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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday June 2 chaired a Jubilee party Parliamentary Group Meeting at State House, Nairobi.

However, Deputy President William Ruto’s allies came out of the meeting crying foul.

Uhuru is said to have fired a salvo at Ruto allies saying he will fight off any attempts to turn him into a lame-duck president. The insults Tanga Tanga camp have been throwing at the head of state in their meetings came back to haunt them.

The President told the lawmakers that he was privileged with daily briefs about the insults they make in their native languages across the country.

“Some of you have gone as far as saying that I don’t know what I am doing and that they are the ones who have done all the development projects in the country,” Uhuru said.

North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko who attended the meeting told a local daily that the President told the lawmakers to desist from early campaigns and respect the institution of the Presidency.

“The President directed us to focus our energies and efforts in ensuring that we collectively deliver on the pledges and promises we made to Kenyans,” Nyamoko said.

But Soy MP Caleb Kositany complained that the meeting was but a monologue. 

“It was unfortunate that the President talked to us angrily without giving us an opportunity to air our concerns,” the Jubilee Party deputy secretary general said.

He went on, “It is sad that we had to wait for this meeting for three years only for us to be called and the only agenda is to be insulted.”

He said Uhuru was “visibly angry” and he did not allow anyone else other than Jbilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju and DP Ruto to speak.

“It is a sad day for democracy. None of us talked and he did not state his agenda for us in Parliament,” Kositany said.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday June 1, sent an open warning to his Deputy William Ruto.

The head of state during the Jubilee party parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Nairobi openly told DP Ruto and Jubilee MPs, on the type of Presidential candidate he will support in 2022.

In a meeting that lasted 24 minutes, Uhuru told the second in command and the ruling party’s parliamentarians that he will pass the baton to an heir who supports and values his legacy.

He said he will support a candidate who will build on his agenda, a statement that has been viewed by many as a veiled warning to his Deputy.  

The remarks suggest his 2022 options are wide open despite pressure from Ruto’s allies for the Head of State to throw his weight behind the DP.  

It was also an open warning to Ruto to stop early political campaigns and support the President’s legacy projects if he has to bank his 2022 presidential ambitions on the support of his boss.

In May 2018, at the height of aggressive countrywide campaigns by Ruto, Uhuru also told his Nyeri turf that his 2022 presidential choice will shock many.

Ruto’s allies then threw tantrums at the President accusing him of trying to renege on an earlier promise that the DP would take over.

Speaking  during a Jubilee Coalition Parliamentary Group meeting, a furious Uhuru maintained that there is no way he will rally behind anyone who will sabotage the agenda he has laid for the country.

MPs who attended the meeting held at State House in Nairobi said Uhuru warned that he will not dither from shoving away any politician who would undermine his leadership and national unity agenda.

“I will be happy to know that the person I will be passing the baton to is part of my agenda,” Uhuru told the 212 MPs. 

The President’s remarks came after he enjoyed a night out with Opposition chief Raila Odinga after the Madaraka Day celebrations at State House during the day.

The duo arrived at the Nairobi CBD in the middle of the night and was seen inspecting the re-carpeting of roads by the Nairobi Metropolitan Service.

The remarks at the PG meeting attracted furious reactions from Ruto’s key ally, Soy MP Caleb Kositany, who said Kenyans have the constitutional mandate to elect their president.

The DP’s early campaigns have been seen as disruptive to the President’s agenda to build an enduring legacy.

Affordable housing, manufacturing, food security and universal healthcare are the four key pillars of the President’s legacy projects dubbed the Big Four Agenda.

Uhuru also has another nine-point agenda with Raila to cure the country’s recurrent challenges by embracing national unity as manifested by the handshake on March 9, 2018.

The BBI is expected to deliver that agenda.

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Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has declared Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar as the duly elected Senate Deputy Speaker.

This comes after all other contestants withdrew from the race to succeed Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki.

In a letter addressed to Lusaka on Tuesday, June 2, ODM’s Judith Pareno withdrew from the race, saying she had arrived at the decision to pull out of the race following consultations with her Orange party.

