Veteran blogger Cyprian Nyakundi has doubled down on his investigative reporting about the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), defiantly rejecting fresh demands to remove corruption stories after previously weathering direct legal threats from CEO Wilson Muthaura himself.
The latest confrontation represents an escalation in what has become a protracted battle between the controversial blogger and KTDA’s leadership, with Nyakundi showing no signs of backing down despite mounting legal pressure from multiple fronts.
The current standoff erupted after Nyakundi published a damning exposé in January 2023 linking CEO Muthaura to corruption and looting of funds at Kapkoros Tea Factory.
The investigation detailed allegations of irregular tendering, fraudulent land transactions, and embezzlement through the Bomet-based facility, with directors reportedly under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
However, this isn’t Muthaura’s first attempt to silence the blogger.
In late 2022, KTDA and its CEO had already threatened Nyakundi with a defamation lawsuit through lawyers from JK Kibicho and Co. Advocates, accusing him of making “scandalous and defamatory” Facebook posts that injured their reputations.
The legal firm, led by lawyer Ramadhan Abubakar, had given Nyakundi just 12 hours to publish an apology and retract his posts or face court action.
“The contents of the Facebook posts and blog post are defamatory, a falsehood, inaccurate and made with malicious intent to paint our client in bad light,” the December 2022 demand letter had stated, warning of legal consequences if the blogger failed to comply.
Undeterred by those earlier threats, Nyakundi continued his investigative work, leading to the January 2023 Kapkoros exposé that has now triggered a fresh wave of legal intimidation.
This time, the pressure comes through Cyble Inc., which claims to represent KTDA and has accused the blogger of trademark infringement and spreading “fake news.”
Nyakundi’s response to the latest threats has been characteristically defiant. In a letter that has circulated widely on social media, he dismissed the legal challenges as “frivolous and legally untenable,” characterizing the trademark infringement claims as a “transparent attempt at censorship.”
“KTDA is a public institution, funded and owned by farmers, and therefore subject to full public scrutiny,” Nyakundi wrote in his response.
“Any allegations of corruption, looting, or mismanagement within KTDA are matters of legitimate journalistic inquiry.”
The blogger’s persistence has kept a spotlight on mounting controversies at KTDA.
His reporting revealed that CEO Muthaura was found in contempt of court in December 2022 for failing to reinstate two senior officials as ordered.
The investigations also exposed complex allegations involving KTDA’s subsidiary, Chai Trading Limited, and claims of below-market tea sales that have reportedly cost the agency millions of shillings.
According to Nyakundi’s reporting, Muthaura has consolidated power by replacing senior staff with “incompetent acquaintances” and has boasted of enjoying backing from high-ranking officials in President William Ruto’s administration, including Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
The repeated legal confrontations highlight broader tensions around investigative journalism in Kenya, where powerful institutions increasingly resort to various legal mechanisms to suppress unfavorable coverage.
The pattern of escalating from defamation threats to trademark claims suggests a coordinated strategy to silence critical reporting through different legal avenues.
Legal experts note that courts have consistently upheld the principle that matters of public interest cannot be silenced through misuse of various laws, whether defamation or intellectual property statutes.
The multiple attempts to intimidate Nyakundi may actually strengthen his legal position by demonstrating a pattern of attempted censorship.
In his response to the latest threats, Nyakundi referenced his track record of successfully challenging legal intimidation from powerful entities.
“I have successfully challenged larger entities than KTDA, and prevailed. I will not be bullied into silence,” he stated.
The sustained pressure on KTDA’s leadership comes at a critical time for Kenya’s tea industry.
With tea being one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners and KTDA managing marketing for over 600,000 smallholder farmers, allegations of mismanagement carry significant implications for the agricultural sector and rural livelihoods.
The authorization of Cyble Inc. to act on KTDA’s behalf, as evidenced by an August 2025 letter from Group Head of Corporate Affairs Ndiga Kithae, suggests the agency has expanded its legal strategy beyond direct defamation threats to include specialized intellectual property enforcement.
As this legal drama continues to unfold, it has become a closely watched test case for press freedom in Kenya’s digital age.
Media freedom advocates are monitoring the situation as a potential precedent for how powerful institutions might use multiple legal strategies to silence critical journalism.
For now, Nyakundi remains resolute despite the sustained legal pressure, declaring he will “continue to publish matters of public interest, especially when they concern public institutions and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.”
His defiance in the face of repeated threats from KTDA’s leadership has only intensified public interest in the allegations surrounding the tea agency’s operations.
Kericho Senator faces explosive claims of land grabbing, tax evasion, and money laundering following failed gag order attempt
NAIROBI, Kenya — A bitter legal battle between prominent blogger Cyprian Nyakundi and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has exploded into a full-blown corruption exposé, casting a dark shadow over one of Kenya’s most powerful political figures.
The controversy reached a tipping point on May 20, 2025, when the Milimani Law Court rejected Cheruiyot’s request for a gag order against Nyakundi, allowing the blogger to unleash a torrent of explosive allegations that have sparked widespread public outrage and intensified scrutiny on the senator’s business empire.
Cheruiyot, who serves as Senate Majority Leader in Kenya’s ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, now finds himself embroiled in accusations involving systematic land grabbing, betting tax fraud, money laundering, and questionable business dealings that allegedly span multiple industries.
Court Victory Unleashes Storm of Allegations
The Milimani Law Court’s decision to lift the gag order came after finding no legal basis to restrict Nyakundi’s exposés.
The ruling rejected Cheruiyot’s bid for interim orders, allowing fresh accusations to surface in what has become a defining moment in the senator’s political career.
With the court ruling in his favor, Nyakundi wasted no time taking to social media to air a series of damning allegations that have struck a chord in a country where corruption among the political elite remains a contentious issue.
The Betting Tax Scandal
At the heart of the controversy are allegations that Cheruiyot has profited from irregularities in betting tax collections, with Nyakundi claiming that intermediaries, rather than the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), are now handling billions in public funds.
Sources allege that under the previous Uhuru Kenyatta administration, betting companies were integrated directly with KRA’s tax collection system, ensuring transparent deposits into government accounts.
However, this system was reportedly dismantled under President William Ruto’s administration, with Cheruiyot allegedly playing a key role.
Nyakundi claims Cheruiyot uses Compulynx Limited, a Kenyan technology firm in which he allegedly acquired substantial shares in 2022, to divert betting taxes for personal gain.
The company’s e-Revenue platform, originally designed for county-level revenue collection, is now reportedly used to handle betting taxes, leading to a significant drop in government revenue despite a 30% increase in betting volume over the past 18 months.
Cheruiyot has dismissed these claims, stating he “doesn’t even know how to bet,” but the allegations have doubled down on earlier accusations of the senator siphoning billions from the industry.
