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President William Ruto

Embakasi gas plant explosion

In a bold move to address the aftermath of the gas filling plant explosion in Embakasi, President William Ruto has taken decisive action by ordering the immediate dismissal, arrest, and detainment of government officials responsible for issuing licenses to the ill-fated facility.

The president, speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for Chekalini Market in Lugari, Kakamega County, expressed his concern over the operational status of the gas filling plant, emphasizing that it was in direct violation of the law.

President Ruto revealed that unscrupulous government officials had granted permits to the gas dealer, allowing them to operate in a residential area, thereby putting the lives of Kenyan citizens at risk.

He sternly demanded the removal and apprehension of these officials within a tight timeframe of 24 hours, ensuring they face the charges brought against them.

During his address, President Ruto attributed the explosion to a combination of laziness, deceit, and corruption within government offices.

He highlighted the negligence of those who approved the establishment of the gas filling plant in a residential zone, leading to the tragic incident in Nairobi that resulted in numerous injuries.

“I have instructed the Ministry that those responsible for granting the license should be fired, arrested, and detained today,” declared President Ruto, underlining the urgency of the situation.

He further pointed out that the government officials involved had succumbed to bribery, turning a blind eye to regulations and compromising the safety of the community.

The head of state also shed light on the prior warnings given to the gas filling plant owners, instructing them not to establish the facility in the specified area.

However, due to the influence of bribery and a lack of discipline, the license was issued, ultimately culminating in the tragic explosion on Thursday night.

President Ruto’s swift and firm response underscores his commitment to eradicating corruption within government agencies and ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyan citizens.

As the nation grapples with the repercussions of this incident, the president’s actions send a clear message that accountability and adherence to the law are non-negotiable in the pursuit of a secure and lawful society.

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Chief Justice

Azimio party leader Raila Odinga has dropped a bombshell, accusing President William Ruto of orchestrating a strategic move to appoint former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati as the Chief Justice of Kenya.

Raila in his recent media briefing unveiled a purported plot hatched during a crucial meeting between the Judiciary, Parliament, and the Executive at State House, Nairobi.

Raila claims that President Ruto has been offered slots in the gazetted Court of Appeal vacancies, intending to use two of them to appoint Chebukati and his predecessor at IEBC, Issack Hassan, as Court of Appeal judges.

The grand plan allegedly involves Chebukati’s subsequent elevation to Chief Justice before the 2027 General Election.

According to Raila, this clandestine agreement was reached during a meeting at State House, Nairobi, where Chief Justice Martha Koome and Mr. Ruto allegedly struck a deal that involved additional funding to the Judiciary.

Raila details the intricate agreement, asserting that in exchange for additional funding, Chief Justice Koome agreed to advertise vacancies for five high court judges and 11 Court of Appeal judges.

The advertisement for the 11 judges has reportedly already been gazetted. Notably, Raila claims that Ruto intends to forward the names of Chebukati and Ahmed Issack Hassan as Court of Appeal judges, with Chebukati later rising to the position of Chief Justice.

The alleged political maneuvering raises serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the potential influence of the executive in judicial appointments.

If proven true, this revelation could have far-reaching consequences for the credibility of the judicial system and democratic processes in Kenya.

As Raila Odinga brings these accusations to the forefront, the Kenyan political landscape is left grappling with the potential ramifications of this alleged plot.

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President William Ruto meeting with Chief Justice Martha Koome

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has revealed the details of the Monday morning meeting between President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Hussein in a statement shared via his official X account said President Ruto had convened the leadership meeting of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, at the request of the Judiciary.

The meeting aimed at deliberating on building approaches to fight corruption, enhance accountability and to facilitate the efficient and seamless delivery of services to the people of Kenya.

The Executive, Judiciary and Legislature have agreed to each submit, within 30 days, proposals on fighting corruption, improving service delivery and enhancing institutional accountability to a forum of the National Council of the Administration of Justice convened by the Chief Justice.

