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Babu Owino Reveals How Speaker Wetang’ula Confused Azimio MPs To Miss The Finance Bill Vote

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has blamed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for the mishap that saw Azimio MPs skip Parliament on Wednesday evening during the voting of the proposed Finance Bill, 2023.

The lawmaker in a video posted on his official social media handles says the original plan from the Parliamentary leadership was for the voting process to take place next week after the third reading, only for speaker Wetang’ula to change tune moments after a section of Azimio MPs had left.

The controversial lawmaker read malice in the situation, pointing out that several MPs from the Azimio la Umoja coalition missed out on the voting process because of the initial directive. 

Babu Owino said he missed the voting since he had arranged to meet his lawyer to prepare for his defence hearing at Milimani Law Courts slated for Thursday, June 15, following Wetang’ula’s earlier communication. 

He says he had already consulted with Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi whom he disclosed that he had to prepare for his court case.

“I was not present today (Wednesday) in Parliament because my case has been scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) in court for defense hearing and I was with my lawyer,” he said.

Out of 257 MPs present at the August House, 176 voted for the bill while 81 legislators voted against it during the second reading. The Bill now moves to the Third and final reading where legislators get a chance to amend certain clauses within the Bill. 

The Finance Bill, 2023, was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, June 13, by the National Assembly’s Finance and National Planning Committee. 

The committee, chaired by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, advocated for certain amendments in the Bill to cater to the concerns raised by the public. 

This involved reduction of the Housing Fund tax from three percent to 1.5 percent. Further, the proposed digital tax was revised to five percent from the initial 16 percent. 

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Politics

Uhuru Announces New Changes in Parliament, Kicks Out Washiali

by Gabriel Omolo
written by Gabriel Omolo

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday June 2, during a Jubilee party Parliamentary Group Meeting at State House, Nairobi, announced new changes in the National Assembly leadership.

In the changes announced by the head of State, National Assembly Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali and his deputy nominated MP Cecily Mbarire were kicked out.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe has replaced Washiali while Igembe North MP Maoka Maore replaces Mbarire.

The changes are expected to be communicated to the Speaker of the National Assembly today.

The PG which was chaired by Uhuru at State House also resolved to effect further changes at the House committees as part of the ongoing purge to kick out all MPs not supporting President’s agenda.

The National Assembly Majority whip Aden Duale has survived the President’s axe.

It had been earlier speculated that Duale was among the list of those that were to be kicked out.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria through a Facebook post on Monday June 1 had listed Duale (Majority Leader), Benjamin Washiali (Majority Whip), Cecily Mbarire (Deputy Majority Whip), Kimani Ichungwa (Budget), William Cheptumo (JLAC), Gladys Boss Shollei (Delegated), Julius Melly (Education), Joseph Limo (Finance), Alice Wahome (Vice-Chair Legal) and himself (Vice-Chair Transport) as those that were to be kicked out.

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Politics

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe to Replace Washiali as Kimunya Takes Over From Duale

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale is set to be replaced as the National Assembly Majority Leader, as President Uhuru Kenyatta extends the Jubilee purge to Parliament.

According to The Standard Newspaper, Duale will be replaced by Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya.

It is however, clear that Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali will not survive the purge.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe will take over from Washiali as the majority whip, while Budget and Appropriations Committee chair Kimani Ichung’wa will be replaced by Kieni MP Kanini Kega.

Emmanuel Wangwe Overview :: Mzalendo
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe. PHOTO/COURTESY

Deputy Majority Leader Cecily Mbarire (nominated) will be replaced by Igembe North MP Maoka Maore.Maore is said to have initially been fronted by opposition leader Raila Odinga as the majority leader to placate the Meru region after the kicking out of Senate Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi from their fat positions.

During the Senate reshuffle, Ruto allies, led by former Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, Prof Kindiki and former Majority Whip Susan Kihika were kicked out. They were replaced by West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio (Majority Leader) and Murang’a’s Irungu Kang’ata as Majority Whip.

