Category: Politics

It is not rocket science that the decision making Uthamaki council has decided to block Sonko’s gubernatorial candidacy on Jubilee ticket on through hook and crook with Peter Kenneth fronted as the anointed one. However, the chest thumping and egocentric Nairobi Senator has folded his sleeves to beat the system, but as it would be expected, The way is not a walk in the sand.

Attempts to block Sonko from being cleared to vie for the City’s top seat took center stage when reports emerged that his academic credentials couldn’t meet the set standards and that most of what he’s holding could not only be verified but came with a lot of eyebrows. Sonko who’s not new to controversies and doesn’t shy away from breaking rules of-of diplomacy has been on gloves off session fighting off powerful forces blocking his bid to unseat Evans Kidero.

Reportedly, Sonko’s academic credentials didn’t meet the threshold to qualify for Jubilee nominations and his criminal past including being jailed and breaking out of jail that himself is on record confessing to would’ve minimized his chances of being cleared of criminal engagements by the DCI, things room unusual term.

Sonko even though he didn’t mention directly, but Kenya Insights through impeccable sources acknowledged that PS Kibicho worked around the clock to ensure that that unruly city senator would not be cleared 2nd issued with a certificate of good conduct which is essential for the nod to seek public office.

We learn that it took the intervention of the President himself who the senator has decided to go on a full personality worshipping and sycophantic oversized on, beating Kamotho-Moi’s to jump into his rescue. Through his close aide Jomo Gecaga, the President made a call to DCI Muhoro to ensure clearance, and in a matter of hours, Sonko was issued with the coveted certificate that he presented for his nominations. Sources close intimates that Statehouse is determined to convince Sonko into giving up his gubernatorial ambitions to retain his senatorial seat for Peter Kenneth.

“Sonko is trying too hard. The man has no qualms whatsoever – he wants to look better than Kamotho and Aringo in the hierarchy of bootlickers extraordinaire. All he has to his name, at this point, is brash hubris bereft of content and a patent desire to be viewed by the ‘prince’ as one who’d take a sword to his breast for the kingdom. The clichè that “Too much of anything is poison” floats over his head like a flying dunce. His chosen prince loves it, laughs at it, even. And like a kid seeking a father’s validation, he has gone overboard without even knowing it. If he only knew the man he sings of so highly only sees him as nothing more than a pesky irritant who has served his purpose and his clowning is not needed anymore. Poor fellow! However, Jubilee has, in this instance, made a grave, grave error. And they shall regret it; you never go to war with a pig until you’re ready to swim in mud. Sonko is the prince of mud, mud-slinging, mud-da and mad.”

While all indications points at an inevitable PK’ s Jubilee certificate, the city’s senator has closed his stomach down that its either him or nobody and at one point signaling at a possibility of giving up his ambitions to businessman Jimnah Mbaru instead of PK. Sonko’s credentials remain questionable, but one thing for sure is the man in the streets is a political enigma and giving the system a serious headache given his popularity.

Jubilee has in past months launched unsuccessful wooing of the Kisii vote bringing together the veteran politicians from the region, but all efforts have been thwarted with the county seen as heavily ODM aligned. While Charles Nyachae leads the Jubilee team in pushing their agenda, opposition is not leaving anything into chances.

Charles Geni the MP representing North Mugirango constituency in Nyamira county remains one of the key pointmen in the county stamping the authority of NASA. Geni who secured a direct ODM ticket in unopposed bid and is hoping to recapture his seat come August, and at the same time, he has vowed to put a one of a kind campaign for NASA in the county together with other leaders. In several forums, the development themed politician has castigated jubilee over mutilation of the economy and insisted only NASA holds the hopes to resuscitate the country.

Charles is basing his hopes on the development track that he has left since entry into office in 2013. As a first-time member of parliament, Geni prides of an array of among others achievements in his tenure including and not limited to:

1.Has sunk about ten boreholes ensuring supply of water to constituents.

2. Has bought about eight school buses to facilitate transport of school children.

3. Has brought tarmac roads under World Bank support Chabera-Chebilat contractors on site
Misambi- Karota-Ekerenyo Road- Tender has been awarded Chabera-Obwari-Mabariri at tendering stages money has been allocated.

4. Construction of a modern boarding school at Gesigoro – To begin mid-May- Funds allocated.

5. Construction of new Rimooria girls school- Funds were given, commencement mid May.

6.Funding for renovation and expansion of several primary and secondary schools to respectable standards.

7. Sponsoring acquisition of driving licenses to empower the youths in bodaboda business.

8. Setting up structures and funding self-help groups.

9. Fairly distributing bursaries to needy bright students

10. Maintaining of marram roads under his class.

11. Lighting up North Mugirango by facilitating constituents to be connected to electricity.

The voting dynamics have shifted in the recent times with voters carefully monitoring one’s development records and potentials that they come with. The era of political rhetoric is in the past with citizens more concerned with service delivery as opposed to lips service. Geni is confident of his work in developing the constituency to do the bigger part of the campaigns for him. The MP oozes confidence giving surety that given another term he will elevate the constituency to the development standards of so deserves. Geni has also been tipped by integrity agencies as one of the best performing legislatures in Nyanza who sufficiently utilized the CDF allocation.

The 2017 August election has unofficially hit the rail even though IEBC is yet to give the green lights formally. From politicians crisscrossing the country in campaign trains dressed as meet the people tours to media houses launching political shows a day in and out, the beast is already out.

This election is unique in many ways that unlike previous polls that were easily predicted given data available, political analysts have shied off from providing a direct prediction of the risk of being painted prophets of doom should their word end up in the pulpit of falsehood. Veteran analysts like Mutahi Ngunyi who has since lost credibility in the public’s eye given several corruption scandals and impartiality in analysis, unlike 2013 where he coined the tyranny of votes wave, is yet to put a sealing line in this year’s elections. Mutahi has been reduced to a YouTube content creator with analysis that most of the time scratches your brains on watching.

Lawyer Ahmednasir popularly known as Grandmullah has maintained his mojo as one of the most objective and a ruthless truth teller on his political analysis. He had made it open more than open on his allegiance to the Jubilee government which dates back to the Supreme Court days when he represented IEBC and argued against CORD’s petition to nullify Uhuru’s win.

During a talk show on Jeff Koinange Live on Wednesday, the pragmatic lawyer didn’t shy off from calling a spoon a spoon giving his predictions for the August poll. Known to be a critical player in the power circle given his vast political network, Ahmednasir gave predictions that should worry the Jubilee government, and it’s supporters.

