Home Latest News Politics
Category:

Politics

President Uhuru Kenyatta has told his Deputy Dr William Ruto that his relationship with ODM party leader Raila Odinga is unstoppable.

His message to the DP was issued in a closely guarded meeting between the two leaders on Monday afternoon at State House.

According to People’s Daily, the President is said to have summoned his deputy in the morning, but the meeting did not start until after two hours of Ruto’s arrival at State House, Nairobi, where none of the officials present were willing to confirm the talks.

Sources who spoke to the local daily revealed that the President told Ruto to his face that he has to stop the insubordination as well as frustrating his (Uhuru’s) unity efforts.

“He (Uhuru) told the DP that if he thought he was going to stop him from working with Raila in the unity bid he was daydreaming,” a source was quoted by the local daily.

The revelations come barely a day after President Uhuru, while addressing a gathering in Bahati Nakuru, emphasized that his course to unite the county apparently through the BBI was unstoppable.

The president in a bold declaration said the path of bringing the country together is one of his key plans as he serves his last term and no one will tell him otherwise.

“I will not be stopped in my bid to unite the country. That is the position I have taken moving forward in that direction. I want to ensure Kenyans remain peaceful during and after General Elections every five years,” said Uhuru.

The developments come in the wake of looming tension in the county after Tanga Tanga leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto announced parallel rallies to that led by the ODM leader and his allies.

The Ruto-allies despite announcing earlier that they will be a party to each rally led by the ODM leader made a sudden u-turn after there Naivasha meeting saying they had decided to hold different rallies to reinforce on the already scheduled ones.

A group of MPs sensationally claimed yesterday their colleagues allied to DP Ruto were plotting to impeach President Kenyatta.

Addressing the press at the Parliament Buildings, the 32 legislators from the Kieleweke faction of Jubilee and ODM claimed Ruto allies were out to oust the President because they were unhappy with his Handshake deal with Raila and its resultant Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

The legislators, who included the Leader of Minority in the National Assembly John Mbadi, Minority Whip Junet Mohammed and Kieni MP Kanini Kega, were reacting the Naivasha retreat meeting by Tanga Tanga.

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

A section of Tanga Tanga members, a Jubilee Party faction associated with Deputy President William Ruto are now blaming Raila Odinga-led ODM party for their woes.

The Tanga Tanga group over the weekend held a retreat meeting in Naivasha which they termed as Jubilee party Parliamentary Group meeting.

However, their meeting was on Monday evening dismissed by Jubilee party Secretary General Raphael Tuju.

Tuju through a notice issued on Monday evening said the Naivasha meeting convened by members of its Tanga Tanga faction, was not a PG meeting.

Tuju said that such a meeting cannot and will never qualify to be a PG meeting.

According to Tuju, a PG meeting is only valid when it is convened and chaired by party leader or such other person whom the party leader may delegate the role.

He added that any resolutions of any meeting not convened in accordance with party’s provisions are not official party’s resolutions.

However, Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei who is a tanga tanga member that was present in Naivasha retreat meeting says that Tuju is pushing an ODM narrative.

He accuses Tuju of working together with the enemies who are plotting to kill Jubilee.

According to Cherargei, their enemies fear that Jubilee has become a formidable political party with a national outlook.

“Tuju is pushing an ODM narrative & he is in bed with enemies & merchants who want to kill jubilee. they fear that jubilee has become a formidable political party with a national outlook.
I didn’t know being a CS without a portfolio is this idle,” he tweeted.

The Tanga Tanga MPs had announced the beginning of their own BBI rallies after the retreat.

The MPs said that the first rally will be held in Nakuru County on February 8, 2020.

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

The MPs noted that part of their recommendations on the BBI report include a 5% allocation of the national budget to go to farmers in Kenya.

They also recommended another 5% to be allocated to the unemployed or job seeking graduates in Kenya as a stipend to cater for their needs before they get a stable source of income.

Lastly, the Tanga Tanga squad recommended 3.5% allocation of the national budget to be directed to of the Judiciary arm of government for it to act independently.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has today (Monday) hosted the US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter at his office in Bungoma town.

The Ambassador had paid a visit to discuss on issues in the county more specifically on the governor’s projects including the scholarships and vocational training and also skills and development among the people of Kenya focusing more on the residents of Bungoma.

