordable housing projects in Ngara and Pangani neighbourhoods.

The housing projects are being implemented by the state department of housing, NMS and Nairobi City County.

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Speaker Justin Muturi Breaks Silence on Reports of MPs Testing Positive For Covid-19

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi has broken his silence on reports indicating that six Members of Parliament have tested positive for Covid-19.

Muturi in a statement issued to newsrooms has dismissed claims that six MPs tested positive for coronavirus.

According to him, only two lawmakers tested positive and one of them has since been discharged from hospital and is in isolation.

“I wish to note that, as of today, June 30, 20120, far from the speculations reported in the media and elsewhere, information available to the Office of Speaker indicate that, we have two cases of the virus that have been reported among Members of Parliament,” he said in a statement.

His statement comes a day after a local publication reported that there were six MPs who were admitted to various hospitals after contracting the COVID-19 disease.

It was further reported that one of the allegedly ill MPs was in critical condition in an Intensive Care Unit.

However, on Tuesday, Speaker Muturi was categorical that media should desist from sensationalising the coronavirus cases in Parliament.

Muturi further stated that the other MP who is yet to be discharged from hospital has also been attended to and is now in stable condition in general ward care.

He noted that the Parliament has taken several steps to combat spread of the virus including limitation of the number of MPs accessing the chamber; designation of holding-areas for MPs; adoption of virtual sittings for committees where applicable as well as working-from-home measures for members of staff.

Kenya has reported an additional 176 cases of coronavirus with the total number of cases now at 6,366.

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VIDEO: Joho Gives Update on Raila’s Health Condition After Undergoing Surgery in Dubai

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho has updated Kenyans on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga’s health condition after he underwent a minor surgery in United Arab Emirates.

Joho through a video posted on his official twitter handle on Friday June 26, 2020 revealed that he had spoken to Raila who is recuperating in a German Hospital in Dubai.

The ODM Deputy party leader noted that Raila was fairing on well, and that he well soon jet back into the country.

He urged Kenyans to continue praying for him, reminding them that leaders, like any other person are humans, and they can fall sick and seek treatment.

Joho further pointed out that Raila is human and faces the same challenges human being face in life.

“He has undergone a procedure but let us not forget even our leaders are still human beings and sometimes have to be tested, sometimes they have to be sick and treated, sometime they have to deal with issues that every human being goes through but the best we could do is pray for them,” said Joho.

Raila’s brother and family spokesperson Dr Oburu Oginga, told a local daily that the former prime minister left the country on Sunday for the United Arab Emirates.

“Jakom (Raila) is out of the country for a minor surgical operation on his back. It is not a serious health issue, but just a minor one. So, he’s okay,” Oburu said.

Oburu further revealed that Raila, 75, was admitted to a German hospital in Dubai.

Without disclosing the name of the facility, Oburu said: “The Germans have a good hospital facility in the Arabian country where he’s being monitored.”

He dismissed social media reports that Raila had gone to China for treatment.

“He’s not in China. The last time he was there, I think, was in November last year before the coronavirus pandemic. Right now, if you want to go there, you must be ready for a 14-day military quarantine. That’s not tenable, so there is no way he could have gone there,” he said.

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Tangatanga Reserves The Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya After Losing Jubilee Asili Brand

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Political leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto have reserved The Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya with the Registrar of political parties after losing the Jubilee Asili brand, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale has claimed.

According to Etale, the tanga tanga faction of the ruling Jubilee party was set aback after losing the recently unveiled Jubilee Asili Center brand.

This is after a businessman named Andrew Simiyu tried to reserve the name in a letter dated June 18, 2020, but Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu in her response said that the name cannot be registered since it was bearing some similarities with another party.

“This is to inform you the name suggested is not in compliance with section 8 of the Political Parties Act, 2011. Further and without prejudice upon registration of the party the name shall not be in line with Article 91 of the Constitution of Kenya,” reads the response.

The Act determines that the registrar may decline an application if a party bears a similar name, abbreviation and symbol of another outfit.

Philip Etale loses father
Philip Etale. PHOTO/COURTESY

Etale through his official twitter account on Friday June 26, 220 claimed that the tanga tanga faction hurriedly convened a meeting and finally resorted to have The Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya reserved at the Registrar of Political Parties.

“After losing Jubilee Asili to a businessman, team Tangatanga was take aback. They hurriedly convened a mtg, banged the tables & finally resorted to have The Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya reserved at the Registrar of Political Parties,” he posted.

The Tanga tanga members had set an office in Kilimani area where they have been running their activities. They have claimed that the Jubilee Asili centre is meant to bring together the lawmakers that have been kicked out of various parliamentary committees due to their dalliance with DP Ruto.

They argued that they had been denied access to the Jubilee party headquarters located along Thika Road in Pangani, Nairobi.

The second in command a few days ago held a meeting with the Jubilee rebel lawmakers at their new office in Kilimani.

