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

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

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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Ruto with Waiguru
Politics

“Don’t Celebrate Yet!” Waiguru Warns DP Ruto After Kiambaa Victory

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has told Deputy President William Ruto not to use the just concluded Kiambaa by-election as a determining factor for the 2022 general election.

Taking to her official social media handles on Friday July 16, 2021, Waiguru said that DP Ruto needs over 100 per cent of Mt Kenya support if he has to convert Kiambaa win ahead of 2022.

Waiguru’s comment comes just hours after DP Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Njuguna Wanjiku won against rival Kariri Njama of Jubilee in the concluded by-elections.

In the finally tally that was declared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Friday morning, Njuguna garnered 21,773 votes while Njama followed closely with 21,263 votes.

Waiguru said the results should worry DP Ruto who, according to her, needs 101 per cent of Mt Kenya support if his candidacy is to convert to the State House.

She noted that the results also mean that Jubilee party’s core supporters are unhappy and urgent action is needed to forestall further downwards slide.

According to Waiguru, by-elections in Kenya’s electoral history have always been outliers with little or no relationship with the general election.

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Cate Waruguru with Ruto
Politics

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

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

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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Lifestyle

Akili Tupu! Meet Nigerian Professor Marrying DP Ruto’s Daughter June Ruto

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

Deputy President William Ruto’s daughter June Ruto is off the market.

The Kenya’s second in command on Saturday, May 8, 2021 played a host to his Nigerian in-laws at his Karen home.

June got engaged to Dr. Alexander Ezenagu in a low key ceremony that saw the merging of two cultures, the Kalenjin community and their counterparts from Nigeria – the Igbos. 

Details have emerged that the marriage negotiations were successful, giving way for June to marry her future husband Dr. Ezenagu.

DP William Ruto’s Nigerian in-laws at his Karen home during June Ruto’s marriage negotiations on May 8, 2021. PHOTO/COURTESY.

Dailytrends.co.ke has hence established that Dr. Ezenagu is an assistant Law Professor at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

While looking at his portfolio on the University’s official website, he had been described as an international tax expert, who specializes in international tax law, transfer pricing, tax planning, investment advisory and commercial law advisory and practice. 

His well-decorated CV further revealed that he obtained his Ph.D. in international tax law from McGill University, Canada.

Dr. Alexander Ezenagu, June Ruto’s future husband. PHOTO/COURTESY.

Ezenagu is also a graduate of the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, where he obtained an LL.M. in commercial law.

He holds an LL.B. degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and has been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 

He has also had multiple publications in academic journals and other globally recognized platforms and has been quoted in the Financial Times, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists’ Paradise Papers, Tax Notes International, International Tax Review, Quartz and other media outlets.

He has also consulted for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CODA)- an African Union Commission body, TaxCoop Canada, the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI).

One of the guests was businessman and Nigerian politician Osita Chidok, who posted on Facebook saying, the Kalenjin people of Kenya are pastoral people and have so much in common with the Igbos of Nigeria.

DP William Ruto and his daughter June Ruto. PHOTO//COURTESY.

“I was the negotiator at the bride price settlement ceremony. We haggled, we negotiated and at the end, we agreed on how many cows would be a fair price for the hands of June.”

He further heaped praises on DP Ruto, saying that he kept the event simple and family-focused, despite his Deputy President status.

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Politics

Bonchari MP’s Widow Teresa Bitutu Unveiled As UDA Candidate In Upcoming By-election

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has unveiled Teresa Bitutu Oroo, the wife to the late Bonchari MP Oroo Oyioka as its preferred candidate in the upcoming parliamentary by-election.

Johnson Muthama, the chairman of the party associated with Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday, March 25 announced that the party’s Secretary General Veronica Maina had issued certificate to the ex-MP’s widow to fly its flag.

The party also issued nomination certificate to Francis Muraya Githaiga, who will fly its flag in the forthcoming Rurii ward mini polls.

“Another significant day to @UDAKenya. Our Secretary General, Veronica Maina has issued certificates to Teresa Bitutu Oroo and Francis Muraya Githaiga to fly the party’s flag in the upcoming by-elections in Bonchari constituency and Rurii ward respectively,” Muthama tweeted.

Bitutu will now face off with ODM’s Pavel Oimeke and Jubilee’s Zebedeo Opore in the Bonchari by-election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission slated the by-elections for Garissa, Bonchari, and Juja on May 18.