On Monday June 1, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria took to his official Facebook account to leak the full list of Ruto allied MPs who were to face the purge.

He listed Duale (Majority Leader), Benjamin Washiali (Majority Whip), Cecily Mbarire (Deputy Majority Whip), Kimani Ichungwa (Budget), William Cheptumo (JLAC), Gladys Boss Shollei (Delegated), Julius Melly (Education), Joseph Limo (Finance), Alice Wahome (Vice-Chair Legal) and himself (Vice-Chair Transport).

The Senate is also expected to fill ousted Kithure Kindiki’s position today, with Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar likely to be picked after the Jubilee Party endorsed her candidature.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, Bomet’s Christopher Lang’at and John Kinyua of Laikipia were shown the door as chairmen of key Senate committees.

The changes in Parliament are said to be in preparation for far-reaching constitutional changes in which the legislature is expected to play an important role.

On Monday June 1, President Kenyatta, in his Madaraka Day speech, hinted at the offing constitutional changes that could alter the structure of government.

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Business

Salaries to Increase as Uhuru Signs The Tax Bill Into Law

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

President Uhuru Kenyatta has today (Saturday April 25) at State House, Nairobi signed into law the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

The new tax law amends several statutes to cushion the economy and Kenyans against the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic as announced by the Head of State.

The Amendment Bill, which was published on 30th March 2020, has amended tax-related laws in Kenya including the Income Tax Act (CAP 470), the Value Added Tax Act of 2013, the Excise Duty Act (2015), the Tax Procedures Act (2015), Miscellaneous Levies and Fees Act (2016) and the Retirement Benefits Act(1997).

The amendments include the raise in the threshold for turnover tax to between one million and fifty million shillings so as to exclude small-scale traders from the presumptive tax. The new law further lowers turnover tax rate from 3 to 1 percent.

The amended law, which mainly targets low-income earners, includes a 100 percent Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax relief for employees earning less than Shs 28,000 per month. Those earning above the new threshold will benefit from a PAYE tax reduction of between 30 and 25 percent.

Similarly, the new Act has revised Corporation Tax to 25 percent while Non-Resident Tax on Dividends has been adjusted from 10 to 15 percent.

The amended law lowers the Value Added Tax rate from 16 to 14 percent, a move that is expected to lower the shelf prices of basic commodities.

The new Act, has amended Section 38 of the Retirement Benefits Act (1997) to allow access of retirement benefits for purposes of purchase of a residential house. This is aimed at increasing home ownership in the country as envisaged in the housing pillar under Big 4 Agenda.

The Bill, which was presented to the President for signature by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi was passed by Parliament on Wednesday this week.

Present during the brief signing ceremony were National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, Solicitor General Ken Ogeto, State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita, National Assembly Clerk Michael Sialai and State House Deputy Chief of Staff Njee Muturi.

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Politics

Moha Jicho Pevu Reveals How Gov’t is Using COVID-19 to Play Dirty Games

by Brian Miano
written by Brian Miano

The National government is using COVID-19 pandemic to play a dirty game, Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali has revealed.

Through his social media handles, the journalist-turned politician revealed how the government orchestrated a clever move to send MPs home so as to implement taxation measures, supplementary budget and the Ksh 3 Trillion 2020/2021 Estimates.

According to the Nyali lawmaker, all this is set to happen without any parliamentary approval.

He further reveals that the locking down of Nairobi, where both National Assembly and the senate are situated, was a move to paralyze lawmaker’s efforts to access Nairobi.

The MP says that the government want to pass a rotten COVID-19 budget by setting up the MPs.

He went ahead to blame the media for allowing themselves to be used by the state by running controversial headlines the portray MPs in a bad manner.

On Monday morning, the Standard newspaper ran a headline titled “The Traitors”, which referred to the MPs.

At is at this point that MPs started making revelations about the circumstances that led to the suspension of their sittings.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria on Monday morning also took to his social media handles to make similar revelations.