Addressing the members of the press, Ambassador McCarter noted that their aim is to visit the whole country to create awareness and understanding to the people of Kenya so that they should always focus on what’s best for them and not for the interests of any politician.

He expressed his satisfaction to the county government’s projects more so on scholarships that have seen many students from humble backgrounds but with dreams acquire education.

He further appreciated the presence of vocational training centres which will give a chance to people with different skills but did not secure a chance to go to colleges to showcase their abilities.

“Just because one did not go to university does not mean they have no talent. Neither does it mean they can’t harness their talents to make as much money as the next person,” Ambassador McCarter said.

McCarter further committed support from the American government to improve the infrastructure and capacity of vocational training centres in Bungoma county.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Western Kenya leaders allied to Deputy President Dr William Ruto were on Saturday barred from accessing Nzoia Sugar Company premises.

Led by National Parliament chief whip Benjamin Washiali, the Tanga Tanga members had gone to the the factory to discuss with the management aiming at reaching a solution to revive the lost glory of the company.

However, their efforts bore no fruits when the security team barred them from entering the company’s premises.

This act prompted them to address the public from the outside the company’s ground where they strongly condemned the act claiming that it was the government’s property and everyone had a right to access it.

The seemingly disappointed Washiali who was in the company of former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Matungu MP Justus Murunga, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, Sirisia MP John Walukhe and former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale expressed his dissatisfaction towards the act.

“We have come here as leaders to find a way to solve the challenge that is affecting us due to the collapse of the company and has therefore pulled down the economic prosperity of this region and yet they have locked us out,” he ranted .

Dan Wanyama called upon president Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene and help to revive the ailing miller.

The lawmaker noted that through its revival, the farmers, workers and even the surrounding community will benefit from the economic value of the company.

The very sentiments were echoed by his Bumula counterpart Mwambu Mabonga who also noted that the fall of Nzoia has been a nightmare to the region and hence contributed to the fall of developments in the region starting from the families which are struggling to make the ends meet.

He called upon the leaders to come on board and coordinate with the Nzoia managerial team to find a solution as soon as possible.

He also promised that when they have a parliamentary seating next month, the issue will be taken to the agricultural committee so as they also chip in to find a solution to this menace.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party communication boss Philip Etale has narrated his experience in the Indian Ocean that almost took his life.

Etale who was in the Kenya’s coast for the third consultative BBI meeting on Friday dropped by the Sarova Whitesands for coffee at the Cocos Beach bar with his friends.

While at the beach, Etale says a boat operator approached him, convincing him to take a ride in the deep sea alongside his friends at a cost of Ksh 3,000.

While narrating the ordeal, Etale says he fall for the ride and had to convince his friends to go along with him for an adventure in the sea.

Three of his friends refused to take the challenge, but he managed to convince some four other friends.

They were quickly ushered into the waiting speed boat then the journey began.

He says the sea was calm and the ride became smooth and smoother.

After doing like about three and half kilometers and the excitement continued to increase, they started taking selfies, talking happily and laughing at their own jokes.

However, things started turning soar.

All of a sudden, Etale says the engine went off and all went quiet.

One of the operators said to them that the boat had run out of fuel.

All this while, the boat was just dancing on the water lifeless. Panic struck them for ten minutes as they just stagnated at one place floating on the water and shouting at the operators.

The operators then tried as much as they could to switch on the engine and eventually managed after a long struggle.

The ODM communication boss has vowed never to try the challenge ever again after surviving the ordeal.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has exposed the man who attacked him during the Mombasa Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) consultative meeting in Mombasa.

Taking to his social media accounts after the rally, Kuria revealed the man’s identity.

Image may contain: 1 person, suit
Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok. Photo/courtesy

When ODM party leader Raila Odinga arrived at Mama Ngina water front, the venue of the event, Kuria happened not to have stood up.

It is at this point that Nairobi Makongeni ward MCA Peter Imwatok  accosted him and took away his BBI hat.

In video footage making rounds on social media, a group of people were recorded heckling the MP as he tried to fire back verbally.

He, however, resisted all attempts as he ‘defended his seat’.

Mr Kuria also revealed that the MCA  is also the ODM minority whip in Nairobi County. 

He cried out to Raila, seemingly calling action against the MCA.

