Social Media which one of Kenya’s top killer diseases after Malaria and AIDS has once again taken one person down and this time none other than Cheryl Kitonga a once less known last who made headlines during the murder of Businessman Jacob Juma for being the last he was last seen with before being gunned down.
I’m Monday night, social media was awash with unconfirmed news that the lady has been found murdered at her home. Intel reaching Kenya Insights from the CID sources indicates that these are wild rumours and police not able to confirm.
Cheryl stays in South B and none of the relatives neither friends from the area have come out to confirm this. So far we can firmly tell you to treat this as a rumour and that the lady is still alive.
Rumours of Cheryl being murdered coming at a time when ODPP is structuring a tribunal to look into the unresolved murder of Jacob Juma who was fell down by unknown gunmen suspected to be state operatives according to many contributors on the matter allegations denied by the government.
Keep it Kenya Insights for more developments in this story.
As 2017 fast approaches, political landscapes are changing. Nairobi is at the centre of everything political. The gubernatorial seat is attracting many candidates from the Jubilee wing, and so the women rep position, the incumbent Hon. Rachael Shebesh is up for an uphill task to defend her seat.
Latest polls are showing Nairobi, businesswoman, Esther Passaris enjoying a 28% lead, Rachael Shebesh is second with 20 percent, Wangui Ng’ang’a is a distance third with 2 percent followed by new entrant Karen Nyamu who enjoys only 1 percent. Of all the candidates so far, the city lawyer Karen Njeri Nyamu has been doing meet the people during the weekends traversing various slums.
With the incumbent lacking a track record that speaks for itself the new entrants have no policies too other than clinging on peculiar monikers like Toto si Toto, Bae wa Nairobi, Wakili wa Mama na Watoto and taking pictures in slums to identify with the dwellers when they don’t understand needs of the Nairobians. Ms Njeri for instance admitted to having no manifesto as the prepares to clinch the nomination ticket.
With latest trends politics is almost lacking seriousness, the seat that was created through the new constitution to enhance gender balance has not been understood. Even some candidates are not aware that women representatives though majorly representing the interests of women are just like other MPs( Members of Parliament).
Karen Nyamu,, Women Rep aspirant in the slums where she has been doing grassroots campaigns
Ladies who are moderately successful in business and desperate for fame chest thump without proper policies running for the seat. You can not employ every woman at the EPZ (Export Processing Zone), times have changed, we are living in the 21st century. It’s too late to promise people jobs that can barely support their lives. Initiate ideas that can fix problems that people face.
Most of these candidates are people who have access to individuals or cash to facilitate their way to greener pastures. At the centre of political leadership is a relationship, Hillary Clinton once said but many candidates around have no time-tested relationship with the people.
They come at the eleventh hour, hoodwink the people, get elected, forget the people and fill their stomachs. Relationship with the people in this context is not taking desperate photos with poor kids at the slums and jumping over dirty trenches with the poor drainage system.
Nairobi did not see these candidates doing the same two or three years ago, and these are cheap PR stunts meant to work as ‘a political currency’ to win elections.
It makes no sense jumping over trenches or taking pictures with malnourished kids and promising to employ people at the EPZ. The photo and promise don’t relate and why should you wait till you are elected to hire people? Do it now if you can because empty promises work no more. Maybe Shebesh has not done a commendable job other controversies here and there, but her successor must be the serious candidate, not a restless socialite.
This article expresses the author’s opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Kenya Insights or its Editors. We welcome opinion and views on topical issues. Email:[email protected]
Dr Otiende Amolo, Office of the Ombudsman Chairman.
Ombudsman investigation into possible dereliction of duty, abuse of power, unfair treatment and injustice by public officials in the Eastleigh Market matter has revealed that ownership wrangles that plague the contested parcel of land are a creation of the defunct Nairobi City Council officials. The controversy surrounding the leasing of the parcel of land came to the fore early this year when two developers commenced construction at the site spurring protests from traders who were operating in the open air market. The land in question measures 0.5116 hectares (approximately 1.26 acres) and registered as 36/VII/1037.
The Office commenced an investigation into the matter following a complaint filed with the Commission on 15th December 2015 by representatives of 403 traders who had been operating in the market since 1981. The complainants alleged that the parcel of land on which Eastleigh Market sits was allocated to private developers under the guise of Public-Private-Partnership initiative leading to the demolition of stalls, they erected at their own cost, on 10th January 2009.
The investigation has revealed that officials of the defunct City Council of Nairobi unlawfully aided Ali Sheikh Mahamud and Farah Mohamed Barrow associated with Alfa Traders to acquire the same parcel of land in 2007. Specifically, we found former Deputy Town Clerk Nelson Otido and the late Hon. Dick Wathika who was serving then as Mayor culpable of abuse of power for signing the lease without following due process.
Although the lease was later revoked on the basis that it was issued unlawfully, senior County officials cleared the two developers to proceed with the construction. Specifically, Chief Valuer Isaac Nyoike confirmed on 13th February 2014 that the disputed piece of land belonged to Ali Sheikh Mahamud and Farah Mohamed Barrow. Subsequently, Director of Legal Affairs Karisa Iha informed the developers on 14th February 2014 that they were the registered owners of the parcel of land and should take possession of the premises subject to court cases being discharged.
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and Senator Mike Sonko both are on public record supporting the traders but nothing substatntive has been forthcoming from them to see the developers stop construction.
The investigation also found the City Council officials culpable of multiple allocations of land. The County allocated the market to 403 traders in 1981. The merchants built stalls at their expense, but the stalls were demolished in 2009 after the City Council leased the same piece of land to private developers. Despite the ownership wrangles, the City Council went ahead and allocated the same piece of land to Golden Lime International under Public-Private-Partnership Agreement. Court battles ensued between Alfa Traders and Golden Lime International over ownership of the land.
It is worth noting the file containing title documents relating Eastleigh Market – under the custody of Registrar of Tittles J.W. Kamuyu – could not be traced thereby compelling reconstruction of another one to facilitate Ombudsman’s investigation.
From the preceding, it is apparent that abuse of power led not only to a loss of earnings for the complainants but may have also caused pain and suffering to them and their families. Further, the County Government (and its predecessor) lost approximately Sh72 million that would have been collected for ground rates, licences and administration charges payable by the 403 traders at an average rate of Sh15,000 per month.
Office of the Ombudsman determined and arrived at the following conclusions:
Nairobi City County should issue a cessation notice to Mr Ali Sheikh Mohamud and Mr Farah Mohamed Barrow directing them to immediately stop construction and vacate the parcel of land, LR. No. 36/VII/1037.
City County Government should repossess and develop the parcel of land, LR. No. 36/VII/1037 into a modern market and give priority to the 403 traders or their successors.
In the event that the County Government is not able to develop the property, it should legally negotiate for a proper Public-Private Partnership contract that secures the interest of the County Government and the traders. CAJ should be involved in that process of PPP Agreement.
The Nairobi City County should compensate the Eastleigh Market traders at KSh. 150,000 each for the cost incurred in the construction of market stalls.
That Nelson Otido should not hold any public office for the reason that he unlawfully executed the lease documents in favour of Ali Sheikh Mohamud and Farah Mohamed Barrow.
The Governor should remove from office Isaac Nyoike, Chief Valuer, and Karisa Iha, Director, Legal Affairs for abuse of power and breach of public trust.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development should issue a warning letter, and institute any other appropriate administrative action on J.W. Kamuyu, Registrar of Titles for misbehaviour in office, inefficiency and ineptitude.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development should expedite automation of the Land Registry in order to address the anomaly of missing files.
