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Waiguru Impeachment: Senator Malala Under Fire After Rubbing Salt in The Wound of Kirinyaga People

by Gabriel Omolo
written by Gabriel Omolo

Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala is under fire after he claimed that Kirinyaga residents have no business to dictate how the senate should determine governor Anne Waiguru’s impeachment motion.

Malala who was speaking during a motion to determine whether Waiguru’s case should be heard by a committee or the whole senate.

He said that the senate cannot be controlled by a group of people sitting in a certain corner of the country deciding on how senators should conduct their business.

“The Senate is an independent organ, people of Kirinyaga County cannot therefore dictate how we transact,”he said.

Malala was referring to the recent demonstrations that have been witnessed in Kirinyaga, with the residents crying to the senate to hear the case as a plenary.

The residents went ahead to even call on President Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga to help them get justice.

However, Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen told off senator Malala, arguing that their powers belong to the people of the republic of Kenya.

Murkomen said that Malala was out of order to say that people of Kirinyaga should not decide on how the senate should transact its business.

Kenyans on Twitter however, put Malala under fire, blasting him for making such a statement.

Some argued that it was a disgrace of national magnitude if a whole senator can talk like that.

Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans on Twitter.

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Politics

Revealed: Full List of Senators Plotting to Save Waiguru From Impeachment

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

As the Senate convenes today (Tuesday June 16) to discuss whether governor Anne Waiguru’s impeachment case should be heard by the whole senate or a committee, Waiguru hopes the senators who were rallied by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga to kick out former Kiambu governor Ferdinard Waititu will rescue her.

On her sights are senators Reubenson Kibiru (Kirinyaga), Adan Fatuma (Isiolo), Mutula Kilonzo (Makueni), Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu), Ephraim Maina (Nyeri), Ibrahim Ali (Wajir), Yusuf Haji (Garissa), Boy Issa Juma (Kwale), Mwadzayo Mwachirifu (Kilifi), Cleopas Malala (Kakamega), Okong’o Mogeni (Nyamira), Gideon Moi (Baringo), Boniface Mutinda (Machakos), Mwashushe Mwaruma (Taita), Mwinyi Faki (Mombasa), Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay), Njeru Ndwiga (Embu), Ledama Olekina (Narok), Samson Ongeri (Kisii), James Orengo (Siaya), Samuel Poghisio (West Pokot), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), Margaret Jepkoech (Uasin Gishu), Amos Wako (Busia), Enock Wambua (Kitui) and George Khaniri (Vihiga).

Others are Beth Mugo (Nominated), Abshiro Halake (Nominated), Isaac Mwaura (Nominated), Rose Nyamunga (Nominated) and Gertrude Musuruve (Nominated).

But when news reached Kirinyaga that Waiguru was lobbying Uhuru and Raila to whip about 28 senators to shoot down her ouster, the residents staged a demonstration to warn the President against trying to save the governor.

In a protest held in Kutus, the residents chanted “Waiguru must go!” as they carried placards scribbled “President Uhuru Kenyatta, we are ready to fight corruption in Kirinyaga”.

The traders, who abandoned their jobs temporarily, urged the Senate to uphold Waiguru’s impeachment by the County Assembly.

“Kindly help us seize corruption in Kirinyaga,” read another placard. “You were part of the NYS scandal, you’re also corrupt in Kirinyaga. Waiguru must go,” another one read.

According to sources, the demonstration was organised by MCAs who are being bankrolled by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat in 2022.

Besides Kibicho, Waiguru’s other opponent is former Cabinet Minister Martha Karua, who she defeated in the gubernatorial race.

Karua filed a petition to oust her but it was thrown out by the courts, including the Supreme Court.

More pressure was piled on Waiguru after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) reiterated that they had initiated corruption investigations against her.

Speaking after the governor was ousted, EACC’s Central Region Head, Charles Rasugu said his officers will be seeking to establish whether there was a conflict of interest in the awarding of a Sh50 million tender by Waiguru.

