Category: Politics

  • President Uhuru Rewards His Former ICC Defense Lawyer With The NLC Chair Job

    President Uhuru Rewards His Former ICC Defense Lawyer With The NLC Chair Job

    Job well done! Perhaps, that’s why President Uhuru Kenyatta has tapped his former member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) defense team to succeed Muhammad Swazuri as the chair of the National Land Commission.

    Mr. Gerishom Otachi takes over as the second NLC chair after the end of Dr. Muhammad Swazuri’s alleged fraud and controversy-filled six-year term. Former Chair, Swazuri scandals include the multi-million shilling Ruaraka land deal that saw him charged in court.

    Otachi is the current chair of Geothermal Development Corporation, he also served as the defense lawyer in the defense team of six Kenyans, including President Kenyatta and DP Ruto at the ICC for crimes against humanity.

    National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi officially communicated Mr. Otachi’s nomination yesterday alongside four women and four other men that the President has nominated as NLC commissioners.

    Other nominated NLC members include former Labour Secretary Kazungu Kambi, former Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi, former Egerton University Vice-Chancellor James Tuitoek, Gertrude Nduku Nguku, Property valuer Reginald Okumu, Hubbie Hussein Al-Haji, Alister Murimi Mutugi and former Isiolo woman Representative Tiya Galgalo.

    Mr Otachi is currently the managing partner of Ogetto, Otachi and Company Advocates, the law firm that recently produced the current Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto. If Otachi is cleared by the Parliament, he will succeed Dr. Swazuri whose six-year fraud filled term came to a rough end in February this year.

    The names were picked from a list of two (for chairperson) and 16 (commissioners) that the selection panel, chaired BY Priscilla Nyokabi, forwarded to President Kenyatta.

    Former Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) commissioner-general John Njiraini dropped his quest for the chair, just one week after he was shortlisted and interviewed for the job. Under the NLC Act, President Kenyatta had to forward his choice to Parliament for vetting within 14 days of receiving the names from the panel.

    “The new National Land Commission…made in the image of the Office of the President…high time we stopped this nonsense and sham selection process remote-controlled by the executive…and instead bestow all the powers on the President to nominate whoever he wants…” lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi tweeted yesterday

    According to the EACC,  NLC officers have inflated land compensation rates for nearly every public infrastructure development made in the past six years. Dr. Swazuri was faced out of office by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission amid claims of massive fraud.

  • Musalia Mudavadi Hires Raila’s Ex Alter Ego As He Shapes Up His 2022 Presidential Bid.

    Musalia Mudavadi Hires Raila’s Ex Alter Ego As He Shapes Up His 2022 Presidential Bid.

    ANC Leader Musalia Mudavadi.

    The The Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Mudavadi has been overworking in silence stratageming his 2022 presidential ambition and unarguably he has been building his profile as the only outstanding and perhaps the strongest opposition voice in the Post-handshake era and this has markedly increased his chances of becoming among the two horse-race come 2022. ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi has conglomerate a team of technocrats as his Political Think Tank.

    He has ganged up a 15-member Think Thank in which some of the figures hitherto worked for HE President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition chief; African Union Special Envoy and People’s President HE Raila Odinga. The team includes Eliud Owallo who worked as Raila’s presidential campaign manager way back in 2013 but the two parted ways in the run-up to the 2017 polls after contesting the Kibra parliamentary seat (Owallo) unsupported by Raila. Eliud Owallo who is a management consultant whose firm, Eluid and Associates, has been enjoying tremendous consultancy jobs in and out of government space.

    Eliud Owalo(left) with Musalia Mudavadi (right) after a meeting in January this year 2019

    Embraced in the team is Mudavadi’s current advisor lawyer Sam Karanja who chaired Jubilee Party’s Appeals Tribunal. Karanja was among the drafters of Jubilee Party election laws, its rules and regulations. Eric Wafukho, George Musyoka and David Kabeberi are also involved.

    Wafukho who served in the NASA Policy, Research and Strategy Team in 2017 is currently the leadership and governance consultant.

    George Musyoka, who in 2017 Team was in Uhuru campaign coordinator for Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties for the Jubilee Party and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidential campaign.

    David Kabeberi, an accounting and financial expert, was involved in Kibaki and Uhuru’s campaigns as a political strategist, majored in fundraising.

    Also in the team is media Personality Jimmy Gathu as his new media liaison boss, to manage his communication unit. His mandate is to develop new political strategies and come up with what some insiders have described as a new “Unstoppable” and ” Unbwoggable” Mudavadi.

    Mudavadi has also set a ostentatious presidential campaign secretariat at Riverside Drive in Nairobi, away from the ANC known offices in Lavington.

  • Oluoch: Okoth’s Successor Should Come From His Family Not The Raila’s

    Oluoch: Okoth’s Successor Should Come From His Family Not The Raila’s

    Raila Odinga is once again on the political frying pan after the family of the late former immediate Kibra MP Ken Okoth asks him to endorse one of their own.

    Imran Okoth, the younger brother to the late Okoth wants ODM party and it’s leader, Raila, to endorse one of them as the next Kibra mp.

    Oluoch appealed to Raila just a day after the late Okoth’s body was cremated at Kariokor cemetery in Nairobi on the morning of Saturday.

    Elvis Oluoch, the Nephew to the late Okoth, told local press that the family will be sending plenipotentiary to ODM’s leader Raila Odinga to get plans of endorsing Imran Okoth, the former MP’s personal assistant and younger brother as the Kibra MP.

    Imran Okoth, was the led and organizer of development projects in Kibra constituency for three years that the late Okoth was away for medication.

    “We want to appeal to Raila to see if he can give one of the family members that opportunity to take care of the next three years,” Oluoch said.

    “We have one Imran in mind. He was the personal assistant to Ken and was the one taking care of everything when Ken was sick. So we thought he is the right person to do that because he knew every plan Ken had concerning Kibra.” Imran added.

    Raila, whose own daughter Rosemary Odinga, had ambitions to vie for the now vacant seat, is supposed to make his decision both as ODM’s party leader and as a family friend to the Late Okoth’s family.

    Early 2017, Raila’s daughter Rosemary, withdrew from the Kibra parliamentary race and most of her political ambitions on medical grounds.

    “It is following my doctor’s advice that for the time being, I will continue serving my community in other capacities and regrettably bow out of the race for Member of Parliament,” Rosemary said while addressing the media at her Hospital room in South Africa.

    Rosemary had launched her bid to vie for the Kibra seat in January 2017, but was later taken ill and transferred to South Africa for further specialized treatment of a brain stroke that left her partially visually impaired.

    Rosemary was, preferably Raila’s choice in the fight to get ODM’s ticket.

    Rosemary was set to fight it out with the former immediate late MP Ken Okoth, Mr Eliud Owalo the former Raila’s aide and Martin Okoth.

    Raila has been the Kibra MP for over 20 years and Kibra being his ODM’s zones will have the final say on who, the Party will endorse and wishes to succeeds the late Okoth.

    Will he choose one of his own or he will go as the Okoth’s family wishes? Time will tell.

    Kenya has been having political inheritance in most, even though not all, of events where the leader succumbs to longtime illnesses.

    The latest of them being Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze who was elected to succeed her husband, Francis Nyenze, who succumbed to cancer.

    Political heirs seem like the best decision to give the bereaved Family an appreciation of the well the late has been doing to the society.

    The change of Kibra is inevitable and Herculean political and social steps towards that realization have to, if not, must be cohered to.

    Raila has to make a sagacious decision between his own family, Okoth’s family and most definitely, without doubt  the larger Kibra family.

  • End Of The Road For Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu As Court Blocks Him From Office

    End Of The Road For Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu As Court Blocks Him From Office

    While nickname Babayao describes an untouchable and undefeated character, the Kiambu Governor must’ve chewed more than he could chew. With a Sh588M graft case before the court, Waititu seem to have hit a dead end.

    Having been arrested and charged in court, Kiambu Governor Waititu has been freed on Ksh15m bail, however, the ordered not to access his Kiambu County office until the matter is heard and determined.

    Its not rocket science how long this case will take and most likely will go past 2022. In the real view of Kenyan politics, Waititu who has been fronted as a possible running mate to DP Ruto In 2022 elections, is a fixed man.

    More to follow.

  • The LATE Kibra MP Ken Okoth Was In The League Of Sankara

    The LATE Kibra MP Ken Okoth Was In The League Of Sankara

    Hon Ken Okoth

    Tenda Wema Nenda Zako – Do Good and Go Your Way, is how i can best describe late Kibra MP Ken Okoth who battled colorectal cancer along with metastases in the Liver. His death was as a result of multiple organ failure that led him end his journey in Intensive Care Unit ( ICU) at Nairobi Hospital on Friday 26th.

    The whole country is mourning, a rare case as we’ve seen sorry to say many personas – public figures – MPs who’ve died and even Governors and Senators but didn’t shock for lack of a better term and people didn’t feel a a vacuum left as it has been seen in Ken Okoth’s demise simply because they made no good legacy to be remembered for. Believe me not and this is in the public portfolio, Ken Okoth was the only MP in Kenyan history who had neither corruption scandal nor any hullabaloo like sex scandals, paternity cases like most politicians have. This man was pure and too competent.

