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Mzee Had Clocked a Century Plus! Lee Njiru, Moi’s Press Secretary Declares His Real Age

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former President Daniel Arap Moi has died aged 102 or 103 years, and not 95 years.

This is according to his long serving press secretary Lee Njiru, who argues that Mzee Moi told him not to go by what is on his Identity card.

“Mzee told me many times not to go by what is on his ID,” Lee Njiru said through a phone call to Citizen Tv.

Lee Njiru who has been President’ Moi’s Press Secretary for over 40years.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday morning shared a proclamation statement confirming the passing on of Moi.

The retired Head of State has ailing for a long time despite several admissions to hospital.

Lee Njiru says Moi started walking using a walking stick then a wheelchair, noting that his decline was very worrying.

He has been hospitalized since October 10th 2019 and has never left hospital.

“He started walking using a walking stick then a wheelchair, I have seen a steady decline. His decline was very worrying. He has been hospitalized since October 10th 2019 & has never left hospital,” Njiru noted.

In October 2019, the former president was admitted to the Nairobi Hospital on Saturday after he developed breathing complications.

That was the second time in two weeks that the 95-year-old former president was being attended to at the city hospital.

The former President’s Press Secretary Lee Njiru at the time stated that Moi had been rushed to hospital on Monday for what was termed as a routine checkup.

“Yes, l can confirm that Mzee Moi visited The Nairobi Hospital for a routine medical check-up.

“It is prudent for any human being to undergo regular medical check-ups, so there is nothing to worry about,” remarked Njiru.

Njiru, however, avoided giving further information on the type of checkup the ailing ex-Head of State underwent at the facility.

In December 2018, the once Vice President during the reign of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta had been rushed to the same hospital for a similar routine checkup.

In May the same year, Moi had been taken ill at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, following a complaint of a previous knee injury.

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Politics

Moses Kuria Exposes Chief Goon Allegedly Plotting to Attack Him During Meru BBI Rally

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

An attack on Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria during Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally in Kitui seems not enough.

The controversial MP has foiled an alleged plot by goons to attack him and members of DP Ruto-allied Tangatanga leaders during the February 15 BBI rally in Meru.

Taking to his social media, Kuria posted an alleged message by an informer forewarning him against attending the rally without speaking to one Mike Makarena.

In the message, Makarena is described as the ‘Chief goon’ in Meru who is set to coordinate the purported humiliation of Tangatanga MPS should they set foot in the rally.

The author of the message, one Kiogora, also tells the MP to forewarn all the other MPS in his camp about this planned attack.

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu on Saturday during BBI rally in her county directed security officers at the function to eject Kuria out before he reportedly pleaded with them to return him to the dais.

DP William Ruto condemned the act of ejecting Kuria from the rally, saying it only served to roll back the democratic gains made over decades.

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Politics

Raila Leaves The Country For Prayers in The US

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

African Union Envoy Raila Odinga has departed Kenya this evening for the United States.

The former Prime Minister will be attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.

According to a post he shared on his social media pages, he will also hold a Roundtable meeting with African Ambassadors in the US to brief them on the Continent’s Infrastructure and continental trade agenda.

Raila is AU’s highest representative for Infrastructure and development.

“Departing for the USA to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. I shall also hold a Roundtable meeting with African Ambassadors there to brief them on the Continent’s Infrastructure and continental trade agenda,” he tweeted.

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Politics

VIDEO: Kila Mtu Afanye Kazi Yake na Tuheshimiane, Ruto Hits Back at Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has hit back at President Uhuru Kenyatta, who on Friday swore to stop sending representatives to launch projects on his behalf, saying they had failed him.

Uhuru’s statement was subtly directed at Ruto, who had launched the last mile connectivity project in Nyandarua county, only for it to stall.

”I came here to see myself whether the people in this region had been connected to the national grid as alleged by the people I had sent here…why are they not yet connected? I will not be sending people anymore, I will come by myself,” an angry Uhuru said while addressing residents of Nyandarua.

A defiant Ruto, however, on Sunday, maintained that he would continue flagging off development projects around the country since that was part of his job description, as deputy president.