There have been political murmurs in the corridors and Kenya Insights moles in high offices in the land affirming that even President himself is worried and restless about this elections. Indicators are pointing to a possible loss by Jubilee. It is a silent talk that is loudly thrashed everytime Jubilee leaders speak in public. By boldly stating that Uhuru stands high chances of losing the re-election, Ahmednasir let the cat out causing discomfort.

According to his analysis, all factors remaining constant are not working for the President risking his chances of retaining the seat. Unlike 2013 where the youthful euphoria used to work for the Jubilee duo, Ahmednasir warns that Uhuru is yet to find an advantageous ground for his re-election. Back checking on their development track record which he noted as below average, Ahmednasir said this could work to their disadvantage as they campaigned on development pillars, in a plain text he said Jubilee has nothing to show Kenyans when challenged.

On tyranny of numbers, it was noted that Jubilee has not won over other regions to their bucket and only maintained their two core areas being the Central and Rift Valley. He predicted impossibility of Uhuru hitting the 50+1 benchmark that handed him the 2013 win.

On NASA, Ahmednasir ruled out any possibility of Raila endorsing another candidate saying he’s the presidential candidate undoubtedly leaving room for the rest of principals to fight for subordinate positions. Also, he shut down the talks of disgruntled NASA leaders bolting out of the party stating any who will have chosen that route would be on a suicide mission exuding confidence that the opposition will remain intact despite probable infights. With a Raila candidacy and Uhuru’s die cast, the writing is plain on the white wall.

While the cameras rolled and flicked at NASA’s Lavington Secretariat and opposition leaders stream in for the big occasion to formalize the coalition, behind scenes a lot was playing and kept away from the public eye. While the press and other party officials drawn from other affiliate parties calmly waited for papers signing, The party principals retreated to the boardroom for final touches on the pact.

Unusual events were witnessed at the entrance to the function. Legislators affiliated to Kalonzo’s Wiper Party refused to proceed to the tents to take seats instead distanced themselves to a corner where they discussed only trees knows what. They insisted on only moving when their party leader walked in. Other leaders arrived much earlier, but Kalonzo took ages and was the last to arrive.

In the boardroom where the leaders had camped In, a state of uncertainty clobbered the moods. Kalonzo came late in a move that raised suspicions amongst attendees. Minutes later the officials proceeded to the arena for the Official signing of the document. Kalonzo and Wetangula remained behind as Raila and Mudavadi moved to the podium. It was unclear what the two were discussing away from the rest, but the body language ignited speculations that he was having a second thought.

Orengo took charge of the function and officials called forward to ink the pact. Kalonzo was seen to develop cold feet and looked like he was about to pull a quick one. A section of the crowd quickly and loudly chanted his name as a tactical move that pushed him to sign the document that would soon haunt him should reconsider his stay in NASA.

Kalonzo remains one of the most unpredictable politician who has perfected the art of ‘Kati Kati yao’ sources highly placed in the coalition tell Kenya insights that the man who was rumoured to be willing to crossover to Jubilee for the foreign office that was to be left vacant on Amina’s upgrade to the AU, is a man being treated with caution. His cards kept tightly to the heart.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that attempts are now being made to offer Kalonzo Sh5 billion as compensation for what he has spent, more or less as those who will drop their ambitions in Nasa supposedly will be repaid their expenditure so far in a negotiated power deal.

Sources say. Initially, the man tasked to broker the deal between Mama Ngina and Kalonzo was the Health cabinet secretary Cleopa Mailu, but he is said to have disappointed.

It is said Initially; it was proposed that Uhuru was to meet Kalonzo on a one-on-one, but the idea was dropped after Uhuru said that meeting Kalonzo would make his deputy William Ruto uncomfortable and would create tension between him and his deputy regarding the 2022 race.

It was after such considerations that it was agreed Mama Ngina was the best person to broker the Kalonzo deal and also considering that she is the one calling shots in the Kenyatta family and as fearless as she is, even the DP cannot have the guts to question her political moves.

Kalonzo stands in a strategic position that would either give NASA power or deny and award jubilee. Battle Supremacy is rife in the NASA net. So evident in distrust that during his address, Mudavadi reiterated that personal interests must be put on a leash as the leader’s unity is paramount to delivering Kenya from Jubilee.

The Eastern, Kamba vote that Kalonzo commands could make or break the math for NASA. A fallout of Kalonzo with NASA would earn Jubilee an early return to the Statehouse. This is why strategists and power brokers are working around the clock to woo Kalonzo out of NASA. However, It’s not as easy as it seems as his political future stands in line, He can either stick with NASA and if they lose his relevance will diminish and upcoming kingpins like Mutua Alfred take up his position.

Wiper protagonists are going for nothing short of the presidential ticket. Should Kalonzo revolt with NASA there are high chances he won’t join Jubilee but instead run as a wiper candidate. Such a case would be a blessing to the Jubilee party, and this is the line JP strategists are stroking. They’re looking into convincing him out of NASA, sponsor his campaigns in Wiper and adequately compensate or rather buy him. In such a case he bolts out to be wiper then he’d be working indirectly with Jubilee. The icing on this deal is Kalonzo could come 3rd in the elections then join Jubilee in a coalition arrangement. Another classic Kati Kati yao.

However, The shots haven’t been called yet, for a man who’s battling loyalty suspicions and being called names, as he insisted on several occasions that this time he won’t repeat the previous mistake and stick within the united opposition. Kalonzo might just surprise us all. In politics, a day is a century and nothing is likely only time will tell how events will unfold.

 
Time for political blackmail and politicians realignment cat licks. As March 9th almost a stone throw away, literally, it’s time to see the real planners and out planned. Those aligned and those to be lined on. The time that welcomes nominations, after nominations we will have a lot of political orphans. Some who will be the timeline for another 5 five years and the unfortunate will be nowhere due to natural, homicide or murder deaths.

My real focus today is on KIAMBU county, gubernatorial seat. Sources reaching me have just leaked a potential operation ONDOA KABOGO (kafogo) operation ouster Kabogo. William kabogo, a controversial millionaire whose real source of wealth is unknown, neither is it too certain, is in hot soup. If not, he’s almost into the hot fire. Kiambu having significant commercial lands turned into plots by increasingly greedy elite brokers amongst the sons of Mumbi. The county which before, was serving Nairobi with basic cash crops such as cabbages and kales, is now being fed by Nairobi. Nairobi the land of stones and the city under the sun.

The society has been infested by the get rich quick mentality and never look back. The county which has almost, 900k registered voters, presumably U. Kenyatta’s’ political strong hold. The county broke the GEMA record last General elections after former Premier Raila Odinga was voted by a massive number of voters. The county residents have sold all of their inherited soil. The county has been infested by commercial apartments. The coffee and tea farms are being uprooted to pave the way for the modern housings that the majority of the county residents can’t afford the apartments regarding leasing or renting.

