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Mustafa Juma

Talented and immensely creative journalist with a commitment to high-quality research and writing with over 5 years of professional experience. Dedication to sound investigative research methods and a strong desire to know the truth of the matter. Excellent reporting and interviewing skills and award-winning writing techniques. Experience writing and reporting across a variety of platforms, including Opera News Kenya, DailyActive.info, LitKenya.com, theexchange.africa and Scooper News

Crime & Investigations

Criminals Captured on CCTV Camera Robbing Pedestrian in Kilimani Arrested

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested suspects who were captured on CCTV camera robbing a pedestrian along Lenana road in Kilimani area, Nairobi on 25th June, 2020.

The DCI has this morning revealed that the four suspects have been arrested by detectives based at Kilimani and several items recovered.

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The four were tracked down to their hideouts in Kawangware, Gatina and Pangani.

The suspects are are the 27 year old Timothy Jahan Muzami alias ‘Timo’ captured on camera hitting the victim with a firearm on the forehead, Humphrey Minyata alias “Daddy” aged 23 years captured on camera pointing the victim with a sharp knife, Mary Wambui aged 23 years old believed to be an accomplice who was harbouring the gang in her house at Pangani and Ali Musa alias ‘Ally’ aged 26 years old who was arrested during the operation and believed to be an associate of the gang.

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Crime & Investigations

Ruto, His Vocal Ally And Other Senior Gov’t Officials Mentioned in Major Land Scandal

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

High ranking politicians, senior government officials and some business personalities have greatly been mentioned in Ngong Forest land’s saga.

Former politician-turned business personalities including former Kiambaa MP Stanley Munga Githunguri, former Konoin MP Samuel Koech and current Bahati MP and close ally of Deputy President William Ruto Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri are some of the politicians mentioned in a list released by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry on Friday as having benefited from the irregular allocations of the undegazetted Ngong forest land.

Mr Koech was most probably the biggest individual beneficiary, with an allocation of 132 acres in 1998. Most of this land has since been sold off to other buyers over the years.

Ngunjiri is said to hold 18.24 acres of the forest land and Mr Githunguri 9.24 acres allocated in 1978.

A former board member of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Maj Gen Njoroge is also a holder of the purported titles of land appropriated from the forest’s land.

Others named on the list are Emos Muyaa, Jane Nduku, Peter M, M.K Melil, James Mureithi, M.G.L. Aluoch, P. Kamuithi, L. Yatich, Zipporah Wangithi, D.M. Marindamy, S. Bundotich, Dr.Baksh, J.Sigei, J.N Mauki and D.M Kimoro.

Other allottees are hidden under shadowy company names, including some whose names have only been revealed due to ongoing legal battles over the sale of the questionably acquired land.

These include Ankhan Holdings – a company associated with Jonathan Moi, Sammy Boit Kogo and Hubert Nyambu Mwakibwa, which received 1,000 acres in 1992.

The ownership of Ankhan Holdings was only revealed through court proceedings and documents used to give the firm ownership of the land. The land, which was later sold to the National Social Security Fund, has been at the centre of a court battle after the Kenya Forest Service made advances to repossess it.

DP Ruto and former President Daniel Arap Moi’s personal assistant Joshua Kulei are said to have allegedly sold part of the forest to the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).

A former lands commissioner, Sammy Mwaita, was accused alongside Ruto and Kulei of defrauding KPC of Sh272 million through sale of undegazetted forest near Bomas of Kenya.

At gazettement, in 1932, the forest measured 7,231.6 acres, at independence in 1964 it had shrunk by nearly half to 3,722.5 acres due to further excisions, and then by 1978 it had contracted even more to 3,283.27 acres.

Now the government has said it plans to revoke all documents issued after the 1978 legal notice.

Churches with land inside the forest including Nairobi Chapel, Mugumoini PCEA church and St Francis ACK Church have not been spared in the purge either.