Systematic Land Grabbing Allegations
Among the most serious accusations are claims of systematic land grabbing in Kericho County, where Cheruiyot wields considerable political influence.
Nyakundi alleges that the senator constructed a luxurious mansion in Kamelilo, Ainamoi Constituency, on land originally designated for a coffee factory by Indian investors.
The move, according to the blogger, derailed potential economic development in the area, depriving locals of jobs and investment opportunities.
Further allegations point to Cheruiyot’s involvement in large-scale land grabs in the Kipsigis region, including Angata, Tinga Farm, Sabret Tea Estate, and Homa Line.
An anonymous source, claiming to be a former employee of West Valley Sugar Company, told Nyakundi that the senator was part of a scheme to loot public lands, displacing communities for personal or political gain.
Behind the scenes, the Senator is alleged to have facilitated the entry of Arab investors into Sony Sugar, reportedly linked to the Tayyib family, a wealthy and influential business group based in the Gulf region.
These investors are believed to have secured favorable terms not through competitive bidding, but through political connections and backdoor arrangements orchestrated by Cheruiyot himself.
The Senator’s vested interest in sugar is no longer in doubt. Sources close to the matter insist that he has established himself as a silent but powerful player in the sugar trade, quietly buying into strategic companies and ensuring he controls key supply chains in the Rift Valley and Western regions.
This revelation comes at a time when Kenya’s sugar industry is struggling with collapsed infrastructure, unpaid farmers, and deep corruption, all while state officials push forward with the privatization agenda under the guise of reform.
Insiders now fear that what’s being presented as a rescue effort is in fact a well-coordinated grab by politically connected elites. “The same people who let these factories rot are now buying them at throwaway prices using proxies,” said one industry source who requested anonymity. “And Aaron Cheruiyot is right in the middle of it.”
The accusations extend to Kevoko land in Muhoroni, now reportedly in the hands of Kipchimchim Group, a conglomerate linked to the senator.
Nyakundi claims Cheruiyot bribed Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to impeach an official who was defending the land from acquisition.
The group, which operates supermarkets and manages over 20 companies across agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, is said to have taken over West Valley Sugar Company Ltd in a handover that has drawn criticism for threatening the livelihoods of farmers in the Nyando sugar belt.
These allegations carry particular weight given the historical context of land disputes in Kericho County, where the Kipsigis community has long accused British settlers of stealing their land—a grievance that has fueled legal battles against foreign tea growers since at least 2019.
The Adani Airport Deal Connection
Cheruiyot is also linked to the controversial leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to India’s Adani Group, a deal exposed by whistleblower Nelson Amenya.
In a televised interview, Amenya claimed Cheruiyot brokered the 30-year lease, traveling to India to negotiate with Adani Group bosses.
https://youtu.be/xBVBTUR67bA?si=pICvah_Gp3RjECYO
The senator’s legal team demanded a public apology and retraction, threatening defamation charges, but Amenya stood firm, refusing to apologize. The deal, later canceled by President Ruto following public outrage, has been labeled “daylight robbery” by critics.
Money Laundering and Business Empire
Perhaps the most damning accusation involves Sovereign Communication Ltd, a Safaricom dealership where Cheruiyot is allegedly a major stakeholder.
According to sources cited by Nyakundi, the company has been used as a front for money laundering operations.
The business, originally based at Utalii House in Nairobi, was reportedly relocated to Imara Daima after suspicions arose, with Cheruiyot allegedly firing the entire workforce to cover his tracks.
Nyakundi claims the luxurious mansion in Kamelilo was paid for through funds channeled via Sovereign Communication Ltd.
“Sovereign Communications operates as a Safaricom dealership, and was originally based at Utalii House in Nairobi. This business has long served as a discreet laundering vehicle for illicit funds. But when whispers of suspicion began circulating, the Senator panicked. He relocated the entire operation to Imara Daima, Nairobi County a move seemingly designed to avoid scrutiny.
In a desperate bid to cover his tracks, Cheruiyot fired the entire workforce at the Utalii House office. Not only was this aimed at silencing potential internal leaks, but it was also a cold effort to erase any paper trail connecting him to the suspicious financial activities.
One notable transaction further exposes the depth of this alleged scheme. The luxurious house recently posted online, which has drawn public attention, is part of the same web. The payment for this property, as I understand it, was channeled through Sovereign Communication Ltd. From there, the funds were transferred to I&M Bank, where it was processed in a way that masked its origin a classic tactic to hide the traceability of dirty money.” Nyakundi cited his source.
Additional claims point to Cheruiyot’s involvement in Stegro Tea Factory, an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) allegedly used to import goods and evade taxes, and his alleged secret ownership of shares in Sony and Nzoia Sugar Factories, positioning him as what Nyakundi calls a “sugar cartel kingpin.”
The senator’s wife, Linah Chesang, is also implicated, with reports claiming she has amassed significant wealth, including properties abroad, since Ruto’s administration took power in 2022.
Senator’s Defense Under Scrutiny
Senator Cheruiyot has vehemently denied all allegations, calling them “character assassination” and “foolish attempts to blackmail him into submission.”
Speaking on the Senate floor, he refuted claims of involvement in the Adani deal and challenged accusers to verify his travel to India, insisting he is a man of integrity who earned his wealth through hard work.
However, his past comments on corruption may undermine his defense. In 2021, Cheruiyot publicly stated that fighting corruption was the responsibility of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), not politicians—a stance that critics now point to as an attempt to deflect accountability.
The senator has challenged Nyakundi to bring his claims to court, but the mounting accusations, coupled with the court’s refusal to silence the blogger, have intensified public scrutiny.
Public Outrage and Political Implications
Public reaction has been swift and polarized. On social media, some users have expressed outrage, with one writing, “If even half of this is true, Cheruiyot should resign immediately.”
Others have cautioned against taking unverified claims at face value, with another user commenting, “Nyakundi needs to provide hard evidence, not just anonymous tips.”
The allegations come at a critical time for Kenya Kwanza’s administration, with critics arguing that Cheruiyot’s alleged actions reflect a broader pattern of corruption within the coalition’s ranks, raising questions about accountability and transparency in government.
Nyakundi’s legal team is reportedly preparing to petition for a lifestyle audit on Cheruiyot, which could further expose his financial dealings.
The blogger has promised to gather more evidence, including potential bank records and audit reports, to support his claims.
What’s Next?
As of May 29, 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)—which Cheruiyot himself once said should lead the fight against corruption—has yet to comment on the allegations.
Meanwhile, the senator’s political future hangs in the balance as public pressure mounts for an official investigation.
The Nyakundi-Cheruiyot feud has exposed the murky intersection of politics, land, and money in Kenya, raising urgent questions about accountability and transparency.
Whether these allegations will lead to concrete legal action or remain in the realm of online speculation remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the senator’s “dirty deals,” as Nyakundi calls them, have thrust him into the center of a corruption storm that shows no signs of abating.
