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Category: COUNTIES

  • Senator Onyonka Declines Ruto’s invitation to Kisii State Lodge Dinner

    Senator Onyonka Declines Ruto’s invitation to Kisii State Lodge Dinner

    As 2024 draws to a close, Kenya finds itself struggling with a turmoil year marked by abductions, corruption, and widespread human rights violations.

    Kenyans, particularly the youth, the year has been marred by pain, fear, and a sense of betrayal by those entrusted with the nation’s governance, according to several human rights groups, and as witnessed with hunger and anger that engulfed the nation on June this year, Gen-Z demonstrations.

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    Recently, after President Ruto took the mantle of leadership, he insisted that not under his reign and watch abductions will be given space.

    The alarming rise in abductions and arrests of young Kenyans has caused anguish and pain, with families enduring the agony of searching for their loved ones during the festive season.

    The current events have led to growing frustration and public outcry as citizens pleaded for action from President William Ruto’s administration.

    The message landed on deaf ears with chest-thumping leaders, leaving many to question the government’s commitment to upholding the Constitution’s obligations and protecting its people.

    The discontent has not been limited to the public now Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has taken a bold stance against the current state of governance, announcing their decision to boycott the State New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Kisii State Lodge.

    In a statement seen by Kenyaleo.co.ke, the senator expressed deep dissatisfaction with Ruto’s perceived failure to uphold his oath of office.

    ‘’I have a strong conviction that the president has fallen short of his Oath of Office, where he should obey, preserve, protect, and uphold the sovereignty, integrity, and dignity of the people of Kenya,’’ the statement read.

    Onyonka said that the decision to decline the invitation reflects a broader sentiment of disillusionment among Kenyans who feel abandoned by their leaders during a time of crisis.

    The senator’s criticism echoes a growing call for fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law.

    ‘’Expectations are that after these pleas from Kenyans of all walks of life, the Head of State, in his new year clarion call of unity of purpose, magnanimity, and brotherliness to all Kenyans, would have released these young Kenyans who were abducted and some arrested, but he has not,” Onyonka said.

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    He strongly maintained that he would not attend the dinner. ‘’Therefore, because of my deeply held views on these issues, I will not be attending the State New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Kisii State Lodge on the evening of Tuesday, 31st December 2024, in my capacity as the Senator of Kisii County. I therefore decline the invitation.’’

    Onyonka has expressed his discomfort and dissatisfaction with sitting with the president during the dinner.

    ‘’I’m uncomfortable with the idea that some of us will be normal, happy, and excited with color and pomp when other Kenyan families are agonizing in pain looking for their loved ones to share during this season, but in vain.’’ Statement read.

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  • Kisii Coutny CECM, Ndemo throws a jab on Simba Arati

    Dr. Alfred Ndemo, who has been serving as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, County Administration, Public Participation, and the Office of the Governor, has o resigned.

    In a resignation letter addressed to Governor Simba Arati, Ndemo highlighted a series of grievances and frustrations that led to his decision.

    Dr. Ndemo accused Governor Arati of creating an “intense and exorbitant” working environment.

    He expressed rude awakening over the governor’s refusal to address his concerns despite multiple attempts to engage him.

    “You have deliberately refused to address my grievances despite my efforts to reach out,” Dr. Ndemo said.

    Ndemo says that working under Governor Arati is “frustrating, demeaning, humiliating, untenable, and impossible.”

    Dr. Ndemo’s resignation took immediate effect on November 4, 2024, citing a desire to distance himself from what he described as the governor’s maladministration.

    “To exonerate myself from your maladministration, I have, on this 4th day of November 2024, resigned as a County Executive Committee Member, Kisii County Government, effective immediately,” the letter reads.

    In a censure, Dr. Ndemo labeled the Kisii County government under Governor Arati as a “sinking ship.” claiming that the county has been plagued by mismanagement, with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and county ministers under constant pressure, unable to implement changes or execute their mandates effectively.

    “Simba is surrounded by impossibilities. MCAs are under intense pressure, and county ministers cannot implement or change anything.’’ Ndemo declared.

    Dr. Ndemo hinted at releasing more information regarding his resignation, claiming he has evidence to support his allegations.

    “I’m going to release every detail as to why I have resigned. I have been under perseverance for a long, troubled, and abused left, right, and center. I’m tired, and I regret joining the Simba Arati administration.”