According to the ministry, illegal allocations were done by the commissioner of lands. The allocations were also recommended for revocation by the Ndung’u Report.

Environment CS Keriako Tobiko, during an aerial tour of the Ngong Road forest last week said state agencies had also been used as conduits to receive land that was also sold off to individuals.

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Lifestyle

Distribution of New Covid-19 Cases by Counties

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya has registered 259 new Covid-19 positive cases. This brings to 6,070 the total number of confirmed cases in the country.

Speaking at Afya House on Sunday 28th June during the daily Covid-19 updates, Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Mercy Mwangangi said the new cases were recorded after conducting 2718 tests in the last 24 hours.

Thirty five patients have recovered from the disease, with two succumbing bringing the total to 1971 and 143 respectively.

Lamu County has also become the 41st county to report a coronavirus case.

The cumulative number of tests conducted so far is now 165,196. Of the 259 new cases, the youngest is 8 month old infant while the oldest is 92-years-old.

The cases are distributed in counties of Nairobi (127 cases), Mombasa (39), Kiambu (22), Machakos (16), Busia (11), Makueni (nine), Nakuru (nine), Uasin Gishu (nine), Kilifi (five), Kajiado (three), Kisumu (two), Lamu (two) Garissa (two), Marsabit (two) and Kwale (one) case.

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Crime & Investigations

Waluke’s Wife Begs Public to Help Her Raise Ksh 727m to Save Husband From Prison

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Sirisia MP John Waluke’s wife Roselyn Waluke is now pleading for financial assistance from the public to raise the huge fine imposed by the court to keep the lawmaker from prison.

Waluke’s wife on Sunday June 28, 2020 urged well-wishers to channel their donations on phone even as the family races to get an M-Pesa Paybill number.

“You are aware of our problem and I thank those who have stood with us during this challenging time and kindly continue praying for us. We are requesting for your financial assistance. Kindly channel your financial support to my number 0728732542 as we wait for an M-Pesa Paybill number,” said the MP’s wife.

Waluke is in prison following his sentencing on Thursday, June 25, when the Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi fined him Sh727 million for the five counts he was convicted of in the Sh297 million National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) maize tender scandal.

Waluke was sentenced alongside his co-accused Grace Wakhungu by Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Juma who said that the offenses they committed were serious.

Waluke and his co-accused Grace Wakhungu will pay a combined fine of about Sh2 billion or serve 39 years in prison after they were found guilty of defrauding a State agency. The sentences will run consecutively.

They were whisked to prison to begin their jail term Thursday evening after the court declined to suspend their sentence.

Sentencing the two, Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Juma said the offence they committed was serious. She added that the two and their company took advantage of a dire situation, as Kenya faced a drought, to defraud the National Cereals and Produce Board.

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Latest NewsLifestylePolitics

VIDEO: Joho Gives Update on Raila’s Health Condition After Undergoing Surgery in Dubai

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho has updated Kenyans on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga’s health condition after he underwent a minor surgery in United Arab Emirates.

Joho through a video posted on his official twitter handle on Friday June 26, 2020 revealed that he had spoken to Raila who is recuperating in a German Hospital in Dubai.

The ODM Deputy party leader noted that Raila was fairing on well, and that he well soon jet back into the country.

He urged Kenyans to continue praying for him, reminding them that leaders, like any other person are humans, and they can fall sick and seek treatment.

Joho further pointed out that Raila is human and faces the same challenges human being face in life.

“He has undergone a procedure but let us not forget even our leaders are still human beings and sometimes have to be tested, sometimes they have to be sick and treated, sometime they have to deal with issues that every human being goes through but the best we could do is pray for them,” said Joho.

Raila’s brother and family spokesperson Dr Oburu Oginga, told a local daily that the former prime minister left the country on Sunday for the United Arab Emirates.

