Home Latest News Politics
Category:

Politics

Politics

Mixed Reactions As Sabina Chege, Jubilee MPs Attend Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza PG At State House

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Jubilee Party nominated MP and the embattled National Assembly deputy minority whip Sabina Chege on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 attended Kenya Kwanza’s Parliamentary Group meeting that was held at State House, Nairobi.

A Jubilee Party rebel faction led by EALA MP Kanini Kega had earlier on named Sabina Chege as party leader, ousting Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

However, a bid to re-establish party discipline and strengthen its ranks, the Jubilee Party on Monday expelled several party rebels, including Sabina Chege, Kanini Kega and Nelson Dzuya.

The Jubilee NDC held at Ngong Race Course gave the former President an opportunity to stamp his authority in the party amid an onslaught by Ms Chege and a faction led by Mr Kega.

The duo teamed up with a section of Jubilee-elected legislators to kick Uhuru off party leadership alongside Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Vice chairman David Murathe and National Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi.

Kega would later issue a statement saying that the NDC convened by Uhuru was not recognized by the party and that the changes made would not have any impact.

However, Sabina Chege attended the Kenya Kwanza PG that was hosted by President William Ruto at State House on Tuesday.

The former Murang’a Woman Representative had over the weekend told President Ruto that they are orphans in Jubilee.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Isiolo Boys High School on Sunday, May 21, 2023, Ms Chege said the former President had neglected them.

At the same time, Chege pleaded with President Ruto, a former member of the Jubilee party, to accommodate Jubilee leaders when they knock on his door.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan who was elected on a Jubilee ticket was also among the rebel members that attended the Kenya Kwanza PG.

Kanini Kega and Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan, a Jubilee MP, also attended the State House meeting.

Her attendance has elicited mixed reactions on the internet considering the fact that she has been fighting for her position as the Azimio deputy minority whip.

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party had resolved to kick her out of the position, but she survived after the National Assmbly speaker Moses Wetangula announced that she would retain her position until such a time when Azimio will convene a proper meeting and communicate her dismissal.

Below are some of the reactions from Kenyans on Twitter after Sabina Chege was spotted at State House during the Kenya Kwanza PG.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

ODM’s Etale Explains How Ruto Forced Raila To Arrive Late At Mukami Kimathi’s Burial

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President William Ruto forced Azimio leader Raila Odinga to arrive late at the burial of the late Mukami Kimathi in Njambini, Nyandarua County over the weekend, ODM communications director Philip Etale has revealed.

Etale who was responding to attacks launched against the former Prime Minister on social media for going against the protocol to arrive at a function when everyone including the head of state has already settled down said it was a situation caused by President Ruto that forced Raila to arrive late.

According to Etale, Raila’s chopper that was supposed to fly him to Nyandarua was ready for takeoff from Wilson Airport by 9:45am.

However, a communication was made to the pilot that Harambee One that was flying President Ruto to the same venue was taking off and that he had to wait.

The ODM communication boss was responding to President Ruto’s chairperson of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) David Ndii who had termed Raila’s action as juvenile.

Ndii had earlier on quoted lawyer Miguna Miguna’s remark which had termed Raila’s arrival as childish, noting that etiquette requires Raila to arrive at public functions on time.

“ETIQUETTE requires conman @RailaOdinga to arrive at public functions on time. Routinely arriving late after everyone has taken their seats is a childish and primitive trick to be noticed,” Miguna Miguna posted.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

Otiende Amollo Alleges Assassination Plot, Reveals Details of Blue Subaru Giving Him Sleepless Nights

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has taken to his official social media accounts to allege that there is a plan to assassinate him.

The senior counsel through his Twitter account Wednesday morning claimed that police officers operating from Kabete Police Station have been tasked to eliminate him.

According to the lawmaker who is part of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition party team that is supposed to engage in bipartisan talks with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition team, the alleged operatives are using a blue Subaru.

The alleged Subaru bears KBZ 373X as Registration details but the same, Otiende says, does not reflect at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

He went ahead to allege that his security has been withdrawn for the same purpose, but affirmed that he was not afraid.