    His resignation, which comes with the allegations of mismanagement, from a political could have significant political upshots for Governor Arati.

  • Residents reactions on exposed Dilapitated Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital

    Following a recent article spotlighting concerns surrounding Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), it has sparked a wave of varied reactions among residents.

    Community members have taken to social media and local forums to voice their thoughts, with opinions spanning from support and calls for reform to criticism of healthcare services.

    The coverage has ignited an important conversation around the quality of care, patient experience, and broader issues within the hospital system, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in Kenya’s healthcare sector.

    Earlier, there were claims meted on Dr. Oimeke Mariita, the CEO moving county staff out of KTRH, and transfers of Specialist Clinicians and Community Health nurses.

    James Kembero, a frustrated resident, says, “I spoke with several former colleagues at KTRH, and they expressed deep frustration and demoralization under the current management. There is uncertainty about their future work placements, and they question the leadership style that reassigns people almost daily.”

    He has rejected claims, saying it’s only the mandate of the Health Department under the supervision of the Chief Officer, who is the Chairperson of the Departmental Human Resource Advisory Committee (DHRAC). He says he is only mandated to do internal rotations.

    In a televised clip from the management, ‘’I have seen a lot of negativity about our CT scan, but as of 23rd October 31, 2024, or CT scan was up and running, we have attended to patients and all other imaging is functional, we want to dispel rumors that this machine is not working.’’ Mariita said.

    The hospital with 5 theatre rooms as depicted by the CEO in a live radio interview.

    “We have a 700-bed capacity and most of the time 90-95 percent of beds are occupied for an approximation of 630 people and in ICU and HDU oxygen is needed,” said Mariita.

    In general wards, “At any given time, out of 630 patients 63 are on oxygen. The demand for oxygen in KTRH is high surpassing the plants we have. “Plans of adding Oxygen Plants?

    The hospital boss reports that “In theatre, already quarter one (July, August, and September) we have managed to do 1,650 operations and if we continue with the same rate, by the end of this financial year we shall clock over 7,000 as compared to financial year, 4,202.”

    The hospital has been accused of poor customer care services and poor hospitality disadvantaging the underprivileged.

    Residents have affirmed that several activities are running despite the private wing services which are in limbo.

    ‘’There are challenges in the hospital but there is a smooth running of events efficiency remains the puzzle. Private wing is unclear to the public but the management should adequately spend more time and educate the public on the services it’s offering to set the clear picture for the public.’’ Obed Ongori a resident in Kisii who received services recently at the hospital.

    KTRH is projecting to have a cardiologist take the task of open-heart surgeries.

    Without giving the timelines, Spine surgeon services have been introduced and the services are operating. Mariita, reports that neurosurgeon services and machines performing the tasks are set to kick off.

    By the time of publication, Mr. Ronald Gideon Nyakweba, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, had not responded to repeated requests for comment regarding the current conditions at the county health facility.

  • Okenyuri concerned on the safety of Polio Vaccines administered in Kenya

    Okenyuri concerned on the safety of Polio Vaccines administered in Kenya

    UDA nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri

    The vibrant UDA nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri is seeking a Statement from the Committee on Health regarding the safety, efficacy and side effects of polio vaccines administered in Kenya.

    In the Statement tabled, Okenyuri sought for a detailed report on the current status of the polio vaccination campaign across the country, specifying the number of children vaccinated in county and the particulars of the vaccines administered.

    She has further tasked the committee to provide detailed information on the adverse effects, if any, of the polio vaccines administered recently by the Ministry of Health.

    Okenyuri also seeks to know the strategies applied to ensure that vaccine safety risks are identified and quantified against potential benefits and outline measures the government is taking to prevent the emergence of preventable diseases in light of the rising vaccine hesitancy.

    Notably she demands the ministry to provide relevant information regarding existing donor financing arrangements between the Ministry of Health and development partners, particularly on the provision of vaccines and other essential medical commodities.

  • Onyonka demands a report on the state of Employees at Shivling Supermarkets

    Onyonka demands a report on the state of Employees at Shivling Supermarkets

    Senator Richard Onyonka has sought a Statement from the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the labour practices and welfare of employees working for Shivling Supermarkets in Kisii County, as well as in other branches across Kenya.