Before Pareno’s exit from the contest, Senator Kamar was going into the race with an upper hand after the leadership of the Jubilee Party endorsed her candidacy.

The election for Deputy Speaker of the Senate was scheduled for Tuesday, June 2.

Besides Senators Kamar and Pareno, three other Senators had expressed interest to serve in the plum position. They included: Senators Charles Kibiru (Kirinyaga), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) and nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura.

Kamar holds a PhD from the University of Toronto, Canada. She once served as Cabinet Minister (Higher Education Science and Technology) during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration between 2011 and March 2013.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed Kipipiri Constituency MP Amos Kimunya to serve as the Secretary of the Jubilee Coalition Joint Parliamentary Group.

President Kenyatta on Tuesday June 2, at State House, Nairobi chaired a Jubilee Coalition National Assembly Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting in his capacity as the Coalition’s Party Leader.

The meeting was attended by Deputy President Dr William Ruto who is also the Jubilee Coalition’s Deputy Party Leader, Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju and a total of 212 Members of Parliament.

Today’s Parliamentary Group meeting endorsed Hon Justin B Muturi to continue serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Moses Cheboi to continue serving as the Deputy Speaker, Hon Adan Duale to continue serving as the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, and Hon Jimmy Angwenyi to continue serving as the Deputy Majority Leader.

The Parliamentary Group meeting replaced Hon Benjamin Washiali as the Majority Whip with Hon Emmanuel Wangwe. Hon Cecily Mbarire was replaced by Hon Richard Maoka Maore as the Deputy Whip.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday June 2, during a Jubilee party Parliamentary Group Meeting at State House, Nairobi, announced new changes in the National Assembly leadership.

In the changes announced by the head of State, National Assembly Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali and his deputy nominated MP Cecily Mbarire were kicked out.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe has replaced Washiali while Igembe North MP Maoka Maore replaces Mbarire.

The changes are expected to be communicated to the Speaker of the National Assembly today.

The PG which was chaired by Uhuru at State House also resolved to effect further changes at the House committees as part of the ongoing purge to kick out all MPs not supporting President’s agenda.

The National Assembly Majority whip Aden Duale has survived the President’s axe.

It had been earlier speculated that Duale was among the list of those that were to be kicked out.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria through a Facebook post on Monday June 1 had listed Duale (Majority Leader), Benjamin Washiali (Majority Whip), Cecily Mbarire (Deputy Majority Whip), Kimani Ichungwa (Budget), William Cheptumo (JLAC), Gladys Boss Shollei (Delegated), Julius Melly (Education), Joseph Limo (Finance), Alice Wahome (Vice-Chair Legal) and himself (Vice-Chair Transport) as those that were to be kicked out.

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Garissa Township MP Aden Duale is set to be replaced as the National Assembly Majority Leader, as President Uhuru Kenyatta extends the Jubilee purge to Parliament.

According to The Standard Newspaper, Duale will be replaced by Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya.

It is however, clear that Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali will not survive the purge.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe will take over from Washiali as the majority whip, while Budget and Appropriations Committee chair Kimani Ichung’wa will be replaced by Kieni MP Kanini Kega.

Emmanuel Wangwe Overview :: Mzalendo
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe. PHOTO/COURTESY

Deputy Majority Leader Cecily Mbarire (nominated) will be replaced by Igembe North MP Maoka Maore.Maore is said to have initially been fronted by opposition leader Raila Odinga as the majority leader to placate the Meru region after the kicking out of Senate Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi from their fat positions.

During the Senate reshuffle, Ruto allies, led by former Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, Prof Kindiki and former Majority Whip Susan Kihika were kicked out. They were replaced by West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio (Majority Leader) and Murang’a’s Irungu Kang’ata as Majority Whip.

On Monday June 1, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria took to his official Facebook account to leak the full list of Ruto allied MPs who were to face the purge.

