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Tanga Tanga Members Cry Foul After Being Barred From Accessing Nzoia Sugar Premises

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

Western Kenya leaders allied to Deputy President Dr William Ruto were on Saturday barred from accessing Nzoia Sugar Company premises.

Led by National Parliament chief whip Benjamin Washiali, the Tanga Tanga members had gone to the the factory to discuss with the management aiming at reaching a solution to revive the lost glory of the company.

However, their efforts bore no fruits when the security team barred them from entering the company’s premises.

This act prompted them to address the public from the outside the company’s ground where they strongly condemned the act claiming that it was the government’s property and everyone had a right to access it.

The seemingly disappointed Washiali who was in the company of former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Matungu MP Justus Murunga, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, Sirisia MP John Walukhe and former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale expressed his dissatisfaction towards the act.

“We have come here as leaders to find a way to solve the challenge that is affecting us due to the collapse of the company and has therefore pulled down the economic prosperity of this region and yet they have locked us out,” he ranted .

Dan Wanyama called upon president Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene and help to revive the ailing miller.

The lawmaker noted that through its revival, the farmers, workers and even the surrounding community will benefit from the economic value of the company.

The very sentiments were echoed by his Bumula counterpart Mwambu Mabonga who also noted that the fall of Nzoia has been a nightmare to the region and hence contributed to the fall of developments in the region starting from the families which are struggling to make the ends meet.

He called upon the leaders to come on board and coordinate with the Nzoia managerial team to find a solution as soon as possible.

He also promised that when they have a parliamentary seating next month, the issue will be taken to the agricultural committee so as they also chip in to find a solution to this menace.

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Politics

The Day ODM Boss Almost Died in Deep Mombasa Sea Waters

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party communication boss Philip Etale has narrated his experience in the Indian Ocean that almost took his life.

Etale who was in the Kenya’s coast for the third consultative BBI meeting on Friday dropped by the Sarova Whitesands for coffee at the Cocos Beach bar with his friends.

While at the beach, Etale says a boat operator approached him, convincing him to take a ride in the deep sea alongside his friends at a cost of Ksh 3,000.

While narrating the ordeal, Etale says he fall for the ride and had to convince his friends to go along with him for an adventure in the sea.

Three of his friends refused to take the challenge, but he managed to convince some four other friends.

They were quickly ushered into the waiting speed boat then the journey began.

He says the sea was calm and the ride became smooth and smoother.

After doing like about three and half kilometers and the excitement continued to increase, they started taking selfies, talking happily and laughing at their own jokes.

However, things started turning soar.

All of a sudden, Etale says the engine went off and all went quiet.

One of the operators said to them that the boat had run out of fuel.

All this while, the boat was just dancing on the water lifeless. Panic struck them for ten minutes as they just stagnated at one place floating on the water and shouting at the operators.

The operators then tried as much as they could to switch on the engine and eventually managed after a long struggle.

The ODM communication boss has vowed never to try the challenge ever again after surviving the ordeal.

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Politics

Moses Kuria Exposes The Man Who Attacked Him When he Refused to Stand up For Raila at Mombasa BBI Rally

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has exposed the man who attacked him during the Mombasa Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) consultative meeting in Mombasa.

Taking to his social media accounts after the rally, Kuria revealed the man’s identity.

Image may contain: 1 person, suit
Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok. Photo/courtesy

When ODM party leader Raila Odinga arrived at Mama Ngina water front, the venue of the event, Kuria happened not to have stood up.

It is at this point that Nairobi Makongeni ward MCA Peter Imwatok  accosted him and took away his BBI hat.

In video footage making rounds on social media, a group of people were recorded heckling the MP as he tried to fire back verbally.

He, however, resisted all attempts as he ‘defended his seat’.

Mr Kuria also revealed that the MCA  is also the ODM minority whip in Nairobi County. 

He cried out to Raila, seemingly calling action against the MCA.

“Dear Raila Amolo Odinga. This is the idiot MCA Peter Imwatok of Makongeni, Nairobi who accosted me, took away my BBI hat and even my seat at the Mombasa BBI meeting. He is also the ODM minority whip in Nairobi County. My fault? Refusing to stand up when Baba entered the venue. Question: Baba is this how Kenya would be if you were to become President? ” he posted.

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Politics

Murkomen And His Team to Miss Seats at The Main Daises During Mombasa BBI Rally?

