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  • 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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  • No more talk, lets work now- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

    No more talk, lets work now- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged all leaders elected during the 2022 General Election to embark on serving Kenyans.

    Speaking at Uhuru Gardens during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, DP Gachagua said there is no more time to waste since Kenyans are suffering.

    “I also wish to congratulate all the elected leaders in the just concluded elections and remind them that it is time to deliver; we cannot afford to waste a single minute. We know Kenyans are suffering. No more talk. It is work. Tuchape Kazi sawasawa,” the Deputy President said.

    “Irrespective of our political differences, it is time to work and deliver. We are all Kenyans. This is our nation, we are rising together.”

    The second-in-command further assured his boss President William Ruto of his support in realizing Kenya Kwanza’s plan of making Kenya a great nation where “everyone matters, and every hustle matters.” “I want to assure you of my unprecedented support as your deputy, round the clock in delivering to the people of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also added that the current challenges are a concern for all Kenyans “The challenges that we face as a nation ranging from social to economic, belong to all of us, and we should all contribute towards facing them.”

    Finally, DP Rigathi Gachagua pleads with Kenyans to work hard to deliver  “I want to congratulate all the elected leaders here & remind them that it is time to deliver. No more talk. It is now time to work.”

    The Mashujaa day fete is the first National celebration that President Ruto and DP Gachagua are officiating since taking the oath of office on September 13.

  • CELEBRATING GAINS AND MILESTONES IN WOMEN LEADERSHIP IN THE 2022 GENERAL ELECTIONS

    The Kenya Woman Leaders Association (KEWOLA) is an organization that brings together women leaders from different political formations interested and committed to promoting women leadership in Kenya in different levels and positions.

    The insurance has come together to leverage on collective strengths and networks because the organization is now believing in the power of working together and the place and power of Women leadership.

    The group has said that the Country has just come from a closely contested elections that ushered in a new leadership at National and County Level.

    As a movement, now have come out to congratulate H.E President Dr William Ruto, CGH on his election as President.

    As KEWOLA, now it has wished Ruto’s  administration the very best as he steers the country to greater heights.

    Further, the group has been able to applaud the election of Women Leaders to different positions. “We are proud of the milestones that the country has made that has seen more Women Governors elected in MERU, NAKURU, MACHAKOS, KWALE, HOMABAY, EMBU, & KIRINYAGA. We also congratulate Women Deputy Governors who were elected in different Counties and wish them the very best as they take their roles.” KEWOLA group Said.

    Furthermore, the organization applauds the election of Women and Youthful Leaders, 100 Members of County Assemblies, 36 Members of Parliament, and 3 Senators. “We congratulate H.E Anne Waiguru on her election as the Chair, Council of Governors and Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, MP, CBS on her election as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.” KEWOLA said.

    KEWOLA further thanked the President for nominating several women to the Cabinet during his recent appointments that He made. “We wish all those who have been nominated the best as they face the National Assembly during the vetting process.” KEWOLA said.

    KEWOLA has now appealed to the Assembly to approve them so that they can assume office and serve Kenyans.

    The group has further told that these developments mean a lot to women and  as a nation working towards the attainment of the two thirds gender principle that is enshrined in Kenya Constitution.

    As a movement, now reminds women who have been elected to such positions that they have an opportunity to do their best and set high standards for future women who are aspiring for positions to serve the country.

    The group further has also reminded the President that during the elections, He promised that he was going to appoint 50% his Cabinet to be women. They believe he is capable of delivering the agenda in his administration.

    Women leaders have further appealed to Parliament to prioritize the passage of an enabling the administration to facilitate the implementation of the Two Third Gender Principle which has been long overdue.

    The association has however urged the Media to continue profiling this issue of inclusion and giving it the prominence.

    Finally the association is cherishing the Constitution as one of the most valuable instruments of governance which paves willing and committence to play women role to support the implementation of the Constitution.

    As an association, it’s consulting widely on other measures and steps that it’s supposed to take towards nation building making them public.

  • President William Ruto Chairs Cabinet Dispatch

    President William Ruto Chairs Cabinet Dispatch

    PRESIDENT William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D., C.G.H. has this morning chaired a meeting of the nation’s apex policy organ, Cabinet, at State House,Nairobi.

    The meeting was convened to consider the progress made in the national response to the ongoing drought situation that has affected 23 counties; together with an appraisal of the ongoing humanitarian support and relief food being provided to the families in those areas and the medium-term and long-term strategies being developed to address the food security situation in the country.