    He’s best known for his advocacy for Education and Healthcare which he was in the process of achieving in legalization of marijuana in Kenya and went as far as writing to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to petition for the legalisation of the banned drug in Kenya basing his arguments as follows:

    1. “The proposed Bill seeks to ensure that there is regulation for growth and safe use of marijuana and hemp including the registration of growers of growers, producers, manufacturers and users with special focus on protection of children/minors from illicit use just as we do with tobacco and alcohol,”

    2. “The proposed bill seeks to also ensure that there is research and policy development on growth and use of marijuana and hemp for medical, industrial, textile and recreation purposes, with a focus on preservation of intellectual property rights for Kenyan research and natural heritage, knowledge and our indigenous plant assets.

    3. “That the growth and use of marijuana is decriminalised and amnesty measures is instituted for the removal of criminal offence against citizens with prior convictions

    4. “Progressive taxation measures for the marijuana industry to boost economic independence of Kenya and promote job creation along the full spectrum of the value addition chain for marijuana and hemp,”

    “Let medicinal, not ethical considerations carry the day”

    Okoth believed in Education and so even in his profile, he referred to himself as Educator. He bought buses for his constituency schools, built schools like Mbagathi High School, equipped these schools with learning materials all with CDF funds and personal contribution and partnerships.

    “Since education is the foundation of everything and can help many out of poverty, Vision Elimu Kwanza is meant to impact the lives of poor and needy children in the slums,” – Ken Okoth

    This is on record as he was named the best MP in use of CDF funds and since then he admired and touched so many lives.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Lessons learnt from Ken Okoth’s leadership strategy is: No need for many agendas and fail to accomplish any of them. Okoth chose two which he unarguably accomplished well and this has made him leave a legacy which will be forever be remembered.

    Hon Ken Okoth joins the league of young people who gone too soon:
    Patrice Lumumba – 35
    Bob Marley – 36
    Thomas Sankara – 37
    Tom Mboya – 38
    Che Guevara – 39
    Martin Luther King – 39
    Malcolm X – 39
    Ken Okoth – 41

    Jeff Koinange set to rename library project “Jeff Koinange Library” to “Ken Okoth Library.” This decision was made by Jeff in his tweet to honour Ken Okoth whom they partnered with in this project and which was set to be launched in Mbagathi Girls High School, Kibra.

    He also fought for the reclamation of Langata Primary land when DP was trying to grab it to extend his Weston hotel.

    https://twitter.com/okothkenneth/status/556743232479318016?s=19

  • Why The Judiciary Of Kenya Is A Defective Graft

    Why The Judiciary Of Kenya Is A Defective Graft

    There are 3 steps involved to triumph over Graft: Investigation – Prosecution – Conviction.

    Lets first have an overview of 16 Brobdingnagian Money Heists in Kenyan Government of which non of the accused persons has ever been convicted due ‘Insufficient evidence’:

    1.NYS 1&2(KSh 791M +9 billion)

    2. EUROBOND 1&2

    3. Arror & Kimwarer Dam scandal ( Ksh 17B)

    4. The NCPB maize scandal (KSh 1.9 billion)

    5. The Afya House scandal (KSh 5 billion)

    6. Galana and Mwea Irrigation Scheme scandal (KSh 3.5 billion)

    7. Evans Kidero Foundation scandal (KSh 2.7B)

    8. Chickengate scandal (KSh 59M)

    9. Goldenberg scandal (KSh 100M)

    10. The Anglo-leasing scandal

    11.The Standard Guage Railway

    12. The Laptop tender row

    13. The hustler-jet scandal

    14.The UKUTABerg scandal

    15. The Karen land scam

    16. Kenya Pipeline Company multibillion oil spillage and jet oil scandals.

    Spontaneously after carrying out quite intensive research about cases of high profile precisely political class who’ve been charged and convicted over corruption cases all over the world, here are the examples:

    1.

    Liviu Dragnea, the country’s most powerful politician, tried to change the law to stay out of prison, but flopped

    The fight on corruption in Romania has seen its ups and downs since the country joined the European Union, but on May 27th the rule of law won a big battle. Liviu Dragnea, leader of the governing Social Democratic Party (PSD), was sent to prison for three and a half years, after an appeals court upheld his conviction. His downfall touched off a scramble for power. More important, it was a victory for elements of Romania’s judiciary and Anti corruption units that are fighting to clean up the country and rise from her death bed. The conviction was among big fish win for Romania’s National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), an independent prosecutor’s office that has put thousands of officials and businessmen in jail. The DNA has dealt with Mr Dragnea before: in 2015 it convicted him of electoral fraud, a felony that barred him from serving as Prime Minister. Yet after the PSD and its coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats (ALDE), took office in December 2016, he became, in effect, the country’s most powerful politician. As head of the PSD and president of the legislature, he turned the full energy of the government towards keeping himself out of prison.

    2.

    Former South Korea president Lee Myung-bak was sentenced to 15 years in prison

    Former South Korea president Lee Myung-bak was sentenced to 15 years in prison  for corruption, adding him in a string of former leaders of the country who have faced similar charges after leaving office. He was also fined 13 billion won ($11.5 million). Lee, 76, a conservative politician and former Hyundai executive, served as president from 2008 to 2013, when most of the crimes took place. His successor Park Geun-hye was also sentenced to 25 years prison in a separate corruption scandal, after being ousted from office  following months of street protests.

    3.

    Former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

    Former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was jailed in April on a corruption conviction and was sentenced to nearly 13 more years in a new graft case, making it increasingly unlikely that a man once considered the lion of Latin America’s left would ever recover his political clout.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Despite the much hyped war against graft in Kenya which has made Kenya have a bad reputation in terms of corruption worldwide, no top political class – heavyweight has ever been convicted even 7 years down the line under a government which promised to fiercely deal with corruption because the same ruling government and the bosses of its arms are the deep state of the rogue system

    The interest of the court seems to be bail/bond money which in some cases is double injustice to victims. For example in former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero graft case where he was released on bond alongside his junior employees who earn as low as 30K but get released on millions bond which they cant afford since perhaps not all of them would be guilty. I know you wonder am saying they cant afford but ‘they do pay’. They’re paid for, those that cant afford, so as to maim them because out of frustration they can turn to state witnesses which the mastermind who in this case for example is Kidero cant afford loosing the battle.

    One who has wide knowledge and has done intensive research worldwide of precisely politicians – leaders conviction cases in developed countries excluding Africa can testify that no conviction case of high profile politician have been done by the Magistrate court as in the case of Kenya’s judicial system. Kenya’s poverty and huge National debt has resulted from political- leadership error and therefore political class accuses of any manner of corruption should be handled by top high court to the highest Supreme court if possible and not despised Magistrate court. Recently, Tuesday 23, former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and his Principal Secretary presented themselves to the DCI after an arrest warrant was put on them over Ksh17B Arror and Kimwarer dam scandal only to be charged in Magistrate Court and got released on bail pending pretrial on 8 August. This is already a dead case as the Authorities DPP, EACC and DCI see the firing of a sitting Cabinet Secretary as an achievement which actually is and Kenyans only hope is this be the first case of conviction which in my view might not be the case.

    I wonder how Kenya brags to have the best Judicial set up, the smartest lawyers who always win graft cases helping their clients be proven innocent, has the smartest judges and chief magistrates who has never found water tight evidence to convict public coffers but non of these people gets hired in international class, i mean even during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s and DP William Ruto’s ICC cases non of these wannabe lawyers were hired.

    In the Case of DCJ Philomena Mwilu who was arrested and charged with abuse of office, tax evasion and bribery, she had 32 volunteer lawyers from one political party or rather coalition NASA which was a secret signal and tip of an iceberg of how the system works: Do me i do you, scratch my back i scratch your back. These Lawyers turned Politicians have a greater influence and have compromised each other together with the judges because they’re all law breakers at some point and need each others support in times of need and this has made these people trade country’s wealth and justice at their own personal interests.

    The day when first high profile conviction will happen in Kenya, it will send cold chills to these lootocrats and it will set the pace to a point where there will be a law squashing pardon of convicted public thieves like in Romania then it will start recovery of country’s wealth and boost economy.

    Action by the court freeing suspects on bond/bail pending pretrial/ hearing hands then later during hearing, the court declares accused not guilty due to ‘ insufficient evidence’ as it’s the language and the culture. The accused had been given time in the name of bond to interfere with the evidence, this is the period files goes missing, computers are stolen, witnesses are killed or maimed in any manner. I agree and we all agree with the fact that every accused person is entitled to bond/ bail but i think it’s high time it is reconsidered for if not, then evidence will forever be ‘insufficient’ and no progress will ever be made in the fight against graft in Kenya.

     

    CJ David Maraga( First from Left), DPP Haji (Second from Right)
  • Uhuru Declines Ruto’s Call Widening Rift

    Uhuru Declines Ruto’s Call Widening Rift

    Deputy President William Ruto and his allies call to President Kenyatta to convene a Jubilee party meeting have fallen into deaf ears.

    Kanze Dena, the State house spokesperson on Tuesday said President Kenyatta is only focused on the development agenda of his administration and not politics.

    “The question on Jubilee meeting is political. And like my boss has said before, we are not going to delve into political issues,” said Kanze Dena during Tuesday’s press briefing.

    “If, at all, the party calls a meeting, then it will happen,” said the head of Presidential Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU).

    This has thrown DP Ruto’s led Tanga tanga movement into confusion, with members saying time was running out for Jubilee that is almost collapsing.

    Tanga tanga movement is worried about the Uhuru’s union with Raila and his party, ODM.

    On Sunday, Dr Ruto added his voice to his movements distress calls for the Jubilee party to put its house in order.