Kenya being Kenya and MPs being predictable, it doesn’t come as an astonishment that the new bill in parliament is the new lady everybody is trying to put a plank of wood on their back. The National Treasury Bill, Betting, Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Act signed by Leader of Majority Aden Duale was published and submitted to the departmental committee on Finance.
An 11-member committee was initially constituted for the committee to inquire into the activities of the scores of the betting and gambling firms with particular emphasis on tax compliance, the disclosure of information and management of proceeds.
These companies have been used as the new harbour for money laundering. Owned by Bulgarian, Italian Mafias involved in international Credit Card fraud in the case of Sportpesa, drug trafficking and other dirty deals. These mafias lias with corrupt and money hungry leaders both in the government and opposition. From Mcheza to Sportpesa there are many ghost owners embedded in the government and opposition.
It’s, therefore, unsurprising that there’s a motion meant to regulate the running of the firms. It should be noted earlier that these MPs don’t have in mind the families broken by gambling, psychological torture it has reigned on addicted Kenyans but their interests.
Dominance by Sportpesa amongst the other main lines is one of the leading causes of concern to the politicians who now want fair play since they’re shareholders in this fraud scheme. Duale for example according to Intel reaching Kenya Insights is fighting for the interest of a notorious senior jubilee politician who happens to be holding stakes in Mcheza a close rival of Sportpesa. Sportpesa, Elibet, Betway, Betin Kenya and Mcheza are just but a few of the leading companies championing the nearly Sh3B annual turnover industry.
The 11-member committee co-chaired by Leader of Majority Aden Duale and Leader of Minority Jakoyo Midiwo to investigate the sector, which has come under the spotlight for harbouring tax cheats and money launderers. The team comprises Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi), Thomas Mwadeghu (Wundanyi), Samuel Gichigi (Kipipiri), Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi) and Kanini Kega (Kieni). Others are Soipan Tuya (Narok), Dorcas Kedogo (Vihiga), Mary Keraa (Kisii) and Daniel Maanzo (Makueni). The membership of the committee has now risen from 11 to 13 after legislators Asman Kamama and Badi Twalib were included.
Francis Nyenze Minority leader has been listed to co-chair with Duale in the 13-member committee. Nyenze in the fight for the big position has traded words with Duale,”We have never seen the Majority leader in any committee. What is this that is making him and other House leaders want to put their names on this panel? I know gambling has a lot of money and my gut feeling is telling me to smell a rat,” said Nyenze.
It’s ironical, dampening when people like Nyenze who was the chairman of the task force that in 2009 investigated the collapse of pyramid schemes where Kenyans were duped into losing billions of shillings. The Pyramid Scheme report has never seen a light of the day neither has the duped Kenyans been paid back their billions lost. What miracle will he be doing other than using the position to add more figures to his account?
Every MP and their families now want to be included in the cash cow committee for dry milking, Betting firms and other interest groups, we established, are pushing for reconstitution of the parliamentary select committee to have friendly MPs sit on the team.
The companies know the nature of the game, and now that most of the MPs are broke and want campaigns money, their decision will be easily manipulated. This the time you’ll hear of funny retreats and these MPs flown outside the country to negotiate deals. Hope Kenyans haven’t forgotten about the BAT and Mastermind Tobacco saga where MPs were compromised, paid heavily, treated to luxury retreats where they enjoyed with their concubines.
Knowing all these factors in play and the calculations from both parties, Kenya Insights through our moles in parliament and Kenyans of goodwill, we’re planting our cameras and eyes on these corrupt legislators and on the companies stashing their briefcases to pay off the baying MPs. However much you hide believe we will know don’t ask how just know it’s a promise.
Email me with tips on this saga or any other scandal that needs highlighting and i will look into it. Address ([email protected])
Earlier last year, President Uhuru cut a bilateral deal with Uganda that would see Kenya import sugar from the neighbouring country. His decision was met with fierce criticism from the opposition leader Raila Odinga and leaders from the sugarcane farming region of Western Kenya. The explanation was an importation deal with Uganda would kill the local trade by encouraging sugar smuggling from Brazil.
Uganda barely produces enough sugar to sustain it’s demand in their country and primarily imports from Brazil which is famed for making downgrade sweetener. International anti-narcotics authorities have also marked the route as a leeway for drugs trafficking and Mombasa Port being a mini rigid port facilitating drug trafficking in the region.
The opposition also accused the president of giving the sugar deal an okay in exchange negotiated a deal for his family’s company Brookside to be exporting dairy products to Uganda. Brookside is currently the biggest dairy enterprise not only in Kenya but the whole region.
It didn’t come as a surprise when Jack Alexander Wolf a British citizen was arrested last week together with two Kenyans in connection with the impounding of cocaine at the Port of Mombasa valued at Sh.600M.
Jack Alexander Marrian when he appeared before the court to answer on drug trafficking charges
According to information gathered by Kenya Insights, the three suspects are linked to a drug smuggling cartel from South America and in particular Brazil where the shipment originated from. They were trailed by foreign and local anti-narcotics authorities for months. The cocaine was in a consignment of sugar destined for Uganda from Venezuela when it was seized. The ship carrying the consignment was allowed to leave Mombasa because the drugs were seized after the consignment had been offloaded.
Kenya Insights also learn from reports that the drug haul was flown to Nairobi last week on Sunday and kept at an undisclosed location in Nairobi. This a Deja Vu of the 2004 Kenyan Police seizes of a cocaine consignment worth Ksh. 6.4B the biggest shipment to have ever been nabbed in East Africa. Years down the line, no one has been held responsible.
March 25, 2011, 98 packets of cocaine weighing two kgs each with a street value of Ksh 500 million were netted in Shanzu area in Mombasa. The six suspects, 3 Kenyans, 2 Iranians, and 1 Pakistani national were charged the same day for alleged drug trafficking. The consignment which initially weighed 196 kg came to weigh 102 kg three days later when the suspects reappeared in court. The mysterious disappearance of the 94 kilogrammes of heroin is yet to be resolved. In short, history can pre-empt the outcome of the drugs flown to Nairobi last week, and it will be a twirl.
Back to the case at hand, Jack Marian the Briton arrested in line with the Sh.600M Cocaine haul is a Scottish aristocrats’ son. He’s also head of the East Africa operations at International trading giant ED&F Sugar, and he’s also the son of Lady Emma Clare Clare Campbell of Cowdar, whose family own a popular estate in the Highland of Scotland, mentioned in the Shakespeare’s Macbeth. His mother Lady Campbell, 58, is the daughter of the late Hugh John Vaughan Campbell, the Sixth Earl Cawdor
Marian and his company are part of the Kenya-Uganda Sugar cartel. According to intelligence gathered by Kenya Insights, the cocaine in question was transported in containers which from outside appeared to carry sugar. The shipment we pick was due to be received by Mshale Commodities, coincidentally, Mr Marrian happens to serve as the company’s MD.
Mr Marrian has lived most of his life in Kenya and with his family’s royal stature made friends with powerful families in the land. He had since been released on bond, thanks to his connections and the loose ends in the narcotics laws and most importantly the corrupt judicial systems and also the corrupt police which according to Transparency International is a facilitating factor in drug trafficking.
It’s worth to note that the drugs were seized by US drug enforcement administration officials. The seizure is rare one in Kenya given the corrupt nature of the police who are easily compromised with bribes to let go. Another Kenyan, Roy Francis Mwanthi was arrested alongside Marrian and has also since denied the charges.
