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Former Raila’s right hand man dumps ODM Party

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Opposition chief Raila Odinga’s former aide Eliud Owalo has officially resigned from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

While tendering his resignation from the Orange Party, Owalo noted that his political ideology, convictions and belief no longer has convergence or depict any congruence and common denominator with that of the ODM Party.

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Owallo has been rumored to be among the 15-member think tank which has been allegedly hired by ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi ahead of his 2022 political gameplan.

In 2013, Owallo worked as Raila’s presidential campaign manager, but the two fell out in the run-up to the 2017 polls after contesting the Kibra parliamentary seat.

Also advising Mudavadi is lawyer Sam Karanja who chaired Jubilee’s Appeals Tribunal.

Owallo is also among politicians eyeing Kibra parliamentary seat that fell vacant following the demise of former MP Ken Okoth who succumbed to cancer.

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Politics

Mudavadi’s 15-member think tank that will see him outshine Ruto, Raila in 2022

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Amani National Congress Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi has tapped into political think tanks, some of which previously worked for President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition chief Raila Odinga ahead of his 2022 political gameplan.

According to a local daily, the 15-member think tank includes Eliud Owallo, a management consultant whose firm, Eluid and Associates, has been bagging huge consultancy work in and out of government.

In 2013, Owallo worked as Raila’s presidential campaign manager, but the two fell out in the run-up to the 2017 polls after contesting the Kibra parliamentary seat.

Also advising Mudavadi is lawyer Sam Karanja who chaired Jubilee’s Appeals Tribunal.

He was among the drafters of Jubilee Party election laws as well as rules and regulations.

Others are Eric Wafukho, George Musyoka and David Kabeberi.

Wafukho, a leadership and governance consultant, served on the Nasa Policy, Research and Strategy Team in 2017.

Musyoka, on the other hand, was the 2017 Team Uhuru campaign coordinator for Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties for the Jubilee Party and President Kenyatta’s presidential campaign.

Kabeberi, an accounting and financial expert, was involved in Kibaki and Uhuru’s campaigns as a political strategist, especially in fundraising

To manage his communication unit, the ANC Party leader recently hired well-known media personality Jimmi Gathu as his new media liaison boss.

The politburo’s mandate is to develop new political strategies and come up with what some insiders have described as a new “unstoppable” Mudavadi”

He has also set up a presidential campaign secretariat on posh Riverside Drive in Nairobi, away from the ANC offices in Lavington.

Having become MP at only age 28, Mudavadi is a wealthy man and can comfortably finance a good political campaign from his personal resources.

He also has deep connections with Kenya’s wealthiest families including ex-President Daniel Moi’s family, which backed his election in 2013.

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Politics

Miguna goes after Raila’s neck, exposes his allegedly grabbed wealth( Photos)

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Exiled controversial lawyer Dr Miguna Miguna has taken issue with ODM leader Raila Odinga for mourning the departed Kibra MP Ken Okoth.

Barely hours after the Kibra lawmaker’s death, Miguna Miguna has hit out at Raila, accusing him of looting during his tenure as an Lang’ata MP.

Miguna who has praised Ken Okoth for working hard to better the lives of Kibra people says Raila was doing the opposite.

He has gone ahead to expose the wealth he alleges Raila got using public funds. He has accused the AU envoy of building himself big hotels in Kisumu as Ken Okoth built schools and health centres for Kibra people.

Miguna has accused Raila of building Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu with billions of public money he had allegedly stolen as Prime Minister.

He further accuses Raila of looting to build Nkandlas in Kisumu, which he argues that it is worth Ksh 2.5 billion.

“As Jacon Zuma was looting public money and building Nkandlas, in Kenya, The Kabaka Yekka @RailaOdinga was looting, competing with Uhuru, Ruto and Moi in plunder and building Nkandlas in Kisumu. Below is @RailaOdinga‘s Nkandla built at Shs. 2.5B public money,” tweeted Miguna Miguna.

The lawyer further accuses Raila of looting 11 billion of public money from Kazi Kwa Vijana and built himself a Taj Mahal and 3 five star hotels in Kisumu.