    Tangatanga movement have been pressuring Uhuru to convene a meeting to discuss a host of issues affecting the Party and specifically Ruto.

    Tanga tanga allied legislators have accused Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju, of taking sides and working with Dr Ruto’s ‘enemies’.

    Ruto led Tanga tanga movement was made to counter the March 2018 handshake between Mr Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga and strategize Ruto’s 2022 succession plans.

  • Video :Starehe MP Jaguar Threatens To Storm, Beat And Eject Chinese Traders From Gikomba Market

    Video :Starehe MP Jaguar Threatens To Storm, Beat And Eject Chinese Traders From Gikomba Market

    Jubilee’s crying Starehe MP Charles Njagua alias Jaguar, has given Matiang’i and the government only 24 hours to deport all Chinese traders from Gikomba.

    Jaguar who was captured by a civilian threatened to order his constituents to forcefully beat And eject the Chinese if the Interior Secretary Fred Matiang’i and the Immigration department fails to act in 24 hours.

    Jaguar’s speech was captured on Monday after he led traders and other leaders in a demonstration against the Chinese invaders in Gikomba market.

    “The other day we saw Matiang’i claiming he had only deported six Chinese nationals yet we have hundreds in here. We are giving the government 24-hour ultimatum to deport them failure to which I will lead the locals in storming their shops and ejecting them and beating them to the airport ,” Jaguar said in a video.

    City traders have complaining to the government about the increased influx of Chinese traders in Local markets.

    Chinese do not only deal with fake cheap supplies but also have strong financial muscle and governments protection.

    One even wonders why the same government through Communication authority of Kenya that banned and blocked the use and sell of Chinese communication gadgets is offering shadow protection to the Chinese.

    We as kenyainsights.com strongly believe any person legally in Kenya, whether a foreigner or not, is duly and constitutionally allowed to set up and run businesses as far as they are legal and legitimate.

    It’s also the duty of the government to ensure that all the residents from this and other foreign countries are protected.

    This however doesn’t justify why the government allows the Chinese to have strategic control of the supply chain from importation of goods, to wholesale distribution and even further down to the first hand direct retail level.

    Gikomba traders and other Nairobi trading centers and sites like Luthuli Avenue, River Road, Nyamakima and Kamukunji have been urging the government to protect them from Chinese traders who have cheaper options of the same products on the market.

    Local fisher industry traders had also sent their grievances about the increased Chinese plastic fish on the markets.

    As a law marker Jaguar should be at the forefront of encouraging his Starehe constituents in abiding by the law accordingly.

    By the powers vested in him, he should be in the Parliament debating bills that will protect traders in his constituency.

    Him giving the government that he is deeply involved in by being a member of the ruling party an ultimatum to act clearly indicates that either he is sure that the very government is not working or his has no clue what he is supposed to do as an MP.

    Here’s the full video.

  • An Injustice in Kenya’ History: The TJRC Report Six Years On

    An Injustice in Kenya’ History: The TJRC Report Six Years On

    On 21 May 2013, Kenya’s Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) handed over a four-volume report to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

    The report outlines a range of injustices and abuses that occurred in the country between December 1963 and the end of the post-election violence in 2008, and provides a range of recommendations and a clear implementation plan. Six years later, little progress has been made on its dissemination or the implementation of its recommendations.
    The TJRC Commission collected over 40,000 statements – the largest number of any truth commission to date – and 1,000 memoranda. The Commission also held public and women’s hearings in 35 locations across the country, as well as a series of adversely mentioned person (AMP) and thematic hearings.

    This is unsurprising given the fate of previous commissions of inquiry, the credibility crisis that surrounded the TJRC’s chairman, and the limited media coverage that the Commission’s work enjoyed. Nevertheless, I find this depressing.
    The reason is that, while many paid the TJRC little attention, a significant number of Kenyans opted to relay their stories, pain and fears. This is evident from the numbers; the Commission collected over 40,000 statements – the largest number of any truth commission to date – and 1,000 memoranda. The Commission also held public and women’s hearings in 35 locations across the country, as well as a series of adversely mentioned person (AMP) and thematic hearings.

    To be fair, the TJRC’s founders were aware of the inadequacies of speaking, which is why they included “justice” in the title and gave the Commission powers to recommend further investigations, prosecutions, lustration (or a ban from holding public office), reparations, institutional and constitutional reforms, and a limited amnesty.

    It is also evident from my own observations; in 2011 and 2012 I spent months following the TJRC around the country attending hearings, speaking to victims, alleged perpetrators and interested parties. From these interactions it was clear that, while many who came before the Commission welcomed the chance to speak, the majority submitted statements or memoranda or provided testimony in the hope that they would be heard and that some action would be taken. As one woman explained to me after a women’s hearing in Nakuru, she was glad that she had spoken as now the Commission would “come in and help”.

    To be fair, the TJRC’s founders were aware of the inadequacies of speaking, which is why they included “justice” in the title and gave the Commission powers to recommend further investigations, prosecutions, lustration (or a ban from holding public office), reparations, institutional and constitutional reforms, and a limited amnesty.

    However, on the question of whether recommendations would be implemented, the Commission rather naively relied on the TJRC Act (2008), which stipulated “recommendations shall be implemented”. However, such legal provisions proved insufficient; in December 2013, parliament amended the Act to ensure that the report would first be considered by the National Assembly, something that is yet to happen.

    But how did the TJRC come about and what was its mandate?

    The Commission was informed by the belief that, while the post-election violence of 2007/8 was triggered by a disputed election, it was fuelled by more deep-rooted problems.

    The establishment of a TJRC was first considered in 2002 at a moment of great optimism and hope after Mwai Kibaki and the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) ousted President Moi and Kanu from power. However, a task force recommendation that a TJRC be established was ignored by the Kibaki government. The idea was later revived following the post-election violence of 2007/8 and the formation of a coalition government.

    The TJRC was established by an Act of Parliament in 2008, began its work in 2009 and submitted a final report in 2013. The Commission was informed by the belief that, while the post-election violence of 2007/8 was triggered by a disputed election, it was fuelled by more deep-rooted problems. It was thus mandated to investigate a wide range of injustices – from perceptions of economic marginalisation and periods of ethnic clashes to state repression and torture – from Kenya’s independence in December 1963 to the end of the post-election violence in February 2008. As a result, while some insights into colonial rule were provided as context for post-colonial realities, the report is silent on Kibaki’s second term in office and Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidency.

    In addition to documenting the past, the Commission was able to offer various recommendations including further investigations and prosecutions, reparations, institutional reform and amnesty for non-gross human rights violations. The aim was to contribute to truth, justice, reconciliation, and sustainable peace.

    The Commission’s task was thus impossibly large and it also faced additional challenges including a credibility crisis around the Commission’s Chairman and limited media coverage. It was also upstaged by parallel proceedings at the International Criminal Court and was working in a context in which there had been no real transition.

    Given these challenges, the report is actually pretty impressive.

    Critically, it does not pretend to be exhaustive and recognises how – over four years and in a single report – it could not provide a “definitive history of the broad range of violations committed and suffered” over the course of 45 years (TJRC vol. 1 2013: v).

    Given this impossibility, I am keenly aware of how my attempt to summarise a report that runs to over two thousand pages involves further simplification and omission – for which I apologise. Despite this, I think it is worth marking the six- year anniversary of the report’s submission – and recognising all those who engaged with the process – by saying something about the Commission’s findings.
    First, it was clear that each regime – from the colonial period through the Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki eras – had overseen widespread abuses through acts of commission and omission and that Kenyans had suffered (and many continue to suffer) as a consequence.

    The establishment of a TJRC was first considered in 2002 at a moment of great optimism and hope after Mwai Kibaki and the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) ousted President Moi and Kanu from power. However, a task force recommendation that a TJRC be established was ignored by the Kibaki government.

    The commission found that all three post-colonial regimes had been responsible for gross human rights violations and concluded that state security forces had been “the main perpetrators of bodily integrity violations of human rights in Kenya including massacres, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and sexual violence” with northern Kenya standing at the “epicenter of gross violations of human rights by state security agencies” (TJRC vol. 1 2013: vii).

    More specifically, the report outlined how the Kenyatta regime (1963–1978) was responsible for the largest number of political assassinations, and how the repression of dissent reached its apex under the one-party rule of Daniel arap Moi (1978–2002). In turn, while the commission recognised the reforms initiated by the first Kibaki regime (2002–2007), it also drew attention to ongoing corruption, ethnic favouritism and inter-communal violence, and to the collapse of the NARC coalition and the increase in extra-judicial killings, problems which, in its opinion, prepared “fertile ground (…) for the eruption of violence” in 2007–8 (TJRC vol. 2A 2013: 28–29).

    The TJRC also highlighted the socio-economic effects of gross human rights violations. These included, for example, the challenges faced by former political detainees in finishing their education, securing employment and caring for their children. At the same time, the report sketches out some of the ways in which socio-economic factors impacted upon bodily integrity rights at a more general level through, for example, the relative vulnerability of marginalised people during conflict.
    In terms of inter-communal conflict, the commission blamed the emergence of “negative ethnicity” on colonial rule and Britain’s adoption of a divide and rule strategy and alienation of large tracts of land, with historical grievances over land cited as the “single most important driver of conflicts and ethnic tension” (TJRC vol. 1 2013: vii).

