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“Just Quit Now,” Uhuru Dares DP Ruto

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has dared his deputy Will Ruto to resign.

Speaking in an interview with editors on Monday August 23,2021 at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta said DP Ruto should quit if he is unhappy with the government he is serving.

The head of state faulted his deputy for criticizing the same government that he is serving.

“If you are unhappy you can leave. You cannot throw stones at the same house that you are leaving in,” president Kenyatta said.

DP Ruto has been on record attacking his boss in a number of his political rallies and church services.

Ruto has also been attacking the building bridges Initiative that was being spearheaded by Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Commenting on the ruling that was recently delivered by the appellate court declaring BBI null and void, President Kenyatta faulted the judgement but noted that he has respected the decision.

He further faulted DP Ruto for attacking the BBI process, which he noted that was meant to bring people of Kenya together.

“This is the same agenda we had with him..bringing the people of Kenya together. If the divisions of 2007 brought us together, the current divisions should be uniting us more,” President Kenyatta said.

DP Ruto is seeking to succeed President Kenyatta in 2022.

Whilst he is still serving as the DP in the Jubilee government, Ruto has formed his own party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) which he will use to seek the presidency in the next year’s general election.

He has openly been attacking Jubilee government over what he claims as failure.

The DP is now selling the bottom up economic model to Kenya s, arguing that the approach is the only solution to the ailing economy of the country.

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EXPOSED: High-Ranking Politician Leaking Uhuru’s Meeting With Raila, OKA To Itumbi Unmasked

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ever since president Uhuru Kenyatta started meeting ODM leader Raila Odinga and Okoa Kenya Alliance (OKA) co-principals for a possible coalition ahead of 2022, the details of his meeting has been leaking.

Former State House employee Dennis Itumbi who currently works as Deputy President William Ruto’s aide has been leaking the meeting’s details through his official social media accounts.

When President Kenyatta met Raila alongside ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetang’ula, Kanu’s Gideon Moi and Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya in Mombasa last week, Itumbi who runs Hustler Nation Intelligence Bureau leaked the details of the meeting to the public, through his Facebook account.

It has now emerged that there has been a mole among the politicians who have been meeting President Kenyatta. The mole, who is among the OKA co-principals, leaks the information to DP Ruto’s camp immediately after the meeting.

Details now indicate that the High-Ranking Politician was last weekend given a dressing-down by a senior senator who accused him of being a mole.

He was accused of leaking the contents of high-level and sensitive meetings to an operative of the opposing camp.

The senator complained that when President Kenyatta  and ODM boss met alone early this month, there was no leakage.

But when the leader was privy to the deliberations of the delegation that met the President in Mombasa, all the details and speculation spilt out.

The senator told the leader to his face that he was holding brief for their opponents and that the time had come to blow his cover.

Whom do you think is the mole among the leaders who met Uhuru in Mombasa last week?

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Ruto Reveals Why He’s Still In Jubilee Even After Forming UDA

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has spoken on why he is still in the ruling Jubilee party even after forming the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking on Thursday August 5, 2021 after hosting a UDA party Parliamentary Group at his Karen residence in Nairobi, the second in command said that no one should dictate him on whether to leave Jubilee or not.

According to DP Ruto, he is not a guest in the President Uhuru Kenyatta-led party, maintaining that he has his own choice whether to leave the party or not.

The DP noted that people make choices at the opportune moment when they think different choices are necessary, and therefore nobody should be bothered on why they are still there.

Ruto who was flanked by his allies also said that people should stop mocking their bottom-up economic approach.

“We welcome criticism but don’t mock our bottom-up economic model..” said the second in command.

Ruto’s allies who also addressed the press at the same event termed Jubilee as a “collapsed” political outfit that had “abandoned its agenda.

They also accused the defunct National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition of hijacking the Jubilee agenda.

DP Ruto’s political opponents have been calling him to either resign or quit Jubilee since he has a new political outfit which he has been using to directly compete with President Kenyatta during by-elections.

The opponents who include ODM leader Raila Odinga’s allies and President Kenyatta’s loyalists have maintained that the DP has been disrespecting his boss.

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Boost For Speaker Muturi As Maa Leaders Endorse His 2022 Presidential Bid

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has been handed a major boost in his bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.