“Dear Raila Amolo Odinga. This is the idiot MCA Peter Imwatok of Makongeni, Nairobi who accosted me, took away my BBI hat and even my seat at the Mombasa BBI meeting. He is also the ODM minority whip in Nairobi County. My fault? Refusing to stand up when Baba entered the venue. Question: Baba is this how Kenya would be if you were to become President? ” he posted.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Tanga tanga members, the leaders allied to Deputy president Dr William Ruto are likely to miss seats at the main daises during the Mombasa BBI rally.

On Saturday noon, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Communications Philip Etale through his social media handles said that the main daises were already full.

Etale said that leaders from all walks of life, elected, nominated and appointed had already arrived at the Mama Ngina Water Front, the venue of the event.

He further cautioned those who were waiting to come late for the sake of sideshows, noting that he was sorry for them.

“Leaders from all walks of life, elected, nominated and appointed have already arrived at the Mama Ngina Water Front. The main daises are full. People have volunteered to be here. Anyone waiting for sideshows by virtue of coming late, pole,” he posted.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Susan Kihika (Nakuru senator), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South MP), Alice Wahome (Kandara MP), Mohamed Ali (Nyali MP) and Aisha Jumwa (Malindi MP) are the Tanga Tanga members expected at the BBI meeting.

On Friday, Murkomen revealed that he had been threatened that if he attend the Mombasa BBI meeting, he shall be humiliated by being denied a seat,not being allowed to talk or even if he will be allowed to talk, he shall be heckled.

He however noted that he will attend the meeting despite all the intimidation that is awaiting him.

“I have been threatened that if I attend the Mombasa BBI meeting I shall be humiliated by being denied a seat,not being allowed to talk or even if I am allowed to talk I shall be heckled.If that’s what it takes to unite this country so be it&I am ready to absorb.Tukutane Mombasa,” he posted.

Earlier on Friday, a press conference by Jumwa and Ali was disrupted by youths, with the two accusing their political detractors of being behind the act.

Ali and Jumwa have insisted that Coast leaders be given the opportunity to lead the discussions. Ali said only local leaders understand the issues affecting their constituents.

He wants issues touching on ports, SGR, health and employment, among interests, given priority.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Mumias East Member of Parliament Benjamin Washiali has been summoned by Court to explain why pupils are swimming across a river to attend school.

Washiali has been summoned alongside MCA Radoli and county officers.

Pupils have been forced to swim or walk across River Lusumu to get to Petros Primary School in Mumias East in Kakamega county after a bridge was swept away along the river.

The temporary wooden footbridge they used was swept away by floods in December when schools were closed.

While responding on the matter, the area legislator, alongside other leaders affiliated to Kakamega county administration, shoved the responsibility for restoring the bridge to the parents.

Washiali, further added that the problem could be mitigated by pupils attending the school within their respective side of the river, thus eliminating the need to move across. Parents and teachers have since expressed their frustration at the leaders for trivializing the matter.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri’s woes seem to be not yet over after getting axed by president Uhuru Kenyatta over incompetence.

An ongoing investigations into alleged illegal payment of Sh1.8 billion for maize supply got Kiunjuri grilled by EACC officers on Monday.

He was summoned to the EACC offices where he spent the better part of Monday afternoon responding to the questions from detectives on the payment to Commodity House Limited on June 28, 2019 for maize supply to National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB).

According to reports by The Standard, Kiunjuri was summoned through a letter dated January 14 – on the same day he was fired by President Uhuru Kenyatta and replaced by Peter Munya.

The letter states the commission is investigating allegations of corruption in the supply and delivery of white maize in the financial year 2016/2017 which was procured by the ministry.

Former Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe was also questioned over the matter.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has dragged Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege into IEBC official Chris Msando’s murder.

Speaking during his much anticipated press conference on the matter,the controversial MP said Sabina Chege had accompanied him to Roysambu at the time when he was photographed standing next to Msando’s car.

He however denied knowing any information saying he had gone there after unidentified women informed him that they had spotted the IEBC official’s car at a time when he was said to have been missing.

Kuria further said he and Chege later recorded statements with DCI on what they knew.

