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President Uhuru Kenyatta is said to have given National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya a dressing-down over his dalliance with Members from Deputy President William Ruto’s Tanga tanga faction of the ruling Jubilee party.

Kimunya had accompanied speakers Justin Muturi (National Assembly) and Ken Lusaka (Senate) to a signing ceremony at Harambee House last Thursday when the head of state lectured him for keeping dewhiped Tanga Tanga-allied members in Parliamentary committees.

Also present at the meeting were Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio and State House Deputy Chief of Staff Njee Muturi.

Sources who spoke to a leading local daily said that an ‘irate’ Uhuru questioned why Kimunya had retained some of the de-whipped Tangatanga MPs in powerful committees.

He specifically reportedly took issue with Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah being proposed to the Finance and Planning Committee.

Ichung’wah, who was discharged from the Budget and Appropriations Committee, is among Ruto’s most vocal supporters in central Kenya and is viewed as a thorn in the flesh of Jubilee party loyalists.

Other Tangatanga-allied MPs from the region set to lose their nominations are Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau (Environment and Natural Resources) and Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami (Trade).

Gladys Shollei (Uasin Gishu) and Alice Wahome (Kandara) are also likely to lose their slots in the Committee on Delegated Legislation due to their opposition to the BBI process.

Tharaka MP George Gitonga could also lose his slot in the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), which is crucial to the constitutional reforms process.

A pro-BBI team had rejected the earlier proposed memberships for key committees over claims that they were tilted towards the Ruto-allied Tangatanga group.

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Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho has put up an ultra modern Comprehensive Cancer Centre at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.

This is a reprieve to for cancer patients in Mombasa and the Coast Region at large as the ultra modern facility is now nearing completion.

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According to an updated posted by Joho on his official social media handles on Sunday July 12, 2020, the facility will also include Radiotherapy treatment.

This is the first centre of its kind in the region and very soon patients requiring radiotherapy from the coast will not have to go to Nairobi to seek the treatment.

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Joho noted that the facility will be readily available at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital at affordable rates.

It will be a major boost to the existing Day Care Chemotherapy Center. The project is a partnership between Mombasa County government and the National Government.

Joho has in the recent past won the hearts of many in his spirited efforts to ensure that Mombasa residents get the best out of healthcare.

From acquiring ventilators to establishing a Sh700 million food kitty and disinfecting spray booths, the governor has put up a spirited fight against the spread of coronavirus.

Governor Hassan Ali Joho. PHOTO/COURTESY

After the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Kenya on March 13, Joho was among the first to call for a total lockdown to slow the spread of the virus.

He argued that China, where the virus was first reported in December last year, contained it through a lockdown of Wuhan city, the epicentre of coronavirus.

But he also reasoned that because a lockdown has socio-economic implications it should only be enforced after putting in place mitigation measures to cushion the poor who live on a daily wage.

Three hotlines were established to report disease occurrence. He also launched food collection centres across the county.

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A secret plot to appoint Gideon Moi as deputy president after he will have staged a spirited onslaught and piled pressure on William Ruto to step down is cooking in the pot.

The happenings surrounding the DP, among them, the luring of his key supporters into the government axis of the Jubilee government supporting Uhuru Kenyatta’s wing of Kieleweke from the DP’s Tanga Tanga brigade, are part of a wider scheme and long time strategy to cut Ruto to size, and eventually, boot him from the corridors of power.

Although others say that Ruto is aware of the political machinations to force him to resign and relinquish instruments of the second in power, he has decided to stay put until an opportune time.

Ruto, instead of an early resignation that could come with political ramifications on his way to stardom, has decided to wait for a late quitting of the office of DP next year, when political temperatures will be at a crescendo, to spin his political magic for a decisive comeback to claim his ride to the 2022 presidential race solely or without Uhuru.

The scheme to have Ruto resign ahead of the impending cabinet reshuffle was to accommodate the faces of those perceived to be his political allies from outside Kikuyuland to deal him a political blow in the process.