Marrian went to Pembroke School according to intel gathered by Kenya Insights lives in Karen, a Nairobi leafy suburb, Springs Valley. Isn’t is a rare case that the suspect Mr Mirrian was arrested then released the consignment flown or disappeared as reported the later he was arrested again charged, obviously without evidence. Perhaps a ploy to dupe public that investigations ongoing while in real sense none would be in place.
A Kenyan detective checks a packet of cocaine on display as an exhibit before a court session in Nairobi October 13, 2005.
On Saturday morning from 5.15am, Kenya woke up to a national power outage in what KPLC attributes to a ‘technical hitch’. Coincidentally, the general outage also rocked Uganda where a national power blackout went simultaneously with Kenya’s. According to Umeme Limited, the country’s power supplier, the blackout was due to a fault at the Owen Fall Dam in Jinja. It’s on an unusual day that you get to witness such a scenario where two countries go into darkness. Keeping in mind the Sugar link in mind a conspiracy of correlation in the cases becomes justifiable.
Talking of coincidences, an international airport as JKIA was also in darkness for two whole hours with all operations in this window period being in shadow, according to explanations from the Kenya Airports Authorities, their backup generators which are programmed to go on automatically on power cut as an alternative mysteriously failed to function and had to be rectified manually.
The generators are supposed and often put in check and up to the task to go on in the case of a power outage it came as a surprise that on this particular day it couldn’t function for two hours. The window period which meant anything was coming in and outside the airport happened undetected is a severe security issue that should and must worry conscious citizens. Whether the power outage at the airport was orchestrated as it may seem or not is a matter of concern that biggest airport could go for two hours without electricity alternative and that people must take responsibilities.
Speaking of responsibilities, Retired Major General Karangi the new Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) head is also not new to controversies, he’s just coming from heading KDF who according to a UN and broadly publicised reports are involved in a sugar-smuggling racket worth as much as $400 million a year. Much of this two-way trade—charcoal going out and sugar coming in—takes place through Kismayo’s sickle-shaped harbour in southern Somalia. The port was captured from al-Shabab in 2012 by Kenyan troops operating under the African Union Mission in Somalia.
Kenya Airports Authority(KPA) new MD Catherine Mturi-Wairi stationed in Mombasa where the drugs were netted and also sits on the Sidian Bank formerly K-Rep Bank Board of Directors becomes a person of interest in the investigations. Sidian Bank belongs to Businessman Chris Kirubi. Catherine’s appointment was marred with controversies with a suspicious quarter pushing for her appointment, but that’s a story for another day. How can she possibly curb the drugs trafficking menace in the port? Can she explain where the haul is?
Kenya Airports Authority(KPA) new MD Catherine Mturi-Wairi
According to finer details gathered by Kenya Insights, the netted drug worth is way more that the Sh.600M as reported in the mainstream and could be worth billions. Power cut off both in Kenya and Uganda could it be that someone orchestrated this and took advantage of the window period to fly in and out drugs or whatsoever it is? Nobody can give an answer since nothing can be trapped.
Everything that happened at JKIA between 5.15am and 7.15am can’t be traced, nothing captured on the radar, and it was a total power blackout from a main power supply and the backup generators. What a coincidence that power also went off in Uganda and that the drug net has the sugar trade players caught up. More questions you ask, more conclusive you arrive at a perception.
That there was a power outage and backup generators couldn’t go on automatically as programmed for two straight hours is a disturbing national security threat at a time when Kenya stands at an all time terror alert. Elsewhere, this is the second time in a row that the national power cut is happening no one taken responsibilities and nothing happens beyond press releases. Kenya is headed to 2017 elections, we wouldn’t want a technical hitch or a monkey explanation cutting off power since we’re using BVR system meaning electricity must be available for smooth transmission or abracadabra in results might be destined.
Keep it Kenya Insights as we dig deeper into this and other more frauds and suspicious deals across the country and continent. If you have a tip or any lead feel free to email me the investigations editor at ([email protected])
President Uhuru Kenyatta, in yellow jacket, with the Kenyan athletics team, including Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha, circled left, and manager Michael Rotich, circled right
The fate of Kenyan athletes representing the country in the Rio Olympics is once again hanging on the strings following fresh developments by an international publication claiming their independent and undercover investigations found officials of Kenyan athletes as being part of the doping cartel.
Since 2012, Kenya has become under close scrutiny on doping suspicions, with about 40 athletes having failed doping tests. Including Former Chicago and Boston winner and celebrated athlete Rita Jeptoo and Emily Chebet, a WorldCross Country Champion being amongst them.
The UK’s Sunday Times, claim in an undercover investigation held back in January caught Kenya’s athletics team manager, Major Rt. Michael Rotich on camera asking for up to Sh.1.3M bribe from the doping cartel as a token to give tips to the athletes to clean their system on a scheduled drug test.
Sunday Times say they planted decoys who acted as coaches of British athletes and a one Doctor Joseph Mwangi who introduced him to the Britons. Mwangi has since been arrested, charged and free on bond following footage aired on a German Television that asserted Kenyan and British athletes were using banned energy boosters, EPO. Mwangi is a suspected doping agent and part of the cartel.
According to the report, Rotich agreed to a deal of Sh.1.3M in return he would be alerting the British Coaches on pending drug tests on their athletes. He alluded he had inside info and in connections with the testing body so in that case, he would be giving them the intel prior for the athletes to clean their blood and manage the tests without drugs detection.
The timing of this new revelation is rather suspect, one wonders why the Sunday Times had to wait all this time to release the report when the games have already kicked off. It also comes only hours after the World Anti-Doping Agency, WADA, gave Kenya a clean bill of health having complied with their standards on enacting the Anti-Doping Bill in parliament.
In a sharp turn, Rotich has come out to refute the claims saying he was playing along with the investigators and was si mply employing his military intelligence collection skills to trap into the doping cartel. He agrees having met the Brits and agreeing on the said bribe but only because he was playing into their hands to unearth the cartel that is destroying the reputation of the country and careers of the athletes.
The timing of this release is suspicious given Kenya’s known track record of winning, the scanty information would be used to descredit the perfomances and put into jeopardy the medals won. If there were any of the Kenyan athletes on doping, WADA wouldn’t have cleared the 40 representing Kenya. Athletics is a core economic element to Kenya that we shouldn’t allow dubious and gutted journalism to imperil and dent it.
George Arbuthnott, the journalist behind this latest report Kenya Insights learn is also said to have employed same tactic of acting as a doping agent on Mustafa Mohamed another Swedish athlete where he was staying in Portugal. He wanted Mustafa to to recruit atheletes for a running camp in Kenya. Sensing the dishonesty, the athelte called off the meeting alerting the security who later revealed his true identity, having used a pseudonym on introducing himself to Mustafa. Comments around accuse George of being a Kenyan hater and a racist claims which cant be ascertained.
A video doing rounds on the Internet showing police officers drawn from the Embakasi Camp reigning terror on revellers who had taken refuge in the washrooms has sparked anger and investigations.
The CCTV footage shows the incident happened on a Friday, 29th July 2016. According to information available, there was a fight between the police officers with KDF soldiers from the neighbouring Embakasi barracks. The rival teams were having drinks in the club before war broke out and the soldiers overpowered them with the serious beating.
The unarmed police officers then rushed to their stations and came back armed with the soldiers whom by then had sensed danger and drove off from the club. On realising the soldiers had left, the angered officers turned their fire on innocent patrons who were by now scared on the gunshot sounds took cover in the washrooms.