The by-election for Rurii Ward in Nyandarua County will also be held on the same date.

The One Kenya Alliance will not participate in the forthcoming by-elections and will instead support candidates fielded by the Jubilee Party.

Members of the alliance, which brings together Kanu, Wiper, Ford Kenya and ANC parties, said the move was aimed at reciprocating the support Jubilee gave them in recent by-elections in Matungu, Kabuchai and Machakos.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday, Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula expressed gratitude to Jubilee for its support during the by-elections.

Wetang’ula said their victory in the concluded by-elections was an indication that the country was keen on a new transformational agenda.

Mudavadi said members of the alliance will move together to sensitise Kenyans about their agenda.

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Uhuru, Raila, Ruto
Politics

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

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

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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Politics

“Looters And Corrupt Political Salesmen Must Fall!” Buzeki Declares War Against Ruto

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

Business mogul Zedekiah Bundotich Kiprop popularly known as Buzeki has vowed to fight Deputy President William Ruto up to the last minute.

Taking to his official Twitter handle on Friday evening, Buzeki revisited some of the promises DP Ruto was giving Kenyans when campaigning for their second term alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The businessman-cum politician slammed Jubilee government for failing to deliver on the many promises they made.

He noted that the Jubilee government while campaigning ahead of the 2017 general elections promised a double digit economy, dams, stadiums, Galana Kulalu, laptops, Uasin-Gishu Referral Hospital, all of which have not been delivered until now.

Buzeki slammed DP Ruto, for promising Kenyans wheelbarrows instead.

He went ahead to vow that looters and corrupt political salesmen must fall.

“Jubilee promised a DOUBLE DIGIT  economy, DAMS, STADIUMS, GALANA KULALU, LAPTOPS, UASIN- GISHU referral HOSPITAL, now it has EVOLVED and METAMORPHOSED into a Single WHEEL non MOTORIZED accessory. We MUST drain THE SWAMP. Looters and  Corrupt political SALESMEN must FALL. Tai,” Buzeki posted.

A week ago, Buzeki resigned as CCM secretary-general and quit, following party leader Isaac Ruto’s move to back Deputy President William Ruto.

Buzeki says he does not subscribe to Tangatanga politics of lies, which he claims will create division in the country.

“I can’t be a party to such politics that is based on lies and propaganda. I will not and will never be part of Tangatanga style of politics,” Buzeki said.

He noted that he would announce his next political move by April and it would not have anything to do with Chama Cha Mashinani.

“I will soon meet with our supporters and stakeholders to discuss the best way forward because we can’t be part of what Isaac Ruto is doing,” Buzeki said. He said he had completely broken political ranks with CCM and Ruto.

“There is no way I can subscribe to Tangatanga kind of politics that is baseless and aimed at dividing Kenyans,” Buzeki said.

He said he was part of leaders seeking to unite the country and not use cheap propaganda to gain power. He cautioned Ruto that by joining the DP he was drowning politically.

The former Bomet governor joined the DP during his visit to the county and was seen with the Tangatanga brigade which toured parts of the South Rift region last week.

Buzeki joined CCM two years ago after differing with DP Ruto and his allies whom he accused of perpetrating politics of dictatorship and lies.

He has been critical of the DP and his camp, warning that they would ruin the country should they gain power.

He vied for the governor seat in Uasin Gishu but lost to incumbent Jackson Mandago. He is considered a frontrunner for the same seat in 2022.

Uasin Gishu is DP Ruto’s backyard but Buzeki enjoys substantive support in the region.  He had planned to vie on a CCM ticket but will now go back to the drawing board.

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Politics

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

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

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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Politics

Political Parties With Ruto’s Hustler Nation Narrative Blocked From Registration

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

At least 176 political parties, some mirroring Deputy President William Ruto’s hustler nation narrative have been blocked from registration.

According to the Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu, of the 176 parties that sought registration, at least 10 proposed names that mirror Ruto’s hustler nation ideologies and campaign slogans.

However, only 21 jumped the hurdles and managed to receive certificates of provisional registration awaiting further scrutiny.

The others failed to go through on suspect the outfits were fronted on tribal or social platforms.

