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Blow To Raila AS OKA Principals Make New Move To Block Him From Reuniting With Them

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga might have suffered a blow after One Kenya Alliance Principals made a new move to bar him from re-uniting with them.

The team has revealed that they will sign a coalition agreement that prevents them from joining any political coalition.

Sources have revealed that OKA technical committee are working tirelessly to have a coalition agreement signed by the principals as soon as possible.

The agreement will bring together six senior political bigwigs in the country, that is, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, KANU’s Gideon Moi, Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetangula and Cyrus Jirongo who recently joined the alliance.

Kimilili MP Chris Wamalwa has said that the technical committee has finalized the coalition’s instrument which seeks to bring the principals together.

The news about this coalition agreement comes a day after Kalonzo Musyoka vowed never to back Raila in his presidential bid. He said it is time for the ODM chief to support him having done the same for him in the last two elections.

Kalonzo also urged Raila to retire from politics noting that he is old enough to go home. Kalonzo expressed confidence that OKA is becoming a serious political challenger in 2022 contest and urged other political parties to join them.

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Nimechoka Na Curfew! CS Kagwe States As He Says Government To Make Changes

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Wednesday October 13, 2021 stated that he is also tired of the new mode of operation in the country since Kenya reported the first case of Covid-19.

He appreciated the fact that Kenyans are tired with the different measures such as the nationwide curfew, set by the government to curb the spread of the pandemic.

The CS while speaking exclusively to a local radio station said that the government will soon ease some of the Coivid-19 restrictions once the country registers a positive rate.

“I am tired too and I am a Kenyan and I want to get back to normal life but it will take a while to get back to what we call normal life because even after opening the economy, things like wearing of masks and social distancing will remain,” said Kagwe.

According to the CS, Covid-19 fatality rate has dropped significantly as a result of the government’s intervention.

He further stated that Kenya has made improvements in the fight against the novel virus, stating that the country’s fatality rate is currently below the global average.

He attributed this drop to Kenyans’ adherence to Covid-19 protocols and the commitment by health workers in the fight against the virus.

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Politics

Petroleum CS John Munyes Fined Sh 500,000 By Parliament

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Amidst the controversy over the rising cost of fuel in Kenya, petroleum CS John Munyes got himself on the wrong side after being fined by the National Assembly Committee on Finance Ksh 500,000 for failing to appear before the committee to answer questions over the rise in fuel prices.

Munyes wrote to the committee that he is in South Sudan on an official duty.

While addressing the matter, the committee’s chairperson Gladys Wanga said their report will show that John Munyes has been uncooperative.

A week ago on Tuesday, the Finance and National Planning Committee which is leading the investigation into the fuel prices in the country was given an additional of seven days to dig into fuel costings criteria.

The committee has been investigating the costing of fuel in the last two weeks and has held face to face meetings with 10 shareholders including the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Treasury and the Ministry of Petroleum as well as receiving written submissions.

The probe by the committee originated from a petition which sought to vacate value added tax (VAT) from the costing of fuel products as a means to bring relief to Kenyans.

Fuel costs hit the headlines once more on September 14 as EPRA effected an unprecedented hike to fuel costs sending costs pasts Ksh. 135 per liter across the country.

Petroleum CS John Munyes earlier ruled out any fuel price reduction, blaming the National Treasury for failing to release Ksh. 24 billion meant for price stabilization.

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Uproar As Former MP Turns Residential Building Into A Bar

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

A former MP is on the spot as residents of Membley Estate in Kiambu have protested after he established a bar in their neighborhood.

The attempts of the residents to call on relevant authorities to intervene has bore no fruits as the former MP of Ol Joro Orok constituency John Muriithi Waiganjo has continued to operate his bar and restaurant against the residence’s bylaws. The MP has however denied the allegations.

The residents have complained of loud music, strangers thronging the area and hundreds of vehicles being parked outside.

The residential area called Plant House is on the Eastern Bypass in Membley Estate. Residents have said with his family of six children and his wife, he occupies the house at the same time selling alcohol.

Last year, residents of Membley Daykio wrote to the Ruiru sub-county administrator, Deputy County Commissioner, Ruiru sub-county and the Kiambu County CEC for Lands, Housing and physical planning to complain about the changes.