Currently, the DP office has been reduced to a shell and a pale shadow of its former self and he does not value it anymore as such. There are lesser activities than there were.

The choice of Gideon, the Kanu chairman is informed by the idea that currently, there is no Jubilee Party elected leader from the Kalenjin community who can match Ruto’s clout in terms of resources, acumen and political mobilization.

The clandestine plot is the brainchild of advisers close to Uhuru, headed by his younger brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, to spearhead his succession in earnest, and thus eclipse Ruto’s influence.

Other influential members of the strategy include former presidential adviser Nancy Gitau, Jubilee Party vice chair David Murathe, State House comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua, top intelligence service officers with a nose for intelligence gathering, and the president’s uncle George Muhoho.

Jubilee party secretary-general Raphael Tuju receives directives from the president’s advisers. The beginning of the strategy to place Gideon a heartbeat away from the presidency was on May 8, when the senator led his party in signing a post-poll coalition deal with the ruling party Jubilee.

Muhoho and Nancy were present during the signing of the deal, which is a pointer of its importance and significance to the president.

By then, within Jubilee ranks and file fear was that if Ruto resigned as he was being pushed to, there was nobody able to succeed him.

Those mentioned as his likely successors Kindiki Kithure and former majority leader Aden Duale were all in the DP’s camp.

By then, Uhuru’s serious concern was that during the Mwai Kibaki era, Kibaki’s handlers were left scratching their heads after the demise of late vice president Wamalwa Kijana.

A section wanted then minister Mukhisa Kituyi, a Bukusu like Wamalwa to take the plum seat. After days of antagonizing, they landed on the elderly Moody Awori, a man who had no presidential ambitions.

Others even thought Raila Odinga who was then Transport minister in the Narc government, would replace Wamalwa. Raila had mourned the late Wamalwa in Luo traditional style donned in full regalia with analysts saying that he was politically cleansing himself to succeed Wamalwa as VP.

For now, Gideon is being prepared for any political eventuality in the office of the DP. The signing of the Jubilee/Kanu power sharing deal after Jubilee staged major palace coups to control the ruling party in the national assembly and senate speaks volumes.

The deal was signed by Tuju, Jubilee chairman Nelson Dzuya, Gideon and Kanu secretary general Nick Salat.

In contrast, on June 17, only Murathe and Tuju attended a similar function at Jubilee Party headquarters where Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Chama Cha Mashinani’s Isaac Ruto inked a post-election coalition agreement with Jubilee.

The absence of Muhoho and Nancy was a pointer that the Kalonzo-RutoJubilee deal was of less significance to the president as compared to that of Kanu and Jubilee.

Insiders familiar with the developments revealed that the advisers had devised a strategy to pile pressure on Ruto to resign. Initial fear being that if Ruto resigned when Kanu had not entered any legally binding deal with Jubilee, and if Gideon had to be named deputy to Uhuru, someone would have moved to court to block the orchestra on legality aspect.

But the deputy president, aware of the strategy, has devised a countermove where he plans to abruptly tender his resignation as DP late next year or even early 2022, to intensify his campaigns for the presidency.

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Mombasa County governor Hassan Ali Joho, who also adds up as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy party leader, alongside Suna East MP Junet Mohamed on Thursday July 9, 2020 boarded a private jet to visit the Orange party leader Raila Odinga in Dubai.

Joho took to his official social media accounts to share their photos aboard the private jet.

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Joho captioned the photos, “Off to Dubai with Junet Mohamed to see Baba”. The photos showed the two while at the airport, just outside the jet, with other photos showing them seated inside the jet.

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The former Prime Minister was flown to the United Arab Emirates to undergo a minor surgery at a German Hospital based in Dubai.

Raila is now recuperating after treatment in Dubai. Recently, his daughter Winnie Odinga shared a video, in which Raila assured Kenyans that he was now feeling strong and rejuvenated.