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The Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu allegedly owned by Raila. PHOTO/ COURTESY

“Ken Okoth used the modest CDF to construct more than 5 major schools in Kibra in less than 7 years while The People’s Con-Man Kabaka Yekka @RailaOdinga looted Shs. 11 billion of public money from Kazi Kwa Vijana and built himself a Taj Mahal and 3 five star hotels in Kisumu,” tweeted Miguna.

Miguna further says that Raila was an anti-Okoth crusader, alleging that he arranged to have him stoned in the run-up to the 2017 polls.

The former Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant accused Raila of trying to use illegal ways to push Okoth out of the Kibera race in favour of his daughter Rosemary Odinga who was also eyeing the seat before she was taken ill.

He also observed that Okoth’s seven-year tenure outdid Raila’s 25 years when he represented the area when it was under the larger Langata constituency.

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Politics

VIDEO: Raila reveals unknown details about Ken Okoth

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has revealed more details about the late Kibra MP Ken Okoth and his death.

While speaking to NTV barely hours after Okoth’s death, Raila disclosed how he helped Ken Okoth run Kibra Constituency during his ailing moment.

“I was like a substitute member. I tried to do what he was doing, helping the people of Kibra. I used to work behind the scenes helping the people of Kibra. As you know, poor people need a lot of attention as emergencies tend to often arise,” said the ODM leader.

Raila said he was shocked with the news of Okoth’s death as he planned to board his private plane from Mombasa to to Nairobi to check on the MP, who he thought was still alive.

“I spoke to him about a month ago, but the day before he died, I had a bad premonition. I went to look for him at The Nairobi Hospital then I was told that he had been discharged.

He further revealed how he had spent an hour just looking for Ken Okoth a day before his death.

“Yesterday(Friday) in the morning I went to several functions before flying out to Mombasa. I was hoping to see him when I came back today, then at the airport, I realised that he had passed on. The day before he died I spent one hour looking for him,” a sad Raila revealed.

In his moving tribute, Raila said that Ken battled Cancer with unique bravery while serving his voters to the last minutes of his life.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our MP Hon. @okothkenneth. Ken battled Cancer with unique bravery while serving his voters to the last minutes of his life. May God grant peace and strength to his family and may he Rest In Peace,” he posted on twitter.

The late Kibra MP who died on Friday at The Nairobi Hospital had instructed his family not to put him on life support when his condition deteriorated.

Watch Raila’s interview with NTV below:

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Politics

Ghost of election petitions return to haunt Raila ally

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives have arrested former Ugenya constituency Member of Parliament and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s close ally Chris Karan.

Karan has been arrested for allegedly forging documents used in an election petition against the now Ugenya MP David Ochieng.

His arrested saw his lawyer George Mugoye Mbaya and two doctors George Owino and Mohammed Adan Mohamed also arrested over the same allegations.

According to The Standard, they are accused of colluding to prepare and use the forged documents in the petition challenging the election of Mr. Karan filed by the former MP David Ochieng’.

Mr Karan is accused of allegedly presenting a forged letter indicating that he had been admitted to Alfarooq Hospital, as a justification for responding to the petition after the deadline.

In the sworn affidavit he presented in court, Karan said he has been admitted to the facility with fever and vomiting from September 6 to 13, 2017.

EACC says they will be charged with the “offences of providing false information under the leadership and integrity act 2012, forgery, uttering false documents, and making false declaration under the penal code”.

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Fear of arrest? Murathe’s ‘successor’ in Jubilee offers a public apology to Raila, Tuju

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Last week, a video widely circulated on social media that appeared to show the outspoken Sirisia MP John Walukhe , a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto attacking Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju and his ethnic community, Luo.

The clip attracted the attention of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission which has hence summoned Waluke for grilling on Thursday.

Commission secretary Hassan Mohamed told the media that the legislator violated section 62 of the NCIC Act.

But the outspoken MP has now come out publicly to offer an apology to Tuju, ODM leader Raila Odinga and the entire Luo Community.

Speaking to the press at Parliament buildings, Waluke said that his ethic slur came as result of the sleep of the tongue.

He also disclosed that he is the current acting Jubilee Party Vice chairman after taking over from Dvid Murathe who resigned.