As social media buzzes with fresh exposés and investigations loom, Cheruiyot may soon face a reckoning that could define not only his political career but also the broader fight against corruption in Kenya’s corridors of power.
A Milimani Law court has rejected a gag order sought by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot against prominent blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, who accused the Kericho senator of involvement in a betting tax scandal.
The decision, hailed as a victory for freedom of speech, allows Nyakundi to continue his public commentary on the explosive allegations, spotlighting tensions between accountability and attempts to suppress criticism in Kenya’s political landscape.
This marks the second time in recent months that Cheruiyot has unsuccessfully sought to silence a whistleblower, raising questions about the senator’s approach to public scrutiny.
The court’s ruling today dismissed Cheruiyot’s request for interim gag orders, finding no legal basis to restrict Nyakundi’s commentary.
Represented by lawyer Donald Kipkorir, Nyakundi celebrated the decision on X, calling it a “major win for free speech and a defeat for judicial intimidation.”
The blogger had alleged that Cheruiyot was among Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders profiting from irregularities in betting tax collections, claiming that intermediaries, rather than the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), were handling the process, potentially diverting billions in public funds.
Nyakundi’s accusations, first published on X in April 2025, suggested that certain politicians were acting as agents for betting firms, undermining transparent tax collection.
Cheruiyot firmly denied any involvement, stating on X, “I do not even know how to bet, let alone have interest in a betting firm or related business. You ought to be embarrassed of yourself.”
He subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit and sought to silence Nyakundi, arguing the claims severely damaged his reputation.
The court’s refusal to impose the gag order reinforces Kenya’s constitutional commitment to freedom of expression, particularly under Article 33, which protects the right to seek, receive, and impart information.
The ruling is viewed as a significant precedent that public figures cannot use lawsuits to stifle allegations of misconduct, especially regarding sectors like betting where transparency concerns have persisted.
Echoes of the JKIA-Adani case
This case mirrors Senator Cheruiyot’s previous legal action against whistleblower Nelson Amenya, who exposed a controversial $2 billion deal between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Group to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years. Amenya’s revelations, which sparked nationwide protests and ultimately led to President William Ruto canceling the deal, prompted Cheruiyot to file a defamation lawsuit and seek a gag order to prevent further disclosures.
Like Nyakundi, Amenya successfully resisted the attempt to silence him. A French court, where Amenya resides, dismissed a related defamation case filed by a Kenyan businessman, ruling that Amenya’s posts on X were protected under European Union laws on freedom of expression due to their focus on matters of public interest.
The parallel outcomes suggest an emerging judicial trend toward protecting whistleblowers and journalists who expose alleged malfeasance in public affairs.
A pattern of litigation?
Cheruiyot’s repeated attempts to legally silence critics have drawn scrutiny, with observers questioning whether the senator is using litigation to shield himself from legitimate public scrutiny.
As Senate Majority Leader, Cheruiyot wields significant influence within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, making allegations against him particularly consequential.
His legal actions against both Nyakundi and Amenya highlight what some see as a concerning pattern among Kenyan politicians who turn to defamation suits to counter accusations of corruption or misconduct.
Constitutional lawyer Dr. Jane Wambui notes that such lawsuits risk undermining Kenya’s democratic foundations. “Public figures must tolerate a higher degree of scrutiny,” she told this publication.
“Resorting to gag orders to suppress allegations, especially without conclusive evidence of falsehood, sets a dangerous precedent.”
The betting tax scandal specifically touches on a critical issue.
Kenya’s betting industry, valued at billions of shillings annually, has faced persistent allegations of tax evasion and opaque revenue collection practices.
What’s at stake?
Nyakundi’s claims center on the alleged use of intermediaries to collect betting taxes, bypassing the KRA and potentially costing the state billions in revenue.
He has advocated for direct tax collection by the KRA, arguing that middlemen create opportunities for corruption.
The allegations resonate with public frustration over Kenya’s rapidly growing betting industry, which has faced criticism for both lax regulation and its social impact, particularly gambling addiction among youth.
While Cheruiyot has categorically denied any involvement, the court’s refusal to gag Nyakundi ensures these allegations will remain in the public domain, fueling debate about transparency in the betting sector.
The defamation case itself continues, and Nyakundi has yet to provide concrete evidence substantiating his claims.
However, the ruling allows him to continue his commentary, placing pressure on Cheruiyot to address the accusations through proper legal channels rather than suppression.
The court’s decision comes at a time when Kenya’s judiciary is increasingly positioned as a defender against attempts to curtail free speech.
Recent rulings, such as the High Court’s declaration of Worldcoin’s operations as illegal on May 6, 2025, underscore a commitment to protecting public interest over private or political agendas.
For journalists and whistleblowers like Nyakundi and Amenya, these judicial victories strengthen their ability to hold power to account, despite the significant risks they face, including legal costs and personal safety concerns.
As the defamation case against Nyakundi proceeds, observers will watch closely to see whether he can substantiate his claims or if Cheruiyot will pursue additional legal remedies.
For now, the court’s ruling ensures that this important conversation will continue in the public sphere, unimpeded by prior restraint.
Lang’ata Member of Parliament, Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has been accused of an attempted land grabbing incident in Karen.
An organization called The National Assembly of the Baha’is of Kenya reported that their security firm received a distress call from their guards stationed at a property on Muhusi Road, within the Mukoma residences area, on May 15, 2024.
According to the report, the incident occurred at approximately 17:00 hrs when Jalang’o, accompanied by several other individuals, broke the gate of the property. The group then proceeded to tie the hands of the security guards and roughed them up, while Jalang’o allegedly pointed a gun at them, warning them not to be seen on the land again. The intruders then drove off in a black Range Rover, speeding away from the scene.
The security guards, who suffered injuries during the assault, contacted their security firm, which responded to the scene and later reported the matter to Hardy Police Station. The incident was recorded, and a reference number OB#02/16/05/2024 was issued.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Kenya, the owners of the property, has since alerted the Associations of Karen Langata and Mukoma Residence, of which they are members, to be vigilant of such intruders.
Jalang’o, a former comedian and radio presenter, has only recently entered the political arena. His alleged involvement in this land grabbing incident has raised questions about his conduct and integrity as an elected official. The matter is currently under investigation, and it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Jalang’o will face as a result of these allegations.
Gold Fraud
The latest incident adds to a pile of fraud allegations that have been circulating around against the MP.
Ladt year In September, popular blogger Cyprian Nyakundi had stirred controversy by linking Lang’ata Member of Parliament, Phelix Odiwuor (known as Jalang’o), and two other lawmakers to a KSh 1 billion gold scam in Nairobi. According to Nyakundi’s expose, the saga revolved around a fraudulent gold deal involving a Tunisian national.