“Jakom (Raila) is out of the country for a minor surgical operation on his back. It is not a serious health issue, but just a minor one. So, he’s okay,” Oburu said.

Oburu further revealed that Raila, 75, was admitted to a German hospital in Dubai.

Without disclosing the name of the facility, Oburu said: “The Germans have a good hospital facility in the Arabian country where he’s being monitored.”

He dismissed social media reports that Raila had gone to China for treatment.

“He’s not in China. The last time he was there, I think, was in November last year before the coronavirus pandemic. Right now, if you want to go there, you must be ready for a 14-day military quarantine. That’s not tenable, so there is no way he could have gone there,” he said.

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Crime & Investigations

Court Summons DCI Boss George Kinoti Over Rashid Echesa’s Vehicles

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti has been summoned to appear before Court for disobeying a court order directing the release of motor vehicles belonging to former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa.

A Kiambu Court Magistrate in an order issued on Friday June 26, 2020 directed Mr Kinoti to appear in court on July 3 to explain why the vehicles had not been released as directed.

According to the magistrate, the vehicles, Toyota Lexus, Ford Ranger and a Mercedes Benz E-350 were not part of the search warrant as issued by the court.

“You are hereby required to attend this court at 8am on July 3, 2020 in the above case to explain why you have not released motor vehicle as ordered by the court in the above case and remain in attendance until released,” reads the summon.

The order to release the three vehicles was issued by Senior Principal Magistrate Stella Atembo had on June 10.

The Magistrate ruled that the motor vehicles were seized without “any support or any law of order of the court with sufficient reasons contravenes the constitution which provides for the right to private property and opportunity to be heard.”

The vehicles were part of five vehicles impounded by the DCI at Echesa’s Karen home in March.

A Passat KAY 388A, KBZ 009J Toyota LandCruiser V8 and KBN 242N Toyota Mark X are said to have belonged to a Kisumu resident Esther Kabura.

Kabura accused the former minister of stealing her late husband’s Sh12 million luxury vehicles in 2016.

According to the widow, Echesa promised to look after her deceased spouse’s vehicles as she was involved in a family tussle but declined to release them after the demise of her husband.

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Crime & Investigations

Waluke Has Been Jailed for Enjoying The Benefit of a Lawful Court Order

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former kakamega senator Boni Khalwale has claimed that Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke has been jailed for enjoying the benefits of a lawful court order.

Taking to his official twitter account a day after the sentencing of the lawmaker and his co-accused, Khalwale argued that the arbitration court ordered the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to pay Waluke the Sh 297 million for breach of contract for supply of maize.

Khalwale further argues that the NCPB unsuccessfully challenged the order in both the High and Appeal Courts.

“Arbitratuon Court ordered NCPB to pay Hon Waluke Sh 297 million for breach of contract for supply of maize.NCPB unsuccessfully challenged this in both the High & Appeal Courts. Waluke has been jailed for enjoying the benefit of a lawful court order! System Ya Majambazi,” he tweeted.

Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has also faulted the historic graft ruling in the case involving the Sirisia MP and his co-accused Grace Wakhungu.

Taking to his official twitter account on Friday morning, Havi termed Waluke and Wakhungu’s conviction as fraudulent.

According to Havi, Waluke and Grace Wakhungu contracted with the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). In this case, Havi says, NCBP breached the contract.

He says the arbitrator ordered the payment and the award was enforced by the High Court. While justifying that the accused people committed no crime, Havi noted that NCPB lost before High Court and Court of Appeal and paid the decree.

“John Waluke and Grace Wakhungu contracted with NCPB. NCBP breached the contract. Arbitrator ordered payment. Award was enforced by High Court. NCPB lost before High Court and Court of Appeal and paid the decree. How can that be a crime? Do not celebrate fraudulent convictions,” he tweeted.

Waluke and his co-accused will pay a fine of close to Sh2 billion or serve at least 39 years in prison after they were found guilty of defrauding the state agency.