The coffee plantation is being cleared to pave the way for car exhibitions and washing points. For instance, the VILLA GREEN hotel immediately after bypass cleared ALMOST 3acres of coffee to pave the way for flat grounds to set tents for a particular church and its events. FOURWAYS is trying by rehabilitating unused pieces of lands and turning them into gated communities. The sad part of it is that a handful of Kiambu residents are benefitted, neither can they afford the houses within those communities.

The leadership of Kiambu is crippled from the top. A lot of unwanted folks are working for Kabogo. Sources say that he prefers friends or high distance relative to attend to the county residents and offer shoddy services. Poor drainage in the county. Hunger infested poor residents some eaten away by jiggers. Record holders in Liquor drinking. Richly infested with illicit brews. 78% of single parenthood. While their governor, Kabogo is busy bodying around.

Buying expensive JEEP to carry JUBILEE manifesto and fetched former Uhurus’ chief tribal mobilizer and mouthpiece – Njogu wa Njoroge to his prayer rally at Kasarani. The son who is named after an elephant NJOGU in Kikuyu dialect. A man with a lady’s voice, Njogu, who is believed to have been eradicated from Uhuru, inner circle because of his over promising funds and pledges on the president’s shoulders.

Back to real business. My sources have leaked the info, which after Kabogo being slowly left out from Uhuru’s inner circle, there is a plot to “eliminate him politically.” Bishop Ngari of GAKUYU, a popular Kikuyu oriented SACCO, is believed to be the chair of the OPERATION OUSTER KABOGO. Second Sunday of February-believed, the group compromising of Waititu, Nyoro, undisclosed lady, Ngari and other unknown believed to be a contestant too, meet at Ngaris’ church in Thika. The source goes ahead to disclose the real intention of the after a mass meeting.

Those 3 and two who I have no received their names, for now, totaling to five, are contestants for Kiambu Gubernatorial seat. It believed that they are up to forming an alliance or a political force to push for a voter to vote out Kabogo. The folks are joining hands to come up with the governor’s seat contestant and its running mate. The seats of the remaining folks will be through negotiations. The group assumed spokesman Mr. Ngari was on Kameme FM, President Uhuru’ media max owned station, and promised to announce the way forward very soon.

The source also says that the elected member of parliaments are for the movement. No one is dancing to Kabogos rhythm. This movement could be having the upper hand from the State House. The source outlines that 50% of county representatives, MCA, are against their county president. The force is initiated by the son of Kabete, Waititu. Who is believe to have taken the kabogos’ for inner circle post and his replaced by Wamatangi. Those are called “ arata a mutongori wa athamaki” ***the FRIENDS OF THE CLANS PRESIDENCY**. ***THE translations might be slight of the key due to the language barriers***. The movement is believed to be a supper force.

What the residents are left with is the anticipations. Kabogo is to worry or work his way out. The voters to do what is best of them, vote in right or out sick systems. Ours is to give the public what to expect. The decisions lay with you residents of Kiambu. Do you see Kabogos’ administration effective? Do you have confidence in Kabogo? Are you ready for the new revolution? Are you ready for new Leadership? The county is yours by your vote. You have total control of your county development by voting in good folks. Be wise fellow Kenyans; this is the land of our birth and our Nation.

Views expressed here are that of
Edward Genesis and do not represent the
Stand and look of this blog
The official Twitter account of the author is
Edward Genesis
@EKmwanzo

By Edward Genesis
Tweets @EKmwanzo
Nyandarua County, the land of potatoes and milk. The home to almost 340 thousand voters. Ol Kalau being its biggest and largest town, hence Nyandaruas Capital. Formerly Nyahururu was the capital before the county boundaries separated the two, now its under Laikipia County. From the censors conducted in the year 2009, the county had approx 600 thousand residents. This could have increased.

The county has five constituencies. Kinangop under Stephen Kinyanjui. Kipipiri under Samuel Kamunye. Ol Kalau under David Njuguna. Ol joro Orok under John Waiganjo. And finally Ndaragwa under Wanjiku Muhia. Nyandaruas’ current Governor is Daniel Waithaka. He has been struggling to gain significance since he lost trust from the “presumed” region kingpin. The politics of Nyandarua waives from both corners and revolves around the before kingpin. There was an event some time back that the governor told the President to do something was meant to be implemented by the governor himself. This saw him laughed off by the head of the State hence loosing the significance. That’s for governor Waithaka to solve.

My focus will be to Mr. Muriuki Karue. The current Senator of Nyandarua County. A Nyeri born man who later relocated to Ol Kalau. Sources are telling me went to Nyahururu high but currently doing postgraduate at the University of Nairobi. Sen Karue who was voted in as an independent candidate is facing a lot of retaliations from the ground. His opponents are well staged to take him down. The key issues are that he hasn’t brought the governor to the maximum accountability. The former MP of Ol Kalau constituency for a decade has a tough way to go.
Nyandarua has had several scandals and grafts.

Funds looted and families being left to live the by the blue side of their choice. The senator is, was supposed to bring the governor to accountability. Rumors had it that the county bought a Christmas Tree worth way over KSh 2million. With the county that is struggling financially and regarding leadership, that’s a wrong choice of priority.

Today I dissect through Nyandaruas’ senatorial race. Starting by the current senator. Sen Muriki Karue, this time around nonpartisanship will not work for him. My sources on the ground are telling me that this will be used to ouster him. Having no affiliation will see him as the enemy to uthamaki. He enjoys the fact that he is one of the brains behind CDF. The constituency development funds that was well choreographed and supper planned has been turned to the feeding point, for now, greedy member of parliament. Sen Karue has to convince residents of Nyandarua why the should re-elect him if at all is interested in retaining the senatorial seat. These are the key contestants…
David Ngugi
Githiomi Mwangi
Ndegwa Mweru
John Methu
Beatrice Kamau
Gichuke Ribathi
Muchiri Gachara
Thirikwa Kamau.
Macharia Mukua

I will focus on few of the many contestants. Starting with GITHIOMI MWANGI. Former Kipipiri member of parliament- during rtrd President Moi’s reign. The founder of Transworld Limited, an importation company based in Mombasa. The company that is believed to have been used by lots of his peers and other former governments officials to import goods in the state duty-free. A well schooled, well-matured man and the former member of parliament. Can he change the narrative on the ground of his party hoping and full of political traitor? That’s the question for the Nyandarua residents to tell us.