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Tanga tanga members, the leaders allied to Deputy president Dr William Ruto are likely to miss seats at the main daises during the Mombasa BBI rally.

On Saturday noon, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Communications Philip Etale through his social media handles said that the main daises were already full.

Etale said that leaders from all walks of life, elected, nominated and appointed had already arrived at the Mama Ngina Water Front, the venue of the event.

He further cautioned those who were waiting to come late for the sake of sideshows, noting that he was sorry for them.

“Leaders from all walks of life, elected, nominated and appointed have already arrived at the Mama Ngina Water Front. The main daises are full. People have volunteered to be here. Anyone waiting for sideshows by virtue of coming late, pole,” he posted.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Susan Kihika (Nakuru senator), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South MP), Alice Wahome (Kandara MP), Mohamed Ali (Nyali MP) and Aisha Jumwa (Malindi MP) are the Tanga Tanga members expected at the BBI meeting.

On Friday, Murkomen revealed that he had been threatened that if he attend the Mombasa BBI meeting, he shall be humiliated by being denied a seat,not being allowed to talk or even if he will be allowed to talk, he shall be heckled.

He however noted that he will attend the meeting despite all the intimidation that is awaiting him.

“I have been threatened that if I attend the Mombasa BBI meeting I shall be humiliated by being denied a seat,not being allowed to talk or even if I am allowed to talk I shall be heckled.If that’s what it takes to unite this country so be it&I am ready to absorb.Tukutane Mombasa,” he posted.

Earlier on Friday, a press conference by Jumwa and Ali was disrupted by youths, with the two accusing their political detractors of being behind the act.

Ali and Jumwa have insisted that Coast leaders be given the opportunity to lead the discussions. Ali said only local leaders understand the issues affecting their constituents.

He wants issues touching on ports, SGR, health and employment, among interests, given priority.

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Politics

Court Summons Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mumias East Member of Parliament Benjamin Washiali has been summoned by Court to explain why pupils are swimming across a river to attend school.

Washiali has been summoned alongside MCA Radoli and county officers.

Pupils have been forced to swim or walk across River Lusumu to get to Petros Primary School in Mumias East in Kakamega county after a bridge was swept away along the river.

The temporary wooden footbridge they used was swept away by floods in December when schools were closed.

While responding on the matter, the area legislator, alongside other leaders affiliated to Kakamega county administration, shoved the responsibility for restoring the bridge to the parents.

Washiali, further added that the problem could be mitigated by pupils attending the school within their respective side of the river, thus eliminating the need to move across. Parents and teachers have since expressed their frustration at the leaders for trivializing the matter.

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Politics

Ksh 1.8 Billion Maize Cash Haunts Kiunjuri Days After Getting Sacked

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri’s woes seem to be not yet over after getting axed by president Uhuru Kenyatta over incompetence.

An ongoing investigations into alleged illegal payment of Sh1.8 billion for maize supply got Kiunjuri grilled by EACC officers on Monday.

He was summoned to the EACC offices where he spent the better part of Monday afternoon responding to the questions from detectives on the payment to Commodity House Limited on June 28, 2019 for maize supply to National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB).

According to reports by The Standard, Kiunjuri was summoned through a letter dated January 14 – on the same day he was fired by President Uhuru Kenyatta and replaced by Peter Munya.

The letter states the commission is investigating allegations of corruption in the supply and delivery of white maize in the financial year 2016/2017 which was procured by the ministry.

Former Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe was also questioned over the matter.

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Politics

Moses Kuria Drags Sabina Chege Into Chris Msando’s Murder

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has dragged Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege into IEBC official Chris Msando’s murder.

Speaking during his much anticipated press conference on the matter,the controversial MP said Sabina Chege had accompanied him to Roysambu at the time when he was photographed standing next to Msando’s car.

He however denied knowing any information saying he had gone there after unidentified women informed him that they had spotted the IEBC official’s car at a time when he was said to have been missing.

Kuria further said he and Chege later recorded statements with DCI on what they knew.

“I had had to live with a barrage of accusations and innuendos that linked mt to the death of Chris Msando. This was because I had taken a photo of Msando somewhere in Roysambu. I want the media to know on that day, there was reporting that Chris Msando had disappeared. Citizen TV circulated a photo of his vehicle. I was in Murang’a County on that day campaigning and after we were done, a media personality covering our campaign informed me that Msando’s vehicle had been found in Roysambu.