Below is the full video of Waluke’s apology.

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Politics

Why Aukot’s referendum push is a win for Ruto, a blow to Uhuru and Raila

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have been pushing for constitutional changes through their Building Brides initiative, but will it be an easy journey?

Well, Thirdway Alliance Party leader Dr Ekuru Aukot is pushing for constitutional changes as well. Whilst President Kenytatta and Raila are pushing for more representation, over representation is Dr Aukot’s major concern.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Thursday approved 1.2 of the 1.4 million signatures which Aukot had presented for scrutiny by the commission.

With the law dictating that a person seeking to implement changes in the constitution present one million signatures, Aukot has cruised past the first section of the test.

Consequently, this exposes the nation to a possible referendum, probably next year, which comes as a blow to Uhuru and Raila, who have been pushing for an expanded government.

Aukot, on the other hand, is pushing to have elective seats reduced.

This will, therefore, force the two to go back to the drawing board to consider other ways of realising their push, putting into consideration that it will be impossible to their referendum bid to materialise with Aukot’s also looming.

Political analyst Herman Manyora claims that Deputy President Dr William Ruto stands to benefit from the referendum push by Dr Aukot.

Through his YouTube channel, Manyora explained that Aukot’s plans go through then the country can’t hold another plebiscite until 2022.

In his opinion, this would frustrate plans by the ODM Party Leader to hold a similar exercise to amend the Constitution. 

“There are those who believe that if this referendum were to be undertaken, not even go through, just to be undertaken then it would make it nearly impossible for any other group, BBI and the handshake included, to bring another referendum to Kenyans before the next election. 

“Therefore Ruto will have scored if the Thirdway Alliance was able to be taken to the people for a vote,” Manyora explained.

He went on to add that skeptics were claiming that the ‘Punguza Mzigo’ initiative would die before it reaches the County Assembly because of the many legal issues surrounding it.

Watch Manyora’s video below:

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Politics

Blow to Ruto as Uhuru comes to Tuju’s defense

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President Dr William Ruto on Sunday took a swipe at Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju questioning his new role in ODM leader Raila Odinga’s team, two days after the CS without portfolio attended a meeting with ODM leaders in Rarieda constituency.

Ruto’s post on twitter sparked a debate with his close allies calling for the resignation of Tuju following his suspected links with Raila.

“So our democracy is so liberal that the SG of a ruling party has become the chief strategist of the opposition!! Maajabu (wonders),” Ruto’s post read.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has however defended Tuju over the claims.

State House spokesperson Kanze Dena told the Nation Tuesday that Mr Tuju’s Rarieda meeting was official and it was sanctioned by the President.

“The meeting in Rarieda was a government function and Mr Tuju was there in his capacity as the presidential representative,” said Ms Dena.

Kanze Dena further revealed that Tuju had an official speech of the President that he was to read.

“The Cabinet Secretary had an official speech of the President and, therefore, it was not a private function but a development event by the government.”

Mr Tuju also confirmed that he read the Head of State’s speech as a government official.

“It was indeed an official trip. On our arrival, we were received by the local administration and Permanent Secretary in the State department of Youth,” he said.

On Thursday last week, Mr Tuju, Siaya Senator James Orengo, MPs Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Jubilee secretariat official Steve Mwanga flew to Rarieda in one chopper to tour various development projects, sparking controversy in Jubilee.

Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju (left), Senator James Orengo and MP Otiende Amollo at a past function. [Source/James Orengo/Twitter]
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Politics

Details: Raila’s threats that cowed Uhuru into handshake

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The March 9, 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his opposition counterpart Raila Odinga has remained to be a history after putting calm on the political tension that was boiling in the Country. But how did it come to be?

Well, as Deputy President Dr William Ruto continues throwing jibe at Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju over his links with Raila, Tuju has revealed other unknown details of how the handshake came to be.

In an exclusive interview with one of the local dailies, Tuju narrated how Odinga used threats of secession to force the president into the handshake.

Tuju claimed that Odinga threatened to unify all the areas that supported him in the 2017 General Election and push for autonomy.

