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Uhuru Explains Why Changes on Constitution Are Needed, Referendum is a Must

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Politics

Khalwale in Hot Soup After Sharing Viral Ruto, Uhuru Photo

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Politics

Uhuru’s Latest Directives Hints at Gradual Opening of Churches, Schools

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Politics

Ruto’s Bold Message to Uhuru on Madaraka Day

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Latest NewsPolitics

VIDEO: Raila’s Bold Madaraka Day Message to Kenyans

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Politics

Wetang’ula Fires Back, Hands a Major Blow to Ford Kenya ‘Coup’ Planners

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Politics

Wetang’ula dismissed as FORD Kenya Party Leader, Wamunyinyi Takes Over

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Crime & InvestigationsPolitics

Former MP to Serve One Year Imprisonment

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Politics

Tuju Speaks on Whether Duale Will Survive The Jubilee Purge or Not

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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Politics

Kindiki Rejects Jubilee Job Offer

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Tharaka Nithi senator Kithure Kindiki has declined a job offer from the ruling Jubilee party.

Days after being removed from his position as the senate deputy speaker, Kindiki, alongside other senators who had been removed from various committee chairmanships were proposed to other various committees.

Kindiki and former Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo-Marakwet) were on Tuesday May 26 named to seat in the Justice and Legal Affair Committee and the Devolution Committee respectively in changes set to be filed.

However, Kindiki in a press statement dated May 27 said that he had only learnt about the offer through the press. He said that he had declined the offer, to focus on serving the people of Kenya as the senator for Tharaka Nithi.

“I have learnt through the press that the Jubilee party has recommended me to serve in another capacity in the senate. I respectfully decline the offer. Henceforth, I want to focus on serving the people of Kenya as the senator for Tharaka Nithi County,” reads the statement.

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Murkomen who was also proposed to be a member of the Devolution Committee in the new changes that were announced by the ruling party declined the offer.

Murkomen through a tweet said he only learnt from the media that he had been proposed to serve in the Senate Devolution Committee in effect replacing Senator Kinyua who is being punished for standing with him.

According to the former Senate Majority leader, accepting the position will be tantamount to repaying unstinting loyalty with spite and treachery.

“This afternoon I learnt from the media that I have been proposed to serve in the Senate Devolution Committee in effect replacing Sen.Kinyua who is being punished for standing with me. Accepting the position will be tantamount to repaying unstinting loyalty with spite&treachery,” tweeted Murkomen.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has also rejected an appointment to the Senate Powers and Privileges Committee.

This comes after he was moved from the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) in a reshuffle announced on Tuesday.

In a letter dated Wednesday May 27, Cherargei stated: “I hereby write to notify you that I have declined the appointment to be a member of the powers and privileges committee in the senate of the Republic of Kenya.”

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Politics

Ruto Suffers Another Major Blow as Mt Kenya MPs Defect From Tanga Tanga

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Three Mt Kenya region MPs have dumped Deputy President Dr William Ruto’s camp, and declared their support for President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The three Kirinyaga lawmakers have said that they have ditched DP Ruto’s Tanga Tanga camp, and vowed to be loyal to Jubilee party, and its party leader.

The Mwea MP Kabinga Wachira, Gichugu MP Robert Gichimu and Kirinyaga Central’s John Wambugu were welcomed by Interior PS Karanja Kibicho who addressed a number of public gatherings as he inspected development projects.

The MPs have been supportive of Ruto’s 2022 political campaigns.

They have however, disowned the Tanga Tanga movement and said their loyalty was strictly to President Kenyatta and the Jubilee Party.

A number of MCAs who have been supportive of the DP’s forays in Mt Kenya also disowned him.

Ruto is now left with Kirinyaga Woman Rep Purity Ngirici who is the only elected politicians who has stood with the DP.

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EntertainmentPolitics

Ruto Mourns Fallen Benga Musician

by Brian Miano
written by Brian Miano

Deputy President William Ruto has mourned Kikuyu Benga musician Walter Githinji, popularly known as Jimmy Wayuni, who passed away from a grisly road accident that happened on Tuesday night.