“I was in the company of among others, Murang’s Woman Rep Sabina Chege. We called the OCPD Kasarani Police Division even before getting to the scene. I and Sabina Chege were later escorted to the scene, all along we were in the company of police officers. Withing two days, myself and Sabina were summoned by DCI Nairobi area and recorded statement,” Kuria said.

The MP called on the media and members of the public to forthwith cease linking him with the murder of Chris Msando which he said was unfairly tarnishing his reputation.


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Politics

DP Ruto Finally Apologizes to Governor Mutua Over His ‘Threats’

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President Dr William Ruto has finally apologized to Machakos County governor Dr Alfred Mutua over the complain the county chief reported at Kilimani police station.

The DP who was in Machakos on Sunday acknowledged that indeed he had wronged the governor when they greeted each other at an event at State House.

He asked for forgiveness, arguing that his handshake with governor Mutua went beyond the limits against his wish.

Ruto noted that as a hustler, he is used to handling tough things and that he might have forgotten and pressed governor Mutua’s hand with more effort unknowingly.

The second in command who was speaking at St. Christopher Catholic Parish – Kyumbi, Maanzoni, Machakos County during a church service urged the clerics present to extend his apologies to Dr Mutua.

He further urged the locals to forgive him for the incident.

However, the DP failed to acknowledge the threat claims raised by governor Mutua as he only reiterated on the handshake.

Watch the video of DP Ruto apologizing to governor Mutua via this tweet

Mutua in December last year recorded a statement with the police alleging threats to his life.

He claimed that Ruto, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Garissa Town MP Aden Duale on two different occasions threatened him with unspecified consequences because of his statements on integrity issues. 

Mutua said he decided to go public because he felt the threats cannot be treated lightly for the sake of his personal security.

“Should anything unusual happen to me or members of my family or my associates, the three should be held accountable,” said Mutua, after reporting the matter at Kilimani Police Station.

Mutua said at an evening event at State House, he extended his hand and greeted Ruto.

The governor went on to detail the alleged verbatim conversation.

Mutua: Hello, Your Excellency Sir.

Ruto: (Holding on to his hand) Wewe jamaa umekuwa ukinichapa sana (you fellow, you have been attacking me very much).

Mutua: Your Excellency…

Ruto: (Still holding on to his hand tightly) Wewe lazima sasa nikugonge. Nitakugonga. (I must now hit you. I will hit you).

Mutua: Your Excellency, Sir, maybe we can talk about…

Ruto: (Pushing Mutua aside) Wewe ngoja utaona (wait, you’ll see).

Duale: (Pointing at my chest) Si tulikuambia (didn’t we warn you?)

Mutua said he has been disturbed by these threats and believes that Ruto is capable of carrying out the threat to his life and general welfare.

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Politics

Raila Pens Emotional Message as he Marks Oginga Odinga’s 26th Death Anniversary

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has penned an emotional message to his late father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, whose 26th anniversary is today.

Raila in his message said Oginga Odinga’s patriotic and selfless actions remain engraved in the hearts of those who knew him and in the collective memory of the nation he helped build.

He further noted that Oginga’s memory remains a permanent presence in his absence.

“26 years ago you took a journey from our beloved country never to return. Your patriotic and selfless actions remain engraved in the hearts of those who knew you and in the collective memory of the nation you helped build. Your memory remains a permanent presence in your absence,” he tweeted.

Raila’s Orange party joined him in penning emotional messages to the late father of democracy.

ODM in their message described Oginga odinga as doyen of opposition politics in Kenya, a legend, the Father of democracy and a luminary in the struggle for the second liberation.

ODM further noted that Jaramogi’s legacy and aspirations still live on.

“Today, 26 years ago, the DOYEN of opposition politics in Kenya, a LEGEND, the Father of DEMOCRACY and a LUMINARY in the struggle for the second liberation RESTED. His legacy and aspirations still live on. Continue Resting in Peace Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga,” ODM tweeted.

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Politics

Ruto Dealt Another Blow as Uhuru Backs Raila Man For Top Seat

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President Dr William Ruto has been dealt another major blow after president Uhuru Kenyatta backed key ODM leader Raila Odinga’s pointman for a top seat.

Uhuru has backed Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya to retain his position at the helm of the Council of Governors when they vote on Monday, January 20.

