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How Raila helped Keroche Owners

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Sometime back, Keroche borrowed Ksh 5 billion from
Barclays Bank of Kenya to modernize its factory. With such a loan, it’s always a good practice for the bank to require some political assurance as security for its investment.

Tabitha Karanja wrote to Pres. Kibaki to honour an invite and open modernized factory on completion. Kibaki agreed to be the guest of honour.

Powerful people in State House saw this schedule on the then President Kibaki’s itinerary. They didn’t like it. Tabitha was a threat to their wealth.

That opening of Keroche’s new factory by Kibaki was silently removed from the President’s itinerary. Tabitha was not aware.

The late Jeremiah Kiereini together with Ministers Amos Kimunya and the late John Michuki teamed up to stop Tabitha. Mrs. Kimunya was a major distributor of EABL products while Kiereini was a key shareholder of the same.

Michuki hated new money influences in Kiukuyuland.

Tabitha Karanja realized she was alone when she tried to confirm with the State House comptroller Hyslop Ipu. Mr. Ipu just indicated to Tabitha, “I am not aware of what happened and can’t confirm the president’s availability.”

Tabitha was then in front of State House asking for a personal audience with President Kibaki to plead her case. She was driving herself.

Tabitha Karanja literally cried in her car as she made calls to all the powerful people close to Kibaki, none who could rescue her. Confused and teary, she was determined to fight on. So she thought of what to do. In the meantime, the hawk-eyed GSU guarding State House chased her from the gates.

She had just driven from Naivasha to State House and was blocked from seeing President Kibaki who was in?

The then President Kibaki’s PA Joe Wanjui confirmed receiving her invite but someone powerful had blocked her from getting the factory opened by President Kibaki.

Realizing that Kibaki’s people had played her, she got in touch with one of her employees who knew Jakoyo Midiwo and asked for an audience with Raila.

Tabitha didn’t have access to Raila then.

Jakoyo linked her to Raila. Raila was then not well aware of what Keroche was.

Tabitha met Jakoyo at Serena Hotel and Jakoyo drove her to Karen’s residence of Raila.

On the day of the unveiling of the new factory, Raila was also to grace an event in Kisumu.

But he agreed to pass by.

He asked if they had a helipad as he could pass by on his way to Kisumu. He told them that he could spend a maximum of 15 minutes. It was 48 hours to the d-day

Sensing “mwanya”, Tabitha asked Raila what he needed for the helipad as she can prepare that.

Tabitha Karanja prepared a helipad for Raila’s chopper within 36 hours.

Raila graced the occasion and instead of spending only 15 minutes, spent 3 hours. Raila loved the investment

That’s where the friendship of Raila Odinga and Tabitha Karanja emanated from. That’s how Tabitha knew and became friends to Raila.

Today, Keroche has a factory capable of producing 24,000 crates of beer or 600,000 beers in a single day.

The competitor is not happy with this. EABL is doing all it can and now using the DCI and ODPP to sabotage it.

To get into the club of billionaires in Kikiyuland, you have to be oathed. Tabitha Karanja is growing balls without being oathed into this club.

She has to be contained. Unfortunate. So unfortunate!!!

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Politics

Raila’s right hand man goes after Ruto following Cherargei’s hate speech

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has accused Deputy President William Ruto and his allies of thriving on politics of propaganda and hate.

While making reference to Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s Sunday’s speech, Sifuna claimed that Dr Ruto survives on politics of blackmail and hostage.

On Sunday, Cherargei warned that Dr Ruto’s team had profiled and identified those opposing the DP, suggesting unspecified consequences should they win State House race in 2022.

“Let me finish by saying, those people who have continued to fight DP William Ruto, we are profiling you. When you are fighting the deputy president, you are fighting us.

“Don’t think that the DP does not have his supporters. We see here. Continue abusing him but know that we are marking and profiling you. When that time comes, we shall deal with you. He also have his people, don’t joke,” he said.

In a tweet, Sifuna said that it was not ‘news’, adding that no one will be forced to support Dr Ruto. He further said that many Kenyans will be ready to be killed if that is the plan.