The video shows Raila assuring Kenyans that he was back on his feet after a successful procedure.

In the video, Raila thanks his friends and his supporters for the messages of goodwill while he was being treated in Dubai.

His family had earlier on the media separately that the former prime minister was out of danger, but would not be coming back so soon.

His wife Ida Odinga told The Standard that the Opposition leader had been successfully treated for a nerve disorder affecting one leg, but needed more time to rest and would stay in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for some time until he was fit to resume his heavy political duties.

News about Raila’s whereabouts was first revealed by Oburu Odinga. He said that his brother had left the country for the UAE.

This followed speculation on his whereabouts with the former PM’s communication team denying it.

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Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale’s message to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has left netizens with many questions.

Khalwale on Wednesday July 8, 2020 through his official twitter handle sent a message of good will to the former Prime Minister.

Khalwale noted that when the African Union’s chapter of friends is written, he will not be left out.

The 2022 Kakamega gubernatorial aspirant noted that Raila’s friendship chapter will record the sacrifices he made for him in Zanzibar, during the Okoa Kenya initiative, during the 2017 campaigns and the six hours of teargas, gunshots, blood and death during the time Raila was returning to Kenya from the USA.

Khalwale went ahead to pray for Raila’s quick recovery, telling him to get well soon.

The Orange party leader is recuperating in Dubai after undergoing a minor surgery.

“When it is written, the chapter on ua friends will record the sacrifices I met for u in Zanzibar, Okoa Kenya Initiative, 2017 campaigns & the 6 hours of teargas/gunshots/tears/blood/death, on ua arrival from the USA. U are in my thoughts & prayers. @RailaOdinga, do get well soon,” reads Khalwale’s Twitter post.

However, Khalwale’s words met netizens with shock, leaving them wondering why he has suddenly changed from attacking Raila, to sending him messages of goodwill.

Khalwale has been Raila’s big critic since he decamped from NASA coalition to join Deputy President William Ruto’s team.

Some netizens have however, told Khalwale to mean his words, since there are no permanent enemies in politics.

Here are some of the reactions.

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Deputy President William Ruto was recently taken on a wild goose chase by Kilifi governor Amason Kingi, who, it is claimed, had agreed to meet the DP, but changed his mind at the eleventh hour without prior notice.

On the morning of Thursday, June 19, Ruto left Nairobi for Kilifi in a private jet and landed at Vipingo Airstrip. He was accompanied by his wife, Rachel, and one Farid Sheikh, a former banker who is in charge of the DP’s projects.

It is said before going to Coast, the DP had a phone conversation with the Kilifi governor, and there was an agreement for a secret meeting on the day of his arrival.

However, to the surprise of Ruto, Kingi was nowhere and his phones were switched off. Attempts by one of the DP’s aides, Farouk Kibet to trace Kingi through close contacts, did not bear any fruit.

It was not immediately clear why Kingi snubbed the DP whom he had promised to work with ahead of 2022 general elections. At a public rally in Kilifi early last year attended by Ruto, Kingi had declared he would team up with the DP and go round the country to gauge who between them was more popular to be a presidential candidate and the other will offer his support.

Political observers claim that Kingi, who is on his second and final term as governor, may have developed cold feet on Ruto for fear that associating with him now, could have provoked fresh investigations of corruption claims in his administration.

It is claimed Kingi has managed to weather many corruption storms in his administration, courtesy of interventions by his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho, who is said to be well connected within the investigative agencies and the system.

At the same time, the Kilifi county secretary Arnold Mkare is a bossom friend of a top detective, and it is claimed, this could have helped to hold files for a while. But insiders claim, the rot in the county government is unbelievable.

During the 2017 general election campaigns at Mariakani, Kilifi county, Uhuru Kenyatta had vowed that if reelected, Kingi was to be among the first bunch of governors to be locked in prison over corruption allegations.