    The Senator has requested the Committee to provide a report on the terms of employment, remuneration, and policies that govern the general welfare of employees at Shivling Supermarkets in Kisii County and across Kenya

    In the Statement, the committee should also inquire into allegations of racial discrimination and the non-remittance of statutory deductions to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and

    National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and establish reports that employees’ salaries are subject to deductions for stock variances, and that employees work extended hours without compensation.

    Further, Onyonka wants the committee to table the most recent audited report on wages and overtime payments made to employees of Shivling Supermarkets in Kisii County and nationwide.

  • ”You’re a flop,” Senator Omogeni tells Nyamira Governor Nyaribo 

    ”You’re a flop,” Senator Omogeni tells Nyamira Governor Nyaribo 

    Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni has fingered County Governor Amos Nyaribo for mismanaging the devolved unit. 

    He consequently invited the Ethics and Anti-corruption detectives to probe  ‘ghost projects and glaring discrepancies in public funds expenditure’ by the County boss. 

    “For instance, I have seen reports of boreholes dug in various parts of the County that truly are non-existent. 

    ” This is why I always push for probity in expenditure so that Mwananchi does not lose their money unnecessarily,” Omogeni told journalists in Borabu on Sunday. 

    Senator Omogeni is said to be among those spoiling for the Nyamira Governorship in 2027. 

    He further claimed that some Narigp ( National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project) funds had yet to be disbursed to the farmers across the county by the governor. 

     NARIGP is a Government project implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries and Irrigation (MoALF&I), State Department for Crop Development (SDCD), with funding support from the World Bank.

     Omogeni said though Governor Nyaribo claims on paper to have spent the donor cash on the farmers most farmers were still crying foul. 

    He also took issue with what he termed as a political witch hunt and arbitrary sacking of some county staff to accommodate his cronies. 

    Omogeni claimed already some workers have already reported being demoted and others denied promotions by the County boss. 

    ” You cannot work effectively by fighting staff left right and center All the staff should be respected and accorded their space to work because they are civil servants who by law are apolitical,” Senator Omogeni said. 

    The governor, he added, was only keen on rewarding his cronies at the detriment of leaving a legacy. 

    ” The people you’re fighting are our children. You can’t be sacking to replace them with cronies. They have families and need money just like you,” Omogeni told Nyaribo.

    Any Governor stepping into office, said Omogeni should be ready to work with staff he finds in office. 

    ” This issue of victimizing staff should stop. No Governor doing so at the moment is registering any meaningful development in their backyard,” he said. 

    On Ecde teachers, Omogeni said it was shameful that Nyamira was paying its teachers as low as Sh 12 000 when it’s neighbour Kisii was paying Sh28000. 

    ” He can just travel by road to Kisii and benchmark how things are done, “the Senator said. 

    He also asked the governor to fast-track the payments of health promoters. 

    The health staff have gone without their monthly stipends for more than a year now. 

    Omogeni also promised to champion improved tea bonus earnings for Nyamira farmers. 

    He said the earnings this year were ‘gravely low’ 

  • Put your act together, Kisii residents tell Ruto, Gachagua

    Put your act together, Kisii residents tell Ruto, Gachagua

    BY MAHATMA GANDHI MAGATI

    Most Kisii residents want President William Ruto and his estranged deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, to put their act together or ship out together.

    They singled out for censure the bill being floated to impeach Gachagua against the pressing concerns the country was facing at the moment.

    They told Ruto to reconcile with Gachagua and begin to focus more firmly on how to move the country forward.

    “We elected them together and should pack and leave together. It that is what they are up to,” said George Magange, an activist.

    He said if parliament was serious on its intent then it should impeach both Ruto and his deputy.

    More others that had turned up at the Agricultural Training College for the public participation exercise termed flimsy and weak the grounds being presented as evidence to impeach the embattled Gachagua.

    They told the duo to work together and stop the drama.

    “ Let them work together for now, we are only two years shy of the main polls, the President can pick another running mate in 2027” added Magange.

    Thomas Keraka and Benjamin Atemba, described as of ‘low material value’ all the grounds being fronted as evidence to indict Gachagua.

    “From any standpoint, the grounds lack substance and are weak,” stated said.
    Keraka

    They accused the Kenyan Kwanza government of losing its focus and directing all its primitive energy on non-issues.

    They’re called on their MPs to vote No to the bill.