Rusugu further stated that Sh10.6 million in travel allowances is also under investigation.

Insiders add that Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju has already engineered a scheme to save Waiguru from impeachment.

Tuju is pushing Senate Majority Chief Whip Irungu Kang’ata to form a special committee that would favour the Kirinyaga Governor during her impeachment hearing.

According to the Impeachment Procedure Bill, 2018, the removal of a Governor from office could involve the formation of a special committee under the directive of the Speaker of the House.

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Politics

ODM Senator Speaks Tough Ahead of Waiguru’s Impeachment Case

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

An Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) senator has spoken tough ahead of today’s senate’s seating to determine Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru’s impeachment.

Taking to his official twitter account this morning, Narok senator Ledama Olekina said that the senators must and shall be guided by the constitution in determining the motion.

If not, Olekina says that the constitution should be then thrown away.

“We must and shall be guided by the constitution … if not then we might as well throw it away! Good day ahead!” he posted.

The senate is set to determine whether Waiguru’s impeachment case should be heard by a committee or the entire senate.

There have been speculations that the Raila Odinga led Orange party is set to save Waiguru from ouster.

However, Raila has hence denied holding a meeting with Waiguru over her impeachment.

Daily Nation Newspaper had on Sunday June 14 reported that Waiguru and Raila met on Thursday evening in efforts to help save her job, which is hanging by a thread after she was impeached by the county assembly last week and failed in her bid to block the move in court.

The local daily reported that Raila met Waiguru at an exclusive club in Karen, Nairobi, alongside a few aides, with the key agenda being whipping ODM and other “friendly” senators to defeat the motion against her.

It was further reported that Waiguru walked in a few minutes to 7pm accompanied by two aides. Then Kiambu Governor James Nyoro and his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga joined her before Mr Odinga and a few of his trusted MPs arrived.

Raila has distanced himself from the said meeting. The former Prime Minister says that there does not exist any senate committee to investigate Waiguru’s impeachment and whose members from ODM he has instructed to save Waiguru as reported by the local daily.

Raila said that at the said hours of the meeting, he had a meeting with Laikipia women Representative Catherine Waruguru who was in the company of some Members of Parliament.

But contradicting Raila, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed on Sunday claimed that ODM was ready to save Waiguru since it supports women leadership.

Junet also said that there was no any problem if Raila meets Waiguru, arguing that they can meet as many times as they want since Raila is a national leader while Waiguru is an elected governor.

The Orange party’s director of elections further claimed that Waiguru had not committed any crime, and those pushing for her ouster are just against her leadership.

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Politics

Uhuru to Strip Off Powers From Matiang’i to Create New Docket For Samson Mwathethe

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

After overhauling the parliamentary leadership, President Uhuru Kenyatta is said to be shifting his focus to the Cabinet and is reportedly keen on tapping the most experienced hands to drive his legacy agenda.

Nine prominent politicians, among them Wiper leade Kalonzo Musyoka, KANU leader Gideon Moi, former Bomet governor Isaac Rutto, former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and Charles Nyachae among those tipped to join Uhuru’s cabinet in a looming shake up.

According to a local daily, Kalonzo is proposed to take over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Rutto landing the Agriculture docket while Gideon will oversee the lucrative Energy portfolio.

Former Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe is also among the names proposed to join Uhuru’s Cabinet in the changes that could be announced anytime from now.

Reports by the local daily indicate that Uhuru may hive off the immigration and registration of persons department from the Interior and Coordination of National Government ministry and name Mwathethe as the new docket’s boss.

The new CSs are expected to help the President “explain to Kenyans the projects government is implementing as Uhuru firms up his legacy”.

The impending changes have already triggered panic in the Cabinet amidst reports that key allies of Deputy President William Ruto and those nursing 2022 political ambitions will be dropped.