“It is not news that Ruto and his henchmen believe in politics of hate, ethnicity, blackmail and hostage taking. We know he knows no other way… But politics is persuasion. Now one will be forced to bend to Ruto’s will. You can’t kill us all. Let Cherargei know that,” he wrote.

Earlier, Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei had dismissed Cherargei’s remarks, terming them uncalled for and primitive.

“The Statement made by Senator Cherargei is quite unfortunate. I know for a fact that, it is his personal position. As a supporter of Deputy President Dr William Ruto’s candidature for President, I distance myself from this statement,” she said.

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Politics

Raila denounces his 2022 presidency, terms reports reckless and irresponsible’

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

ODM party leader Raila Odinga has dismissed reports indicating that he will run for presidency in the 2022 General Election.

His remarks come after, the Sunday nation reported that he would contest for the presidential race in the 2022 election, citing that it was the reason he resolved to work with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Raila, however, in a statement on Sunday expressed his disappointment in the report terming it ‘reckless and irresponsible’.

He said the local daily twisted his calls for grassroots elections in the Orange party to link him to the 2022 presidential race.

“Odinga does not believe that three years into an election expected in 2022, the media should prioritize who is running, who is ahead, who is behind, who is going to win, what are the odds and who will lose,” read the statement.

Odinga said the media should no force candidates into the race rather they should focus on reporting on real and urgent economic, political and social issues.  

“Odinga believes that three years of dissecting poll numbers and forcing candidates into the race rather than focusing on real and urgent economic, political and social issues that the nation needs to deal with ahead of 2022 is reckless, irresponsible and cheap journalism.”

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Politics

PHOTOS: Raila’s daughters make a triumphant entry in Kakamega

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A group of women leaders dubbed Team Embrace which was formed to support ODM leader Raila Odinga’s handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta made a triumphant entry to Kakamega on Friday.

The women who call themselves daughters of Raila arrived in Wycliffe Oparanya-led County for a mega rally held at Bukhungu stadium.

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They boarded an airplane at Wilson Airport in Nairobi before being treated to a thunderous reception in Kakamega after their arrival.

The women legislators drawn from Jubilee’s Kieleweke faction and Raila’s ODM were then picked from Kakamega Airstrip in high-end vehicles with an escort from hundreds of boda boda riders.

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On their arrival at Bukhungu Stadium, Isukuti dancers received them with their famous Isukuti dance which is associated with the Isukha community.

The team compromises of pro-handshake women leaders majority of them Women Reps, Senators and governors.

According to their team leader Gladys Wanga, the rally will be among many that are set to be conducted with the ultimate goal being promoting peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.

Gender and Youths Chief Administrative Secretary Rachael Shebesh and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru are also among team leaders.

Elsie Muhanda, the Kakamega County women Representative and two other nominated Senators were the hosts of the event. 

See the photos below.

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Politics

Waiguru reveals Mt Kenya’s plan to make Raila President

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Populous Mt Kenya region is open to forming a political alliance with Opposition leader Raila Odinga ahead of the 2022 elections, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has said.

Ms Waiguru said a wind of political change has hit central Kenya under the leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta, throwing open the region’s choice of a presidential candidate in the 2022 General Election.

“If it is Raila, he should know that the region will want a piece of his government,” Waiguru said in an exclusive interview on KTN News’ PointBlank.

Waiguru, who has had a frosty relationship with Raila, described the Orange Democratic Movement leader as ‘someone who understands the significant role that women play in Kenya’s politics.’

The cocky relationship between Raila and Waiguru hit rock bottom in 2016 after the opposition leader linked her to the multi-million shilling scandal at the National Youth Service (NYS).

Waiguru, who was at the time a powerful minister in charge of Devolution, Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, responded to Raila’s claims with a legal suit which she dropped after their hostilities ended last year following a meeting at the opposition leader’s Nairobi Capitol Hill offices.

“We discussed some serious politics. Of course we first settled the history we had together,” Waiguru said during the interview.The prevailing rapprochement between Raila and Waiguru began in November last year after she withdrew the suit and announced the launch of a new friendship,” in the interest of national development.”Raila’s political dalliance with Waiguru became even clearer last month after the former PM accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta to the governor’s wedding in Kirinyaga last month.