However,a week ago, the politician told his neighbors off after social and mainstream media highlighted their plight.

He posted a letter on Whatsapp groups claiming that the Kiambu County planning, technical committee held on May 3 approved change of user.

However, residents claimed the letter is fake and he got it with the assistance of his brother who is an MCA for Kahawa West.

Despite their complains in 2020, the former MP sought for change of user on February 10. The letter said he was seeking regularization of change of use from residential to commercial.

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Why Men Only Will Be Allowed At The Grave Site of Late KBC Journalist Badi Muhsin

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Veteran journalist and news anchor Badi Muhsin who has been working at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) will be buried on Saturday October 9, 2021.

His family has announced that he will be laid to rest at the Kariakor Muslim Cemetery. Sources reveal that his body was transported from Mombasa to Nairobi overnight.

However, his burial will be strictly according to Muslim burial customs and that is why men will only be allowed to go and see his body at the grave site.

Badi Muhsin died at the age of 67 years having working at KBC for over three decades. At the time of his death, he had made a comeback to the station after it rebranded.

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Politics

Full List: Uhuru Makes New Appointments in Gov’t, Former Attorney General And Nick Salat Awarded New Roles

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

President Uhuru Kenyatta has made new appointments in state corporations. He has placed Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat as the new chairperson of the agricultural development board for three years.

Former Attorney General Githu Muigai has also been appointed as the none-executive chairperson of Council of Legal Education.

The head of state also reappointed Kathleen Openda and Andrew Musangi as chairpersons of Kenya Institute of Mass Communication council and Public Procurement Regulatory Board respectively. Here is the full list of the appointments:

Dorothy Kimeu- Chairperson of Special Economic Zones board

Dr. Andrew Kiplagat- Chairperson, Kerio Valley Development Authority board.

Ben Oluoch Olunya- Chairperson, Expoert Processing Zones Authority

James Mureu- Chairpersons Micro and Small Enterprises Authority

Patric Obath- Chairperson, Board of Directors of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya

Kioko Kilukumi- Chairperson, Energy and Petroleum Tribunal

Dr. Dinah Mwinzi- Chairperson Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute board.

Joe Ager- Chairperson National Mining Corporation board

Prof. Elishiba Njambi Kimani- Chairperson- Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development

Eva Adega Oduor- Non-executive Chairperson, Kenya Accreditation Service board

Nick Nesbitt- Chairperson, Capital Markets Authority board

Philip Charo- Chairperson, Coast Development Authority

Edwin Kinyua- Chairperson, board of directors of the East African Portland Cement Company Limited.

Prof. Ben Sihanya- Chairperson, board of directors of of the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis

Peter Musei Ntoyian- Chairperson, board of directors of the Consolidated Bank

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Veteran Journalist Badi Muhsin Is Dead

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Veteran Kenya Broadcasting Corporation journalist Bahdi Muhsin is dead. The Swahili maestro died on Friday, October 8, 2021.

Muhsin is a legend and celebrated journalist who made his way back to KBC.

The news anchor made his name at KBC and rose to be among the best Swahili news anchors. He led a bulletin for retired and late President Daniel Arap Moi.

Reports indicate that in 2020, the journalist underwent surgery to remove stones in his kidney.

Badi Muhsin who was born in Kitui was presented with the Order of Grand Warrior award in 2011 by the retired President Mwai Kibaki for his long service in journalism.

Muhsin retired a few years back but made a return to the national broadcasting soon after rebranding

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Politics

“Hakuna Kufanya Mapenzi! No Nonsense Natembeya Fires A Warning At County Commissioners

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has warned newly recruited Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs) against having sexual relations with their juniors and civilians.

Natembeya said this while addressing over 200 ACCs who are fresh graduates to ensure they maintain a positive image in their profession.

He told them to conduct their social life in the right way,”If you go sleeping around with people in the villages, you will be in trouble individually and bring shame to the government,” he said.

This warning comes barely a week after police rescued a chief in Londiani from the wrath of an irate mob after he was caught in the act with a married woman.

“If you are an ACC and you sleep with a chief, it is equal to elevating that chief to your level. They will have reduced you to the level of a chief,” he stated.