    However, all the post-colonial regimes were blamed for the perpetuation of such politics as, rather than provide redress, successive administrations “alienated more land from already affected communities for the benefit of politically privileged ethnic communities and the political elite” (TJRC vol. 1 2013: xiv) and favoured members of their own ethnic groups in employment and appointment processes (TJRC vol. 1 2013: x). According to the commission, a sense of ethnic competition was

    then exacerbated by multi-party politics, as “ethnicity became an even more potent tool for political [organisation] and access to state resources” (TJRC vol. 1 2013: ix–x). This combination of factors then led to “a volatile environment in which violence had been normalised and ethnic relations had become poisoned” (TJRC vol. 2A 2013: 29).

    The commission also emphasised the “pervasiveness of socio- economic violations” across the country (TJRC vol. 1 2013: xv). More specifically, it found that – in addition to the socio-economic impacts of gross human rights violations – the “government’s exclusionary economic policies and practices in the distribution of public jobs and services inflicted suffering on huge sections of society at different historical moments” (TJRC vol. 1 2013: xv), with corruption in turn linked to everything from violent state security forces to poor health and education services.

    In terms of spatial inequalities, the commission found that northern Kenya – taken to consist of former North Eastern, Upper Eastern and North Rift Valley provinces – together with former Coast, Nyanza and Western provinces suffered particularly harsh economic marginalisation as a result of biased or indifferent state policies. However, the commission also recognised how even residents of regions that were not identified as economically marginalised – namely, former Central, Nairobi, South Rift Valley, and Lower Eastern provinces – considered “themselves marginalised at one time or another” (TJRC vol. 1 2013: xv). The implication was that no single province had escaped economic marginalisation, with hardships often passed on to subsequent generations through a cycle of limited education and employment opportunities.

    Women, minority groups and indigenous people were also found to have suffered state-sanctioned discrimination. In summary, minority and indigenous peoples were found to “have suffered gross violations of human rights on account of their membership in these communities” (TJRC vol. 2C 2013: 281).

    Women were found to have “suffered unspeakable and terrible atrocities … in the majority of cases … for no other reason than that they are of the female gender” (TJRC vol. 2C 2013: 151) and children were found to have been “subjected to untold and unspeakable atrocities” (TJRC vol. 4 2013: vii).
    However, while the Commission suggested that most (if not all) Kenyans are victims of some injustice, it did not suggest that all Kenyans suffered, or continue to suffer, equally. On the contrary, some individuals were deemed to have suffered more severe harm or multiple injustices, while some groups were presented as having suffered more than others.

    For example, a minority were found to have suffered direct bodily integrity violations at the hands of state operatives, while, overall, women were said to have suffered more than men, and some regions or ethnic groups to have suffered more than others.
    The Commission was “not just interested in what happened…. [but] in why things happened the way they did, what was their impact and who was responsible” (TJRC vol. 1 2013: 43).

    Regarding the why and the impact, the report is of mixed quality, but it is in establishing the who that the TJRC had the least success. Instead, the report details how the Commission met a wall of silence, denial and justifications. At the same time, the Commission found that the state had historically “covered-up or downplayed violations committed against its own citizens, especially those committed by state security agencies” and had “demonstrated no genuine commitment to investigate and punish atrocities and violations committed by its agents against innocent citizens” (TJRC vol. 4 2013: 10).

    The commission concluded that the underlying causes of violations and contributing factors were complex and included centralised power, a culture of impunity, inter-ethnic competition, uneven development, under-employment and patriarchy.

    These findings informed wide-ranging recommendations that included further investigations, lustration and prosecution of those allegedly involved in assassinations, massacres, land grabs and so forth. It also included specific apologies by the head of state for various atrocities suffered – from the torture and unlawful detention of political dissidents to acts of sexual violence committed by state security agencies during operations and periods of violence, and the state’s sanction of discrimination against women.

    The report also called for the implementation of recommendations from previous commissions of inquiry, the fast-tracking of ongoing reforms of state institutions, such as the security services and judiciary, and the enactment of key pieces of legislation.

    It also set out extensive guidelines for individual, collective and symbolic reparations. These included a framework for individual compensation, development policies to address the historic marginalisation of certain regions, and the establishment of public memorials to commemorate particular places, events and people.

    Finally, the commission recognised how the recommendations of earlier truth commissions and commissions of inquiry had largely been ignored, stressed the mandatory nature of the commission’s recommendations, and set out a clear timeline for their implementation together with detailed guidelines for an implementation and monitoring mechanism.

    The report and recommendations are thus wide-ranging, and their dissemination and implementation was always going to be a problem. However, the collective decision of members of parliament to change the Act in 2013 and their failure to discuss the report to date is – at least to me – a further injustice that marks Kenya’s history.

    A full copy of the TJRC report as well as transcripts of many of the hearings can be found online courtesy of Prof. Ron Slye – one of the TJRC commissioners. Parts of this article draw directly from Gabrielle Lynch’s book,Performances of Injustice: The politics of truth, justice and reconciliation in Kenya (Cambridge University Press, 2018). Gabrielle is a Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Warwick in the UK.

  • Outsiders Or Insiders: ANC Party Dangling Loyalties Of Malala And Osotsi

    Outsiders Or Insiders: ANC Party Dangling Loyalties Of Malala And Osotsi

    Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC Party and Senator Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya Party have been planning for political merger in since early last year.

    A move the two opposition parties termed as Luhya Unity and a political strategy to unify the vote-rich Western region in their political basket.

    According Mudavadi, this is to enhance peaceful coexistence and have a western votes lock up to give the region a strong bargaining power in National politics and future elections.

    But the merger has been delayed what ANC handlers called influence from ‘Outsiders’ through those who belong to the respective parties.

    Or this was just a rushed political strategy that was to cover the shame, mess and confusion around Raila Odinga’s swearing in and talks of NASA collapsing.

    Not forgetting, the merger, if rushed and miscalculated, will have no strong Political viability in the region or the Nation.

    The constantly and continuous influence of ODMs Raila Odinga and Government influence through DP Ruto in Western Kenya has widened the rift amongst local leaders.

    Raila who says that he is the 13th grand child of Nabongo-Mumia Of the larger Wanga kingdom has insisted that western leaders should not to leave him out of the negotiations.

    Raila enjoyed a massive support from Western region in 2007, 2013 and 2017.

    Railas deep influence is a biggest threat to the ANC-Ford Kenya merger and it’s political viability.

    Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi have come out as two ANC members who not only support but also strongly protects ODM’s political agenda in the region.

    Also in this mess of misplaced loyalties line is Vihiga Senator George Khaniri who is a staunch supporter of Raila.

    Senator Malala and The expelled ANC SG Osotsi told a local press that ANC handlers want them out of the party because of their close association with ODM and Raila’s agenda.

    Osotsi is now claiming that his “Organized” expulsion from ANC wasn’t because of the allegations of loss of Party Funds.

    The Two says their party and Party leader is fighting them because they are supporting Raila and his party’s principles.

    Senator Malala and Osotsi loyalties are dangling. They clearly don’t belong to Mudavadi neither are they admitting to belong to Raila.

    They’re are still supporting NASA and it’s leader at the expense of their party.

    NASA is a political coalition that legally exists But has been rendered irrelevant its cause overtaken by events.

    This is not the first time Malala’s loyalty has been questioned.

    Late Last year, Wanga Council of Elders declared the first term senator A Luo by Birth and origin.

    The Chairperson of the Council of Elder Peter Nabongo, told the writer of this site that Malala can never be allowed to sign a deal on behalf of the Luhya community.

    Peter Nabongo said Malala’s father came from Nyanza and settled In western.

    “Malala’s father was allowed to marry from around this region, that doesn’t qualify him as a Luhya” Said Peter Nabongo.

    Osotsi on the other side, has been allegedly withdrawing ANC funds for his own personal business and agenda.

    The ANC self proclaimed founder has never attended ANC meetings nor stepped his foot in ANC offices for more than a Year now.

    Barrack Muluka ANC secretary general and Ford Kenya’s Eseli Simiyu have confirmed the merger plans saying that the learnt that their effort had been infiltrated by outsiders from both sides.

    Osotsi and Malala have the same political feathers as Boni Khalwale.

    Their loyalty is swayed by money and Other political related incentives.

    These self proclaimed Western political youths have clearly shown their split personalities In matters leadership, development, public politics and most important, Democracy in their party politics.

    With that out and aside, i pose a question to you our esteemed readers;

    Are these two a generational change of politics or they are a practical example and a case study of the misplaced and displaced Political loyalties of the Luhya Nation?

  • President Uhuru Sacks Eric Kiraithe

    President Uhuru Sacks Eric Kiraithe

    ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has issued a statement dated May 7, 2019 saying that Retired Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna replaces Eric Kiraithe as governments Spokesperson with immediate effect.

    The directive reads and I quote; “In line with directions from the Executive office of the President through the Head of Public Service, the office of the Government Spokesman shall be domiciled at the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology,”

    “He will also have content oversight role over the two government news gathering and dissemination channels; Kenya News Agency and MyGov,” the directive adds.

    Rtd. Col. Oguna was formerly the spokesman for the Kenya Defence Forces. He became popular and attracted so many public limelights with his tough talk when the KDF entered Somalia in 2011.

    He was the senior most spokesman in the former ‘Operation Linda Nchi.’  Oguna faded from the limelight immediately when KDF and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) joined forces.

    Also Read:Sameer Group’s Naushad Merali Impersonation Saga Of President Uhuru Opens A Pandora Box

    Oguna replaces Eric Kiraithe, who previously served as the Kenya Police spokesman and Chief of Security at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).Kiraithe had served as Government spokesman since March 2016.