He listed Duale (Majority Leader), Benjamin Washiali (Majority Whip), Cecily Mbarire (Deputy Majority Whip), Kimani Ichungwa (Budget), William Cheptumo (JLAC), Gladys Boss Shollei (Delegated), Julius Melly (Education), Joseph Limo (Finance), Alice Wahome (Vice-Chair Legal) and himself (Vice-Chair Transport).

The Senate is also expected to fill ousted Kithure Kindiki’s position today, with Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar likely to be picked after the Jubilee Party endorsed her candidature.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, Bomet’s Christopher Lang’at and John Kinyua of Laikipia were shown the door as chairmen of key Senate committees.

The changes in Parliament are said to be in preparation for far-reaching constitutional changes in which the legislature is expected to play an important role.

On Monday June 1, President Kenyatta, in his Madaraka Day speech, hinted at the offing constitutional changes that could alter the structure of government.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta is today (Tuesday June 2) holding a Jubilee Parliamentary Group meeting, where MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto are set to be axed from their various leadership positions in the National Assembly.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria on Monday leaked the list of the lawmakers who will be facing the Jubilee purge after today’s meeting.

Taking to his official facebook account, Kuria said that he was very much proud of the outgoing team, noting that they had done Kenya as a country, great.

He said he was heartened by the valour, fortitude and humility with which the axed leaders have taken the betrayal.

He listed Garissa Township MP Aden Duale (Majority Leader), Benjamin Washiali (Majority Whip), Cecily Mbarire (Deputy Majority Whip), Kimani Ichungwa (Budget), William Cheptumo (JLAC), Gladys Boss Shollei (Delegated), Julius Melly (Education), Joseph Limo (Finance), Alice Wahome (Vice-Chair Legal) and himself (Vice-Chair Transport), as the Ruto allies who will face the purge today.

“The common factor between Judas Iscariot and Brutus was that both went for the kill with a grin. Today we had enough smiles. Tonight is the night of long knives. The victims have accepted with grace.

” I am very proud of my outgoing team. We have done this country great. I am heartened by the valour, fortitude and humility with which the axed leaders have taken this betrayal.

“Hon Aden Duale (Majority Leader), Benjamin Washiali (Majority Whip), Cecily Mbarire (Deputy Majority Whip), Kimani Ichungwa (Budget), William Cheptumo (JLAC), Gladys Boss Shollei (Delegated), Julius Melly (Education), Joseph Limo (Finance), Alice Wahome (Vice-Chair Legal) and myself (Vice-Chair Transport) – you are all heroes. I trust now the economy will grow with double digit,” reads his Facebook post.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has explained why Kenya needs a new constitution.

Speaking at State House during the 57th Madaraka day celebrations on Monday June 1, 2020, the head of state noted that referendum should happen to improve the current 2010 constitution.

The head of state said that the changes on the constitution are not meant to replace the current constitution.

He noted that he is only seeking to correct what Kenya did not achieve and get right in 2010.

He said that Kenya needs a constitution that will bring an end to cycles of violence that the nation has witnessed since 1992, and one that will deepen her democratic credentials and lead to an inclusive society.

“It is not a moment to replace it but to improve it. A moment that will correct what we did not get right in 2010. We need one that will bring an end to cycles of violence that we have witnessed since 1992. One that will deepen our democratic credentials and lead to an inclusive society,” he said.

While emphasizing on the need for constitutional amendments, Uhuru invoked the spirit of the late Tom Mboya

He referenced that the late Mboya cautioned against constitutional rigidity hence the need to make necessary changes that benefit the people.

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Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale has found himself in hot soup after sharing a viral President Uhuru Kenyatta photo with his deputy William Ruto at State House.

During the 2020 Madaraka day celebrations on Monday June 1, 2020, The head of State and his deputy happened to have stepped out in the same outfit.

Amidst the fallen relationship between the two, Kenyans on Social media re-ignited the lost glory, sharing the photos of the two in their past events, where they used to step out in same suits.

