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Kibaki admitted at Nairobi Hospital

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former President Mwai Kibaki is admitted at The Nairobi Hospital.

According to reports by a local daily, Kibaki was admitted to hospital on Monday after he complained of pain on his knee.

Kibaki, 88, was in London last week for a series of medical checks where his knee was also examined. It is understood that Mzee’s knee has been paining.

“Mzee was taken to the hospital for some check-ups but we are praying for him,” a family source was quoted by the local daily.

But Kibaki’s Private Secretary Ngari Gituku vehemently denied that the ex-President was admitted. He described him as “cheerful and alert.”

Gituku said The Nairobi Hospital is one of the facilities the former Head of State occasionally visits for medical attention.

“It could be one of the medical facilities where he occasionally seek medical attention. That doesn’t mean he is there,” Gituku was quoted.

Kibaki’s predecessor Daniel Moi is also undergoing treatment at the same hospital.

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Politics

Governor Sonko exposes city hall cartels milking Nairobi dry by supplying air

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi County governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has yet again exposed cartels who have been milking his government dry by supplying ‘hot air’.

Taking to his facebook account on Wednesday evening, Sonko said that the cartels who had siphoned money from the previous Evans Kidero-led administration have come back again.

The flamboyant governor says a company by the name PROLAND Ltd owned by Mr Fredrick Mungai recorded a consent with Nairobi County Gov’t during the previous administration to be paid Sh35m for supplying hot air

According to Sonko, the cartels were paid over Sh50m during the previous regime for the supply of air.

He notes that they are back with plain cloth Police officers at his Finance offices to force the County Government to pay more millions at the expense of taxpayer’s money.

The county chief says that so far the cartels have already been paid Sh175,000,000 without supplying anything to the county.

His facebook post reads “The cartels are back again at City Hall. PROLAND Ltd owned by a Mr Fredrick Mungai recorded a consent with Nairobi County Gov’t during the previous administration to be paid Sh35m for supplying hot air.

They were paid over Sh50m during the previous regime for the supply of air.

Now they’re back with plain cloth Police officers at our Finance offices to force the County Government to pay more millions at the expense of taxpayer’s money.

So far they have already been paid Sh175,000,000 without supplying anything to the county.

But as long as I’m the Governor of Nairobi, I will not allow the cartels to steal County Gov’t money.”

He has however vowed to fight the cartels saying that he will not allow them to steal County government money.

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Politics

VIDEO: Bungoma woman sends special plea to Uhuru over his foreign trips

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday hit the headlines when various media publications documented his 31 foreign trips in 21 months.

Uhuru left the country on October 21, heading to Japan after Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mombasa. He is currently in Saudi Arabia.

He will proceed to Botswana for the official swearing-in of President-elect Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi.

In Japan, Uhuru witnessed the enthronement of the new emperor, which was the climax of a long and detailed succession process that started on May 1.

He later left for Sochi, Russia, where he attended the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit.

The President’s trips come amid call for austerity measures as the country grapples with the debt burden.

It is this burden that has forced Bungoma woman Christine Wamalwa to send a special plea to the head of state.

Mrs Wamalwa urges the president to sit down and look into Kenya’s overwhelming debt burden, cancer menace, unemployment among other issues affecting Kenya.

She says Uhuru’s foreign trips won’t benefit the country in any way, urging the president to set up cancer centres to help battle the cancer menace in the country.

Watch Christine Wamalwa’s video via this twitter post courtesy of Daily Nation.

However, State House has defended President Kenyatta’s foreign trips, saying they will benefit the nation.

Nzioka Waita, the Chief of staff in the office of the President, took to Twitter on Wednesday to say it is Uhuru’s job to position Kenya on the world stage.

What do you think about president Kenyatta’s foreign trips?

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Politics

Tension in Mudavadi, Raila camps as 200 ANC youth leaders decamp to support Mariga

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

As Kibra by elections draws near, tension has hit the camps battling it out for the November 7 parliamentary seat with ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi being the most affected.

On Wednesday October 30, 2019, 200 youths alleged to be ANC youth leaders in Kibra were received in Jubilee party McDonald Mariga’s camp.

