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Politics

Uganda Breaks Silence On The Aborted Ruto Trip

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Days after Deputy President William Ruto aborted his trip to Uganda, the Yoweri Museveni-led country has issued a statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Ruto was set for a private trip to the neighbouring country on Monday, which was to be his second trip in a month but was blocked by immigration officials at Wilson Airport.

After waiting for clearance for about five hours, the DP is said to have given up and returned to his office.

Ruto’s communication secretary David Mugonyi said Ruto was asked to seek clearance from the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Joseph Kinyua.

The incident stirred mixed reactions, with some Kenyans arguing that Uganda was meddling into Kenya’s affairs.

However, Uganda in a statement has said that it had not arranged any protocol for DP Ruto.

Uganda’s ministry of foreign affairs said the Protocol Department has no record that there was a request for them to provide protocol services to Ruto.

“I was not informed by the chief of protocol being requested by the Kenyan High Commission in Uganda to provide protocol services to the Deputy President,”  State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem said.

Oryem said Ugandan foreign policy is very clear that they don’t interfere in the internal affairs of any country whatsoever.

“We have no authority, we have no power over Kenyan government, they have their own reasons why they prevented Ruto from coming to Uganda,” he said.

during an interview with Inooro FM on Wednesday, Ruto said he has previously travelled without obtaining clearance.

“What happened at Wilson is part of the onslaught on me in the supremacy fights in the ranks of Jubilee,” the DP said.

The deputy president said he has been sidelined in government for quite some time.

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Politics

Hundreds Of MPs Flock DP Ruto’s Karen Home (PHOTOS)

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Over 100 Members of Parliament allied to Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday August 5, 2021 flocked his Karen resident in Nairobi for a ‘hustle nation’ meeting.

The ‘hustler nation‘ spokesperson Dennis Itumbi had on Wednesday August 4 given hints about the meeting, with discussions on the bottom-up economic approach set to dominate the meeting.

Itumbi through his official social media handles had hinted that the DP will host a hustler nation legislators parliamentary group meeting to take the bottom-up economy conversation to the next level.

Photos seen by this writer as at the time of publishing this article show several lawmakers allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) already at the venue.

The newly sworn-in UDA MP Wanjiku Njuguna, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro and nominated MP David Ole-Sankok are some of the notable lawmakers that had already lined up to take photos at the venue.

More than 140 people are in attendance, with the Ruto-allied lawmakers expected to use the platform to evaluate their reach in the grassroots mobilisation and strategise how to navigate the political environment.

Njuguna who won the Kiamba parliamentary seat through a by-election was sworn in on Wednesday August 4 while in the company of MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) and Kimani Ichungwah (Kikuyu).

The DP Ruto brigade has been telling Kenyans that the bottom-up approach is the only way that will heal the country’s eceonomy.

The DP is banking on the narrative to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in a race that will pit him and the ODM leader Raila Odinga in 2022.

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Politics

“Grow Up!” PS Kibicho Deconstructs Ruto Man Rigathi Gachagua On Live TV

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has torn into Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua over what he claimed as peddling lies.

Kibicho who was speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday night also told the lawmaker to cease from dragging him and the interior CS Fred Matiang’i into his woes.

According to Kibicho, Gachagua who is allied to Deputy President William Ruto was using the PS and CS Matiang’i as decoys and scapegoats in the case. 

Gachagua who served as Molo District Officer in the late President Daniel Arap Moi’s government was blamed for insinuating that the Interior Ministry was on a witch-hunt of DP Ruto’s allies. 

“Gachagua is an old DO who used rungus during their regime. He has forgotten that when we changed the Constitution, everyone was poised to be accountable for their actions,” stated Kibicho.  

“He keeps thinking that the recklessness continued. I want to tell him that it stopped. He needs to grow up and stop being reckless. He has issues with his own people of Nyeri who stated that he embezzled funds. Let him deal with that and desist from dragging Kibicho and CS Matiang’i in it.”

He, however, declared that no action would be taken against the MP as the Ministry had decided to avoid being dragged into the affair. 

“That is what he is looking for. We will not engage him even as he keeps telling lies on TV,” the PS added. 

Ruto’s allies were accused of creating tension in the country in an attempt to allegedly appease their master. Kibicho claimed that the MPs at times rushed to the DP with fake news and lies on how the police were planning to threaten or assassinate them. 

Kibicho dubbed these politicians as reckless as they seize any advantage to push the DP to find relevance in their allegations. 

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Politics

Rigathi Gachagua- I Used Millions To Fund Uhuru’s Campaigns In 2013 & 2017

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that he spent millions of money to fund President Uhuru Kenyatta‘s presidential campaigns during the 2013 and 2017 general elections.

Gahagua who spoke during an interview on Monday August 2 alleged that it is President Kenyatta who approached him in 2012 to ask for the funding.

He went further to claim that he is the one who funded Uhuru’s campaigns in the entire Nyeri county during the 2017 October repeat polls.

Without revealing the exact amount he spent, the lawmaker noted that he acquired campaign cars, erected billboards, mobilized people to campaign for the re-election of President Uhuru.

He stated that he offered to sponsor Uhuru and his Deputy William Ruto‘s campaigns as a friend.

“In 2013, Uhuru came to me and I asked me to fund to his campaigns and nobody had an issue with me. I gave money to him as a friend. In 2017 during the repeat Presidential elections,  I told DP Ruto and Uhuru and leave Nyeri for me, where I used my money. I used millions to get cars, I erected billboards and mobilized people to run the campaigns,” he argued.

Gachagua earlier worked as Uhuru’s Personal Assistant in 2002 after the current President plucked him from the business world. 