They included the Jubilee Asili Party, the Hustlers and Achievers Party of Kenya, the Hustlers Alliance Party of Kenya, Hustle, the Strive and Achieve Party of Kenya and the National Alliance of Hustlers and Achievers Party of Kenya.

Others were National Party of Hustlers and Achievers of Kenya, and Hustlers and Ground Masses Party of Kenya.

However, the registrar rejected the hustler names on the basis that they seek to unite on social status, threatening the country’s peaceful co-existence.

DP Ruto, who vowed in 2013 that Jubilee was formed to end the culture of tribal parties, has embarked on a charm offensive and is spearheading the creation of regional parties.

The DP has fashioned himself as the real hustler from Sugoi who rose from a roadside chicken seller to become the country’s second in command and has whipped the youth to reject the scions of Kenya’s privileged families.

After a rigorous legal and physical verification process, only three parties managed to get full registration, pushing the country’s parties to 71.

Party of Economic Democracy, The Service Party and the National Ordinary People Empowerment Union are the only parties that met all the statutory requirements and were fully registered.

The Party of Development and Reform managed to complete its change of name to United Democratic Party, an outfit also associated with Ruto.

A party given provisional status must be subject to a rigorous process by the registrar’s’ office to ensure it has physical offices, verified details of governing body officials and membership data.

Many parties that seek provisional registration even after going through the name search stage, fail to comply with the strict provisions of the law on membership and even physical offices.

Among those rejected were names seen as promoting registration of parties based on social groupings, an element that goes against the principles for registration of parties in Kenya.

The registrar also declined proposed registration on the basis of resemblance in colours and symbols.

Some politicians seeking registration of political parties through name searches saw their requests turned down based on the fact that their proposed names do not ‘make meaning’.

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Politics

Blow To Uhuru, Raila As Ex-NASA Co-Principal Makes Comeback To Ruto’s Camp

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

Deputy President William Ruto is yet again set to make another huge political score in his bid to consolidate his Rift Valley backyard ahead of his 2022 Presidential run.

Former Bomet governor Isaac Ruto, who was a NASA co-principle in the run to 2017 general elections will today (Friday, January 15)make a comeback to DP Ruto’s camp, handing his former ally-turned-foe a boost.

The DP is set to receive Rutto during an event to be held in Bomet in what is seen as part of his elaborate strategy to ring-fence his Rift Valley bastion ahead of next year’s election.

He will be in Bomet to commission several projects, hand over a bus to the National Super League side Silibwet FC and later preside over a fundraiser for boda boda Saccos in Sotik, among other events.

The former governor will meet the DP face to face for the first time since 2018, ushering in a new partnership to consolidate the region.

The DP, who has fallen out with President Uhuru Kenyatta, is keen to diminish pockets of rebellion in his backyard as he prepares for a presidential run next year.

On Sunday, Rutto said he is ready to support the DP for the country’s top post “if we agree on principle”.

“I am not in an alliance with anybody. After all, nobody has asked me to back him or her for presidency. If William seeks my support, we shall discuss, and if he supports the tenets CCM stands for – like devolving resources – then I will back him. There’s nothing personal,” he told the Sunday Nation.

The DP has been facing a threat that could have chipped away a section of his main support base after Rutto last year led his Chama Cha Mashinani party in signing a cooperation agreement with Jubilee Party.

When he signed the agreement, there was talk of major Cabinet changes that would have seen Rutto’s entry into Uhuru’s government in what would be a strategy to tame the DP in the Rift Valley.

His change of heart to join the DP camp could puncture the Building Bridges Initiative campaigns in the Rift Valley given that the CCM party leader was a key point man of the process in the region.

Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, the son of the country’s second President who also hails from the Rift Valley, is working closely with Uhuru after the Independence party signed a coalition agreement with Jubilee.

Rutto and Gideon had been seen as a political force that would have complicated the DP’s efforts to put the region under lock and key ahead of next year’s polls.

Rutto’s move to join the DP’s camp is seen as part of his plan to recapture the Bomet governor’s seat, which he lost to the late Joyce Laboso who was backed by Ruto in 2017.

Rutto and the DP have had frosty relations since 2013 and in the lead-up to the 2017 polls. They last met face to face in 2018 at a public function at Siongiroi in Chepalungu, Bomet county. 

They have not been seeing eye to eye, a situation that could complicate Rutto’s gubernatorial ambitions after staying in the political cold for five years.