“Such a chief will not respect his equals and those in ranks between you and them. The y will have the audacity to insubordinate their immediate seniors boasting that they share a bed with an ACC,” said Natembeya.

The ACCs will get several privileges and among them are government vehicles. He warned them of using the cars for their personal gains. “Some of the drivers are very handsome. Don’t be tempted to go for drinks with them, then you end up sleeping together,” he added.

He said that any sexual intimacy with government officers will be revealed and asked them to be careful.

“For civilians, it will be a great achievement. They will run around the villages telling everyone every detail of what you did together. But this won’t be the case with government officials.” said Natembeya.

He told the ACCs to be careful not to lose themselves in the comfort of government facilities and warned them against any corrupt dealings. “Sometimes, you will take a bullet for the government before senior goverrnment officers come to make subsequent responses. Do not be part of a corrupt system if you find any.”

He further advised,”You have landed a well-paying job while you are very young. Don’t forget about your life. Invest for your future. Learn to plan for your future early.”

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Politics

Adamant Ruto Takes Credit For Government Projects As He Steals Show In Trans-Mara

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Deputy President William Ruto has once again boasted of several government projects.

While addressing residents of Kilgoris in Transmara on Thursday, October 7, 2021, Ruto took credit for the ongoing and completed government projects.

Among the projects are a sugarcane factory, road constructions, a teacher-training college and electricity access in Narok County.

He said this while continuing to criticize Raila and Uhuru for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

“I am neither a drunkard nor a fool, and I am not mad as well. I have said that those who are seeking to create positions for themselves by amending the constitution will have to wait until the youth have jobs,” stated Ruto.

While addressing hundreds of residents who lend him an ear, Ruto promised to improve the lives of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs and the youths.

“While we were here in 2013, only 20,000 households were connected to electricity. Now there are about 90,000 connected households,” the DP said.

He added that because all those projects were successful, one important thing remaining is to create jobs for the youth and support SMEs.

“We don’t want the rich to disturb us with constitutional amendments to create seats for themselves. That will wait until we all have jobs,” Ruto added.

He also said unlike his UDA party, his rivals have no proven track record and that their only agenda is fighting him.

“I helped President Uhuru build new roads and even a railway line, do you think implementing the Bottom-up economic model is hard for me?” he posed.

After the address, he donated one million shillings to women in small businesses and Sh 3 million to Boda Boda operators in Migori.

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Ruto’s Lawyer Confirms Government Sent Tractors And Goons To Demolish Weston Hotel

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, the Weston Hotel’s counsel in a case involving a parcel of land in which the facility stands has claimed that the government sent tractors and goons to demolish the hotel two days ago.

Weston Hotel has remained top on social media trends for the past 48 hours over claims that bulldozers allegedly sent by government had been seen around the facility.

The claims were first posted by Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, who had shared some of the pictures of the bulldozers allegedly at Lang’ata Road where the Hotel stands.

“The Deep State are indeed cornered. They have today decided to express their fury by demolishing Weston Hotel,” posted Sudi on October 6, 2021.

Ahmednasir through his official Twitter account on Friday October 8, 2021 confirmed that indeed the tractors had been sent before the operation was later on called off.

Weston Hotel VS KCAA hearing set for today - Mahakamani News
Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi. Photo/Courtesy

“As counsel on RECORD for Weston Hotel I can OFFICIALLY CONFIRM that the GOVERNMENT of the REPUBLIC of KENYA 48 hours ago sent tractors and goons to demolish the Hotel. The operation was called off after the tractors reached the hotel and the powers that be changed its mind,” he posted.

Weston Hotel had in September this year moved to the court of appeal faulting a judge of the High Court who insisted on hearing a petition filed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) over the land row.

In the appeal, Weston Hotel which belongs to Deputy President William Ruto, said it was dissatisfied by a ruling issued in March this year by Justice Benard Eboso, allowing the petition by KCAA to proceed for hearing.

The hotel management, Priority Ltd and Monene Investment, wanted the suit by KCAA dismissed arguing that the authority erred by filing a fresh suit instead of filing an appeal against a decision by the National Land Commission, dated January 2019.

In the decision, NLC directed Weston to compensate KCAA for the land at the current rates. But on March 2, Justice Eboso dismissed the objection by Weston and stated that Environment and Land Court had jurisdiction to hear the case and that the NLC decision was not binding.