Reports by The Star indicate that the Head of State’s support has already been communicated to a number of governors, making it easier for Oparanya to extend his reign by another year.

This, however, is a big blow to Deputy President William Ruto and his allies who had reportedly lined up Mandera’s Ali Roba as Oparanya’s possible replacement. Roba later said he was not vying and that he will support Oparanya.

“For the record, Governor Roba is not running for any position at the CoG and will throw his support behind Oparanya. He is not aligned to any other camp,” Roba’s chief of staff, David Ohito, was quoted by The Star.

This reportedly left the DP’s camp still searching for a preferred candidate by as late as Sunday evening.

The President is believed to have thrown his weight behind the Kakamega chief when he met some governors last Tuesday in Mombasa. He is said to have been impressed by Oparanya’s tenure at the helm of CoG.

Last year, Oparanya was voted unanimously as the CoG Chairman against six contestants namely: Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga County), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu County), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu County), Salim Mvurya (Kwale County) and Josphat Nanok (Turkana).


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Crime & InvestigationsPolitics

Video of Babu Owino Shooting DJ at Nairobi’s B-Club Emerges

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A CCTV footage showing Embakasi MP Babu Owino shoot a DJ at B Club in Nairobi’s Kilimani area has emerged.

The video shows the controversial MP pulling out his gun and directing it directly at the DJ’s neck.

The victim of the shooting is then dragged on the floor being taken outside the nightclub.

Babu Owino was on Friday morning arrested after the incident being reported at Kilimani Police station.

Babu Owino who is not a stranger to controversy shot the DJ in the wee hours of the Friday morning.

The victim is apparently in critical condition and is admitted at the Nairobi Hospital intensive care unit (ICU).

In 2018, Babu and one of his bodyguards, Fanuel were arrested for assaulting a parking attendant at Fortis Towers in Westlands, Nairobi.

Appearing before chief magistrate Francis Andayi, Babu jointly with others not before the court, are said to have assaulted David Gichagu and caused him “actual bodily harm”.

Babu was separately charged with two counts of using insulting language in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace and create a disturbance.

He (Babu) and Fanuel were later released on a Sh20,000 bond.

Watch the CCTV footage below courtesy of K24 TV.

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Politics

Babu Owino’s Latest Raila Remark Lands Him in Deep Trouble

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has been making headlines out of controversies, some of which have been embraced by his supporters.

Just recently, the youthful MP was in trouble with Kenyans and a section of leaders after telling Kandara MP Alice Wahome to respect President Uhuru Kenyatta and AU envoy Raila Odinga failure to which she would have every part of her body shaven.

However, the latest remark made by the controversial MP on ODM leader Raila Odinga seems to have gotten Kenyans on the wrong side.

Babu Owino on Thursday evening declared that “This time Raila will be the President by ballot or bullet”.

While the former Prime Minister has said it is too early to discuss the 2022 race, politicians and pundits say he would be the right candidate to face off with Deputy President William Ruto, the likely candidate of the ruling Jubilee Party.

However, he remains the man to watch ahead of the 2022 elections, with opinion divided on whether or not he should contest the presidency.

Following his remarks, many faulted him for inciting violence advising that Raila is among the despots in Kenya that will fall.

A number preferred to stand with self declared revolutionist lawyer Miguna Miguna over Babu’s choice for president.

Here are some of the reactions on Babu Owino’s remarks.

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Politics

Murkomen, Susan Kihika Targeted For Removal After Cabinet Reshuffle

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Just days after President Uhuru Kenyatta made surprise cabinet changes, the focus has now shifted to two key Deputy President William Ruto’s allies.

Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen and his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika are the next target after the axing of Mwangi Kiunjuri from agriculture ministry.

According to a local daily, President Kenyatta wants to take control of both houses to further assert himself and drive government agenda before he retires in 2022.

The Star on Friday reported that the President, Jubilee’s party leader is considering entering into an agreement with Gideon Moi. 

Thereafter, Uhuru will convene a parliamentary group meeting to replace Murkomen with the Baringo Senator.   

Senate whip Susan Kihika is also targeted for removal.

Sources at immigration intimated to the Star that the government is investigating the possibility that she may be holding two passports, a US and Kenyan one.

On Monday, Kihika was barred from entering the venue where President Kenyatta handed title deeds to a group of women who sang for his father.

