Kenya Insights

Tag: DP Ruto

  • DP Ruto’s Invisible Hand In UoN Council As It Rejects PSC’s VC Appointment

    DP Ruto’s Invisible Hand In UoN Council As It Rejects PSC’s VC Appointment

    There is an invisible hand in the current state of affairs at the University of Nairobi (UoN) as DP Ruto’s allied council led by Prof Julia Ojiambo is pushing for the appointment of deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama as the new VC.

    We have to note that the alleged DP’s man–Prof Kiama was not among the top three candidates interviewed by the Public Service Commission on the 18th of December last year.

    According to sources, the Prof Ojiambo led council has met twice on three names forwarded to it by PSC chaired by Stephen Kirogo. In one such meetings the council decided to rank the candidates disregarding PSC list. The council was bitter, acting VC Isaac Mbeche had been knocked out and the name was not among the top three.

    Prof Ojiambo

    The now politically aligned and divided UoN Council favoured Prof Mbeche who was supposed to have retired, is 69 years old, it extended the VC retirement age from 70 years to  75 years just days before the position was advertised.

    Local media have reported that Prof Mbeche’s name is completely missing among the three candidates’ names that the PSC has forwarded to the Prof Magoha-led ministry of education who is then supposed to forward to President Uhuru Kenyatta for an appointment.

    Julia Ojiambo-led council replaced Prof Mbeche, whose acting term of 6 months had expired with Prof Kiama in an acting capacity for another six months. The council, according to the Weekly Citizen will be sponsoring a case in court to challenge PSC forwarded list to the education CS Prof George Magoha.

    It’s alleged that Julia Ojiambo and other UoN council members’ efforts to reach Education CS Magoha tunned futile last week. They also visited PSC offices for unknown reasons. Apart from the political alignment and politicians’ interests, it is not known why the council is being involved in the process of appointing the VC bearing in mind the University Amendment Act 2018 is against such acts.

    Apart from Prof Mbeche and Prof Kiama, others interviewed by PSC were Prof Bernard Njoroge, Prof Madara Ogot, Prof Patricia Mbote, Prof Elijah Omwenga, and Prof Solomon Shibairo. For now, the council is at war with the education ministry as Magoha is said to have the original PSC ranking list the PSC has refused to follow. It’s not known why the council is fearing a new face to take charge as the VC.

    The UoN council members are Prof Ojiambo as Chair, Flora Mtuweta, Mghulo Mghanga, Dr. Jocelyn Maria Rariega, Hassan Abdi Mohamed, Isaac Kiprop, Samuel Kiru and Dr Kevit Desai representing the ministry of Education.

    Prof Ojiambo is under heavy pressure after a section of the council members accused her of being arrogant and bragging of her alleged protection by the deputy President William Ruto.

    For starters, now the DP, Ruto was a junior to Prof Ojiambo who was then a director of youth and women affairs at KANU headquarters during the Moi regime.

    It’s alleged the deep state political interference in the VC appointment headache has divided the Council to an extent that those opposed to Ruto’s crony Prof Ojiambo style of leadership have laid a plan to petition Prof Magoha and the ministry to dissolve the UoN council.

    Former solicitor general Michuki Muchemi resigned as a member of the council upon discovering that the doddering Prof Ojiambo is running the council on her personal senile ego. According to the then the solicitor General, Prof Ojiambo is holding frequent council meetings fraudulently earn allowances.

     

     

  • DCI Forwards Dan Manduku’s And Other Corrupt KPA Officials Investigation Files To ODPP

    DCI Forwards Dan Manduku’s And Other Corrupt KPA Officials Investigation Files To ODPP

    DP Ruto’s ally and KPA MD Daniel Manduku whose phone remains switched off most of the time is a panicked man who knows his days are numbered as DCI hands over three investigations files to ODPP.

    Embattled Daniel Manduku reported to the office over a year and four months ago as Acting Managing Director. For the few months he has been at the top, Manduku has engaged in massive fraud and impunity, just like his buddy—number two.

    Yesterday, Yusuf Hajji led Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed to have received and scrutinised three investigation files against top KPA managers, whose arrests are imminent over Sh2.7 billion tender fraud, from George Kinoti led Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

    DCI handed over three files that covered a probe report about the Makongeni Goodshed Project, Construction of concrete barriers and the revitalization of the Kisumu port that the President is set to launch.

    “The file was handed over to me yesterday…we are looking at it and if satisfied as ODPP we will proceed,” DPP Noordin Haji told said.

    Embattled KPA Managing Director Daniel Manduku is at the centre of all the investigations. The soft-spoken cartel who is now facing over 30 lawsuits of corruption and abuse of offices is alleged to have authorised irregular expenditure amounting to Sh2.7 Billion for the three projects. Why is he a free man in the first place when everything has been laid out that he’s a competent looter?

    DCI’s anti-graft radar has also picked KPA General Manager in charge of Operations William Rutto, Senior Works Officer Anthony Muhanji, Works Officer Juma Chigulu and Principal Works Officer Bernard Nyobange as confederates.