This is after a section of the Maa community political leaders endorsed his 2022 presidential bid.

The leaders said Mt Kenya elders who crowned the speaker as the region’s spokesman did not do so in vain and may have been guided by the heavens.

They are MPs Kanchori Memusi (Kajiado Central), David Sankok (Nominated), Peris Tobiko (Kajiado East), and former Senator Peter Mositet.

They insisted that the country would be in safe hands under Muturi. Deputy President William Ruto, Amani National Congress (ANC) leadr Musalia Mudavadi and ODM leader Raila Odinga are some of the leaders seeking to succeed President Kenyatta in the next year’s general election.

However, the team which hosted Speaker Muturi for the official launch of Ildamat Boys’ High School in Kajiado Central built by the area NG-CDF committee under the patronage of Memusi maintained that the speaker was best placed to advance the agenda of the pastoralists since he stems from a minority community – the Mbeere.

According to Sankok, Muturi’s candidacy would help propel marginalized communities that have not seen the presidency.

For his part, Mositet asked Kenyans not to look at Muturi as a Kikuyu but a Mbeere “which is a minority community like Maasais, Elmolos, and those straddling the Coast.”

He said it was time Kenyans elected a president from among the minorities adding that the country’s problems arise from being led by big communities.

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Uhuru-Raila 2022 Coalition In Limbo As Jubilee-ODM Merger Deal Is Suspended

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Jubilee-ODM merger deal that could lead to an Uhuru-Raila 2022 coalition will have to wait longer after the ruling party suspended any coalitions talks with the Orange party.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee had kicked off coalition talks with Raila Odinga’s ODM to take on Deputy President William Ruto in the next general election.

However, the ruling party which has suffered losses in the recent by-elections in the country has decided to halt the merger plan to focus on revamping ahead of 2022.

According to reports, a crisis meeting of the Jubilee secretariat and MPs on Monday July 19 agreed to suspend the proposed deal with Raila over systemic challenges that could hurt the process.

Jubilee Party deputy secretary-general Joshua Kutuny who spoke to a local daily said that while the decision does not mean a total halt to the coalition plans, it will usher in fresh timeliness.

It has now emerged that the agenda dominated the meeting that was attended by at least 16 MPs, despite not being mentioned at a joint presser made on Monday.

It was resolved that it would be unhealthy for Jubilee to proceed with coalition talks with ODM at a time when it is battling internal revolt.

According to Jubilee joint secretary for the parliamentary group Adan Keynan, the party will instead focus on reorganising, restructuring and revamping its structures before entering into a coalition agreement.

The MP said given that DP Ruto’s camp had left for UDA, the loyal members whom he said are the majority will stabilise Jubilee.

Raila’s ODM had said it was focused on its coalition plans with Jubilee despite the ruling party’s loss in last week’s Kiambaa parliamentary by-election that was won by UDA.

United Democratic Alliance candidate Njuguna Wanjiku got 21, 773 votes to capture the seat, beating Jubilee’s Karuri Njama who garnered 21,263 votes.

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Cate Waruguru with Ruto
Politics

Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru Speaks On Re-joining DP Ruto’s Camp

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Laikipia County Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru has broken her silence on claims that she has joined Deputy President William Ruto’s camp.

Reports had circulated on social media that the controversial lawmaker had ditched the ruling Jubilee party to join DP Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

While addressing the media on Wednesday July 14, Waruguru claimed that the President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee Party is in limbo.

According to her, much needs to be done to restore the public confidence in the ruling party.

“There has been a massive exodus from the Jubilee Party and I have seen speculations from the members of the public asking whether Waruguru has moved to the ‘wheelbarrow’ side. My answer to their speculations is relative, every serious politician, you listen to your electorates. I am on my own. My bosses are the voters and the people of Laikipia,” Waruguru said.

She further noted that she will be making an announcement very soon telling the country of her decision.

The MP added that the people will be the ones to decide as to which side they would like to vote in terms of the parties.

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Uhuru Mourns Veteran Journalist Hilary Ng’weno

by PSCU
written by PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned veteran journalist Hilary Boniface Ng’weno as a distinguished Kenyan whose contribution to the growth of the country’s media industry shall be remembered for generations to come.