”Hiyo kazi nitafanya na bidii. Hii ya barabara…na ya maji, na ya stima, na ya kusomesha watoto wetu…kwa sababu kazi ya deputy president ni hiyo nafanya (I will work even harder to steer roads, water, electricity, and education programs….what I am doing is the work of the deputy president)” the politician said during a church function in Kisii.

Ruto added that defamatory utterances could no longer fool Kenyans, as they are intelligent enough to observe who has delivered in his/her docket, and who has not.

”Wananchi wako na akili. Watajua ni nani wa kufanya kazi, na ni nani wa kupiga story (Kenyans are an intelligent lot. They can decipher who is a hard worker and who is a busy body),” the DP said.

”Tulikubaliana Kenya wajinga waliisha (We all agreed that there are no longer fools in Kenya),” he added.

He further asked his fellow politicians to stop interfering with his work as the second in command.

”Kuna mtu analalamika hapa DP anafanya kazi yake? Iko mtu analalamika nimefanya kazi yake? (Is there anyone who can claim that I am doing his job?),” the irate deputy head of state sarcastically posited.

He was speaking during the consecration of Reverend Joseph Omwoyo Ombasa, as the Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya.

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Politics

Ruto Responds to Moses Kuria’s Harassment by Goons During Kitui BBI Rally

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has broken his silence following the brutality that Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria faced during a BBI rally in Kitui on Saturday.

The second in command has called upon leaders to take an inclusivity approach to Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) politics.

Speaking during the consecration of the second Diocesan Bishop, Rev Joseph Omwoyo Ombasa, in Kisii, Ruto termed the use of brutal force against individuals with differing opinions as primitive.

”Nataka niwaulize viongozi hao wengine wote, tuwache makelele na fujo na ubabe na mambo hayo ambayo yanaturudisha nyuma (my appeal to all leaders is that they should stop bickering, using excessive force and dictatorship, among other backward practices),” Ruto said.

He preached the message of honorable dialogue, insisting on the need to hear out all opinions, on matters of national discourse.

‘‘Kama ni mjadala mnafanya tuweke heshima, tuweke ungwana, tusikize yale yanasemekana na mtu yeyote, humpendi, unampenda (On matters of national interest, let us take a respectful approach and hear each other out, whether you like a particular person or not),” the DP added.

He further called for an equitable dialogue platform, terming all views as imperative.

”Hakuna maoni yanayozidi maoni mengine (there is no opinion that is superior to the other),” the emotional deputy head of state said.

He noted that ongoing BBI discussion should not be reserved for a particular group of people, rather, it should be opened up to all, including the common mwananchi. 

Kuria was on Saturday almost driven out of the venue of a BBI rally, where ODM leader Raila Odinga was in attendance, after area governor Charity Ngilu, asserted that people who were disrespectful to President Uhuru Kenyatta were not welcome at the event.

It is only after the crowd intervened that Kuria was allowed back into the rally.

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Politics

Drama as Moses Kuria is Chased Away From Kitui BBI Rally (See Video)

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

There was drama in Kitui when Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria was ordered to leave the ongoing BBI rally minutes after arriving.

Kuria who was in the company of senate majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen were blocked by security personnel from accessing the podium where ODM leader Raila Odinga, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu had sat.

The crowd at the stadium after seeing that the two leaders were being frustrated, began chanting ‘Wapewe Viti’.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwa who read the resolutions by the Ukambani leaders, was forced to cut it short after the chaos erupted.

Things got ugly and Kuria was chased away from the podium.

In an act of defiance, the controversial MP opted to sit on the ground in front of the podium.

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu was heard urging supporters to eject the feisty legislator for his continued attack against president Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Nobody will abuse Mheshimiwa Rais Uhuru Kenyatta na aingie kwa mkutano yangu, hakuna atolewe, aendee!” Ngilu ordered.

Calm was later restored and Mr Kuria was allowed back upon intervention of former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

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Politics

Details: Sonko’s Secret Night Meeting With Raila

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Embattled Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko on Friday night held a secret meeting with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The discussions of the meeting revolved around Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

During the meeting, Raila certified Gov Sonko as a BBI compliant.

According to details shared on social media by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Simon Mbugua, Sonko promised Raila to use his mobilization skills, network and resources to campaign for BBI in Nairobi County.

