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BBI: Ruto Wins Big From The Report

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The much anticipated Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report was on Tuesday finally handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Deputy President Dr William Ruto was present at Statehouse during the handover.

His dream to clinch the topmost seat in 2022 might come to pass, but what awaits him after the BBI report?

Well, the report recommends a President, with executive authority who will be directly elected by the people, with the loser in the State House contest directly nominated to Parliament and takes over as leader of official opposition.

On the structure of government, the BBI team recommends what it termed “a home grown and inclusive” system, that comprises an executive headed by a popularly and directly elected President, and a robust, structured opposition that holds the government to account.

The Executive, according to BBI, should include the President, a Deputy President, a Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers. The president shall have garnered at least 50% plus one vote in the State House race, and at least 25% of total votes cast in at least 24 counties.

The President, according to the report, shall remain Head of State and Government, and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces.

The Deputy President, according to BBI report, remains the President’s principal assistant, and running mate at the ballot.

The proposed Prime Minister in the BBI report shall be an elected member of the National Assembly. The President shall nominate a Prime Minister, whose appointment must be approved by the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister, according to the BBI report, shall control and supervise execution of day-to-day functions and affairs of the government. The Prime Minister shall also, be leader of government business in Parliament and chair of Cabinet Sub-committees.

The BBI report recommends Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, to chair the technical implementation committee that shall comprise all principal secretaries.

The report also proposes the return of Prime Minister’s time, where MPs can pose questions directly to the premier and cabinet ministers.

And in response to the ‘winner takes it all’ mantra that was cited as one of the key causes on bitterly contested elections, BBI has recommended that the loser in a presidential election be nominated to the National Assembly and takes over as leader of official opposition.

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BBI D-Day: Report to be Made Public on Wednesday

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report will be made public on Wednesday. 

The report will be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga today (Tuesday).

The report will then be officially launched by the duo on Wednesday at Bomas of Kenya.

The BBI chairman Yusuf Haji on Friday said that the report will be presented to the duo on Tuesday.  

 Haji divulged that claims that the report had leaked to the general public were fake. He reiterated that the contents of the report had been kept top-secret. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday asked leaders not to engage in the sideshows in the name of the report. 

He reminded the leaders to avoid the politics of insults whether they support or oppose the report. He also warned them not to spread rumours before they know the contents of the report.

The head of state made the remarks when he presided over the fourth Kibabii University graduation ceremony in Bungoma County.

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Politics

Speaker Elachi Links Sonko’s Troubles With Authorities to Politics

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi has come to Governor Mike Sonko’s defence, linking his troubles with authorities to politics.

Speaking when she appeared on K24’S Punchline show on Sunday evening, Speaker Elachi said Sonko is also being fought for allowing her back to office after she was ousted by MCAs.

“We voted for Sonko. We fully voted for him. We knew his style of leadership….and I think Kenyans forget that Sonko is an orphan, he doesn’t have a mother and a father. He has his God and he will finish his five years. The only father Sonko has is President Uhuru Kenyatta,” said Ms Elachi.

Sonko has recently found himself on the wrong side of the authorities with investigative agencies digging into his financial dealings as well as his criminal past.

On November 5, Sonko spent was queried by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged cover-up of his past brushes with the law.

The governor spent hours with EACC detectives at the Integrity Centre in Nairobi.

EACC sleuths accused Sonko of failing to disclose information about his pending multiple criminal cases in court when he was seeking clearance to vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial race.

Speaker Elachi said there is more than meets the eye in the Sonko’s woes since it were the same government agencies that cleared him to run as an MP and later for senate, long before he contemplated vying for the governor’s seat.

Watch the video below:

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Politics

Raila Set to Unveil ODM’s 2022 Strategy

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga will on Thursday unveil the party’s strategy ahead of 2022 politicking period.

The event which was to be held tomorrow (Tuesday) was postponed due to Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report which is set to be handed to President Uhuru Kenyatta on the same day.

Raila will also officially open ODM’s new offices in Lavington and launch a digital membership registration platform.

Details of the party’s elections set for next year will also be given.