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Politics

Wetang’ula Launches a Fresh Onslaught Against Atwoli

by Brian Miano
written by Brian Miano

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula has launched a fresh onslaught against COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday June 15, Wetang’ula asked Atwoli to “leave politics to politicians”.

He further accused Atwoli of confusing the Luhya nation.

The besieged Ford-Kenya party leader further attacked Atwoli on his mandate in representing workers.

“Atwoli is a failure. He has failed to cushion the Kenyan worker whose salary is deducted to enrich him. Majority of workers, especially in flower farms and industries are suffering. What has he done to help them? Let him stick to his mandate and leave politics to politicians

“Atwoli has no authority to choose any politician as the Mulembe people spokesperson. He is a failure himself. Let him stop chest thumping because nobody appointed him as our patron,” Wetangula stated.

The embattled former Senate Minority Leader further pointed out that he and his ANC counterpart, former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi had not been invited to meetings held at Atwoli’s Kajiado ranch.

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Politics

Tangatanga MP Threatens to Marshall Kenyans to Defy Cessation of Movement, Curfew

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Vocal Tanga Tanga MP has threatened to marshall Kenyans to defy the cessation of movement and daily dusk to dawn curfew.

The Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa who spoke during a press conference on Sunday June 14, 2020 said that he was ready to marshall Kenyans should President Uhuru Kenyatta fail stop devolution CS Eugine Wamalwa and Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya from traversing Western Kenya region during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The vocal lawmaker said that should President Kenyatta continue extending the curfew and the cessation of movement and some leaders continue moving around holding rallies, he would lead other Kenyans in defying the government directives.

He says he would lead Kenyans in reopening their businesses and going back to their normal lives.

Over the past few weeks, Oparanya and CS Wamalwa have been traversing the Western region on relief food distribution missions.

However, they have been also driving the luhya unity agenda, the role they were given during a meeting that was held at COTU boss Francis Atwoli’s Kajiado home two weeks ago.

During their latest tour, Oparanya told Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi and his embattled Ford-Kenya counterpart, Moses Wetang’ula, to step aside and let new leadership take over in western Kenya.

Oparanya, who spoke during a tour of the western region on Saturday, 13th June, 2020, said that Mudavadi and Wetang’ula had been leading the region for a long time but had failed to deliver the goods.

The Council of Governors chairman, who was in the company of Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa on a relief food distribution mission in Bungoma County, said that the current western region leaders had failed to lead their people to the government.

According to Oparanya, a good father will always support his son to deliver what he failed to do while raising him. He urged Mudavadi and Wetang’ula to step aside and support other able leaders capable of redeeming the region.

Mudavadi in 2013 unsuccessfully ran for presidency. In 2017, Mudavadi and Wetang’ula joined ODM party leader Raila Odinga and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka to form Nasa, which failed to clinch the presidency with Raila as their flag bearer.

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Politics

Murkomen Tears Into Raila For Disowning Waiguru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen on Sunday June 14, 2020 tore into Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga moments after he denied holding any meeting with impeached Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru.

Raila on Sunday afternoon issued a statement distancing himself from the said meeting with Waiguru.

Raila in the statement noted that there does not exist any senate committee to investigate Waiguru’s impeachment and whose members from ODM he has instructed to save Waiguru as reported by the local daily.

Raila says that at the said hours of the meeting, he had a meeting with Laikipia women Representative Catherine Waruguru who was in the company of some Members of Parliament.

He says that their meeting had nothing to do with governor Waiguru’s tribulations.

Daily Nation Newspaper had on Sunday June 14 reported that Waiguru and Raila met on Thursday evening in efforts to help save her job, which is hanging by a thread after she was impeached by the county assembly last week and failed in her bid to block the move in court.

The local daily reported that Raila met Waiguru at an exclusive club in Karen, Nairobi, alongside a few aides, with the key agenda being whipping ODM and other “friendly” senators to defeat the motion against her.