To optimize the efficient service delivery and the fight against corruption, the Executive and legislature will support the Judiciary’s request for additional budgetry.

Below is the full statement on the deliberations of the meeting.

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Martha Koome with President Ruto

Chief Justice Martha Koome Monday morning held a meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

The meeting aimed to end the stand-off between the Judiciary and the Executive arm of the government.

Although the Judiciary and State House have remained mum on the details of the meeting, Daily Trends has established that National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula was in attendance.

President Ruto had earlier on accused unnamed judges of working with cartels to frustrate the government agenda following injunctions on his legacy projects of health and housing.

The President’s remarks sparked an uproar with the Law Society of Kenya holding demonstrations to protest, arguing that the independence of the Judiciary was being threatened.

President Ruto and his allies continued with the attacks, insisting that the head of state had only called for a dialogue over the alleged corruption in the corridors of justice.

CJ Koome then proposed a meeting, saying she was willing to listen to the president so as to find a lasting solution in what was widely opposed by the legal experts led by the Law Society of Kenya.

Last week, the president announced that he was ready and willing to meet the Chief Justice.

The Opposition led by Raila Odinga opposed the meeting saying it compromises judicial independence.

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Jubilee party nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege on Thursday, January 11, 2024, led a contingent of about 120 Jubilee MCAs to a meeting with President William Ruto.

The meeting was held at the Nakuru State House.

The former ruling party has about 127 MCAs.

Sabina Chege also led the party’s 28 NEC members to the meeting, renewing the leadership wrangles that have been facing the former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party.

Jubilee has been faced with leadership wrangles for months now as two groups claim to be bona fide officials of the party.

One group has remained loyal to Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja coalition while the other shifted allegiance to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza.

The group led by Sabina Chege and former Kieni MP and now EALA MP Kanini Kega supports President Ruto and alleges to have left the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.

Another faction led by Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has remained loyal to the Azimio la Umoja coalition party.

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President William Ruto has demolished a house belonging to one of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet Secretaries.

In the head of state’s move to pave way for his affordable housing project, the luxurious house of former Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed was not spared.

Bulldozers landed on the posh house in Kakamega’s Milimani Estate and brought it down, despite a court order stopping the demolition, that had seen it spared in October last year.

Unknown people are said to have stormed the compound on Monday night and demolished the residential house, as the caretaker watched helplessly.

They made sure that the house had been completely damaged, before leaving.

The government has been demolishing houses in the area to pave way for the affordable housing project.

The house which is registered under the name of Lucas Nandih Shamalla, had been sold on August 7, 2019 to Esmael Mohamed Jibril, the late brother to ex-CS Amina Mohamed.

It is Amina Mohamed who has been living in the house, as his late brother was based in the US.

At some point, Amina Mohammed expressed her interest for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat, but later shelved her ambitions.

In a video shared by Daily Nation, Kakamega residents are seen scrambling for the remains of the materials.

Most of them are seen carrying iron sheets and metallic materials, with some noting that they had at least earned something from the demolition.

The Environment and Land Court in Kakamega had, however, issued injunctive orders on October 11, 2023 restraining the government from interfering with or taking possession of the property pending hearing and determination of a suit filed by Shamalla.

President Ruto has been firm on the affordable housing project, insisting that there is no one that is going to stop him from delivering his key agenda, which he says was in his campaign manifesto.

This has put him at war with the Judiciary which he has accused of colluding with his enemies to sabotage his development projects through court orders.

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President William Ruto has intensified his battle against corruption within the Judiciary, and his latest statement has raised eyebrows and ignited a fresh wave of discussions.

The head of state through his official social media accounts on Thursday, January 4, reiterated his stand against the Judiciary, warning that impunity of bribing judges so as to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under his watch.

In his statement, President Ruto noted that flamboyant lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi had previously warned him of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers.

The first in command further says that he assured the senior counsel that there are many good officers in the judiciary and that his administration will root out the corrupt.