The video shows officers dragging and assaulting the helpless and unarmed revellers. ODPP.IPOA and the Police Service themselves have taken up the matter, and officers involved faced with possible disciplinary actions.
The inter-forces rivalry between the police and military isn’t new whereby the soldiers often see the cops as inferior to them. Police reforms seemingly have done less to streamline the officers who just act above limits. What did the revellers do to warrant all these? Hopefully, authorities involved strike hard on the menaces.
Ms Noellah Musundi Former Communication Director, Nairobi County
There is sudden curiosity on who exactly is Noellah Musundi, the Director of Communication appointed by Governor Kidero but served City Hall for just seven days before being sent on leave. My city hall and political moles confirm the high voltage political uproar from a section of CORD bigwigs and “Team Kidero” who swore to block the competent and tough lady from assuming the new office.
As the soap opera unfolded, the former but now current Director of Communication Walter Mong’are aka Nyambane had been suspended due to incompetence and failure to submit his academic papers.
Senior City Hall sources whisper Nyambane never graduated from Kenyatta University which is now public knowledge, making him a lucky Form 4 leaver to head such a senior docket and enjoying benefits of Job Group “S” meant for the Chief of Staff and Chief Officers at the county level.
Same sources reveal Nyambane’s full disclosure to Governor Kidero regarding his shaky academic qualifications, but the Governor went ahead with the appointment despite contrary advice from his advisors.
I am informed of the affirmative decision and plan by Kidero and the Public Service Board to let go Nyambane, necessitating the appointment of Ms Noellah Musundi who was formerly the Director of Communications in Bungoma County. She was deemed competent and experienced, as she holds a Master in Communication from The University of Nairobi and Degree in Journalism from The United States International University (USIU), coupled with experience in Media and Communication.
It is understood she was a powerhouse in Bungoma county, and by virtue of being a younger sister to the wife of Water CS Eugene Wamalwa, many saw her as a Jubilee mole and force that could have displaced some character at Kidero’s high table due to her value addition.
For instance, one of the CORD Principals,Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula who also is salivating for the gubernatorial seat, insisted on Jubilee’s plan to position moles in strategic offices as we head to the general elections, convincing Kidero that Musundi was one of them, and therefore a danger to the CORD’s strategy and confidential information. The situation escalated when Water CS Wamalwa declared his interest in the Nairobi Gubernatorial seat.
Walter Nyambane, the just reinstated Nairobi County’s Communication Director
It’s understood the forces forced Governor Kidero to hammer the last nail on Musundi’s coffin leading to the reinstatement of Nyambane in a bid to appease the Kisii voters in Nairobi. How this will translate into ballot power is a move most are still debating about. We hope Kidero made the right decision and Nairobians will soon witness interactive and strategic communication from his team.
It’s unfortunate this is a scenario being experienced by most young professionals despite the national and county governments promise to empower the youth. Apart from sexual bargaining young women and young people are faced with such a like challenges.
I’ve witnessed similar circumstances where the President came to the rescue of the oppressed. If I were the president or closely positioned in the Jubilee government, the same Miss Musundi is accused of being its mole, and i’d rush to tap can absorb her and utilise her competence or even give her a new diplomatic start outside Kenya considering the excruciating experience she is undergoing.
I also find it rather insulting and restricting to the growth of modern woman and independence that Wetangula used his close links with Kidero to block ways for a lady who’s career was just picking up just to settle whichever scores they might have had when she was working in Bungoma County for the Governor as the Communications Director where also Wetangula happens to be the Senator.
Why are men making life unbearable for women? Let me educate Moses a bit as a communications professional, our relationship with the client is more of a lawyer, client one, there’s nothing personal. No fossils are moved in or out. We practice most secrecy and work to deliver for the immediate customer.
The joke is on Kidero who took in Wetangula’s advice to send out a lady who instead would’ve salvaged his career. From my moles in Statehouse corridors, Wetangula himself is fighting for a place in Jubilee to be considered for the Gubernatorial seat alongside Wamalwa.
Kidero’s communication strategies in the past years given the controllership of a non-professional and underperformer, a form four leaver Walter Monga’re has been underwhelming with poor communication links. I’m informed Kidero’s choice of reinstating Walter is from the desperation to tap into the Kisii voting block in the County.
One wonders how many votes Walter can gunner for Kidero.
Latest polls have been ranking Kidero at a steady number two for the coming elections a worrying trend since new entrants as Wamalwa are causing serious ripples and set to change the scenes in the coming months.
Kidero has felt threatened and insiders telling me he’s genuinely scared he might lose the seat to Jubilee who are hell bent to capture the luxurious seat. In the past two months, Kidero has embarked on a serious social media campaign to fight for his space after an extended period of shadow existence in the social media streets.
Coincidentally, my moles at City Hall reveal to me that it was again Miss Musundi who coined the strategy to have an impacting social media presence and initiated the campaigns that before didn’t occur.
In a County where almost 70% of the population actively consume news online, only a destined loser will opt to overlook the use of social media to campaign as the dates nears.
Will Nyambane do miracles in the next few months to the elections that he wasn’t able to deliver in the three years of service, given space, communication is a critical campaign department to any politician, and one would not dare gamble but put close to the heart a competent and delivering communications team.
While lives of many have been thrown into the ditches and crime rates rising high due to elevated levels of unemployment and idle youths joining criminal gangs, the beneficiary of NYS fraud is out here adding salt to the injury. Mutahi Ngunyi, a renowned political analyst, cum NYS scam fraudster is having a hard time trying to cleanse his name buried deep in the NYS fraud mud.
Mutahi in a recent letter to the Ministry of public service, gender and youth, came out defensive claiming an audit report gave his firm The House of Consulting a clean bill of health refuting claims that they received an extra amount of Sh.12.5M from the NYS on the consulting services they were offering. Auditor General in his FY 2014/15 report pointed out Mutahi Ngunyi was irregularly paid Sh.12.5M more on what he was to be paid. He rubbished off the claims calling the Auditor an agent of Raila playing politics.
Ironically, in the same letter he acknowledges his company received an exact amount but in a rare twist and hoodwinking move, claim the amount is unclaimed for since a mysterious client made it and they didn’t invoice for the same. Its laughable that an entire Sh.12.5M sat on his account without noticing, and it had to take the Auditor General’s signal one year later to realise the “accidental’ deposit. Did Mutahi file his tax returns for 2015? If he did, he would’ve detected the mysterious amount, finding out a year later puts into question his tax compliance as well.
Social Media has been on its true face calling for Mutahi Ngunyi’s arrest with majority convinced he was paid the extra amount and was merely hanging on the loose strings.
Unapologetic and arrogant Mutahi has come out and spat on Kenyans faces saying he is rich because he is a Kikuyu, given the context he’s saying he stole the NYS money because he was a Kikuyu and that ‘mtado?’. It’s very wrong for Mutahi to seek refuge from his fraud unto haunting in the tribal shell.
BeforeAfter
Talking of Consultancy services to NYS, Mutahi Ngunyi is said to have plagiarized NYS review Task Force gazetted on May 26, 2007(Vol. CIX No.36) Ngunyi sim[ply adopted the findings of the task force constituted by the then Youth Minister Mohammed Kuti and named it 5-Point and pocketed Sh.38M for a consultation he never researched on. His fraudulent ways obviously didn’t start today.