Waiguru tied the knot with Nairobi lawyer Kamotho Waiganjo in a traditional wedding that was attended by prominent politicians and businessmen.

“In politics, formations happen. Those who showed up at the wedding were there either to confirm their membership to emerging political formations or friendship,” she said.

Asked whether she had made up her mind on a joint political formation with Raila ahead of 2022 elections, Waiguru said it was too early to decide.“It was not really about future formations, but to support Mr Kenyatta’s decision to shake hands with Mr Odinga. You know this country was not in good shape after the 2017 elections,” she said.

Waiguru said she had assured the ODM leader of her unwavering support for the handshake through ongoing activities of the Embrace Kenya team.

Waiguru delved deeper into politics of the day with a strong opposition to Dr Ekuru Aukot’s Punguza Mizigo referendum Bill that seeks to reduce elective positions among other key constitutional changes.She said the Bill risks locking out women from adequate representation in the political arena, ‘an issue Raila himself is against.’

“Raila understands the challenges women are facing. He has spoken firmly about it even during the funeral of Joyce Laboso (the former Bomet Governor),” Waiguru said, insisting that women must have representation at the executive level.

Waiguru’s warming up to Raila stands in stark contrast with past speculation that she was angling to be Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in 2022.

The governor was, however, categorical that her new dalliance with Raila does not mean she was turning her back on the DP who did not show up during her wedding.

She said attendance of the wedding was voluntary and the absence of Dr Ruto should not be misinterpreted to mean a souring of the relationship between them.“Being a member of the Jubilee Party, we have to separate matters concerning the party from those of the handshake. President Kenyatta is the party leader and Dr Ruto is the deputy party leader,” she said adding that “when time comes, we will make a decision on the direction the party will take.

“Ultimately, Kenyans will determine who will run the country. It is not an individual’s decision.”Waiguru insisted that in the meantime, she will continue to position herself as the voice of Mt Kenya region ready to take the mantle of leadership if considered in 2022.

“If you go to our region, people are talking and assessing. President Kenyatta will lead us in making a decision as Mt Kenya on how the political formation will look like.“Whether it is Raila or someone else, the presidential candidates must to know Mt Kenya needs representation at the top. At the moment, it would be preemptive. We are open and are uniting,” she said.

Waiguru said she was sitting pretty having cleared all obstacles that were weighing her down and threatening her positioning as a voice in Mt Kenya region.She cited the clearance of corruption allegations following the loss of about Sh791 million at the NYS during her tenure as Devolution Cabinet Secretary.

The governor, however, maintained that she had serious reservations as to how investigators handled the matter, saying it did not meet her expectations.

“The investigations have vindicated me, but not as I would have preferred it done. Simply put, if you have been investigated, it is made public, you go through swinging doors, press statements are issued saying they are investigating but when they don’t find anything, they keep quiet,” she said.

“When they find that there is nothing, and they do not make it public, they leave room for speculation.”On the flip side, Waiguru said, the allegations had come as a blessing in disguise having catapulted her into her new role as an elected leader in Kenya.

“There were lots of rumours and politicisation of the issues. It was a tough time for me as an individual but if you look at how it eventually got me where I am, I think you sometimes have to go through such challenges,” she said.

Besides, Waiguru said the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a long running petition challenging her election as Kirinyaga governor had relieved her. Ms Martha Karua, her rival for the gubernatorial seat, had until last week fought a long-drawn legal battle seeking to nullify Waiguru’s election.

The governor also revealed that her recent marriage to Mr Kamotho was another step towards earning acceptance in Mt Kenya region.She promised Kenyans to be on the lookout for “a more aggressive Waiguru” that will seek to unite the region and stop it from falling apart.Waiguru lashed out at some leaders she accused of sowing seeds of disunity in Mt Kenya region through false claims of neglect and alleged plot to assassinate DP Ruto.

“There are people working hard to split the region so that we have no voice and representation in the future,” the governor said adding that “assassination claims were meant to isolate Mt Kenya.

CREDITS: Source Link

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Politics

Inside Ruto allies plot to shoot down Raila’s referendum bill

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Members of Parliament allied to Deputy President Dr William Ruto have vowed to mount a vigorous campaign to shoot down the referendum bill if “it is pushed down the throats of Kenyans.”