In what looks like a threat against the judicial officers, President Ruto went ahead to quote his famous phrase of “Mambo ni Matatu..waende jela, wahame Kenya ama waende mbinguni”.

“Ahmednasir SC ,you warned me of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers. I told you there are many good officers in the judiciary and that we will root out the corrupt. We shall. Muite SC, the impunity of bribing judges so as not to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under my watch. Not a single cent will be used to bribe nobody. Mambo ya wafisadi wote ni yale nilisema…..,” President Ruto posed.

The president’s post has stirred mixed reactions, with a section of netizens faulting him for the stand.

Some have argued that the move is meant to silence the Judiciary, with others saying commenting that it might cost him the 2027 presidency.

“So corruption is only corruption when it doesn’t favour you? What have you done with the parliament zakayo,” one of the X users posed.

“Wish you used the same energy to hold to account Kimwarer dam culprits. 63B of taxpayers money went down the drain. According to you, Judges are well meaning when they vindicate your cronies. Double standards!” another X user reacted.

President Ruto sparked the conversation when he remarked that the judiciary was being bribed by a few individuals to sabotage his projects.

While making reference to the court order that stopped the housing levy, the head of state said his administration will start disobeying such orders that are aimed at derailing his work.

This attracted condemnation from different sects, among them the Law Society of Kenya, the Kenya judges and magistrates associations, Chief Justice Martha Koome and a section of politicians.

LSK on Wednesday threatened to stage national protests to force President Ruto to withdraw his remarks against the Judiciary, but the head of state seem snot to be letting go of the war any time soon. Or is he?

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Just hours after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) urged President William Ruto to take back his remarks on the Judiciary, vowing to take to the streets for peaceful protests next week, State House has issued a statement telling off the lawyers.

In statement issued by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto has told off LSK for criticising and attempting to advise the President on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

According to the statement, President Ruto’s push for judicial reforms is unstoppable.

State House intimated that the advice by LSK was not necessary as the President has consistently upheld the rule of law and respected court orders, even in regards to his affordable housing pet project.

“We, however, agree with the Law Society of Kenya that Executive impunity is unacceptable. However, legislative impunity, by its own measure, is also unacceptable and so is judicial impunity,” reads the statement in part.

According to the State House Spokesperson, it would be a dereliction of the President’s oath of office, and a betrayal of the people’s mandate to allow their hopes and aspirations to be obstructed by corruption and impunity.

LSK had earlier on announced that it will organize peaceful protests across the country in defense of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 3, LSK President Eric Theuri accused the President of undermining the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary, which he said was “a cornerstone of democracy.”

Moments later, Chief Justice Martha Koome called out perceived judicial intimidation by the Executive and urged judges and judicial officials to carry on with their work without fear of reproach or coercion. 

It all started when President Ruto, while speaking in Nyandarua on Tuesday, claimed that the the Judiciary harbours rogue elements out to sabotage his legacy.

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Lawyer Miguna Miguna has revealed worrying details amid a war between President William Ruto and the Judiciary.

President Ruto caused an uproar after making remarks against the Judiciary.

The head of state while speaking in Nyandarua on Tuesday, January 2, alleged that some rulings made by the Judiciary were slowing down the implementation of the Kenya Kwanza development agenda.

One of the rulings that provoked the President’s ire was the court order that halted the implementation of the 1.5 per cent housing levy on salaried Kenyans, declaring it unconstitutional.

President Ruto claimed that the court order was a setback to his administration’s efforts to provide affordable housing to Kenyans, which is one of the pillars of the Kenya Kwanza development agenda, and hinted at disobeying subsequent orders.

This irked a section of Kenyans, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announcing that it will organize peaceful protests across the country in defense of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary.

LSK has also urged its members to wear purple ribbons throughout the next week as a symbol of protest against the President’s threats to defy court orders, which it termed as a “constitutional coup” and a “return of an autocratic regime.”

