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Forget The Prophet Owuor Healing Press Conference, Moses Kuria Dismisses Kenya’s COVID-19 Recoveries

by Muthoni Kamande
written by Muthoni Kamande

Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria has dismissed claims by the government that two people identified as Brenda and Brian had been healed from COVID-19.

On Wednesday, April 1, President Uhuru Kenyatta held a televised meeting with two recovered coronavirus patients.

The president who was at State House engaged with the recovered patients, Brenda and Brian who were at Afya House.

The President identified the two patients as Brenda Cherotich who was the first patient to test positive for the virus in the country and Brian Orina who got infected by Brenda.

“Brenda we have been referring to you as patient 1, it was necessary to keep your details confidential but you are a special woman and a special young Kenyan because immediately you felt something was wrong, realizing what was happening in the world and without being coerced or pushed by your parents you took it upon yourself to go to Kenyatta Hospital and to tell them you were not well. We are very proud of you Brenda,” the President stated

Confident Brenda and Brian narrated how they discovered they had the virus and their journey to recovery.

However, Moses Kuria argues that the head of state was misled on this.

Mr Kuria has termed the President’s meeting with Brenda and Brian as the Prophet Owuor healing Press Conference for the Brenda & Brian Initiative, arguing that the government performed badly on COVID-19.

He says that Kenyans should not be fooled, but continue staying safe.

The controversial lawmaker argues that coronavirus is a very lethal killer. He says 100,000 Americans will die in the next two weeks as confirmed by President Trump.

He further argues that someone misled President Kenyatta, arguing that the head of state is lonely.

According to Moses Kuria, President Kenyatta is missing his deputy, Dr William Ruto.

“From a communications point of view, the Government of Kenya performed badly on COVID-19 yesterday. Forget the Prophet Owuor healing Press Conference for the Brenda & Brian Initiative. Do not be fooled. Continue keeping safe. Corona Virus is a very lethal killer. 100,000 Americans will die in the next 2 weeks as confirmed by President Trump. I think someone misled my President yesterday. And I think my President is lonely. And I think my President misses his Deputy,” he posted.

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IGAD Countries Agree to Forging Joint Approach to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have agreed to forge a joint approach to curb the spread of Coronavirus disease.

The Heads of States of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, Somalia and South Sudan today held a teleconference where they discussed the challenges the region is facing in managing the global pandemic.

The Heads of State tasked the IGAD Secretariat to urgently formulate a regional response to COVID-19 that adopts a whole-of-government approach.

The leaders also agreed to intensify information sharing including tracking of infected persons.

Further, the Heads of State agreed to direct their relevant agencies to enhance cooperation in border control and management, with a view of ensuring safety along common borders and guarantee movement of cargo.

The leaders appealed to the international community to provide support for vulnerable groups particularly refugees within IGAD countries and to support national efforts to ensure that humanitarian corridors remain open.

In addition, the Heads of State agreed to pursue joint mobilisation of financial resources from international institutions and partners.

They said the region needs resources to help in combating the virus as well as in mitigating the social-economic impact of the disease.

The leaders urged the private sector to contribute more to the fight against the infectious disease.

To mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, the Heads of State tasked regional ministers of finance to carry out a comprehensive assessment with a view of establishing an IGAD emergency fund.

Further, the Heads of State tasked the IGAD secretariate to formulate appropriate response programmes that will be discussed by the leaders.

The leaders said the assessment will form the basis for joint engagement with international partners such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank Group, and the G20 for economic stimulus packages.

While briefing his counterparts on the measures Kenya is taking to curtail the spread of the virus, President Kenyatta stated the country’s willingness to assist regional nations that may require its support saying, it is imperative for IGAD countries to forge a common front against the global pandemic.

“My administration will do whatever is within its power and capacity to extend any support that our brothers and sisters in our neighboring countries might require,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta also briefed the leaders on the outcomes of a teleconference of the Bureau of the African Union Heads of State and Government held on 26th March.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to establish a continental anti-Covid-19 Africa Fund to which members of the Bureau agreed to immediately contribute US $12.5 million as seed funding.

The bureau also agreed to contribute a further US $4.5 million towards boosting the capacity of the African Union Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC).

On its part, Kenya pledged to contribute US$ 2 million and US$ 1 million to the Fund and the Africa CDC respectively.

President Kenyatta reminded IGAD member states to continue the fight against desert locust invasion even as they work to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus.

He said the desert locust invasion risks plunging the region into a food crisis at a time when the world’s attention is focused on dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chairperson of IGAD who is also the Prime Minister of Sudan Abdalla Hamdok, President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), President Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Vice President Dr. Riek Machar  (South Sudan) and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia participated in the teleconference.

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How Ignorant Kenyans Forced Uhuru to Impose a Dusk to Dawn Curfew

by Brian Kiprono
written by Brian Kiprono

As the corona virus cases increase from 25 to 28, President Uhuru Kenyatta has been forced to impose a dusk to dawn curfew between 7pm to 5 am which will act effective from Friday 27,March.

This is probably to bar ignorant Kenyans who are used to being away from home at the given hours to take on toes the measures in order to reduce the spread of the corona Virus in the country.

This comes barely two days after Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe termed Kenyans as indisciplined and difficult to handle.

Kagwe’s remarks came after a section of Kenyans failed to adhere to the measures that the government had set to curb COVID-19.

Despite this measure,the Head of State has exempted a few persons from it,these are Health Workers,Medical professionals,critical and essential services providers.

“Effective Friday, 27th March, 2020; a Daily Curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. shall be in effect in the territory of the Republic of Kenya, with all movement by persons not authorized to do so or not being Medical Professionals, Health Workers, Critical and Essential Services Providers, being prohibited between those hours,” said Kenyatta while addressing the nation on Wednesday.

The head of state, however, let a sigh of relief in the hearts of Kenyans when he announced that one of the patients who had earlier been infected with the virus had fully recovered.

He further asked Kenyans to strictly take up on safety measures given by the Ministry of Health and further emphasized on social distancing as a way to cope with COVID-19 in the country.

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Coronavirus Patient Fully Recovers as Confirmed Cases in Kenya Hits 28

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya has recorded its first ever coronavirus recovery case, President Uhuru Kenyatta has confirmed.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, President Kenyatta confirmed that one of the coronavirus patients in Kenya has been tested to have fully recovered from the pandemic.

However, the head of state confirmed three more cases, bringing total number of confirmed cases to 28.

He further directed the National Treasury to offer 100% tax relief to persons earning less than Sh24,000, with Income tax going down from 30% to 25%.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe had on Tuesday March 24 announced 9 more cases that had brought total number of cases to 25.

CS Kagwe however, slammed a section of Kenyan citizens for allegedly refusing to abide by government directives on combating the spread of the coronavirus.

Since the first positive case of Covid-19 was recorded in Kenya on March 13, 2020, the government has come up with a raft of measures aimed at decongesting public places and improving hygiene all in the name of containing the novel disease.

Among these measures have included imposing of self-quarantine for Kenyans who jet back into the country from coronavirus-hit areas; shutting down of bars and restaurants; suspension of church services and burials; as well as slashing the number of passengers in public service vehicles by half.

However, according to CS Kagwe, some Kenyans have continuously disregarded these directives every step of the way, choosing instead to put their lives – and those of others close to them – at risk.

The tough-talking CS, speaking during a press conference at Afya House, noted that this reckless behavior by some few individuals may eventually cost the nation a big deal in the fight against the coronavirus.

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Uhuru Fires Ex-ODM Governor From Plum Job

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has fired former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) governor from plum job.

The former Kajiado governor David ole Nkedianye has lost his job as chairman of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority board.

He had only served in the post for one year.

Nkedianye was immediately replaced after his firing.

David ole Nkedianye
Former Kajiado governor David ole Nkedianye. PHOTO/COURTESY

In a gazette notice on Friday, President Kenyatta replaced the former ODM governor with Mr Erick Okeyo.

Mr Nkedianye’s stint to run for the next two years was cut short.

Mr Okeyo’s term will run for three years. He is the former chairman of the Lake Victoria South Water Services Board.

Mr Nkedienye got a soft landing in February 2019 after he lost the 2017 Kajiado gubernatorial race to Joseph ole Lenku.

Mr Nkedianye, a close ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, won the Kajiado governor’s seat on an ODM ticket in 2013.

Other governors who landed State jobs include former Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu, now heading the Water Services Regulatory Board while Machakos gubernatorial race loser Wavinya Ndeti now heads the Kenya Water Institute board.

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Uhuru Receives Ksh 7.4 Billion to Contain Spread of Coronavirus

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has today released Shs 7.4 billion to support Government efforts to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during President Kenyatta’s meeting with the private sector, CBK Governor Dr Patrick Njoroge said the money was gained from the mop-up of the old 1000 shillings bank notes.

“As you recall in September last year we concluded the demonetization of our currency relating to our old generation one thousand bank notes. That matter was concluded and as a result of that, Shs 7.4 billion worth of bank notes never came back to the system.

“That money would have been held by people who, for whatever reason, did not want to subject themselves to the checks that were in place. So most likely this was money that might have been illicitly acquired through the various channels that we have talked about in other forums,” the CBK Governor said.

Dr Njoroge said the bank is giving back the money to boost the government’s efforts to combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

President Kenyatta thanked CBK for the contribution and directed Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani to ensure the money is used to support Kenyans to overcome the current health crisis.

“That money goes to help our health facilities and our health workers,” the President said.

He added: “That again is something we appreciate and this is what I mean when I say Kenyans working together can achieve miracles.”

During the meeting, the President announced a further Shs 1 billion allocation by the Government for hiring of more health workers needed to increase the country’s capacity to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic.

He said the additional funds will ensure the government brings on board enough manpower to support those already in the field working to save lives.

The President’s meeting with the private sector representatives discussed a raft of other measures being taken to cushion the country from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Key among the interventions is an announcement by the Head of State that outstanding VAT refunds and pending bills would be settled within 30 days.

The President said VAT refunds and settlement of pending bills will help improve cash flow and keep businesses afloat.

“Critically, we all recognize that the volume of business has gone down. We need to ensure that we have cash flow to be able to keep ourselves afloat as we go through these trying times,” the President said.

He said the Government had lifted a ban on its entities from holding conferences and seminars in private hotels so as to keep the hospitality sector vibrant.

“As you are well aware we had put a ban on government officials holding meetings in hotels and said only government institutions are the ones to host various seminars by government.

“Again we have lifted that temporarily until this is over so that our hotel beds get occupancy and you in turn are able to keep your workers employed,” the President said.

Once again, the President thanked the media for its leading role in information dissemination and public health education on the Coronavirus pandemic.

He said the media had distinguished itself as a valuable partner in efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

Following yesterday’s directive, the Head of State said the Government had released 400,000 litres of ethanol, impounded by the multi-agency team on contraband goods, to oil companies for the blending of hand sanitizers to be distributed free of charge to the public.

On its part, the private sector, through the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Chairman Nick Nesbitt and CEO Carole Kariuki, committed to continue protecting Kenyan employees against job losses and safeguarding SMEs from the adverse effects the current crisis by ensuring business and supply chain continuity.

The private sector further committed to prioritize the health and safety of employees, communities and health workers through increased Corporate Social Responsibility activities. The meeting was attended by several Cabinet Secretaries among other senior Government officials.

Earlier, the President held talks with representatives of the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) Apparel and Textile Sector during which he commended the sector for their efforts in minimizing job losses during this crisis period.

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Uhuru, Raila Allies Issue a Hard-Hitting Statement Against Ruto

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga allies have issued a hard-hitting statement against Deputy President Dr William Ruto.

The leaders drawn from both the National Assembly and the Senate blasted the second in command over his comments on the murder of Sergeant Kipyegon Kenei, daring him to resign.

The over 50 MPs issued a length statement condemning the DP’s conduct.

They also listed a myriad of scandals, including a claim that Ruto has links with the underworld.

The statement listing of crimes allegedly committed by the DP appeared to support a recent impeachment threat issued by Siaya Senator James Orengo who was conspicuously present at the press conference.

Here is the full statement:

THE FIFTH COLUMN – THE ENEMY FROM WITHIN

STATEMENT ON THE REPREHENSIBLE CONDUCT OF THE

DEPUTY PRESIDENT – H. E. WILLIAM RUTO

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides for the establishment of a multi-party democratic State based on specific and enumerated foundational values.

Under the said Constitution the Deputy President does not undertake a separate and distinct nomination process in presidential elections. He/she is therefore the principal assistant of the President as an integral appendage of the presidency who must operate under restricted and limited terms and conditions within the general authority of the President. The Deputy President must loyally assist the President in promoting the unity of the nation and the occupier of the office must respect, uphold and safeguard the Constitution.

Above all, as a State officer, the Deputy President must be at the forefront in complying with the responsibilities of leadership as spelled out in Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.

The Deputy President William Ruto has declared war against established state institutions some of them which are creatures of the Constitution, just like his high office. The police (which includes DCI), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are constitutional bodies. The Deputy President is the second highest ranking member of the National Security Council which exercises supervisory control over national security organs and ipso facto he is well placed to deal with questions or challenges that may arise concerning the operations of security organs.

The Deputy President should therefore be the last person to complain against government institutions in funerals and roadside pronouncements with a loud megaphone. That can only undermine the authority and mandate of government institutions and may well constitute an offence against public order.

The Deputy President has questioned the capacity and mandate of the investigatory and prosecutorial organs of state. These persistent attacks have targeted numerous public officers including Fred Matiangi, Karanja Kibicho, George Kinoti and Noordin Haji who serve at the core of public service functions and operations.

He has claimed that the system has been mobilized “to bring him down” and persistently alleged that his life is in danger. In recent attacks he has not spared the Head of State either with a crude and sinister reference to the purported existence of a deep state. These attacks have now peaked with the creation of a team, directly loyal to William Ruto, within the ruling party, with the objective of insidiously eroding the prestige and honour of the President of the Republic and the Leader of his Party and to fight the government from within. This is unacceptable and ultimately renders the government dysfunctional and divided.

THE OPEN WAR ON THE PRESIDENT AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Last year the President and Raila Odinga embarked on and launched a major initiative to fight against corruption and to build bridges leading to the exalted destination of a united and prosperous Kenya. The Deputy President has questioned the formulation and implementation of these noble objectives. Despite national and international acclaim and approval of the Building Bridges Initiative the Deputy President has openly fought against it. The narrative of peace, justice and reconciliation is total anathema to the Deputy President. The brazen attacks on the government and public institutions have been extended to the social media and targeted varied groups in society. In these circumstances the “centre cannot hold” unless appropriate action is taken against these egregious malfeasances against democracy, the rule of law, accountability and good governance.

The President has appealed to State officers and the nation as a whole that the country should not be subjected to early campaigns for the 2022 general elections. The Deputy President has bluntly disobeyed his principal, and in this regard, in our view, this constitutes gross misconduct and an act of insubordination.

INTEGRITY ISSUES

The authority and respect of the government has been subverted by the integrity issues facing the Deputy President. In fact the question of the rectitude and forthrightness of the Deputy President has always clouded the character of the Deputy President right from the beginning as his public record has constantly been fraught with concerns and controversies about his ethical probity ranging from the grabbing of public and private land to participation in fraudulent deals. The list is endless but let us mention the following –

(a) The maize scandals

(b) Land grabbing including the KCAA land on which he has developed the Weston Hotel.

(c) Arror and Kimwerer dam projects. He sensationally claimed that no money was lost and that there was a legitimate expenditure of Kshs. 7 billion for the projects by the National Treasury.

(d) Operations of AMACO in questionable deals and contracts with Kenya Pipeline Corporation and other state institutions.

(e) Manipulation of planning, budgeting and procurement procedures and irregular securing of payments for his personal benefit and thereby acting in constant abuse of office contrary to the law of the land.

(f) History of fraud, acquisition of unexplained wealth and unjust enrichment.

(g) Arms deals and association with the underworld.

LAUNCHING GHOST PROJECTS

The Public Accounts Committee has openly accused Ruto of launching ghost projects. He purportedly commissioned the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project without the involvement of parent ministries and claimed credit. He does not launch the projects as an appropriate and official undertaking. To the contrary he is driven by an overriding, selfish and extraneous objective of promoting his egoistic ambitions to attain the office of President in 2022 by whatever means possible.

UNBRIDLED AMBITION

The Deputy President is definitely guilty of public misconduct and grave malpractices and has not lived up to the oath of office that he subscribed before assuming office. He has not brought honour to the nation and dignity to the office of Deputy President and has failed to promote public confidence in the integrity of the high office. He had rather rule Kenya than serve the people. He has not offered selfless service based solely on the public interest. He is not honest and his personal interests are in constant conflict with his public duties.

THIS STATE OF AFFAIRS leaves William Ruto with no option but resign from the office and position of Deputy President. He must shape up or ship out. He needs time and undivided attention to pursue the only thing and ambition that makes sense and has meaning in his life – Dream and Campaign for the 2022 presidential elections.

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Central Kenya to Support Gideon Moi For 2022 Presidency, Jubilee MP Hints

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

As race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta hots up day by day, a Jubilee party lawmaker seems to have let the cat out of the bag.

2022 political plans on Tuesday unfolded when Kiambu Women Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba took the microphone at the late veteran politician Nginyo Kariuki’s funeral.

The woman MP hinted that Central Kenya will support Baringo Senator Gideon Moi for the 2022 presidency.

The lawmaker allied to the Kieleweke wing of Jubilee, vowed to support the son of the the late retired president Daniel Moi in a possible power shake up ahead of the upcoming general election.

While heaping praises on the veteran politician Nginyo, Wamuchomba disclosed she was advised to support Gideon for the country’s top seat by the late politician.

“After the handshake, I looked for Nginyo Kariuki on phone and asked him whether to support the process or not. He told me if Gideon Moi is involved then you should support it. To you Gideon I want you to know we got the message and all our eyes are on you. Please revive KANU and we shall be with you,” she said.

During the burial of the late former President Mzee Daniel Moi, Gideon was handed the Mzee’s famous ‘rungu ya nyayo’, taking over Mzee Moi’s political mantle.

Gideon will now have to battle it out with Deputy President Dr William Ruto for the control of Rift Valley region.

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Raila Reveals Uhuru Failed to Show up at Veteran Politician’s Burial Due to Corona Virus

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

ODM party leader Raila Odinga has revealed that President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday failed to show up for the funeral of veteran politician Nginyo Kariuki due to changes in his schedule arising from the corona virus global crisis.

Raila who took the head of state’s apologies to the mourners and the family on Tuesday said President Kenyatta had wished to attend the burial but his schedule couldn’t allow.

The former Prime Minister added that President Kenyatta had requested the family to adjust the funeral date from tomorrow (Wednesday) to today (Tuesday) but was unable to attend.

“I will begin by bringing apologies from His Excellency the President. This burial was to take place Thursday but the family upon request changed it to day so the President could come. Unfortunately due to the corona virus visitation, some appointments were rescheduled and he could not make it,” Odinga stated.

President Kenyatta, whose TNA party was founded by the late Kariuki, was represented by his brother Muhoho Kenyatta, his uncle George Muhoho, and a delegation of senior government officials.

Amani National leader Musalia Mudavadi, Baringo Senator Gedion Moi, Hon Martha Karua are among other distinguished guests who attended the burial.

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Kikuyu Elders Endorse Uhuru’s Super CS For Presidency

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s super Cabinet Secretary has been endorsed for presidency.

The Interior and National Coordination of National Government Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is slowly becoming a frontrunner in the upcoming 2022 presidential elections, with him getting endorsements from different communities.

Matiangi, who was in Murang’a to attend a thanksgiving ceremony for NCIC Commissioner Wambui Nyutu, was touted as the most fitting politician to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, long ahead of the general elections.

The tough-talking CS was also equated to the late Cabinet Minister John Michuki both in his performance of Cabinet duties and his loyalty to the president.

“The CS has been loyal to President Kenyatta, just like the late Michuki, who was obedient to retired President Mwai Kibaki,” Mt Kenya Foundation chairman Peter Munga said.

Former Jubilee vice chairman and a close ally of President Kenyatta, David Murathe, described Matiang’i as a performer and a worthy successor of Uhuru, whom he described as the best man to safeguard the interests of Kenyans.

Borabu MP Ben Momanyi, who has been leading calls for a Matiang’i presidency in the Kisii region, told the gathering that the Interior CS was ready for the task while asking the Kikuyu community to join the rest of Kenyans in pushing for his candidature.

“CS Matiang’i has the support from Western region of the country and especially his Kisii backyard, and the best lieutenant for Kenyatta,” he said as quoted by The Standard.

Speculation has been rife on whether the ‘super CS’ is planning for a presidential run following signals that he has secured the backing of two of the country’s most influential leaders, the president and ODM chief Raila Odinga.

The details emerged as Matiang’i and Deputy President William Ruto openly clashed, signalling the increasing bad blood between the duo — who could face off in the 2022 presidential duel.

Within Ruto’s camp there is growing anxiety that Matiang’i is being propped up by powerful people, including influential individuals within the First Family.

He has recently made several trips to Raila’s Luo Nyanza backyard in the company of several ODM leaders, launching a couple of development projects and presiding over fundraisers.

The CS has also taken up communal activities, visiting his rural Kisii backyard several times, in a strategy to rally the region behind him.

Since the March 2018 handshake, the CS holds Raila in high regard and has in various public functions heaped praise on him as a “statesman”.

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Nairobi MCAs Ignore Uhuru’s Order, Move to Impeach Sonko

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s move to save embattled governor Mike Sonko from impeachment seems not to have bore any fruits after the MCAs vowed to oust the county chief hours after meeting the head of state at State House.

Minority whip in the County Assembly, the Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok, who is behind the impeachment said he will still table the motion.

Imwatok says Sonko has failed in his duties as Nairobi governor.

The ODM MCA said the motion will not be impeded by President Kenyatta’s meeting with Nairobi MCAs on Saturday.

“It is a private motion and it has not been affected by the meeting. I will still bring it on Tuesday,” said Imwatok who snubbed the meeting since he was in Kisumu for a burial .

He and other MCAs, including Minority Leader David Mberia, who was attending the BBI forum in Meru, lamented that they had received late communication from State House and thus could not honour the meeting.

The meeting which was held at statehouse was greatly attended by Jubilee MCAs who thereafter vowed to turn the motive to oust Governor Sonko down.

Jubilee members in the County Assembly stated they will vote down the motion.

“Our party leader has told us not to proceed with the impeachment motion. It is as good as dead now,” Peter Warutere, Roysambu MCAs.

The impeachment is based on different counts, including the governor’s alleged gross violation of the Constitution, incompetency and inability to lead, holding the county at ransom with lack of deputy governor, unable to control county debts and clearing of pending bills among others.

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Revealed: The Tough Demands And Ambush Uhuru Gave Sonko in Power Handover Deal

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and governor Mike Sonko to handover Nairobi City County to National Government was characterized by tough demands and an ambush on the part of the Nairobi County Government, details have revealed.

When Sonko left his home to come to the city, he was only prepared to meet Nairobi MCAs at his Upper Hill office and had no idea the day would end with his powers significantly neutered.

At around 11am, President Uhuru through State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua summoned Sonko to the house on the hill – giving him only 15 minutes to show up.

So unprepared was Sonko that he is reported to have won his suit and tie on the way to State House.

State House had also summoned acting County Secretary Justus Kathenge who was equally given a strict deadline.

At State House, Sonko and Kathenge found President Uhuru, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa, and Leboo Morintat whom the Nairobi Governor had fired a day earlier from the position of County Secretary.

It was at the meeting that Sonko was informed that the only way to keep Nairobi County running was to hand over functions.

It is reported that Uhuru was keen to avoid a by-election in Nairobi which was likely to happen if Sonko was impeached in the process that had already kicked.

A by-election in Nairobi would drain the already struggling National Treasury.

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Ruto Reveals More Unknown Details in Uhuru-Sonko Nairobi Takeover Deal

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has revealed more details surrounding the takeover of Nairobi City County by the National Government.

The DP has spoken on the unexpected move by Governor Mike Sonko to hand over the County functions to President Uhuru Kenyatta led government.

DP Ruto disclosed that President Kenyatta met with the Council of Governors and IEBC Commissioners before the move was actualized.

“The management of Nairobi city county has been a major source of concern for GoK and Nairobians,” Dr Ruto stated.

“HE the President met with CoG & IBEC chairs in consultation with other actors to facilitate the agreements signed,” he added.

The Deputy President also urged all stakeholders to “support this effort to ensure our city functions“.

Sonko’s move to surrender key county functions to the national government was considered the least disruptive of the options available to address the leadership crisis at City Hall.

Sonko has hence defended his decision to hand over some county functions to the national government.

In a statement posted in the wee hours of Thursday morning, Sonko — who is facing corruption charges in court — said the needs of Nairobi County are unique compared to other devolved units.

“My government set out on a fact-finding mission that saw us benchmark and take lessons from other jurisdictions across the world including Washington DC in the US and Abuja in Nigeria. From these case studies, we established that cities and metropolis the size of Nairobi are best served jointly by devolved units and central governments,” he said.

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Sonko Breaks Silence Hours After Handing Nairobi to Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Embattled Nairobi County governor Mike Sonko has broken his silence hours after handing over the administration of Nairobi County to the national government.

Sharing a video of himself pleading with President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene in the murky Nairobi county administration situation,  Sonko dispelled rumors that the role was forcefully taken away from him, owing to his inability to effectively execute his duties as a county head, after he was blocked from office by the court.

In the video, Sonko pours out his heart to the head of state, saying that cartels rooted deep within Nairobi had been interfering with his service delivery.

He further asks the president to assist him to weed out corrupt untouchables in the county, offering to give up roles such as revenue management and county planning to the national government.

”Tunaomba uingilie hiyo kazi mheshimiwa rais. Vile ulifanya KRA ukapeleka wafisadi nyumbani, naomba msaada wako Nairobi mheshimiwa rais (we request that just as you did at KRA and sent corrupt officials packing, you also need to assist me in Nairobi),” Sonko said, during the launch of the Nairobi Expressway in Oct. 2019.

‘‘Kama ni revenue chukua huko national government, kama ni planning mheshimiwa rais ichukue pia iende huko national government (Please take up the revenue and planning functions as the national government)” he added.

In his social media post on Tuesday, just hours after State House announced the surprise move, the governor promised the Nairobi electorate service delivery, putting aside political and court slideshows aside.

”TBT video. Service delivery to the great people of Nairobi kwanza Siasa na kesi baadae (service delivery first then politics and other cases will follow),” the politician wrote.

Among the roles taken away from Sonko’s government, following Tuesday’s deal with the national government, are county health services, county transport services, county public works, utilities and ancillary services, and county planning and development.

It is still unclear what mandate the governor will execute going forward.

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Politics

Murkomen to Challenge Uhuru’s Move to Take Over Nairobi City County

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen will tomorrow (Wednesday) in the senate challenge the transfer of Nairobi County government’s key functions to national government.

The Elgeyo Marakwet senator says the matter is such a weighty that requires deep deflection.

Murkomen will make a comprehensive statement in the Senate tomorrow and according to him, the matter will occupy most of the senators’ debating time.

“The matter of transfer of functions from Nairobi County to National Government is such a weighty matter that requires deep deflection. I will be making a comprehensive statement in the Senate tomorrow and this matter will occupy most of our debating time tomorrow. Thank You,” he tweeted.

On Tuesday evening, embattled Nairobi governor Mike Sonko surrendered his county’s key functions to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

A statement from State House noted that Sonko and Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa signed an agreement.

Sonko handed over the functions of the County to the National Government, pursuant to Article 187 of the Constitution.

According to the Constitution, 1) A function or power of government at one level may be transferred to a government at the other level by agreement between the governments if:

(a) the function or power would be more effectively performed or exercised by the receiving government; and(b) the transfer of the function or power is not prohibited by the legislation under which it is to be performed or exercised.

The signing of the agreement was also witnessed by the Speaker of the Senate,  Kenneth Lusaka and the Attorney General Paul Kihara.

The National Government therefore, will take over the following functions of the Nairobi County Government:

i) County Health services

ii) County Transport services

iii) County Public Works, Utilities and Ancillary services

iv) County Government Planning and Development

State House said that this will ensure Nairobi residents receive services efficiently.

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Politics

Governor Sonko Hands Over Nairobi City County to Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Functions of Nairobi County Government have been handed over to the National Government pursuant to Article 187 of the Constitution, as per a statement sent to newsrooms by State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena.

In a land mark agreement signed at State House today, Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa in concurrence with H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta, signed an agreement, handing over functions of the Nairobi County Government to the National Government, pursuant to Article 187 of the Constitution.

The signing of the agreement was also witnessed by the Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Kenneth Lusaka and the Attorney General Paul Kihara.

The National Government therefore, will take over the following functions of the Nairobi County Government:

i) County Health services
ii) County Transport services
iii) County Public Works, Utilities and Ancillary services
iv) County Government Planning and Development

This will ensure Nairobi residents receive services efficiently.

The move comes as a breakthrough in the running of county services that had ground to a halt.

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