“So They’ve Tasked Shadowy Operatives In M/V KBZ 373 X Blue Subaru To Eliminate Me! A Vehicle On The Road But No Records At NTSA, But Operates From Kabete Police Station! And They Withdraw My Security For The Purpose! Well, I’m Not Afraid. History Is Replete With Martyrs,” he tweeted.

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the opposition leaders among them the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga had their security withdrawn.

This is after the opposition’s planned protests in Nairobi flopped, with Raila and his team accusing the President William Ruto-led government of hiring goons to destroy property and blame it on the opposition.

Addressing the media from the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation offices in Upper Hill, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua fingered Trade CS Moses Kuria and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the chaos witnessed.

A public service vehicle was torched along Ngong Road by unknown people. Another truck was torched along the Southern bypass with goons disguising as protesters.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

“Wawache Kunisumbua na Sufuria Kwa Kichwa,” Ruto Bows To Azimio Pressure, To Lower Unga Prices From Next Week

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President William Ruto has said the prices of maize flour will start going down from next week.

Speaking in Mavoko Friday, April 14, the head of state said the consignment of imported maize will arrive in the country from Saturday, April 15.

President Ruto was addressing Mavoko residents in Machakos County after launching a water project.

Ruto launched the  Sh2.7 billion Mavoko Water Supply Project.

The project is in line with the commitment to the provision of universal clean and safe water.

The water project by Belgium and Kenyan governments is expected to supplement the current rationed water supply with 12,000 cubic metres per day supply.

He noted that his government was working around the clock to ensure that the cost of living comes down.

While making a reference to the nationwide protests called by the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party, Ruto said walking with sufurias on the heads will not bring down the cost of Unga.

“Nyinyi watu wa Mavoko niwaulize…kutembea na sufuria kwa kichwa itashukisha bei ya unga? Tumeweka mipango kama serikali…na kuanzia mwisho wa hii wiki ambayo ni kesho..ile mahindi tumeagiza itaanza kufika na kuanzia next week mtaona bei ya Unga ikianza kuteremka..Hawa jamaa wawache kunisumbua na sufuria kwa kichwa,” he said.

The opposition leader Raila Odinga had on Thursday, April 13 announced that they will resume the protests after the Muslim faithful end Ramadan.

Ramadan is set to end on April 22, 2023.

Raila said the protests will go on even as the bipartisan dialogue between the government and the opposition continues in parliament.

The Raila-led coalition had earlier on cited lack of seriousness from the Kenya Kwanza ruling side in the said bipartisan talks.

President Ruto had urged Odinga to call off the protests and allow the two sides to face a bipartisan approach in the issues raised by the opposition.

Raila had indicated that bringing down the cost of living is one of their bare minimum.

He wants the IEBC servers opened, the IEBC selection reconstituted, former commissioners who resigned after the August 2022 election reinstated among other issues.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

Back To Maandamano: Raila Announces The Date Azimio Will Resume Anti-Government Protests

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has announced the return of the anti-government protests.

The former Prime Minister Thursday led the coalition’s first town hall meeting at Ufungamano House.

He announced that the Azimio team will go back to the streets to demonstrate against the President William Ruto-led government immediately after Ramadan.

According to Raila, the Azimio demos will be held as the bipartisan talks between the government and the opposition go on.

The opposition has listed rejecting the William Ruto-controlled Parliament in the four point agenda casting doubt on bi-partisan talks.

Both Azimio La Umoja and Kenya Kwanza Alliance have formed a 7 member team to represent them in the bi-partisan talks to engage on the reconstitution of poll body (IEBC).

Those invited to engage in the Thursday town hall meeting included trade unions, farmers’ associations, small businesses ,civil society organisations ,veterans, human rights activists, intellectuals and faith-based organisations.

In a statement, Azimio Executive Council chair Wycliffe Oparanya said the purpose of the town hall meetings and public barazas is to create a public forum to explain to the public the next course of action following the suspension of protests.

President Ruto on April 2, 2023, urged Odinga to call off his anti-government protests and suggested the creation of a bipartisan parliamentary committee to work through concerns over the electoral process.

Odinga consequently later suspended his protest drive and committed to engaging with President Ruto through the bipartisan approach via Parliament.