    Wilfred Monyenye, Kisii Township Ward Rep said the health and the education sector were in a mess and challenged the Head of State to rise to the challenge.

    He said the university funding model, the Social Health Insurance Fund ( SHIF) was dysfunctional, stressing, that they are more important than the impeachment of Gachagua.

    “ Our people cannot access health care services since their National Hospital Insurance Fund ( NHIF) Cards are not being recognized after the shift to the new Fund,” Monyenye told the press.

    Only Darius Mosoti, a youth leader, supported the impeachment claiming Gachagua in his tenure revived the spirit of tribalism in the country.

    Gachagua is facing abuse of office charges and violation of the law as the impeachment threatens to end his political career.

  • Nationwide Public Participation on Gachagua Impeachment Marred by Chaos and Controversy

    Nationwide Public Participation on Gachagua Impeachment Marred by Chaos and Controversy

    Public participation nationwide exercise across all 290 constituencies where Kenyans were given a platform to voice their opinions on the high-stakes impeachment which was initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

    The process has been conducted at designated centers in the 47 counties countrywide.

    Previously, a last-minute legal challenge filed in court aiming to halt the proceedings was dismissed on Wednesday, clearing the path for public consultations.

    Public Participation at Bomas ended amid Controversies where blows and kicks were witnessed especially when Morara Kebaso was guaranteed his entry to the social hall to air his views.

    Public participation at Bomas in Nairobi officially concluded at around mid-day, with hundreds turning up to voice their opinions on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.

    Members of parliament and MCAs who sought anonymity raised concerns about the abrupt dismissal of the exercise at the Bomas of Kenya where there have been critics questioning whether Parliament upheld the standard for genuine, meaningful public participation.

    Clashes Break Out in Bomas as Participation Turns Violent as tensions flared as public participation at Bomas spiraled into disorder. Supporters and detractors of both parties clashed violently, chanting rival slogans of “Ruto must go” and “Gachagua must go.”

    Punches and kicks were thrown, chairs were hurled at each other, and confusion reigned as the two sides descended into a brawl.

    Kebaso Morara, the lawyer turned activist was at the center of the chaos with goons attacking the political figurehead who is quickly gaining popularity.

    The chaos erupted after activist lawyer Morara Kebaso arrived with a group of youths, prompting a section of attendees to react violently.

    Security personnel had to swiftly intervene, ejecting Morara and restoring a fragile order. The exercise continued, though the atmosphere remained volatile.

    Later after the adjournment of the exercise, the Morara Kebaso contingent returned to Bomas of Kenya which forced several MPs to free the area and end the exercise within the planned schedule.

    MPs led by Tom Kajwang, TJ, and Dagoreti South Mp John Kiarie, KJ were seen fleeing the area and sneaking out of the area securing their safety from the rowdy crowd.

    Participants expressed their views saying, ‘’ If Gachagua is to go, let William Ruto also go.’’

    They added their frustrations saying it was an exercise of time wasting for ending the exercise prematurely.

    Charles Omondi said. ‘’What was the essence of this exercise if you decided to waste our time and adjourn the planned national event to chaos, I’m saddened with the whole plans of today, it’s a sad day for this country.’’

    In Nakuru, chaos erupted during the public participation exercise as residents took to the streets, rejecting the process, and calling it fraudulent.

    Chanting “No Gachagua, no Ruto,” the protestors disrupted the ASK showgrounds participation event, accusing organizers of distributing fake documents.

    The exercise was abruptly halted as police officers on-site fled the scene.

    In other areas, Nyahururu residents blocked a major highway in protest of the impeachment process, lighting bonfires and barricading roads leading to Nyeri town. “No Rigathi, no Ruto,” echoed through the streets as protestors expressed their unwavering support for Gachagua. The residents accused the National Assembly of attempting to destabilize the region’s political leadership. Although police officers intervened to clear the roads, the defiant residents vowed to continue their demonstrations, demanding the public participation exercise be halted.

    In Machakos, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua took a bold stance in Machakos, leading the public participation against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with the rallying cry, “Gachagua must go!” 

    Mutua a sharp critique of the current leadership to Gachagua “We are not happy. Since President William Ruto took office, Ukambani has been left behind. All development has been tied to shareholder politics,” Mutua declared.