Poverty doesn’t discriminate on tribal lines, Mutahi doesn’t need to be lectured but he can visit Mathare, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, and any other slums you can think of you’ll find Kikuyus trying to make a life alongside fellow Kenyans, the hogwash that it’s natural for every Kikuyu to be rich and insinuating others to be rich, goes further again to expose his lack of touch with the reality on the ground. Makes you question his accuracy on the unending hypothesis if he is unable to decipher such a basic point.
The auditor general’s report mentioned The Consulting House a firm associated with Political Analyst and self-proclaimed Professor Mutahi Ngunyi was irregularly allocated up to Sh.12.5M in suspect payments.
Playing the angel’s card, Mutahi like the guilty child when the parents knock home, screamed out innocence even before questions were asked. He immediately commissioned an audit on his firm accusing the AG whom he refers to Raila man of defamation insisting his firm had clean hands on the allegations.
This was coming at a time when Josephine Kabura, a hairdresser and proxy of Ann Waiguru had launched an explosive NYS grand theft affidavit, and she mentioned Mutahi as one of the benefactors in the fraudulent deals. Mutahi offered consultancy services to the NYS.
The grand theft of the NYS is estimated to cost up to Sh.1.5B, money that disappeared mysteriously and ended up in few pockets of selfish and corrupt officials. The then Devolution CS Ann Waiguru was named in the affidavit as the mastermind. She would later resign, but the ghost of the looting still haunts her as she gears to vie for the gubernatorial seat in her home county, Kirinyaga. EACC is yet to give her a clean bill of health, something she desperately needs to kick off her campaigns.
The audit report commissioned by Mutahi Ngunyi on the House of Consulting has turned out positive to the contrary of his expectations. In a letter to the public service, gender and youth ministry, Mutahi admits some Sh.11,875,000 was found in their account, but they couldn’t account for the client.
Now how can a supposed client pay up to Sh.12.5M and not make claims this is not Sh.12K and even if it were its unusual for a company or whoever client to pay for the money they weren’t invoiced for. Such Million Shilling errors can’t even happen in a cheap Nollywood movie. Miracles do happen yes but not this one no. And why did it take the firm a whole year to detect that Sh.12.5M from mysterious source was sleeping in their account without a clear course? Doesn’t the firm conduct constant auditing? Why did it take Auditor General’s accusation to realise this? And we’re it not for the auditor, would Ngunyi have detected and come out publicly that he has money that doesn’t rightfully belong to him?
When the final day for a monkey beckons, every tree becomes slippery, and that’s the case for Mutahi. His theatrics are nothing but gimmicks tuned to paint an innocent man facing the wrath of mob lynching. He irregularly received Sh.12.5M from the government, sat on it. That was the plan. Now he comes out with escapism strategy.
Mutahi is coming out with figures thinking all Kenyans are blind and that he will manipulate their minds and get away with it, but that’s why Kenya Insights exists to separate truths from lies.
Mutahi cleverly gives the amount from the mysterious client as Sh. 11,875,000 and not the Sh.12,500,000 as mentioned in the Auditor General report. A well thought out mind play with figures manipulation. Breaking it down, what Ngunyi doesn’t tell you is that consultancy services attract 5% withholding tax and is therefore paid at 95% and the 5% paid to GOK via KRA. 5% of 12,500,000 is 625,000.
His firm The Consulting House was paid as stated by the auditor general and should not play with figures. They must have been notified that withholding tax was remitted, and they have consequently been credited with the tax in their KRA ledger accounts.
They must not only refund the money but also interest on such amount besides being charged in a court of law. Amount due =12,500,000/=
5% withholding tax=625,000/= Net amount to be wired=11,875,000/=
An online certificate is issued when withholding tax is paid to KRA and receiving entity instantly notified, this signifies payment.
So yes 12,500,000/= was paid to Mutahi as indicated in AG Ouko’s report.
Mutahi Ngunyi is doing rounds with figures and playing with Kenyans minds. If the amount in his account can’t be accounted for then there’s unaccounted and asset recovery unit in government, let him return the money, after all, it will get back to the right people, taxpayers.
Meanwhile, the professor can continue with his theatrics and tyranny of swindling and mind’s manipulation of the sleeping. Luckily, a majority of Kenya is awake, but the fact remains, Ouko exonerated, and Mutahi was irregularly allotted 12.5M. Dead end Ngunyi you stole from NYS.
A major health crisis is looming in Machakos County after conflicting parties, Mutua and doctors union failed to reach a safe agreement. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has started the process of withdrawing its members from Machakos county hospitals because of what it describes as poor working conditions and bad human resource policies by Mutua and his administration.
Mutua who is widely known for pulling PR stunts with unsustainable projects under the umbrella of Maendeleo Chap Chap has had bad blood with KMPDU who accuse him of getting way deep into their affairs and unnecessarily being authoritarian along the way firing most doctors unfairly.
Differences between the medics and Governor Mutua started when he suspended one of the KMPDU members last month because of “lethargy”. Some of the issues that the doctors are protesting against include suspension of doctors without following the right procedure, salary delays, lack of promotions, non-remittance of statutory deductions and inadequate housing.
The attention seeking Mutua recently fired a doctor who was in the theatre attending to a patient for not giving him attention when he paid a surprise visit to the hospital. Mutua expected the doctor to leave the patient in the theatre with the surgery halfway to run and kneel before him with ‘Karibu Baba,’ a colonial and Moi era leaders worshipping mentality. Medics are guided by the divine rule that dictates you save lives first and attend to other things later on.
When the story first broke out, I initially dismissed it as one of those usual Twitter rants but after noticing she wasn’t stopping, and the plot was thickening, I stopped for a minute to give the story a different and concentrated view. It’s not on a typical day that a woman will come out publicly to tell a sexual harassment story because of the traditional and sustained script from the public “You ate his money now you’re coming to tell us to do what? Or you’re only blackmailing him because he refused to give in to your demands.”
Faithful to the words, the same script has been unleashed on Esther Passaris the Adopt-A-Light CEO since she came out that the Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi on several occasions reigned sexual harassment on her. On the onset of Esther speaking out, Mwangi gained dozens of apologist and without second thoughts she was called a liar and all mannerisms of names. This was a shallow reaction, without looking deeper into the terms.
I then did my research to find out what exactly happened between Adopt-A-Light and Equity Bank Ltd, but that wouldn’t be the basis of this article. Kenya Insights is embedded on sticking to facts and not sideshows, in our subsequent articles we will go into depth and details of the contracts and the intrigues. Wait for it.
Back to the story at hand, sexual harassment isn’s something that happens in a day and especially in the case of Esther and Mwangi. These people struck a contractual business so they were partners and around each other most of the times. If indeed he did it once, he’d do it over and over even if she said no with hopes one day she’ll give in. But from the looks, Esther made the chase last longer than anticipated and it wasn’t going to be business as usual.
Many people are saying Esther should give evidence that the harassment happened and why she didn’t come out then and had to wait all that long to come out, in unanimous view, most Mwangi’s apologists are taking her move as a blackmailing move. The same would be asked of Equity Bank as to why they waited all that long to publicise the blackmailing by Esther as they’re doing it now.
From my reads on Esther’s updates and latest media interviews, she’s not dwelling much into the contract, but the core issue of sexual harassment and this is where I feel many people have been thrown off the cliff.
In communication strategies, to put off a fire, light another fire and that’s exactly what Equity quarter is evidently playing by not answering the matter of sexual harassment directly instead bringing in the intrigues of the contract and at worse bringing Esther’s past and dragging her family and affairs into this saga. Which I simply ask, what’s about sexual harassment, did it happen or not Mwangi? Prove this and save the contracts intrigues to courts.