It was further reported that Waiguru walked in a few minutes to 7pm accompanied by two aides. Then Kiambu Governor James Nyoro and his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga joined her before Mr Odinga and a few of his trusted MPs arrived.

But Murkomen while hitting out at Raila says that the former Prime Minister’s denial can only be taken seriously on Tuesday once Kenyans see the instructions has has allegedly given to Senate Minority leader James Orengo and Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo junior.

Murkomen says that Raila’s denial at the moment should be treated as a decoy.

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Raila with Waiguru
Politics

I Only Met Cate Waruguru at Night, Not Waiguru, Raila Dismisses Meeting With Ousted Kirinyaga Governor

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has denied holding a meeting with impeached Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru.

Daily Nation Newspaper had on Sunday June 14 reported that Waiguru and Raila met on Thursday evening in efforts to help save her job, which is hanging by a thread after she was impeached by the county assembly last week and failed in her bid to block the move in court.

The local daily reported that Raila met Waiguru at an exclusive club in Karen, Nairobi, alongside a few aides, with the key agenda being whipping ODM and other “friendly” senators to defeat the motion against her.

It was further reported that Waiguru walked in a few minutes to 7pm accompanied by two aides. Then Kiambu Governor James Nyoro and his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga joined her before Mr Odinga and a few of his trusted MPs arrived.

However, while responding to the claims, Raila has distanced himself from the said meeting. The former Prime Minister says that there does not exist any senate committee to investigate Waiguru’s impeachment and whose members from ODM he has instructed to save Waiguru as reported by the local daily.

Raila says that at the said hours of the meeting, he had a meeting with Laikipia women Representative Catherine Waruguru who was in the company of some Members of Parliament.

He says that their meeting had nothing to do with governor Waiguru’s tribulations.

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Politics

Ruto Allied MP Moves Motion to Impeach Uhuru’s Incompetent CS Macharia

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nyali Constituency MP Mohamed Ali alias Moha Jicho Pevu is in the process of moving a motion to impeach Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.

The vocal Journalist-turned politician through his official twitter account on Friday morning said he had decided to do so for the people of Mombasa, who are doomed to serious economic loss because of CS Macharia’s actions in forcing through patently illegal actions to prop up the profitability of the SGR.

He further noted that he was also doing it for the people of Kenya,who are saddled with projects that have not been completed under CS Macharia’s watch but have been,and have to be paid for.

The first term MP has accused CS Macharia 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 says CS Macharia was in gross violation of the constitution.

He also accuses the CS of gross misconduct contrary to the provisions of Article 125 of the Kenyan constitution. Mohamed Ali says 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.

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CS Macharia has 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.

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Moha Jicho Pevu notes that this is not something that he takes lightly,nor is it something that he is doing to serve the ends of political expediency.

He says, it would be a most callous action on his part to move this motion with no grounds to do so.

The vocal MP says it is in CS Macharia’s capacity as a public officer that he is asking the parliament to judge his actions and cease the sanction of impunity in his remaining term in office.

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Politics

Khalwale in Hot Soup Over Kakamega Relief Food

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Police have summoned former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale.

Taking to his official twitter account on Thursday June 11, 2020, Khalwale revealed that he was on his way to police station over his food donation events in Kakamega.

“Been summoned by the police to explain why I gave food to people in Kakamega. On my way,” he posted.

Khalwale was recently teargassed as police moved in to disperse a crowd he was addressing in Kakamega.

The police termed the public meeting at Muranda Primary School in Shinyalu Sub County illegal.

Khalwale and the residents including boda-boda riders were forced to scamper for safety in a nearby maize plantation as police hurled teargas canisters.

Before the meeting came to an abrupt end Khalwale had just started lashing out at trade unionist Francis Atwoli, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, area Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and leaders who attended a meeting held in Kajiado to deliberate on Luhya unity ahead of the 2022 elections.