An excited Khalwale was quick to note President Kenyatta and DP Ruto’s Madaraka day outfit, took to his official twitter account and shared the photo.

However, this did not go well with a section of Kenyans on twitter. They have blasted Khalwale for for engaging himself in the activities that are being done by Tanga Tanga bloggers. Some have even told him off, urging him to focus on how will lose the 2022 Kakamega County gubernatorial seat.

Here are some of the reactions on the photo.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta latest directives have signaled the gradual re-opening of schools and places of worship.

The head of State on Monday June 1, 2020 while addrsessing the Nation during the virtual Madaraka Day Celebrations at State House directed Interior and Education ministries to finalise guidelines and protocols in consultation with stakeholders.

President Kenyatta said his heart is with the students who are preparing for national examinations amid Covid-19.

The Interior ministry will devise the guidelines and protocols to be followed by churches and worshippers to ensure the safety of congregants while the Education will finalize consultations with relevant stakeholders.

President Kenyatta also ordered the Treasury to release Sh2 billion to the hospitality sector to cushion hotels that have been hard-hit by Covid-19 lockdown.

Serena and Fairmont hotels recently laid-off workers citing the biting Covid-19 with operating having ground to halt as tourists keep within their national boundaries.

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Deputy President William Ruto has passed a strong message to President Uhuru Kenyatta as the country commemorates 57th Madaraka Day.

Speaking at State House on Monday June 1, 2020, Ruto told President Kenyatta that Kenyans were praying for him.

The second in command went ahead to note that the coronavirus pandemic has made everybody in the country realise their inadequacy and what God can do.

“Churches are shut, Kenyans have had to leave jobs, businesses are affected and our life as a nation is affected,” he said.

Ruto said that while it was normal to cough, things have turned abnormal.

“When you called the nation to action the response from Kenyans was unprecedented. Every Kenyan stepped forward,” he said.

“As you mobilise the government to this guidelines,. We are confident that under your leadership the government will take necessary decision to ensure that we mitigate the effects of this pandemic,” he said.

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ODM party leader Raila Odinga has sent a bold message to Kenyans as the country commemorates 57th Madaraka Day in a very unique way, due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Through a video shared on his official twitter handle on Monday June 1, 2020, Raila says that under this unique circumstances, Kenyans should have a happy and a rewording Madaraka Day.

The former premier took the opportunity to salute front line health workers as they fight the pandemic.

“I salute our health workers who have made all the difference in saving lives. I salute the civil servants in the ministry of Health. I thank CS Mutahi Kagwe for leading the team in a gallant struggle,” he said.

“I salute our citizens who have followed the government guidelines. I wish to urge the few Kenyans who are desisting from washing their hands..to do what the government is asking them of.”

Raila said the health workers, civil servants, and obedient Citizens are heroes that have to be celebrated.

“We have showed the world that what other nations can do, Kenya can do better. I want to thank the president for standing firm but there is room for improvement,” he said.

“Every struggle requires that you forego the struggle to get what you want. If our parents resorted to excuses and chose the easy life, there would be no Madaraka day.”

Raila said Kenyans need to embrace the sacrifices of our parents.

“Let us reflect on personal responsibility, dignity and respect for our nation,” he said.

He said this will come in handy in rebuilding our nation after the coronavirus pandemic.

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Bungoma senator Moses Wetang’ula has fired back after a section of Ford Kenya party members kicked him out of the party, accusing him of gross misconduct.

The Ford Kenya’s NEC on Sunday May 31, 2020 resolved to dismiss Wetang’ula as party leader.

A special NEC meeting was convened, in which Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi was picked to take over as party Leader on an interim basis.

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati who oversaw the dramatic coup said Ford Kenya has a very low history, arguing that the party has two governors and that they were both in support of the changes.

Earlier, there was chaos as Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi was ejected from the meeting.

However, Wetang’ula is his response says that coups are archaic to good order and activities of cowards.

Addressing the press shortly after being kicked out of the party, he said anybody who wants to run for a seat in Ford Kenya must file his/her papers and and meet him at the Bomas during elections.