He, however, warned that the coalition would resort to the protest if the process fails to bear any fruit.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

Azimio Unveils Its Bipartisan Negotiation Team to Face Kenya Kwanza

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party has unveiled its team that will face President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza in the bi-partisan parliamentary talks.

The Azimio team on Thursday held its Parliamentary Group meeting at the Stoni Athi hotel in Machakos County.

During the PG meeting, Azimio unveiled a team of seven allies that will lead in the negotiations with the ruling government.

The list of seven consists of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, his Narok counterpart Ledama Olekina, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David PKosing (Pokot South) and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda).

The meeting that was chaired by Raila was also attended by the coalition’s top leadership including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and her Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and KANU chairman Gideon Moi sent their apologies for failing to attend.

President William Ruto last week urged the opposition to call of the Monday and Thursday demonstrations, proposing a bipartisan approach to the issues raised by Azimio team.

Raila has, however, threatened to call for the demonstrations should the Ruto team show lack of seriousness in the negotiations.

The ODM party leader has proposed a National Accord approach as it was in 2008 during the post-election violence.

President Ruto’s allies have, however, vowed not to allow the national accord approach proposed by the former prime minister.

They argue that Raila wants to force his way into the government through a grand coalition form of government.

The Raila-led faction has reiterated the need to have the team expanded outside parliament as they maintained that they were not interested in sharing the government.

Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza has not yet released its list of the negotiators.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

Tourism Ministry to Halt Construction of The Multi-Billion Ronald Ngala Utalii college

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

A parliamentary committee has ordered the Ministry of and wildlife to stop the completion and construction of the multi-billion Ronald Ngala Utalii college until a probe it has initiated is finalized.

The National Assembly Departmental committee on Tourism and Wildlife wants the National Treasury to provide a clear roadmap on how it will finance the project as well as clear the pending bills which include penalties arising from delayed payment and lack of funding on time.

The first phase of the project, funded by the State through the Tourism Fund, includes administration and tuition blocks, hostels, staff quarters, and a dining hall.

The Tourism Fund is seeking 3.3 billion shillings to complete the construction of the facility which includes clearing pending works of sh. 1.2 billion, operation of the project (furniture sh. 215 million shillings and Services sh. 433 million shillings) and pending bill of sh. 1.5 billion shillings.

The project whichstarted as a Vision 2030 project was earmarked to be completed in 2018 at 4.9 billion shillings but is now scheduled to consume up to 11 billion shillings once completed, as of February 2023 and is 77.74 percent complete.

Addressing a press conference on Monday after touring the facility accompanied by Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa and officials of Tourism Fund, Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, who chairs the committee, said the national government must make up its mind on whether the project, remains stalled and continues to accrue interest and penalties, or money is allocated to complete the project.

Mbiuki directed the ministry not to allocate any monies for purposes of its completion or settling pending bills as well as penalties, until such a time the committee is seized with the matter, makes a report to be tabled in parliament proposing a funding formula, and a report on the implementation of the project.

“So, for the time being, don’t dare appropriate or allocate any amount to this project, not until, we have a serious discussion with President William Ruto’s administration to agree on a way forward. Let pending bills stay as they are but don’t touch even a coin within the sector, but the other campaigns within the tourism sector can proceed as scheduled, but as Ronald Ngala Utalii college, allow us almost two weeks or one month as we work on the rescue program,” he said, adding that his committee will also be in serious consultation with the ministry.

The Maara legislator lamented that it was unfair for the National Treasury not to finance the institution, which will complement the Kenya Utalii College in Nairobi, offer maritime courses as well as contribute to the promotion of tourism.

“We don’t want the project to be left to the Tourism Fund and Tourism Promotion Fund because they cannot raise the monies owned to the contractor, consultants, and charges as well penalties that have already been accrued due to defaulting by the state,” he held.

According to Mbiuki, the ministry of tourism and its state agencies cannot be left to finance the remainder because they have other obligations to meet like allocating resources to Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Kenyatta Utalii College among others.

He said his committee will be engaging the National Treasury to ensure that the project is allocated monies for its completion.