Nyakundi alleged that Jalang’o, Nyaribari Chache’s Zaheer Jihanda, and Senator Allan Chesang of Trans Nzoia were part of a syndicate accused of defrauding the Tunisian national in a gold scam.
The allegations suggested that the three politicians were involved in a scheme to sell fake gold and fake dollars to the Tunisian national, leading to a significant financial loss for the victim.
In response to these allegations, Jalang’o, through his lawyers, had threatened legal action against Nyakundi, demanding a public retraction of the defamatory statements, an apology, and compensation for reputation damage and financial losses incurred due to the defamation.
Nyakundi, however, remained defiant, stating that he was ready to face the trio in court and that the claims made in his blog and social media posts are factual. He also hired lawyer Donald Kipkorir to represent him in the case.
The situation sparked a heated debate, with Nyakundi’s supporters arguing that he is exposing corruption among public figures, while critics accuse him of spreading unverified information and engaging in defamation.
Popular car dealer Joseph Kairu Wanjiru alias Kairo, has found himself in the middle of accusations that he’s involved in money laundering claims that he has outrightly denied and dating those questioning his wealth to provide proof t has t he’s involved in dirty business.
All this stems from earlier allegations that the successful car dealer was selling previously written off cars from the United Kingdom to his clients, claims that he equally denied.
Mr. Kairu is now offering Sh1 million to anyone with solid evidence to expose him.
“If you have evidence linking Khalif Kairo to money laundering, criminal activity or wash wash. Give it to Cyprian Nyakundi. If he proves I am in wash wash or money laundering. I will pay him Kes 1 Million akileta solid receipts backed by Facts,” Kairo wrote on Twitter.
It all started when Nyakundi, a Kenyan whistleblower blogger had reported on his social media account about the accusation from X users who had claimed the dealer was trading previously written off cars.
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Mr. Kairo in his defense said it was a mere mistake in posting and said his delivery and services are uncompressed and unbeatable in the market.
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While rubbishing off the claims and defending his brand from his records, he offered Sh1 million to any of his previous customers who found out the car had been tampered with and faced difficulties, “I will offer Kes 1,000,000 o any customer who can come forward and say he/she imported a car from @kai_and_karo akapata ni accident car ama iko major defect.” He wrote on X.
On money laundering allegations flying in X, Mr Kairu who trades under Kai & Karo, addressed the whistleblower blogger saying his track record is clean and that he has not only been able to sell hundreds of cars but that he doesn’t have a single criminal record that has enabled him to traverse the world without being flagged anywhere. “Cyprian,
I have sold 100s of cars na sina criminal case ata moja,naingianga US venye nataka na sijakuwa flagged mahali popote by any police agency on earth.”
In reply, Mr. Nyakundi asserted records showing the extent of car yards involvements in money laundering, “Mr. Kairo, on car yards doing money laundering, NIS reports, parliamentary reports etc have confirmed that 85% of car yards in Nairobi are serious washers. The burden of proof lies on you, not us. This is from NYS scandal to looting of parastatals. Are you in the 15% clean?” He paused.
Again a confident Mr. Kairo dismissed Nyakundi calling upon those with evidence to go ahead and release the dossier, “”If you have evidence linking Khalif Kairo to money laundering, criminal activity or wash wash. Give it to @C_NyaKundiH. If he proves I am in wash wash or money laundering. I will pay him Kes 1 Million akileta solid receipts backed by Facts,” Kairo wrote on X.
Hussain Jarrar
Elsewhere, a Pakistani national, Hussain Jarrar who had been hiding and evading justice in Kenya, has finally been deported.
Jarrar, 49, had been illegally residing in Kenya for two years with no action taken, until he was picked up from his Lavington residence and bundled onto a KQ flight 310 from Nairobi to Dubai a week ago.
He was scheduled to land in Dubai and then be shipped to Karachi, according to officials familiar with the situation.
Immigration officials indicated that the move followed an order by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, after confirming that Jarrar was an illegal immigrant who had been enjoying protection from certain corrupt government officials.
Thr haunted businessman now risks losing his fortune to the state should Assets and Recovery Authority prove that they are proceeds of crime.
Jarrar’s work permit had expired in November 2022, and he possessed a forged Kenyan ID, known to authorities but overlooked.
The last interaction he had with immigration officials was in July last year when they summoned him over his status.
He appeared before officials who later released him on a Sh100,000 cash bail, promising to summon him the following day for further processing.
Jarrar was under investigation, along with others, over claims of organized crime.
Jarrar, 48, who arrived in the country in 2006 and was later employed as a sales motor vehicle agent is now suddenly a billionaire.
The Pakistani is also being probed for forgery after it emerged he had obtained a Kenyan identity card fraudulently.
“Previously, Jarrar was a director at Al- Husnain Motors Limited and obtained three of his previous work permits from February 18, 2006 to February 2, 2013. Later the directors of Al-Husnain Motors split and hence the establishment of Al-Shujah Motors Limited by Jarrar,” said part of a letter by one of the State agencies probing the matter, dated May 19, 2022.
Officials say despite being a foreigner, Jarrar declared that he is Kenyan in one of the companies, Silver Dash Limited, which he runs with his two children.
He had then unsuccessfully applied for renewal of his work permit as a foreigner. The application for renewal was rejected.
Jarrar’s work permit expired last year in November 2022 and he had since then been operating from his hideout in the city using proxies to fix his deals, officials said.
He’s said to be the owner of the multi-million-shiling mall Al-Shujah Mall, in Kilimani adjacent to Yaya Centre and has also bought two prime parcels of land in the same area.
Among the agencies that had been pursuing him include the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), the Immigration Department and the National Intelligence Service (NIS). “He was employed as a sales official at Al-Husnain Motors in the city where he earned Sh70,000 up to 2013. He couldn’t explain how he made the billions he is splashing around,” said an official aware of the probe.
In another letter dated May 2022, the agency says Jarrar was a director at Al-Shujah Motors Limited which was established in 2012 and started operations of selling second-hand vehicles in January 2013. In June 2016, he made an application as a permanent resident through lawful status which was pending for five years, according to the correspondence.
In June 2021, he applied for his citizenship by lawful residence when it was established he had an adverse notice due to his suspicious involvement with Iranians.
Kenyan music producer and fashion designer Tedd Josiah is urging Africans to build their own social media platforms, citing unnecessary censorship on popular platforms like Twitter.
Josiah believes that having an African-owned social media platform would give Africans more control over the content they produce and consume, while also providing a platform for the continent’s unique cultures and perspectives.
In recent years, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have come under fire for their sometimes heavy-handed approach to content moderation.
We need to build social media and e-commerce platforms that serve AFRICA & AFRICANS we cannot rely and depend on the west and east to tell our stories & push our narratives; let alone enable e-Com platforms that build billionaires on this continent. Happy Africa month! pic.twitter.com/zgX9raK573
Critics have argued that these platforms are not transparent enough in their decision-making processes and that they often remove content or ban users without clear justification.