     

  • Full List Of President Uhuru’s Appointments

    Full List Of President Uhuru’s Appointments

    President Uhuru Kenyatta, in a gazette notice dated May 3, 2019 had appointed and reappointed key figures to and from his government.

    Here’s the full list of the appointments

    Dennis Waweru has been appointed non-executive chairman of the Kenya Investment Authority.

    Jamleck Kamau has been appointed as chairman of Tana and Athi Rivers Development.

    Dan Mwanzo to head Kenya Ferry Services.

    Jebii Kilimo has been appointed chairperson to the trustees of the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund.

    Julius Malombe has been named chair of the Kenya Water Towers Agency.

    Nicholas Gumbo is now the chair of the Kenyatta National Hospital board.

    Elias Mbao will head the NEPAD/APRM Kenya Governing Council.

    President Kenyatta’s brother-in-law Victor Pratt has been re-appointed as chair and member of the Retirement Benefits Authority.

    Franklin Bett is the chair of the Agricultural Finance Corporation.

    Baringo Senator Gideon Moi’s wife Zahra as a member of the Tourism Research Institute.

    Michael Bowen – Chairman of the Industrial Development Bank (Capital).

    Abdirahiman H. Abdi – Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Insurance Regulatory Authority.

    Robin Achoki – Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Board.

    Angeline Yiamiton Siparo – Non-Executive Chairperson of the National AIDS Control Council.

    Sam Kona – Chairman of the National Council for Population and Development Board.

    Ignatius Kahiu Chairperson of the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited Board. (The appointment of Eliud Matu Wamae* is revoked.)

    Karanja Mburu (Eng.), Abdalla Gonzi, – members of the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority Board.

    Joshua Toro – Chairperson of the National Irrigation Board. (The appointment of Mudzo Nzili* is revoked.)

    Elizabeth Pantoren (Prof.) – Chairperson of the Board of the Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation.

    Francis Kuria Gatonye – Chairperson of the Pest Control Products Board.

    Jane Karuku – Chairperson of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board.

    Josiah Magut – Chairperson of the Bomas of Kenya Board.

    Mary Mbilo Khimulu – Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa.

    Mutuma Mathiu – Chairperson of the Kenya Copyright Board.

    Gituro Wainaina – Chairperson of the Kenya School of Government.

    Deborah Bubi – Non-Executive Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Board.

    Muragu Kinandu (Prof.) – Chairperson of the Board of the Bandari Maritime Academy.

    Mohamed Liban – Chairperson of the Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority.

    Jackson Selela Ole Mwanik – Chairperson of the Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority.

    Dorothy Ghettuba Pala – Chairperson of the Kenya Film Commission.

    Francis Baya – Chairperson, Kenya Literature Bureau.

    George Baker Bebora – Chairperson of the Kenya National Library Services Board.

    Mwambu Muliro – Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Utalii College Council.

    Cavince Odoyo Owidi – Chairperson of the Lake Basin Development Authority.

    Joyce Ngugi – Chairperson of the National Council for Children Services.

    Misigo Amatsimbi – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.

    Mwambu Muliro – Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Utalii College Council.

    John Ondigo Onsati – Chairperson of the Kenya National Examinations Council.

    Richard K. Lagat – Non-Executive Chairperson of the Tourism Finance Corporation Board.

    Alphonse Kioko – Chairperson of the Tourism Fund Board.

    Jimmy Kariuki – Chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Board.

    George Baker Bebora – Chairperson of the Kenya National Library Services Board.

    Thomas Koyier, Martin Mugambi Mithega, Charles Kipkulei, Monica Nyambura Mucheke, – members of the Insurance Tribunal.

    Elias Mbao, Michael Muia Kiswili – members of the NEPAD/APRM Kenya Governing Council.

    Muthoni Gichohi – Chairperson of the Retirement Benefits Appeals Tribunal.

    James Mamboleo, Gideon Solonka, Wangechi Gikonyo,  Veronica Soila,  Leseya Owede,  Members of retirement Appeal Tribunal.

    Richard Kiplagat – Chairman of the Board of the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority. (The appointment of Ngeny Biwott* is revoked.)

    Jacqueline Oyuyo – member of the Board of the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority.

    Lucy Kambuni – Chairperson of the Capital Markets Tribunal.

    Rose Nkonge – Chairperson of the Anti-Money Laundering Advisory Board.

    Wambua Kilonzo – Chairman of the Insurance Tribunal.

    Destaings Nyenyi Nyongesa, Kimani Muhoro, Valentine Mwende, Becky Mogire – members of the Competition Tribunal.

    Anthony Maina Macharia, Kennedy Nyankieya Nyamweya, Karen N. Kandie, Laila Macharia – members of the Capital Markets Tribunal.

    Christine Okoth, Peter M. Mungai – members of the Board of the Capital Markets Authority.

    William ole Mayiani, Jeridah Bosibori Mbaka – members of the Board of the Kenya Airports Authority.

    Mbatia Kimani – member of the Board of the Kenya Airports Authority.

    Major (Rtd) Nishit Dhanvantrai Maru, Catherine Juma, Duncan Ndegwa Maasai, Captain Ahmed Mohamed Ali – members of the Board of the Bandari Maritime Academy.

    Arch. Jerry Magutu (Prof.), Habil Olaka, Patricia Nyambura Gathuri, Caroline Armstrong – members of the Board of the National Housing Corporation.

    Salome Kimata – member of the Board of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication.

    Ismail Gulum Dhora, Ken Waibochi, Pamela Tutui, Caroline Wangui Kariuki, Kaburu Mwirichia – members of the Board of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority.

    Mike Rubia, Fred Gachie Ng’ang’a, Munyua Waiyaki, Simon Kiuta, Pauline Muthangani – members of the Board of the Postal Corporation of Kenya.

    George Baker Bebora – member of the Kenya National Library Services Board.

    Wahome Gitonga – member of the Board of Kenya Pipeline Company Limited.

    Bernard M. Ngore – member of the National Standards Council.

    Elephas K. Gikungi – member of the Board of Directors of Kenya Industrial Property Institute.

    Maj. Rtd. Hussein Abshiro Herin, Kaberi Limukii (Dr.), Nyawira Ophelia Njeru – members of the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute.

    Andrew Gichamba Muigai (Eng.), Rahab W. Lanoi – members of the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute.

    Peter Mathuki – member of the Board of the Kenya Investment Authority (The appointment of Washington Makodingo (Dr.)* is revoked.).

    Mark Robert Stephenson – member of the Board of the Kenya Leather Development Council.

    Joseph Samai Lomwa, Billy Baltazaar – members of Micro and Small Enterprise Authority.

    David Maina Kamiru, Albina Kesorio – members of the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited Board. ( The appointment of Ignatius Kahiu (Dr.) * is revoked.)

    Pauline Mudesh, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Wycliff Swanya, Brettah Muthuri – members of the Industrial Property Tribunal.

    Margaret Rigah, Peterson Mwai, Halima Ali Omar, Francis Gitari – members of the Board of Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation.

    Bernard Muteti Mungata – Chairman of the Board of Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation.

    Samuel Kamau – member of the Board of the Numerical Machining Complex Limited. (The appointment of Kamau Gachigi (Dr.)* is revoked.)

    David Mutemi Mutui (Amb.), Jane Waroga – members of the National Cereals and Produce Board.

    Gakure Munyu – member of the National Irrigation Boar.

    Julie Sudi Mwakwambirwa – member of the Board of the Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation.

    Agnes Moraa Angwenyi, Mwenda Kilemi (Dr.) – members of the Pest Control Products Board.

    Leonard W. Kariuki – member of the Pest Control Products Board, for a period.

    Franklin Bett – Chairperson of the Board of the Agricultural Finance Corporation.

    James Muriithi Kangara, Jane Sirindi Githinji, Ndogo Waweru, Robert Murimi – members of the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority.

    Emily Kithira Mworia, Nancy Muthoni Njiru, Abdirahman Hassan – members of the National Drought Management Authority.

    Stephen Kinuthia, Eunice Ibrahim Sheikh, Judith Kerich, Frida Njeru, Franklin Ndii – members of the Board of Tourism finance cooperation.

    Zahra Bahlewa Moi – member of the Board of Tourism Research Institute

    Susan Maina – member of the Kenya Tourism Board.

    Kenneth Kiptoo Boit, Wangai Wamae – members of the Board of Kenyatta International Convention Centre, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 1st June.

    Harriet Muiruri – member of the Board of the Kenya Medical Research Institute. (The appointment of Kimeli Chepsiror* is revoked.).

    Fredrick Wamwaki – member of the Board of the Kenya Medical Training College.

    Robert Mwadime Ngolo – member of the National AIDs Control Council.

    Dickon Andala (Dr.), Margaret Mwonjoria (Dr.) – members of the Radiation Protection Board.

    Wilfred Lesan – Chairman of the Tobacco Control Board.

    Somba Kivingu (Dr.), John Musau, Nancy Gachoka, Lilian Wayua Mbevi, Rogers Senaji Mulemi, Kago Wanjiku Caroline – members of the Tobacco Control Board.

    Richard Thuo Kamau, Peris Bitutu Onsarigo – members of the Board of Kenyatta National Hospital.

    Eva Njenga – Chairperson of the Board of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (Revokes the appointment of George Albert Magoha*.)

    Sammy Latema (Dr.) – Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).