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6 More Ruto Allies Kicked Out of Parliamentary Committees

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has kicked out six more legislators allied to Deputy President William Ruto, from their various parliamentary committees.

According to a report by one of the leading local Dailies, the targeted lawmakers were on Thursday June 25, 2020 given letters of intention to discharge them from the leadership of various National Assembly committees.

They are, departmental committee chairmen Julius Melly (Education), Ali Wario (Labour and Social Welfare), William Kisang (Communication, Information and Innovation), Joseph Limo of Finance and National Planning and Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library’s Joash Nyamoko.

George Kariuki, a member of the Communication, Information and Innovation committee, was not spared.Deputy Majority Whip Maoka Maore signed their letters dated June 24, and asked them to respond within seven days before they are discharged from the committees.

Last evening, the assembly made changes to the Committee on Selection and kicked out allies of Ruto. The committee nominates MPs to serve in committees, except for the membership of the House Business Committee and Committee on Appointments that is chaired by the Speaker.

The House approved the appointments of Maore, Jane Wanjuki (Embu),Gathoni Wamuchomba(Kiambu), Joshua Kutuny(Cherangany), Maina Kamanda (nominated) and Shurie Omar (Mbalambala). Others appointed are Wachira Kabinga (Mwea), Eseli Simuyu (Tongaren) and Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi. The House kicked out MPs Catherine Wambilianga (Bungoma), Tindi Mwale (Butere), Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Beatrice Nyaga (Tharaka Nithi), Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Faith Gitau (Nyandarua),John Kiarie(Dagoretti South), William Kipsang (Marakwet West) and Robert Gichimu (Gichugu). Some of the members were recently de-whipped from various committees by their coalitions.

Other MPs who have been removed in the ongoing purge are Gladys Shollei (Uasin Gishu), Kimani Ichung’wa (Kikuyu) and William Cheptumo (Baringo North).

They lost their positions as chairpersons of Delegated Legislation, Budget and Appropriation and Justice and Legal Affairs committees.

Other chairpersons kicked out include Mandera South MP Ali Adan (Agriculture Committee) and Machakos Town’s Victor Munyaka (Sports, Culture and Tourism). Sirisia MP John Waluke, Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon) and Robert Pukose (Endebes) were also kicked out as vice-chairpersons for Committee on Administration and National Security, Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee and Energy Committee.

Others discharged in the past were Kandara MP Alice Wahome (Justice and Legal Affairs vice-chairperson), Joyce Chepkorir (Labour and Social Welfare vice-chair), Khatib Mwashetani (Lands vice-chair) and vice chair of Services and Facilities Catherine Waruguru.

Also discharged were Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria (Transport vice-chair), James Lomenen (National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities vice-chair), Liza Chepkorir Chelule (Broadcast and Library vice-chair) and Cornelly Serem (Trade vice-chair).

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Moses Kuria Reveals 12 Changes Contained in The Final BBI Report

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has revealed some of the contents of the final Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report, which is set to be unveiled next week.

Taking to his Facebook account on Wednesday June 24, 2020, the controversial lawmaker listed 12 critical issues that have been captured in the report.

The MP revealed that the current 290 constituencies will be retained, but the number of nominated MPs will be increased from 12 to 162 so that they can take care of the highly populated constituencies.

He also hinted that the report suggests for President to be elected directly by the people to be the head of state and take charge of internal security, defence and Foreign affairs.

Below is Moses Kuria’s full post with the 12 critical issues.

BBI Report will be released Next Week

1. 290 Constituencies to be retained

2. Nominated MPs to be increased from 12 to 162 to take care of highly populated constituencies

3. President will be elected directly by the people to be Head of State and take charge of Internal Security, Defence and Foreign Affairs. He will have a Deputy President with roles defined in the constitution

4. Prime Minister will be voted for by parliament and will appoint all other Ministers. He will have 2 Deputy Prime Ministers

5. 50% of Ministers will come from parliament and the rest will be appointed outside parliament

6. The First Runner Up in a Presidential Election will occupy the best office of the Official Leader of the Opposition. His running mate will be the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. They will have a state funded shadow cabinet

7. Chief Justice will NOT be a member of the Judicial Service Commission

8. Health and Agriculture functions will revert back to national governments

9. IEBC Commissioners will be appointee by political parties

10. Nairobi County will be abolished

11. All monies to counties will be conditional grants from National Government to ensure devolved funds are spent for the intended purposes

12. If you are charged you can not vie for public office

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Speaker Muturi Deals Mohamed Ali a Major Blow in His Bid to Impeach CS Macharia

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nyali MP Mohamed Ali has been dealt a major blow in his bid to impeach Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.

This is after the speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi on Tuesday June 23, 2020 ruled that the journalist-turned politician’s motion did not meet the required threshold hence not admissible.