This has led some users to look for alternative platforms that offer more freedom of expression.
Josiah argues that Africa needs its own social media platforms because it can’t rely on platforms like Twitter to be fair and unbiased.
He points out that Twitter has been accused of censorship in the past, particularly when it comes to political speech.
For example, in October 2020, Twitter suspended the account of Nigerian politician Adamu Garba after he tweeted in support of police brutality against protesters in his country.
Josiah also believes that African-owned social media platforms would help promote African culture and creativity.
He notes that many African artists and musicians struggle to get their work seen and heard on global platforms dominated by Western content.
By creating their own platforms, Africans could ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are told.
Of course, building a new social media platform from scratch is no small feat. It would require significant investment and technical expertise.
However, Josiah believes that it is achievable with the right support and resources.
He suggests that governments and private investors should collaborate to fund African-led social media projects, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability.
As Josiah puts it, “Africa needs to tell its own stories, in its own way, and on its own terms. We can’t just rely on others to do it for us.
Building our own social media platforms is one way to take control of our narrative and showcase our unique perspectives to the world.”
A more important conversation is the URGENT ? NEED for an African social media platform that’s not censored western, Eastern or any other powers. We cannot continue to depend on other peoples platforms to promote and spread our narratives
In conclusion, Tedd Josiah’s call for Africans to build their own social media platforms is an important one.
While it may not be easy, it is a necessary step towards promoting African creativity and ensuring that African voices are heard in the global conversation.
With the right support and investment, African-led social media could be a powerful tool for change and progress on the continent.
Tedd Josiah, the ‘Unbwogable’ hitmaker, is actively promoting his new brand of bags, Jokajok. He is primarily using social media to market and sell his products both in Africa and around the world.
Through his social media presence, Tedd Josiah is effectively showcasing the unique features and benefits of his bags to potential customers.
He is also engaging with his followers, answering their questions, and providing excellent customer service.
By leveraging the power of social media marketing, Tedd Josiah has successfully generated a buzz around his brand and attracted a growing number of customers.
His innovative approach to selling bags has allowed him to reach a wider audience and establish himself as a prominent player in the industry.
Our BRAND NEW CROSS BODY BAG! Aka Camacho ? Ekutan, Engulupa, Kinangi, Thomoni! Crafted from pure Kenyan leather. The cross body bag is an African Statement Bag for ur ur iPad, phone, passport, book, shades and other items on the go.
Josiah has asked Cyprian Nyakundi to lead the charge in creating an African social media platform. Nyakundi is a well-known blogger with a large following throughout East Africa.
Nyakundi has been actively working towards his goal of creating a social media platform for Africans. He has been urging other bloggers to join him in this venture, emphasizing the importance of having a platform that is not controlled by Western powers.
Nyakundi believes that an African-run social media platform would allow for a more authentic representation of African perspectives and narratives.
He sees this as an opportunity to challenge the dominant Western narrative and empower people from across the continent to tell their own stories.
By mobilizing fellow bloggers, Nyakundi hopes to bring together a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to creating a platform that represents the diversity and richness of Africa’s cultures and traditions.
Blogger Cyprian Nyakundi has locked horns with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji over an alleged extortion case involving Victoria Commercial Bank.
Justice Antony Mrima had on March 11 declared unconstitutional the way the evidence in the matter was obtained.
“The DPP ought to have acted in compliance with the superior court decision which was pronounced six months ago,” defence lawyer Dudly Ochiel told the magistrate on Wednesday.
Justice Mrima ruled that the DCI had entrapped the blogger by illegally obtaining evidence against him.
He ruled that the evidence was not admissible and therefore the criminal trial should have been halted.
Owing to the High Court’s ruling, the case against Mr Nyakundi and others collapsed.
Nyakundi had written widely about the bank’s alleged links money laundering among other fraudulent activities upon which the bank on seeing their reputation was in-line, talked to him to go slow on his attacks in exchange of a token. Later the bank would change mind and laid a trap leading to his arrest.
His victory would come when the court ruled that he was entrapped by the authorities in collaboration with the bank and that in no way he was plotting to commit a crime but was wittily led to the trap.
Despite the case collapsing, Nyakundi and his co-accused have been attending court sessions for the last six months in line with the law since they’re out on bail and the DPP hasn’t formally withdrawn the case as required.
When they appeared before Milimani Principal Magistrate Zainab Abdul on Wednesday, the suspects complained that they had been cleared by the High Court but that the DPP was reluctant to terminate the case.
Mr Nyakundi, through Mr.Dudly Ochiel , said six months had lapsed and that the DPP had dragged his feet on the matter by failing to terminate the criminal charges against them.
“The DPP ought to have acted in compliance with the superior court decision which was pronounced six months ago,” defence lawyer Mr. Ochiel told the magistrate on Wednesday.
“Despite the March 2021 ruling, I have been attending court like an accused person while the office of the DPP prosecutor going by the name Muya claims that his boss Mr. Noordin Haji has not authorized for the case to be terminated.” Reads Nyakundi’s complaint seen by Kenya Insights to the ODPP.
“While this is shocking and frustrating at the same time, I have always attended the court like an accused person wondering why the court and the ODPP are dragging in this matter yet the high court ruling was final and clear.” He states.
The blogger is now demanding to know in his complaint what the interest of the DPP is in the matter terming the conduct as unprofessional. “Why would DPP Noordin Haji require approval for a matter that has already been in order for things to move?” He poses.
However, seeking more time to get instructions from the DPP, a State prosecutor said an appeal had been lodged to challenge the High Court’s decision.
In a brief ruling, Ms Abdul noted that the DPP was yet to advise the subordinate court on the way forward in light of the High Court decision.
She then gave the DPP up to September 15 to communicate his decision.
Yesterday at around noon, DCI detectives nabbed blogger Cyprian Nyakundi in the company of Emmanuel Ong’era on an allegation that the duo had received a Sh1 Million bribe to pull down alleged defamatory articles on the bloggers’ site— cnyakundi.com.
@DCI_Kenya Detectives based at Gigiri have today afternoon arrested two suspects namely Cyprian Andama Nyakundi and Emmanuel Nyamweya Ong'era after successful investigations touching on extortion, blackmail and false accusations.
What exactly is the importance moreso the need of having Freedom of speech and others in our Constitution when an ordinary Mwananchi can’t enjoy nor be protects by it!? Why do we have Constitutional Freedom yet we ain’t Free?
The arrest has since attracted huge reactions from Netizens. Under hashtag, #NyakundiSetUp Netizens are expressing their mixed opinions about the blogger. The biggest questions amongst thousands being asked on the trending tag are how did the DCI determine that the posts were false without investigations? Why is the DCI setting up whistleblowers instead of picking from where they have exposed? Why is the institution being controlled by Narcotic Lords—who the same agency should be mobbing out?