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Below is Mohammed Ali’s post on his facebook page.

“As I said earlier, the cancellation of the Special Sittings of the National Assembly and the Senate (Both of them located within Nairobi) had little to do with COVID-19. It is a clever orchestration to implement taxation measures, supplementary budget and the Ksh 3 Trillion 2020/2021 Estimates without parliamentary approval, a clear by – pass of the country’s laws.

“The SYSTEM want us to pass a rotten Covid budget by setting us up. If we dont pass it we appear bad in the eyes of the public. Somebody is trying to redeem himself unfortunately using corona virus pandemic. The Standard newspaper today in its typical art of spin and propaganda has deliberately chosen to forsake the truth and is now collectively reprimanding parliament despite the fact that many of us have been calling for the reconvention of parliament as early as March.

“This is not only dishonest but also portray a media house hellbent on driving the Executive’s agenda at whatever cost; the tenets of impartial journalism notwithstanding.

“Hii ukora naielewa. I know a REAL JOURNALIST SCRIPT and the SYSTEM ONE. They tried with the STAR NEWSPAPER- SMART PEOPLE READ THE SUN but it didn’t work. To the standard and star newspapers kumbukeni MSICHANA WA BAR HATONGOZWI ASUBUHI. Wakenya wanataka pesa zao msitumiwe kuwasaidia WAKORA kuiba kwa kuwafanya wengine waonekane wabaya Ili Bunge isifunguliwe. TRUTH is my WEAKNESS. I refuse to die! ” reads the post.

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Politics

Mohammed Ali Exposes Plot to Steal Coronavirus Funds

by Nathan Sialah
written by Nathan Sialah

Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali has made serious allegations after reports emerged that 17 MPs and Senators had tested positive for coronavirus.

The journalist-turned politician, through his social media handles on Wednesday morning, alleged that there are people who want to bypass the constitution so that they can siphon funds meant for the fight against coronvirus pandemic.

He says the siphoning of the funds is possible if the National Assembly will not be having sittings, for the people behind the plot to take over the role of the lawmakers, and run everything through decree.

The lawmaker goes ahead to makes claims that the perpetrators of the plot leaked the information about the 17 MPs who allegedly tested positive for COVID-19 so that they can prevent parliament from resuming.

He says that it is at this period of time that funds will now be stolen.

On Tuesday April 7, reports emerged that the 17 MPs who had tested positive are among the coronavirus cases that were confirmed on Monday and Tuesday.

This is after the lawmakers voluntarily took COVID-19 tests at parliament buildings following reports that one of their colleagues had contracted the virus.

Over 5 MPs had been scheduled to undergo the tests after interacting with Rabai MP Kamoti Mwamkale.

Mwamkale is said to have contracted the virus after coming into contact with Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi who is said to have contacted the virus abroad. Saburi has since recovered from the virus but is currently in custody after he was arrested last week for failing to self-isolate.

Reports now indicate that more Members of Parliament and Senators have since been confirmed positive to the virus. The identities of the lawmakers who tested positive remain unknown but it is said that they are all those who came into contact with Kamoti.

So far 172 Corona-virus cases have been confirmed in the country. Six people have since succumbed to the deadly pandemic while 7 have fully recovered from it.

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Politics

Orengo Schools Speakers Lusaka, Muturi on Constitution After This Embarrassment

by Brian Miano
written by Brian Miano

Senate Minority Leader James Orengo on Tuesday April 7, 2020 tore into speakers of both houses, the senate speaker Ken Lusaka and the National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi.

This is after the duo went ahead to dismiss the sittings of both houses amid he coronavirus pandemic.

The Siaya County senator has dismissed the move by both speakers, accusing them of going against the parliamentary rules and laws.

In a letter dated April 7 and seen by Dailytrends.co.ke , Orengo terms the move by the two house speakers as constitutional.