The second in command has described the late musician as a diligent, prolific, creative and talented musician with a melodious voice that made his songs such as Airítu a Ruiru, Mama Sululu, Wayuni Útúire Uhenagia, among others, outstanding.

Popular benga musician dies in grisly road accident along Thika ...
The late Jimmy Wayuni. PHOTO/COURTESY

“Walter Githinji “Jimmy Wayuni” was a diligent, prolific, creative and talented musician with a melodious voice that made his songs such as Airítu a Ruiru, Mama Sululu, Wayuni Útúire Uhenagia, among others, outstanding,” reads part of his post.

The DP further notes that through his numbers, Jimmy Wayuni advocated for social justice, condemned bad governance, glorified good leadership and worked towards bringing people together.

“Through his numbers, Jimmy Wayuni advocated for social justice, condemned bad governance, glorified good leadership and worked towards bringing people together. We will miss his humility, resilience and focus,” Ruto tweeted.

The celebrated musician died after his car rammed into a lorry at Kahawa Sukari near Githurai 45, as he headed to Nairobi from Ruiru, Kiambu County.

Wayuni, a retired Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) deputy commissioner was going to drop off a fellow musician when the fatal crash occurred.

His friend, Jacksam Kibandi, survived the crash and is in hospital.

Besides music, the retired taxman also had an interest in filmmaking, having acted in several home-grown movies.

He is not however, the first Kikuyu Benga musician to perish in a car crash. Last August, another Kikuyu Benga musician John Demathew also perished in a crash involving his car and a lorry near Thika town.

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Politics

Defiant Murkomen Declines Jubilee’s Latest Offer to Him

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has declined a new offer that had been granted to him by Jubilee party.

Murkomen was on Tuesday May 26, 2020 proposed to be a member of the Devolution Committee in the new changes that were announced by the ruling party..

The changes according to the newly installed senate Majority whip Irungu Kang’ata have been communicated to the Senate speaker Ken Lusaka for immediate implementation.

Murkomen was to replace John Kinyua.

In the changes, Senator Christopher Lang’at (Bomet)has been replaced at the House Business Committee by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.

Lang’at also lost his post as Education Committee chairman to Senator Alice Milgo.

However, Murkomen has declined to take the offer. Murkomen says he only learnt from the media that he had been proposed to serve in the Senate Devolution Committee in effect replacing Senator Kinyua who is being punished for standing with him.

According to the former Senate Majority leader, accepting the position will be tantamount to repaying unstinting loyalty with spite and treachery.

“This afternoon I learnt from the media that I have been proposed to serve in the Senate Devolution Committee in effect replacing Sen.Kinyua who is being punished for standing with me. Accepting the position will be tantamount to repaying unstinting loyalty with spite&treachery,” tweeted Murkomen.

Murkomen further noted that as a Majority Leader, he chose not to serve in any committee and that he ensured that committee membership and leadership was distributed fairly among his colleagues.

He has condemned the unwarranted humiliation of Senators Linturi,Kinyua,Langat and Cherargei merely because they stood by the truth and fairness.

“As a Majority Leader I chose not to serve in any committee&I ensured that committee membership&leadership was distributed fairly among my colleagues.I condemn the unwarranted humiliation of Senators Linturi,Kinyua,Langat&Cherargei merely because they stood by the truth&fairness,” he posted.

He further notes that he is ready to serve the nation in any capacity and in any committee even as a mere member, now and in future.

The vocal senator says that he abhors taking up positions at the expense of his colleagues who are being humiliated for no apparent reason.

“Now and in the future I am ready to serve the nation in any capacity and in any committee even as a mere member. What I abhor is to take up positions at the expense of colleagues who are being humiliated for no apparent reason. Thank you and God bless,” he tweeted.

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Politics

Cherargei, Linturi Kicked Out of House Committees as Murkomen Lands New Appointment

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The newly installed Senate majority whip Senator Irungu Kang’ata, has announced new changes in the ruling Jubilee party, as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s purge continues.