According to reports by a local daily, the lawmakers have warned that they have the wherewithal to mount a massive campaign against the public vote which they claimed is “predicated on selfish political interests.”

“We don’t fear a referendum at all. Let them bring it on,” said Soy MP Caleb Kositany, one of the few politicians in Ruto’s coterie. “At the end of the day, we will respect the decision of the majority of Kenyans. Let us meet at the ballot.”

Kandara’s Alice Wahome said Kenyans who voted for Uhuru and Ruto in 2017 are intact and would reject the plebiscite, despite Uhuru joining “the official opposition”.

“We haven’t crossed over and we haven’t changed our minds. We keep promises,” Wahome stated.

She claimed that President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Raila Odinga might as well have hatched a plot to destroy Ruto’s 2022 presidential ambitions.

“Nobody fears a referendum at all. What we are opposed to is a referendum that seeks to enable a few people to get power. We already know, for example, who wants to be Prime Minister and the two deputies,” she was quoted by the Star

The controversial MP, however, reminded Uhuru that the Ruto allies were not about to abandon the DP.

The warning shot from the DP’s brigade is the clearest signal yet that Ruto could be weighing his options, including a political duel with his boss.

Such a contest will likely leave him thoroughly bruised as the country’s political bigwigs have closed ranks to support constitutional change.

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Politics

Former Raila’s right hand man dumps ODM Party

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Opposition chief Raila Odinga’s former aide Eliud Owalo has officially resigned from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

While tendering his resignation from the Orange Party, Owalo noted that his political ideology, convictions and belief no longer has convergence or depict any congruence and common denominator with that of the ODM Party.

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Owallo has been rumored to be among the 15-member think tank which has been allegedly hired by ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi ahead of his 2022 political gameplan.

In 2013, Owallo worked as Raila’s presidential campaign manager, but the two fell out in the run-up to the 2017 polls after contesting the Kibra parliamentary seat.

Also advising Mudavadi is lawyer Sam Karanja who chaired Jubilee’s Appeals Tribunal.

Owallo is also among politicians eyeing Kibra parliamentary seat that fell vacant following the demise of former MP Ken Okoth who succumbed to cancer.

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Mudavadi’s 15-member think tank that will see him outshine Ruto, Raila in 2022

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Amani National Congress Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi has tapped into political think tanks, some of which previously worked for President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition chief Raila Odinga ahead of his 2022 political gameplan.

According to a local daily, the 15-member think tank includes Eliud Owallo, a management consultant whose firm, Eluid and Associates, has been bagging huge consultancy work in and out of government.

In 2013, Owallo worked as Raila’s presidential campaign manager, but the two fell out in the run-up to the 2017 polls after contesting the Kibra parliamentary seat.

Also advising Mudavadi is lawyer Sam Karanja who chaired Jubilee’s Appeals Tribunal.

He was among the drafters of Jubilee Party election laws as well as rules and regulations.

Others are Eric Wafukho, George Musyoka and David Kabeberi.

Wafukho, a leadership and governance consultant, served on the Nasa Policy, Research and Strategy Team in 2017.

Musyoka, on the other hand, was the 2017 Team Uhuru campaign coordinator for Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties for the Jubilee Party and President Kenyatta’s presidential campaign.

Kabeberi, an accounting and financial expert, was involved in Kibaki and Uhuru’s campaigns as a political strategist, especially in fundraising

To manage his communication unit, the ANC Party leader recently hired well-known media personality Jimmi Gathu as his new media liaison boss.

The politburo’s mandate is to develop new political strategies and come up with what some insiders have described as a new “unstoppable” Mudavadi”

He has also set up a presidential campaign secretariat on posh Riverside Drive in Nairobi, away from the ANC offices in Lavington.

Having become MP at only age 28, Mudavadi is a wealthy man and can comfortably finance a good political campaign from his personal resources.

He also has deep connections with Kenya’s wealthiest families including ex-President Daniel Moi’s family, which backed his election in 2013.

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Politics

Miguna goes after Raila’s neck, exposes his allegedly grabbed wealth( Photos)

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Exiled controversial lawyer Dr Miguna Miguna has taken issue with ODM leader Raila Odinga for mourning the departed Kibra MP Ken Okoth.