“Before the handshake, there were some people who had ignited the secession debate so you ask yourself who would want to lead a nation which part of the population wants to secede,” Tuju continued.

The CS without portfolio went on to explain that the president had no option but to give in to Odinga’s demands so as to keep the nation united.

“The fate of Kenya depended on resolving issues of enjoining all in the government for everyone to feel part and parcel of this country,” he explained.

He further stated that those fighting the handshake were ill-advised as no one would want to lead a divided nation.

Tuju also explained how difficult it was for both parties to have a seat down and resolve the issues due to their insider’s tough stands.

The decision to have the handshake, according to Tuju, was a move to put the nation’s interests before their individual ones.

On Sunday, Ruto threw jibe at Tuju accusing him of being an opposition strategist despite being Secretary General to a ruling party.

But in his response, Tuju stated that he did not wish to engage the DP in a public spat.

“I refuse to be drawn into a public argument with the deputy president, or engage him through the media, because he is my boss.

“I am committed to supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta’s efforts to unite the country, through bold steps like the BBI, the handshake, the fight against corruption and the Big Four agenda,” cited the CS without portfolio.

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Politics

Raila, Uhuru’s 2022 system of government that might lock out Ruto

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

With 2022 drawing near, different political leaders with interests in succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta have been seen to have already started campaigning.

Deputy President Dr William Ruto leads in early campaigns despite warning from the head of state. This has prompted the emergence of two factions within ruling party Jubilee, the team kieleweke and Tanga tanga.

But will these campaigns add any value come 2022? Well, the country could be headed for a parliamentary system of government with the Prime Minister being head of government, if proposals by the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) that mirror recommendations in the Bomas draft are implemented.

According to one of the local dailies, the preliminary report was reportedly shared with the principals last week and the team will retreat to write the final report next month.

The Standard reports that preliminary report proposes a Cabinet appointed from among MPs of not more than 20 ministers, including two deputy Prime Ministers, reintroduces deputy ministers, raises allocations to counties to 45 per cent and recommends a reduction of the number of MPs to 209 from 416.   

The 12-member team tasked to propose measures to end ethnic antagonism every election year, wants the President to be elected by a three-tier Electoral College through a secret ballot for a non-renewable term of seven years.

Alternatively, the team proposes that the election of the President be by direct adult suffrage through a secret ballot on the Tuesday immediately preceding the 21 days before the expiry of the term of the sitting President.

The President shall be the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. 

According to BBI, the national executive authority of the republic shall be exercised in accordance with the Constitution by, or on the authority of, the President and the Prime Minister together with the rest of the Cabinet.

“The President shall exercise the powers and perform the functions of that office on the advice of the Cabinet unless this constitution states otherwise,” the proposal reads in part.

The team suggests that the President shall appoint and may dismiss the Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers and the ministers.

Other officials appointed or fired by the President are deputy ministers, judges of the superior courts and any other State or public officer who is appointed by the President.

The team proposes that the deputy president shall be the principal assistant and shall not serve for more than two terms.

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Tuju slams Ruto’s Tangatanga, tells them to keep off Raila, Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju has defended President Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2018 truce with ODM leader Raila Odinga which has been seen as the main issue causing rift in Jubilee Party.

The ruling party has been experiencing disagreements and public exchanges between rival members and warring factions.

Speaking in Siaya, Tuju said that the party remains strong and intact despite having given indications of internal problems over the past few months.

“We are working for the common good of our country. Our party manifesto espouses national unity. This is what handshake is all about,”

Tuju made the remarks when he represented Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi during the official opening of Kipaji Talent Centre in Rarieda, Siaya county on Thursday.

The Cabinet Secretary without portfolio was responding to concerns by forces allied to Deputy President William Ruto who have been cautious of Raila’s involvement with Uhuru.

He lamented that some people are yet to embrace the handshake, which he noted has been of great importance to the country on matters unity.

“It’s therefore sad that some people loathe the handshake, which has brought the much-loved peace we enjoy today,” said Tuju who also condemned the attacks on President Kenyatta by Ruto’s forces lately, terming him a national leader and symbol of unity who should not be associated with tribal groupings.

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