Through senior counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, Weston faulted the judge saying he failed to address pertinent questions, such as jurisdiction and instead digressed and made a finding on a matter that was not argued before him.

Weston further said the judge failed to determine the issues brought before him by the parties and instead framed for his own issues and gave his interpretation.

Last year, Weston Hotel claimed the land dispute case in court is all about the 2022 presidential election politics.

In its submissions to court, Weston Hotel said the case is a conspiracy between Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and certain political actors to politicise it for “cheap political drama”.

KCAA says the land where Weston Hotel sits belonged to the defunct 1977-era East Africa Community.

In June 1999, then Commissioner of Lands wrote to the Directorate of Civil Aviation citing an application by a church to use the parcel.

But Ruto says he acquired the parcel from Priority Management Ltd and Monene Investments Limited at Sh10 million in 2007.

NLC on its part said the land belonged to KCAA and directed that Weston Hotel pays off for the property at current market value.

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Politics

“She Only Bought Waru Za 350,” City Chips Vendor Shames Millicent Omanga For Faking Sponsorship

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The now viral city chips vendor Beverlyne Kwamboka has hit out at nominated senator Millicent Omanga for faking business sponsorship on her.

Taking to her official Twitter handle on Thursday October 7, 2021, Kwamboka who came to the limelight after after Kenyans rebuked her for wearing a short dress clarified that Omanga only gave out Irish potatoes worth Kshs.350.

The team that had been sent by the politician allegedly took photos with some other sacks of potatoes and then returned them to their vehicle.

They also gave out two aprons branded with Omanga’s campaign colors and slogans.

“For clarification, team @MillicentOmanga only bought waru za 350 came out of the vehicle with 5 umbrellas, took photos returned them and gave out one and two aprons. Hiyo mambo ya cash haikua plus stock ni ya 350. Hizo waru gunia kubwa i had bought and started the day,” Kwamboka posted.

Early this week, Omanga on social media insinuated that she had provided her with stock and cash to boost her business.

“Bevalyne Kwamboka is now sorted. Umbrella, cash and stock to boost her hustle. Mvua au jua haitamharibia biashara tena. Now let’s go eat those chips,” she said.

Omanga said she’s going to help the lady who confessed that she sells chips to fund her college education.

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Politics

Storm In UDA As Members Protest Appointment of 31 Officials

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

A storm has broken out in Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party over its appointment of 31 officials.

On Thursday, some dissatisfied members protested that the list of the 31 officials, filed with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) was not satisfactory.

UDA Chairman Johnstone Muthama on Tuesday said the officials would be members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), an organ with a say in party nominations and elections.

Sources say the protests were so wrathful that UDA Secretary-General Veronica Maina in an attempt to calm the members reportedly posted in their Whatsapp group, “The party wishes to confirm that the list is not an actual representation of the party officials.”

However, Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu confirmed that the list earlier published by Nation was the one received in their office.

The letter showing the list of the officials was received by ORPP on September 15, two weeks after the resolutions were approved by the party on August 30.

Some of the dissatisfied members who protested had gone to some late entrants to the the ‘hustler movement’ and complained they had either been left out or their regions ignored.

As a prove of divisions in the party, some MPs claimed it was not the final draft while the beneficiaries of the appointment celebrated.

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Government Declares Monday a Holiday, Changes Name

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

The government has declared Monday 11, 2021 a public holiday.

Photo: Courtesy

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Ministry of Interior, Coordination and National Government.

In a statement issued by Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, he said that October 11 will be a public holiday because Utamaduni Day falls on Sunday 10 October 2021″In line with the provisions of Section 2 and 4 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110), it is hereby confirmed that 11 October 2021 will be a public holiday, by dint of Utamaduni Day falling on Sunday 10 October 2021.”

The statement further declares, “Whereas this day is already conferred by law, this shall be the first time Kenya will be celebrating Utamaduni Day and this press release serves to emphasize the need for all citizens to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Kenya in a manner that promotes unity, national cohesion, and economic progress in the country.”

Previously, 10 October was celebrated as Moi Day before it was later changed to Huduma Day and now Utamaduni Day.