Taking to twitter on Wednesday afternoon, former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale while sharing the photos said that he had received the alleged ANC party youth leaders in Kibra, and that they had declared their support for Mariga.

Khalwale said that he alongside Starehe MP Charles Njagua and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa had welcomed the youths in team Mariga.

He congratulated the youths for what he said having chosen the better option.

“Together with Hon Njagwa (Starehe) & @DidmusWaBarasa (Kimilili) received 200 @anc_party Kibra youth leaders into Team-Mariga-4-Kibra. Congratulations young people for choosing the better option,” posted Khalwale.

However, ODM aspirant in the party’s Kibra primaries Benson Musungu disputed Khalwale’s allegations saying that the alleged youths are ODM supporters and that they will vote for ODM candidate Bernard Imran Okoth.

He termed Khalwale’s allegations as Kibra lies.

“Omwami welcome to Kibra lies! Those are our youth wait and see them voting @TheODMparty on 7th!!” he posted.

Jubilee’s Mariga will face off with ODM’s Imran, ANC’s Eliud Owalo, Ford Kenya’s Khamisi Butichi among others in a hotly contested race to succeed Ken Okoth who succumbed to cancer.

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Mzee Moi admitted to ICU, experiencing difficulty in breathing

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former President Daniel Moi is admitted at The Nairobi Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Moi was rushed to the hospital on Thursday last week from his Kabarnet Gardens home, Nairobi, barely two weeks after being discharged from the hospital after a medical checkup.

According to the sources that spoke to the Star, Mzee Moi is experiencing difficulty in breathing.

“It is something to do with the breathing system. He is experiencing difficulty in breathing,” a doctor who sought not to be identified was quoted by the Star.

The local daily reports that Moi’s press secretary Lee Njiru, who is away in Nakuru county, Moi’s rural home, dismissed the hospitalisation claims, saying the retired President was relaxing at his Kabarnet Gardens home.

“Retired President Moi is relaxing at Kabarnet Gardens. He left the hospital like two weeks ago. He is not back to the hospital but is resting at his home,” Moi’s long-serving spokesman emphasised.

However, Kanu secretary Nick Salat confirmed that Moi is admitted at the hospital “for a regular check-up and not in the ICU”.

Salat said Moi had gone to the facility two days ago for a check-up, which had been scheduled the last time he was there.

“He was there some days back and had just returned as requested by his doctors. He is an old man and regular check-ups for people of his age are just normal,” he added.

He continued,“Mzee has grown old and every day he is okay we thank God. We all have people who are of that age and they go to the hospital every other time.”

Moi is under the care of his personal doctor, David Silverstein.

Moi was discharged from the same hospital on October 16 and was taken to Kabarnet Gardens, which is a few kilometres from the facility.

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Politics

Flamboyant City Lawyer issues chilling advice to Kibra residents on voting Mariga

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

As Kibra constituency by election campaigns continue getting hotter as days elapse, flamboyant city lawyer Donald Kipkorir has issued a chilling advice to Kibra residents on voting Jubilee candidate McDonald Mariga.

Just a day after Deputy President Dr William Ruto storming Kibra with a tight security to woe voters, the city lawyer has taken to social media to criticise Jubilee’s campaign strategy.

According to Donald Kipkorir, for Kibra people be told that “someone who wasn’t born in Kibra, semi-illiterate and hasn’t voted and wont vote for himself will bring you development is witchcraft! “

The lawyer tells Kibra residents further that Kibra is part of Kenya and if they lack roads and better houses, they should blame the successive governments that have been in power since 1963.

“Dear Kibra: Kibra is part of Kenya & if you lack roads, houses et al blame the successive Gov’ts that have been in power since 1963 …. To be told that someone who wasn’t born in Kibra, semi-illiterate & hasn’t voted & wont vote for himself will bring you dev’t is witchcraft! ” reads Donald Kipkorir’s tweet.

His advice comes a day after DP Ruto being criticised by Kenyans on twitter of tight security he displayed during a campaign rally at Lindi grounds in Kibra where he promised to transform Kibra to a city within Nairobi.