While sentencing the two, Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Juma said the offences they committed were serious. She added that the two and their company took advantage of a dire situation in the country, as Kenya faced a drought, to defraud the NCPB.

The magistrate said there were aspects in the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) that are mandatory and the court had no option but to pass sentence as prescribed in the law.

But where the court has discretion, Ms Juma said she would exercise it judiciously. On the first count of uttering a false document, the court directed Ms Wakhungu to pay a fine of Sh100,000 or serve one year in prison.

Grace Wakhungu and MP John Waluke in Court on Thursday June 25, 2020. PHOTO/COURTESY

She was further directed to pay another fine of Sh100m for purgery or serve another year in jail. 

Both the convicts and the company were directed to pay a fine of Sh626 million each or serve seven year in jail for receiving fraudulent payment from NCPB.

Waluke will pay Sh726 million for his sins. He will also shoulder Sh313 million, which is half the amount the court fined Erad Supplies & General Contractors Ltd. Waluke and and his accomplice Grace Wakhungu were co-directors of Erad.He, however, has a right of appeal.

The court also paved way for the NCPB to go after the two convicts’ assets to recoup Sh297 million that it lost.

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Politics

Tangatanga Reserves The Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya After Losing Jubilee Asili Brand

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Political leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto have reserved The Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya with the Registrar of political parties after losing the Jubilee Asili brand, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale has claimed.

According to Etale, the tanga tanga faction of the ruling Jubilee party was set aback after losing the recently unveiled Jubilee Asili Center brand.

This is after a businessman named Andrew Simiyu tried to reserve the name in a letter dated June 18, 2020, but Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu in her response said that the name cannot be registered since it was bearing some similarities with another party.

“This is to inform you the name suggested is not in compliance with section 8 of the Political Parties Act, 2011. Further and without prejudice upon registration of the party the name shall not be in line with Article 91 of the Constitution of Kenya,” reads the response.

The Act determines that the registrar may decline an application if a party bears a similar name, abbreviation and symbol of another outfit.

Philip Etale loses father
Philip Etale. PHOTO/COURTESY

Etale through his official twitter account on Friday June 26, 220 claimed that the tanga tanga faction hurriedly convened a meeting and finally resorted to have The Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya reserved at the Registrar of Political Parties.

“After losing Jubilee Asili to a businessman, team Tangatanga was take aback. They hurriedly convened a mtg, banged the tables & finally resorted to have The Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya reserved at the Registrar of Political Parties,” he posted.

The Tanga tanga members had set an office in Kilimani area where they have been running their activities. They have claimed that the Jubilee Asili centre is meant to bring together the lawmakers that have been kicked out of various parliamentary committees due to their dalliance with DP Ruto.

They argued that they had been denied access to the Jubilee party headquarters located along Thika Road in Pangani, Nairobi.

The second in command a few days ago held a meeting with the Jubilee rebel lawmakers at their new office in Kilimani.

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Politics

6 More Ruto Allies Kicked Out of Parliamentary Committees

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has kicked out six more legislators allied to Deputy President William Ruto, from their various parliamentary committees.

According to a report by one of the leading local Dailies, the targeted lawmakers were on Thursday June 25, 2020 given letters of intention to discharge them from the leadership of various National Assembly committees.

They are, departmental committee chairmen Julius Melly (Education), Ali Wario (Labour and Social Welfare), William Kisang (Communication, Information and Innovation), Joseph Limo of Finance and National Planning and Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library’s Joash Nyamoko.

George Kariuki, a member of the Communication, Information and Innovation committee, was not spared.Deputy Majority Whip Maoka Maore signed their letters dated June 24, and asked them to respond within seven days before they are discharged from the committees.

Last evening, the assembly made changes to the Committee on Selection and kicked out allies of Ruto. The committee nominates MPs to serve in committees, except for the membership of the House Business Committee and Committee on Appointments that is chaired by the Speaker.