As much as the vocal Deputy President William Ruto’s ally says that he has been summoned over the relief food he distributed in Kakamega, he might have been summoned for flouting Covid-19 rules by holding public gatherings without observing the measures put by government to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

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Politics

Atwoli Moves to Save Waiguru From Ouster

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

COTU boss Francis Atwoli now wants impeached Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru to be saved by the senate after she was on Tuesday ousted.

She was impeached after 23 out of 33 MCAs voted in support of a motion tabled to impeach her.

Atwoli has appealed to the Senate to save Waiguru for the sake of Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

The Cotu boss said it was wrong for the Kirinyaga MCAs to impeach the first-term governor at a time the BBI was entering the execution stages.

Atwoli asked the Senate to save Waiguru so that BBI activities in Mount Kenya are not interrupted. He added that Waiguru has been loyal to President Uhuru Kenyatta and has stood behind the activities of the Building Bridges Initiative.

Waiguru was one of the Mt Kenya leaders selected last year to lead the BBI campaign in the region following a meeting of Gema community leaders and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Atwoli in an interview with a local daily said Uhuru was using BBI to change how politics is run so Kenya remains stable and prosperous.

“If Waiguru is wrong, they can use the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to address any wrongdoing. However, we are calling for a dialogue,” Atowli said.

“There are many channels of addressing issues in our Constitution. It would be good if the MCAs considered them first.”

Atwoli said Waiguru is the only governor in Mount Kenya who has stood strongly with BBI.

“We are talking about changing the Constitution for good. This will help us stop violence during election periods and ensure the country’s stability,” Atwoli said.

Atwoli said he was confident that the BBI will go through and be implemented.

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BusinessPolitics

National, County Governments Agree on Terms For Gradual Re-opening of Economy

by PSCU
written by PSCU

A meeting of the national and county governments convened today by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi agreed on a raft of Covid-19 response measures to be put in place ahead of the gradual re-opening of the country’s economy.

The measures which are aimed at safeguarding Kenyans against the adverse health and socioeconomic impacts of Covid-19 include the attainment of a national 30,500 isolation bed capacity within one month.

The third extra-ordinary session of the national and county governments co-ordination summit set the target of 300 isolation beds for each county so as to deal with the rising cases of infections, currently in 35 of the country’s 47 counties.

In addition to raising the isolation bed capacity, the meeting which was also attended by Deputy President Dr William Ruto tasked county governments to review their fiscal and strategic plans for the 2020 to 2021 financial year to include Covid-19 prevention and control measures.

To address the growing public pressure to re-open places of worship including churches and mosques, the summit agreed to involve the Council Governors in the ongoing consultations being undertaken by an inter-faith council.

So as to ensure the smooth reopening of schools and other institutions of learning, the summit agreed to involve the Council of Governors in the ongoing education sector stakeholder consultations.

The consultations led by Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha will lead to the issuance of a new school calendar in line with the recent Presidential directive to re-open schools in September this year.

To keep track of today’s resolutions, the summit resolved to reconvene on Wednesday next week to among other matters, review: guidelines for the gradual re-opening of the economy; containment measures currently in place; and protocols for the progressive re-opening of places of worship.

In his remarks, President Kenyatta urged the two levels of government to work very closely with each other so as to find proper solutions to the Covid-19 economic and health crisis.

The President said the framers of the 2010 Constitution understood the desire for Kenyans to have proper and well-equipped health services closer to them and that’s why they decided to devolve healthcare.

However, the Head of State pointed out that the same drafters of the constitution were aware that as a country, in times of crisis, the two levels of government would need to sit down and come up with solutions for emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

“When this summit sits, its only business is Kenya. No party affiliations; no political distancing; and no ethnic divisionism. The summit becomes the soul of Kenya. That is why the pronouncements of this gathering, whenever we meet, become articles of our faith in ‘Project Kenya’,” President Kenyatta said.

He said the Covid-19 health crisis offers the best opportunity for the improvement of healthcare in the country.