It was not clear why the police would arrest Nyakundi yet the allegations of money laundering by Victoria Commercial Bank were not investigated.
According to Blogger Robert Alai, the drug dealer paid a few cops from DCI who then lured Nyakundi into the trap where he was arrested and allegations of extortion dumped on him.
Hey @ODPP_KE how is it that Uhuru is complaining of Judiciary’s incompetence when drug lords like Tinta Akasha are the ones now managing operations at @DCI_Kenya ?
Earlier on, Lawyer Miguna Miguna stated that both the bank executives and the purported extortionists should’ve been arrested.
So, Who is this Nurdin Tinta Akasha that wants Senior blogger Cyprian Nyakundi silenced?
The Akasha’s first Kin Baktash Akasha, who has been jailed in the US over Narcotics trafficking and first married as a teenager, had lured his younger brother, Ibrahim Abdalla Akasha, into his notorious ways. Both controlled the empire that survived their father’s death and the violent family feuds over wealth that followed. Baktash and Ibrahim are sons of Fatuma, the late patriarch’s third wife.
Before his murder, there was an in the Akasha family, and Baktash and Kamaldin — his slain brother from an unidentified woman but raised by Karima (one of the late Akasha’s wives) — were close and acted as bodyguards for their father.
But hell broke loose after their father’s death, apparently over control of the spoils. Kamaldin was killed at the height of the squabbles, sparking a new wave of blame and violent clashes.
Baktash and his half-brother Hassan (son of Karima) publicly accused their other brother, Nurdin Akasha “Tinta”, for Kamaldin’s murder, which remains unsolved to date.
Baktash inherited most of his father’s wealth and took in Kamaldin’s children and the children of a deceased sister.
The slain baron had three wives and also had a child with a fourth woman. Karima was the first wife. Her firstborn was Habab Noordin. Her other children were Hassan and twin daughters.
Kamaldin was born out of a relation between the late Akasha and an unnamed woman he divorced before marrying Karima.
The third wife was Hayat whose children are daughter Najma Bazuna, son Nurdin ‘Tinta’, Durzia, Feisal and Abdalla.
Fatuma was the fourth woman in the late Akasha’s life and is the mother of Baktash, Warda and Ibrahim.
Habab was jailed for 10 years by a Tanzanian court after he was found guilty of being in possession of Mandrax in 1997. He was later freed after the conviction was quashed.
Habab, who lives a low profile life in Mombasa said while speaking to local media that, while declining to say much about his clan, that the family came to Kenya during colonial times when his grandfather, Abdalla Ibrahim, came from Sudan after years in Iraq.
He said his father, whose date of birth he did not disclose, established a transport firm and formed the Kenya National Transport Company before selling it to the Government after independence.
Tinta, the alleged mafia behind Cyprian Nyakundi’s arrests lives and operates mining and jewellery businesses in Sudan where Habab’s twin sisters are married.
The Akashas have vast interests in real estate in Mombasa and Nairobi besides owning properties in Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique and Sudan. There were also extensive investments in real estate and the transport sector in Kenya, Switzerland, Sudan and Lebanon.
Although some reports suggest the senior Akasha introduced the narcotics trade to his arsenal of businesses in the 1970s and 1980s, the family has always denied any association and until now, two have been successfully prosecuted and one convicted.
Significantly, many of Akasha sons and their wives were licensed to carry firearms, which they were accused of misusing.
Recently, it was revealed that police had always been aware that the late Akasha’s licensed gun was never recovered after his death and is still being used by one of his sons without a licence.
There is still a suspicion that the Akasha’s drug trade had been allegedly revived. Local media had reported that the Narcotics trade had expanded with the arrival in Kenya of Vijaygiri Goswami in Mombasa on November 22, 2012.
In November 2014, Mr Goswami, with whom Baktash and Ibrahim have been shipped to the US, admitted he knew the family patriarch in the early 1980s, in Zambia and other nations of southern Africa.
Goswami, who entered Kenya on a business visa through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after leaving a Dubai jail a week earlier, appeared to have been resuming an old friendship.
According to a whistleblower site cnyakundi.com, a blog that has been exposing and following closely the case of Victoria Commercial Bank owner Yogesh Pattni who, according to the chief editor of the site, has been accused of alleged massive fraud and scam deals and in this case study, money laundering in the Republic of Kenya.
Kanji D. Pattni is a founder member of Victoria Commercial Bank. According to the Banks website, Kanji Pattni has been part of the team of visionaries that established the bank from a finance company back in 1987. With over 30 years’ experience in banking, Mr. Pattni has steered the Board of Directors as Chairman since its inception until mid-2018, a time that the current embattled CEO Yogesh Pattni took over.
Dr. Yogesh Pattni, according to the bank’s website, has a proven executive management record with over 30 years’ experience in banking. He started his banking career with Equatorial Commercial Bank (ECB) Ltd thereafter moving to Uhuru’s owned Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA).
In a series of articles from the chief editor of the whistleblower site cnyakundi.com, Victoria Commercial Bank CEO Yogesh Pattni has turned upside down the past good deeds and books of the Indian owned bank and is threatening the existence of the bank.
According to the whistleblower, the alleged Money laundering scandals at the bank are so serious that they run Chopri, a parallel bank in the Indian Bank. The husband and wife have allegedly perfected the art of mobilizing for funds from people according to cnyakundi.com.
Further reports had indicated that the Central Bank of Kenya was investigating the parallel bank after receiving complaints that some depositors had not been repaid. Mr. Yogesh who likes to publicly bad-mouth Kenya has allegedly bought another citizenship for a huge sum and has not declared himself a dual national over here which is illegal, cnyakundi.com said it can reveal.
The whistleblower Chief editor also alleged that they are probing further reports that Yogesh Pattni may be dealing with arms dealers, drug barons and the likes of Ali Punjani, who is wanted by Kenyan authorities over his deep links to Narcotics in Kenya’s coast of Mombasa and Vicky Goswami who all are enjoying private asylum in India, their country of birth.
The embattled CEO, Yogesh Pattni knows and understands the corrupt Kenyan system very well, and always evades punishment despite the weight of his crimes just like we have seen his close allies do without any form or even shreds of fear.
On 11th September this year, the editor of whistleblower blog supposedly confirmed that the Republic of India had revoked Victoria Commercial bank owner Yogesh Pattni’s passports sometimes back in the year 2018, almost immediately when he took over as the CEO, over money laundering and fraud. His children’s passports were also revoked according to the website.
The current wife that Yogesh Pattni is linked to is not his first wife. According to cnyakundi.com, Yogesh Pattni is a divorcee. The CEO’s first wife is called Shilpa Pattni. She was brought up in an ordinary family in Mombasa and was married off to Yogesh Pattni, CEO Victoria Commercial Bank at a young age.