The House approved the appointments of Maore, Jane Wanjuki (Embu),Gathoni Wamuchomba(Kiambu), Joshua Kutuny(Cherangany), Maina Kamanda (nominated) and Shurie Omar (Mbalambala). Others appointed are Wachira Kabinga (Mwea), Eseli Simuyu (Tongaren) and Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi. The House kicked out MPs Catherine Wambilianga (Bungoma), Tindi Mwale (Butere), Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Beatrice Nyaga (Tharaka Nithi), Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Faith Gitau (Nyandarua),John Kiarie(Dagoretti South), William Kipsang (Marakwet West) and Robert Gichimu (Gichugu). Some of the members were recently de-whipped from various committees by their coalitions.

Other MPs who have been removed in the ongoing purge are Gladys Shollei (Uasin Gishu), Kimani Ichung’wa (Kikuyu) and William Cheptumo (Baringo North).

They lost their positions as chairpersons of Delegated Legislation, Budget and Appropriation and Justice and Legal Affairs committees.

Other chairpersons kicked out include Mandera South MP Ali Adan (Agriculture Committee) and Machakos Town’s Victor Munyaka (Sports, Culture and Tourism). Sirisia MP John Waluke, Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon) and Robert Pukose (Endebes) were also kicked out as vice-chairpersons for Committee on Administration and National Security, Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee and Energy Committee.

Others discharged in the past were Kandara MP Alice Wahome (Justice and Legal Affairs vice-chairperson), Joyce Chepkorir (Labour and Social Welfare vice-chair), Khatib Mwashetani (Lands vice-chair) and vice chair of Services and Facilities Catherine Waruguru.

Also discharged were Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria (Transport vice-chair), James Lomenen (National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities vice-chair), Liza Chepkorir Chelule (Broadcast and Library vice-chair) and Cornelly Serem (Trade vice-chair).

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Crime & Investigations

LSK President Terms MP Waluke’s Conviction as Fraudulent

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has faulted the historic graft ruling in the case involving Sirisia MP John Waluke and his co-accused Grace Wakhungu.

Taking to his official twitter account on Friday morning, Havi termed Waluke and Wakhungu’s conviction as fraudulent.

According to Havi, Waluke and Grace Wakhungu contracted with the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). In this case, Havi says, NCBP breached the contract.

He says the arbitrator ordered the payment and the award was enforced by the High Court. While justifying that the accused people committed no crime, Havi noted that NCPB lost before High Court and Court of Appeal and paid the decree.

“John Waluke and Grace Wakhungu contracted with NCPB. NCBP breached the contract. Arbitrator ordered payment. Award was enforced by High Court. NCPB lost before High Court and Court of Appeal and paid the decree. How can that be a crime? Do not celebrate fraudulent convictions,” he tweeted.

Waluke and his co-accused will pay a fine of close to Sh2 billion or serve at least 39 years in prison after they were found guilty of defrauding the state agency.

While sentencing the two, Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Juma said the offences they committed were serious. She added that the two and their company took advantage of a dire situation in the country, as Kenya faced a drought, to defraud the NCPB.

The magistrate said there were aspects in the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) that are mandatory and the court had no option but to pass sentence as prescribed in the law.

But where the court has discretion, Ms Juma said she would exercise it judiciously.  On the first count of uttering a false document, the court directed Ms Wakhungu to pay a fine of Sh100,000 or serve one year in prison. She was further directed to pay another fine of Sh100m for purgery or serve another year in jail. 

Grace Wakhungu and MP John Waluke in Court on June 25, 2020. PHOTO/COURTESY

Both the convicts and the company were directed to pay a fine of Sh626 million each or serve seven year in jail for receiving fraudulent payment from NCPB.

Waluke will pay Sh726 million for his sins. He will also shoulder Sh313 million, which is half the amount the court fined Erad Supplies & General Contractors Ltd. Waluke and and his accomplice Grace Wakhungu were co-directors of Erad.He, however, has a right of appeal.