Mariga will face off with ODM’s Imran Bernard Okoth, ANC’s Eliud Owalo, Ford Kenya’s Khamisi Butichi among others on November 7.

The Kibra parliamentary seat fell vacant following the demise of Ken Okoth who succumbed to cancer.

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Politics

Uhuru exposes ‘con’ politician

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Politicians have over a long period of time used little chances available to loot from public coffers. Most of them have been quoting high figures when they get a chance to be in charge of any development. Do you remember the incident where ex-Kasarani MP Elizabeth Ongoro used National Government Constituency Development Fund amounting to Ksh 48 million to build a non-existent Kasarani Girls High School?

Well, last month, one of the leading Kenya’s local dailies reported on a senior politician who had hatched a plot with some international businessmen to persuade President Uhuru Kenyatta to purchase a new ship for the refurbished Kisumu port.

Two weeks ago while inaugurating the Nairobi-Suswa SGR line, Uhuru made it public that indeed, the individual had attempted to present his scheme were it not for the Kenya Navy that told him that the vessel could not cost what the politician had quoted.

During Mashujaa Day celebrations, in Mombasa, the politician is said to have attempted to whisper to Kenyatta that it was unfair to embarrass him in public. Those in know say the President brushed him off.

On July 6, during his two-day private visit to Tanzania, Uhuru and Magufuli resolved to revamp ferry services on Lake Victoria.

The two heads of states noted that regular maritime travel between Kisumu, Mwanza, Bukoba and other ports on Africa’s largest lake “will help create employment, enhance connectivity and spur related economic activities.”

Kisumu Port has been under utilized for over 20 years.

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Public Service boss reveals why Uhuru can’t appoint youths to senior government posts

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Public Service boss Prof Margaret Kobia has dismissed claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta has been overlooking the youth when making senior government appointments.

Speaking when she appeared on K24 TV’s Punchline on Sunday night, Prof Kobia said that if Uhuru appoints a 25-year-old to chair a board, they will feel inadequate because they lack experience.

“If you appoint a 25-year-old to chair a board, they will feel inadequate because they lack experience. And this is not a full time job, it pays so little. They only sit quarterly; it is not about the old versus the young. It is about the skills you bring to the table at the time,” said Prof Kobia.

Last week, the Employment Court ordered the suspension of former Othaya MP Mary Wambui’s appointment to the National Employment Authority (NEA) board.

Justice Hellen Wasilwa directed that Ms Wambui should not assume office until a petition challenging her appointment is heard and determined.

Her appointment was contested by the Kenya Young Parliamentarians, who claimed that the Othaya MP is not qualified to lead NEA as its chairperson.

But the Public Service CS said their dispute is tainted by gender bias and they will take up the matter on behalf of Ms Wambui, even though the negative publicity may push the Othaya MP to reconsider the appointment.  

The petitioner claimed that the former Othaya MP does not meet the requirements set by Section 10(2) of the National Employment Authority Act, which requires at least seven years of experience in human resource management.

The Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association is headed by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.  

Ms Wambui was appointed as the NEA chairperson on October 14, by the Labour CS Ukur Yattani.

But Ms Wambui defended her appointment last week, saying that she got the job because “she is better than those complaining.”

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Politics

Public Service CS defends Mary Wambui’s appointment to employment body

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia has defended former Othaya MP Mary Wambui’s appointment to the National Employment Authority (NEA) board.

Speaking when she appeared on K24 TV’s Punchline on Sunday, Prof Kobia said the attacks on Ms Wambui were unwarranted and motivated by gender bias.

“I did not take it very kindly that Mary Wambui was being dragged into that kind of a conversation that she was not qualified. One, I saw gender issues there. If it was a man, nobody would have talked.

“In a board you do not make decisions alone, it is a total sum of the skills mix on the table. We did not give Mary a chance to lead this board. Leading at the board is strategic and about policy. Since it has now been surrounded by negativity she may reconsider. My ministry was offended by her being picked on, there are many men who have been given that job, older than her, and nobody said anything,” said CS Kobia.

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Politics

Government dismisses reports on Dedan Kimathi’s grave

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Interior Ministry has dismissed claims that the grave of iconic freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi has been found at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.