“We want the National Treasury to come and commit to allocating funds to this project because in the supplementary budget, there was zero allocation and in the Budget Policy Statement, the allocation is still nil, once monies are allocated it will supplement what you (ministry) have already assigned to the project,” he held.

Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa disagreed with the committee decision asking it reconsider its decision to stall the project as money has already been put into it saying the only solution is to complete it.

“I think the objective should be one. How it should be completed as well as thinking ways of raising money for the project especially if there is a way stakeholders can all together reach out to the National Treasury to also either put it as an emergency to finish the project once and for all,” said Ololtuaa.

While agreeing on the project to be stalled, Nominated MP Abubakar Talib Ahmed, who is a member of the committee said there ought to be serious interrogation by the committee as the project had all characteristics of a white elephant.
“This is a white elephant. The committee should have a serious consultation interrogation of the project, as you advised Kenya Tourism Board and Tourism Fund not to put a single shilling into the project until we get to the bottom of it,” said Abubakar.

Other committee members include Wanjiku John Njuguna (Kiambaa), Kilel Richard (Bomet East), Ruku Geoffrey Kiringa (Mbeere South), Chebor Paul Kibet (Rongai), Shake Mbogho Peter (Voi), Mugabe Innocent Maino (Likuyani), Abdi Khamis Chome (Voi), Obo Ruweida Mohamed (Lamu East), and Bedzimba Rashid Juma (Kisauni).

The committee is on a five-day coast region inspection visit to flagship projects with the Ministry of Wildlife, Tourism, and Heritage, its departments, and agencies under its purview.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

Former MCA Aspirant Wamukota Reacts On Kanduyi Demolitions

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

The demolition of Kanduyi business stalls continues to receive different reactions as some support the move by the county government whose agenda is to pave the way for investors to build a mall and better trading stalls in the county while others differ with it saying that the decision didn’t involve the public.

Oscar Wamukota, MCA aspirant for Khalaba ward says that for the better of Bungoma County, the decision is good but it came at the wrong time when the economy is harsh and the affected people who run their businesses in the demolished areas were not given an alternative to continue with their hustle.

Wamukota notes that Kanduyi being the only big market in Khalaba ward, the move has affected many who bank their source of livelihood from the market and goes ahead to ask the county government to give an alternative place for the traders to continue with their business.

“This is the time where people are paying school fees; the economy itself is so high at the moment and by demolishing these hustlers’ stalls without an alternative is so wrong. During the campaigns, we promised to empower small business through bottom up but this is not it, let us walk the talk,” said Wamukota.

Speaking to the area Member Of Parliament John Makali, he asked the county government to have a public participation with the residents so as to make an informed decision over the same.

Makali went ahead to say that the traders are the ones who pay taxes and any move that jeopardizes their businesses should not be encouraged.

Athanus Wamunyinyi, the former Kanduyi MPs has also condemned the act saying that the current government should easen the life of the residents of Bungoma County instead of making it hard.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

Sakaja’s Chief of Staff David Colludes With City Cartels to Grab Land in Westlands

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Barely six (6) months in the office, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Chief of Staff David Ndungu Njoroge is troubled for colluding with city hall cartels to grab public land sitting on an estimated 1.5acres in Westlands.

According to anonymous sources within Sakaja’s inner circle, Mr Njoroge’s mystery plans to grab Westlands land are secretly executed by untouchable city cartels who have networked with senior government officials for cover-up.

Sources revealed to this publication that Mr Njoroge tapped Former Chief Officer for Lands Stephen Mwangi who is Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) of Urban and Planning in Sakaja’s government.

Mr Mwangi and Njoroge are reportedly finalizing the acquisition of “fake” title deed to grab the land in question and set rental apartments.

More details to follow.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

News Just In: Jeremiah Kioni, David Murathe Kicked Out Of Jubilee Positions

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni has been dismissed from his position as the Jubilee Party Secretary General.

According to the Party Chairman Nelson Dzuya, Kioni has been suspended on the basis of laxity and misconduct.

Speaking at the Jubilee Party Parliamentary Group meeting in Nakuru, the party’s top brass announced that EALA MP Kanini Kega will take over as the acting Secretary General.

Also suspended are Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi and Deputy Secretary General David Murathe.