Beatrice Gathoni.
The daughter of Kamau, she vied for the women rep position that was unsuccessful. A beloved daughter of Nyandarua. She’s loved hence significant in the race for thee senatorial race. A member of Labour Party of Kenya, but anticipations of her ditching it is very high. She lost her before the bid to Wanjiku Muhia. Can she make the Nyandarua residents trust her with the senatorial seat?

Macharia Mukua.
Baptized by the name Daniel that he rarely uses-he knows why! Macharia is believed to be the biggest contestant for the race. The WATCHDOG COMMITTEE affiliated young man that some time back sued the county government. My sources are also linking him to GreenBelt movement due to the close friendship between him and the movements vice chair. He holds lots of forums that addresses the real issues of the residents. My source who is very close to the Nyandaruas county politicians, telling me that poor, idle youths are his main aim. He has a strategic Whats App groups that consist of his advisers and hundreds of youths on the ground. Is he the best man for the seat? Is he as true as he says? Being the Jubilees favorite choice, he stands a better chance to ouster sen Muriuki Karue. If politics of Nyandarua won’t be measured by the partisanship, there is a big challenge in the Nyandaruas senatorial race. My sources have a hint that Daniel Mukua might, will, win the seat. Buts that remains a hint.

The county that if full of idle youths who have no moral for work. If at all they get the work the amount is wasted in illicit brews. They need a leader, who will change this narrative. And a senator that can bring the county’s leadership to maximum accountability. Drug infested society and so is the nation. But one change time, it’s all about the county’s future development. The ground needs inspiration. The county can, if not is, feed a lot of citizens of this state. It has best soils for farming, and the farmers there need the most of the essential farming services.

The grounds are calling it GITAMA2017… a believed force to change the county’s leadership. Free advice to Nyandarua residents. Making a wise choice has no and will never have regrets. A change of the five years now means the brighter future.

The views expressed here are that of the author and do not necessarily represent the view or stand of this blog or its Chief Editor.

By Nicholas Olambo
The fierce battle to clinch ODM ticket for Homa- Bay gubernatorial position is fast settling to be a two-horse race between former NIS official Sammy Wakiaga and Kasipul Mp Hon. Oyugi Magwanga. One can be excused for ignoring the incumbent Cyprian Awiti whose scorecard reads nothing but rampant corruption.

The political temperatures are getting extremely high ahead of the party nominations in a region where an ODM ticket is as good as a win in the general election. With a complete failure of Awiti’s administration, every gubernatorial hopeful is putting his best foot forward to deny him a second term.

They say it’s what you do off the cameras and the courts that make you worthy of the people’s support; Homa Bay does not seem short of able leaders. The two front runners challenging Awiti have admirable track records. Sammy Wakiaga has never been in an elective position but is a renowned philanthropist who has helped in the construction of numerous schools in the region; he is also funding the education of many orphans and poor families.

Hailing from Rusinga Islands, the former NIS official is a heavy investor in the county employing quite a number of locals in hospitality and transport industries. He also boasts of integrity, he worked at the NIS economic affairs department for nearly two decades, but his hands are clean, not a single corruption allegations.

Kasipul Mp Hon. Oyugi Magwanga holds the best track record on proper management of CDF (Constituency Development Funds). In his second term as the Kasipul lawmaker, Hon. Magwanga might not have uttered a single word in parliament, but he has always come top of other MPs from the region for his development oriented leadership, especially in education and health sectors.

Having two top aspirants to choose from, the electorate of Homa Bay County should be allowed to make a decisive voice on the ballot. Only other qualification requirements should limit an aspirant but not negotiated democracy. ODM party leader is on record endorsing Hon. Magwanga during the memorial of the late Senator Otieno Kajwang’.
Endorsements from party leaders tilt the play ground. Wakiaga has in the past shelved his parliamentary quest in favor of Kajwang despite standing a better chance to beat him (Kajwang’) in 2007. He pulled out of the race on Raila’s request. He does not seem to do that again despite recent rumors that he was going to deputize Magwanga who is strategically advantaged with ‘negotiated democracy.’

The agreement before 2013 polls gave Karachuonyo regions the governor position, Mbita/Suba regions senatorial positon, Homa Bay Town Women representative, and Ndhiwa would get the deputy governor position. Wakiaga seems to be paying less attention to this; he has put up super hyped and flashy campaigns, traversing the entire county.
Well, as both top aspirants boast of integrity and development records, Magwanga is also advantaged as he comes from a vote-rich region, but he may stain his integrity. The former PS in ex-president Moi’s regime, Tom Obondo, a known looter of public funds is busy in the parliament corridors negotiating to deputize him. Homa Bay has had enough looting that characters with looting history should not be allowed to ascend to its leadership.

When Magwanga may have an upper hand coming from a vote-rich region, rumors are also everywhere that he may be lacking a degree certificate as required by the IEBC for any governorship aspirant or it must have been affected by the recent audit. The aging Magwanga also was known as Tiacha has been pursuing his degree during his second term.

On the other hand, Wakiaga who is riding on ‘piny ni gi geno’ (the world has hope) slogan, believes that education is the most powerful tool that one can use to transform the world. He is a holder of Masters Degree in Accounting from an Australian university. So will the electorate have the final say or will negotiated democracy gag them?

CORD’s principal Raila Odinga is seen by many as the most influential in the opposition and amongst his rivals in the NASA umbrella. Recent opinion polls rank him ahead of his colleagues in the coalition and second favorite to win the 2017 presidency after Uhuru.

Raila has unsuccessfully vied for Kenya’s presidency thrice and giving his final attempt in this year’s elections with age catching up with him. Raila is now 72 years, and his supporters are hell-bent to see him pull the trigger and hit the target with the last bullet he remains with.

Agwambo has made a precedence as an indomitable politician and as Kibaki once described him, ‘a nightmare and the worst politician anyone can ever have in the opposition.’ Talking of nightmare, Raila has been irreparable wound and salt to it for Uhuru’s tenure. He’s been consistent with his vast intelligence network in  exposing numerous corruption scandals within jubilee. So drained, Uhuru recently made an admission on Kameme FM, a Kikuyu community radio that his work as President has been jeopardized by Raila’s constant attacks on his government.

In the last two elections, Tinga believed he stood a good chance of winning, one language was standard that his victory was stolen. The worst happened in the deadly 2007/08 PEV that left over 2000 Kenyans dead and hundreds of thousands internally displaced following the violent backlash from the disputed elections. Agwambo was convinced his victory was snatched from him. While many endorsed this notion, Kriegler commission founded to answer the vital questions failed to single out the rightful winner between Raila and Kibaki even though admitted to massive rigging in both of the candidate’s strongholds.

