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Uproar as Jubilee Kicks Out Lawmaker Spearheading Waiguru’s Impeachment

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

There is an uproar among Members of County Assembly in Kirinyaga after the assembly’s Majority leader James Kamau Murango received a letter from Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju, ousting him from his post.

It is said that Mr Murango received the ouster letter after he presented complaints about governor Anne Waiguru to Jubilee Headquarters in Pangani, Nairobi.

Kirinyaga MCAs who had on Thursday tabled Waiguru’s outer motion are now up in arms, expressing their disappointment in Jubilee.

In his dismissal letter, Tuju also notes that after complaints, the party found that apart from two issues of disbursement of funds for bursaries and women projects the rest of the issues raised by the MCA were personal.

Murango is also accused of being part of a cohort of mainly independent MCAs who addressed the mass media on notice of motion to impeach Waiguru.

‘It is no longer tenable for you to lead Government business in the county assembly, we find this behaviour of refusing to listen to the party headquarters to be gross misconduct as articulated in artcle 13 of the party constitution’ the letter said

Speaking on Thursday, Wamumu ward MCA John Bapstita Kanga and Tebere ward MCA Gudson Muchina said the Jubilee party has no power to dictate who is supposed to be majority leader in Kirinyaga.

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Breaking: Police Camp at Coast General Hospital Waiting to Arrest Kilifi Deputy Governor

by Gabriel Omolo
written by Gabriel Omolo

Police have pitched camp at the Coast General Hospital waiting to arrest Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi for defying quarantine order.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on April 2 stated that the DG had been declared fit after being subjected to three tests.

He however, noted that the law would follow its course later.

Saburi had tested positive on Sunday, March 22, weeks after arriving in the country from Germany via Amsterdam on March 6.

He refused to self-isolate and came into contact with a number of people.

Saburi had however, reached out to Kenyans and his Kilifi County residents, asking them to forgive him for violating President Uhuru Kenyatta’s self-quarantine directive to those who had travelled from abroad. 

“I am very remorseful for bringing anxiety on Coronavirus spread in Kilifi County and the entire country and hope that people will find a heart to forgive me.

“I am a responsible person. I am a leader, a family man and a mentor to many. I did not do this on purpose,” Saburi defended himself.

He further warned Kenyans that Coronavirus was real, urging them to adhere to the measures stipulated by the government to curb the spread of the disease.

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COVID-19: Kenya Receives Ksh 5.3 Billion From World Bank

by Hillary Raini
written by Hillary Raini

Kenya has received a Ksh 5.5 billion support from World Bank.

The World Bank Group board of directors have approved the funds in immediate funding to support Kenya’s response to the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

This is under a new operation – the Kenya COVID -19 Emergency Response Project.

The project will provide emergency funding for medical diagnostic services, surveillance and response, capacity building, quarantine, isolation and treatment centres.

The funds will also go into medical waste disposal, risk communications and community engagement as well as for strengthening of the country’s capacity to provide safe blood services.

“This new fast track facility will assist Kenya in its efforts to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 and strengthen national systems for public health preparedness,” Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Country Director for Kenya said.

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Latest NewsPolitics

Murkomen Tables More Proposals to Combat COVID-19

by Muthoni Kamande
written by Muthoni Kamande

Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen has made more proposals in the senate to help in combating coronavirus pandemic.

The Elgeyo Marakwet senator has proposed that Kenya should hire more health workers who should join the fight against COVID-19.

The vocal lawmaker has also proposed that the country puts measure in place to ensure that all the medical students in their final year are graduated to join their colleagues in combating the coronavirus pandemic.

“I have proposed that we hire more health workers. We should also put measure in place to ensure that we graduate all the medical students in their final year and allow them to join their colleagues in combating this monster called COVID19,” posted Murkomen.

Murkomen has been on the forefront making bold moves in an effort to help contain the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Murkomen challenged the government to come up with a plan to cushion the poor amid hard economic times caused by coronavirus pandemic.

He moved a motion demanding the government to establish a cash transfer programme to cushion over 10 million families living in informal settlements.

Murkomen said there was a need for the government to cater to the basic needs of families including the provision of food and water.