    Cabinet considered a broad array of proposals touching on climate change adaptation, reducing Kenya’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture by increasing irrigation, planting of diverse and drought resistant crops, and the implementation of early warning and response mechanisms that are activated at the very start of adverse situations rather than when the situations have escalated into disaster conditions.

    As part of the medium to long term responses to the ongoing drought, and as a progressive step towards significantly redefining agriculture in Kenya by adopting crops that are resistant to pests and disease, Cabinet also considered various expert and technical reports on adoption of biotechnology; including reports of the Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA), World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United States of America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

    In accordance with the recommendation of the Task Force to Review Matters Relating to Genetically Modified Foods and Food Safety, and in fidelity with the guidelines of the National Biosafety
    Authority on all applicable international treaties including the Cartagena
    Protocol on Biosafety (CPB), Cabinet vacated its earlier decision of
    8th November, 2012 prohibiting the open cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds produced through biotechnology innovations; effectively lifting the ban on Genetically Modified Crops.

    By dint of the executive action open
    cultivation and importation of White (GMO) Maize is now authorized.

    Today’s decision follows an earlier Cabinet decision made on 19th
    December, 2019 regarding the commercialization of Bacillus
    Thuringiensis (BT) Cotton Hybrids in Kenya; which is a genetically
    enhanced variety of cotton that is resistant against African Bollworm, the
    most destructive and pervasive pest in cotton framing.

    That earlier approval by Cabinet sought to revamp production of textiles, apparel, feed, and oil-industries towards the realization of the industrialization; and today’s Cabinet decision builds on it and also extends its benefits to other agricultural and manufacturing
    sectors.

    The nation’s apex policy organ was also apprised on the preparations for the National Examinations for Grade 6, Class 8 and Form 4; which are scheduled to take place from 28th November, 2022 to 23rd December, 2022.

    Cabinet took the opportunity to wish all candidates success as they prepare and sit for their examinations.

    Cabinet welcomed the normalization of the education learning calendar with effect from January of 2023, noting that it would herald the conclusion of the recovery of learning times lost due to the school closures occasioned by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    Cabinet reaffirmed the importance of the ongoing reforms to steer the nation towards an era of Universal Health Coverage through the bold and progressive legislation enacted early in the year on mandatory

  • President Appoints Peter Tabichi as Member of CBC reforms team

    President Appoints Peter Tabichi as Member of CBC reforms team

    The Munavu-led task force will be expected to undertake a summative evaluation of CBC and study all laws governing the basic education subsector and make recommendations for review of these legislations to address duplication, ambiguities, efficiency constraints and improving linkages.

    The new team has also been tasked with assessing the examination framework and also evaluate the teacher education and training framework for both preservice and in-service.

    Ruto further tasked the working party to look into the teachers’ deployment policies and general school governance.

    “To review and recommend appropriate financing framework including capitation and minimum essential package grants for all basic education levels.

    “To review and recommend a framework for physical and infrastructure development and coordination of public-private partnerships for improved access and quality provision,” Ruto stated through the Gazette Notice.

    Other members of the task force include David Some, Halima Saado Abdilahi, Ciriaka Gitonga, Purity Mbaabu, Edward Katue Nzinga, Virginia Wahome, Robert Juma Wamalwa, Charles Kyalo Mutinda, Anthony Cheruiyot Sitienei, Bishop Geffrey Waweru Gichoki, Rev Seline Chepngeno Ronoh, Laila Abubakar, Daniel Otieno Randa, John Kamiti Munyua.

    Also sitting on the committee are Kizito Wangalwa, Augusta Mwihaki Muthigani, Peter Barasa, Ahmed Yussuf, Jone Mose, Hassan Mwakimako, Lynette Mwende Ndile, Wilson Kogo and Stephen Mbugua Ngari.

  • ELOG Calls For 2022 Peaceful and Fair Polls

    ELOG Calls For 2022 Peaceful and Fair Polls

    ELOG members during a press conference
    Election Observation Group (ELOG) members during a press conference

    Election Observation Group (ELOG), has called upon the Political Leaders and Kenyans to ensure credible, Peaceful, Free, and Fair Elections 2022.

    Today members have called for peaceful 2022 elections. ELOG is made up of civil society organizations and faith-based organizations.