Even though an ODM governor, Kingi has at many times been perceived as wanting to chart his own political destiny outside the Raila Odinga led party.

The governor, it is claimed, privately laments that despite the near 100% support Kilifi residents gave to ODM, there was no reward from the party in the form of a nomination slot either to the national assembly or Senate, leave alone the East African Legislative Assembly in Arusha.

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has been thrown into deep mourning.

The Raila Odinga led Orange party on Tuesday July 7 announced the passing on of one of their staunch and loyal member, and a loyal supporter of the former Prime Minister.

ODM through their official twitter handle said that they were mourning the passing on of Mama Mary Abich Nyaramba popularly known as Min Party.

The party said that Mama Abich had passed away on Monday July 6, 2020, while undergoing treatment at Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The Orange party further noted that Mama Abich was active in party activities and that she was true to the ideology.

“We mourn the passing on Mama Mary Abich Nyaramba popularly known as Min Party yesterday at the Homabay Teaching & Referral Hospital. Min Party was a staunch/loyal member of the party & loyal supporter of PL @RailaOdinga. She was active in party activities & true to the ideology,” tweeted ODM.

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Two MCAs in Bungoma County are nursing injuries after being clobbered publicly by Governor Wycliffe Wangamati’s security detail.

According to multuiple reports, the two MCAs, Nominated MCA Fred Musebe and his Tongaren ward colleague, Elizabeth Tindi had stormed the governor’s event without being invited.

Reports indicate that governor Wangamati had convened a rally during the launch of an office of the ward administrator.

The situation went south when Tindi took to the podium to tear Wangamati’s development record apart accusing him of sidelining the ward. She was backed by Musebe.

“We Tongaren people are usually very keen before voting as we are straight forward people and if we will not have seen any development from you by 2022 we shall send you home parking,” stated Musebe.

While the latter was giving an address, the officers, who are attached to the security detail of the governor and that of his deputy, Ngome Kibanani, descended on the two leaders and snatched Musebe’s microphone.

The chaos that resulted after the encounter left Musebe and attendees nursing injuries.

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Kipkellion East MP Joseph Limo has been punished for messing up with the law that was introduced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i.

The lawmaker was kicked out as National Assembly Finance Committee Chairperson for overseeing the change which saw the 20% excise duty levied on betting firms scrapped. 

Limo a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto was de-whipped having narrowly survived Jubilee’s purge against politicians aligned with Ruto.

Yattani wrote a letter to the National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya on a number of amendments government was key on implementing, with the excise duty not listed therein.

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Kipkellion East MP Joseph Limo. PHOTO/Courtesy

The listed changes were an additional tax on helicopters, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) which was rejected and zero-rating maize and wheat as well as removing VAT on solar panels. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, June 30, signed into law the Finance bill 2020 which dropped the 20% tax on betting.

On Friday, July 3, Matiang’i stated that the law on betting firms will be reintroduced as Kenyatta was adamant.

“All of you need to understand that this is something we made a decision on and our President has publicly expressed his thoughts on it and also lead from the frontline. We are not going back on our decision,” Matiang’i proclaimed. 

He further vouched for sanity as betting had almost destroyed families and children.

“We cannot allow criminals and money launderers from abroad to mess with our country,” he affirmed.

Yattani had earlier on lamented that betting activities in the country have adversely affected the social fabric of society, particularly the youth. The CS blamed the committee for sneaking in the changes. 

“As noted in the print media, the excise duty was removed through the Finance Act, 2020. The removal of this tax happened during the Committee Stage of the Bill,” an excerpt of Yattani’s statement read. 

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Details of why Uhuru Kenyatta bowed down to pressure to drop Garissa Township MP Aden Duale as the leader of majority can finally be revealed.

The vocal MP lost his post in a Jubilee Party parliamentary group meeting that barely lasted 22 minutes though a majority of legislators had heaped praises on him, for his outstanding performance in pushing the ruling party’s agenda in the house and outside.