Barely hours after the Kibra lawmaker’s death, Miguna Miguna has hit out at Raila, accusing him of looting during his tenure as an Lang’ata MP.

Miguna who has praised Ken Okoth for working hard to better the lives of Kibra people says Raila was doing the opposite.

He has gone ahead to expose the wealth he alleges Raila got using public funds. He has accused the AU envoy of building himself big hotels in Kisumu as Ken Okoth built schools and health centres for Kibra people.

Miguna has accused Raila of building Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu with billions of public money he had allegedly stolen as Prime Minister.

He further accuses Raila of looting to build Nkandlas in Kisumu, which he argues that it is worth Ksh 2.5 billion.

“As Jacon Zuma was looting public money and building Nkandlas, in Kenya, The Kabaka Yekka @RailaOdinga was looting, competing with Uhuru, Ruto and Moi in plunder and building Nkandlas in Kisumu. Below is @RailaOdinga‘s Nkandla built at Shs. 2.5B public money,” tweeted Miguna Miguna.

The lawyer further accuses Raila of looting 11 billion of public money from Kazi Kwa Vijana and built himself a Taj Mahal and 3 five star hotels in Kisumu.

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The Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu allegedly owned by Raila. PHOTO/ COURTESY

“Ken Okoth used the modest CDF to construct more than 5 major schools in Kibra in less than 7 years while The People’s Con-Man Kabaka Yekka @RailaOdinga looted Shs. 11 billion of public money from Kazi Kwa Vijana and built himself a Taj Mahal and 3 five star hotels in Kisumu,” tweeted Miguna.

Miguna further says that Raila was an anti-Okoth crusader, alleging that he arranged to have him stoned in the run-up to the 2017 polls.

The former Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant accused Raila of trying to use illegal ways to push Okoth out of the Kibera race in favour of his daughter Rosemary Odinga who was also eyeing the seat before she was taken ill.

He also observed that Okoth’s seven-year tenure outdid Raila’s 25 years when he represented the area when it was under the larger Langata constituency.

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Politics

VIDEO: Raila reveals unknown details about Ken Okoth

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has revealed more details about the late Kibra MP Ken Okoth and his death.

While speaking to NTV barely hours after Okoth’s death, Raila disclosed how he helped Ken Okoth run Kibra Constituency during his ailing moment.

“I was like a substitute member. I tried to do what he was doing, helping the people of Kibra. I used to work behind the scenes helping the people of Kibra. As you know, poor people need a lot of attention as emergencies tend to often arise,” said the ODM leader.

Raila said he was shocked with the news of Okoth’s death as he planned to board his private plane from Mombasa to to Nairobi to check on the MP, who he thought was still alive.

“I spoke to him about a month ago, but the day before he died, I had a bad premonition. I went to look for him at The Nairobi Hospital then I was told that he had been discharged.

He further revealed how he had spent an hour just looking for Ken Okoth a day before his death.

“Yesterday(Friday) in the morning I went to several functions before flying out to Mombasa. I was hoping to see him when I came back today, then at the airport, I realised that he had passed on. The day before he died I spent one hour looking for him,” a sad Raila revealed.

In his moving tribute, Raila said that Ken battled Cancer with unique bravery while serving his voters to the last minutes of his life.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our MP Hon. @okothkenneth. Ken battled Cancer with unique bravery while serving his voters to the last minutes of his life. May God grant peace and strength to his family and may he Rest In Peace,” he posted on twitter.

The late Kibra MP who died on Friday at The Nairobi Hospital had instructed his family not to put him on life support when his condition deteriorated.

Watch Raila’s interview with NTV below:

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Politics

Ghost of election petitions return to haunt Raila ally

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives have arrested former Ugenya constituency Member of Parliament and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s close ally Chris Karan.

Karan has been arrested for allegedly forging documents used in an election petition against the now Ugenya MP David Ochieng.

His arrested saw his lawyer George Mugoye Mbaya and two doctors George Owino and Mohammed Adan Mohamed also arrested over the same allegations.

According to The Standard, they are accused of colluding to prepare and use the forged documents in the petition challenging the election of Mr. Karan filed by the former MP David Ochieng’.