I had had to live with a barrage of accusations and innuendos that linked mt to the death of Chris Msando. This was because I had taken a photo of Msando somewhere in RoysambuI want the media to know on that day, there was reporting that Chris Msando had disappeared. Citizen TV circulated a photo of his vehicle. I was in Murang’a County on that day campaigning and after we were done, a media personality covering our campaign informed me that Msando’s vehicle had been found in Roysambu.

I was in the company of among others, Murang’s Woman Rep Sabina Chege. We called the OCPD Kasarani Police Division even before getting to the scene. I and Sabina Chege were later escorted to the scene, all along we were in the company of police officers. Withing two days, myself and Sabina were summoned by DCI Nairobi area and recorded statement,” Kuria said.

The MP called on the media and members of the public to forthwith cease linking him with the murder of Chris Msando which he said was unfairly tarnishing his reputation.


0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Deputy President Dr William Ruto has finally apologized to Machakos County governor Dr Alfred Mutua over the complain the county chief reported at Kilimani police station.

The DP who was in Machakos on Sunday acknowledged that indeed he had wronged the governor when they greeted each other at an event at State House.

He asked for forgiveness, arguing that his handshake with governor Mutua went beyond the limits against his wish.

Ruto noted that as a hustler, he is used to handling tough things and that he might have forgotten and pressed governor Mutua’s hand with more effort unknowingly.

The second in command who was speaking at St. Christopher Catholic Parish – Kyumbi, Maanzoni, Machakos County during a church service urged the clerics present to extend his apologies to Dr Mutua.

He further urged the locals to forgive him for the incident.

However, the DP failed to acknowledge the threat claims raised by governor Mutua as he only reiterated on the handshake.

Watch the video of DP Ruto apologizing to governor Mutua via this tweet

Mutua in December last year recorded a statement with the police alleging threats to his life.

He claimed that Ruto, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Garissa Town MP Aden Duale on two different occasions threatened him with unspecified consequences because of his statements on integrity issues. 

Mutua said he decided to go public because he felt the threats cannot be treated lightly for the sake of his personal security.

“Should anything unusual happen to me or members of my family or my associates, the three should be held accountable,” said Mutua, after reporting the matter at Kilimani Police Station.

Mutua said at an evening event at State House, he extended his hand and greeted Ruto.

The governor went on to detail the alleged verbatim conversation.

Mutua: Hello, Your Excellency Sir.

Ruto: (Holding on to his hand) Wewe jamaa umekuwa ukinichapa sana (you fellow, you have been attacking me very much).

Mutua: Your Excellency…

Ruto: (Still holding on to his hand tightly) Wewe lazima sasa nikugonge. Nitakugonga. (I must now hit you. I will hit you).

Mutua: Your Excellency, Sir, maybe we can talk about…

Ruto: (Pushing Mutua aside) Wewe ngoja utaona (wait, you’ll see).

Duale: (Pointing at my chest) Si tulikuambia (didn’t we warn you?)

Mutua said he has been disturbed by these threats and believes that Ruto is capable of carrying out the threat to his life and general welfare.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has penned an emotional message to his late father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, whose 26th anniversary is today.

Raila in his message said Oginga Odinga’s patriotic and selfless actions remain engraved in the hearts of those who knew him and in the collective memory of the nation he helped build.

He further noted that Oginga’s memory remains a permanent presence in his absence.

“26 years ago you took a journey from our beloved country never to return. Your patriotic and selfless actions remain engraved in the hearts of those who knew you and in the collective memory of the nation you helped build. Your memory remains a permanent presence in your absence,” he tweeted.

Raila’s Orange party joined him in penning emotional messages to the late father of democracy.

ODM in their message described Oginga odinga as doyen of opposition politics in Kenya, a legend, the Father of democracy and a luminary in the struggle for the second liberation.

ODM further noted that Jaramogi’s legacy and aspirations still live on.

“Today, 26 years ago, the DOYEN of opposition politics in Kenya, a LEGEND, the Father of DEMOCRACY and a LUMINARY in the struggle for the second liberation RESTED. His legacy and aspirations still live on. Continue Resting in Peace Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga,” ODM tweeted.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Deputy President Dr William Ruto has been dealt another major blow after president Uhuru Kenyatta backed key ODM leader Raila Odinga’s pointman for a top seat.

Uhuru has backed Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya to retain his position at the helm of the Council of Governors when they vote on Monday, January 20.