The former governor is set for another political duel in his bid to oust incumbent Hillary Barchok. A week ago, Rutto was greeted with unfriendly chants at Kuresoi in Nakuru where he had made a stopover.

Angry youths demanded he join the wheelbarrow movement spearheaded by Ruto if he wanted to salvage his political future.

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Politics

Ruto Unveils Muthama Ngengele As His Candidate For Machakos By-election

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

Just a day after Jubilee party announced that it was not going to field candidates in the upcoming by-elections, Deputy President William Ruto has unveiled his preferred candidate in the upcoming Machakos Senator by-election.

The DP met Urbanus Muthama Ngengele, who will be seeking to take over from the late Senator Boniface Kabaka.

Ruto unveiled Ngengele on Thursday at his Karen residence, accompanied by a number of leaders including the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairman Johnson Muthama

The DP said that he is grateful to witness the partnership forged by the Machakos Senate by-election hopefuls in favour of Ngengele.

Ruto described Ngengele as a hustler from the county.

“Grateful to witness the partnership forged by the Machakos Senate by-election hopefuls in favour of Urbanus Mutunga Muthama Ngengele, a hustler from the county. Our gratitude to them for their audacity and leadership to cede their aspirations and back Ngengele for the race,” reads Ruto’s tweet.

The Independent and Electoral Commission announced that the Machakos senatorial by-election will be held on March 18.

Earlier on, the commission had set the by-election for March 23, but the date has been revised due to the national examinations.

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Politics

Uhuru-Allied Governors In Closed-Door Meeting With Ruto

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

With only 18 months left to the 2022 general elections, Deputy President William Ruto has been positioning himself as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s successor.

The second in command has been working on strategies that will see him ascend to power come 2022.

As part of the strategy, the DP has been reaping big from leaders who have been decamping from President Kenyatta’s camp to his.

Details have now emerged that a group of governors who have been leaning towards President Kenyatta’s Kieleweke wing of Jubilee Party visited the recently launched Hustler Centre in Lavington, Nairobi. 

An insider intimated to a local daily that the county bosses held a closed-door meeting with the DP and his top strategists for more than an hour. 

According to the source, the meeting was a closely guarded affair. 

He insinuated that it is just a matter of time before they formally announce their defection to the hustler nation. 

However, the source did not list the names of the County Chiefs who met DP Ruto at Hustler Centre. The Centre acts as main offices for the newly launched United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party which is linked to the DP.

Leaders allied to President Kenyatta have been recently defecting to DP Ruto’s camp.

Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura joined Ruto’s camp and tore into the President and his family at the homecoming of Msambweni MP Feisal Bader. The DP attended the meeting.

Besieged Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata on Wednesday skipped a top Jubilee meeting, triggering talk of his looming defection to DP Ruto’s camp.

Kang’ata, who had been invited to attend the meeting at Jubilee House in Pangani, Nairobi, did not show up.

The meeting was attended by Jubilee secretary general Raphael, Senate Deputy Majority leader Fatuma Dullo, National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya and his deputy Jimmy Angwenyi.

National Assembly Majority Whip Emmanuel Wangwe, his deputy Maoka Maore and secretary to the Jubilee parliamentary group Adan Keynan also attended the meeting in which the party decided to pull out of three upcoming by-elections.

The no-show at the meeting – that culminated in a press conference – came a day after he reportedly rejected a push by the party honchos and President Uhuru  Kenyatta’s allies to withdraw the letter to the President.

Late last year, Kang’ata shocked the nation when he penned a letter to the President discrediting BBI’s popularity in Mt Kenya region, Uhuru’s political bastion. Uhuru’s men termed the move ‘disrespectful’.

In the letter, the senator told the President that the BBI referendum might fail in the region unless Uhuru and his handshake partner ODM leader Raila Odinga change their strategy.

He affirmed the position at a press conference in Parliament on Monday despite criticism and pressure to withdraw the letter and apologise to the head of state.

He cited opposition to the expanded Executive, the involvement of provincial administrations and campaigns by former MPs as some of the issues working against the initiative.

“Let us emphasise on the soft power and art of persuasion. In my humble view, the provincial administration in BBI process should be invisible,” he said.

Sources intimated that Jubilee bigwigs hosted Kang’ata for a meeting on Tuesday evening, where he was asked to retract the letter, but he declined.