Yogesh’s ex-wife and Interior Designer Shilpa Pattni (In white blouse) with Software consultant Sue Ajden, Embassy of the Republic of Iraq permanent rep to the UNEP Burhan Jaf
Shilpa Pattni supported him for many years, looked after his parents and brought home beautiful children for him from India through adoption. Tried to give him every happiness in the world but was abandoned for his office worker Azmina Janmohamed in a second. After the divorce Shilpa and the two, separately adopted Indian children moved to Cape Town South Africa.
According to the whistleblower, Yogesh Pattni adopted both of the children. The children who since their dad was implicated in all these money laundering fraud cases lost their Indian passports, Suraj and Sonia Pattni, are adopted from India. They are not biological brothers and sister and were adopted at the time Yogesh was married to Shilpa. Suraj Pattni is currently studying at IE University, Kingston Upon Thames, United Kingdom, and Sonia is with her adoptive mother Shilpa in South Africa.
Left to right: Yogesh Pattni, Azmina Pattni with Jayshree Mawjee of Travellers Forex Bureau The Mall Westlands and Karen.
On the other side, Azmina Pattni, the secretary turned wife, used to be known as Azmina Janmohamed and was just an employee with high ambitions to get rich quickly even if it meant breaking a home. Azmina Pattni used to be a simple administrative assistant in the bank for many years and had an affair with Yogesh Pattni causing Yogesh’s divorce with his wife Shilpa Pattni.
Bipin and Jayshree Mawjee are major players in the money-laundering system. Both of them are very close associates of Yogesh Pattni and Ali Punjani, according to the whistleblower. They own Jade Valley in Grevillea Grove together. They were living there as neighbors for many years before buying out the development together. Bipin’s older sister Indira is married to Yogesh’s older brother Arvind Pattni and they live in Perth Australia.
After the whistleblower blogger broke the news of the money laundering allegations on his blog, social media users pushed the bank to address money laundering, fraud and corruption allegations that have faced the controversial bank. Netizens were pushing their message under the hashtag #YogeshPattniUnmasked. Here are sample tweets from the trending Hashtag and social media campaign
A close source also told the whistleblower that Yogesh’s passport and those of his children were revoked because they are a threat to national security, hence wanted. It is is not very clear why the children and wife are denied entry too but it looks like India is strict just like the USA.
The United States has a specific law, which dispenses sanctions to husbands and wives in equal measure. Proclamation 7750—To Suspend Entry as Immigrants or Nonimmigrants of Persons Engaged In or Benefiting From Corruption was signed by George W. Bush on January 12th, 2004. It was designed to curtail entry to those who have been designated as aiding and abetting corruption around the world.
The Proclamation targets those deemed as corrupt, including their wives, children, and dependents. It reads in part;
After the social media campaign, Victoria Commercial Bank board was forced to have a meeting and discuss the information circulating online about the inside underground dealings that might be passing just below some board members nose without knowing a damn thing.
On 18th of September 2019, Yogesh Pattni, the CEO of the besieged bank issued a statement that specifically blamed the editor cnyakundi.com citing that the whistleblower has been sued severally on allegation of posting defamatory articles on his blog. He said ” The unsubstantiated claims and accusations designated to mislead the general public are completely false, treacherous and libelous.”
On his rebuttal, the whistleblower stated that he is committed just like before to making sure that through his blog cnyakundi.com, remains the public defender number one. He is on record that his work has made him go through hell in this country that every other prominent person takes genuine and honest work as a threat. Through his slogan, WE ARE THEM, Cyprian Nyakundi says he will not be bullied or forced to dine with crooks and cartels that loot and live happily on common citizens sweat and those that suffer every day trying to earn an honest coin to change their miserable lives.
Senior Blogger Cyprian Nyakundi
The whistleblower went ahead and quoted his notable work that has been consistent over the past few years. “Despite the negativity projected on bloggers by those who feel threatened by it, we forged ahead with our programs knowing full well that truth is the ultimate weapon. In 2016, We launched a concerted campaign against Vivienne Yeda Apopo, who was behind the mismanagement of East African Development Bank (EADB) which caught the attention of respective decision-makers, hence a probe on her.” Reads part of a blog from Cyprian Nyakundi.
“We launched a successful campaign against the former CEO of Family Bank Peter Munyiri, who was arraigned in court, regarding his role in facilitating and enabling the NYS heist by among others, Anne Waiguru. We successfully petitioned Safaricom to refund monies stolen from them using the Cheza Games scam. The projects which were conjured by Peter Arina spilled over into the Bob Collymore era and corruption is firmly entrenched in the company. We also successfully instigated and precipitated the sacking of the CFO of Safaricom after we exclusively leaked the KPMG audit report.” The whistleblower adds.
“Through my site, I exclusively covered the corruption at the National Bank of Kenya, and despite a defamation lawsuit filed by the then CEO Munir Ahmed and the Board chair Mohammed Hassan we kept exposing till the whole management had to go. These are some of the defamation cases Yogesh is using to argue his case, to his customers who we believe are wise to read between the lines. The scandal at Kenya Pipeline Company started getting coverage, after our persistent coverage, exerting pressure on mainstream media to execute their mandate, as the perception that they are paid to kill stories is starting to hurt their bottom line.” Nyakundi explained in details.
Due to the good work the editor of this site did by exposing corruption at HF Group, there has been a massive sacking of almost the entire EXCO. The following have been the casualties of his fact-filled articles.
Frank Ireri- Group MD
Samuel Mwaniki Waweru- HFC Bank M.D.
James Karanja- Executive Director HFC
Caroline Armstrong- Director of Special Projects
Patrick Mokaya- Director of Business Development
Peter Ng’ang’a- Director Treasury
James Karanja- Executive Director HFDI
Ben Lanya- GM Human Resource
Francis Theuri- GM Branch Business
I am of an opinion that the Jubilee government has been taking over 50millions of Kenyans on a wild bluff ride that they are fighting corruption yet, the same corrupt individuals have worked directly and indirectly with the State. Where is DCI? Where is EACC? In fact, where is this system we call a working government? It even pains much to see that some of these corrupt folks are the ones sponsoring major State projects and politicians. I mean, this way, Kenya can’t fight corruption because, clearly as it is from my point of view, CORRUPTION itself owns Kenya.
Cryptocurrency is proving a threat to traditional banking and Bitcoin is the current talk of the town. When it came out in 2011, one bitcoin was trading at 1cent, today, it is at USD16,000 with a rising trend. I’ve been studying the phenomenon and many user experiences. I was particularly caught by the story of, Andreas Antonopoulos, a bitcoin blogger, an advocate who has trained many people the art of cryptocurrency since 2012. He has empowered many and in line made many millionaires but himself.