Mwangi you have a matter to address an elephant issue for that matter that your daughters, wife, clan and entire Kenya won’t forget because you are trying to rubbish it off by dispensing sideshows. It might help you to cool down the heat for the moment, but the ghost will come haunting.
Women die in silence for the fear of public backlash and groundless slut shaming that Esther is currently facing, luckily for her she has grown a crocodile skin from her experience being a public figure so she says but what about that naive, young girl from the village harassed by her boss where sh’s working as house help for sexual favours.
How about that someone’s wife, daughter and sister stuck in a job group and given the ultimatum to open her legs or promotion chances closed. To me, Esther coming out is an important measure to unleash and uncover a big mess in the society. A trend of shoving ladies to a desperate and suicidal end of your success in life determined by how wide your legs open and not how wide your brains goes because the sex pests sit at the helm of control and unleash the sex terror on their female prey.
To me, this sex scandal is about undermining the women’s growth in the growing and competitive business world. Entrepreneurship is the new way to better livelihoods, if we minimise women’s upscaling by putting sex hurdles in that you either sleep with me or you’re not getting this contract or loan its pure non-sense.
If you have sisters, wife, daughters, you wouldn’t have sympathy for a potential rapist. It’s commendable for Esther to come out, it’s a bold, hard step that should tell off the powerful sex pests that they can’t continue using their positions to manipulate and strangle, women, retarding their growth.
The society is largely to blame, Esther who was the victim has been now turned to be the suspect and put on trial, the mind game and choreographed propaganda calling her a blackmailer has worked, This is just but an example why most women opt to die in silence and I the way the pests continue jumping from one victim to the next.
Just because Mwangi sponsored a million students and is wealthy, successfully doesn’t mean he can’t do what Esther is alleging and for God’ds sake that can’t is an excuse for sexually harassing her.
In signing off, the main and core issue here isn’t about the contract or what Esther is and was or done in the past but the sexual harassment allegations. Mwangi should respond and prove that he didn’t do it. Everything else besides this is Nollywood, Bollywood and Riverwood. Orchestration. Performance. Debris. Adjunct.
With the Langata Primary School’s land-grabbing attempt still fresh in many people’s minds; memories of innocent school children getting teargassed by the police still vivid, the school has been hit yet another blow from the same hotel.
While National Land Commission promised it would investigate how the hotel acquired the land next to Wilson Airport, like many of the files that Swazuri has sat on after getting his hands oiled, the wait will be much longer. Swazuri, the NLC boss, is in the middle of all illegal land exchanges.
Moles at NLC tell Kenya Insights that Mzee is a darling to land grabbing cartels. His role in the USIU and Eastleigh market land grab hasn’t been forgotten.
Moving on; There is fresh controversy surrounding Deputy President William Ruto’s Weston Hotel after the management allegedly pushed for the relocation of a bus terminus and closure of an intersection on Lang’ata Road to create space. Now, the bus terminus next to the hotel, commonly referred to as The Hague, has allegedly been closed, and motorists are forced to drive up to the T-Mall roundabout and turn back before driving to Wilson Airport.
The terminus has been moved closer to Lang’ata Road Primary School, near classrooms and the main gate. Motorists leaving the airport have to drive past the flyover and use an intersection opposite the gate of the school to get to town.
Moving the stage to the school’s gate puts the lives of the school kids in danger exposing them to accidents besides the hooting and music banging buses will cause major noise pollution. Being next to the classrooms, concentration in class amongst these pupils is most likely to be affected. Last year, Weston Hotel attempted to grab playing ground of the school to expand their parking lot.
Kenya National Highways Authority who approved this shift is another body vulnerable to manipulation, a typical Kenyan authority that with few coins the corrupt officials will kick to space decent grades and bend rules. Taj Mall was spared from demolition after the same body redesigned Outering Road expansion plan to leave out the Sh.5B building on instructions from high places and after millions bribery.
Kenya Insights has been highlighting on the incompetent City Hall officers who conspire with rogue landlords in approving the substandard buildings. This is facilitated by corrupt officials in the County Government’s planning department headed by Khaemba.
The building from our contact in the ground was erected on a swampy ground which shouldn’t be the case if the County officers did their job well to ensure approval of buildings on safe grounds. Occupants of the premise luckily had vacated the building on sensing danger arising from huge cracks on the wall. It was set to collapse the residents say.
Steve the swindler landlord has since gone underground switched off his phones as irate tenants and locals bay for his blood. Luckily, no casualty has been reported since the building had been evacuated
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A general view of the Olympic and Paralympic Village for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Barra da Tijuca. The Village will host up to 17,200 people amongst athletes and team officials during the Games and up to 6,000 during the Paralympic Games on July 22, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Getty Images)
Despite the damning doping claims that threatened the chances of Kenyan athletes participating in the Rio games, the country eventually escaped the ban and sent its team of athletes. While we anticipate trophies from the countrymen, they should as well expect a welcome with a record number of condoms allocated and air-conditioners in every bedroom, Rio’s athletes’ village starts welcoming Olympians on Sunday.
The new apartment towers built to house 11,000 athletes and 6,000 coaches during Rio’s Games are being called basic, even austere.
But when you step out on the balcony of one of the 3,604 apartments, the complex — with its swimming pools, tennis courts and bike lanes — looks downright five-star.
The rooms are furnished with single beds and wardrobes made of recycled materials, as well as air-conditioning units to allay fears over the mosquito-borne Zika virus.
Inside of the rooms where the athletes will be sleeping
Organisers describe the 31 17-story towers as a “city within a city” complete with a 24-hour cafeteria, beauty salon and florist.
The rooms themselves are furnished with the basics: metal beds, bedside tables and disposable wardrobes made with recycled fabric.
Ramler said the idea was to make the furniture sustainable but also inexpensive in keeping with Rio’s bid to provide low-budget Games. The complex was built with private money, and the developers are already looking for buyers post-Olympics.
The main entrance is heavily guarded and equipped with metal detectors. Unlike in recent Games, there are no TVs in the apartments. Organisers did finally agree to install air conditioners in the bedrooms to allay fears over the mosquito-borne Zika virus, despite the expected cool temperatures during the games, which fall during Rio’s winter. The opening ceremony is scheduled for August 5.
The apartments are equipped with 13,000 toilet seats, 275,000 clothes hangers and 18,500 beds that can be extended in length for taller athletes. The spartan bathrooms sport plastic shower curtains and a single oval mirror, but no drawers or cupboards to store the 450,000 condoms that will be distributed to athletes — equivalent to 42 per person.
While many have described the Former Prime Minister Raila as the kingmaker, the enigma of Kenyan politics, crowd puller and the best player in confrontational politics who is never short of surprises, Raila’s best moments are behind him as Prof. Makau Mutua puts it. I don’t think Tinga has more cards close to his chest to pull, his opponents have studied and known him. In fact, President Uhuru Kenyatta is causing him sleepless nights via proxies. What if he comes direct?
The former premier must be acknowledged for nurturing many politicians most of whom have turned to be his sworn enemies. He has not nurtured any from his back yard, Luo Nyanza despite Kenyan politics being so tribal. No one from Nyanza has received Raila’s blessings in case he quits the political stage which can’t be too long after 2017 polls. From where I sit, possibilities of ‘Luo Nation’ not voting as a block in post-Raila era are extremely high.