2013 the script was familiar with rigging claims which were further affirmed by unusual poll tallying and presentation. The end was distinctive to the previous election as the supreme court became the intermediary in solving the stalemate after Uhuru was declared the winner. Raila’s defense team put up a good fight laying evidence poking loopholes that convinced his supporters that the election was a sham and prayed for a rerun judgment. However, the decision ruled in contrast, and Uhuru’s presidency was upheld. The court played a significant role in preventing violence eruption as it gave a sense of fairness. Even though he didn’t agree, Raila urged his supporters in a patriotic way to accept the verdict, of which they did.

With August elections now five months away, political temperatures are already climbing the tube and politicians, as usual, making all kind of statements some inciting. NCIC is supposedly on high alert to curb hate speech, but their track record is unsatisfactory.

One thing we can all agree on is, the need for a peaceful post-election Kenya and this for me will be from a credible, verifiable, free and open elections. The bulk of work rests with IEBC who must ensure they deliver standardized poll without a single external influence and manipulation.

In an election, things can always go either way; win or loss that’s why it is disastrous to go with one mind without a fallback plan. In the US, It seemed like Clinton didn’t prepare her supporters well for any outcome other than a win. While it’s in every competitor’s spirit to aim for nothing less but a win, but again it is virtuous to psychologically prepare yourself should things go antithetical to your expectations.

Decisions are influenced by perceptions which are directly influenced by what we see, feel and hear. I’m alarmed by the political language especially in the Odinga’s camp that is gradually building a perception that the coming polls will be rigged in favour of the incumbent. While the allegations could hold waters, the backdrop of it all whether the accusations materializes or not is a distrust on IEBC and probability of dismissing poll results should they not be in favor.

The rigging claims by Raila and his faction comes in a double-edged sword baldric; it goes to fight for democratic space in ensuring fair elections and also a disaster bait trap should result go the other way. When emotions checks in, irrationality overrides fair judgment that’s why the confrontational tones should be hushed. Raila and NASA must prepare to win and also accept defeat but not go and take with them supporters a fixed mentality of wè either win or we’re rigged, this thought pack is corrosive to the peace walls. Elections can go either way.

While making the rigging claims open, it’s only productive if Raila and team, work with willing experts and multi agencies to stop any attempt of rigging at the inception. If it is setting up a hi-tech tallying center to counter verify results let it be, whatever it takes to let it be done so it doesn’t end up with loud empty whining. Raila has the power to pull and propel the masses to cryptic heights; he is an enigma in stirring up emotions than any other politician known in Kenya. He also needs to give assurance on accepting elections results. Trump when asked if he’d concede defeat replied with inflated confidence that he’d accept if he wasn’t rigged, a witty reply but gave an assurance

Uhuru and Jubilee likewise, must prepare their supporters for either outcome. While the history in Africa has been incumbents cling onto power and to dethrone one is as harsh as life in hell, Uhuru recently made an unusual statement that he would relinquish power should he be defeated in the coming elections. The question is would Uhuru live to his word or switch up, most importantly would his charged supporters also let go off that quickly? The greatest gift Uhuru can give Kenyans is not just police armory that opposition view as intimidating tactics but ensuring a smooth, credible and fair election.

Experts are hesitant to call a clear winner at this point with a good number hinting at an inevitable rerun in what is projected to be one of the tightly contested elections in Kenya history. A good number of Jubilee MPs must also cut their tongues off from making braggadocious, egocentric, chest thumping statements elucidating that they’ll use every machinery at disposal to win the elections. Nkaiserry and alike must tone down on war language, the intimidation statements, Kenya is going for an election, not for war.

The truth of elections, results can go either way. Prepare yourself psychologically for both.

By Raila Odinga
We have credible information that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) is once again heavily involved in the on-going voter registration with the aim of influencing results in August in the same way it did in 2007 and 2013.

NIS interference in the current voter registration involves taking BVR kits across our borders into Uganda and Ethiopia and assisting citizens of the two countries to register in a Kenyan election process. The agency is also assisting citizens of these neighbouring countries to acquire Kenyan identification documents then helping them cross into Kenya and register as voters.

The NIS is also interfering with the voter registration process by having youths whose data were collected through the dubious National Youth Service exercise over the last few years and registering them as voters, without their knowledge. This NIS-driven process is responsible for the multiple registrations, shared identity cards and many cases of people who are captured as registered when indeed they had never done so.

In the 2013 elections, NIS had its officers absorbed into the ranks of the IEBC as polling clerks and other strategic positions with the sole aim of helping Jubilee attain a dubious victory. In 2007, NIS was deeply involved in ballot stuffing among other irregularities to help the PNU win.

NIS must let the IEBC do its work as an independent institution. The intelligence agency must equally operate as a politically non-partisan and independent institution whose duty it is to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and not interfere with it.

It is a disgrace and a betrayal of public trust when an institution that is supposed to safeguard the interests of the nation take the lead in undermining those very interests. Interfering with the process through which our country determines its leadership is one of the most serious crimes a public institution and more so an intelligence agency can be involved in.

We wish to make it clear to the Director-General of the NIS Major-General Philip Wachira Kameru and the entire leadership of the agency that this country will never accept another NIS-led electoral theft. NIS will break down this nation and send it to the dogs, if it continues on this path of seeking to influence election results by way of fraud.

We challenge the NIS to come clean on this matter and assure the country that it is abandoning its disgraceful involvement in the voter registration. It must do this with the full awareness that there will be no country if it does not abandon course it is currently pursuing. Kenyans are not prepared to have the NIS choose for them their next leader again.

Writer is CORD leader

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 campaigns for August elections has unofficially kicked off with politicians from too leadership taking advantage of The voter’s registration to mobilize their strongholds to get into the registers as the days closes in. There are panic and uncertainty in both camps as of the fate of August polls. CORD is accusing the government of putting into place rigging loopholes while Jubilee is, on the other hand, accusing the opposition of having sensed defeat in early stages and building a fallback plan to cry foul.

The idea of NASA is making Jubilee strategists burn the midnight oil with analysts warning that its formalization would deem the lights for a Uhuru second chance. A United Opposition is an unstoppable force that will quickly send jubilee parking given the numbers and also you can pick lessons from African countries as Gambia where incumbents are folding their carpets courtesy of joint opposition sending them home with morning buses. The NASA fear is so real that President’s mother, Ngina Kenyatta was forced to fly to meet former President Moi, a major Kalenjin power broker and the father to Gideon Moi who’s the KANU Chairman.