The senior counsel notes that these are difficult terms where all organs of the government must work together in harmony and unison to deal with the worst health scourge.

He cites that even in these hard times of coronvirus pandemic, the constitution and the rule of law have not been suspended, and thus, they must be followed by each and everyone.

He however, regrets that speakers Lusaka and Muturi arbitrarily suspended lawfully convened sittings of the National Assembly and the senate.

“But even in these hard times the constitution and the rule of law have not been suspended. It is regrettable that speakers of both houses of Parliament have arbitrarily suspended lawfully convened sittings of the National Assembly and the senate,” reads part of the letter.

Orengo goes on to note that no consultations were undertaken with the leadership of both houses or apopropriate committees of parliament to ensure strict compliance with law the law and the rules of parliament.

He says that the senate and parliament operate on a calendar and can never be prorogued or have its sittings suspended by any form of device or craft.

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Politics

Mohammed Ali Requests For House Special Sitting to Cushion Kenyans From Tough Economic Times

by Brian Miano
written by Brian Miano

Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali (Moha Jicho Pevu) has requested for a special sitting of the National Assembly.

According to a letter seen by Dailytrends.co.ke , Moha Jicho Pevu wants parliament to consider ways of cushioning Kenyans from effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

The letter has been addressed to National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale and copied to the Leader of Minority Hon John Mbadi.

The Nyali lawmaker in his letter notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold suffering all over the world, even among the developed nations.

He notes that this is the time the National Assembly should play its constitutional mandate and put fiscal measures through legislative interventions.

The fiscal measures, according to the journalist-turned politician, should assist vulnerable Kenyans who have been forced out of employment, are unemployed are under-privileged and require government assistance for survival.

Have a look at the letter below.

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Kenya now has a total of 42 confirmed cases as confirmed by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Sunday evening.

“Kenya has four new confirmed cases of coronavirus, one Kenyan and three foreigners. Kenya now has 42 confirmed cases,” said CS Kagwe.

Nairobi County continues to lead with 31 cases of those who have so far tested positive, followed by Kilifi with six, Mombasa with three, while Kajiado and Kwale with one each. Out of the 42 positive cases, 24 are male while 18 are female.

The CS reported that the Government was doing all it could to ensure safety of the Health workers in their line of duty adding that Kenya was lucky since none of the staff has been infected.

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Politics

Aden Duale in Trouble For Allegedly Donating Expired Food to Children’s Home

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale is in a deep trouble after he allegedly donated expired food to a children’s home in Garissa county.

Reports indicate that the Garissa Township MP was on Wednesday summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to explain the matter following complaints from the locals.

The vocal Jubilee lawmaker is reported to have visited Najah Children’s Home in Bulla Iftin and distributed the food on Monday, February 17.

“He (Duale) visited the orphanage on Monday. When we opened the food sacks, we saw some black substance which raised concern among us. It is then that we learnt that the food was expired,” said the source who works at the centre.

The orphanage manager Mohammed Noor while confirming the allegations said there were cartons of spoilt foodstuff that were donated by the MP including rice, flour and maize that has since been destroyed.

Aden Duale accused of donating expired food to children's home

Duale is said to have been summoned by the assistant Inspector General of Police Benedict Oyaro to the DCI headquarters over the matter.

“I do hereby require Aden Duale to personally appear before Mr Benedict Oyaro an assistant inspector general of police investigating the alleged offence on 19 February at 10.00 am at DCI headquarters Nairobi,” read the letter.

On his side, Duale denied he had not been summoned by the DCI and that they were baseless allegations that were manufactured with the intention to taint his image.

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Politics

List of MPs Who Are Spending Millions on US Trip

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A series of controversies have been hitting the Country with the latest being a case where Kenya is reported to have sent the largest delegation to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Nashville, Tennessee in the US.

According to a report by Daily Nation, the delegation comprised of both Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, MPs, MCAs, clerks and support staff.

The publication revealed that it could not establish the exact cost of the trip, but there were indications it could cost taxpayers nearly Ksh100 million.