    Kevin Kariuki Kihara, Maureen Mwangovya, Anthony Njagi Gitambu, Mohammed Mohamud Ali, Naomi Apali – members of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).

    Robert Mutuma – member of the Kenya Water Towers Agency – members of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).

    Wandia Maina, Hibo Bishar Abdi – members of the Kenya Water Towers Agency.

    Peter Waweru Kamaku (Dr.), Susan Musyoka (Dr.), Cyrus Mwaniki – members of the Board of Directors of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa.

    Stephen Mnangat Alukureng – member of the National Labour Board (revokes the appointment of Maria Cherono*.).

    Peter Muchiri – Chairman of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.

    Pius Wario Tume, Alex Masibo, Grace Mwangi, George Maara, Joseph Mburu Waiganjo – trustees of the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund.

    Melissa Ngania, Tusmo Jama, Peter Gathirimu, Justus Toroinet Somoire, Mary Njeri Ndonga (Dr.), Abdulahi Diriye – members of the HIV and AIDS Tribunal.

    Caroline Musyoka (Chairperson), James Muriu, Shallah Sheikh, Brian Omwenga – members of the Board of Directors of the Business Registration Service Board

  • Kutuny: Youths Are Stoning Together

    Kutuny: Youths Are Stoning Together

    Chereng’anyi MP Joshua Kutuny hits again and this time around it in Sheng.

    The legislator took over the labour day podium in a language well understood by majority of Nairobi youths.

    Speaking of how low level youths are being deducted almost half of their poor salaries by NHIF, NSSF and PAYE.

    The legislator also thanked Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and urged the national government to back him up in making Nairobi great again.

    But the main point in his speech was when he talked about youths stoning together.

    (Video courtesy of NTV Kenya)

    “Tangu handshake ikuje watu wanakaa pamoja, unapata maboy ata kama wanachoma wanachoma pamoja”

    This loosely translates as; Since the Handshake was realized people are living together. You’ll find youths who smoke weed smoking together.

    Kutuny publicly speaks about youths stoning yet the government still maintained the ban of use and distribution of marijuana.

    Nairobi Sonko had previously admitted smoking weed with Kiambu governor, Ferdinand Waititu while in parliament.

    Leaders in the current government have admitted publicly of use marijuana.

    Also Read:Handshake: A Political Cheat Game

    It’s about time the legislators support the motion to legalize medicinal marijuana.

    Currently, Raila Junior and Kibera MP Kenneth Okoth are in support of the move to compel the government to legalize medicinal marijuana.

  • David Murathe Confirms DP Ruto Rigged Out Kabogo During Jubilee Nominations

    David Murathe Confirms DP Ruto Rigged Out Kabogo During Jubilee Nominations

    For the longest time it has been speculated that former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo was rigged out during the party’s primaries in favor of Kabogo. This was seen as apparent given the bad blood that the two politicians had at that time.

    Kabogo was one of the openly vocal politicians from the Central region who objected the idea of the Kikuyu community supporting the DP in his bid for 2022. Kabogo had blamed his political woes on Ruto in what he claimed was a ploy to lock him out of 2022 politics.

    He blamed Ruto for not taking action against his complaints and fears that the outcome of the Jubilee Party nomination exercise had already been predetermined. In a thinly veiled attack aimed at Ruto, Kabogo cautioned the DP that it was not automatic that he would get Mt Kenya votes come 2022.

    While appearing on Citizen TV, Murathe who’s leading a ‘Stop Ruto Movement’ from contesting in 2022, admitted to rigging during the party nominations. “Some interested parties rigged out highly popular people, especially from Mt Kenya, and planted the people they wanted,” he said. “A lot of people were left out. I watched it and was seething inside, but there was nothing I could do about it.”

    DP William Ruto spearheaded the primaries. On the first day, the exercise was cancelled. It was mired in confusion and chaos. It resumed the following day. Kabogo amongst other leaders from Central who were agruened including Jaguar who wept uncontrollably stormed the Jubilee Headquarters in Pangani to lodge their complaints. Most fell on deaf ears.

    According to the 2022 game plan  Waititu had been poised to deputize Ruto as the DP. It’s however not definite as a lot has happened in the recent days. Kabogo made peace with Ruto and was even speculated to be in support for his 2022 bid. Murathe’s admission also seems to have opened the wounds for Kabogo who said, “Murathe confirms they rigged party nominations in 2017. What a shame washing dirty linen in public.”

  • From Governor Joho’s school of politics comes Hon.Moses A. Oindo ‘The Youth Commander’

    From Governor Joho’s school of politics comes Hon.Moses A. Oindo ‘The Youth Commander’

    By Kenya Insights reporter

    Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho was last weekend in a tour of western Kenya attending a series of fundraisers and sort of meet the people tour in a couple of places in that region. If you allow me, i will say he was on a charm offensive of the region. Dp Ruto has been frequenting Western and Central Kenya donating millions in churches to seal his spot a head of 2022. In a style his own, Sultan 001 threw salvos at the DP forcing his foot soldiers to respond in hurried pressers.

    Governor Joho did not respond to Dp Ruto’s boys, instead he went on holding fundraisers but in his entourage one could not miss to notice the future Kenyan politics. His team was full of young politicians, most noticeable was nominated MCA Hon. Moses Aran Oindo a.k.a Cv’lizer or Youth Commander as he is commonly reffered to by his supporters.

    Cv’lizer’s was the star of the tour and in his address he acknowledged Governor Joho as is mentor and political professor. The budding politician spoke with bravado sending chills down knees of his competitors. He made it a somber day for quite a number of rising politicians who are waiting to be spoon fed. ‘I’m a student from Joho school of politics’ the young law maker said, donning a Joho branded t-shirt. The crowd went bezerk.

    Governor Joho was mentored by the former premier, Rt. Hon Raila Odinga among other politicians as Busia Governor Sospeter OJaamon and Ababu Namwamba among others. Seasoned and career politicians have aided the creation of inclusive and representative political system with underlying mission of participation reforms. Time proven, party chiefs have done commendable job at identifying and nurturing emerging politicians to fill their void at times of retirement or serve in other elective positions. ‘Joho school of politics’ could be doing just that and his top student is not disappointing. Moi’s school identified and nurtured the president of the day, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta.

    Cvlizer is fast growing with populist and nationalist sentiment, which is a common thing in politics in both sides of the Atlantic. Studies have shown. While some may argue that today populists are social media savvy ….so what? It’s what you do off the cameras and off the courts that make you worthy of the people’s support. The support online and offline that Cv’lizer enjoys is a result of the real work he is putting on the ground. Community Library through his foundation is complete, disadavantaged kid are in school and a couple musical talents are in mentorship programs.

    It is unwritten law today that to actively engage with your supporters you need active social media accounts. He is making good use of social media, directly connecting with his constituents, closely aligning with the corner stone of populism; “ruled by the people”. ‘Similarly, social media makes it possible for anyone’s voice to be elevated, not just pundits and plutocrats’ finds Hendrickson and Galston. This, when coupled with constructive projects inspire good following and elevates one above sleeping giants. 

    Moses has evolved into a more forceful politician and youth leader than most of his peers and even some sitting politicians from the coastal region today. He is the only one who had the guts to tell off renegades Malindi Mp. Aisha Jumwa and Msambweni’s Suleiman Dori who are facing expulsion from ODM party not to blame their woes on Governor Joho. He keeps steady on his path and has not forgoten where his star started to shine, he is Governor Joho’s stonge supporter.

    Larry Stone, a democratic fundraiser in California says ‘You’ve really got to secure your base before you start off to do other things’. Cv’lizer has his base locked, not verbaly but with real projects that inspire hope and development. As he wanders off with the governor, he leaves people only with options to direct him on positions to go for in 2022. ‘Mhesh ingia bunge, mhesh ingia senate, mhesh mhesh….’  and the list is endless. Yes, people support him that much in Mombasa though he has not declared what he will go for in 2022.

    ‘Joho school’ must be churning out fully baked students. Moses has transformed a great deal, from a mere youth leader to a unifying factor in Mombasa. He recently had a handshake with young leaders from other political factions in the county and in a presser he promised to work with other young leaders for the good of the county. ‘Peace, unity and development’ he emphasized.

  • Ruto Will Never Be The President Of Kenya Says Uhuru’s Allied Tony Gachoka

    Ruto Will Never Be The President Of Kenya Says Uhuru’s Allied Tony Gachoka

    Tony Gachoka is not a name that needs introduction, the former aide to Raila Odinga and a proclaimed strategist in the political sphere with heavy alligment to the President whom he campaigned for in the last election is back shooting from the top.

    As political realignments continues to take shape everyday ahead of 2022, the strategist who comes from the President’s community and known for not holding back his fire has opened a debate that has been in the oven for time.

    Borrowing from his own words that he used on Raila Odinga during the 2013 elections, Gachoka has sensationally said that Ruto will never be a President, “William Ruto will never be President of Kenya says Tony Gachoka. Tune to TV stations near you soon. Ruto stop cheating our people since Uhuru hasn’t said it I will.” Gachoka acclaimed on his Twitter page.

    Gachoka seems to have been irked by MP Moses Kuria who made a drunk TV appearance on Citizen TV last night blowing trumpet for the Deputy President. Tony described Kuria as a ‘an idiot, fool, ass, halfwit, nincompoop, blockhead, dunce, dolt, ignoramus, cretin, imbecile, dullard, moron, simpleton, clod.’