He was suspended on claims of gross misconduct.

Rachel Nyamai is the new acting Jubilee Treasurer while Adan Kyenan acting National Vice Chairman.

The Jubilee National Executive Council (NEC) also announced that they have set in motion a process to exit the Azimio coalition, distancing themselves from Azimio’s anti-government rallies.

The parliamentary group meeting ran parallel to a similar meeting convened by Azimio leader Raila Odinga in Machakos county.

The Machakos meeting was addressed by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K honcho Eugene Wamalwa, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Jeremiah Kioni in his capacity as the Jubilee Party Secretary General.

In his address, Kioni averred that the Jubilee Party is firmly rooted in the Azimio coalition despite over 30 Mps meeting and pledging support to President William Ruto.

The State House meeting came just days after a section of ODM MPs also met the Head of State and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

VIDEO: Drama As Jalango Is Denied Entry Into Azimio Meeting, Babu Owino Intervenes

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Drama ensued on Thursday February 9, 2023 when Lang’ata MP Pelix Oduwour alias Jalang’o was denied entry into Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition MPs’ retreat in Machakos.

In a video that has since gone viral, a group of men is seen trying to block Jalang’o from gaining access to the hall where Raila Odinga-led Azimio is holding a Parliamentary Group meeting.

Jalango’s entourage attempted to force their way into the venue leading to a commotion as those trying to block him are heard telling him to go to State House.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and his Suna East counterpart Junet Mohamed took the intervention for the youthful lawmaker to gain access to the hall.

This is after the first term lawmaker on Tuesday attended a meeting at State House together with 8 other ODM MPs.

The meeting was chaired by President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

However, Jalang’o defended himself noting that he had only attended the State House meeting for development purposes only.

He said he had gone to State House to make a follow up on the promises made by President Ruto while on his tour of the Nyanza region last month.

Watch the video in the tweet below courtesy of Citizen Tv.

1 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Latest NewsPolitics

Uhuru’s Jubilee Declares War Against Rebel MPs Who Met Ruto at State House

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Over 30 Jubilee Party Members of Parliament drawn from the National Assembly and the Senate who held a meeting with President William Ruto on Wednesday will be punished.

The Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has said the former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party has already kicked off action against the rebel members.

Kioni who spoke to one of the leading online news outlets said disciplinary steps were already being taken and that, eventually, the MPs would be called to answer charges levelled against them. 

The former Ndaragua MP further noted that the lawmakers who attended the State House meeting have never attended Azimio rallies.

According to Kioni, the head of state wants to kill any contrary opinion and ensure that there is no voice to speak against the ills of his illegitimate government.

Kioni alleged that Ruto’s focus is on hiking taxes, selling public facilities like government parastatals and passing policies without any opposition.

Speaking during the meeting, President Ruto said his government was ready to work with anyone despite the political divide.

Ruto told the MPs that they were a family as they all were elected by Kenyans.

The notable politicians who met the president included Nominated MPs Sabina Chege, Margaret Kamar, MPs Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) and Adan Keynan (Eldas). 

The meeting comes hours after the head of state met a section of Raila Odinga’s ODM MPs on Tuesday.

Among them were Phelix Odiwour – Jalang’o – (Lang’ata), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Shakeel Shabir (Independent – Kisumu Town East) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo).

The head of state has been on a charm offensive on the opposition side if the series of meetings with members of the Azimio coalition is anything to go by. 

During his meeting with the nine ODM MPs from the Nyanza region, Ruto affirmed that the aim is to foster unity among the leaders to solve the challenges facing Kenyans. 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

Ruto, DP Gachagua Meet 32 Jubilee Mps at State House Hours After Raiding ODM

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua Wednesday morning held a meeting with 32 Mps from Jubilee Party at State House, Nairobi.

Reports indicate that the meeting that kicked off at 8am has been attended by Jubilee members from both the National Assembly and Senate.

The Jubilee MPs have committed to work with the government.

Speaking during the meeting, President Ruto said his government was ready to work with anyone despite the political divide.

Ruto told the MPs that they were a family as they all were elected by Kenyans.