KANU has announced they’ll make their 2017 political direction under two weeks. This comes at a time when the party’s leadership has been seen as in contrast with jubilee administration and Ruto’s in particular. KANU SG Nick Salat declared that the party is deeply in the NASA movement during a recent opposition unity convention in Nairobi. The impromptu visit to Moi by Mama Ngina is plainly viewed as a desperate lobbying effort to persuade Gideon and Moi to stay in Jubilee as their support to NASA would deal a massive blow to the stability of jubilee whose existence largely depends on the Kalenjin and Kikuyu voting block, any disruption and shift of 2017 dynamics would be catastrophic to the Jubilee livelihood.

Odinga who’s seen as the most preferred NASA candidate even though that’s not the final stamp, stands a great chance winning this election given favorable voting dynamics and ethnic composition. However, the CORD principal is also known for spoiling his chances the Lady minute courtesy of his sycophants who overlook and misadvice him on several occasions losing guaranteed bets. Will he change the tactics or maintain guerilla warfare in a nuclear program? The have campaigns also offers him free publicity, if he fails to capitalize on this, would add to many squandered opportunities.

Talking of Odinga, he has become the selling point for Jubilee in their campaigns, and the party’s registration drive has made Raila fear mongering as their recruiting theme. The government is short of tangible achievements to sell to their fed up supporters and instead have resorted to the same old script of Raila hatred which has successfully worked primarily amongst the targeted Kikuyu audience.

The brainwashing strategy reigned on the poor Kikuyus engineered by the elites who’re the benefactors of power is now completely on the rail without breaks. It gets worse that the President in his full capacity while addressing the Kikuyu nation on Kameme FM a community radio, attempted to shift the blame on his failures during the first term in Raila Odinga. It was shocking that the President would stoop that low to misinform the audience who readily consume the rhetoric without proper digestion.

The President holds the tools of power and Raila is a small opposition leader, how on earth would then feign incapacity on a person without any authority in the administration. It was not only unfortunate for a President to say that but the insult to the Kenyan constitution that entrenched him with the powers to properly manage Kenya. It doesn’t come as a shocker that Jubilee and the President campaigning and using Raila phobia as a leverage and saying nothing about rampant corruption in the regime and dwindling economy and a surging unemployment rate nit to mention the lengthy health standoff.

It is Not a secret that Raila hatred has been a sales tag for many politicians especially for Central and Rift Valley politicians; a Stevie Wonder analysis would tell you its this deluded phenomenon that has kept most political lives afloat in the sinking ship of ideologies. None exists other than anti-Raila. The scheming politicians have taken advantage of the respective communities gullibility. They’ll swiftly evade accountability by yelling anti-Raila slurs being orgasmic to the targets in return getting away with anything including everything. A misinformed, unquestioning voter is every fraud politicians turn on.

The National Intelligence Service according to impeccable sources speaking ti Kenya Insights, has warned the Statehouse of a new euphoria that would cost the administration a return to power after August elections. A good number of the Kikuyu population who’re the greatest targets of anti-Raila bait campaign have seen the lights and silently plotting a revolt. According to the reports, many are opting to keep off the ballot than vote in line with ‘uthamaki’ s tagline that’s being used to consolidate the communities votes. Seasoned analysts as Mutahi Ngunyi have also warned of a frustrated win should NASA formalize.

The revolt is ignited by pathetic livelihood and sufferings and lack of direct benefits from the Jubilee administration. It goes without mentioning that Kenya’s economy has been on a crippling mode and the heat felt across the political divide. There’s a ‘woke’ voter phenomenon. An informed voter who’re not buying into tribal rhetoric and conscious with performance. Jubilee strategists are hoping the anti-Raila campaign would boost their chances and win back hearts that might have escaped back to their bucket. Whether this will work is a matter of time, what’s, however, absolute is the fact that Raila fear mongering headlines Jubilee campaigns and voter apathy poses a danger. You can read the panic. Millions are being spent off and online campaigns from Google to all social media platforms. Will Jubilee strategy hold water?

By Heads of Mission in Kenya

The elections of August 2017 are critical to Kenya’s future. Free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections will help secure the extraordinary promise of the 2010 Constitution, strengthen democracy, and advance prosperity for all Kenyans. As partners, we stand with Kenya as it approaches these pivotal polls. And, as fellow democracies, we know that while democracy is the best form of government, it also requires constant nurturing and attention.

This means having safeguards that help us prevent political violence despite robust competition and sometimes heated debate. It means building strong institutions and a deep commitment to our Constitutions, whether written or unwritten. It means an unwavering commitment by everyone to democracy, the rule of law, and credible election processes. And, it means ensuring that vigorous — and even divisive — political competition does not descend into bloodshed, but instead results in the peaceful transfer of power or a renewed mandate for the incumbent government. The checks and balances built into our political systems are critical to sustaining healthy democracies, as are a free media and an active civil society, which hold governments accountable to the people.

Kenyans have worked hard to strengthen their democracy. Now, in this second general election under the 2010 Constitution, it is time to cement the gains and affirm again that Kenya is committed to democratic governance.

To this end, we urge the national and county governments, political parties, security services, and all Kenyans to embrace inclusive political discourse while rejecting violence and those individuals who call for it. Political parties have a responsibility to hold their members accountable to pursuing peaceful, issue-based, and corruption-free campaigns. Similarly, political leaders are at their best when they support the rule of law, commit to credible polls, refrain from misusing public resources in support of their election, and turn to the courts to resolve any disputes. While all citizens have a right to peaceful protest, no one has the right to threaten or use violence.

Security services, meanwhile, have a vital role in protecting the rights of all Kenyans, remaining politically neutral and respecting human rights, including during political demonstrations. Fair competition will strengthen Kenya’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. However, if these elections do not reflect the democratic choices of Kenyans, they could bring the country’s progress to a halt or plunge it back into ethnic conflict.

To support credible and peaceful elections in August, we welcome the approval of the new IEBC Commissioners. Time, however, is now short and decisive action is essential. Both the IEBC Commissioners and Secretariat need support from across the political spectrum to move forward quickly with election preparations, including voter registration and education, an audit of the voters’ registry, and procurement of technology. Each step of the way, we encourage the IEBC to engage widely and communicate publicly what it is doing.

Effective democracies depend not just on government agencies, but on non-governmental institutions as well. A free media has a critical role to play as a watchdog, providing balanced coverage, and refraining from promoting messages that incite violence. Those in social media, too, have a right to speak and inform, but should not stoke hate. Civil society should be free to do its critical work, which includes supporting dialogue, informing Kenyan voters of their rights, and preventing community conflicts. Most importantly, citizens should play their role by registering and then voting.