    According to DCI’s report, Manduku masterminded alongside the said officials the division of 2100 square meters yard belonging to Kenya Railways into 9 zones and fraudulently awarded 8 contractors the concrete works that costed the taxpayer Sh506 million.

    DCI probe also revealed that all 8 companies, believe to be runned by Manduku and cronies, were paid in full without completing tender. Also, the sleuths note that no job was done on the ground as Kenya Railways reclaimed its land and demolished the few concrete they had laid to bluff the public.

    The KPA management whose arrests warrants might soon if not already by now has, in their rebuttal, rubbished DCI’s investigations stating that no land was reclaimed and they gazetted the acquisition of the property from Kenya Railways.

    MD Manduku.

    A few days ago, Manduku and Former KPA MD Catherine Mturi-Wairi banks accounts were frozen after requests by the office of DPP Noordin Haji. This is after suspicious monies were traced to their accounts.

    Manduku, who is DP Ruto’s proxy has been attempting to bribe detectives to go slow on him but as it has to be, the fall of everyone linked to DP Ruto is inevitable.

    A few weeks ago, the arrogant KPA boss told a journalist to write what they wished after the journalist sought for comment about some scams at the scandal-ridden authority. Now, the trembling Manduku is begging media not to expose the scams further after he felt the heat and stupidity of his reckless remarks.

     

  • Government To Spend Sh80Billion To Rehabilitate Sewers

    Government To Spend Sh80Billion To Rehabilitate Sewers

    President Uhuru through DP Ruto has said that the government has set aside sh80 billion to rehabilitate and expand sewarage infrastructures in the country.

    The President has also directed the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation to follow inducements intended for increasing use of recycled water to expand irrigation.

    DP Ruto while reading the Head of States speech during the official opening of Water and Sanitation Conference at KICC, the President said that there was need to reduce water wastage in the country.

    “Industries are required to include pre-treatment facilities in their premises to ensure acceptable standard of waste water is discharged into the sewerage system and to the environment and the rivers,” said President Kenyatta.

    President Kenyatta advised the Water Services Providers through the Council of Governors to curb spillage of raw sewerage into water ways. He also noted that major pollution emanates from improper disposal of solid waste, especially in the cities and towns.

    “The provision of quality and sustainable water and sanitation plays a focal role in ensuring a healthy nation; if sustained, it breaks the disease-poverty cycle, contributing significantly to poverty alleviation and wealth creation agenda. Dumping of domestic and other solid waste on the river banks is not a solution and must be discouraged,” said President Kenyatta.

    “In this regard, I am directing the Ministry of Education to introduce a compulsory curriculum on water and sanitation in all schools,” the President added.

    Currently, the access to clean safe water stands at 62 percent while average national sewerage coverage lurch at 25 percent.

    “Hence, we are investing over Sh80 billion for rehabilitation and expansion of sewerage infrastructure in the country; this will increase access to sewerage services to about 40%.” DP said.

    The Head of State noted that the country requires an annual budgetary allocation of Sh 100 billion for the maintenance and rehabilitation of Water and Sanitation infrastructure.

    Other leaders present at the conference were Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretaries Simon Chelugui, East African Community and Regional Development counterpart Adan Mohammed, Senate and National Assembly chairpersons of Committees on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources Paul Githiomo and Kareke Mbiuki and Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu.

     

  • Mariga Finally Out Of Trouble

    Mariga Finally Out Of Trouble

    A few minutes ago, Political Parties Disputes Tribunal court chairperson Kyalo Mbobu has dismissed petition challenging the candidature of McDonald Mariga in the Kibra by-election.

    Deputy President William Ruto candidate of Choice for the Kibra by-elections was facing trouble yet again after a voter went to court with allegations that pressure from the DP and top Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission officials led to the clearance of football star McDonald Mariga to vie for the Kibra parliamentary seat.

    Mariga is said to have registered in Starehe 12 days after the Kibra seat was declared vacant, a factor the petitioner said was another ground for barring him from contesting. Mariga’s legal team submitted to the tribunal that the definition of a register under the Election Act is not limited to Kiems and that the decision by the Kibra returning officer to disqualify Mariga was ill-conceived, grossly illegal and tantamount to taking away his constitutional right.

    The petitioner Morris Peter Kinyanjui wanted Mariga stopped from flying the Jubilee Party flag in the upcoming mini-poll because he was not validly nominated as per the party constitution and the Election Act.

    Mbobu said the avenue in which Kinyanjui filed his petition was wrong and the court had no jurisdiction, whatsoever, to hear the matter.   The court said the Jubilee Party candidate’s nomination certificate has already been accepted by the electoral board, IEBC.

    Kinyanjui lost the Jubilee Party ticket to Mariga, a move which left him accusing the ruling party of rigging him out of the race. The Kibra by-election is set to happen in November 7.