Mr Karan is accused of allegedly presenting a forged letter indicating that he had been admitted to Alfarooq Hospital, as a justification for responding to the petition after the deadline.

In the sworn affidavit he presented in court, Karan said he has been admitted to the facility with fever and vomiting from September 6 to 13, 2017.

EACC says they will be charged with the “offences of providing false information under the leadership and integrity act 2012, forgery, uttering false documents, and making false declaration under the penal code”.

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Fear of arrest? Murathe’s ‘successor’ in Jubilee offers a public apology to Raila, Tuju

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Last week, a video widely circulated on social media that appeared to show the outspoken Sirisia MP John Walukhe , a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto attacking Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju and his ethnic community, Luo.

The clip attracted the attention of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission which has hence summoned Waluke for grilling on Thursday.

Commission secretary Hassan Mohamed told the media that the legislator violated section 62 of the NCIC Act.

But the outspoken MP has now come out publicly to offer an apology to Tuju, ODM leader Raila Odinga and the entire Luo Community.

Speaking to the press at Parliament buildings, Waluke said that his ethic slur came as result of the sleep of the tongue.

He also disclosed that he is the current acting Jubilee Party Vice chairman after taking over from Dvid Murathe who resigned.

Below is the full video of Waluke’s apology.

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Politics

Why Aukot’s referendum push is a win for Ruto, a blow to Uhuru and Raila

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have been pushing for constitutional changes through their Building Brides initiative, but will it be an easy journey?

Well, Thirdway Alliance Party leader Dr Ekuru Aukot is pushing for constitutional changes as well. Whilst President Kenytatta and Raila are pushing for more representation, over representation is Dr Aukot’s major concern.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Thursday approved 1.2 of the 1.4 million signatures which Aukot had presented for scrutiny by the commission.

With the law dictating that a person seeking to implement changes in the constitution present one million signatures, Aukot has cruised past the first section of the test.

Consequently, this exposes the nation to a possible referendum, probably next year, which comes as a blow to Uhuru and Raila, who have been pushing for an expanded government.

Aukot, on the other hand, is pushing to have elective seats reduced.

This will, therefore, force the two to go back to the drawing board to consider other ways of realising their push, putting into consideration that it will be impossible to their referendum bid to materialise with Aukot’s also looming.

Political analyst Herman Manyora claims that Deputy President Dr William Ruto stands to benefit from the referendum push by Dr Aukot.

Through his YouTube channel, Manyora explained that Aukot’s plans go through then the country can’t hold another plebiscite until 2022.

In his opinion, this would frustrate plans by the ODM Party Leader to hold a similar exercise to amend the Constitution. 

“There are those who believe that if this referendum were to be undertaken, not even go through, just to be undertaken then it would make it nearly impossible for any other group, BBI and the handshake included, to bring another referendum to Kenyans before the next election. 

“Therefore Ruto will have scored if the Thirdway Alliance was able to be taken to the people for a vote,” Manyora explained.

He went on to add that skeptics were claiming that the ‘Punguza Mzigo’ initiative would die before it reaches the County Assembly because of the many legal issues surrounding it.

Watch Manyora’s video below:

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Politics

Blow to Ruto as Uhuru comes to Tuju’s defense

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President Dr William Ruto on Sunday took a swipe at Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju questioning his new role in ODM leader Raila Odinga’s team, two days after the CS without portfolio attended a meeting with ODM leaders in Rarieda constituency.

Ruto’s post on twitter sparked a debate with his close allies calling for the resignation of Tuju following his suspected links with Raila.

“So our democracy is so liberal that the SG of a ruling party has become the chief strategist of the opposition!! Maajabu (wonders),” Ruto’s post read.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has however defended Tuju over the claims.

State House spokesperson Kanze Dena told the Nation Tuesday that Mr Tuju’s Rarieda meeting was official and it was sanctioned by the President.

“The meeting in Rarieda was a government function and Mr Tuju was there in his capacity as the presidential representative,” said Ms Dena.

Kanze Dena further revealed that Tuju had an official speech of the President that he was to read.

“The Cabinet Secretary had an official speech of the President and, therefore, it was not a private function but a development event by the government.”

Mr Tuju also confirmed that he read the Head of State’s speech as a government official.

“It was indeed an official trip. On our arrival, we were received by the local administration and Permanent Secretary in the State department of Youth,” he said.

On Thursday last week, Mr Tuju, Siaya Senator James Orengo, MPs Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Jubilee secretariat official Steve Mwanga flew to Rarieda in one chopper to tour various development projects, sparking controversy in Jubilee.

Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju (left), Senator James Orengo and MP Otiende Amollo at a past function. [Source/James Orengo/Twitter]
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Politics

Details: Raila’s threats that cowed Uhuru into handshake

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The March 9, 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his opposition counterpart Raila Odinga has remained to be a history after putting calm on the political tension that was boiling in the Country. But how did it come to be?

Well, as Deputy President Dr William Ruto continues throwing jibe at Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju over his links with Raila, Tuju has revealed other unknown details of how the handshake came to be.

In an exclusive interview with one of the local dailies, Tuju narrated how Odinga used threats of secession to force the president into the handshake.

Tuju claimed that Odinga threatened to unify all the areas that supported him in the 2017 General Election and push for autonomy.

“Before the handshake, there were some people who had ignited the secession debate so you ask yourself who would want to lead a nation which part of the population wants to secede,” Tuju continued.

The CS without portfolio went on to explain that the president had no option but to give in to Odinga’s demands so as to keep the nation united.

“The fate of Kenya depended on resolving issues of enjoining all in the government for everyone to feel part and parcel of this country,” he explained.

He further stated that those fighting the handshake were ill-advised as no one would want to lead a divided nation.

Tuju also explained how difficult it was for both parties to have a seat down and resolve the issues due to their insider’s tough stands.

The decision to have the handshake, according to Tuju, was a move to put the nation’s interests before their individual ones.

On Sunday, Ruto threw jibe at Tuju accusing him of being an opposition strategist despite being Secretary General to a ruling party.

But in his response, Tuju stated that he did not wish to engage the DP in a public spat.

“I refuse to be drawn into a public argument with the deputy president, or engage him through the media, because he is my boss.

“I am committed to supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta’s efforts to unite the country, through bold steps like the BBI, the handshake, the fight against corruption and the Big Four agenda,” cited the CS without portfolio.

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Politics

Raila, Uhuru’s 2022 system of government that might lock out Ruto

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

With 2022 drawing near, different political leaders with interests in succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta have been seen to have already started campaigning.

Deputy President Dr William Ruto leads in early campaigns despite warning from the head of state. This has prompted the emergence of two factions within ruling party Jubilee, the team kieleweke and Tanga tanga.

But will these campaigns add any value come 2022? Well, the country could be headed for a parliamentary system of government with the Prime Minister being head of government, if proposals by the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) that mirror recommendations in the Bomas draft are implemented.

According to one of the local dailies, the preliminary report was reportedly shared with the principals last week and the team will retreat to write the final report next month.

The Standard reports that preliminary report proposes a Cabinet appointed from among MPs of not more than 20 ministers, including two deputy Prime Ministers, reintroduces deputy ministers, raises allocations to counties to 45 per cent and recommends a reduction of the number of MPs to 209 from 416.   

The 12-member team tasked to propose measures to end ethnic antagonism every election year, wants the President to be elected by a three-tier Electoral College through a secret ballot for a non-renewable term of seven years.

Alternatively, the team proposes that the election of the President be by direct adult suffrage through a secret ballot on the Tuesday immediately preceding the 21 days before the expiry of the term of the sitting President.

The President shall be the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. 

According to BBI, the national executive authority of the republic shall be exercised in accordance with the Constitution by, or on the authority of, the President and the Prime Minister together with the rest of the Cabinet.

“The President shall exercise the powers and perform the functions of that office on the advice of the Cabinet unless this constitution states otherwise,” the proposal reads in part.

The team suggests that the President shall appoint and may dismiss the Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers and the ministers.

Other officials appointed or fired by the President are deputy ministers, judges of the superior courts and any other State or public officer who is appointed by the President.

The team proposes that the deputy president shall be the principal assistant and shall not serve for more than two terms.

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