Image may contain: 2 people, people sitting
Governor Mike Sonko with ODM Party leader Raila Odinga during the meeting. PHOTO/COURTESY

Sonko also unveiled BBI branded vehicles and lorries to be used for the campaign’s/ awareness.

Image

“P.M Raila Odinga yesternight certified Gov Sonko as BBI compliant.Sonko also unveiled BBI branded vehicles and lorries to be used for the campaign’s/ awareness. Sonko promised BABA to use his mobilization skills, network and resources to campaign for BBI in Nairobi County,” Mbugua shared on facebook.

Governor Sonko also made BBI-branded T-Shirts, with some Kenyans speculating that he he decided to dance to BBI tune after seeing what had happened to his Kiambu counterpart Ferdinand Waititu.

Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans.

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Politics

Journalists, Members of The Public Chased Out of Uhuru’s Function in Kirinyaga

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Drama ensued after Journalists were on Saturday denied entry into President Uhuru Kenyatta’s public baraza at Wang’uru stadium in Kirinyaga county.

Members of the public who are not on the chiefs’ lists were also locked out of the event.

They were blocked by security agents from accessing the President Kenyatta’s function.

President Kenyatta is meeting locals at the Wang’uru stadium.

Uhuru is visiting Central Kenya where he is launching a host of projects aiming at reducing rebellion in his backyard.

On Friday, he visited Nyandarua County where he launched Njabini-Naivasha road worth Sh1.8 billion.

After Kirinyaga County trip on Saturday, Uhuru will visit the expansive Meru region where he is set to commission projects.

This is not the first time we are seeing people getting locked out of Uhuru’s events.

Politicians allied to his Deputy, Dr William Ruto have been locked out of his events in the recent past.

On Friday, drama ensued at Nyandarua County Commissioner’s office in Ol Kalou town after area MP, Ken Mukira and Nyandarua Women Representative Faith Gitau were bundled out of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s function.

Several MCAs allied to the Tangatanga wing of Jubilee party were also chased away by security officials minutes before kickoff of a presidential function.

Senator Susan Kihika and MP David Gikaria were also subjected to the same treatment after they were barred from attending a public function in Nakuru where President Kenyatta issued title deeds.

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46 Headed to Kitui BBI Rally Narrowly Escape Death as Their Bus is Swept

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Forty six people who were heading to a Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally in Kitui have narrowly escaped death after a bus they were travelling in was swept by floodwaters from River Waani, Makueni county.

However, no one was injured in the 9.30 am accident along Tawa -Itangini road.

According to Mbooni East Police Commander Agnes Omojong’ , the victims were calling for help from the curious crowd that was building up at the scene.

Makueni MCA Denis Masavu confirmed the vehicle was one of those hired to ferry Makueni residents to the BBI rally in Kitui on Saturday.

The Kitui chapter of BBI rallies is the fourth one after Kisii, Kakamega and Mombasa respectively.

Those expected to attend the Kitui rally include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, Makueni’s Kivutha Kibwana and Alfred Mutua of Machakos.

The Ukambani leaders who have publicly expressed their political differences will meet on the same podium.

On Friday, Tanga Tanga members who are allied to Deputy President Dr William Ruto said that they would attend the Kitui rally.

This is after they cancelled their planned parallel rallies days after DP Ruto getting summoned to State House by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Tanga Tanga group was set to hold their first rally on February 8, 2020 in Nakuru.

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Ulikula Pesa na Bibi Yako! Angry Uhuru Mocks Waititu After Impeachment

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has broken his silence on embattled Ferdinand Waititu’s woes.

The head of state on Friday remarked that Waititu’s fate was destined to happen.

Speaking in Nyandarua after launching a Ksh 1.8 billion road project, the president noted that the embattled ex-governor had himself to blame for the mess.

He stated that the ouster of the leader had nothing to do with politics.

President Uhuru went on to mock the politician and pointed out that it was a shame Waititu’s wife and children were roped into the case.

“Stop bringing politics into this matter. You(Waititu), your wife and children ate money belonging to the people that elected you. Thus you must return that you ate to them.

“Stop saying this is politics because you did this alone and you should carry your cross now,” uttered the Head of State.