In his message of comfort and encouragement to family, friends and relatives of the media personality, President Kenyatta said Ng’weno was a devoted patriot who despite having many opportunities to work abroad, used his journalistic skills to enlighten Kenyans on the country’s political, social and economic issues.

“Hilary Ng’weno is a Kenyan household name because of his immense journalistic achievements as an editor, publisher, broadcaster and documentary film maker,” the President said, adding that Mr Ng’weno had left behind a rich collection of journalist works.

“His documentary videos on Kenyan history have been a source of information on how our country has grown both politically, socially and economically over the decades. Indeed, his creative works have continued to inspire generations of Kenyans to work hard and achieve the best for our wonderful nation,” the President said.

The Head of State prayed to God to give the family of Mr Ng’weno fortitude and strength to bear the loss of their beloved kin.

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Politics

Nimerudi Bedroom! Suleiman Shahbal Officially Ditches Uhuru Party For Raila

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Business mogul-cum politician Suleiman Shahbal has officially ditched President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee party for Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Through a statement dated July 6, 2021, the former Mombasa County gubernatorial aspirant said that he had officially resigned as a member of the ruling party following his announcement to join the Orange party.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Jubilee Party leadership for the support offered to me throughout my membership,” Shahbal said.

He further noted that he was going to put his efforts in ensuring the merger between Jubilee and ODM parties is realised.

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His move comes less than a decade since he quit the party, after losing the ODM nominations to Governor Hassan Joho in 2013.

Shahbal shocked his supporters when he defected to UDF from ODM, and then to Wiper Party, all in a matter of weeks.

He moved to Wiper on January 19, 2013, after three of his agents were allegedly roughed up by ODM supporters at the height of the contest for the orange party’s nomination.

Last month, Shahbal, who was addressing the Mombasa Luo Focus Group, expressed his interest in succeeding Governor Joho whose second term is ending in the next 13 months.

He rallied his support behind ODM leader Raila Odinga urging his audience at the forum to consider Raila’s presidential bid in 2022.

The businessman also pushed for unity between Raila and Kalonzo, adding that he would be happy if he saw the duo at the helm of the country’s leadership.

Raila on Saturday resisted pressure from party supporters to endorse Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir for the Mombasa governorship.

Both Nassir and Shahbal have declared interest in suceeding Joho. They are both angling for Raila’s blessings as they seek to run on the ODM party ticket.

Nassir is banking on his loyalty to the party to receive Raila’s blessings while Shahbal is hoping his friendship with the former Prime Minister and his financial muscle will endear him to the ODM leadership.

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Former CJ Willy Mutunga Undresses Uhuru In Viral Letter Over Rejection Of 6 Judges

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has slammed President Uhuru Kenyatta over his decision to reject the appointment of six judges last week.

According to Mutunga, President Kenyatta’s decision was driven by personal resentment and not principle.

Last week, the Uhuru declined to gazette names of the six, saying there were issues on their suitability.

High Court judges Joel Ngugi, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Aggrey Muchelule as well as chief magistrate Evans Makori and High Court Registrar Judith Omange’s nominations were left out.

In a letter to President Kenyatta dated June 8 and which has hence gone viral, Mutunga says “the scientific formulation in the Constitution on the appointment of judges was intended to be an antidote to this kind of whimsical and capricious presidential conduct as is being seen in ugly display in this matter.”

“This is not the time to commence muck-racking adventures in a feeble and abominable attempt to besmirch the character of the  judges and judicial officers.”

The former CJ further accused the President of having a ‘list of hate’ and being stubborn.

“Strikingly, the presidential ‘list of hate’ has even mysteriously changed , meaning the objection to the judges is driven more by personal pique rather than principle. That is not the way to conduct the serious business of state,” he said.

Mutunga urged the president to immediately appoint the judges whom he called exceptional.

“The president must resist the temptation to be garlanded in the pettiness of preforming power, particularly by those who have built a thriving pettiness cottage industry, completely consumed by the pursuit of personal vendetta at the expense of national good,” he said.