Yesterday, Tuju and Dullo confirmed Tuesday’s meeting.

Kang’ata has been one of President Uhuru’s foot soldiers and most trusted lieutenants in the Mt Kenya region.

In May last year, Uhuru influenced his election as the Senate Majority Chief Whip following a meeting at State House where senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) – key allies of the DP – were kicked out as Majority Chief Whip and Majority leader, respectively.

Later, Kang’ata excited key party decisions by whipping party members to among others vote out Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki as Senate deputy speaker.

However, his letter and skipping party meetings have triggered murmurs and talks that he was on his way out of the President’s circles.

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Politics

Fireworks As Kang’ata Skips Jubilee’s Top Meeting, Dumped Uhuru For Ruto?

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

Has Senate Majority whip Irungu Kang’ata decamped from President Uhuru Kenyatta’s camp to Deputy President William Ruto’s side?

Well, the Murang’a Senator’s no show at Jubilee party’s top meeting held at the party’s headquarters in Pangani, Nairobi on Wednesday has triggered a debate on whether the once Uhuru’s diehard has shifted camp.

Kang’ata failed to attend the meeting convened by the Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju, despite him having been invited.

Speaking to a local daily on why he skipped the meeting, the lawmaker stated that he was busy somewhere else and he could not make it.

Senate Deputy Majority leader Fatuma Dullo, National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya and his deputy Jimmy Angwenyi, National Assembly Majority Whip Emmanuel Wangwe, his deputy Maoka Maore and secretary to the Jubilee parliamentary group Adan Keynan are some of the officials that attended the meeting in which the party decided to pull out of three upcoming by-elections.

The no-show at the meeting, that culminated in a press conference, came a day after Kang’ata reportedly rejected a push by the party honchos and President Uhuru  Kenyatta’s allies to withdraw his letter to the President.

Late last year, Kang’ata shocked the nation when he penned a letter to the President discrediting BBI’s popularity in Mt Kenya region, Uhuru’s political bastion. Uhuru’s men termed the move ‘disrespectful’.

In the letter, the senator told the President that the BBI referendum might fail in the region unless Uhuru and his handshake partner ODM leader Raila Odinga change their strategy.

He affirmed the position at a press conference in Parliament on Monday despite criticism and pressure to withdraw the letter and apologise to the head of state.

He cited opposition to the expanded Executive, the involvement of provincial administrations and campaigns by former MPs as some of the issues working against the initiative.

Sources intimated that Jubilee bigwigs hosted Kang’ata for a meeting on Tuesday evening, where he was asked to retract the letter, but he declined.

Yesterday, Tuju and Dullo confirmed Tuesday’s meeting.

“We held a leadership meeting yesterday, he was with us…. He is still our whip until otherwise he decides or any other things come up,” Dullo said.

But when asked whether he was ditching the President’s camp, Kang’ata replied, “I am fighting for the truth and rights. I don’t believe in Jubilee factions and divisions.”

At the press conference, Tuju and Maore said the party had not discussed punishing Kang’ata for his letter to the President.

Kang’ata has been one of President Uhuru’s foot soldiers and most trusted lieutenants in the Mt Kenya region.

In May last year, Uhuru influenced his election as the Senate Majority Chief Whip following a meeting at State House where senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) – key allies of the DP – were kicked out as Majority Chief Whip and Majority leader, respectively.

Later, Kang’ata excited key party decisions by whipping party members to among others vote out Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki as Senate deputy speaker.

However, his letter and skipping party meetings have triggered murmurs and talks that he was on his way out of the President’s circles.

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Politics

Raphael Tuju Speaks On His Relationship With Ruto’s Wheelbarrow Party

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

Jubilee party Secretary General Raphael Tuju has broken his silence on the recently launched United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party linked to Deputy President William Ruto.

Speaking during a press conference at the Jubilee headquarters, Tuju explained that UDA had only changed names from Party of Development and Reforms (PDR), a party that he founded in 2012.

“If you are confused, I am more confused because PDR was POA,” the Jubilee Secretary General stated.

Tuju asked the Senate Deputy Majority Leader Fatuma Dullo, who was elected on the PDR ticket, to set the record straight.

“Members of parliament who were elected on a PDR ticket have seen change of name the way you have seen in media.