He was replaced by Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya, a one-time Finance minister in the Mwai Kibaki government.

According to insiders, it is Duale’s achievements that were stopping the president from dropping him before a detailed dossier was presented to the head of state by security organs linking Duale to a web of corruption and his brother Abdi Yakub Duale.

The dossier detailed how the former secondary teacher who was inducted into politics by Raila Odinga used his position as majority leader to amass wealth estimated to be over Sh5 billion.

With his brother Yakub, they use a firm Concordia building and Civil Engineering Company to manipulate state agencies to award them lucrative tenders.

Using the proceeds, they have invested heavily in the middle East and own a hotel. The dossier detailed how the most vocal defender of Uhuru’s government who earned the tag sycophant used his position to coerce parastatal bosses and other government agencies to award companies associated with him or owned by his cronies lucrative tenders.

Surprisingly, Duale family members boast to have influence at Ethics Anti Corruption Commission and Office of Director Of Public Prosecutions hence untouchables.

In return while majority leader, he would shield parastatal bosses from being probed by parliament or influence reports once they were summoned by the MPs.

The report that shocked the president stated that while not directly soliciting for favours, Duale would front his brother, Noor Barre and that explains how they expanded their businesses in Garissa, Nairobi and Mombasa and even expanded to neighbouring countries such as Somali and South Sudan.

In Garissa, Duale and his brother own the Nomad Resort, the second upmarket hotel in the town besides other commercial ventures, which include the affiliate Nomad Hotel in Nairobi’s Eastleigh.

The report revealed that Duale, who was born on June 15 1967 and is married to the daughter of retired General Mahmoud Mohammed, one of two families who own and control most of Garissa’s wealth, now lives like a king, owning a multimillion house in the posh Runda estate. He is thus an in-law to Dpp boss Noordin Hajj, son of senator Hajj.

The report revealed that Duale as leader of majority put up a four-storey building called Lilac Centre in Garissa town which is managed by his brother, Dubow Bare Duale and has also been using Medina Chemicals to supply veterinary products in the North-Eastern region, South Sudan and Somalia.

He also purchased a cattle ranch at the Coast of Kenya. The dossier further raised the possibility that Duale could be holding Somali and Kenyan citizenship though in the past he has denied holding dual citizenship.

The claims of Duale holding dual citizenship first resurfaced during the vetting of Mwende Mwinzi for appointment as the ambassador to South Korea.

The Garissa Township MP then claimed he was being blackmailed by those he termed ‘busybodies’ after he refused to facilitate Mwinzi’s approval.

Insiders add that the dossier detailed how Duale owns Concordia Building and Civil Engineering Company Limited which has won multi-billion-shilling tender mystery since he was appointed the Majority Leader.

The ownership of the company, the report added, put him in conflict with procurement laws, which prohibit state officers from doing business with the government.

Besides Aden Bare Duale, Concordia Building and Civil Engineering Company Limited another director is Abdi Yakub Duale. Insiders add that attached to the dossier handed to Uhuru were media reports that exposed how Duale and Yakub formed the company under Certificate of Incorporation number 144127, given by SM Ndisya for the Registrar of Companies, in 2013 after he was named the majority leader.

The company went in to bag its first big contract worth Sh185 million, to partition an office belonging to the Geothermal Development Corporation.

The dossier contains minutes of a meeting dated September 12 2014 and attended by Aden Bare Duale, Abdi Yakub Duale and Marian Mohammed Hassan, along with lawyer Fredrick Orego, in which Duale resigned as director and transferred his shares to Marian Mohamed Hassan.

Among the mega projects the company carried out are the improvement of commuter rail stations in Nairobi, construction of Rural Electrification Authority under CEO Peter Mbugua of its storage facilities, construction of Garissa Town water supply systems, and the failed Mitubiri Landfill project.

The four projects were worth Sh1.9 billion. The company was also awarded a Sh190 million contract for a water supply project under the Last Mile project being carried out by Kenya Power in Garissa.