“A broad-based stimulus package is needed to cushion the poor of the poor from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. If we do not guarantee food to Kenyans living in Mathare or Kibera slums, they will walk to Muthaiga to get food for themselves,” he said.

On Thursday afternoon, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed 29 more cases in the country, bringing the total to 110.

CS Kagwe also confirmed two more fatalities, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to three.

He however, confirmed one more recovery, the Kilifi County Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi, that brought the total number of recoveries to four.

A raft of tough measures have been put in place to stop the spread of the virus.

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Tough Measures Announced as Kenya’s Coronavirus Cases Hit 110

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya has announced new measures to help in containing coronavirus pandemic.

Heath Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Thursday afternoon while giving an update of the COVID-19 situation in the country noted that things might turn worse if the measures put are not taken seriously.

The CS announced that coronavirus cases in the country had hit 110, a rise of 29 from 81.

To ensure that the numbers doesn’t go up, CS Kagwe announced all bodaboda, matatu and tuk-tuk drivers and passengers are to begin wearing masks and issuing them to passengers, effective Thursday.

The number of cases have risen to an unprecedented level and action needed to be taken as soon as possible. On Wednesday afternoon, CS Kagwe confirmed 22 more cases.

Thursday afternoon, Kenya received an additional 29 cases.

To necessitate the availability of the face masks to be used by transport sector operators, Kagwe announced that the government had begun a local mass production of masks.

Thermal guns would also be distributed to traffic police officers to be used in discovering and arresting coronavirus cases in traffic jams and roadblocks before they spread further.

Kagwe also directed that the hiring of 5,000 skilled health workers begin immediately and be finalized within the next seven days.

“The Govt. has instructed with immediate effect, that the hiring of 5000- skilled health workers within the country begin & with the aim of finalizing the hiring within the next 7 days. An additional 6000 health workers will be in place to fight coronavirus,” he said.

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Politics

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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Politics

IEBC Postpones All Elections

by Muthoni Kamande
written by Muthoni Kamande

Wafula Chebukati-led Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has postponed all the upcoming by-elections.

This follows the coronavirus pandemic that has continued to affect the economy of the country.

In a press release issued on Wednesday evening, the electoral agency noted that the pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges towards delivering of its mandate.

It further noted that its day to day operations have been greatly affected.

The commission was set to conduct by-elections in Dabaso ward (Kilifi County), Kahawa Wendani Ward (Kiambu County), Kisumu North ward (Kisumu County), Wundanyi/Mbale ward (Taita Taveta County) and Msambweni Constituency for a parliamentary seat that was left vacant following the demise of MP Suleiman Dori.

The elections have also been postponed to avoid public gatherings that would be witnessed during campaigns and nominations.

The government has hence banned public gatherings as a measure of stopping the spread of COVID-19.

A later date will be announced by the commission for each of the by-elections that were to be held.

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BREAKING: Kenya Confirms 22 new cases of Coronavirus

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya has confirmed 22 new cases of coronavirus.

This brings total number of confirmed cases in the country to 81.

Speaking during a live presser on Wednesday afternoon, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that 21 of the 22 cases are currently in quarantine.

He noted that they have been able to test over 300 Kenyans over the last 24 hours.

Out of the new cases, 13 are males, with 9 females.

Among the 22, 18 of them are Kenyans, 2 Pakistanis and 2 Cameroon nationals.

“Over the last 24 hours we have tested over 300 Kenyans, out of those 22 have tested positive for covid-19 (13-males, 9-females). 21 out of the 22 cases are people who are currently in quarantine,” he said.

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Politics

Senator Ledama Wants Parliament to Surrender Its International Trips Budget to Combat COVID-19

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Narok County Senator Ledama Ole Kina has asked Parliament to surrender all its international and local trips budget to help in combating coronavirus pandemic.

Taking to his official twitter account on Wednesday morning, the ODM lawmaker said the Ksh 200 million donated by the senate on Tuesday is no enough.

He suggested that should the money be surrendered by the parliament, it should be divided amongst the 47 counties to modernize open air markets and isolation centers.

“Parliament should surrender all its budget for international/local trips to combat #COVID19KE Ksh 200M donates by senate is nothing!The money should be divided amongst 47 counties to modernize open air markets/isolation centers! No to food ratios it won’t help!” he tweeted.