    Political parties are set to conduct nominations from 16th to 22nd April 2022. Our Observations and reports over the years indicate that party primaries have been shambolic. We call for Credible party primaries since they are a precursor towards a peaceful election. Affirmative actions should also be allowed by political parties. Party primaries should also allow free and fair elections free from violence or Bribery.

    ”We also call on all social media users to be responsible and avoid spreading hate through the propagation of fake and provocative information. We further urge the communication authority, security, and other relevant agencies to flag out social media handles and persons who spew hate speech.” Said Anne W. Ireri chairperson, steering committee Peace panel.

    Political alignment should also avoid the use of insensitive language for it may stir a wave of violence.
    Electoral legal and administrative policies and performance. Some of the laws should be amended before elections like the party primary bill, special interest amendment bill.

    The IEBC up to now lacks substantive staffing like the CEO absence which causes an alert on matters of the whole exercise. The voter law registration witnessed only proves voter apathy due to various reasons like unfair elections, poor service delivery, and corruption among leaders.

    ELOG is also concerned about the rise of cases like hate speech, incitement by, few political leaders. Every Kenyan has been urged to be responsible to ensure a peaceful, credible and fair election free from violence.

    Transparency in the Electoral process is paramount and IEBC must keep the public informed about every activity it is undertaking, to avoid suspicion and mistrust. It is recommended that the commission strengthen its public communication and stakeholder outreach structures.

  • UDA Win at Parliament as New Alliances emerge

    UDA Win at Parliament as New Alliances emerge

    UDA allied MPs at DP Wiliam Ruto‘s Residence in Karen (Photo Courtesy)

    Members of parliament allied to deputy president William Ruto on January 25, 2022, managed to shoot down a motion at the national assembly seeking to reconstitute the house business committee.

    Their move is going to disrupt the house business for six months until the names of the new members in the committee will be tabled for debate.

    “There cannot be any business because there has to be a House Business Committee to process anything for the House” Speaker Justin Muturi ruled.

    However, what many do not recognize is that majority of MPs allied to Azimio la Umoja were not in the house, thus creating room for DP Ruto’s foot soldiers to chest thump.

    Members of parliament drawn from the Luhya community today met President Uhuru Kenyatta at the statehouse. Most of the leaders have in the past sided with the handshake wing of President Kenyatta and ODM’s Raila Odinga. As such their votes were not counted in the motion.

    Also, the leadership of the ODM party at parliament was out in the field drumming up support for Odinga who is set to square it out with DP Ruto through Azimio la Umoja alliance.

    Junet Mohamed, an ardent ODM defender, was attending a function where the Mount Kenya Foundation was meeting with Maasai leaders.

    His counterpart John Mbadi, the minority leader at the national assembly, was weeks ago suspended from five sittings of the house after punching Sigowet/Soin MP Kipsengeret Koros in the face.

  • Former MP Emaase in polls 2022 for Member of Parliament

    Immediate former Member of Parliament for Teso South Constituency Mary Emase

    Immediate former Member of Parliament for Teso South Constituency Mary Emase Otuch has refuted claims that she will contest for the Woman representative post during the forthcoming General elections.

    Speaking to the press in Busia town, Emase said she will vie for the post of Member of Parliament to complete the stalled projects that she began in 2013.

    “As a mature politician, I will leave the post to new female entrants,” she said, explaining that the post was created through affirmative action to increase the number of female representation in parliament.

    She further stated that she will work closely with development-conscious leaders from both the County and National governments to mobilize resources for the development of the constituency.

    “If we do not work together, we will rely on Constituency Development Fund only and this cannot meet the demands of the residents,” she said.

    She added that they are ready to battle for the post and she is well planned  ”Wakae wakijua Niko kwa Debe, MP TESO SOUTH 2022. Wapunguze Uoga na Wasitie Baridi. Wasituuzie Uoga ya Kura Kuibiwa. TUMEJIPANGA na HATUPANGWINGWI.”

    The former lawmaker who is affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party said that the party leadership has come up with a blueprint for development projects in all the seven Sub Counties of Busia.

    Emaase at the same time urged those who applied for National Identity Cards to collect them from the relevant offices in readiness for the forthcoming elections. “This time around we will make sure that all the ballot boxes are protected,’’ she said, adding that no voter bribery will take place during the August 22 General elections.

    Both the current Teso South MP Geoffrey Omuse and Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has also expressed interest in the same post.

    Emaase served as the area MP for one term before she lost to Omuse.

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