In a tweet, on Saturday the ministry said: “Our attention has been drawn to news on some platforms that the grave of our freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi has been found at Kamiti Prison.”

They cautioned the public not to believe any information on the same unless it is communicated by the ministry through official communication channels.

“Please note these claims are False; such info will be relayed to the public only via our official communication channels,” read part of the tweet.

The Dedan Kimathi Foundation on Friday said they had located the grave of Dedan Kimathi at Kamiti Maximum Prison, Nairobi.

The foundation’s CEO Wanjugu said the news is not only a relief to the family but also to the larger freedom struggle heroes fraternity.

Wanjugu said they were waiting for orders from the Chief Justice David Maraga on excavation and exhumation of his remains before arranging for a decent send-off.

Dedan died in February 1957 at the age of 37 after being convicted and executed for murder and terrorism by the British colonial government.

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Politics

Ruto trashes Nation’s story on BBI, vows to stand behind Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed claims that he is in a predicament over his stand the Building Bridges Initiative.

Ruto was responding on Saturday to a front-page headline on the Nation which reported the DP was in a dilemma over the BBI and had no choice but to back President Uhuru Kenyatta on the report.

The country’s second in command trashed the notion saying that Jubilee as a democratic party accommodates divergent views over the report that has in recent months proved divisive across the political divide.

The DP added that eventually, they will rally behind the party and its leader Uhuru Kenyatta.

“DILEMMA?Hapana!No way! Jubilee as a democratic party celebrates diversity of opinion free of hate and focused on transformation for all; for us big or small matters BUT ultimately as initiators of inclusive non-tribal political discourse we will stand behind our Party and Leader,” Ruto tweeted.

The BBI has proposed the introduction of a parliamentary system of government with a powerful Prime Minister and two deputies, radically overhauling the current system of governance.

The BBI team is against the winner-takes-all presidential system, largely blamed for political tensions and post-election violence.

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Politics

Ruto’s birthday wish to Uhuru sparks reactions

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

It is President Uhuru Kenyatta’s birthday, and Kenyans have flocked the internet to send him birthday wishes under the hashtag #HappyBirthdayMrPresident .

His deputy Dr William Samoei Ruto has not been left behind in wishing his boss a happy birthday.

The DP through his official twitter account send a message to the head of state which has sparked a lot of reactions.

In his message, Ruto praised president Kenyatta saying that he is a great inspiration to him, Jubilee leadership and millions of Kenyans as the youngest President Kenya has ever had.

Ruto further noted in his message that he was looking forward to what they had agreed with president Kenyatta to do after they retire, asking the head of state if he is still remembering.

“Happy birthday to my friend & Boss H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta. You are a great inspiration to me, Jubilee leadership and millions of Kenyans as the youngest President we’ve ever had. As we age, I look forward to what we agreed on to do when we retire. Remember? Ubarikiwe mpaka Ushangae!” reads Ruto’s tweet.

However, Kenyans on twitter did not take any of Ruto’s wishes.

They went on to ask if Ruto was retiring with his boss, arguing that he is on the 2022 ballot.

Some decried the rate of unemployment in the country, urging the DP to act first.

Some told off the DP, arguing that him alongside the president were lucky enough to enjoy birthday bashes as Kenyans sleep on empty stomachs.

Here are some of the reactions.

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Politics

Oparanya joins Kibra campaigns with a storm

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kakamega County governor who is also the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has joined the hot campaigns in Kibra to drum up support for ODM candidate Imran Otieno Okoth.

The council of governors chairman will today (Saturday) attend various ODM campaign events in Kibra.

At 10.00am Oparanya is expected at Church of God in Lainisaba Ward.

At 12.00pm, he will be at PEFA church, Makina Ward where he will continue with the campaigns.

He will then end his campaigns at 2.00pm at The Christadelphian Bible Mission (Kenya) CBM (Next to the Legio Maria Church) in Woodley.