Apart from Murkomen and Kihika, the President also wants to replace committees chairs who are not backing him.

The crackdown against Tangatanga MPs aims to vanquish Ruto’s influence in Parliament as the President seeks to take a firmer charge of his legacy projects.

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Politics

Khalwale Roars After Police Cancelling Their Planned Mumias Meeting

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Kakamega senator Boniface Khalwale has spoken on police cancelling their planned Western leaders’ meeting in Mumias.

Police in Mumias on Wednesday canceled permits for two meetings set for this weekend planned by ANC leader Mudavadi citing security fears.

In the letter dated January 14, police advised the planners to inform their participants of the changes.

“This is to notify you that this office has canceled your permit to carry out the  exercise purportedly scheduled to take place on 18th due to security reasons,” the letter reads.

“…and comply accordingly. By this letter, be informed that any person contravening this directive will be held criminally responsible,” it read.

Image

However, Khalwale says the move by police is diversionary and tantamount to incitement.

He says police have no powers to give or cancel a permit as they cannot take away the constitutional rights of Freedom of Assembly, Association and Speech.

Khalwale notes that panned Saturday January 18, 2020 meeting at Nabongo Sports ground is still on.

“Police attempts to cancel our Western leaders’ meeting in Mumias is diversionary n tantamount to incitement. They have NO powers to give or cancel a permit as they cannot take away the constitutional rights of Freedom of Assembly, Association & Speech 18/01/20 is on!” posted Khalwale.

They were scheduled to hold a parallel meeting on January 18 when the BBI gathering will be taking place.

They have vowed not to attend the BBI meeting at Bukhungu Stadium saying they were not involved by the organisers. 

Mudavadi said, as Western leaders, all they want is for Kenyans to shun divisive politics being hatched from BBI.

“My brother Wetangula and I have not received an invitation to the January 18 Bukhungu Meeting. Someone decided to invite us through social media,” he said.

The second phase is expected to alter the BBI proposals with an emphasis on the Executive structure, which many quarters have dismissed as weak.

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Politics

Speaker Lusaka Sets Date For Hearing of Waititu’s Impeachment Case

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has set the date for hearing of embattled Kiambu goernor Ferdinand Waititu’s impeachment case.

Lusaka has set January 21 as the hearing date for Waititu’s case.

Waititu was impeached in December last year after Kiambu County Assembly voted to impeach him with 63 ward representatives supporting the impeachment motion anchored on abuse of office and violation of the Public Finance Management Act.

Only one MCA voted against the motion. 28 mainly pro-Waititu members were absent.

Also Read: Waititu Rushes to Supreme Court to Fight Back

The motion sponsored by Ndenderu Ward representative Solomon Kinuthia also outlined violation of Public Finance Management Act provisions as the basis for the impeachment of the embattled county chief who has been indicted in a multi-million tender fraud case.

The County Assembly also debated Waititu’s role in the ballooning debt, Kinuthia accusing the governor of incurring an unsustainable debt and pending obligations totaling Sh4 billion.

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Politics

Kiunjuri Breaks Silence After Sacking

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Outgoing agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri has broken his silence after facing President Uhuru Kenyatta’s axe on Tuesday morning.

President Kenyatta during State of the Nation address in Mombasa made a surprise cabinet reshuffle replacing Kiunjuri with Peter Munya who moved in from Trade and Industrialization ministry.

Kiunjuri however during a live presser at Serena Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon said that he feels relieved after the sacking.

He said the President’s decision has taken him by no surprise.

Kiunjuri says he has endured lots of humiliation with only God and his immediate family knowing how it made him feel.

He noted that he had given the best in his assignment.

“The President’s decision has taken me by no surprise, I thank God, I feel relieved. I have endured lots of humiliation, only God and my family know this. I have given my best in my assignment, I leave with my head high,” he said.

He further noted that he now has free time to do other things.

Kiunjuri cited that President Kenyatta had appointed him without consulting anyone and that he does not need any consultation to relieve him of duties.

“I now have free time to do other things, I am not going anywhere. The president appointed me without consulting anyone, he has relieved me of my duties, he does not need any consultation,” he added.

He noted that he was independent and that he was ready to walk the journey. He says he is going nowhere in terms of national politics.

“I am independent; I will walk this journey. In regard to national politics, I have told you, I am going nowhere,” he added.

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