Only Kidero comes out as the Luo politician with the might to take after him, but sycophants and Raila followers from his native Central Nyanza are not ready to back any politician from South Nyanza where the Nairobi Governor, Dr Evan Kidero hails from. Raila has every right to run for president in the coming 2017 polls but after three unsuccessful shots, the experienced politician must also think of passing the Burton. Right now he comes out as one who thinks he is the only Luo who can be president.
As much as it’s said that Raila has been betrayed by the same individuals whose political careers he helped built, he must change his tactics and try new avenues. Politics is a game of numbers, but Raila has been unable to keep his house intact, he has been busy putting off rebellion fires in his party when his opponents are planning for 2017 polls. Money also plays a great deal, and Jubilee is seriously moneyed, but Odinga has been accused of sitting on the wallet when his foot soldiers are being ‘bought’ like toffees. So many broke politicians stand for nothing but gullible to shift allegiance for the love of the money.
Opportunity only comes once in a lifetime they say, and Raila let the presidency slip from his hands in 2007 and that moment will never come again. Believers in the say like Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast never allowed his win slip away from him; he fought to the very end and took over from Laurent Gbagbo, a dictator who is now facing war crime charges at the Internal Criminal Court (ICC). Raila was fixed through the deal that saw the formation of a grand coalition government that he shared with the then president, Mwai Kibaki. The deal was the last nail in the ‘coffin’ of his presidential ambitions.
They say history repeats itself, and Kibaki became President at the age of 74, and Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria became president on the fourth attempt. Raila may be hanging his hopes on these thin and weak threads, but the generational change in Kenyan politics punches another big hole on Odinga’s dreams.
The incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta was elected the fourth president at the age of 51, this kind of generational change makes it hard for him to be elected to succeed Mr. Kenyatta.
He has now and after 2017 polls to give direction to the Luo nation that has strongly been with him through his political career especially the south, many will be waiting to see if Central Nyanza can back a leader from the South.
This article expresses the author’s opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Kenya Insights or its Editors. We welcome opinion and views on topical issues. Email: [email protected]
The defiant Adopt-a-Light proprietor and the avid political figure has in the past days spent time explaining to the world the underdealings she had to undergo with celebrated Banker James Mwangi. Passaris has come out to reveal a sexual harassment reigned on her by the CEO who is yet to comment on the new developments.
The news has been received by mixed reaction with a good number of persons backlashing and accusing Esther of embarking on a blackmailing ploy against the Bank’s CEO. Whether this sexual harassment indeed happened or not is a matter of debate, and a judicial process would amicably square this. However, the fact that some people came out apologetic to the embattled CEO reveals the inner ogre of the society that don’t see anything wrong with a man making forceful sexual advances towards an unwilling woman.
Many women if you dug deeper are faced with similar cases from the corporate heads who feel with their helm of power that they can have their ways with anything and can sleep with anyone they wish. The sense of dominance in their evil minds show them they’re guaranteed to have their ways.
It’s not a secret that many ladies have been silently subjected to sexual harassments by their bosses and seniors but for the sake of job security and other business interests, they opt to keep silent for fear of severe repercussions. Remember these monsters have connections in high offices, have money to buy themselves out of justice. The corrupt state of the system makes it further baseless and waste of time even to report the matter. This why most ladies suffer in silence.
Raspberry from the society is yet another factor behind the silence treatment given to sexual harassment, the society is judgmental and will always find a way to exonerate the instigator and accuse the victim of feigning, In the case of Esther evil minded contributors have alluded that she’s lying and that there was no way she could turn down sexual advances in exchange for business favors from the CEO. Who said dignity is dead, where’s it written that women are there to be used as sex pets by the monied to have their ways, is sex the legal tender in the new society.
Here’s the story behind the sex scandal as narrated by Esther herself.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
This is the story of how Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi destroyed my business after #ISaidNo. In 2006, I met Mwangi through a mutual friend and he soon agreed to bring his organisation on board the Adopt A Light project by sponsoring and running an advertising campaign for the bank on 400 streetlight poles as well as High Mast structures. In fact, this act of corporate social responsibility is captured in their company records.
The campaign was supposed to be rolled out on Thika Road and Outering Road among other locations. In anticipation of this business, Adopt A Light took a facility with Equity Bank and ordered the High Mast structures from our partners in South Africa. However, the whole project was thwarted before it could take off after Mwangi made several sexual advances towards me and I categorically turned him down. He was a friendly, listening and caring partner only as long as the chase was on. Later on through changes made to our contract after the fall-out, I realized he had all intentions not to honor our agreement in case I declined his advances.
THE AFTERMATH
It didn’t take long after Equity Bank breached our agreement for Adopt A Light to be left with a massive bill to pick up. Before the matter spilled into the courts, Equity Bank hired Neptune Credit, an unlicenced debt collector whose approach to debt collection was unprofessional and not what one would expect from a bank of Equity’s stature. This was also unlawful as banks need or seek court orders before contracting the services of a debt collector. Or if they appoint one, the collector must start with the courts before taking any action. The story of how Neptune Credit harassed me and my children is captured under OB 38 of 15/4/2009 at Parklands police station. But as is pretty much the norm in Kenya, the case was closed before it started.
Mwangi only went to court for alleged debt after I won the highly compromised award (after lots of applications to deny me justice ) to try and stop the award. In spite of an IRAC report on the interest overcharge and the irregular debits, Mwangi adamantly refused to reverse the same. Even his managers realised his motives were personal and not professional because it is standard for banks to reverse proven irregular debits. This prompted me to go back and demand that the Bank pays in full what it owed my business and I have every intention of pursuing damages for destroying my company and the ensuing psychological distress.
WHY I CAME OUT
It took a lot of soul searching for me to share my experience after reaching my tipping point. It is true that Mwangi is a brilliant and talented banker, looking at what he’s achieved with the Equity brand. However, he was highly unprofessional with me.
At the time, I informed Chairman Peter Munga ( as well as other senior managers) of the happenings but he couldn’t defend me as his hands were tied. Wherever Munga is right now, he knows the truth and I hope one day he’ll stand up for me. But even if he doesn’t, I know someone will eventually vindicate me.
The society must arise and protect it’s women from the evil sex pests in the society, think of the victim as your daughter, sister, or mother, would you argue the same in the favour of the accused? These things happen and in worst situations, ends up in rape. Sexual harassment isn’t excusable in whichever way. If Esther is lying, then Mwangi should ignite a libel proceeding if it’s true he should be packing ready for a jail term.
Society must make an environment easy for women to come out and expose the ogres hiding in holier than thou suits, and you protect them today and tomorrow it’s your daughter, mother or sister they’ll be harassed because after all, utado?
Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board Chairman Bruce Odhiambo
By Nicholas Olambo
Renowned music producer and former Youth Fund boss Bruce Odhiambo has gone back to the music business. Bruce, the former chairman of Youth Enterprise and Development Fund, quit his job unceremoniously in March after he found himself at the centre of Sh 180 million scandals.
Bruce gave his studio, Johari Cleff Productions a state of the art facelift while serving as the Youth Fund boss.
The studio is now running ads in local stations to tap and nurture young singers. Upcoming artistes can call and sing, and the winner will bag Sh 1 million and a recording deal, less than 1 percent of the ‘stolen’ money. The move looks like a CSR job, a known PR tactic to blind the public of the wrong doings.