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Politics

Raila Hints At Possibility Of Working With Ruto Ahead of 2022 General Elections

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has opened up on the possibility of working with Deputy President William Ruto ahead of 2022 general elections.

Raila also added that Ruto has already declared his interest in the presidency but he seems not to support anyone.

While talking to Kalenjin radio stations on Wednesday October 6, 2021, Raila told the community that he is waiting for them to give him someone he can work with.

So far, it is only DP Ruto and KANU party leader Gideon Moi who have declared their 2022 presidential ambitions among the Kalenjin community.

“I am still the Arap Mibei you used to know,” he told them.

Raila, however, hit out at DP Ruto’s hustler narrative, arguing that the second in command was misadvised.

“Whoever advised William Ruto to use the word Hustler misadvised him. Hustler ni mtu mkorofi, mwizi na mtu mwenye anatumia njia za mikato,” Raila said.

He said he was yet to declare whether he will run for presidency next year or not.

“For now I want to unite the country through Azimio La Umoja,” he added.

Raila further noted that he will not look for any endorsement ahead of 2022.

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‘Hakuna Makosa!’ Raila Breaks Silence On Pandora Papers Expose, Defends Uhuru

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

ODM leader Raila Odinga has finally broken his silence on the Pandora papers expose that revealed the secret wealth that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family has allegedly hidden in offshore accounts.

Speaking during an interview with Chamgei FM on Wednesday October 6, 2021, the former Prime Minister come defended President Kenyatta, noting that having an offshore account is not illegal so long as the owners explain how they opened it.

Raila said while he doesn’t have offshore accounts, it is acceptable for Kenyans who can explain the money in such accounts.

He added that the focus should not be on the account but how the money was obtained.

“Hii ni mambo ya Pandora box. Sioni kama kuna shida kuwa na account kule nje bora unaweza kusema jinsi ulifungua account vile Uhuru amesema atasema zaidi atakapo rudi (On pandora box issue, I do not see if there is a problem having an offshore account as long as you can explain how you opened it the same way President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that he will explain more once he returns to the country) ,” Raila said.

“Mimi sina chochote huko nje, yangu iko Kenya ( I don’t have any wealth outside the country, mine is okay),” declared the ODM leader.

Raila was commenting about the recently leaked International Consortium of Investigative Journalist’s (ICIJ) Pandora box expose which alleged that Uhuru and six members of his family have massive secret wealth stashed in foreign accounts.

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Drama At Nyandarua County Assembly As Police And Staff Fight Goons Allegedly Hired To Harm Embattled Speaker

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

There was drama at the Nyandarua County Assembly on Tuesday morning after the police and staff fought goons allegedly hired to harm the embattled Speaker Ndegwa Wahome.

Photo: Courtesy

The goons engaged the police in running battles as the House was in session but they were over-powered and several of them arrested.

The Speaker declined to enter the assembly alleging that there are eight armed goons sneaked in to harm him. But MCAs present in the session claimed that the speaker was causing drama to gain public sympathy since he does not have followers in the assembly.

Mr. Wahome engaged the county police commanders for two hours urging them to enter the assembly building to flash out and arrest criminals allegedly hired to harm him.

When the Speaker was invited by the county police bosses to join them in search for the goons in the House, Mr.. Wahome and the staff allied to him said they feared the Speaker would not be safe in the hands of the police bosses. The staff demanded to be allowed to accompany the Speaker.

It was later revealed that it was a plot to smuggle the mace out of the House to paralyze the assembly’s operations. The Speaker blamed Governor Francis Kimemia for leadership wrangles which have rocked the assembly for almost a year now. He claimed that the county boss wants to destroy the assembly to avoid oversight.

He stated that the assembly staff have missed three months salary since he and the clerk, Gideon Mikiri are denied access to the offices.

Mr. Wahome claimed the governor was involved in confiscation of his car and had it detained by Toyota Kenya. However, the MCAs have declined the governor’s involvement in assembly wars. They claimed that the Speaker was rejected by the majority ward reps who are his employers.

Ms. Wanjiku Muhuhu who chaired the morning session as the Speaker addressed the media from outside. She said the House had been adjourned to Tuesday next week after tabling of the budget papers for the next financial year.

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