Changes in the party’s leadership are also expected, with some top directors set to be shown the door as the party prepares for a revamp ahead of 2022.

Bangled party primaries witnessed in the past are some of the reasons behind the revamp with reports indicating that the party is planning to have a new team of professionals at the new Lavington headquarters.

Do you think Raila is planning to be in the 2022 Presidential race?

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Politics

Governor Kivutha Kibwana Crowned The Most Outstanding Public Servant of The Year

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Makueni County Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has been crowned the most outstanding public servant of the year 2019.

Kibwana was crowned by League of Young Professionals during the inaugural edition of Gamechangers Awards held at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi on Saturday night.

The second term county chief shared the news via his social media accounts. 

For the past seven years, Kibwana has initiated various development projects in Makueni, and changed the face of the county.

His exemplary performance has made Makueni a pioneer county for matters development. Leaders from across the country have been touring Makueni for bench marking. 

Some of the huge projects credited to Governor Kibwana’s administration include; Universal Health Coverage in the county, food processing factories among others.

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Be Sober While Engaging in BBI Debate, Ruto Urges Kenyans

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to be sober while engaging in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) debate as the task force that compiled it prepares to release it on Tuesday.

He warned unnamed leaders against threatening or intimidating Kenyans about it, in what was largely seen as directed to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who is also the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Ruto said Kenyans would have a final say on the BBI report that is set to be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday.

Speaking in Laikipia and Tharaka Nithi Counties on Saturday, the Deputy President said opinions of all Kenyans irrespective of their status matter and would be respected.

“The debate should be done soberly and peacefully with no threats, propaganda or intimidations. What we know in Jubilee Party is that every opinion counts and must be respected,” he said, “No one should look down upon Kenyans because of their status in the society.”

The Deputy President asked leaders not to use the report to divide Kenyans on tribal or political affiliations.

He said the report offers Kenyans a unique opportunity to discuss ways to address challenges facing the country.

“When the report is out, all Kenyans will have the opportunity to read and give opinion on what they think is good for the country with the aim of finding solutions to our problems,” said Ruto.

He spoke during Ngobit Ward women groups empowerment programme at Makutano Shalom grounds in Ngobit, Laikipia County.

Present were MPs Catherine Waruguru (Women Rep, Laikipia), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Patrick Mariru (Laikipia West), Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), Joyce Korir (Women Rep, Bomet) and Patrick Munene (Chuka/Igamba N’gombe).

Others were Kubai Iringo (Igembe Central), Jane Chebaibai (Women Rep, Elgeyo Marakwet) and Mary Wamaua (Maragua).

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Waiguru surprises Kirinyaga KCPE top performers

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kirinyaga County governor Anne Mumbi Waiguru on Thursday played a host to 2019 KCPE top performers from her county.

Waiguru hosted the top performers at her county offices where they were all celebrated.

She hosted Kinyua Franklin who scored 431, Sheila Muthoni who scored 426, Simon Mwangi who scored 427 and Lorna Munene wh recorded a score of 425.

The first term governor congratulated the parents and teachers of the candidates we performed exemplary well.

“We feel proud when young minds excel in academics and today we celebrated top scorers in Kirinyaga Kinyua Franklin- 431, Sheila Muthoni-426, Simon Mwangi -427 and Lorna Munene – 425. Congratulations once again to you, your parents and teachers,” she tweeted.

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Politics

VIDEO: Sakaja tears into governor Sonko over state of affairs in the county

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi Senator Jonhson Sakaja has once again teared into Governor Mike Sonko over the state of affairs in the county.

On Thursday, during a live press conference, Sakaja alluded that the state of the Capital city was wanting, adding that the governor was involved in theatrics of fighting cartels yet the city was drowning in corruption and mismanagement.

He also stated that governor Sonko was ruling the county with impunity and demanded for accountability of billions of shillings tax payers’ money.

“The people are being treated to all manner of shadow boxing, dramatization ‘vipindiree‘ in the name of fighting cartels. Nairobians are demanding accountability of the billions of shillings that have been allocated to Nairobi annually,” he said.