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Havi: CJ Martha Koome Had A Hand In Uhuru’s Appointment Of 34 Instead Of 40 Judges

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Chief Justice Martha Koome had something to do with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appointment of 33 instead of 40 judges that were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has claimed.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Havi questioned CJ Koome’s presence at State House during the swearing in of the appointment judges.

President Kenyatta on Friday swore in the 34 judges at State House Nairobi despite protestations from lawyers and politicians over his move to reject six judges from the list recommended by Judicial Service Commission.

The ceremony was witnessed by CJ Koome and Chief Registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi and a host of judges.

“If CJ Martha Koome had nothing to do with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appointment of 33 instead of 40 Judges what was she doing at State House? How did the Judges end up there in robes? Did she tell the President what she has jotted down in that underwhelming unsigned note?” Havi posed.

Those who took the oath of office were seven judges heading to the Court of Appeal, 10 to the Environment and Land Court and 18 others to the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

JSC had recommended the appointment of 41 judges in August 2019 but one died in a road accident last year.

President Kenyatta, however, appointed 34 on Thursday leaving out justices Joel Ngugi, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Aggrey Muchelule, all currently serving as High Court judges.

He also rejected Evans Makori and Judith Omange Cheruiyot, who had been recommended for the Labour Court.

The Court of Appeal is required to have 30 judges but currently has 13 judges, following the retirement of some judges and promotion of others including justices Koome and William Ouko, who were elevated to the Supreme Court. 

Distancing herself from the recruitment process, which happened close to two years ago – before she was the CJ, Koome urged Uhuru to appoint the remaining six judges.

In a statement on Friday, she said, “The 34 Judges have today taken their oath of office witnessed by H.E the President. I note with great concern that 6 persons who wererecommended by the JSC for appointment were not gazetted.”

Koome gave the example of what happened in January 2014, when the JSC recommended the appointment of 25 nominees as judges, and in June 2014, the President initially appointed 11 of them and subsequently appointed the remaining 14.

On Friday, the LSK lawyers’ lobby demanded that the president should appoint the six remaining judges omitted from his gazetted list of appointments, or it will go to court.

LSK said in a statement by its Chief executive Mercy Wambua that the action of the president was unlawful and reeks of impunity.

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Uhuru Rejects Judges Who Stopped BBI Reggae As He Finally Gazettes Appointments

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has rejected the names of six judges as he finally gazetted appointments of 34 out of the 40 judges that had been recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in 2019.

Among the six names rejected on Thursday June 3, 2021 are the judges that issued a ruling that stopped the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) reggae.

They include Aggrey Muchelule, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Prof Joel Ngugi who were recommended for the Court of Appeal.

Ngugi was the judge who led the team which cut short the BBI train. Odunga was part of the team.

Judges approved for the Court of Appeal are Msagha Mbogholi, Hellen Omondi, Mumbi Ngugi, Francis Tuiyott, Pauline Nyamweya, Jessie Lesiit, and Imaana Laibuta.

The nine judges appointed by the president to be Judges of the Employment and Labour Relations Court are Baari Christine Noontatua, Gakeri Jacob Kariuki, Keli Jemima Wanza, Mwaure Ann Ngibuini, Matanga Bernard Odongo Manani, Rutto Stella Chemtai, Kebira Ocharo, Kitiku Agnes Mueni-Nzei, and Nderitu David Njagi.

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The president has also appointed 18 judges to serve as Judges of the Environment and Land Court.

They are Mboya Oguttu Joseph, Naikuni Lucas Leperes, Mwanyale Michael Ngolo, Addraya Edda Dena, Kimani Lilian Gathoni, Kamau Joseph Mugo, Wabwoto Karoph Edward, and Koross Anne Yatich Kipingor.

Others are Gicheru Maxwell Nduiga, Mogeni Ann Jacqueline Akhalemesi, Ongarora Fred Nyagaka, Christopher Kyania Nzili, Mugo David Mwangi, Omollo Lynette Achieng’, Washe Emmanuel Mutwana, Nyukuri Annet, Murigi Theresa Wairimu, and Asati Esther. 

In July 2019, the JSC interviewed and selected the 41 judges and recommended them for appointment by the President.

Some 11 names were forwarded for appointment as Court of Appeal judges and 30 for the High Court. One person has since died.