While he has been advocating for the bitcoin movement, he was low-key broke, for someone who started off early and had hundreds of units, you’d naturally expect him to be super rich now that one bitcoin is going for $16,000 but that would not be the case. He sold off his bitcoins to clear off debts leaving him church mouse broke. Overwhelmed, he placed a plea for donation, naturally given his high ranking in the bitcoin world, he received a backlash but more important, he received support from those he had mentored. He needed donations to support his work and life.
After revealing in late November he had not profited off bitcoin’s nearly 2,000% rise over the last year, Andreas Antonopoulos, who has convinced many to get into the bitcoin game through his speeches and books, received hundreds of donations totaling $1.6 million worth of bitcoin as of Friday. That’s about 102 tokens over the course of three days.
Cyprian Nyakundi is a renowned Kenyan blogger with outstanding record largely marred with controversy, he has made a name that many don’t want to mention but can’t escape. In the past two weeks, the blogger set up an experiment and ran a turbocharged campaign against toxic feminism and for the empowerment of boychild.
When this vicious campaign that includes going after his target group of women started, I wasn’t available online. On returning, things had changed and Nyakundi was baptized the President of the boychild. He had ignited a national debate from the comfort of his desktop. From the radios to TVs, the trending topic was boychild and the famous ‘Nyakundi said no’ slogan was trending. This I learned was to discourage the commercialization of sex where young girls ask for money from their boyfriends in exchange for sex.
I was reading a report by Mashujaa organization this morning and one of the things that stood out was that most young people are having sex, and some become active even before their teenage years.
According to the report, two out of three youths are sexually active and one in five start having sex before their 16th birthday.
“Curiosity and peer pressure are the key early motivators for sex; later on sex becomes a tool for getting tangible and intangible benefits,” states the report. It is this ‘benefits’ part that Nyakundi said No campaign took a toll.
Running such a campaign against ‘toxic feminism’ was definitely going to attract a nuclear backlash especially from the women and true to the words it sure did. His Facebook page is awash with swipes from the obvious.
Unknown to him, Nyakundi started a movement, it blew up from a normal social media rants, he became the talk of the town, conversations in bars, social gatherings revolved around this talk. It is a topic that needed to be addressed since more emphasis went to empowering the girl child at the expense of boychild whom majority felt neglected.
While many may not agree with Nyakundi’s tone of communication including yours truly, I think he busted a bubble and ignited a conversation that was so much needed. Sometimes we channel our energies on one thing that we forget about the rest ending up losing much.
Along the road, members of the boychild movement suggested to Nyakundi to have a donation platform where they would make donations to support his work, without hesitation, he picked up the idea, set up a paybill not knowing it was set to boomerang. Under an hour on Friday of going live with the fundraising, he had received about Sh30,000 and counting. Unexpectedly, he called it off citing serious backlash and many terming the drive as extortionate.
I don’t know why he didn’t see this coming, should’ve been anticipated especially that he has amassed a large number of enemies especially the pro-feminists. Some people have argued that the fundraiser was a bad idea that killed the boychild movement and I have to disagree.
You see most work that humanitarians, bloggers do is generally for free and out of passions, people dedicate their times and resources to a discourse. Nyakundi explains that he compiled a team of young talented men who developed the pro-boychild articles which makes sense, as a blogger I can’t emphasize much on how consuming both mentally and financially it is to develop content but most of you won’t know since all you can see is the end product.
The idea of a fundraiser to keep the activities of the pro-boychild campaign was well deserved but poorly executed for me. All that Nyakundi needed to do was build a momentum, create a visible void that would necessitate funding to achieve bigger goals, this ought to be followed with an elaborate explanation why donations were needed but it popped out of the blues and since many weren’t as prepared with enough details, took it as an extortion plan which it really isn’t.
If you look around most of these feminist movements, they’re running on donors funds I mean you need enough resources to maximise your audience reach and smoothly run your activities. This boychild movement needed to go all the way to the grassroots way beyond Facebook rants, this is how it ought to have been done but still online gives a great platform. For Nyakundi, he needs to diversify content not minimizing on articles alone, videos et al but all these needs talents and resources which is why I feel the donation was deserved.
If by now there’s no organization that has approached to work with him but he has plans to sustain and expand the campaign then definitely individual donations would keep it going. Money issues are case sensitive and a slight mishap can cancel all the advancements in a flash, Nyakundi didn’t do enough convincing even though he has the huge willing following to donate, that’s his mistake he made. He needs to convince his followers that the movement is growing and need to grow more channels for empowerment.
Lastly, like in Antonio’s story that I opened up with, there’s nothing wrong in supporting someone’s work, allow me to use a rated comparison, you splash notes on strippers When you go to the clubs but find it wrong to support a blogger’s work. Many blogs and movements like WikiLeaks, Guardian have donation links for avid readers to support their work so why is it extortion to support other bloggers as well be it Nyakundi or anyone else? It’s more of appreciation, don’t you people pay those matatu pastors sadaka?
I’d encourage Nyakundi to go back to the drawing board, you’ve started a movement that has become your trademark, I might not agree with A, B, C,D but the undeniable fact is you have a bright idea that needs a bit of tweaking and not be abandoned, if you chose to be the President of the boychild then you must be with or without the fundraiser after all you’ve been doing it for free. However, build the ground, expand this, team mafisi which stands for immorality was recently registered, have boychild movement registered and you n identified by it, go out hold talks in halls take your message home and hopefully the donations checks back.
At around 2PM today, a group of 8 armed police officers rounded up Blogger Nyakundi’s car at a petrol station in Rongai. Occupants of the car, his friends were quickly whisked out to waiting car before heading to the bloggers home.
In what seems like a well premeditated scenario, the police led the rest to Nyakundi’s house. They must have collected tight intel prior. They stormed into his house ordered everyone inside to surrender. They unanimously tell me they were lightly assaulted with slaps. They say,the officers were armed and brandished their guns.
Nyakundi was immediately held and house ransacked, phones and laptops were confiscated by the police. They were dissatisfied as they missed another target, KinyanBoy, a writer who has been working close with Nyakundi on a number of impunity and corruption exposing topics. It’s still unknown why they wanted KinyanBoy arrested as well.
Nyakundi was bundled into the police car before they sped off to undisclosed location. They didn’t mention reason for arrest neither the station that they were taking him to. Officers eight in number, came in two vehicles, a standard Police land cruiser van and another car.
The blogger had been summoned to record a statement by the CID on an article he posted on his website claiming Interior CS’s officers has been helping a Chinese millionaire Wenjie Li, a once declared illegal immigrant by office of the president stay in Kenya illegally.
He also questioned DCI Muhoro’s links in extra judicial killings and land grabbing. In his ranting posts,the blogger threw blows on the DCI credibility.
As of the time of this blog, Nyakundi’s location where he’s being held is unknown. Friends who has gone to Muthaiga police station to check if he was booked in say they were turned away and two of their phones confiscated in the process.