Concordia was also among the two firms awarded a Sh2 billion contract to build the Mitubiri Landfill project in Murang’a county, which the government later pulled out of after protests from residents.

It also in April 2016, bagged Sh573 million contract to improve the Kahawa and Kikuyu railway stations. Other contracts Concordia bagged included the building of REA storage facilities in Mariakani worth Sh164 million, and maintenance of the Garissa-Mbalambala Road (Sh18 million).

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President Uhuru Kenyatta today at Harambee House, Nairobi met Western Kenya leaders to discuss development projects in the region.

The President and the leaders discussed the ongoing Government efforts to revive the ailing sugar sector especially Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories.

The Head of State assured the leaders of the Government’s commitment to reviving the sector by fast tracking the implementation of the sugar taskforce report.

The sugar sector revival report generated by a Presidential taskforce co-chaired by Agriculture CS Peter Munya and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya outlined several interventions among them writing off of debts owed by the millers.

As part of the revival process, the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has already published the sugar sector regulations and is in the process of strengthening the legal framework to anchor sector reforms.

Shortly after the meeting, the President handed over a brand new 52-seater bus to Nzoia Sugar Company Chairman Joash Wamang’oli.

The bus will be used by Nzoia Sugar Football Club for their sporting engagements. The President also donated Ksh 2 million to the football team.

Nzoia Football Club is sponsored the by the sugar miller.

The leaders in today’s meeting were Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga) and Patrick Khaemba (Trans-Nzoia).

Other Western Kenya leaders present were Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has stepped out in a video for the first time since he was flown to United Arab Emirates (UAE) for treatment.

The African Union envoy, in a video posted by his daughter Winnie Odinga said that he was strong and doing better.

In the video, the former Prime Minister steps out donning a pair of sky blue shorts, an orange T-shirt and black shoes.

Winnie asks him how he was feeling, and Raila answers that he was feeling good, strong and rejuvenated.

In her caption, Winnie says that they were back, strong and fresh, ready for the game.

“And we’re back! Feeling good and fresh, ready for the game! A special message from @RailaOdinga,” she posted.

Raila while responding to his daughter’s post thanked everyone who sent him messages of goodwill.

“I’m feeling great and let me thank everyone who sent me messages of goodwill. Asante, Asante, Asante Sana,” he posted.

Early this week, Raila’s wife Ida Odinga had noted that the former Premier will stay longer in Dubai after undergoing a minor surgery.

Speaking to The Standard Newspaper, Ida revealed that her husband was successfully treated of a nerve disorder affecting one leg.

She revealed that the condition resulted in pain in the affected leg adding that she stayed in contact with him on an hourly basis.

She, however, noted that Raila might not be coming home soon as he needs more time to rest

According to Ida, many people would be flocking the home to see him if, was he around. She noted that each visitor always wants at least to talk to him thus eating away into his recovery time.

She also cited that since there are no commercial flights currently, the family will have to charter a plane if Raila was to come back. She noted that the process will be kicked off once he fully recovers.

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There was drama in the parliament on Wednesday July 1, 2020 after two nominated Senators exchanged blows during the election of vice chair of the House Health committee.

According to a local daily, the two senators, Beatrice Kwamboka and Mary Seneta went physical moments after Narok Senator Ledama Olekina was declared the winner of the contested election that pitted him against Seneta.

Seneta was reportedly backed by a section of the committee members led by Deputy Majority Chief Whip Farhiya Ali.

According to senators who were at the meeting, Farhiya’s team allegedly forged a signature of nominated Senator Millicent Omanga to ensure Seneta won the seat.

Omanga did not attend the session and it was not immediately clear the candidate she was backing.

The alleged forgery of the signature triggered a bitter altercation between Kwamboka, who is the Deputy Minority Whip, and Seneta, leading to a physical fight that forced the meeting to end prematurely.