Bruce who resigned then went on a trip abroad has gone underground despite claiming that he stepped down to allow for investigations and was also ready to answer all questions on allegations raised against him. He was fingered of alleged theft of the money that was transferred in two tranches of sh 115 and 65 million shillings into the accounts of Quorandum Limited, ten days after he appointed Ms Catherine Namuye as the acting chief executive. The suspended Ms Namuye was the sole signatory fund’s account.
Since his ‘resignation’ nothing has been heard of his case, it has ‘disappeared’ just like that of any other ‘big fish’. Bruce is president’s friend who was appointed to the position of the former chair, and Evans Semelango fell out with the then Devolution minister Ann Waiguru. Reasons for a firing of Semelango were never looked into. Instead, the president went ahead to appoint his old friend Bruce who would quit office barely a year to the end of his term amid scandals.
Sh 180 can change lives of many young people across the country, and it’s sad that the money ended up in the pockets of individuals who are not youths who return to fool Kenyans with a lame recording deals and sh 1 million rewards, Johari Records currently running talent promotion ads across the media. Bruce is now coming back around to hoodwink youths with untimely deals. He had the time to work for the betterment of the youths while at the top seat instead used the chance to defraud the youths. Justice must not only be heard to be done but seen to be done, so many corrupt individuals who are highly connected go unpunished after they resign and make no more front page news.
Their cases are either thrown out, dismissed or hurriedly investigated and cleared. This music guru is not the first one; Kenyans are aware his case ‘died’ the moment he ‘resigned’ and he’s back to fool the public with the recording deal. If Bruce cared about the youth, he would not embezzle sh 180million.
Today we open up our first episode of 20 that will go to expose the rot that has been embedded in the Tana & Athi River Development Authority(TARDA). Stephen Githaiga Ruimuku the parastatal’s MD is a tribal bigot and corruption master who has taken up operations of TARDA running it like a family affair.
First off, his initial and actual name on the ID card number 1901968 is Steven Maina Githaiga date of birth 1953, and he fraudulently changed to Steven Githaiga Ruimuku birth date 1958. By this, he reduced his age by five years as a scheme to allow him to serve more years in the industry.
The open irregularity was spotted by the Auditor General Ouko in the accounts of financial year 2013/14, and the matter was taken to EACC for investigations but knowing the nature of things in Kenya, the embattled MD compromised the commissioners. Intel reaching Kenya Insights indicates the parastatal is set to receive about Sh.6B for Athi River conservation and upgrade projects, and he’s buying time to tap into this cash. This is the money he’s been using as the bargaining point with the EACC and anyone who dares raise a voice on this matter.
Agitated staff members have gone as far us writing to the Parliament’s Public Investment Committee in a letter dated 30th March 2016, but nothing fruitful is yet to come out.
Kenya Insights is, therefore, going to take up the matter for public interest and for integrity in state’s institution to reveal the underdealings and the filthy impunity culture that has allowed Ruimuku to keep on frustrating staff members, using illegitimate documents meaning he’s illegally in the office but nothing happening to him.
His original passport number is A383456 with his date of birth indicated as 1953 and not A593455 with an illegally altered date of 1958. The anomalies captured by Auditor General report on the financial year 2013/2014 dated 24th April 2015.
Crucial Questions
When was the MD born? ID Card No. 19001968 and Passport indicate he is 63 years old. How did the MD acquire Passport No? A593455 and his new ID card to show he is 58 years.
Is the change of passport and ID card original details, not a criminal act?
Procurement of various goods and services as captured in 2013/2014 audited report
Among other irregular procurements and tendering malpractices in 2013/14, the MD’s company BEVAN supplied low-quality sausages and other dairy products to TARDA’s hotel(Masinga Dam Resort). His wife Lucy Wangui Ngahu(recently employed at TARDA) supplied wines and spirits and vegetables at inflated prices to the same hotel. These companies were neither prequalified nor did they go through a tendering process.
This is clearly an insider trading which is contrary to set public institutions regulations. The original list of prequalified suppliers for the financial year 2014/15 was altered with, and other friendlier companies to the corrupt MD inserted without going through an open and set tendering process.
The MD illegally took away TARDA’s motor vehicle a Land Rover Discovery Reg. No. KAD 266D without paying for neither tendering for it. He has since sold the car to a third party. How did the MD Steven Ruimuku acquire the car a government’s asset, did he participate in disposal process to gain ownership.
Nepotism and tribal have been the norm under Ruimuku’s tenure. He has employed everyone in his family to the authority and close friends. He has discriminated against staff members outside his Kikuyu tribe with unwarranted actions including demotion, unnecessary transfers and refusing to promote those recommended by the public service commission. In a nutshell the MD has been running the institution like a private entity where he does things the way he likes telling off any staff who raises a voice upon him that nothing can happen to him since he’s from the president’s tribe and that Jubilee is still in power, and he will do things as he likes.
In the next episode, we will detail out the levels of tribalism and nepotism that the MD has introduced in TARDA employing his friends and relatives, dismissing and demoting, discriminating those from other tribes. The names and all will be given. The culture of impunity by arrogant and fraudulent leadership in public institutions like this of Ruimuku must be condemned and called out with least kind words.
Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO, James Oswago
EACC cleared the IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan of involvement in the Sh.41B Chickengate bribery scandal that saw the directors of the UK printing firm sent to jail in London. The anti-corruption body had been handed the files to prosecute the case.
Isaac Hassan, the IEBC chairman, was mentioned in the dossier alongside IEBC commissioners as being part of the syndicate. After conducting investigations, EACC, the body that coincidentally had cleared Ann Waiguru of involvement from the NYS theft only for new evidence to prove otherwise, also cleared Hassan.
IEBC CEO Oswago alongside others were found culpable, and EACC recommended the ODPP to open prosecutions against Oswago and team for having engaged in bribery schemes with the UK printing firm for the ballot papers in the run-up to the 2013 elections.
Oswago who has been missing from the public limelight since the controversial general elections resurfaced from his hiding place protesting against the decision by the EACC. Oswago argues that he is being made a sacrificial lamb while people who should take more responsibility like Isaac Hassan have been exonerated.
Pressure has been mounting from the EU who are the biggest financier of elections in Kenya on GoK to act upon the Chickengate scandal. Oswago has been running around like a headless cock screaming innocence.
In several media interviews in the past week Oswago has opened the Pandora box revealing that indeed 2013 elections were flawed and rigged in favour of jubilee. In his wild claims, Oswago says the commission he headed was compromised by powerful forces and that there was nothing he could do about it at that time, going as far as saying his life was threatened.
This is a desperate sympathy seeking plot that’s not going to work amongst able minded Kenyans. Kenyans had to drag themselves through the Supreme Court for the ultimate decision that legitimised Jubilee win. It was a bitter journey for CORD supporters who felt that their glory was snatched. For Oswago to surface from his hideout years later to allege that the election was altered is an insult to human intelligence.
If his conscience was right, he could’ve come out earlier on this exposed the matter at a previous stage. If he lacked trust on the local judicial system, Oswago had the opportunity to seek political asylum and lodge the rigging plot on an international court for a public tribunal. Coming out now is an unnecessary and damaging step.
Having said that, with the former CEO now confessing that the elections were flawed the entire IEBC as currently constituted must be demolished and reconstructed. The country is in a fragile state and can’t afford to move into another election with a suspicion body as the current. Oswago and rest of the team involved in the Chickengate scandal must carry the cross and answer to the allegations against them. Jumping out of one media station to the next is a socialite syndrome that’s not going to help him or any other accused. Let the law take the course.