These upcoming elections will be an important milestone for Kenya. As partners, we have proudly and publicly committed KSH 8.5 billion ($85 million) to support the election process, all of it in the form of non-partisan assistance and at the request of the Kenyan government. To be clear, this help is not programmed to influence the election for any side, political party, or candidate. Rather, our assistance supports the Kenyan people to exercise their right to vote and have their voice heard. Kenyans alone will decide who is elected.

All of our assistance is carried out transparently and in full accord with Kenyan law. Many of us have posted information about our programs on our websites. If you want to know more or if you have a question, please contact us.

As friends, our countries are doing what they can to help Kenyans hold the elections they want in 2017. But only Kenyans can ensure the polls are free, fair, peaceful, and credible. From our experience in this great country, we believe Kenyans can succeed and, in the process, set an example for Africa and the world.

Signed by the heads of mission of the following countries in Kenya: United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, the European Union, France, Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Romania, Spain, Poland, Canada, Australia, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Slovak Republic and Portugal.

After lengthened fight on the system, activist Mwangi is taking the armoury to the parliament’s door by contesting to overthrow Maina Kamanda as the MP for Starehe. Since he made the announcement, many people have questioned his decision to join the murky world of politics and he’s not short of answers, here’s his statement on what guided the decision to vie for the post.

“Today is exactly two years after we reclaimed a public playground from a known land thief. Two years later the children of Lang’ata Primary School continue to use their playground as a result of #OccupyPlayGround. A clear example that a people United can never be defeated. Those in power, both past and present, continue to ignore what citizens go through everyday. I want to take the people’s voice to parliament where they have been ignored for far too long. I have always challenged our leaders for their bad decisions and failed governance. I have done this as an active citizen and a patriot. It is time to take the fight to parliament, where we, the people, need our voices heard.

I am vying for the parliamentary seat of STAREHE constituency. I am contesting for this seat because I want to take the fight from the streets into parliament, where decisions are made. I grew up in Starehe and lived there for almost half of my adulthood. All my life I have worked in the Nairobi’s Central Business District, both formally and informally. While my work has given me both a national and global outlook into issues, my ‘roots’ have remained in Starehe.

The people of Starehe need jobs, water, sanitation, security, food, good education and health care, as do all Kenyans. The majority of Kenyans are not rich people, and we can no longer afford to give outrageous salaries and benefits to public officials. It does not make sense for 45 million Kenyans to spend more than ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT BILLION SHILLINGS (108,000,000,000) per year on salaries and allowances for 2222 MCAs, 349 MPs and 67 Senators. Kenyans are “overrepresented” and there is almost nothing to show for all the “representation”.

We need to cut down on the so-called ‘privileges’ of parliamentarians. We need to ensure the delivery of basic constitutional rights to the people of Starehe and the people of Kenya. A reduction of these privileges can be actualized if we all demand that those vying in 2017 be willing to take a 50% pay-cut, have no bodyguards and receive no free car grant. Scrap the private medical cover all politicians get. How else would they improve the health sector if they never interact with it? They should be registered for NHIF and should receive medical care in the country at public facilities.

All Kenyans lives matter. The people of Starehe deserve better. Public servants should not be an exemption but an example. A pay cut is an example of how public servants who earn more than they should can ensure that more money is available for education and our teachers, for health and our doctors and for the police who ensure our security. The media should push to make the MPs’, MCAs’, and Senators’ 50% pay-cut part of the agenda during this campaign period. H.E Uhuru Kenyatta and Hon. Raila Odinga should also make the pay-cut agenda part of their manifestos.

We need to tackle wastage and theft in both the county of Nairobi and National governments. Our government is bloated and l shall push and support the reduction of the number of MPs and MCAs. Theft, through corruption has to be fought. I will fight against corruption. I will fight land grabbers and reclaim stolen public land. We need to ensure that resources go towards uplifting the lives of all the people of Kenya.

Starting in February I will be doing a meet-the-people tour to talk and listen to the people of Starehe. It is their thoughts and hopes that will inform my agenda and give direction to how I will work with MCAs’ and the Governor of Nairobi in their county agenda.

Only after I have completed this listening tour will I officially launch my campaign.

I urge all Kenyans to register to vote in large numbers. “BAD LEADERS ARE ELECTED BY GOOD CITIZENS WHO DO NOT VOTE”. Refusing to vote is NOT COOL. Mass voter registration started on 16th January and continues till 15th February 2017. Go and register OR change to the constituency you want to vote in. To transfer a polling station, go the registration point of the constituency office you are transferring to.

You are a Starehe voter if you live in the following wards: Nairobi Central, Ngara, Pangani, Ziwani/Kariokor, Landimawe, Nairobi South (South B-Mukuru slums). You are a Starehe voter if you hadn’t planned to vote but this post gave you hope that things can change. Register to vote in Starehe and elect me as MP.

I pledge to remain: A Fighter. Courageous. Consistent. Patriotic.

Tumechoka! LazimaTusikizwe! RohoJuu!

Volunteer and Donate:
You can volunteer to knock on doors or share my message on social media and with your neighbours, family and friends.”

The writer is a human rights defender

www.bonifacemwangi.com

By Nicholas Olambo

The battle lines have been drawn, and it’s no doubt August polls are going to be a do or die affair for the significant political divides. Like any other election, they are going to be tribal of course, but 2017 presents a different scenario where ‘tyranny of numbers myth’ may be obsolete. The believers in the myth are not old dogs; they still have more dirty tricks up their sleeves to roll out.

Nairobi gubernatorial position currently held by the opposition (ODM/Cord) is going to be fiercely fought. Jubilee badly needs this seat. In working out ways to acquire the numbers to trounce opposition, the ruling party has resorted to ‘voter importation’ in the just kicked out mass voter registration exercise by the IEBC.

Politics is a game of numbers they say, sources close to KI have revealed that voters are being ferried from Counties neighboring Nairobi to register in an attempt to get the numbers to unseat Governor Evans Kidero. Jubilee top brass has over the time said that they must win Nairobi top job come rain or shine.

It’s said that through boardroom arrangements they have settled on former Gatanga Mp Peter Kenneth as their candidate to face off with Kidero. To give life to the pathetic political career of PK who is JP’s sacred cow, hundreds of thousands of voters are being brought in from outside to register as voters. This is not the first time this kind of electoral malpractice is witnessed, last year during a similar registration exercise the same happened when strangers were brought in a bus to register as voters in Kariobangi causing chaos as residents resisted.

Now politicians will tell you that elections are won way before the elections day, and this is one way how. Politics is a dirty game, big boys can get away with murder in light of the day, tribal chiefs, party leaders and their sycophants will lie to you that Nairobi should accommodate other tribes as well when they treat other tribes as second citizens.