    Gachoka is not the first figure from the President’s community to make such claims, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo was vocal about the community not backing the DP come 2022 claims that put him at par with Ruto and attributed to his unsuccessful bid to recapture the seat that was taken over by Waititu.

    There have been murmurs in the political corridors that the royal community could be reconsidering their support for Ruto who’s seen as a threat and unfriendly by the Kikuyu elites who’re determined to have a president they’re comfortable with to protect their empires.

    Many read the handshake between President Uhuru and Raila Odinga as a divorce letter with the DP who apparently was opposed to the idea and was excluded in its formulation. Things between the two government principals haven’t been the same lately even though they put happy faces in public. Keen observers have noticed the cut of PDA that the two displayed in their first term.

    It remains uncertain if the Kikuyu community if not the elites will support DP Ruto according to the MOU that he had with the President. If this doesn’t happen then it will be a reincarnation of Kibaki-Raila pact that was never honored and Raila found himself in the cold. Only time can tell and the smokes signs can’t be ignored.

  • JohnBosco: AISLES OF POWER – Referendum, the constitutional arithmetic to cling onto power.

    JohnBosco: AISLES OF POWER – Referendum, the constitutional arithmetic to cling onto power.

    The leaders who catalysed the liberation of Africa from colonial power majority have up-to-date declined to vamoose power. An incumbent can willingly jeopardise a country into pandemonium just to secure his/her position and demand for much more ‘adequate’ time to rule and dictate due to biasness and ‘The big mansyndrome.

    Exit of African leaders from power can be categorised into two:

    1. Normal- Constitutional means
    2. Abnormal- Unconstitutional means

    Normal means have been through Voluntary resignation, Natural death and Loosing an election. Abnormal means have been through Civil wars(coup) and Assassination.

    Research shows three quarter of Incumbents who left power in the 1990s-1970s was through coup, assassination or violent overthrow but apparently wheeled by Constitutional term limits.

    Before 1990 when Term limit law came to effect, African leaders exit power at their pleasure, but now at a time and way dictated by the constitutional rules and set up. Incumbents being hit by Age limit are calling for Age Limit discard referendum while those hit by Term limit are calling for Term limit discard referendum. Unfortunately, all those that have called for these exercises have all won, many due to power from the depth of the pocket and power from the bullet.

    Elections in Africa have lost importance in terms of credibility, fairness and freeness and by leaders overturning constitutional term service limits on their favour to overrule.

    ~Recently, Uganda’s long time President Yoweri Museveni assented a bill into law regarding scrapping off of Presidential term limit in his favour and which will make him lawfully seek reelection. This decision was seconded by Constitutional court of Uganda judges who ruled in Museveni’s favour in ration 4:1.

    Museveni's Referendum banners

     

    Museveni was quoted saying before, “I’m only one whose language is understood in Washington where Uganda gets funds to promote rural electrification”

    Uganda’s parliament in turmoil during Museveni’s Age Limit bill debate

    ~Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC ) is at war by herself. Democracy can’t be prevailed where the leaders themselves are antidemocratic. The ongoing crisis is attempted coup to remove President Joseph Kabila out power whose term was to end 2016 and elections to be held in November that year. He decided to manipulate the constitution and rescheduled election to 2018. From the records, 5.4 million people have lost their lives in this civil war since 1998.

    ~In Burundi Pierre Nkurunziza caused attempted coup  when the opposition took action upon themselves to defend the law. Tricks by him to manipulating the constitution in his favour to rerun for third term after claiming that 90% of the population supports his bid and governance.

    Pierre Nkurunziza casting his ballot during Referendum

    He argued that he was elected by parliament in his first time and not by the people and in line for a second directly elected term. After the successful manipulation, he was set to rule till 2034 but have promised to step down in 2020. Human Rights Watch said that more than 15 Burundians were killed and women were raped during referendum campaign and  he ran for a third term that’s in 2015 and went on to win in a bloody political conflict that left over 1,200 Burundians killed. Four hundred thousand more fled the country.

    Victim

    ~In 2016, Paul Kagame also manipulated the constitution in claim of responding to the voice of the people, a decision which caused unrest and instability from opposition and economy respectively. It favours him to rule until 2034.

    President Paul Kagame during the Referendum day

    ~In 2001 Zambia’s President Chiloba attempted to manipulate the constitution for the same selfish reason but was halted by Civil society who held a massive campaign against his decision.

    ~Congo Brazzaville, Dennis Sassou Nguesso won referendum on constitutional amendment to scrap of Presidential term limit in 2015 and got reelected again in 2016

    Power addicts manipulating the law to favour their interests forgets power lies in the hands of the people who can squeeze them to dehydration and render them casualties.

    Perhaps unclear position or state at which when a president retire they will be in. These worries are possible causal reasons for clinging onto power.

  • Nyali MP Mohammed Ali Names Governor Waiguru And Other Big Fishes Being Shielded From The NYS Prosecution

    Nyali MP Mohammed Ali Names Governor Waiguru And Other Big Fishes Being Shielded From The NYS Prosecution

    Nyali MP Mohammed Ali popularly known as JichoPevu for his daring exposes on criminal syndicates is back to redeem his image with yet another list that breaks a wall. There has been many speculations that the NYS investigations has been skewed with bias and favoritism to cushion the major players from being prosecuted instead the minor or small fishes have been sacrificed.

    For the past three weeks, 42 suspects in the Sh10B theft including NYS Boss Ndubai And PS Omollo have been held in jail. It came as a reprieve however when the high court released them rifts on a Sh5M bond each today. However, this doesn’t stop the investigations neither shut the questions as to who exactly is being shielded. According to the investigative reporter cum MP, the key players have been deliberately ignored in the investigations in a coverup ploy.

    “Evidence has been brought to my attention that now points to the alleged involvement of other senior government officials, banks and business people whose names have been studiously avoided both by investigators and the media. These people and institutions, it would seem from the evidence I have been given, were involved in NYS1, and may very well be involved in this second series of thefts from the National Youth Service.” Declares Moha.

    He goes ahead to list the following prominent persons whom he insists , should also be investigated as key suspects in the NYS scam given that the evidence he holds points at them being involved.

    1. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru
    2. Former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri
    3. Businessman Ben Gethi
    4. Former DCI Ndegwa Muhoro
    5. Former NYS Director Nelson Githinji
    6. Deputy Director, NYS, Captain Sam Muchuki
    7. Current Health CS Sicily Kariuki
    8. Police inspector Mike Julius King’oo Muia
    9. Gor Semelang’o – CEO, Petro Kenya Oil Company Limited
    10. Peter Gathecha – Petro Kenya Oil Company Limited

    Notably, Waiguru was found to be staying in a house belonging to PS Omollo as her residence in Kirinyaga though she quickly moved out as soon as the investigations heightened and sleuths had hit the road. Waiguru was mentioned as the architect of the NYS 1 theft that has remained unresolved to date.

    Moha has also given a list of suspicious companies who were grandly involved in the heist but not included in the roundup:

    1. Rayman Company Limited
    2. First Quality Limited
    3. Rigi and nana company Limited
    4. Etra two thousand Limited
    5. Puma holdings Limited
    6. Chama Holdings limited
    7. Krypton technologies limited
    8. Sparemart company limited
    9. Instigate general suppliers
    10. Modernbrand agancies
    11. Eagle view merchants limited
    12. Hailey enterprises Limited
    13. Zintech International
    14. Caldan Enterprises
    15. Septico Singleline enterprises
    16. Sarkama Limited
    17. Cichri Enterprises
    18. Kalvin Enterprises
    19. Pekema Contruction Limited
    20. Paschal Construction
    21. Eagle focus limited
    22. Telenodech Agencies
    23. Mastery Enterprises
    24. Fratrade Agencies
    25. Virgo Holdings limited
    26. Isweya enterprises
    27. Teasure General merchansts
    28. Panama technical
    29. Equip agencies limited
    30. H.H.J Spice
    31. Cereals Supplies Limited
    32. Kevman investments
    33. Carleberg construction
    34. Kiche ventures
    35. Petro Kenya Oil Company Limited
    36. Horizon Limited
    37. Late- Co Technologies
    38. Roof and all Trading
    39. Reinforce Concrete Technologies
    40. Out of the box Company

    “Who owns these companies? What business did they do with NYS? How much did they benefit from the NYS? Are they owned by front men and women? Who is behind these owners?” He posed.

    While hinting at a possibility that these companies are owned directly or in proxies by state officials, Moha alludes, “It must be stated that if there are among the owners, state and public officers, then this should be taken very seriously, given the unfair advantages that these people have in getting information to secure tenders for themselves, their partners and family members, and a network of corrupt individuals. Conflict of interest may no longer be controversial to some Kenyans, but to me, it is the very reason why this money is being stolen.”

    On yet another big elephant, the banks involved in the fraud, he didn’t come out clear but threw hints on the ones involved, “There also are two banks, one based in Ridgeways, and one in the city centre, where very suspicious transactions took place. I will not name them here yet.” Barclays Bank And Consolidated Bank are the only ones who’ve been openly mentioned while the rest kept a secret. It doesn’t make any sense as to why even though CBK Governor is on record admitting that some Bank managers are under prober over their involvement in the fraud scheme.

    He also touched lightly on some cartel, “I have also learnt of a cartel that calls itself the “Othaya mafia”, whose involvement in this scandal is clear. I will come back with more information on the same in due course.”

    “In this day and age of handshakes, the role of the whistleblower has been put to rest. If those who whistle blew before me are unwilling to do so any more, then Mohamed Ali will do it himself. I have always and will always stand with Kenyans in defending their interests, and will do so without fear or favor.” He concludes.