“ODM DPL Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya will be in Kibra today for the following campaign events; 1. 10.00am at Church of God in Lainisaba Ward. 2. 12.00pm at PEFA church, Makina Ward. 3. 2.00pm at The Christadelphian Bible Mission (Kenya) CBM (Next to the Legio Maria Church) in Woodley,” reads a post shared by ODM via twitter.

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Politics

Raila to honor hero who paid ultimate price for ODM’s victory in Ganda ward

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga will today (Saturday) honor the hero who ‘paid the ultimate price for ODM’s victory’ in the just concluded Ganda ward by-elections.

Ngumbao Jola, who was felled by assassin’s bullet in Ganda Ward on October 16 will be laid to rest in a ceremony set to be attended by Raila.

ODM through their official twitter handle confirmed that their Party Leader will be there to honour the hero.

“Today, Saturday October 26, we lay to rest our Shujaa Ngumbao Jola, who was felled by assassin’s bullet in Ganda Ward on October 16. Our Party Leader @RailaOdinga will be there to honour the hero who paid the ultimate price for our victory in Ganda. May his memory be blessed,” reads the ODM tweet.

Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa was arrested alongside Otieno, her gardener and domestic worker after Ngumbao was shot dead.

Ngumbao was shot dead during a fracas that erupted at the home of ODM candidate Reuben Katana in Ganda ward.

Trouble started after Jumwa stormed the home to disrupt the meeting between Katana and ODM agents for the by elections, saying the campaign period was over.

Jumwa and her bodyguard, Okuto Otieno, were later granted Sh1 million bond and a surety of a similar amount with the alternative of Sh500,000  bail each after spending one night behind the bars.

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No Diwali! Matiang’i denies Kenyans the most anticipated holiday

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Interior cabinet secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has said that Monday 28th remains a normal working day.

This is after a document started circulating on social media claiming that the CS had gazetted Monday 28th October as a public holiday to mark Diwali celebrations.

The ministry of interior through their social media handles urged Kenyans to ignore the document, citing that it was fake.

“Kindly ignore a gazette notice circulating on social media claiming Monday 28th October 2019 to be a public holiday. Monday 28th remains a normal working day,” read a statement posted on social media by the Ministry.

Diwali, Deepavali or Dipavali is a four-to-five day-long festival of lights, which is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists every autumn in the northern hemisphere. 

The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights,” which are lit on the new-moon night to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

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Politics

Three key ODM politicians summoned over Kibra campaigns

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned three ODM politicians who are expected to appear before the commission on Monday.

Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Babu Owino (Embakasi East) and former Embakasi South MP Irshard Sumra are to record statements regarding allegations they made inciting remarks at a political rally in Kibra constituency.

In an exclusive interview with a local daily on Thursday, NCIC chief executive officer Hassan Mohamed said investigators are piecing together evidence before the file is forwarded to Director of Public Prosecution for action.

“Investigations are ongoing. We have looked at the video clips and investigators are also on the ground looking for more evidence,” Mohamed said.

He however stated that the three politicians had disputed the clips

“When they came here they said they wanted time to look at the video clips before they can record statements. We agreed they come back on October 28,” he said.

Rarieda MP and lawyer Otiende Amolo representing Junet and Babu denied the allegations terming the investigations “prejudicial” .

“The investigators shared with us their fashion of what they claim was said in Kibra. We have taken them and we shall check if they tally with our fashion,” Otiende told journalist after a closed door session with the investigators led by police chief inspector Jonson Kilua.

Mohamed had warned that stern action will be taken against the politicians .

“The commission is in receipt of a number of audio and video clips of politicians making what may amount to inflammatory statements,” he said.

He added: ” The clips are currently being reviewed by the commission in conjunction with other agencies. Should the clips reveal violations of the law, the perpetrators will be held accountable. “

Mohamed noted that campaigns in Kibra have been largely peaceful but accused some campaigners of using abusive language and inciting the electorate.

Mohamed also sounded a warning to social media users, saying those found to be in breach of NCIC Act will not be spared.

“The commission is also monitoring social media platforms to ensure that these platforms are not used to incite violence or propagate hate speech or ethnic contempt. We continue to urge members of the public to maintain peace not just in the areas conducting the by-elections but in the country at large,” he said.

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