However, the State House in a quick rejoinder affirmed that President Ruto’s push for judicial reforms is unstoppable, telling off the LSK for criticising and attempting to advise the Head of State on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

In a subsequent statement by Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, State House intimated that the advice by LSK was not necessary as the President has consistently upheld the rule of law and respected court orders, even in regards to his affordable housing pet project.

The State House response prompted Miguna Miguna to take to his official social media accounts to reveal details that should worry Kenyans.

According to Miguna Miguna, this is just but the beginning of dictatorship in the country.

Miguna says dictatorship starts when the country is hungry, exhausted and desperate.

He goes ahead to note that the dictatorship starts by killing organized institutions and spaces that would protect the people against excesses by those in power.

“This is how dictatorship starts. It creeps in when the country is hungry, exhausted and desperate. It starts by killing organized institutions and spaces that would protect the people against excesses by those in power.

“We cannot allow anyone to turn the judiciary into a scared, threatened and bludgeoned institution because that cannot be in the interest of the people. We need a strong, INDEPENDENT, competent and ETHICAL judiciary. We cannot build one through executive threats, intimidation, coercion, or bribery!” Miguna posted.

In a separate statement, the JSC had also expressed concern over the public criticism and vilification of judges and judicial officers for issuing court orders that are perceived to be against state programmes and policies.

 JSC reaffirmed the independence and integrity of the judiciary as “a co-equal arm of government”, as enshrined in the constitution, and urged all judges and judicial officers to continue performing their judicial duties “without fear or favour”.

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  • Chief Justice Martha Koome has taken a firm stand against allegations made by President Ruto and his allies, accusing some officers within the Judiciary of operating with impunity.
  • The Chief Justice highlighted the positive duties of the State in ensuring respect for the law and adherence to it.
  • CJ Koome underscored the significance of respecting court orders, particularly when they involve disputes between citizens and the State.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has fired a response to President William Ruto over his remarks on the Judiciary.

CJ Koome has taken a firm stand against allegations made by President Ruto and his allies, accusing some officers within the Judiciary of operating with impunity.

In an internal memo to judges, judicial officers and staff seen by Daily Trends on Wednesday, January 3, she condemned the remarks as they touch on matters presently still being deliberated in court, noting that they can hence only serve to intimidate judges to rule in a certain way.

The Supreme Court President also emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial processes and called upon all Kenyans to report any acts that could compromise the judiciary.

Defending the Rule of Law

CJ Koome underscored the significance of respecting court orders, particularly when they involve disputes between citizens and the State.

She emphasized that deliberate disregard or disobedience of court orders by State officials undermines citizens’ right to access justice, posing a threat to the effectiveness of the legal system that citizens rely on to enforce their rights and legal duties.

Positive Duties of the State

The Chief Justice highlighted the positive duties of the State in ensuring respect for the law and adherence to it.

She urged State and Public Officers to recognize their responsibilities in upholding the rule of law, emphasizing the need for effective mechanisms to resolve disputes.

This statement reaffirms the Judiciary’s commitment to maintaining a legal system that citizens can trust and depend on.

JSC’s Commitment to Accountability

In response to the allegations, Chief Justice Koome assured the public that the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) is dedicated to keeping the Judiciary in order.

She emphasized that any judges or magistrates with questionable behavior would be promptly investigated, and the JSC has a proven record of taking swift action against those found in breach of the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics or engaged in corrupt practices.

Encouraging Whistleblowers

She further encouraged individuals with information on any acts threatening the integrity of judicial processes to come forward and report such cases to the JSC.

CJ Koome noted that the JSC is committed to transparency, and any allegations of misconduct or corruption will be dealt with firmly and swiftly in accordance with the Constitution.

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  • The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has declared a call to action with nationwide protests set to unfold next week.
  • This follows President William Ruto’s recent verbal assault on the Judiciary.
  • Expressing deep concern, the LSK highlighted the potential jeopardy to the Judiciary’s integrity posed by Ruto’s remarks.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has declared a call to action with nationwide protests set to unfold next week, spurred by President William Ruto’s recent verbal assault on the Judiciary.