The Jubilee party leader further pointed out that the controversial politician’s demise was just an example of the things to come in the future.

He indicated that it should serve as a lesson to the governors currently facing corruption charges.

The Commander-in-chief highlighted that the corrupt leaders should be aware that Kenya had changed and the citizens will not tolerate such behaviours.

At one point, Uhuru jokingly articulated that Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemiah should be warry of his MCAs or he may end up like Waititu.

“I was telling Kimemia, tread carefully here. Talk to your army(MCAs) well. Guard the property belonging to your people. If you try stretching your arm, it will be shortened and that is where they will pin you,” advised the leader of the ruling party.

He added, “If that happens, you(Kimemia) will start saying that Uhuru is after me. I am not after you. The people you steal from are the one who will come after you.

Watch the video below:

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Politics

Tangatanga Members Change Tune on BBI Days After Uhuru Summoning Ruto to State House

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

There is confusion in Jubilee’s Tanga Tanga faction over their stand on Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

The Deputy President Dr William Ruto allied lawmakers led by Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday changed their tune on BBI again, making another major declaration.

Just a few days ago, Tanga Tanga members announced the beginning of their own BBI rallies after their Naivasha retreat.

They announced that the first rally will be held in Nakuru County on February 8, 2020.

They outlined that the ongoing rallies spear-headed by handshake partner Raila Odinga have proved to be politically inclined.

However, the group has changed their tune, announcing that they will not be having their parallel rallies again.

The DP Ruto’s allies led by Senator Murkomen have now vowed to attend all BBI rallies across the country, dropping their intentions to run parallel events.

This comes days after President Uhuru Kenyatta summoned Ruto to State House over the Parallel BBI Rallies.

President Uhuru on Monday, January 27, summoned his deputy William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, and gave him a dressing down over parallel BBI meetings planned by the DP’s allies.

The head of state read a riot act to Ruto expressing his displeasure at the persistent attempts by the DP’s lieutenants to frustrate efforts of uniting Kenyans through the BBI, which is a brainchild of the March 9, 2018, handshake Uhuru had with ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

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Gov’t Commences Generation & Issuance of Huduma Namba Cards

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The government has commenced generation nd issuance of Huduma Namba cards and electronic Identity Cards.

This is after the High Court on January 30 agreed to the roll-out of the National Integrated Identification Management System in favour of the government.

The schedule for the roll out of the process is set to be announced later.

A three-judge bench ruled on Thursday that Huduma Namba is lawful.

The justices did, however, note that the collection of DNA and GPS data were not only unconstitutional but also intrusive and unnecessary.

In a statement on Friday, Spokesman Cyrus Oguna said the ruling allows the generation of Huduma Namba to eligible Kenyans who registered.

Oguna said they will give Scheduled dates for the collection and issuance of the cards.

In February last year, a petition was filed challenging the implementation of NIMS barring the government from proceeding with the generation of e-ID.

The case was filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Nubian Rights Forum and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR).

They questioned the implementation of a digital platform that will digitise and centralise records of vital life events of citizens and foreigners in Kenya.

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Politics

James Nyoro Finally Sworn in as 3rd Kiambu County Governor

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ousted Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu’s deputy Dr James Nyoro has finally been sworn in as the third governor of Kiambu County.

Kiambu Chief Magistrate Patriciah Gichohi was the Master of Ceremony for the day and led proceedings.

High Court Judge John Oyiengo administered the oath of office at the ceremony attended by various leaders from Kiambu and beyond.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly a day after Nyoro’s scheduled swearing-in on Thursday, January 30 failed to take off as Oyiengo noted that organizers of the ceremony had failed to comply with various constitutional provisions.

The court on Thursday declined to grant Waititu orders to stop the swearing in of Nyoro as the new county chief.

Waititu on Thursday morning moved to Milimani Law Courts where he sought the orders and filed a suit challenging the senate’s majority vote to endorse his impeachment.

Waititu, argued that the Senate did not properly evaluate the impeachment motion forwarded from the County Assembly in December last year, that voted to send him parking over abuse of office and other charges.

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Governor Dhadho Godhana Thrown Into Deep Mourning

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Tana River County governor Dhadho Godhana has been thrown into deep mourning.

On Friday morning, the county boss announced the passing on of his father Mzee Yona Hiribae Godhana.