The vocal lawmaker further asked the executive and the judiciary to also surrender all of their budgets for international and local trips, to be used for the same purpose.

He says that people should be independent, rather than just depending on hand outs, since Kenya is an industrious nation.

“The executive/judiciary should also surrender all its budgets for international and local trips! What we want is our people to be independent not Dependent on hand outs! We are an industrious nation not beggars! I say no to food ratios make their working environment #COVID19 free,” he added.

The Senate on Tuesday afternoon surrendered Sh200 million from its budget to aid in the fight against the now most dreaded coronavirus disease.

The announcement was made by Speaker Kenneth Lusaka when the lawmakers reconvened after a two-week break.

The speaker said the house has yielded the cash from the Senate budget allocation in the current financial year, to aid in the efforts of the government to fight the disease.

He said the decision was made by a Senate Business Committee during its sitting on Monday to support the government’s efforts to combat the virus.

Kenya on Tuesday reported nine new coronavirus cases bringing the total number of people with the virus to 59.

Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi said the nine were from 234 samples tested in the last 24 hours.

She said 1,160 people who have come into contact with the positive cases are being monitored.

Mwangangi also said the government will use boarding schools as isolation for testing and treating coronavirus patients should the situation get worse.

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Politics

Murkomen Makes Bold Move to Cushion Poor Kenyans From Economic Effects of Coronavirus

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged the government to come up with a plan to cushion the poor amid hard economic times caused by coronavirus pandemic.

The senator Majority leader on Tuesday afternoon moved a motion demanding the government to establish a cash transfer programme to cushion over 10 million families living in informal settlements.

Murkomen said there was a need for the government to cater to the basic needs of families including the provision of food and water.

“A broad-based stimulus package is needed to cushion the poor of the poor from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. If we do not guarantee food to Kenyans living in Mathare or Kibera slums, they will walk to Muthaiga to get food for themselves,” he said.

In his motion, Murkomen called for the enactment of favourable measures to ensure the continuous supply of food and other essential commodities at affordable prices.

He also called for keen consideration of people with mental health problems in the execution of the 7 pm to 5 am curfew and hiring of more doctors and nurses to deal with the virus.

He further called for an all-inclusive process of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic that brings to the table economic experts, political leaders from across political divides, business and religious leaders as well as the media.

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Crime & InvestigationsLatest News

Controversial Pastor Charged For Denying Coronavirus Exists in Africa

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A man of God has found himself in hot soup after misleading his sheep on the most dreaded coronavirus pandemic.

The controversial pastor who is accused of telling his congregation that there is no coronavirus in Africa has been charged by Ugandan Authorities.

Prosecutors accuse Augustine Yiga of making the comments to the Revival Christian Church congregation on Friday, in comments carried by local television stations.

He denied the charges.

“Claiming that Covid-19 doesn’t exist in Africa and Uganda undermines government efforts in fighting the epidemic and exposes the public to great danger of laxity in observing the guidelines on its control and prevention,” Uganda police spokesman Patrick Onyango is quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

The pastor faces a jail term of up to seven years.

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Politics

Waiguru Breaks Silence on Her Impeachment

by Manyasi Peris
written by Manyasi Peris

Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has finally broken silence on her planned impeachment by a section of Kirinyaga MCAs.

The County Chief who spoke on Tuesday at her offices in Kutus said impeachment plans against her won’t succeed.

She said the MCAs’ priorities currently are misplaced, given the country is undergoing the COVID-19 crisis that requires the ward reps’ input more than where they have placed their energies on.

On Monday, a formal impeachment suggestion against Waiguru prepared by Mutira MCA, Kinyua Wangui, was received by County Assembly Speaker, Anthony Waweru Gathumbi. The removal plan will be formally filed on Wednesday, April 1.

However, Waiguru has noted that MCAs are fighting her over non-issues, instead of joining hands with her to serve Kirinyaga constituents.

The county boss said one of the biggest problems now facing Kirinyaga residents is the COVID-19 outbreak, which should be addressed urgently.

Waiguru is said to enjoy support from six MCAs, with 27 reported to be against her leadership.

The anti-governor MCAs say they will, on Wednesday, April 1, introduce a motion of no confidence against Waiguru.