President Ruto while speaking at the funeral of the father of Nyandarua Senator John Methu in Njabini on Tuesday, January 2, alleged a scheme by a few individuals who  bribe judges to halt key development projects across the country through court orders.

This seismic clash has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with legal professionals and political figures alike condemning Ruto’s remarks as an affront to the very bedrock of Kenya’s democracy.

1. LSK’s Stand Against Ruto’s Attack on the Judiciary

The Law Society of Kenya, in a press briefing on Wednesday, minced no words as it criticized President Ruto for his scathing comments that linked the courts to cartels.

Expressing deep concern, the LSK highlighted the potential jeopardy to the Judiciary’s integrity posed by Ruto’s remarks.

The LSK President Eric Theuri said all advocates and legal practitioners will put on yellow ribbons during the demos to signify their support for the Judiciary and the rule of law.

Theuri who was flanked by his deputy Faith Odhiambo, urged President Ruto to recant his statements as he is setting a bad precedent for the rule of law in country.

This move by the legal fraternity underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to protect the sanctity of the judicial system.

2. Judges and Magistrates Association Joins the Fray

In a rare show of unity, the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association also took a stand against Ruto’s verbal onslaught.

Accusing the President of flouting court orders, the association emphasized the constitutional duty to protect and uphold the independence of the Judiciary.

“Judges and judicial officers can not work freely with such threats, especially when made by no other than the President himself.

“By disobeying the Court Orders, the President is disobeying the very Constitution which he swore to protect and uphold by trampling upon the independence of the Judiciary,” reads the statement in part.

This condemnation adds weight to the growing opposition against what many perceive as an attack on a fundamental pillar of Kenya’s democracy.

3. Political Figures Speak Out

Leaders from various political quarters have also joined the chorus of disapproval.

KANU Secretary for Political Affairs, Fredrick Okango, urged the Law Society of Kenya to take decisive action against Ruto, emphasizing the threat posed to the independence of the Judiciary.

This sentiment was echoed by other lawyers and opposition figures, including Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who called for a united front against the perceived undermining of judicial autonomy.

4. Ruto’s Threat to Judicial Independence

The heart of the matter lies in Ruto’s alleged threat to the independence of the Judiciary.

Critics argue that by disobeying court orders, the President is not only undermining the Constitution he swore to protect but is also endangering the very fabric of Kenya’s democratic institutions.

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the delicate balance between the executive and the judiciary.

As the nation braces itself for a week of protests, the clash between President William Ruto and the Judiciary unveils a complex narrative of power dynamics and the struggle to uphold democratic principles.

The Law Society of Kenya’s call to action signals a collective determination to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the political landscape in Kenya.

The coming days will undoubtedly be a litmus test for the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions and the nation’s commitment to the rule of law.

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President William Ruto’s foreign trips will not attract any investors into the country, opposition leader Raila Odinga has said.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citizen TV aired on Wednesday evening, the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader said Kenya Kwanza’s hiked taxes are scaring away investors.

According to the former Prime Minister, the head of state’s foreign trips are a waste of time.

Raila went ahead to note that the current administration has created a very unfriendly environment for business and as result, investors are opting for tax-friendly destinations.

He said investors ask those already in the country how the environment is before they choose to invest.

President Ruto has made more than 40 foreign trips to several countries since taking over power in September last year and has defended them as a mission to attract foreign investors to Kenya and organize jobs abroad for Kenyans.

Speaking on December 17 at State House during a joint press interview, the President said that despite his many travels he can account for every shilling.

The President said that through his foreign travels, Kenya has benefited from the bilateral deals that have revived stalled projects and given Kenyans jobs.

Ruto admitted that he has travelled more than his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta and affirmed that it is because of that the country is now stable.