The list of the 41 judges was forwarded to the president for appointment in 2019 during the tenure of former CJ David Maraga. 

In mid-2020, Maraga tried to push the president to appoint the names forwarded to him but he did not receive any response from Uhuru.

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Uhuru Mourns Ex-Nairobi County Speaker Alex Ole Magelo

by PSCU
written by PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of former Nairobi County Speaker Alex Ole Magelo who passed away last night at a Nairobi hospital.

In his message of comfort and encouragement, President Kenyatta described the late Ole Magelo as an outstanding leader who worked hard to make Kenya a better country for all.

The Head of State said the late Ole Magelo’s commitment to duty and service to fellow Kenyans saw him being appointed as a member of the Kenya Leather Development Council last year.

“I have known the late Ole Magelo for a long time and from my interactions with him, I came to appreciate his commitment and desire to make life better for others.

“He was a gentleman and a sports enthusiast who mentored very many young people through football to become great men and women in our country. Many remember Ole Magelo for the good work he did as Chairman of Kenyan football giants AFC Leopards,” President Kenyatta eulogised.

The President prayed to God to give the family of the departed leader strength and fortitude as they mourn their beloved kin.

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Uhuru, Raila, Ruto
Politics

Revealed: DP Ruto’s New Strategy To Split Uhuru, Raila Before 2022

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Will the working relationship between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga last until 2022?

Well, from the look of things, the handshake partners may be divided by the time Kenyans head to the ballot for the next general elections.

DP Ruto seems to be changing his strategy to drive a wedge between Uhuru and his handshake partner.

In an apparent effort to set the two handshake partners on a warpath, the DP appears to have devised a new plan to gain favour with the President and portray Raila as the enemy within.

Ruto, who has set his eyes on succeeding President Uhuru, has not been at ease since the two erstwhile political rivals closed ranks and shook hands on March 9, 2018. Ruto and the Nasa trio were excluded.

The DP and his troops have perceived the handshake as a political arrangement aimed at stifling his ambitions of becoming the country’s fifth President in favour of Raila.

Ruto has suddenly made an about-turn in his criticism of the Jubilee administration’s performance as his ally- former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko make sensational allegations on the government on the 2017 election chaos that have the potential of dividing the ‘two brothers’.

At a church service in Dagoretti South last Sunday, Ruto strongly supported the President and his administration’s development record and went ahead to list projects he and the President have completed since 2013.

The apparent change of heart – or strategy – came a day after he admitted Jubilee administration’s failure to realise its development agenda but blamed it on Raila for “infiltrating and diverting” the government priorities.

Ruto scathingly attacked the former Prime Minister, accusing him of despising, humiliating and embarrassing the head of state with his constant attacks attack on Jubilee’s output.

Raila and his allies have lately criticised the government’s development record in their BBI and 2022 election campaigns.

The ODM brigade has painted Ruto as the face of Jubilee’s failures and accused him of trying to run away from his own government’s failures.

They cited the laptop project, stadiums and creation of at least one million jobs for the youth every year as among the pledges Jubilee has failed to deliver.

Political analysts Elias Mutuma and Mark Bichachi observe Ruto as a man out to exploit every opportunity that may create a rift between Uhuru and Raila.

“The friendship between Uhuru and Raila is costing the DP…so he would ensure that the two go their separate ways so that he can have a better chance of succeeding his boss,” Mutuma said in an interview with a local daily.

He added that Ruto is wounded and feels his space was taken over by Raila and thus will be keen to take advantage of any scenario that would see them apart.

“If he gets an opportunity to edge Raila out, he would not hesitate. He is taking advantage of the fact that there has been a bit of some discomfort within ODM circles [over the handshake],” he said.

“Ruto understands everyone loves anyone who opposes the sitting government. That is why is roping in Raila so that he can increase his chances,” Bichachi said.

And in what appears part of the wider plan to split Uhuru and Raila, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, a close ally of the DP, sensationally claimed  Interior CS Karanja Kibicho and other influential people in the Jubilee administration planned the 2017 election chaos, which was then blamed on ODM.

Making the claims in the presence of the DP, Sonko alleged that he and influential people in the Jubilee administration, otherwise known as ‘the deep state’, printed ODM branded T-shirts.