“… this opportunity is also a blessing in disguise. We must embrace it and grow it. If we fight Coronavirus from the ground up; from the County up to the National levels, we cannot fail.  We will succeed,” the President said.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe applauded Governors for working closely with his ministry in the fight against Covid-19, saying cooperation is key in ensuring the country succeeds in dealing with the health crisis.

Mr Kagwe urged the County bosses to emulate Machakos County which he said has commissioned Jua Kali artisans to fabricate Covid-19 isolation beds.

“The Ministry of Health will continue to work very closely with County Governments so as to ensure we have win-win outcomes in every part of the country,” CS Mutahi said.

Treasury CS Ukur Yattani said his ministry was in the process of assessing the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the economy.

In his technical briefing, acting Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth said community preparedness is crucial in defeating Covid-19.

“Homecare as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) is the way to go now so as to ease the strain of the rising infections on our health facilities.

“WHO has provided guidelines on how to go about it (homecare), that we are translating into Swahili so as to ensure Mwananchi understands what is required of them,” Dr Amoth said.

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Politics

Another Tangatanga Member And Inua Mama Champion Dumps Ruto For Raila

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Just a day after Laikipia Women Representative Cate Waruguru dumped Deputy President William Ruto’s Tanga Tanga faction for ODM party leader Raila Odinga, another member of the political camp has defected.

Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, who has been a champion of Tanga tanga’s Inua Mama campaign on Tuesday paid allegiance to the Uhuru-Raila unity campaign.

Raila through his official twitter account revealed that he had received MP Korore, who expressed commitment to support the national programs aimed at uniting the nation.

At the same time, Raila revealed that he had also held talks with Coast region politicians Gideon Mung’aro and Suleiman Shahbal on range of issues touching on the development of the Coast.

“Received Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere who expressed commitment to support the national programs aimed at uniting our nation. I also held talks with Coast politicians @Hon_Mungaro and @SuleimanShahbal on a range of issues touching on the development of the Coast,” Raila tweeted.

Korere has been a staunch supporter of Ruto’s 2022 p[residential campaign and one of the founder members of the Inua Mama Group – a women lobby group that supports the DP.

The two Laikipia MPs, Waruguru and Korere, abandoned the DP just days after nominated MP Millicent Omanga, also a founding member of the Inua Mama Group, defected from Tanga Tanga.

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Susan Kihika Tears Gender CS Kobia Apart For Defending Waiguru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nakuru senator Susan Kihika on Wednesday June 10, 2020 tore into gender Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia after she defended ousted Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru.

Prof Kobia on Wednesday morning issued a statement condemning Waiguru’s impeachment.

Kobia in her statement termed the impeachment as an ‘indicator that some do not value strong women leadership.’

The CS said Waiguru’s impeachment during the Covid-19 global pandemic is a major injustice to women leadership.

She further demanded justice and due process to be followed in Waiguru’s impeachment.

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Her statement however, sparked a public uproar, with a section of netizens questioning why she remained mum when Susan Kihika was outed as senate majority whip.

Kihika decided to take on the CS, questioning why CS Kobia never defended her.

She went further to question whether the Ministry of Gender was aware that she is a woman, arguing that she was even ready to send her naked photos the ministry for them to confirm.

“Wondering if a similar letter from @CSMargaretKobia 4 @CecilyMbarire & I got lost in the mail? Could the Ministry of Gender not be aware that we are women too? Cess, perhaps it’s time for you & I to send Kobia our naked pics then she might stand up for us against the bully too,” she tweeted.

Responding to Kihika, senate Deputy Speaker Margaret Kamar said that the naked part was unnecessary, arguing that Kihika’s was different and there wasn’t any political witch-hunt.

She argued that Kihika was not loyal to her Jubilee party, whilst Waiguru’s case is full of mens rea.

“With all due respect Mheshimiwa, the naked part was unnecessary. Anyway, your cases were different & there wasn’t any political witch-hunt. You were NOT LOYAL to your party. Waiguru’s case is full of mens rea,” she tweeted.