“You can not tell me anything , mimi ni mtu wa Raila Odinga (I’m in Raila Odinga’s team) and I am in the leadership, I will deal with you,” Kwamboka charged as she went for neck of Seneta.

Speaking to journalists moments after the confrontation, Ole Kina said he was shocked by the happenings, barely two months after he was unceremoniously removed from the County Public and Investment Committee by his party – ODM.

“How come I always have problems in every committee I am elected to lead? I was elected the chair of CPAIC, I was kicked out and now vice chair of health commitee” he said.

Ole Kina and Seneta are both from the Maa community. They hail from Narok and Kajiado respectively.

During the polls, Senator Michael Mbito (Transnzoia) was elected as the chair of the committee unopposed.

The election of vice chair was deferred following the chaos.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) for its efforts in improving service delivery in Nairobi and its catchment.

The President expressed satisfaction with the progress made by NMS in implementing the directives he gave to the new agency at its launch on 18th March this year.

“I issued several directives to NMS to achieve within the 100 days, which period ended on Saturday, 28th, June this year.

“The directives were aimed at enhancing service provision in the areas of waste collection and disposal, water and sanitation, housing and urban development, transport and public works.

“I am satisfied that the directives for the first 100 days have been implemented in earnest,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke today at Harambee House in Nairobi when he received the 100-days performance report by the NMS.

At the ceremony also attended by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, the President challenged NMS to work towards making Nairobi a model city.

“I challenge NMS to demonstrate that Nairobi can be the model of our Post Covid-19 National Recovery Strategy,” President Kenyatta told NMS top leadership led by Director General Mohammed Badi.

Major General Badi assured the Head of State of his agency’s determination to transform Nairobi into a smart city by fully implementing its broad mandate.

DG Badi said NMS had created new jobs by employing the youth and street families in its projects through the government’s “Kazi Mtaani” initiative.

“On re-carpeting of CBD roads, NMS has completed 30 percent of all the roads and is using Kazi Mtaani initiative.

“To this end, NMS has engaged our youth in drainage clearing, waste management and rehabilitation of roads,” DG Badi said, adding that street families provide the bulk of the labour force for the ongoing construction of Grogan Road.

Shortly after receiving the NMS report, the President toured some of the agency’s projects in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

The President visited community water boreholes and water purification facilities at Kiboro Primary School (Mathare), Chief’s Camp (Mathare North) and at Kibra DCC’s office.

Communities neighbouring the boreholes receive treated water for their domestic use at no cost.

The Head of State also toured ongoing urban renewal and affordable housing projects in Ngara and Pangani neighbourhoods.

The housing projects are being implemented by the state department of housing, NMS and Nairobi City County.

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National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi has broken his silence on reports indicating that six Members of Parliament have tested positive for Covid-19.

Muturi in a statement issued to newsrooms has dismissed claims that six MPs tested positive for coronavirus.

According to him, only two lawmakers tested positive and one of them has since been discharged from hospital and is in isolation.

“I wish to note that, as of today, June 30, 20120, far from the speculations reported in the media and elsewhere, information available to the Office of Speaker indicate that, we have two cases of the virus that have been reported among Members of Parliament,” he said in a statement.

His statement comes a day after a local publication reported that there were six MPs who were admitted to various hospitals after contracting the COVID-19 disease.

It was further reported that one of the allegedly ill MPs was in critical condition in an Intensive Care Unit.

However, on Tuesday, Speaker Muturi was categorical that media should desist from sensationalising the coronavirus cases in Parliament.

Muturi further stated that the other MP who is yet to be discharged from hospital has also been attended to and is now in stable condition in general ward care.

He noted that the Parliament has taken several steps to combat spread of the virus including limitation of the number of MPs accessing the chamber; designation of holding-areas for MPs; adoption of virtual sittings for committees where applicable as well as working-from-home measures for members of staff.

Kenya has reported an additional 176 cases of coronavirus with the total number of cases now at 6,366.

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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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