Kibicho has denied Sonko’s claims and has already recorded a statement with the DCI. He has threatened to sue the ex-city county chief.

Sonko’s assertions, however, triggered anger in Raila’s ODM and threatened to sever the cordial relationship the outfit and the President’s Jubilee Party enjoy.

“ODM demands a full inquiry into the matter to establish the motives and extent of these mafia-like covert criminal acts as well as all persons and institutions involved,” secretary general Edwin Sifuna demanded.

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Blow To Uhuru, Raila As Ruto’s Agenda In Meeting With Mt Kenya MCAs Is Revealed

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner the ODM leader Raila Odinga may just suffer another blow in their efforts to popularise the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) in Mt. Kenya region.

Members of County Assembly (MCAs) allied to Deputy President William Ruto from across the 10 counties in the region will be meeting at Thika Greens in Murang’a today, while another team will be in Nyahururu next weekend to chart the way forward and give their stand on the BBI issue, which has divided the region.

Ruto’s allies have clustered counties in three groups where they are scheduled to meet the ward representatives to discuss BBI and his 2022 presidential bid.

Already, the allies have met MCAs from Meru, Isiolo and Tharaka Nithi, which formed the first group that had an inaugural meeting on Saturday last week.

Today, Tangatanga leaders will meet MCAs from Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Embu while the last meeting at Nyahururu town on January 30 will be targeting MCAs in Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nakuru and Laikipia.

Forty-two Meru MCAs attended the meeting alongside five from Isiolo, five from Tharaka Nithi, and 19 from Kirinyaga. There were also a couple of MCAs from Nyeri and Kiambu. MPs Rahim Dawood (North Imenti) and Josephat Gichunge (Tigania West) also attended.

The steering committee of the Mt Kenya MCAs meeting includes Chinga MCA Kiruga Thuku, Gatanga’s Nahashon Gachuhi, Ken Mukira (Nyandarua), Kinyua Wangui (Kirinyaga), Elias Murage (Meru), Peter Mbae (Nakuru), Robarto Maina (Laikipia) and Mr Ikonya from Kiambu.

It is understood that after the meeting today, the allies will then select their representatives who will lead a charm offensive campaigns at the grassroots to popularise Ruto’s bid.

“We have requested the deputy president to attend the ceremony and he said he will if he will be available,” said Thuku, adding that they will not discuss BBI. 

Ruto’s Spokesman David Mugonyi, however, said he was not aware that his boss will attend the meeting, answering in a brief text message, “There is nothing like that” when a local daily tried to reach out to him.

Mt Kenya region Assemblies Caucus representative Charles Ng’ang’a said Ruto’s allies have been wooing them to oppose the BBI report in a bid to flex their muscles and to prove that although the region is perceived as President Kenyatta’s stronghold, they have been able to turn tables.

“We have been approached on how we shall reject the BBI report in the region. They argue that the proposed Ward Development Fund is just but a sweetener and a bait for us to approve the report but they are telling us that the State has been unable to release development monies from the Treasury and will not be able to implement the proposal,” said Ng’ang’a.

Ng’ang’a has, however, urged the MCAs to ignore the gimmicks and approve the report due to the gains that the region will get.

He further claimed that DP Ruto’s allies are only interested in settling political scores.

“However, I urge MCAS to reject such gimmicks and approve the report due to the gains that the region will get. Other than ward fund, there are other proposals like the revenue sharing formula and representation that favours our region, Ruto’s allies are only interested in settling political scores but the report seeks to cater for our interests.”

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After Kang’atta’s Letter, Waiguru Now Sends Another Explosive BBI Message To Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Just a few weeks after Senate Majority whip Irungu Kang’ata’s BBI letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta went viral, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has also raised concerns.

Kang’ata in his letter had warned the President that the BBI document was unpopular in Mt Kenya region, and unless much is done, it was likely to fail.

Waiguru wants an all-inclusive team to lead the BBI campaigns in Mt Kenya region if it is meant to pass.

She said there is a need to embrace all leaders, including those with varied opinions, if efforts to sell the document in the vote-rich region will succeed.