The notable politicians who met the president included Nominated MPs Sabina Chege, Margaret Kamar, MPs Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) and Adan Keynan (Eldas). 

The meeting comes hours after the head of state met a section of Raila Odinga’s ODM MPs on Tuesday.

Among them were Phelix Odiwour – Jalang’o – (Lang’ata), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Shakeel Shabir (Independent – Kisumu Town East) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo).

The head of state has been on a charm offensive on the opposition side if the series of meetings with members of the Azimio coalition is anything to go by. 

During his meeting with the nine ODM MPs from the Nyanza region, Ruto affirmed that the aim is to foster unity among the leaders to solve the challenges facing Kenyans. 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

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

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

VIDEO: South Sudan President Salva Kiir Wets His Pants At a National Event as His Guards Look On

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit had an embarrassing moment on Monday, December 13, 2022 when he involuntarily wetted his pants while at a national event.

In a video that has since gone viral, Salva Kiir is seen letting urine flow down his trousers while standing as the country’s national anthem is sang.

His security detail, however, noticed the incident but just looked on.

In the video, the seeming embarrassed South Sudanese head of state is seen looking at himself, and stood still as if nothing was happening.

A section of netizens who have reacted to the video, however, have attributed the incident to a medical condition.

However, some argue that it could be a case of age.

The 71-year-old Kiir took over power in South Sudan in 2011 when the country had just been formed.

He had served as president of the semiautonomous region of southern Sudan while simultaneously holding the position of first vice president in the Sudanese national government (2005–11), and he has held the chair of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) since 2005.

President Kiir was commissioning the newly completed 63 km Juba-Terekeka section, which is part of the 392 km Juba-Rumbek highway under construction by China’s Shandong Hi-Speed Co. Ltd (SDHS).

The road is designed to link Central Equatoria State which hosts Juba, the capital of South Sudan, with six other states across the east African country.

Kiir thanked the Chinese government for the cooperation that paved way for the construction of the road.

The SDHS started work on this major highway in November 2019 and currently, the company is working on the 216 km Awerial-Rumbek section.

Watch the video below.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Politics

CCTV Footage Exposes Top Azimio Leaders Who Met Cherera Four At Kilimani Apartment After Serena Presser

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The four embattled Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners dubbed ‘Cherera Four’ were booked into an exclusive hotel apartments in Kilimani, new evidence has shown.

Yaya Apartments and Hotel

The evidence tabled before a tribunal investigating their conduct has revealed that the four; IEBC vice-chairperson Juliana Cherera, commissioners Justus Nyang’aya, Francis Wanderi, and Irene Masit were booked into Yaya Apartments and Hotel by Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition party.

The besieged IEBC commissioners are said to have checked into the hotel on August 15, 2022 at about 8:36pm and checked out on August 19 at about 3:00pm.

Apartment booking

According to Nation, Yaya Apartments management has presented logs that show the four officials’ bookings were done by a person identified as Edwin Ong’ong’a Ogwe.

Mr Ogwe did not accompany the commissioners when they checked in after holding a press conference at the Serena Hotel, in which they distanced themselves from presidential election results declared at Bomas of Kenya by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.

Mr Ogwe went to the apartments the following day, August 16, to pay for the rooms.

CCTV Footage

The hotel has released to the tribunal’s lead counsel Peter Murage the visitors’ book, the log-in details as well as CCTV footage and identity of some of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leaders who visited the commissioners at the apartments and payment vouchers.

The Azimio officials included the secretary-general of a party in the coalition, the personal assistant of one of the party leaders who is also a member of the Azimio Council, as well as a leading operative in the outfit’s executive council.

Four petitioners want the four commissioners kicked out of the IEBC for rejecting the presidential election results announced by Mr Chebukati on August 15, when he declared Dr Ruto the winner of the hotly contested elections against his main challenger, Raila Odinga. 

The tribunal led by Court of Appeal judge Aggrey Muchelule fixed the hearing date during a status conference on Friday last week after the tribunal overruled Ms Masit’s objections on the proceedings.

She had argued that she has a pending court case that has a bearing on the tribunal’s proceedings. The tribunal, however, ruled that there was no stay order from the court suspending the hearings.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail
Load More Posts