This is nothing but ‘raping democracy,’ voters can not be imported from elsewhere to sway decision and silence the voice of the residents. Candidates have been imposed on Nairobians from outside, proven weak and dumped to either keep their day job or go back upcountry and vie there, say Eugine Wamalwa.

The electorate in Nairobi is taken for a ride and being thrown in dirty political trick bags. People should stand and resist this, it’s unfortunate that we are living in times when we have ‘commercial activists’ and the few real ones who would be left have been swallowed in tribal cocoons. The next governor of Nairobi may not reflect the voice of Nairobians.

By Kenya Insights Team

I was at the Nasa/Cord event at the Bomas where the opposition leaders gathered to make serious steps towards realizing a united front to challenge Jubilee in the coming August polls. Two days later I attended the Jubilee event at the Kasarani stadium where the aspirants gathered in the launch of the party’s membership smart card.

The two events presented nothing extraordinary of the country’s tribal politics and greed to keep or ascend to power, the contents of the two events would only find a better place in the gutter press or a gossip rag, so KI did not report on them.

Jubilee was simply reacting to shock waves presented by a possible united opposition and their thirst to topple ODM/opposition from Nairobi’s top job by whatever means necessary. Speaker’s at the event like the dismally performing Nairobi Women rep. Rachel Wambui Shebesh pulled the unwanted tribal card. She claimed that Nairobi should be accommodative to other tribes too. What are other tribes too and which tribe is disadvantaging other tribes in Nairobi?

Anyway, she is basic and was simply referring to a tribal calculation that would divide opposition votes for the Nairobi gubernatorial race to at least open a window to beat the incumbent, Dr. Evans Kidero. She can’t say the same about the presidency that is in a way rotating between tribes or one tribe back to back.
Jubilee gubernatorial aspirants announced at the event that they had settled on a negotiated democracy to produce a candidate that would face ODM’s Kidero.

Kidero is the man to beat, and his party has also made it clear through it’s Nairobi branch chairman George Aladwa.He said that the party will allow Kidero defend his seat unopposed (within the party, no nominations). Kidero has been faulted for doing the shoddy job and administered corruption. He has amassed so much wealth within his short term just like other jubilee operatives that he’s become uncontrollably too powerful. Kidero has so much money that removing him from power is not a lick of honey; he’s deeply rooted that Jubilee has spent sleepless nights on how to get him off the seat that controls half of Kenya’s GDP. Miguna baptized him the Dean of corruption.

Sometimes the difference between ODM and Jubilee is the same. ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga is a renown king of endorsing and forcing candidates on the electorate. Jubilee has a borrowed a leaf and as much as they are preaching about free, fair, just and credible nominations to be conducted by IEBC, many speakers’s at their event urged other aspirants in 46 counties to copy the Nairobi example.

Days after the event its was clear, Kenya Insights sources privy to Jubilee have learnt that former Gatanga Mp Peter Keneth will be given the gubernatorial ticket, other aspirants like Mike Sonko will defend his Senate seat, Dennis Waweru, a bitter and weak candidate who thought he’d walk his way to the helm quickly has learnt the political dynamics hard way and chocking swallowing his pride will slice his ego and defend his parliamentary seat which he also stands slim chances given his pathetic track record in development.

Sakaja who had bigger ambitions than his status and thought he’d break the power walls with a catfight and learnt the rocky way to humble down will be given a president advisor job and Bishop Magret Wanjiru (BMW) with her small degree and street mentality, the fraud bishop with garbage development record and heap of scandals including National Housing Corporation where she’s alleged to have stolen two houses, the masters pursuant with no idea of what a dissertation is, will get a CS job.

Wamalwa, therefore, will remain Water CS, even though reliable Intel indicates he would be going for Trans Nzoia gubernatorial even though he made the announcement, the stand is yet to be affirmed as February deadline approaches and in an attempt to divide opposition vote, former Town Clerk Philip Kisia will deputize PK. Kenya Insights is reliably informed by Jubilee power circles that the anointed candidate for the governorship is PK since his brand is appealing across and easily saleable.

We gather the other contestants are only piling pressure and buying time forming a cosmetic unity for the simple reason of increasing their bargaining power. Someone like Sonko we’re told is asking up to Sh.1B to withdraw his candidature. But if Uhuru withdraws his support from the Senator he stands a clear chance losing both Senate and gubernatorial. In previous elections Sonko scored 600K votes and Uhuru 400K the excess 200K which Sonko got from Kamba vote is what he’ll be left with, with the elections set to be tribal, he stands minimal chances. His only choice, towing the line or be outpaced.

For ethnic balancing, Shebesh who’sa Kikuyu won’t be going for Women Rep as Kenneth is on the race, Rachel who has close to nothing to show for her stay in the helm of power has been poised to contest did a parliamentary seat that is yet to be unveiled and most probably a Senate nomination. Shebesh will delegate her seat to Millie Omanga ,Nairobi’ s most famous MCA walking around with bank notes abdbus said to be using her big posterior as her bargaining tool. Being a Kisii,Omanga is negotiated to be the next women rep.

Negotiated democracy is not suitable for development; it offers an opportunity for party chiefs and dictators to crash other aspirants dreams as they award their die-hard sycophants with roles they can’t play. Awarding sycophants and friends gave this country the worst, incompetent and sleeping ministers like Joseph Ole Lenku who was picked straight from the kitchen to head interior docket. He only saw a burning mattress in his short stint.

But in this case, negotiated democracy from both Jubilee and Cord will leave Nairobi electorates with corruption-tainted leaders to choose from. Other than crippling Mumias sugar company, Kidero has been accused of massive corruption in Nairobi and bribing the Supreme Court judge, Philip Tunoi with SHS 200 million to rule in his favor in a petition case.

PK is tainted too, an independent candidate in the gubernatorial race and Raila’s former aide Miguna Miguna in a tweet said that he has high voltage information linking Peter Kenneth to corruption. The aspiring governor claims Peter Kenneth is not as clean as Kenyans may think.“To my brother @Peter_Kenneth, welcome to the 2017 Nairobi gubernatorial race. I’m going to open your corruption files soonest”.

His stint at the KFF has been described as deplorable, and while at the helm at Kenya Re, the soft-spoken PK nearly sold it to Monarch Insurance and Zimbabwe Reinsurance Corporation. This guy who rose to fame while dating former Aldai Mp Sally Kosgei was stopped by a court order and protesting opposition MPs.

The negotiated democracy still leaves Nairobians with Sonko for a senatorial position, despite his pathetic behavior, arrogance, and use of graphic language in public or Senate chambers. His name also featured in the famous list of fame where that included 175 corrupt government officials.