The lawmakers, however, denied the report and demanded an apology even as Nation learnt that some of the members did not travel due to visa problems.

This is the list of the 73 those spending millions in the US, in the said conference, with four out of the 77 cancelling their trip.

HOUSE LEADERSHIP

Justin Muturi – National Assembly

Ken Lusaka – Senate

Kipchumba Murkomen – Senate Majority leader

James Orengo – Senate Minority leader

Cleophas Malalah – Senate Deputy Minority Leader

PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE COMMISSION

Naomi Shaban – Vice Chairperson

Samuel Chepkonga

Aisha Katana

Lonah Mumelo

PARLIAMENTARY STAFF

Jeremiah Nyegenye: clerk of the senate

Nelson Ayewoh: Clerk

Mohammed All Mohamed: Deputy Clerk Senate

Daniel Chania: Principal Clerk assistant

John Mutega: Principal Clerk assistant

Noor Awadh Swaleh Ghalgan: Principal Clerk assistant

Moses Lemuna: Third Clerk assistant

Crispus Tima: Clerk assistant

Aloise Lekulo: Chief Sergentat arms

Phyllis Makau: Parliamentary bugdet office director

Buchere Brightone: Director of curriculum training and research

Anthony Thiongo Njoroge:Director of Litigation and Compliance

Shadia Munini Faryd: Deputy Director, PSC Secretariat

Kehinde Olaiya: Deputy Director National Assembly

Chidinma Roseline Osuagwu: Assistant Director National Assembly

Shedho Mohammed Liban: Finance Officer

Lucianne Limo: Media Relations Officer

Rose Kisiangani – Principal research officer

Mohamed Sani Tahir – Administrative officer

Edwin Wandabusi – Personal assistant to Speaker, Speaker’s office

SENATORS

Susan Kihika

Aaron Cheruiyot

Ali Abdullahi

Beth Mugo

Mutula Kilonzo Jr

Falhadfa Iman

George Khaniri

Eric Mogeni

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Kimani Ichungw’ah

Cecil Mbarire

Asha Hussein

Ben Momanyi

Julius Mawathe

Mutunga Kanyuithia

Nyaga Muchiri

Omboko Milemba

Tecla Tum

Daniel Tutoek

Ken Chonga

Hassan Mohamed

COUNTY ASSEMBLIES SPEAKERS

John Kaguchia – Speaker, Nyeri

George Ndotto Mutua – Speaker, Kitui

COUNTY ASSEMBLIES STAFF

Kipambi Ntele – Deputy clerk, Kajiado

Grace Nganga – Senior clerk assistant, Nyandarua

Robert Mwalu Musyoka – Deputy clerk, Makueni

COUNTY ASSEMBLIES FORUM

Judy Oduma – Chief Executive Officer

Esther Ndile – vice-chairperson

COUNTY ASSEMBLIES

Joseph Masiaya – Kajiado MCA

Esther Wanjiku Muhoho – Nyandarua MCA

Milkah Wanjiru – Nyandarua MCA

Lillian Gathua – Majority whip, Nyeri

Chege Mwaura – Nairobi MCA

David Mbithi – Nairobi MCA

Geoffrey Mbuthia – Nairobi MCA

Jacqueline Kamwaro – Nairobi MCA

MCAs

Millicent Mugadi – Nairobi

Moses Ogeto – Nairobi 

Oluoch Odalo – Nairobi 

Mark Mugambi – Nairobi 

Rose Kemunto Otondo – Kisii 

Christopher Mwambingu – Taita Taveta 

OTHERS

Jane Ngugi – Member, County Assembly of Kenya

Rebah Wabwile – Member, County Assembly of Kenya

Samuel Teum – Member, County Assembly of Kenya

Those who didn’t travel included; Yusuf Shimoy: Clerk assistant, Judy Ndegwa: Legal Counsel, Senate, MPs Charles Njagua and Adan Keynan.

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