Sakaja was accompanied by other legislators from different parties, who made it clear that Nairobi’s Growth Development Profit (GDP) contributes 60 percent in the economy hence the need to shun impunity and make progressive development.

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Raila hints at a possible referendum

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has hinted at a possible referendum.

Raila says this will help fix the flaws in the new constitution and make it better for tomorrow and future generations.

He has urged Kenyans to prepare to give views to recommendations by Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) team their report is made public.

The orange party shared Raila’s message via Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

“PL @RailaOdinga hints at a possible referendum to fix the flaws in the new current constitution and make it better for tomorrow and future generations. He told Kenyans to prepare to give views to recommendations by the BBI team once their report is made public,” tweeted ODM.

BBI is expected to present its report anytime from now to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila.

The team was formed after President Kenyatta and Raila’s March 9, 2018 handshake.

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Boniface Mwangi blasted for dragging Raila, Joho’s names into Mombasa economic crisis

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Activist Boniface Mwangi has been blasted by Kenyans on Twitter for dragging the names of ODM party leader Raila Odinga and Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho into Mombasa economic crisis.

Mwangi who was speaking during demonstrations organised by Haki Africa Human Rights group on Monday said that Raila and Joho are to blame for the crisis that has come as a result of SGR.

The activist cited that Mombasa residents voted for Raila and Joho heavily in 2017 but the two have remained mum on the crisis that is threatening to kill the economy of the region.

Mombasa residents have been demonstrating to protest against government’s move to let cargo from the coast be transported via SGR line, killing the economy of road transporters.

However, Kenyans have turned against Mwangi, accusing him of being petty. They argue that neither Joho nor Raila operate the SGR, nor are they in the national government.

They argue that Mwangi should blame the national government and leave Raila and Joho out of he discussions.

Here are some of the reactions.

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Politics

Atwoli Makes Another 2022 Prophecy, Hints at New Gov’t Slots With Uhuru in Power

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) secretary general Francis Atwoli has been hitting the headlines with his prophecies, some of which have come to pass.

Do you remember his prophesy on Kibra by elections? Should we eve talk about former Sports CS Rashid Echesa?

Well, Atwoli has once again made another prophecy on 2022 politics.

The COTU boss now says that President Uhuru Kenyatta is destined to be the Prime Minister come 2022, after a new constitutional dispensation.

Speaking on Saturday during a funds drive at Evangelical Bible Church-Ilula in Uasin Gishu County, Atwoli said that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) would give way to an expanded government that would accommodate leaders from different tribes hence kill the menace of post-election violence and tribalism.

He also said that Uhuru was too young to retire, and that he had a lot to offer the country.

“I said about three years ago that this country needs a constitutional amendment because those in leadership are still young to retire and a new law will accommodate them in leadership. I said that about six slots should be created to accommodate more leadership positions and prevent the usual politically instigated skirmishes experienced every election year,” he stated.

According to Atwoli, the BBI report, born following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake with ODM leader Raila Odinga, would be passed with a landslide to give Kenya a new face.

“Kenyans will have an opportunity to give their opinions on the draft and I am very optimistic this is the best document that will address challenges that have been affecting the country every five years,” he stated.

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ODM breaks silence on Uhuru’s Sagana meeting, Issues statement on his BBI stand

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has issued a statement following Prrsident Kenyatta’s Friday meeting with Mt Kenya leaders at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County.

In a statement written by the party chairman Hon John Mbadi, ODM says it has had the benefit of reviewing the importance of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent political activities especially his Friday meeting with leaders from Central Kenya region as part of the on- going effort to unite the country.

While thanking President Kenyatta for remaining focused on the Handshake and Building Bridges Initiative (BBI ), ODM say they are keen to see a united country at peace with itself .

They have also extended their gratitude to president Kenyatta for seeing the recent Kibra by election for what they thought it was: a strong indication that with unity and interest of the country at heart, a peaceful election is possible, not only in Kibra but in any part of the great Republic of Kenya.

Read the full statement below.

We have now had the benefit of reviewing and fully understanding the import of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent political activities especially his Friday meeting with leaders from Central Kenya region as part of the on- going effort to unite the country.

On behalf of the Orange Democratic Movement and all Kenyans who are keen to see a united country at peace with itself, I wish to thank President Uhuru Kenyatta for remaining focused on the Handshake and BBI, which are fundamental instruments in the effort to remake the Kenyan nation.

We also thank President Kenyatta for seeing the recent Kibra by election for what we in ODM thought it was: a strong indication that with unity and interest of the country at heart, a peaceful election is possible, not only in Kibra but in any part of the great Republic of Kenya. We join the president in thanking the people of Kibra for the significant role they played in ensuring that the elections were peaceful. With that, the people of Kibra won their place in history for taking a leading role in the remaking of the Kenyan nation. Everyone including the president took note, and history will surely record it that when this country decided to mend its ways, with Uhuru Kenyatta and Rt. Hon Raila Odinga providing leadership, Kibra acted affirmatively thereby making it clear that no part of this country is too volatile to know peace.
With Kibra having shown the way and now behind us, I urge Kenyans in general and ODM supporters in particular to remain focused on BBI and the new Kenya we expect it to give birth to.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his brother Raila Odinga have said it before and the president said it again in Sagana; the handshake and the BBI are never about 2022 and any individual leader’s presidential ambitions. It is about Kenya and it’s posterity. It is about the country staying united and focused in addressing its pressing needs and urgent challenges through a consultative and inclusive process of national rebirth, now and into the future. We encourage President Kenyatta and Rt. Hon Odinga never to lose sight of this high goal they set for themselves. The two leaders must refuse to be distracted by side-shows. On behalf of all elected leaders in ODM and the people we represent, I assure the President and Rt. Hon. Odinga of unwavering support in this once in a life time journey of national rebirth.
God Bless Kenya.

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We respect your right to be stupid! Boniface Mwangi Slams Renown Blogger For Defending Uhuru’s Daughter

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Activist Boniface Mwangi has slammed renown blogger and social media influencer Xtian Dela after he defended President Uhuru Kenyatta’s daughter Ngina Kenyatta following the backlash she faced after making her youth empowerment speech on Saturday.

Ngina was criticized by Kenyans on Twitter after making a speech about empowerment on behalf of the Kenyatta Trust. She was delivering the speech during the African Philanthropy Forum held on Saturday.

In her speech, she talked about how the Kenyatta Trust is empowering the new generations of Africans through education. She went on to give an example of a Turkana student who is currently studying Petroleum Engineering in China.

Kenyans, however, were not convinced by her speech. They took their opinions to the Twitter platform with some citing that she has no right to lecture the youth as she was “spoonfed”.

It is at this point when Xtain Dela intervened, arguing that “it is stupid attacking Ngina Kenyatta!”

According to Xtina Dela, it is not Ngina’s fault that she was born privileged.

Xtian Dela believes Ngina is doing the most she can do to make Kenya a better place.

But activist Mwangi did not take any of Xtian Dela’s argument. He attacked him, arguing that Kenyans respected Xtian’s right to be stupid.

According to the activist, Ngina was told the truth, “her papa is the reason why young Kenyans are unemployed.Her grandpa is the reason we have entrenched land issues and tribalism”.

” We respect your right to be stupid @xtiandela.Ngina Kenyatta was told the truth,her papa is the reason why young Kenyans are unemployed.Her grandpa is the reason we have entrenched land issues and tribalism.Her grandma was an elephant poacher.Her mama scammed us with Beyond Zero.,” posted Mwangi.

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Moses Kuria Cries Foul After Being Denied a VIP Podium at Uhuru’s Meeting, Shown Where to Sit in The Sun

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria is crying foul after being denied a VIP treat at President Uhuru Kenyatta’s meeting with Mt Kenya leaders at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri on Friday.

Kuria has expressed his disappoint in the meeting, terming it a flop and a waste of time.

The MP who flew from Nairobi on a chopper to attend the meeting has told the Sunday Standard that those who spoke were predetermined and had been told what to say thus negating any effort at unity.