Wetang’ula says that a grouping calling themselves NEC members of this party airlifted people who are not officials of Ford Kenya party, booked and detained them forcefully overnight and made decisions affecting the party.

He maintained that he was still the Ford Kenya party leader, announcing that the party NEC had resolved to suspend Dr Eseli Simiyu as the party’s secretary general, and his position taken by Kiminini MP Dr Chris Wamalwa.

Wamalwa will be the party’s SG in acting capacity until further notice, according to Wetang’ula. Wamunyinyi was also been fired from his position at the party.

Bungoma Women Representative Catherine Wambilianga has replaced Wamunyinyi as the Bungoma Chairman. She will be deputized by Wafula Wakoli.

Wamunyinyi has also been replaced by Hon.  Millicent MP, for West Mugirango as the sec. of agriculture on NEC.

Richard Onyonka has been retained as the Deputy Party Leader.

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There is a ‘Coup’ in Ford Kenya party as Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula is ousted for alleged gross misconduct and replaced by Kanduyi MP WafulaWamunyinyi.

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Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi. PHOTO/COURTESY

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Ford Kenya Secretary General Dr. Eseli Simiyu are overseeing the ‘Coup’.

Addressing the journalists, Dr Eseli said that Chris Mandu Mandu has also been dismissed as Organizing Secretary.

”Moses wetangula has violated party constitution. We resolved that he is dismissed as party leader on account of gross misconduct. To be replaced by WafulaWamunyinyi. Chris Mandu Mandu dismissed as Organizing Secretary”

More to follow…..

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A former Member of Parliament is set to serve a one year imprisonment.

John Chege, the former Kasarani lawmaker will serve the jail term should he default a Ksh. 1.3 million fine he has been slapped by the Court.

The ex-lawmaker was on Friday May 29 fined for soliciting and receiving a bribe of Sh 100,000.

In mitigation, Chege told the court that he is remorseful and urged the Court to be lenient as he has suffered greatly.

Anti-corruption court magistrate Lawrence Mugambi said the evidence on record proved that the offence was committed.

Chege was in 2013 arraigned and charged with soliciting a bribe.

According to the charge sheet, the former legislator, while at the Continental House parking yard in Nairobi, solicited Sh100,000 from Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi as an inducement to facilitate payment of Sh3.3 million for a completed Baba Dogo Secondary School tuition block.

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Jubilee party Secretary General Raphael Tuju has spoken on whether National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale will survive the ongoing purge or not.

Tuju, in an interview with a local daily made an official confirmation that the purge is now headed to the National Assembly, after the senate.

Speaking on Duale’s fate, Tuju said that President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is the Jubilee party boss will have the final say.

Duale is seen to have meticulously pushed through government business in Parliament and moderates in Jubilee have suggested he should be spared.

However, he is also being accused of being among the elite politicians around DP Ruto who have opposed the handshake between the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Also facing the sack are Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali and his deputy, Cecily Mbarire.

The Jubilee National Executive Council is to meet anytime from Friday to set the agenda for the Parliamentary Group meeting tentatively set for Tuesday next week.

“We are on standby. The itinerary of the boss [Uhuru] is very full. But the NEC can even meet on Saturday or Sunday. It all depends on the President’s availability because he chairs the NEC,” Tuju was quoted by the local daily.

About two weeks ago, Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen and his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika were removed as the Senate Majority Leader and the Majority Whip, respectively.

With the President’s blessing, Senate Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki was impeached in a historic vote that exposed Deputy President William Ruto’s now-shaky grip on Parliament.

Allies of the DP have vowed to even gatecrash the Jubilee Parliamentary Group meeting at State House.

Snubbing a similar meeting two weeks ago turned disastrous for the Ruto brigade after the President marshaled the requisite numbers to kick out Murkomen and Kihika.

In a clear change of strategy, defiant MPs allied to the DP said they are ready to meet face-to-face with Uhuru and make their case.

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