The new changes will see Deputy President Dr William Ruto’s allies removed from the leadership of key committees and being replaced by perceived party loyalists.

In the changes, Senator Christopher Lang’at (Bomet)has been replaced at the House Business Committee by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.

Lang’at also lost his post as Education Committee chairman to Senator Alice Milgo.

Vocal Ruto ally Senator Samson Cherargei (Nandi) was also removed as chairman of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.

Meru Senator Linturi Mithika also lost his membership at the powerful Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee.

Linturi has been replaced by Senator Fatuma Dullo.

John Kinyua will also lose his position as the chairman of the Devolution Committee in the Tuesday changes.

Former Senate majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen will now be a member of the Devolution Committee.

The changes according to Kang’ata have been communicated to the Senate speaker Ken Lusaka for immediate implementation.

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Politics

Senator Ledama Surrenders His Seat, Apologizes to Raila

by Brian Miano
written by Brian Miano

Narok senator Ledama Olekina on Tuesday May 26 surrendered his senate Public Accounts Committee chairmanship seat.

This is after the vocal lawmaker met the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga this morning.

Ledama also agreed to withdraw the case he had filed against the ODM party following the party’s decision to remove him from the seat, and dewhip him.

Raila, through his official twitter account said that Ledama had agreed to the decisions after they held a meeting. Raila also revealed that the Narok senator had apologized to the party following his decision.

In return, the former Prime Minister said that he had instructed the party to reverse the decision to dewhip the Senator.

“Senator @ledamalekina has this morning agreed to withdraw the case he had filed against @TheODMparty over the Senate Public Accounts Committee chairmanship, surrendered the seat and apologized. In return I’ve instructed the party to reverse the decision to dewhip the Senator,” Raila tweeted.

Early this month, ODM through Minority Leader James Orengo, gave notice to discharge the senator from the County Public Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAIK).

Olekina contested and won the election against his party’s preferred candidate Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri after being backed by Jubilee senators.

He had already chaired the CPAIC’s first meeting when Senate minority leader James Orengo (ODM) gave a notice indicating the party’s wish to dewhip him from the CPAIC and the Senate Business Committee (SBC).

Olekina had vowed to fight the removal, a move that saw him file a case against the Orange party.

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Politics

Uhuru Convenes Another Top Jubilee Meeting

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has yet again convened another top Jubilee party meeting.

The head of state is set to meet with Jubilee’s key decision-making panel, the National Management Committee.

According to a local daily, President Kenyatta will chair the NMC meeting on Thursday at State House. Members of the parliamentary leadership have been invited.

The meeting is a precursor to a Parliamentary Group Meeting to be held on June 2, when the National Assembly reconvenes from a one-month recess.

This will be the first NMC meeting since President Kenyatta seized control of Jubilee Party from Ruto’s grip after a successful ‘coup’ last month.

Ruto on Thursday last week lost his case before the Political Parties Disputes  Tribunal where he was challenging reconstitution of the NMC.

It is not clear if the DP and his allies would attend the crucial meeting on Thursday to endorse sweeping changes to the National Assembly leadership and approve the President’s working relationship with the opposition.

On Monday Jubilee Party secretary-general Raphael Tuju confirmed the President had called for the meeting, which he termed “critical” to the party’s ongoing housecleaning.

Tuju confirmed the ongoing purge in Parliament targeting members considered disloyal to the President would continue until the Jubilee house is in order.

National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale, Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali and Senate Majority Whip Irungu Kang’ata, as well as Senate Majority leader  Samuel Poghisio, are among those expected to attend.

NMC members include chairman Nelson Dzuya, Tuju and five newly appointed members.

They are Lucy Macharia, Marete Marangu, Walter Nyambati, Jane Nampaso and James Waweru.

Ruto’s ally Albert Mutai, who is the Jubilee national treasurer, is also a member of the NMC by virtue of his position.

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