Reports by The Star indicate that the Head of State’s support has already been communicated to a number of governors, making it easier for Oparanya to extend his reign by another year.

This, however, is a big blow to Deputy President William Ruto and his allies who had reportedly lined up Mandera’s Ali Roba as Oparanya’s possible replacement. Roba later said he was not vying and that he will support Oparanya.

“For the record, Governor Roba is not running for any position at the CoG and will throw his support behind Oparanya. He is not aligned to any other camp,” Roba’s chief of staff, David Ohito, was quoted by The Star.

This reportedly left the DP’s camp still searching for a preferred candidate by as late as Sunday evening.

The President is believed to have thrown his weight behind the Kakamega chief when he met some governors last Tuesday in Mombasa. He is said to have been impressed by Oparanya’s tenure at the helm of CoG.

Last year, Oparanya was voted unanimously as the CoG Chairman against six contestants namely: Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga County), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu County), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu County), Salim Mvurya (Kwale County) and Josphat Nanok (Turkana).


0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

A CCTV footage showing Embakasi MP Babu Owino shoot a DJ at B Club in Nairobi’s Kilimani area has emerged.

The video shows the controversial MP pulling out his gun and directing it directly at the DJ’s neck.

The victim of the shooting is then dragged on the floor being taken outside the nightclub.

Babu Owino was on Friday morning arrested after the incident being reported at Kilimani Police station.

Babu Owino who is not a stranger to controversy shot the DJ in the wee hours of the Friday morning.

The victim is apparently in critical condition and is admitted at the Nairobi Hospital intensive care unit (ICU).

In 2018, Babu and one of his bodyguards, Fanuel were arrested for assaulting a parking attendant at Fortis Towers in Westlands, Nairobi.

Appearing before chief magistrate Francis Andayi, Babu jointly with others not before the court, are said to have assaulted David Gichagu and caused him “actual bodily harm”.

Babu was separately charged with two counts of using insulting language in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace and create a disturbance.

He (Babu) and Fanuel were later released on a Sh20,000 bond.

Watch the CCTV footage below courtesy of K24 TV.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has been making headlines out of controversies, some of which have been embraced by his supporters.

Just recently, the youthful MP was in trouble with Kenyans and a section of leaders after telling Kandara MP Alice Wahome to respect President Uhuru Kenyatta and AU envoy Raila Odinga failure to which she would have every part of her body shaven.

However, the latest remark made by the controversial MP on ODM leader Raila Odinga seems to have gotten Kenyans on the wrong side.

Babu Owino on Thursday evening declared that “This time Raila will be the President by ballot or bullet”.

While the former Prime Minister has said it is too early to discuss the 2022 race, politicians and pundits say he would be the right candidate to face off with Deputy President William Ruto, the likely candidate of the ruling Jubilee Party.

However, he remains the man to watch ahead of the 2022 elections, with opinion divided on whether or not he should contest the presidency.

Following his remarks, many faulted him for inciting violence advising that Raila is among the despots in Kenya that will fall.

A number preferred to stand with self declared revolutionist lawyer Miguna Miguna over Babu’s choice for president.

Here are some of the reactions on Babu Owino’s remarks.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Just days after President Uhuru Kenyatta made surprise cabinet changes, the focus has now shifted to two key Deputy President William Ruto’s allies.

Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen and his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika are the next target after the axing of Mwangi Kiunjuri from agriculture ministry.

According to a local daily, President Kenyatta wants to take control of both houses to further assert himself and drive government agenda before he retires in 2022.

The Star on Friday reported that the President, Jubilee’s party leader is considering entering into an agreement with Gideon Moi. 

Thereafter, Uhuru will convene a parliamentary group meeting to replace Murkomen with the Baringo Senator.   

Senate whip Susan Kihika is also targeted for removal.

Sources at immigration intimated to the Star that the government is investigating the possibility that she may be holding two passports, a US and Kenyan one.

On Monday, Kihika was barred from entering the venue where President Kenyatta handed title deeds to a group of women who sang for his father.

Apart from Murkomen and Kihika, the President also wants to replace committees chairs who are not backing him.

The crackdown against Tangatanga MPs aims to vanquish Ruto’s influence in Parliament as the President seeks to take a firmer charge of his legacy projects.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail