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Not Funded By You: Charlene Ruto Clarifies The Structure of Office of The First Daughter

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene Ruto has come out to clarify on her ‘Office of The First Daughter’ remark after public outcry.

In a press statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Charlene said she referred to the entity handling her diary as Office of the First Daughter in private capacity.

Charlene clarified that the office was neither constitutional, nor was it drawing funds from the National Treasury.

The president’s daughter came under sharp criticism on Tuesday, December 13, when she introduced her delegation to Tanzania as members of staff at the Office of the First Daughter.

At the time, she was addressing delegates at the 2022 YouLead Summit held at the East African Community Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

“The Office of the First Daughter is a private entity. It is neither a constitutional office, nor is it being funded by Kenyan taxpayers. It purely facilitates the activities and programmes run by myself,” Charlene Ruto said.

She further noted that the office amplifies the Kenyan youth’s voices in efforts to enable them get personal development opportunities.

“Through its independent structure and facilitators, the office has engaged various players across Kenya and beyond in line with some of its objectives of championing youth-based agenda and climate change advocacy,” said Charlene Ruto.

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Lifestyle

The Untold Dangers of Consuming Borehole Water in Nairobi

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Have you been drinking borehole water in Nairobi? Well, boreholes allow businesses and homes to access private water supply with no restrictions and fewer costs, but how safe is this water?

Kileleshwa ward Member of County Assembly (MCA)-cum blogger Robert Alai Friday morning sparked a debate when he advised Nairobi residents to avoid drinking borehole water.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Alai told people living in Nairobi to reduce the consumption of the borehole water, noting that it has been slowly killing people.

“The borehole water in Nairobi is killing you people. We must reduce the consumption of the borehole water. Please guys,” Alai posted.

But why do you think the politician-blogger is warning people to reduce the consumption of borehole water?

Well, a lot of companies such as farms, hotels or schools will use a lot of water each day, making a borehole a much more affordable option in the long run. Although all of this free water seems great, there are a lot of questions about it since borehole water isn’t cleaned in the same way that mains water is.

Mains water mainly comes from recycled wastewater which has been purified to be made safe for drinking purposes. Boreholes, on the other hand, get their water straight from the ground which won’t go through the same treatment processes as mains water.

Safety of borehole water

Do you live at an apartment? Does it have a borehole? You agree with me that most of the waters supplied in most Nairobi apartments are pumped directly from the borehole into the storage tanks then supplied in the houses for consumption.

Whereas you can drink borehole water, there are rules and regulations defining the parameters to look out for before taking borehole water for consumption.

Borehole water can only be fit for drinking once it has been tested and approved by a health officer.

Unlike mains water, which is actually 60% recycled wastewater, water from boreholes comes straight from the ground making it 100% fresh and natural.

However, since it is coming straight from the ground this means that it could possibly have higher levels of iron, magnesium, calcium or other minerals as well as some bacteria.

Most of these are harmless however, to vulnerable people like babies, it could have some implications on their health, which is why it is important to get the water checked before drinking it.

Treatment of borehole water

Most apartments in Nairobi that have allowed tenants to drink borehole water have been treating it by chlorination. But do you know that this still poses a danger to your health?

Various studies have found that chlorination without regulation is not good for human consumption.

Borehole water can cause high blood pressure

A Nigerian medical doctor once revealed that borehole water consumption can lead to high blood pressure.

Each borehole, if you have not greater than 75mg of chlorine per liter, it’s okay. But by the time it starts getting up to 200mg per liter, it will start giving you a salty taste.

Most Nairobi borehole waters are salty.

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Entertainment

PHOTOS: Infinix Holds Special Red-carpet Event For New Marvel Studios Film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

A special red-carpet event for the new Marvel Studios film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was held at the Century Cinemax in Sarit Centre, Nairobi, in Kenya on Wednesday.

The premiere, organised by Mobile phone maker Infinix, attracted a large group of talent, filmmakers and the press for the red carpet rollout.

The sequel to the $1.348 billion grossing original film is set to play across multiple screens in Kenya starting Friday.

Lupita Nyong’o’s parents

In attendance were ‘Black Panther’ star Lupita Nyong’o’s parents, Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is the governor of Kisumu County, his wife Dorothy Nyong’o and other family members.

Lupita’s parents were the star attraction of the night, and they mingled and took pictures with fans before the screening started.

Death of Chadwick Boseman

The film follows the death in 2020 of American actor Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa in the original movie released in 2018.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” pulls off a difficult dive after Boseman’s death.

powerful mythical nation

With the introduction of anti-hero Namor (Tenoch Huerta), the king of the underwater kingdom Talokan, who breaches Wakanda’s defences while the country is still grieving for T’Challa, ‘Wakanda Forever’ presents another powerful mythical nation with roots in the Mayan culture.

It expands on that, weaving in a Latin American perspective with a similar degree of cultural specificity in the introduction of the Aztec-inspired antagonist Namor, king of the ancient underwater world of Talokan.

Boseman’s death is poignantly filtered into the story from the start, beginning with off-screen death throes.

‘Wakanda Forever’, grappling in the aftermath of loss, ultimately seeks something rare in the battle-ready superhero landscape.

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Politics

Raila Tears Into DP Ruto Shortly After Receiving BBI Signatures

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has torn into critics of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Taking to his official twitter account on Friday December 4, shortly after receiving the BBI signatures from 13 regions across the country, the former Prime Minister slammed those claiming to be speaking for the people.

Deputy President Dr William Ruto and his allies have been opposing the constitutional changes, with the DP claiming to be speaking for millions of Kenyans.

However, Raila said that those claiming to be speaking for the people should leave them to speak for themselves.

Raila noted that the people have already spoken by appending their signatures in support of the BBI, which is aimed at amending the 2010 constitution, through a referendum that has been proposed to happen in 2021.

He further revealed that over 5 million Kenyans had appended their signatures in support of BBI.

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He said that the journey towards referendum now continues, with the collected signatures expected to be presented to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for verification.

“I appeal to the naysayers out there who claim to be speaking for the people to realize that the people have spoken and let the people continue speaking for themselves. Over 5 million Kenyans have thus far appended their signatures endorsing the BBI process. The journey continues!”Raila tweeted.

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Politics

PS Kibicho Announces Major Changes On This Year’s Jamhuri Day Celebrations

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Karanja Kibicho has made a major changes on this year’s Jamhuri day celebrations.

In a notice addressed to all Regional Commissioners, PS Kibicho directed that the December 12 event will only be celebrated at the Nyayo National stadium.

According to PS Kibicho, there will be no any other celebrations that will be marked in any place across the country, apart from the Nyayo Stadium event.

The event that will be presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta will run from 8am, with a live broadcast.

The changes come as a result of Covid-19 pandemic. According to PS Kibicho, inviting people for the Jamhuri Day celebrations will not be possible, to aid observing of the health protocols that were issued by the government.

Kenyans have been urged to follow the event on Televisions, radio and social media platforms.

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Politics

This Ain’t Nothing But a Gangster Party! ODM Lawmaker Blasts BBI

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker has blasted the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), barely two days after President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga officially launched collection of signatures at KICC.

Taking to his official Twitter account on Friday November 27, the Narok Senator Ledama Olekina faulted his party leader Raila and President Kenyatta for going ahead with the launch of signature collection ahead of a looming referendum, despite the document not having captured the issues he had raised.

Olekina said that unless the amendments made to article 203 of the constitution are removed, he will not support the BBI document.

While affirming his solid stand, the vocal lawmaker argued that he was not going to keep quiet when money is being taken away from pastoralists.

While confirming that he was not a happy man because of the recommendations made in the BBI report, Olekina claimed that the BBI movement is nothing but just a Gangster Party.

“You’ll so happy about the BBI right ? Unless the amendment to article 203 are removed I will not support it! That’s my solid stand! Now you know! You can’t take money away from pastoralist and expect me to be happy! There you have it! This ain’t nothing but a gangster party!” Senator Ledama posted on Twitter.

Earlier on , senator Ledama Olekina had made the former Prime Minister, where he said that he had raised to him the issues affecting his Maasai community.

Olekina then argued that Raila had agreed to include the issues in the final BBI document.

However, the issues seem not to have been captured.

Among the issues that the lawmaker want solved are land issues that are witnessed in Laikipia, Kajiado, Narok and Samburu counties.

Yesterday, the lawmaker claimed that it is the question of land in the above counties that was going to decide the way forward for him on BBI.

He argued that he was not going to keep quiet and watch his people get evicted from their ancestral lands.

“From Kajiado, Narok, Laikipia and Samburu the question of land will decide the way forward for me! This is what matters to me now! Historical land injustices must be resolved. You cannot forcefully evict our people from their ancestral land and expect me to keep quite!” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, the BBI train has already taken off, with the signature collection exercise expected to take one week.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Dennis Waweru are leading the exercise.

As per yesterday, a section of Kenyans had already endorsed the document by appending their signatures online via a digital platform that was launched by the BBI team.

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LifestylePolitics

This is Not Time to Say You Want More Money, CS Kagwe Dismisses Doctors’ Demand For Allowances

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has dismissed the call from health workers for allowances.

Speaking on Wednesday November 18 when he appeared on Citizen TV’s JKLIVE show hosted by Jeff Koinange, CS Kagwe said that this is not the right time for health workers to say that they want more money.

CS Kagwe said that doctors and all health workers should currently concentrate on their worker, owing to the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

He noted that the health workers should at the moment focus on saving lives.

“This is not the time, in my view, to start saying that ‘I want more money..for now let’s focus on saving lives,” he said.

The doctors through their unions have been complaining of neglect from government.

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had argued that their members have been receiving low quality personal protective equipment from the government, and that their allowances have not been paid.

The union had early this week issued a three week strike notice, if the government will not take any action.

On Wednesday, Members of Parliament sitting in the Parliamentary Health committee were brought to tears when doctors explained to them their plight.

However, CS Kagwe dismissed the issue of allowances, saying that the doctors should understand that the pandemic has hit every organization, and some workers are even taking half their salary.

On the issue of PPEs, CS Kagwe said that they are not currently an issue, since the country has enough of them.

Kagwe indicated that even some of the local PPE manufacturers are exporting them.

He added that counties are free to get protective equipment for their hospitals from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), since the government already allocated them funds.

On the issue of providing a better health cover for health care workers, CS Kagwe noted that it has been already sorted, citing that all civil servants are currently enjoying a better medical cover, effective from October this year.

While addressing the issue of doctors contracting Covid-19, CS Kagwe said that the health care workers are also socialising with others just like any other human being, bringing a possibility of them contracting the disease from elsewhere, not necessarily their work place.

He said that the government is committed to protecting health care workers against getting infected while on their line of duty.

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Politics

Uhuru Announces Date For Release of 2021 Academic Calendar

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced the date of release of the 2021 academic calendar.

Speaking on Thursday November 12,2020 during his 7th state of the nation address in Parliament, Nairobi, President Kenyatta said that the ministry of Education was going to make an announcement on the new academic calendar.

According to President Kenyatta, the Prof George Magoha led ministry will, within the next 14 days from today, announce the 2021 academic calendar.

The head of state also noted that all other classes are expected to resume learning in January.

“The Ministry of Education will, within 14 days from the date hereof announce the 2021 Academic Calendar, with all other classes expected to resume learning in January 2021,” the head of state announced.

President Kenyatta further noted that the gradual and phased reopening of schools that began with the examination classes is being carefully monitored at all levels.

This is to ensure that the learners are safe and secure as they continue preparing for their national examinations.

“The gradual and phased reopening of schools that began with the examination classes is being carefully monitored at all levels so as to ensure that our Young Kenyans are safe and secure as they continue preparing for their national examinations,”he said.

The government had kicked off phased reopening of schools on October 12, with class 8, form four and grade four students being the only ones allowed in school.

Other learners were expected to resume learning later, but the surge in Covid-19 numbers stopped the move.

While issuing new measures to help contain the spread of Covid-19 after a surge in number of cases, President Kenyatta maintained that students who are expecting to do their national exams will continue with their learning.

Schools in Kenya closed in March, after Kenya started recording cases of Covid-19.

They have not been able to reopen since then, after the Covid-19 curve failed to flatten.

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Politics

Uhuru Appoints Atwoli’s Son to Plum Job

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Just two months after being appointed the new Dean of Medical College at Aga Khan University, COTU boss Francis Atwoli’s son Dr Lukoye Atwoli has yet again landed a new plum position.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, a gazette notice dated Friday October 16, has appointed Dr Lukoye Atwoli as the non-executive Chairperson of Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital.

He will be the chairman of the Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital for a period of three years.

Lukoye is the former Dean of the Moi University School of Medicine, where he excelled at building collaborations and partnerships between the School of Medicine and academic medical centres in Africa, Europe, and the US, transforming it into a regionally leading research and graduate medical school.

Professor Atwoli also leads and participates in mental health research locally and globally, a move that might have also handed him a soft landing at the Mathari Hospital.

He is a member of the WHO World Mental Health Surveys Consortium, which is the leading collaborative project in psychiatric epidemiology globally.

He has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Moi University, and a Master of Medicine in Psychiatry from the University of Nairobi as well as a PhD from the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

Professor Lukoye has over 50 publications to his credit in academic books and in peer-reviewed journals.

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Politics

Murathe Breaks Silence on Uhuru-Ruto Handshake Claims

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Jubilee Vice Chairperson David Murathe, on Thursday, October 14, ruled out any truce between President Uhuru kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

This comes just a day after reports emerged that allies of the two were engaging in secrete talks to strike a handshake.

Murathe however, stated that the talks should be regarded as propaganda.

“The president is busy serving the nation and those claiming that there is a planned truce are talking to themselves,” Murathe stated.

He was backed up by Nominated MP Maina Kamanda, who stated that the DP and his allies were allegedly advocating for truce talks in a bid to slow down the president’s support for ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“We are telling them that we cannot be distracted. With the way Ruto is disrespecting the president, who wants to associate with him?” Kamanda posed.

Odinga’s allies led by Suba South MP John Mbadi also waded in on the matter saying that the conversation between the two leaders would have to be honest.

“The person leading the reconciliation talks should either tell Uhuru to abandon his peace and unity agenda of the country and help Ruto’s selfish 2022 presidential campaign, or tell Ruto to stop early campaigns and help in service delivery,” Mbadi stated.

On the other hand, Ruto allies stated that they were not interested in a truce, rather, they wanted the president to restore the DP’s duties as well as ask his juniors to treat him with respect.

Jubilee deputy secretary general Caleb Kositany opined that President Uhuru already had a handshake with ODM leader Raila Odinga and Kenyans would not benefit from another handshake. Kositany suggested that all political effort should be put into improving the livelihoods of Kenyans and not more handshakes.

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Latest News

Magoha Slaps Teachers With New Directives as Schools Reopen

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Professor George Magoha has issued new directives to teachers as schools kicked off phased reopening on Monday, October 12.

Speaking after visiting Olympic Primary School in Kibera to assess the learning situation after grade four, class eight and form four students reported back to school, CS Magoha asked teachers in schools across the country to draft a list of students with pre-existing conditions so as to provide them with extra care.

“I urge Principals and teachers to compile a list of learners with pre-existing conditions, for example, children with asthma, so that necessary attention can be given to them,” said Magoha.

Magoha asked schools to also liaise with health facilities aligned to them to offer care to the students with pre-existing conditions.

The CS urged schools to ensure the mandatory use of face masks and thermoguns.

With the rising cases of teenage pregnancies reported across the country during the pandemic, Magoha encouraged those affected to report back to school.

“For those children who are pregnant, I assure them that they have nothing to fear and should come back to school. Teachers should be empathic to them and give them assistance,” he stated.

Parents have expressed their concerns over schools fees after being affected by the negative economic impact of Covid-19, but Magoha reiterated that no child should be sent home because of failing to pay school fees.

He added that students should not be excluded in the resumption plans after failing to enroll for online classes when schools closed due to the pandemic.

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Crime & Investigations

Intelligence Report Details How Deadly Murang’a Chaos Was Planned

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Politicians from both sides of the Jubilee faction in Murang’a county were involved in planning and executing chaos in Kenol town, Murang’a, on Sunday October 4, an intelligence report has revealed.

According to the report seen by a local daily, Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege and former MCA Alex Mbote, who is now Governor Mwangi Wairia’s political advisor, planned the chaos.

It said Tangatanga-leaning MPs Alice Wahome (Kandara) and Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) mobilised youths for a counterattack.

But the politicians rubbished the claims, terming rumours and diversionary.

“Those are rumours. That day I was not even near Kenol. Anybody saying that [that I was involved] wants to soil my name,” Mbote told the the local daily when contacted.

When reached for comment, Chege said, “I am not aware.”

Nyoro termed the report petty and diversionary, adding he had provided details to police of how some county politicians planned and executed the violence.

“The state must stop playing politics. Do they think Kenyans are fools? How could we have planned to disrupt our own function? How possible is that? Or they are saying we still disrupted [the DP’s event in] Nyamira?” Nyoro asked.

Wahome did not respond to phone calls and a text message by the local daily seeking her comment on the report.

According to the report, Mbote was allegedly tasked by Chege to mobilise youths to disrupt the DP’s function.

It said Mbote planned the attack at a hotel in Thika Town. He met about 30 men, referred to as unit leaders, whom he had mobilised to execute he chaos.

“Mr Mbote, who was the ring leader, tasked each member to mobilise 10 youths for the task ahead. They took lunch and some drinks and Mr Mbote paid via pay bill number over Sh15,000,” the report reads.

Later, Mbote called Chege, who instructed that they meet at a club within Murang’a county. The woman rep was with other politicians from the county the report read.

At the meeting, Mbote demanded Sh3 million from the lawmakers but they negotiated and settled on Sh1.5 million. He drove to another club where he met another politician who gave him the cash.

On that Sunday, Mbote is said to have hired a taxi, the one he had used the day before, to Thika town where he met the 30 unit leaders – each at different times. He gave them cash for logistics and down payments.

“On October 10, 2020…. youths (goons) were ferried by several matatus from Kiandutu slums of Thika, Weitethia, Mugoiri and Kiriainito, Kenol where they alighted at Makenji area of Kabatito the venue,” the report read.

MPs Wahome and Nyoro, who had got wind of the planned chaos, according to the report, mobilised youth from Kandara and Kangema and others from Nairobi county from where they were ferried to counter Mbote’s team.

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Politics

Orengo Reminds Ruto of Controversial Law he Passed That is Now Haunting Him

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Siaya senator James Orengo has reminded Deputy President William Ruto of a controversial law he passed, which is now working against him.

The senate Minority Leader said Ruto and his allies supported the law that has come back to haunt them.

Orengo revealed that it was DP Ruto and his allies who passed the law that allows police to use teargas against people.

“If he sees teargas he should know that that was the law he passed,” Orengo said.

The Nasa Coalition strongly opposed the laws and even moved to court to have it struck out.

Only sections of the bill were declared unconstitutional.

Ruto’s supporters were teargassed in Kisii on Thursday and his rally dispersed by security officers.

Orengo was speaking in Kisii during the burial of the father of former TV Journalist Denis Onsarigo.

He also asked the second in command to table any differences he has with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi before President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Orengo, a key ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, said Ruto should table any such differences before the cabinet.

Orengo said he was aware that Ruto came under fire during a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

There have been claims that the meeting was stormy as the cabinet discussed resolutions on tough security measures to contain growing political animosity in the country.

“I want to tell Ruto that if you have any problems with Matiangi, table it in the cabinet. During the cabinet meeting, [on Thursday] people started asking questions and Ruto could not answer,” Orengo said.

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Politics

PHOTOS: Police Block Ruto Allies From Holding a Campaign Meeting in Msambweni

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Police on Friday October 9, 2020 disrupted a meeting that had been organized by Deputy President William Ruto’s allies in Msambweni.

The meeting that aimed at rallying supporters behind Msambweni by-election Independent Candidate Feisal Bader, was to be attended by former Senators; Johnson Muthama, Hassan Omar, Boni Khalwale, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa.

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Khalwale had earlier on tweeted saying that they were heading to Msambweni to hit the ground running for DP Ruto’s preferred candidate.

Reports alleged that a contingent of police officers barricaded roads leading to the venue of their pallned meeting.

The DP Ruto allies were set to discuss ways they would use to beat Raila Odinga’s ODM candidate, Omar Boga.

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“Police mounted roadblocks and blocked Faisal Abdalla Bader former Senators; Johnson Muthama, Hassan Omar, Boni Khalwale, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa from meeting at the venue,” Soy MP and Jubilee Deputy Secretary-General Caleb Kositany tweeted.

Khalwale, Omar, Muthama and Ichungwah are set to lead campaigns for Feisal as Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho leads the  campaigns for ODM Boga who won the party’s nomination as Odinga’s team sets out to reclaim the seat in the December 15 by-elections.

Jubilee Party declined to field a candidate owing to the handshake between Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta, forcing DP Ruto to declare his support for Feisal.

The seat was declared vacant after MP Suleiman Dori succumbed to cancer in March 2020.

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Ruto
Politics

DP Ruto Sends Strong Message to Police After His Nyamira Meeting Was Halted

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Deputy President William Ruto has aired out his concern after police on Thursday October 8, 2020 disrupted his planned tour of Nyamira County.

The second in command was scheduled to tour the ODM leader Raila Odinga’s backyard for two different fund drives to support boda boda saccos and the church in the region.

However, police lobbed tear gas at crowds that had started forming in Nyamira County ahead of the DP’s vist.

Earlier, tension was rife at Kebirigo Primary School in West Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, this morning with anti-riot police at the venue where DP Ruto was to hold the fund drive for boda boda riders.

Reports indicate that Nyamira County Commissioner Amos Mariba had cancelled the DP’s planned meetings that were to be held at Kebirigo and Miriri Secondary in Kitutu Masaba.

The DP in response has condemned the move, saying that it was unnecessary for the police to disperse Kenyans who had engaged in an economic empowerment.

The DP however noted that the meetings had been postponed to Thursday next week, had consultations with area MPs that were to host him.

“After consultations with MPs Kemosi, Mose,Nyamoko, the bodaboda sacco and church leadership who had invited us, we have postponed the two functions in Nyamira County to Thursday next week. The disruptive dispersal by police of kenyans engaged in economic empowerment is unnecessary,” DP Ruto tweeted.

West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi, North Mugirango legislator Joash Nyamoko and his Kitutu Masaba counterpart Shadrack Mose had earlier own said that the meeting was well planned and they had not received any communication halting it.

Kitutu Masaba MP criticized the move saying the fund drive would have helped the youth in the county.

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Crime & Investigations

Waluke Not Yet Off The Hook as DPP Moves to Court of Appeal to Fight His Release

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke and his co-accused Grace Wakhungu are not yet off the hook after Justice John Onyiego of the High Court on September 30 released them on cash bail.

Justice Onyiego granted Waluke and Wakhungu Sh10 million and Sh20 million bail  respectively, pending hearing and determination of their appeal.

The judge also gave them an alternative of depositing bonds of Sh20 million and Sh30 million respectively with sureties.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)  has moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge the release of the two on bond.

The DPP has filed a notice of appeal indicating that he is dissatisfied with the decision made by Justice John Onyiego on September 30.

“Take notice that the DPP, being dissatisfied with the decision of the High Court intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision in which the court released each of the appellants on bail pending their appeal,” reads the notice.

The notice was also served to the lawyers of the two convicts.

The two, who are also directors of Erad Supplies Ltd, were convicted in June by the Anti-Corruption Court for theft of Sh297 million from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

The trial court also imposed a combined fine of Sh2 billion. In default, Wakhungu was handed a 39-year sentence while waluke was slapped with a 34-year sentence.

But they challenged their conviction and sentence and sought to be released on bail pending the determination of appeal.

While allowing their request, Justice Onyiego said he was persuaded that the two convicts have an arguable appeal against the lower court’s judgment.

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