The court also paved way for the NCPB to go after the two convicts’ assets to recoup Sh297 million that it lost.

Efforts by Waluke and Wakhungu to have the sentence suspended were thwarted by the court, which stated that it had concluded its work on the matter and any issue on its judgement could only be handled at the High Court on appeal.

The trial court said the bond terms the two have been enjoying had already been exhausted and ordered for the release of security that was used to secure their temporary release as the hearing was going on. Waluke has been out on a Sh3 million surety bond.

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Crime & Investigations

Forgive ‘Vulnerable’ Waluke Because he Saved Moi in 1982 Coup, Lawyer Pleads With The Court

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Lawyers representing Sirisia MP John Waluke in his sentence hearing have urged the Court to be sympathetic while sentencing the lawmaker.

Dunstan Omari, one of the lawyers representing Waluke has pleaded with the Chief Magistrate to be lenient with the former KDF soldiers, saying that he is not only a vulnerable person because of coronavirus but that he also saved the late president Daniel arap Moi in the 1982 coup.

Waluke, his lawyer said, was a career civil servant who had an impressive track record in the military where he rose from a corporal to a major in 1996, a testimony that he is a good person.

After his military career, he engaged in consultancy and road construction services in Western Kenya. He holds a degree from Mount Kenya University and a Masters from Kibabii University.

Waluke is being represented by advocates Evans Ondieki, Samson Nyamberi, Cliff Ombeta and Dunstan Omari while his co-accused Grace Wakhungu has Duncan Okubasu in her corner.

Waluke’s lawyers begged the court not to be swayed by the Sh297 million but at the amount that was in his possession.

The Sirisia MP John Waluke was on Monday June 22, 2020 found guilty by a Nairobi court, and was remanded pending his sentencing on Thursday June 25, 2020.

Waluke has been so vocal in spreading DP Ruto’s 2022 political gospel. In January 2019, the High Court declined to stop the prosecution of Waluke.

Waluke was charged with several counts of fraud alongside businessman Grace Wakhungu over a contract his company, Erad Supplies and General Contracts Ltd, won to supply 40,000 tonnes of maize in 2004.

The lawmaker and his co-accused had last filed an application seeking to block the case against them.

High Court judge Hedwig O’ngudi, however, declined to issue the orders noting that the application had not been made in a timely manner.

Last week, magistrate’s court in Nairobi extended bond terms Waluke but issued an arrest warrant for his co-accused.

The trial magistrate Elizabeth Osoro issued the arrest warrant after Grace Sarapay Wakhungu failed to turn up for the judgment.

At the same time the magistrate allowed the investigating officer in the case to verify a medical document presented before court by Wakhungu’s lawyer after a State prosecutor disputed its authenticity. 

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Politics

Moses Kuria Reveals 12 Changes Contained in The Final BBI Report

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has revealed some of the contents of the final Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report, which is set to be unveiled next week.

Taking to his Facebook account on Wednesday June 24, 2020, the controversial lawmaker listed 12 critical issues that have been captured in the report.

The MP revealed that the current 290 constituencies will be retained, but the number of nominated MPs will be increased from 12 to 162 so that they can take care of the highly populated constituencies.

He also hinted that the report suggests for President to be elected directly by the people to be the head of state and take charge of internal security, defence and Foreign affairs.

Below is Moses Kuria’s full post with the 12 critical issues.