  • I’m Ready To Be Finished Off Like Jacob Juma, Duale’s Girlfriend Nazlin Umar Exposes Ruto As Poisonous Sugar Mastermind And Beneficiary

    I’m Ready To Be Finished Off Like Jacob Juma, Duale’s Girlfriend Nazlin Umar Exposes Ruto As Poisonous Sugar Mastermind And Beneficiary

    Nazlin Umar.The country is currently under cleansing as authorities go on the extreme in a crackdown on counterfeit and contraband goods. Sugar has been a key target with several tones of sugar and stores raided and confiscated. Preliminary tests have shown lethal chemicals like mercury,lead and copper are present in the smuggled sugar that is repackaged and sold to unsuspecting consumers.

    Many concerns have been raised on the genuineness of the crackdown as it seems to only target the small people in the supply web as the main faces behind the importation of the contraband sugar remain a mystery. As the debate rages, one person has risen beyond the bar, Nazlin Umar a controversial presidential candidate who again made news recently as Aden Duale’s girlfriend, has implicated the Deputy President Ruto into the poisonous sugar debate. She says the DP is the mastermind.

    Below is the viral Facebook post where she bluntly mentions the DP:

     

    Sting Ruto exposé.

    DP William Samoei Ruto is the mastermind and main beneficiary behind the poison sugar. And his right hand minions. There I have said what other leaders fear to say. Arrest DP Ruto and his right hand loud mouths. Stop playing side shows and going for those acting in Ruto’s proxy.

    The media, DCI, DPP, Matiangi keep on reporting of some big politicians without naming names, Matiangi claimed he was being threatened, who is threatening the CS? So the truth will remain hidden because people fear for themselves, while we are being looted dry and poisoned? Name the big names.

    Yes, Mr. President Uhuru Kenyatta I am naming the believed Killer sugar Baron as he cannot continue to blackmail you, investigation officers and this nation. Let me do the dirty job as a servant if my nation: if you haven’t listened to me these last few days.

    Who is the chief despot of the killer poison sugar? Who is plotting the mass food terrorism in a bid to tarnish his bosses legacy? Who has acted in subterfuge to the nation? Who is the enemy of the people?? One William Samoei Ruto?

    Ruto is also the head and master mind of the maize and electric company scandals, nssf, pipeline too. We have lost more than a trillion of our hard earned taxes to his greedy thiefing hands.

    Uhuru needs no other laws, the constitution as I have repeated time and again fully empowers Uhuru to fire this malicious evil thiefing despot ann appoint another DP. The DP’s seat is as irrelevant in the constitution as the deputy governors of counties. Throw the despot out like a rag.

    Ruto is interfereing with the investigations, making threats not to be exposed else he will burn this nation, as he was the one whose proxy companies imported the sugar and who ordered armed police escort of the poisoned sugar to Nairobi and Nakuru all the way to Kabras….etc. The Rai’s are merely his minions. (More about this later. Yes Ruto made Pan paper fail intentionally then sold off the public entity to the Rai family at throw away price of under 1B). He is a hidden partner. The Rai’s should also be audited and investigated.

    The DCI and DPP must not insulate him and his henchmen, even if it be him and the majority leader Aden Duale Aden Duale who brought this wrath upon Kenyans. They can loot all they want but no, no one should be spared in heading or aiding and abetting poisoning us with mercury and copper. Those who knew this and remained silent are also killers.

    I am already target and expect to be finished off like Jacob Juma, but I am ready to meet my maker if this is my fate.

    Kutangatanga manenos and abuse of office:

    Ruto is no longing acting under his Boss. He has rebelled against his president Uhuru, which is a crime by treason. He is abusing state machinery, abusing office and public funds to campaign for himself 2022. He is no longer working. This is an electoral crime and a violation of his oath of office.

    William Ruto knows he is about to go down and is not only looting left right and center but is in a fierce campaign to entrench himself and set the base for civil war and tribal genocide and ethnic cleansing as he did pev 07/08 should Uhuru dare expose him, suspend or fire him. But he has to. He has no choice.

    The fallout I prophetestisized (new word I created since i am NO prophet) over 2 years ago when they were as comfy as two bugs in a rug has also come to pass.

    It isn’t the easiest thing being president. Uhuru has no legacy left unless he swallows this bitter pill. He must cut off this cancerous arm.

    I demand Uhuru to suspend Ruto with immediate effect forthwith pending investigations.

    I demand public inquiry and audits not those conducted lopsidedly in secrecy. Kenyan will not accept any scapegoats and sacred cows. Investigate his wife #Rachel and kids too. They are all beneficiaries.

    I also demand state security for my family and I as the chief opposition, exposer and whistle blower in Kenya. I have a lot more unsaid.

    Uhuru now needs to remove his gloves, wear his army boots, brave up and kick some ass! We are ready to face the consequences today than give the black mamba more time to sink his poisonous fangs even deeper into the nation and take us back to pev violence.

    I repeat. Iam already target, under 25/7 surveillance and monitoring and expect to be finished off like Jacob Juma and Mesheck Yebei too, i have suffered gross unheard political persecution and oppression but I am ready to meet my maker if this is my fate.

    ALLAHUACKBAR! I can no longer allow our beloved country to go to ruin under the hands of a few vile malicious evil despots. We are the hero’s we have been waiting for. Kama ime kuwa mbaya, iwe mbaya! I stand for public interest.

    I and my family are already the victims of gross unheard of targeted, systematic political persecution and may be killed for this but I remain black mambas most fierce critic, the strongest independent anti-corruption tzar and the most ardent defender of the people. Allah be witness.

    The gloves are off. I’m ready for anything. Kila mtu abebe msalaba wake.

    What will be will be. Should I add- I verily believe aaall this. I do. I verily believe.

    Truth as only said by Nazlin Umar Rajput.

    #iconoftruth
    #mamawataifa
    #mamakenya
    #freedomfighter
    #sautiyawanyonge
    #sautiyahaki
    #shadowpresident
    Commander in chief 2022
    #chief and only opposition leader in Kenya.
    President of the caucus of indepedent candidates of Kenya.

    NB:
    I have posted this all over major fb groups. The world must know. I said it earlier, I was waiting for Ramadhaan to end to take this cold war and exposés out to the universe if so be it.

  • Let Leaders And People Of The Luhya Nation Unite

    Let Leaders And People Of The Luhya Nation Unite

    By Nicholas Olambo

    Kenyan politics is tribal, and that’s what it is, securing community or tribal backyard is the first step to climbing to leadership at whatever level. Clan politics characterize county assembly, parliamentary, senatorial and gubernatorial positions.

    The much talked about handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta opposition leader Raila Odinga sent a strong message both to allies and opponents. It marked an end to a meaningful NASA coalition where Odinga and his ODM party were members.

    Odinga was considered to have walked out of the Nasa marriage when he walked through the revolving doors and made the unexpected handshake with President Kenyatta at the doorsteps of Harambee house. His allies (Kalonzo, Mudavadi, and Wetangula ) saw that Odinga needed some break or distance from the relationship, so they had to retreat and re-strategize ahead of 2022.

    Mudavadi and Wetangula have since gone back to their backyards to unite their community as the first step towards clinching the country’s top leadership in 2022. Their move has been branded tribal though it’s not different from what other top politicians do. When the two backed Odinga in 2017 it was never seen as a tribe supporting Mr. Odinga but patriotic brothers working with like-minded politicians to provide better leadership.

    It must be taken into consideration that the handshake caused political jitters and realignments. Musalia Mudavadi who is rumored to be the brain behind NASA had to ditch snitching friends who hold no much significance around him, and so he altered his perspective and focussed on the unity of his community first.

    There is this myth that is poisoning the minds of the electorate that Luhya nation is vote-rich but never votes as a bloc. Dead wrong, over 70% of this bloc has voted in one direction since 2002, and so in that design, it is not a divided bloc. Nyanza, for instance, is considered a united bloc but in it, Kuria and Kisii regions have been infiltrated by Odinga’s opponents season in and season out.

    ODM party should not believe that they live in a perfect and that if you don’t agree with them, then their spanner boys like Edwin Sifuna should call you all sorts of names.

    Hon Musalia Mudavadi has a compelling political resume that grants him all the authority to solidify support in his backyard to go for the top seat in 2022. Everybody is playing their game. This country has in the recent past witnessed several visits that idling leaders have made to Kabarak to save the diminishing future of the dynasties. Keyboard politicians from the orange party will call that development, but moves to unite Luhya nation will be branded as efforts to sell the community to the highest bidder.

    Luhyas have never been sold to any bidder at any time; they have in most cases voted with Odinga, a renowned stingy man who has collected money from poor Kenyans to aide his campaigns but provided no alternative leadership in the end; instead, he walked his cronies to the unwanted system.

    The western bloc is not divided as such; the leadership in that part of the world is only working ways to have a prevailing party like any region in Kenya. They have discovered who the real friends are and individuals who beg for mercy and ride on other people’s back. Ex-partners like the orange party are feeling godly with the fame that came with handshakes and hugs but severely is blind to see that the electorate has realized that they meant no good for the region.

    Handshake didn’t prove that dynasties are statesmen, but it marked the moment when other leaders learned harsh lessons. The electorate is now awake, and the desperate voices to create positions for old and retirees from political dynasties are landing on deaf ears. This country needs a serious and sober leadership, uniting western Kenya should be the first step towards that.