Waiguru spoke even as the Mt Kenya BBI secretariat met leaders from the region in efforts to calm discontent arising from alleged exclusion of some of the leaders.

The claim emerged after a five-member team was picked to popularise the BBI in the region.

Yesterday’s meeting was chaired by Kirinyaga Senator Charles Kibiru with most of those who attended refusing to divulge details.

Waiguru in an interview with The Standard cast aspersions on the newly-selected secretariat saying: “BBI is a political process that must be led by people the community recognises as political influencers.”

According to her, BBI is a political process and if it is not led by people the community recognises as political influencers, it will have challenges.

The team selected a fortnight ago comprises Kibiru, MPs Maoka Maore (Ntonyiri), Ruth Mwaniki (Kigumo), Peter Mwathi (Limuru) and Jane Njiru (Embu). 

The five have pledged allegiance to Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, but are accused of not being strong defenders of the president.

Waiguru was a member of Team Embrace that brought together women parliamentarians from Jubilee and ODM which drummed up support for the BBI.

Asked whether she was among the leaders that selected the Mt Kenya BBI secretariat and what she felt about it, Waiguru said she was not invited at Thika Greens meeting where the matter was discussed. 

She said she is not worried about being excluded as she is busy pushing development projects in Kirinyaga.

The governor said for the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020 to get approval, there is need to make the process as collaborative as possible.

This, according to Waiguru, will entail bringing on board leaders with divergent views so that all leaders can own the document.

She warned that the process should not be made competitive as that would end up bringing more opposition to the BBI project which will spell doom to agenda and the mission of amending the 2010 Constitution.

“It is my view that for it to pass smoothly, we need to move from making BBI a competitive to a collaborative process by bringing everyone on board, including those with divergent views, so that we all own the document as opposed to having competing internal and external camps,” Waiguru said.

On whether she will continue supporting the proposed constitutional amendments, the governor said: “I will wait to be advised and then make decisions on how best to engage.” 

Speaking during an interview with four vernacular radio stations in the region on Monday, the President lashed out at the BBI opponents accusing them of stirring up incitement among Kenyans through the dynasty versus hustler narrative which he warned will divide Kenyans.

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Politics

Take It Or Leave It! Raila In Dilemma As Uhuru Slaps Him With This Demand

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has been left in a big dilemma after President Uhuru Kenyatta issued him with a new demand regarding their March 2018 handshake.

According to reports, Raila is stuck between accepting the demand or rejecting it and fold out of the handshake deal that has seen him work closely with President Kenyatta.

Details have already emerged that President Kenyatta wants Raila and his Orange party to sign a formal deal that will seal their agreement. 

The two decided to work together to calm the political tension emanating from the controversial August 2017 General election.

Insiders who spoke to a leading local daily said that the head of state wants Odinga to enjoy the fruits of the handshake, which birthed the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and has also seen several projects unveiled under Kenyatta’s regime. 

Jubilee is also pushing ODM to enter into a formal agreement after the latter reportedly asked to be awarded the position of Nairobi County Deputy Governor. 

ODM reportedly claimed to have played a role in impeaching former Governor Mike Sonko. New Deputy Governor Anne Kananu is poised to take over as governor. 

Odinga’s party may opt to present a candidate who is aligned to the party and not necessarily a party member as a Deputy Governor nominee. 

In June 2020, ODM declined to enter into an agreement with Jubilee after former Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Democratic Movement and Isaac Ruto’s Chama Cha Maendeleo signed a deal with the ruling party. ODM, however, insisted that it would continue to partner with Jubilee and did not need to sign any formal deal.

Odinga held a crisis meeting with his key allies on Monday, January 19, to discuss the demand issued by Jubilee. 

“We don’t need to have a formal agreement with Jubilee. All we need is to trust each other,” ODM Chairman John Mbadi said, later on.

However, trust issues are key to the new deal being sought by Kenyatta as Odinga has on numerous occasions asked his critics to distance him from Jubilee failures. 

His allies such as Siaya Senator James Orengo have also openly criticised Jubilee for unemployment and Kenya’s high debt level.

Deputy President William Ruto hinted that Odinga and Kenyatta may be at loggerheads over the handshake deal, arguing that ODM wanted to pull out of the agreement after allegedly sabotaging the government. 

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