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Politics

Governor Waiguru Impeached

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kirinyaga governor Ann Waiguru has been impeached.

23 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) on Tuesday June 9, 2020 voted to impeach the governor. She will however continue performing her duties as the Kirinyaga governor pending the senate hearing determination.

Some MCAs on Monday June 8 spent their night at the Assembly as they prepared to debate an impeachment motion against Governor Waiguru.

The MCAs, who claim to be the majority, trooped to the County Assembly premises on Monday night as they sharpened their tools to tackle the ouster motion against Waiguru.

There was confusion at the Assembly this morning as the pro-Waiguru group insisted that there is a valid court order stopping the impeachment while her opponents insisted that the orders had elapsed as the matter was not prosecuted.

The pro-impeachment MCAs said they have the support of 24 out of 33 members of the county assembly.There was confusion at the assembly as the order paper for the business to be transacted today had not been circulated.

The MCAs who wanted Waiguru out accused her of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office and gross misconduct.

But in her response, Waiguru termed the impeachment motion as ill-informed and ill-timed.

She said the issues raised in the motion are baseless and a waste of valuable time that would be better spent handling serious issues impacting the County including Covid-19 pandemic.

She further claimed that she sought and obtained a court order from the High Court stopping any proceedings by the Assembly the impeachment motion until the numerous issues that she had raised with the court are determined.

Waiguru further accused the MCAs of defying the Court order by thinking that they were above the law.

She has threatened to seek orders for contempt against the speaker of the Assembly and all participating members should they proceed with the motion.

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She is likely to move to the court to protest the decision by MCAs to kick her out.

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Mudavadi’s Term as ANC Boss Expires Monday, June 15, Osotsi Declares

by Gabriel Omolo
written by Gabriel Omolo

Amani National Congress (ANC) nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi has said that Musalia Mudavadi’s term as ANC boss expires Monday, June 15.

The lawmaker has demanded that the party conducts grassroot polls to elect new officials.

Osotsi’s claims comes amid drama being witnessed in Ford Kenya party.

The Office of Registrar of Political Parties on Monday June 8 gazetted intended changes in Ford Kenya party leadership amid deep divisions.

A section of the party members led by Secretary-General Esseli Simiyu met last week and voted to remove Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula as party leader.

The party intends to replace Wetangula with Kanduyi Member of Parliament Wafula Wamunyinyi on an interim basis.

In March last year, Osotsi and Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala laid claim to the political outfit and threatened to kick out Mudavadi and his team.

Senator Malala and Osotsi told Mudavadi to look for a political vehicle to run on in 2022 since he is no longer welcome in the party.

This came after Osotsi was kicked out of the party on Wednesday for failing to toe the line.

“The same mistake he is committing is the same mistake he did with UDF. I would advise him to start looking for a party to run on because ANC has its owners,” Malala said.

“The purported expulsion is null and void. How can you chase someone from a party that is not yours?”

Malala said Osotsi is a bonafide member of ANC and the legitimate secretary general and “is going nowhere”.

Osotsi said anyone who wants to ascertain the real owners of the party should check with the Registrar of Political Parties.

He said he formed ANC in 2015 alongside nine like-minded Kenyans and only roped in Mudavadi after he was kicked out of UDF.

Osotsi later made a surprise retreat, abandoning his hard stance on the ANC leadership.

his statement was reconciliatory. It was a far cry from his confrontational approach to party issues.

“I want to take this opportunity to extend an olive branch to everyone in the party who has perceived my seeking justice to mean undermining the leadership. Our party name,  Amani, stands for peace and in this era of the handshake, we need to be tolerant with each other and exercise utmost respect for each other’s choice of justice,” Osotsi said.

“However, this should not be mistaken as surrender, but an opportunity for the parties involved to create an enabling environment for dispute resolution and ensure peace and tranquillity in the party. “

In a rejoinder, the ANC, through secretary general Muluka, said it had yet to get communication from the MP.

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