An analysis of Controller of Budget reports, since Ruto ascended to power in September last year, shows that the presidency has spent Sh357 million on foreign travel alone.

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Hold onto your hats, folks, because it seems like the first daughter, Charlene Chelagat Ruto, has stumbled upon the recipe for love!

In the midst of the country’s festive chaos, Charlene was busy charming the in-laws in the scenic villages of Kakamega. Forget about Christmas traffic; this love affair is the real buzz in town!

While you were unwrapping gifts and raiding the fridge for leftovers, Charlene Ruto was off the market and deep into the heart of Eshifiru village in Kakamega, embarking on what can only be described as a meet-the-mother-in-law extravaganza. Move over, Christmas carols; there’s a new love ballad in town!

In a dazzling display of affection, legendary gospel maestro Daddy Owen played cupid in a private introduction ceremony at his rural abode.

Dressed to the nines, Charlene, flanked by her own security entourage and a troupe of Isikuti dancers, took center stage alongside her dashing divorcee suitor.

Daddy Owen separated from his then wife, Farida Wambui, back in 2021. Wambui is said to have left the crooner for a Gilgil-based tycoon.

Picture this: President Ruto’s daughter in a ravishing red dress, Daddy Owen rocking a brown and black designer shirt with a touch of mystery under a black hat. The chemistry was undeniable as they waltzed through the low-key affair, attended by close-knit family and a sprinkle of A-list friends.

The lovebirds didn’t just exchange googly eyes; they also exchanged gifts, echoing a scene straight out of a heartwarming family drama.

Owen, in a gesture that would make Cupid himself proud, tied a lesso around Charlene’s waist, sealing the deal and making us all swoon.

And it turns out, this love story wasn’t born overnight. Back in November, Daddy Owen teased us with photos of a friendly basketball match between him and Charlene.

The internet detectives went wild, speculating that there was more brewing between them than just a friendly game.

Prior to their private event, the two were seen moving together in Nairobi City, jumping from one Nganya to another through different routes, dishing out Christmas gifts and vouchers to random Nairobians.

“Juzi together with Charlene Ruto we decided kuingia random matatus on different routes in Nairobi just to gift and surprise commuters with Christmas shopping vouchers plus kuwalipia fare!” Daddy Owen captioned a video posted on his official Instagram account.

The two have also been spotted together on several occasions doing charity works and supporting talent.

As the curtains fall on this clandestine love affair, we can’t help but root for Charlene Chelagat Ruto and Daddy Owen.

Forget political drama; it’s all about the love brewing in the heart of Kakamega. Cheers to the first daughter and her newfound romance – may their love story be as epic as a holiday blockbuster!

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Kenyans on social media have expressed mixed reactions after it was revealed that President William Ruto will fly to India on Monday, December 4.

President Ruto who is currently attending COP28 in Dubai will be making his inaugural state visit to India.

He will be in India for three days and will engage in bilateral talks with various government officials besides holding discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ruto will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on December 5.

On the other hand, a state banquet will also be hosted by the Prime Minister in honour of Ruto and his delegation.

It was detailed that the ceremonial welcome was aimed at India’s goal of enhancing its foreign relations with Kenya.

President Ruto has made over 40 foreign trips in under one and a half years since he took over from Uhuru Kenyatta on September 12, 2023. 

The revelation about his trip to India has sparked heated social media reactions, with a section of Kenyans expressing their displeasure against the head of state.

Some say that the term “tangatanga” that he had been branded during the last term of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime was a definition of his true self.

Others have urged the President to stay long in the country and find a way of turning around the economy.

Below are screenshots of some of the reactions.

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Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai has listed Cabinet Secretaries who he says President William Ruto must fire for him to succeed in his first term.

Taking to his official social media handles Thursday morning, the blogger-politician listed CS Eliud Owalo ICT), Florence Bore (Labour and Social Protection), Aisha Jumwa (Public Service, Affirmative Action and Gender), Alfred Mutua (Fireign Affairs) and Roselinda Soipan Tuiya (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry).