They are accusing her of misappropriating public funds, flouting procurement procedures and undermining the County Assembly powers, among other issues.

Waiguru is also accused of solely making decisions likely to impact on the county government’s finances without involving the MCAs, contrary to Section 30 of the County Government Act 2012.

Waiguru is also accused of irregularly awarding County Government tenders to companies and persons she has a cordial relationship with.

One of the tenders that has resulted in the governor facing wrath from the MCAs is that of the upgrading of Kagumo Market. The tender was prepared on December 20, 2018.

The other tender that the MCAs claim was unprocedurally awarded was that of the acquisition of a Ksh15 million governor’s official car.

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Latest NewsLifestyle

Coronavirus: More Cases Confirmed in Kenya

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kenya has confirmed nine more coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 59.

Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi while addressing the press on Tuesday evening made the confirmation.

In the last 24 hours, 234 samples have been analysed, out of which the nine people tested positive.

Dr. Mwangangi said that 1,160 contacts are being monitored.

She noted that the Ministry of Health will continue to work with health workers to protect them and to ensure that they have the right gear to be able to work as Kenya’s front-line army in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

“We thank our health workers for a job well done… We continue to work with our health workers to protect them and to ensure that they have the right gear to be able to work as our front-line army in the fight against this disease,” she said.

The ministry is also exploring the usage of boarding schools countrywide in the event the situation worsens. The National Government has engaged county governments to identify specific boarding schools which will be able to assist in boosting Kenya’s capacity in holding more people, in isolation and quarantine.

As per Monday, the cases stood at 50 after Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirming 8 more cases.

Kagwe noted that the virus is now being spread through community transmission ascertaining that the disease is no longer being imported from outside but is here with us.

Mr Kagwe also revealed that there were 20,000 testing kits in Kenya and that the country is still receiving more.

“We validate them to ascertain their efficacy,” he said.

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Latest NewsPolitics

ODM Under Fire After Making a Controversial Tweet on Curfew

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has found itself in trouble with a section of netizens after making a controversial tweet on the ongoing countrywide dusk to dawn curfew.

The Ornge party on Tuesday took to twitter to express its support for the government’s efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

ODM in its post went ahead to condemn police brutality meted on the citizens in the name of enforcing government orders.

The party went ahead to condemn the shooting of a Standard 8 pupil, Yasin Hussein Moyo, who was standing on the balcony of their home in Kiamaiko, Nairobi, at the time the police were trying to enforce the curfew.

ODM said that the shooting to death of a KCPE candidate Yasin Moyo at their balcony in Kimaiko in Mathare must be condemned by all.

“We support govt’s efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus, we also condemn police brutality m on the citizens in the name of enforcing govt orders. Last evening’s shooting to death of a KCPE candidate Yasin Moyo at their balcony in Kimaiko in Mathare must be condemned by all,” tweeted ODM.

However, this did not go well with a section of Kenyans on Twitter. While reacting on the post, KOT told off the Orange party, arguing that police brutality did not begin yesterday.

They accused the party of remaining silent when police have been using excessive force on Kenyans for a long time now.

Some accused the party of using millions to print campaign T-Shirts, but failing to donate face masks and sanitizers at the time of need.

Here are some of the reactions.

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Crime & Investigations

DPP Haji Directs IG Mutyambai to Urgently Probe Shooting of 13-Year-Old Boy During Curfew

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) Noordin Haji has directed Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to thoroughly but urgently investigate reported incident of shooting of 13 yr old boy at Kiamaiko, Mathare, Nairobi.

The IG is then expected to forward the investigation file to DPP’s office for appropriate direction.

The police are said to have shot the boy on Monday night, when the minor was on a balcony of their home, trying to catch a glimpse of the men in uniform who were enforcing the nationwide curfew.

The shooting incident is said to have happened at around 7:20 pm.

The minor was then rushed to the nearby Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The bullet is said to have penetrated into his intestines.

Nairobi county commander Philip Ndolo said the boy was accidentally hit by a ricochet as police were trying to disperse a gang who had defied the 7pm to 5am curfew.

Defending the police, Ndolo said, the ricochet can take any direction when released and cause even cause harm to the source.

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Latest NewsPolitics

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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