  • DCI Includes Samwel Gateri As A Suspect In Itumbi’s Forgery Case

    DCI Includes Samwel Gateri As A Suspect In Itumbi’s Forgery Case

    Samwel Gateri Wanjiru, who claimed to be an interested party in the case, had cited threats to his life including an attempted kidnapping as grounds for his withdrawal petition.

    It had earlier been suggested that Gateri was a prosecution witness in the case, however, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has refuted the reports terming him a suspect in the matter.

    Further DCI has clarified that Samwel Gateri is a suspect under investigations and not a witness as earlier claimed. Dennis Itumbi is accused of authoring a letter detailing a plot to assassinate Deputy President William Ruto.

    “We wish to clarify that contrary to insinuation by one Samwel Gateri that he’s a state witness in respect to criminal case against one Denis Itumbi is false and misleading. The true facts are that he is a suspect under investigations. At no time was he envisaged to be a state witness.,” said the DCI.

    Gateri cited death threats and ill-treatment from DCI which made him, a state witness, put his life on the line and that of his family members by getting involved in the case.

    Further Gateri told the court that DCI has been forcing him to make a confession admitting that he personally knows Itumbi and DP Ruto. Something he says is against his faith and infringes his rights.

    Distancing himself from Gateri’s accusations, DCI has said that the insinuation by Gateri is ill-informed and misleading. In addition, DCI has denied ever recognizing Gateri as a witness in the criminal case against Blogger Dennis Itumbi.

     

  • Political Leader’s Tributes To The Late Football Legend Joe Kadenge

    Political Leader’s Tributes To The Late Football Legend Joe Kadenge

    Kenya’s football legend Joe Kadenge is dead.

    According to the family, Kadenge, who has been ailing for quite a while, passed away on Sunday while undergoing treatment at Meridian hospital in Nairobi.

    The 84 year old succumbed to his constant illness.

    Kadenge’s once robust fame had been turned into a pale shadow of constant illness.

    Joe, the Former Kenyan winger who tortures defenders manning him during his hey days.

    In January 2006, Joe suffered stroke.

    Joe condition worsened as days passed. He collapsed at Camp Toyoyo grounds in Jericho, Nairobi, while watching a football match on December 23.

    President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed his condolences, terming Kadenge’s death as “a loss to the sporting fraternity and our nation.”

    “It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the demise of Mzee Joe Kadenge. His death is a loss to the sporting fraternity and our nation. Joe exemplified talent, dedication and patriotism. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time,” said President Kenyatta.

    The President posted his condolences via the official twitter account of the State House of Kenya,

    Deputy President William Ruto also sent his condolences saying “Kadenge was a wonderful man, on and off the pitch; approachable, gentlemanly, courteous and a role model. May his soul rest in peace.”

    “Condolences to the family and friends of football legend Joe Kadenge. At his prime, Kadenge was unplayable; he terrorised defenders with dribbles, nutmegs and was a joy to watch. He raised a family of great footballers: Francis, Evans, Rogers and Oscar, who excelled in the sport,” reads Ruto’s tweet.

    Opposition chief Raila Odinga has also mourned also Kenya’s best ever known winger Kadenge.

    “We have today lost one of the greatest talents to ever grace a football pitch in our national uniform. Joe Kadenge was a true ambassador for the country and Kenyan soccer. May he rest in eternal bliss. May his spirit inspire more young people to pursue the game,” reads Raila’s tweet.

    ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi said was the most legendary of Kenyan footballers and shall be remembered for his exploits on the pitch

    Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula has also sent his condolences to Joe’s family.

    “The curtain has fallen on our football legend Joe Kadenge. His football artistry equaled modern day Thierry Henry, Christian Ronaldo, George Weah, Samuel Etoo etc. We must have a proper policy for the welfare of our sports heroes/heroines. RIP Joe.”

    Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho also sent his condolences to Joe’s family saying Kenyans will miss him because he was part of Our rich football history.

    Sports CS Amina Mohamed had this to say about Joe, “We celebrate Mr. Joe Kadenge as an enviable part of Kenya’s identity and aspire to keep his ever present spirit in the soul of our sporting nation. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and fortify his family to bear this loss”

    Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko also joined the political fraternity in mourning and sending sincere condolences to the the family of the late Kadenge

  • DP Ruto, Gideon Moi Handshake

    DP Ruto, Gideon Moi Handshake

    Deputy President Dr. William Ruto has finally met Gideon Moi face to face.

    The two political rival kingpins have been exchanging words over the the past few months.

    DP Ruto has severally accused Gideon Moi of barring him from visiting the ailing retired President Mzee Moi.

    Gideon Moi on his defense,has been accusing DP Ruto and his handlers of running disrespectful mouths against the family and trying to politically blackmail Senator Moi’s plans.

    The two finally shook hands at the late Jonathan Moi’s final send off.

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    Other leaders present at the funeral service held at Kabarak University include; Musalia Mudavadi,  Sen. Moses Wetangula, and Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka amongest other family  friends.