“There have not been any consultations in terms of where sitting members are concerned, but more importantly PDR was a coalition partner with jubilee and that is why I was given a leadership position in senate,” Dullo stated, adding that PDR had not been deregistered

“As far as I am concerned, I am still within my coalition partner which is jubilee,” she stated.

Deputy President William Ruto’s affiliation with PDR dates back to 2017 when the party was hosted at DP’s previous private office in Nairobi CBD.

President Uhuru Kenyatta had acknowledged the party during the 2017 campaigns.

At the same time, Jubilee party indicated that no disciplinary action would be taken against Senate Majority Whip Irungu Kang’ata over BBI leaked letter.

The senator had expressed fears that he might be demoted.

Dullo stated that the party met with Kang’ata and a way forward would be communicated later.

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Politics

Raila Tears Into DP Ruto Shortly After Receiving BBI Signatures

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has torn into critics of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Taking to his official twitter account on Friday December 4, shortly after receiving the BBI signatures from 13 regions across the country, the former Prime Minister slammed those claiming to be speaking for the people.

Deputy President Dr William Ruto and his allies have been opposing the constitutional changes, with the DP claiming to be speaking for millions of Kenyans.

However, Raila said that those claiming to be speaking for the people should leave them to speak for themselves.

Raila noted that the people have already spoken by appending their signatures in support of the BBI, which is aimed at amending the 2010 constitution, through a referendum that has been proposed to happen in 2021.

He further revealed that over 5 million Kenyans had appended their signatures in support of BBI.

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He said that the journey towards referendum now continues, with the collected signatures expected to be presented to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for verification.

“I appeal to the naysayers out there who claim to be speaking for the people to realize that the people have spoken and let the people continue speaking for themselves. Over 5 million Kenyans have thus far appended their signatures endorsing the BBI process. The journey continues!”Raila tweeted.

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There Will be Contested Referendum Unless Tangatanga Surrenders to BBI, Says Raila’s Right-hand Man

by Musa Abdirahman
written by Musa Abdirahman

ODM leader Raila Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango has dismissed Deputy President William Ruto’s call for a non contested referendum.

Taking to his official Twitter handle on Thursday night, Onyango claimed that the idea that there can be a non Contested referendum exists only in the minds of “cowardly and sly conmen and women”, whom he claimed that are only found in tanga tanga political faction.

According to Dennis Onyango, Tanga tanga only want to have their cake and eat it.

Onyango argued that there will be a Contested referendum unless the political faction allied to DP Ruto surrenders and supports the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) the way it is.

“The idea that there can be a non contested referendum exists only in the minds of cowardly and sly conmen and women in Tangatanga who want to have their cake and eat it. There will be a contested referendum unless Tangatanga surrenders and supports BBI as is, ” tweeted Onyango.

DP Ruto through his official social media handles had said that a non Contested referendum in the country is possible.

The second in command was responding to a headline that had been written by The Standard newspaper, which said “Uhuru, Raila take BBI numbers war to Ruto”.

Ruto in his response said that he loved Kenya enough, never to be part of any wars.

The DP said that there is a real possibility of a win-win consensus ahead of the looming referendum.

According to DP Ruto, an us versus them, and a Yes or No contest is unnecessary since it will lead to a lose-lose outcome.

He urged the leaders pushing for BBI to accept a non-contested referendum.

“I LOVE this country enough NEVER to be part of any ‘war.’Not when there is a real possibility for a WIN-WIN CONSENSUS beckoning. An ‘US vs THEM, ‘YES/NO’ contest that will lead to LOSE-LOSE outcome is UNNECESSARY & UNWARRANTED.A NON-CONTESTED referendum is possible. INAWEZEKANA,” DP Ruto tweeted on Wednesday November 18.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga were to launch the official collection of signatures on Thursday November 19, but the exercise was halted.

The collection of signatures which was to take one week was postponed after President Kenyatta and his Deputy Ruto held a 3-hour meeting at State House.

According to reports, the two agreed to allow some time for dialogue, to correct the gaps that are in the initial BBI report.

Raila had earlier on argued that there is no room to make any changes on the document, claiming that the only changes to be made will be editorial.

With President Kenyatta seemingly having bowed to dialogue pressure from DP Ruto, do you think Ruto’s demands will be accepted on the document, to allow a non Contested referendum?

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