  • Senator Hezena Lemaletian Seeks Accountability in Samburu’s Mining and Road Infrastructure Projects

    Senator Hezena Lemaletian Seeks Accountability in Samburu’s Mining and Road Infrastructure Projects

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    Senator Hezena Lemaletian (Nominated) has raised concerns about the transparency and public participation surrounding the ongoing mining activities in Samburu County. Speaking in the Senate, she questioned whether due public consultations were conducted before the mining operations commenced.

    While requesting a statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources, the legislator requested the Sen John Methu-led Committee to inquire and report to the House all local and foreign entities engaged in the mining operations in Samburu County.

    She also tasked the Lands Committee to confirm whether these entities are licensed and compliant with the Mining (Strategic Mineral) Regulations of 2017 and assess the benefits accruing to the local community from these mining activities.

    The Committee will subsequently establish whether individuals whose land is being utilized for mining purposes have been compensated.

    In another Statement Request, Sen Lemaletian called on the Senate Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing to look into the dilapidated state of roads and the distribution of budget allocations towards road projects in Samburu County.

    In a separate statement request, Sen. Lemaletian also highlighted concerns about the deteriorating state of roads in Samburu County. She called on the Senate Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing, chaired by Sen. Karungo Thang’wa, to address the condition of roads and the allocation of budgetary funds for road projects in the county.

    “They also need to disclose how the budget has been distributed among various road projects with details of the specific allocations for different road segments and specify how much has been utilized so far on new road construction projects and for maintenance of existing ones,” she requested.

    The Nominated Senator asked the committee to provide a comprehensive report on the status of all roads within Samburu County under the jurisdiction of the county government. She requested a detailed explanation of the challenges that have led to the poor state of certain roads and urged the committee to disclose the total budgetary allocations for road construction, repair, and maintenance in the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Financial Years. Furthermore, she asked for a breakdown of how these funds have been distributed across different road projects and how much has been utilized so far.

    Sen. Lemaletian also called on the committee to outline the Samburu County Government’s plans for maintaining deteriorating roads, with specific details on the frequency of inspections and the criteria used to prioritize repairs. Finally, she emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the use of funds earmarked for road projects to ensure effective utilization of public resources.

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  • Gusii clergy rebuke Mungatana over ‘church tax bill’

    Gusii clergy rebuke Mungatana over ‘church tax bill’

    BY MAHATMA GANDHI MAGATI

    Members of the clergy from Kisii have rejected Senator Dunstan Mungatana’s ambitious proposals to have the state impose a tax on churches.

    They termed as Satan-inspired and evil any move by the state to collect cess from houses of worship.

    Bible Way Ministry cleric, Rev Evans Onduso, who is also the Kisii Clergy Forum Vice Chair, the pastors now want all believing legislators to rally together and block the Mungatana-sponsored Bill

    “You don’t impose taxes on God, He gives us what we return to him in a token of appreciation. It should not be the other way round,” said Onduso.

    The controversial Bill, inter alia seeks to introduce taxes on income, gifts, or profits generated from church.

    The revenues would only be exempt from taxation if they were entirely allocated to charitable causes.

    It proposes a fine of Sh5 million, three years in jail, or both for any religious leader who operates an unregistered organization.

    The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), and the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) have since called for the withdrawal of the Bill to facilitate stakeholder consultation by the clergy members.

    In Kisii, various pastors called for the Bill’s rejection and called on the legislators from Gusii to reject it.

    “Mungatana is inviting fire from heaven. He should keep his distance from religious affairs,” added Bishop Nyanuga Omambia, chair of Kisii Clergy Forum chairman.

    Peter Morwabe, founder of the Gospel Embassy church in Kisii implored Mungatana to drop it saying it stains the state’s reputation.

    “It is not worth discussing and I believe it should die on arrival,” he told Kenyaleo. Co. Ke

    “We don’t know the objective, the intention, and the motive and I would betray President William Ruto if it goes through and becomes law,” Morwabe said.

    Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has already distanced the State from the Religious Organisation Bill, 2024

    The bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework for registration and further spells out measures for containing rogue clerics with a bent on extremism.

    According to Oduor, the proposed piece of legislation reflects the independent views and legislative agenda of Senator Mungatana.

    “It is hereby clarified that the Religious Organizations Bill, 2024, is a privately sponsored Bill brought forth by Senator Dunstan