“Which unity are we talking about? I flew from Nairobi on a chopper, when I got to Sagana I was shown where to sit on the grass in the sun as if one needs to be shown where to sit in an open space. The meeting flopped,” said the Gatundu South MP.

Mr Kuria who had arrived in a chopper after the President was not even allowed into the VIP podium.

Tigania West MP John Mutunga who arrived late was also barred from the red carpet area even as Igembe North’s Maoka Maore who arrived after him was rushed through the red carpet and given a strategic sitting position.

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Ruto’s tangatanga brigade convene a meeting to discuss Uhuru’s humiliation at Sagana

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Details of a meeting convened by Deputy President Dr William Ruto’s allies immediately President Uhuru Kenyatta left Sagana State Lodge meeting on Friday have emerged.

It is understood that Ruto’s tanga tanga brigade coalesced once again to re-look their strategy after President Kenyatta contradicted Ruto on the Kibra by-election, the essence of the handshake and the 2022 deal with Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

According to the Sunday Standard, a late lunch at the Ngorano village home of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua was hastily convened where 15 Ruto allies conducted a quick postmortem of Uhuru’s event.

Besides the host, those who attended the meeting were Susan Kihika (Nakuru Senator) and MPs Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati), John Kiarie (Dagorreti South) and Ndindi Nyoro of Kiharu.

Others were Woman Reps Catherine Waruguru (Laikipia) Beatrice Nkatha (Tharaka Nithi), Purity Ngirichi (Kirinyaga) and Rahab Mukami of Nyeri.

“I regret attending it. It was a waste of time and nothing was achieved. It was choreographed to achieve the organisers intentions,” Mr Kuria said of the Sagana meeting, lifting the veil of the disappointment among his colleagues.

Moses Kuria told the local daily that those who spoke were predetermined and had been told what to say thus negating any effort at unity.

According to sources who attended the Gachagua lunch date, the team discussed their alleged humiliation by the President and how to counter the same in the coming days.

Besides missing out on speaking slots, the bad chemistry between them and the President’s men was on full display in Sagana.

Sources in Tangatanga told the Sunday Standard that the Gachagua lunch floated the idea of popularising the rejection of BBI ahead of the anticipated presidential tours of the region.

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VIDEO: Malala dares ANC to expel him from party, face him off in by elections

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Tough-talking Kakamega County Senator Cleophas Malala has dared Musalia Mudavadi-led Amani National Congress Party to expel him.

Malala who was speaking at a press conference in Kakamega town on Saturday said that he was not apologetic for campaigning for ODM candidate Bernard Imran Okoth in the November 7 Kibra by-election.

Malala said he would rather face a by-election than apologise to party leader Musalia Mudavadi.

During ODM’s campaigns for Kibra candidate Imran Okoth, Mr Malala said he attended a rally on November 27 as ANC’s “highest-placed leader”.

He claimed that ANC candidate Eliud Owalo was Deputy President William Ruto’s ‘project’.

He described the move by ANC disciplinary committee to suspend him from the party as malicious and a waste of time.

“I want to tell my party leader Musalia Mudavadi that I have no apologies to make for campaigning for Kibra MP-elect Bernard Okoth in the November 7 by-election just as he did for ODM leader Raila Odinga in the 2017 presidential poll,” said Mr Malala.

Taking a swipe at the party leadership, he said: “The party had been hijacked by self-centred individuals incapable of accommodating divergent views.”

He said it was unfortunate that leaders with divergent views in ANC were being branded as rebels and moles.

Mr Malala, who was accompanied by nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi, said the move to suspend him from the party was meant to humiliate him.

“I know there is a scheme to frustrate me but I want to tell my party leadership that I’m not afraid of facing the electorate afresh in a by-election,” said Mr Malala adding that he is yet to receive a letter of suspension from the party.

In a letter dated November 15, ANC Secretary- General Barack Muluka said the party’s National Disciplinary Committee had suspended Mr Malala from membership of Amani National Congress with effect from November 14.

He said the decision had been reached after the disciplinary committee reviewed Senator Malala’s conduct against the party.

Watch the video below courtesy of Daily Nation.

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