Governor Godhana noted that death had robbed him a man who gave him grounded advice on many issues and who had a rich institutional memmory.

“Sad day.I lost my father, Mzee Yona Hiribae Godhana, this morning.Death has robbed me of a man who gave me grounded advice on many issues and who had a rich institutional memory. Fare thee well PAPA,” he tweeted.

His Kilifi .counterpart Amason Jeffer Kingi and Mombasa’s Hassan Ali Joho have joined him in mourning.

Kingi in his condolence message prayed that God grants Godhana strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

“We stand with you and the family during this difficult time & pray that God grants you strength & fortitude to bear this loss,” Kingi tweeted.

Joho on his part also wished strength for governor Godhana.

“My heartfelt condolences to you H.E Maj. (Rtd) @EGodhana following the passing on of your father Mzee Yona Hiribae Godhana. We in Mombasa wish you strength during this mourning period. May the Almighty God rest Mzee’s soul in eternal peace,” Joho tweeted.

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Sonko Reinstates Sacked Super Minister in a Quick Cabinet Reshuffle

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi county governor Mike Sonko who is running his operations outside his office has yet again made a quick reshuffle to his cabinet.

In the reshuffle, Sonko has reinstated Charles Kerich to his cabinet after firing him last month.

Mohamed Dagane who was also sent packing at the time was also drafted back.

Kerich and Dagane will play the role of CECs for Lands docket and Road docket respectively.

While restoring the two, the embattled Sonko also reshuffled his cabinet with the immediate former Lands CEC Pauline Kahiga and ex- Agriculture department head, Winfrend Gathangu, sent home.

Others officials given new dockets include Vesca Kangogo from Health and Environment to Devolution and Hitan Majevda will now head the Health department.

Reports have it that Kerich’s reinstatement was due to being innocent in the Precious Talents Academy tragedy.

Kerich and Dagane met their unfortunate fate after they were kicked out of office following the calamity that took the lives of 8 pupils in 2019.

The owner of the school, Moses Wainaina, explained that the county administration dug a sewer line behind the classrooms that would have caused the accident.

Following concerns raised by the public over the matter, the controversial leader took action after promising to get to the bottom of the matter.

Sonko on his part, claimed that rogue officials behind the catastrophe would be held responsible and justice sought for the families of the victims.


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Khalwale: If the Senate Votes For Removal of Gov Waititu, The High Court Will Reinstate Him

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Kakamega County senator Boni Khalwale has claimed that the High Court will reinstate embattled Kiambu County governor Ferdinand Waititu should the senate vote for his removal.

Waititu on Tuesday made a passionate appeal for senators to allow justice prevail as they hear an impeachment motion against him.

According to Waititu, the impeachment was driven by propaganda and political differences in the county.

“The whole process is politically instigated and the allegations against me lack basis and should be treated as so,” he said.

He fought to convince senators that the Kiambu County Assembly did not meet the threshold when they passed the verdict.

While the threshold is two thirds of the membership or 62 Members of the County Assembly, only 57 were present.

“I urge you to be fair in dispensing this motion, some of you might find yourselves in the same precarious position. Your decision today will inform decisions for such motions in future,” Waititu said.

Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen urged the House to allow the preliminary objections be determined first since the contention was whether an impeachment took place or not.

Lawyer Nani Mungai for the County Assembly said Waititu has been charged with accountability issues and abuse of office.

Solomon Kinuthia the MCA who moved the motion, was hard pressed to produce evidence that indeed the required number of members participated in the impeachment motion.

Senators are today (Wednesday) set to vote on whether the impeachment the Kiambu County boss should proceed after the plenary hearings which kicked off on Tuesday.

If the Senators agree to proceed with the impeachment hearings, Waititu will be given a chance to defend himself and even call witnesses to help him fight off the impeachment by MCAs who want him kicked out over several charges, including abuse of office, contravention of public finance management act.

Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka gave guidelines that allow Senators to make an informed decision when it votes on whether to impeach or not impeachment.

Waititu, his wife Susan Wangari and some of the officials in his administration were charged late last year with corruption-related offences.

They are out on bond but the court barred Waititu from accessing his office until the case is heard and determined.

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