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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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Politics

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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Politics

Uhuru’s ‘railway to nowhere’ remains closed days after launch as residents cry for help

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A week after the Mai Mahiu SGR station was opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta it has remained closed and inaccessible much to the chagrin of travelers and local residents.

The situation has been worsened by ongoing rains and dilapidated road that connects the station to the nearby Mai Mahiu-Narok Road.

Residents have now called on the government to either pave or upgrade the access road to murram standard.

Addressing the press at the Mai Mahiu SGR station, Benson Mungai, a local leader, said passengers willing to travel to Nairobi from the station are being referred to Suswa station, which is 30km from Mai Mahiu town.

“We saw the train here on Saturday and Sunday, and it only dropped passengers while those wishing to board it are told to travel all the way to Suswa in Narok County,” Mungai said.

His sentiments were echoed by a local elder, Peter Ngigi, who said he parted with Sh600 to pay a boda boda rider to ferry him and his wife to the Mai Mahi SGR station.

At the SGR station, the elder said they were told there were no tickets and then referred to the Suswa station.

 “The President disputed reports that this railway was heading to nowhere and said it would assist residents access the capital city with ease but we don’t know what is the meaning of closing this station,” Ngigi said.

Another local resident, Freshia Njoki, called on the government to power the villages near the SGR station using the railway’s transformer.

“The station has a transformer that can be used to power four villages, and as the host community we ought to benefit from government projects near us,” she said.

But during Mashujaa Day celebrations, Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui promised that the road linking the Mai Mahiu SGR termins would be upgraded.

“Plans are underway to construct a road from the Mai Mahiu-Narok Road to the newly-opened SGR station in Mai Mahiu,” he said.

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Politics

Itumbi trolled for begging Kenyans to take Mariga for shopping in Othaya

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former sate house director of digital and diaspora communications Dennis Itumbi on Thursday found himself in trouble with Kenyans when he invited Kenyans to take Jubilee candidate in Kibra mini polls McDonald Mariga for shopping in Othaya market.

Itumbi through his official twitter account said that Mariga had invited his supporters in and outside Kibra Constituency to take him shopping in Othaya Market.

He noted that Mariga would later on after the shopping unveil his Infrastructure and Trade Manifesto.

” Jubilee Candidate MacDonald Mariga is inviting his supporters in and outside Kibra Constituency to take him shopping in Othaya Market. After shopping he will unveil his Infrastructure and Trade Manifesto,” tweeted Itumbi.

Kenyans on twitter however could not take any of Itumbi’s invitations.

While reacting to the post, Itumbi was trolled, with some alleging that Itumbi is just creating a confusion since Mariga had no any manifesto.

Some went ahead to tell him off, arguing that fingers will be pointed at him should Mariga fail to clinch to parliamentary seat in the by-elections scheduled for November 7.

Here are some of the reactions.

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Politics

Uhuru nominates Maina Kamanda’s son-in-law for a top state job

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated Maina Kamanda’a son-in-law for a top state job.

In a gazette notice, Uhuru nominated Danvas Makori to National Cohesion and Integration Commission pending approval from goverment.

Mr Kamanda, a former Starehe MP, was also nominated to Parliament by the president after losing in nominations to musician Charles Njagua alias Jaguar.

Mr Makori, a former Finance Minister in Governor Mike Sonko’s goverment, was sacked by the city hall boss after a slight disagreement.

Uhuru further nominated Samuel Kona, former Rangwe MP Phillip Okundi, Peris Nyutu, former Madera East MP Abdulaziz Ali Farah, Fatuma Tabwara, former Vihiga Woman Rep Dorcas Kedogo as members.

Clergyman Samuel Kobia is expected to take over as Chairman NCIC following his nomination. The team was previously headed by Francis Ole Kaparo.

Born in March 1947, Kobia is a Methodist clergyman and the first African to be elected as the secretary-general of the World Council of Churches serving between 2004 and 2009.

Kobia also served as a commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission between 2013 and 2015 before his abrupt resignation.

Makori, who is married to Kamanda’s daughter, was accused by Sonko of working with former Governor Evans Kidero. Sonko also accused him of calling him an academic dwarf.

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Politics

Sonko opens up on connections with Ruto’s company, how he paid millions

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has admitted to paying millions of shillings to Amaco Insurance, a company reportedly associated with Deputy President Dr William Ruto.

Speaking on Wednesday night on the Pointblank show hosted by Tony Gachoka, Governor Sonko rebuffed claims that the payment smacked of corruption.

“I paid Amaco. A company which is associated with the Deputy President, ” he said.

According to the flamboyant county boss, the Nairobi County government entered into a contract with the insurance company even before he became the governor.

The contract would see vehicles belonging to the county government of Nairobi panel beaten back to shape should they be damaged.

Sonko explained that Amaco sub-contracted panel beating to another company he said is owned by his friend.

He rejected claims that the award of the tender was flawed, saying that Amaco was subjected to a competitive and rigorous process before the tender was awarded.

The payment to Amaco is part of an ongoing investigation initiated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

According to the EACC, money was wired to Governor Sonko’s personal account by an individual who was given a tender by the county government of Nairobi, raising questions of financial impropriety.

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Politics

Onyango Oloo puts up fight to save his job

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ousted Kisumu Speaker Onyango Oloo put up a spirited fight Tuesday afternoon in an effort to save his job.

Mr Oloo, through his advocates, presented arguments seeking to sway the Employment and Labour Court to rule in his favour even as defense lawyers urged the court to dismiss the suit.

The embattled former Speaker will know his fate on December 10 when the court delivers a verdict on his suit challenging his impeachment.

Muga Apondi and Carlos Omondi told Justice Nduma Nderi that Oloo’s rights were violated after ward representatives failed to give him ample time to respond to allegations made against him.

“Within an hour of issuance of the notice, the County Assembly met and purported to impeach him,” said Mr Apondi, adding that there was no evidence linking Oloo to theft of funds at the County Assembly.

The advocates claimed Oloo made an attempt to issue a response but was barred from accessing the County Assembly by hooligans.

But in an affidavit filed by acting Speaker Elisha Oraro, the County Assembly said Oloo’s impeachment was lawful. They said the decision was made by the House Business Committee before it was communicated to the MCAs for debate.

Oloo is seeking six orders, including one reinstating him as Speaker. He is also fighting for the reinstatement of the benefits, allowances and privileges that he enjoyed when in office.

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