BBI Report will be released Next Week

1. 290 Constituencies to be retained

2. Nominated MPs to be increased from 12 to 162 to take care of highly populated constituencies

3. President will be elected directly by the people to be Head of State and take charge of Internal Security, Defence and Foreign Affairs. He will have a Deputy President with roles defined in the constitution

4. Prime Minister will be voted for by parliament and will appoint all other Ministers. He will have 2 Deputy Prime Ministers

5. 50% of Ministers will come from parliament and the rest will be appointed outside parliament

6. The First Runner Up in a Presidential Election will occupy the best office of the Official Leader of the Opposition. His running mate will be the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. They will have a state funded shadow cabinet

7. Chief Justice will NOT be a member of the Judicial Service Commission

8. Health and Agriculture functions will revert back to national governments

9. IEBC Commissioners will be appointee by political parties

10. Nairobi County will be abolished

11. All monies to counties will be conditional grants from National Government to ensure devolved funds are spent for the intended purposes

12. If you are charged you can not vie for public office

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Business

Governor Mutua Breaks Silence on The Multi-Billion Hotel he’s Putting up in Machakos

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Machakos County governor Alfred Mutua has broken his silence on the massive hotel being put up in Machakos, named A and L hotel. The A & L stands for Alfred and Lilian, who is Dr Mutua’s wife.

The hotel takes the shape of a wedge with an oval base according to the 16-floor plan shared in 2016 by Dubai-based architect Svilen Yordanov.

Yordanov works under Meraas Holding and seems to be one high-end architect handling some of the most prominent clients in United Arab Emirates.

Photos of the design were on Tuesday June 23, 2020 widely shared on social media.

Responding to the photos on Wednesday June 24, 2020, Governor Mutua confirmed that the A&L hotel currently under construction was his.

Mutua who spoke to a local news outlet however, maintained that the images shared were inaccurate.

He noted that he own hotels and lodges and have had them since he was working in Dubai in 2002 and as Government Spokesperson.

Construction of the hotel is in its final stages with only finishing touches remaining.

On Saturday, June 20, a 35 kilometre run undertaken by Mutua’s wife, Lilian, to celebrate turning 35 ended at the near-complete A&L Hotel.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua poses with his wife Lilian after a run in Machakos on Saturday, June 20 to mark Lilian's 35th Birthday
Governor Mutua and his wife Lilian. PHOTO/COURTESY

Mutua joined her at the 25 kilometre mark and ran the remaining distance to the hotel on Machakos Road, in the presence of athletes and other friends of the family.

He however, dismissed allegations that his latest investment was linked to proceeds of corruption, citing his track record as an entrepreneur.

“I have been an entrepreneur since I was 19 years old when I registered my first company. I published a newsletter and a magazine.

“I own a production company that made Cobra Squad, Beba Beba etc. And many years before I became the Governor of Machakos, I ran a local TV station. I also have interests in aviation and export-based agriculture,” Mutua stated.

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Politics

Speaker Muturi Deals Mohamed Ali a Major Blow in His Bid to Impeach CS Macharia

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nyali MP Mohamed Ali has been dealt a major blow in his bid to impeach Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.

This is after the speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi on Tuesday June 23, 2020 ruled that the journalist-turned politician’s motion did not meet the required threshold hence not admissible.

The MP while moving the impeachment motion against CS Macharia had accused him of three allegations. First, the lawmaker wants the CS impeached for gross violation of article 10 (1)(c) and 2(a) of the Kenyan constitution.

By failing to undertake public participation with leaders, stakeholders, or even departments within the ministry of transport in implementation of a policy decision to have cargo from Mombasa transported via Standard Gauge Railway, the MP said CS Macharia was in gross violation of the constitution.

He also accused the CS of gross misconduct contrary to the provisions of Article 125 of the Kenyan constitution. Mohamed Ali said CS Macharia has, in several meetings between him and parliamentary committees, appeared to commit perjury by lying under oath and giving evidence in parliament through provision of inaccurate information.

CS Macharia had also been accused of gross violation of Article 73 of the Kenyan constitution on leadership and integrity, by overseeing stalled projects worth Sh100 billion, overseeing loss of Sh1.5 billion housing project scandal and overseeing of the Sh5.2 billion Afya House scandal.