The MP while moving the impeachment motion against CS Macharia had accused him of three allegations. First, the lawmaker wants the CS impeached for gross violation of article 10 (1)(c) and 2(a) of the Kenyan constitution.

By failing to undertake public participation with leaders, stakeholders, or even departments within the ministry of transport in implementation of a policy decision to have cargo from Mombasa transported via Standard Gauge Railway, the MP said CS Macharia was in gross violation of the constitution.

He also accused the CS of gross misconduct contrary to the provisions of Article 125 of the Kenyan constitution. Mohamed Ali said CS Macharia has, in several meetings between him and parliamentary committees, appeared to commit perjury by lying under oath and giving evidence in parliament through provision of inaccurate information.

CS Macharia had also been accused of gross violation of Article 73 of the Kenyan constitution on leadership and integrity, by overseeing stalled projects worth Sh100 billion, overseeing loss of Sh1.5 billion housing project scandal and overseeing of the Sh5.2 billion Afya House scandal.

Moha had collected over 100 signatures in support of his motion, but some of the lawmakers that had signed the petition, later said that they were withdrawing their signatures, arguing that the lawmaker had ticked them that he was planning to take a loan.

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Murkomen in War of Words With Raila Odinga Junior

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen has torn into Raila Odinga Junior over political remarks the former senate majority leader made against ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Murkomen, at the time Raila wanted to swear himself in as the people’s President following a disputed 2017 general election, took to his twitter account and remarked that there was no problem if the NASA leader wanted to swear himself in as a President of a certain club, an NGO or a certain organisation.

Murkomen went ahead to say the there was no any harm if Raila purported to be Kenya’s president when he was actually not, adding that a dialogue debate would have been ended for Raila to get satisfied.

However, a twitter user by the name Dr Ben Baimwera responded to Murkomen’s remarks, saying that leaders who recklessly speak like him have always come to regret at some point.

Image

While referring to Murkomen’s ouster as the senate majority leader, Raila Junior quoted Baimwera’s response to Murkomen’s remarks, noting that the words were now haunting the lawmaker.

However, Murkomen in his response told off Raila Junior, saying that it would have been better if he had tagged his father, Raila and the State House.

The vocal lawmaker went ahead to tell Raila Junior that if the right leadership is the one established by Raila, then he was just walking in a path well troden.

Murkomen further told Raila Junior that at his current age, where is is serving as Elgeyo Marakwet senator, the former Prime Minister was not yet an MP.

Raila Odinga Junior With his father Raila Odinga. PHOTO/COURTESY

He went ahead to tell Raila Junior to relax, for things would change again.

“Makes more sense if you tag @RailaOdinga&@StateHouseKenya. Remember that if the right path to leadership is the one established by your father then I am walking in a path well trodden. At My age your dad was not yet MP. I was just doing my job you,relax things will change again,” responded Murkomen.

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Politics

Revealed: Uhuru’s Next Step After Kicking Out Duale

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta is now set for reconstitution of committees, which will quickly vet the new Cabinet that is set to be unveiled in a looming cabinet reshuffle, veteran politician and his ally Maina Kamanda has said.

Kamanda who was speaking to a local daily revealed that by the time Uhuru reconstitutes house committees, the BBI report will be in the House for debate and adoption by a two-thirds vote.

The BBI report said to be ready and the head of state planning to reshape his Cabinet. So far, President Kenyatta has removed deputy president William Ruto’s allies from key parliamentary postions.

During Jubilee Parliamentary Group meeting held on Monday June 22 at KICC, Ruto ally Aden Duale was removed from his position as National Assembly Majority leader.

During the meeting, Uhuru once again said he would only endorse for the presidency in 2022 someone who will complete his legacy.

Surprisingly, Uhuru told the MPs he has no problem with Ruto.

“There are some of you who are angling to be leaders and I am still in office. You just continue,” he said, and lashed out at people whom he said had characterised the 2022 presidential contest as a battle of the rich versus the poor.

“There are some of you calling me dictator. I am not a dictator…Anyway, those of you who want us to work, let’s work, those who want politics, continue,” he is reported to have said.

The latest changes have signalled even a major shakeup in the Cabinet where the President has absolute powers to hire and fire.

Duale has been majority leader, one of the most influential and powerful positions in Parliament, since 2013.

Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya, who replaced him, served as minister and deputy leader of government business in the 10th Parliament.

In a bid to appease the Somali community and the Northeastern region, the President crossed over from Garissa to Wajir and picked Eldas MP Aden Keynan as the new Jubilee coalition joint secretary.

Keynan is expected to fill Duale’s shoes by leveraging on the plum position to fortify Uhuru’s foothold in the region’s politics.

Keynan, a former ODM man, also serves as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission.

He is expected to be the new link between the opposition and Jubilee MPs in the House and would be required to occasionally lobby for bipartisan approaches to push for the government agenda.

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