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Alice Wahome
Politics

Alice Wahome Speaks On Fumbling While Explaining Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economy

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Days after fumbling while trying to explain Deputy President William Ruto’s bottom up economic model during an interview on Citizen TV, Kandara MP Alice Wahome has come out to explain what transpired.

Wahome who is one of Ruto’s strongest supporters and a supporter of his hustler movement last week caused a stir online after saying that the bottom up approach was about empowerment starting from the bottom going down.

This attracted criticism from Kenyans who said she did not understand the model she has been pushing alongside other MPs allied to DP Ruto.

Speaking on the gaffe for the very first time on Monday August 02, the lawmaker said that she just had a slip of the tongue.

“That was just a tongue-twister. I know that the bottom-up economic model discussion bothers the ‘Cerelac’ babies, Kieleweke team and the ODM party,” she told a leading local daily.

She noted thatr trending on social media because of a tongue twist is not bad.

“..the clip was taken out of context. I was attending a show for one and a half hours…I said several things but they chose to bring a seven-seconds clip to show that we don’t understand the model,” she said.

She said the other parties have no alternative model.

“..bring your model let us compete on ideas, not jokes. I will not be finished by a small tongue twist,” she added.

On Sunday, Ruto once again defended his bottom-up economic approach, saying it is a noble approach about helping others.

“People are confused about this bottom-up approach. It is about helping the weak. Christ himself has said blessed are those who help others,” Ruto said.

Ruto is rallying supporters around his hustler narrative, which he says is a “bottom-up-middle-out economic approach” that has been received with admiration and criticism in equal measure.

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Crime & Investigations

How Rigathi Gachagua Raised Kshs.12 Million In Just 3 Hours To Secure Release

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua on Monday July 26, 2021 secured his release from police custody after managing to raise the hefty cash bail that he was granted after spending the weekend behind bars.

Gachagua appeared before Milimani chief magistrate Lawrence Mugambi on Monday secured his release after paying Sh12 million bail granted by an anti-corruption court in a Sh7.4 billion graft case.

The lawmaker is said to have fraudulently received a sum of Sh7 billion through three different bank accounts in his name at Rafiki Micro-finance Bank. He received the property between 2013 and 2020 in Nairobi while knowing that it formed part of the proceeds of crimes.

Gachagua was arrested at 3am in his Nyeri home on Friday, and faced six counts of economic crimes, including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, money laundering, and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

After being released, the lawmaker took to his official social media accounts to reveal how he managed to raise the hefty cash bail in just three hours. He  expressed gratitude to his friends who helped him raise the cash.

“I thank God that I am finally at home with my family after facing trumped up charges by the DCI on orders from State House… I thank all the friends who helped me raise the hefty cash bail in a record three hours,” Rigathi stated.

In addition, Rigathi expressed gratitude to his wife and children, his lawyers and Deputy President William Ruto for the support they accorded him.

Rigathi stated that police officers at the DCI headquarters and Gigiri Police Station had treated him with respect and dignity and were professional in discharging their duties.

During his appearance in court, Gachagua was flanked by members of the Tangatanga wing of the ruling Jubilee Party, among them Kimani Ichung’wa, Irungu Kang’ata, Alice Wahome, Kipchumba Murkomen, Nixon Korir, Aaron Cheruiyot and Gladys Boss Shollei.

Gachagua is accused alongside William Wahome, Anne Ruo, Julianne Makaa, Samuel Ireri, Grace Wambui, Lawrence Kimaru, Irene Wambui, David Nyangi and M/S Rapid Medical Supplies Limited.

They are accused of conspiring to defraud the Nyeri county government of Sh27 million between May 2015 and December 2016. His co-accused persons were, however, not present in court. Gachagua denied any wrongdoing.

In respect of the fraudulent acquisition of public property, it is alleged Gachagua, Nyangi, and Rapid Supplies Ltd fraudulently acquired public property at Sh6 million. The money was part of a payment purportedly for the supply of dialysis machines to Nyeri Provincial General Hospital.

Gachagua further faced two counts of money laundering. He denied indirectly receiving Sh104 million from Bungoma county government and engaging in transactions to conceal the movement of the cash even with the knowledge that it was proceeds of crime.

He also allegedly indirectly received Sh7.5 million from the Kwale government between September 2015 and September 2016 in Nairobi with others not before court.

The court ordered the accused persons to appear before the court on August 3, 2021. A pre-trial was also scheduled for August 9.

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Politics

Ruto Will Win 2022 Presidential Race By 10am, Kalonzo’s Right-hand Man Admits

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Wiper Democratic Movement deputy party leader Farah Maalim has claimed that Deputy President William Ruto will clinch the 2022 presidential polls.

Speaking on Monday July 26, 2021 during a morning talk show on TV 47, the former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly expressed his dislike against DP Ruto, but maintained that he will win the race should he run against ODM leader Raila Odinga.

According to Farah Maalim, an exposition that has supposedly been the saving grace for former Prime Minister would not be at play in the 2022 General Election.

“If it’s going to be a race between Ruto and Raila, I don’t like Ruto and I will never vote for him but he will win at 10am in the morning,” he said.

He further argued that the support currently enjoyed by Raila stemmed from the disillusionment of other tribes that have had to endure a seemingly unending leadership by pundits from Central Kenya.

He justified this claim by adding that in the event that Raila faced a presidential candidate from a region besides Mt. Kenya, his messianic aura would deplete in a flash.

Maalim also emphasized that Ruto ignited a class war, banking on support by impoverished and disenfranchised groups in his tours across Central Kenya.

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Politics

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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Ruto with Waiguru
Politics

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

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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 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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Lifestyle

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

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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 Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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 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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Politics

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

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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 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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Politics

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

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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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