Moha had collected over 100 signatures in support of his motion, but some of the lawmakers that had signed the petition, later said that they were withdrawing their signatures, arguing that the lawmaker had ticked them that he was planning to take a loan.

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Politics

Murkomen in War of Words With Raila Odinga Junior

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen has torn into Raila Odinga Junior over political remarks the former senate majority leader made against ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Murkomen, at the time Raila wanted to swear himself in as the people’s President following a disputed 2017 general election, took to his twitter account and remarked that there was no problem if the NASA leader wanted to swear himself in as a President of a certain club, an NGO or a certain organisation.

Murkomen went ahead to say the there was no any harm if Raila purported to be Kenya’s president when he was actually not, adding that a dialogue debate would have been ended for Raila to get satisfied.

However, a twitter user by the name Dr Ben Baimwera responded to Murkomen’s remarks, saying that leaders who recklessly speak like him have always come to regret at some point.

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While referring to Murkomen’s ouster as the senate majority leader, Raila Junior quoted Baimwera’s response to Murkomen’s remarks, noting that the words were now haunting the lawmaker.

However, Murkomen in his response told off Raila Junior, saying that it would have been better if he had tagged his father, Raila and the State House.

The vocal lawmaker went ahead to tell Raila Junior that if the right leadership is the one established by Raila, then he was just walking in a path well troden.

Murkomen further told Raila Junior that at his current age, where is is serving as Elgeyo Marakwet senator, the former Prime Minister was not yet an MP.

Raila Odinga Junior With his father Raila Odinga. PHOTO/COURTESY

He went ahead to tell Raila Junior to relax, for things would change again.

“Makes more sense if you tag @RailaOdinga&@StateHouseKenya. Remember that if the right path to leadership is the one established by your father then I am walking in a path well trodden. At My age your dad was not yet MP. I was just doing my job you,relax things will change again,” responded Murkomen.

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Politics

Revealed: Uhuru’s Next Step After Kicking Out Duale

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta is now set for reconstitution of committees, which will quickly vet the new Cabinet that is set to be unveiled in a looming cabinet reshuffle, veteran politician and his ally Maina Kamanda has said.

Kamanda who was speaking to a local daily revealed that by the time Uhuru reconstitutes house committees, the BBI report will be in the House for debate and adoption by a two-thirds vote.

The BBI report said to be ready and the head of state planning to reshape his Cabinet. So far, President Kenyatta has removed deputy president William Ruto’s allies from key parliamentary postions.

During Jubilee Parliamentary Group meeting held on Monday June 22 at KICC, Ruto ally Aden Duale was removed from his position as National Assembly Majority leader.

During the meeting, Uhuru once again said he would only endorse for the presidency in 2022 someone who will complete his legacy.

Surprisingly, Uhuru told the MPs he has no problem with Ruto.

“There are some of you who are angling to be leaders and I am still in office. You just continue,” he said, and lashed out at people whom he said had characterised the 2022 presidential contest as a battle of the rich versus the poor.

“There are some of you calling me dictator. I am not a dictator…Anyway, those of you who want us to work, let’s work, those who want politics, continue,” he is reported to have said.

The latest changes have signalled even a major shakeup in the Cabinet where the President has absolute powers to hire and fire.

Duale has been majority leader, one of the most influential and powerful positions in Parliament, since 2013.

Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya, who replaced him, served as minister and deputy leader of government business in the 10th Parliament.

In a bid to appease the Somali community and the Northeastern region, the President crossed over from Garissa to Wajir and picked Eldas MP Aden Keynan as the new Jubilee coalition joint secretary.

Keynan is expected to fill Duale’s shoes by leveraging on the plum position to fortify Uhuru’s foothold in the region’s politics.

Keynan, a former ODM man, also serves as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission.

He is expected to be the new link between the opposition and Jubilee MPs in the House and would be required to occasionally lobby for bipartisan approaches to push for the government agenda.

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