He further accused Dr. Mutua of lacking truth and honesty.

“Ruto, if you want to succeed in your first term; Fire Eliud Owalo, Florence Bore, Aisha Jumwa, Alfred Mutua and Roselinda Soipan. Give them other jobs like directors elsewhere but the CS job imewashinda. Mtu kama Mutua I think doesn’t have any affinity with truth or honesty. His character is to exaggerate and tell petty fibs,” Alai posted on Twitter.

Alai’s comments comes amid speculations of a looming cabinet reshuffle.

The speculations are based on the attacks on some Cabinet Secretaries by President Ruto’s close allies.

Embattled Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni told one of the leading local dailies that the ongoing happenings are most likely being informed by an approaching cabinet reshuffle.

MPs allied to Ruto have been attacking ministers, the latest one being Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.

Namwamba has found himself under heavy criticism over claims he failed to facilitate the Kenyan team that participated in the Special Olympics in Germany.

According to Kioni, these are not just MPs holding the minister to account, but possibly people being used to paint him and the others who have been accused black to give Ruto a reason to switch them.

Ruto’s MPs have also had issues with Owalo, Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Susan Nakhumicha (Health) Florence Bore (Labour) and Alfred Mutua of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Do you think Robert Alai’s advice to the head of state is as a result of the actions of the above-mentioned MPs?

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The move by Equity Bank to place the infrastructure based investment firm Transcentury and its subsidiary East African Cables under receivership over a debt of Shs 4.8 billion is a wake up call to President Ruto and his government.

As President Ruto strives to create a conducive environment for investors to create and grow businesses in order to create jobs, the predatory move by creditors like Equity Bank will definitely derail the KK government job creation agenda.

Equity Bank this week announced that Muriu Thoithi and George Weru of PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) have been appointed joint receivers of Transcentury with effect from June 16th 2023.

The bank also appointed Thoithi and Weru as joint administrators of East Africa Cables.

In an advertisement placed on local dailies, Equity Bank stated that “ The powers of director (of Transcentury) in terms of dealing with the company’s business and assets no longer apply. Any person who purports to hold, receive, use, or attempt to buy or sell, contract or otherwise deal with the company without the prior written consent of the receivers will be acting in contravention of the law and will be liable to legal action.”

The move has predictably alarmed the business community and every one else who cares about the Kenyan economy.

Everyone understands very well how such drastic and draconian actions by banks have in the past killed healthy companies, leading to massive job losses and sending thousands into poverty.

It’s common knowledge that receiver managers in kenya are like morticians whose clients never live after. Blue Chip companies such as Nakumatt, ARM Cement and Deacons East Africa never survived receivership.

Its still fresh in many people’s minds how the Kenyan horticulture sector suffered when the country’s largest flower firm Karuturi Limited was placed under receivership by Stanbic Bank over a Shs 383 million debt.

More than 3,000 workers lost their livelihood and Naivasha town has never been the same ever after.

The effects of the collapse of Nakumatt chain of supermarkets are still felt today.

Other companies which have suffered under these banks include Kinangop Wind Park, Pan Paper Mills, Spencon, Mumias Sugar and Eveready East Africa.

It is high time President Ruto intervened and saved local investors and businesses from these vulture-like banks who seem to derive sadistic joy in killing companies.

For starters the government must initiate amendments to the receivership laws to curb the cannibalistic tendencies of banks like Equity Bank who hardly care about public interest.
If not checked, the move by Equity Bank will take down another local success story and send thousands of employees into poverty during these hard economic times.

The banks must not be allowed to operate unilaterally without taking into consideration the interests of the staff, other creditors, clients, taxman, regional integration and the economy at large.

The president must intervene and bring together the business community to charter a new way forward for the country before these banks kill kenya’s economy.

Equity Bank must be told in no uncertain terms that its frustrating the government and the country’s economic aspirations .

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