Tag: State House

PHOTOS: President Ruto Gives His ‘Good Old Friend’ Uhuru Kenyatta A Tour Of The New Look State House

In a symbolic display of statesmanship and reconciliation, President William Ruto on Friday hosted his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta for a personal tour of the renovated State House, Nairobi, following the conclusion of a landmark joint EAC-SADC summit on peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The gesture, which Ruto described as showing his “good old friend” around, marked Kenyatta’s first return to the house on the hill since handing over power on September 13, 2022.

“I had the pleasure of conducting my old good friend, Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, on a tour around State House after the joint EAC-SADC meeting on the restoration of peace and stability in the DRC,” President Ruto shared on his X platform, highlighting both the personal and diplomatic significance of the moment.

The images released from the tour showed the two leaders sharing warm embraces and walking side-by-side through the corridors of power in what appeared to be a genuine moment of reconciliation.

The tour offered Kenyatta a glimpse of the extensive renovations currently transforming the iconic residence.

From interior modifications to the dramatic facade changes featuring a new flat roof design, the revamped State House showcases significant infrastructural upgrades. Photos from the visit revealed that some areas remain under active construction, with loose cabro blocks and scaffolding still supporting ongoing work by contractors.

The timing of this personal gesture was particularly poignant, coming immediately after both leaders had participated in a high-stakes diplomatic summit addressing one of Africa’s most pressing security challenges.

The joint EAC-SADC meeting, co-chaired by President Ruto in his capacity as current EAC chairman and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa as SADC Chairperson, brought together distinguished African leaders to forge a unified approach to the protracted conflict in eastern DRC.

The summit featured an impressive panel of African statespeople, including Kenyatta himself, Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde, Botswana’s Mokgweetsi Masisi, and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza. This distinguished group has been tasked with leading a consolidated mediation process that merges the EAC’s Nairobi Process with the SADC-backed Luanda Process into a single African-led peace initiative.

The relationship between Ruto and Kenyatta has been one of Kenya’s most compelling political narratives over the past decade.

Once dubbed “UhuRuto” for their seemingly unbreakable alliance, the pair rose to power together in 2013 under the Jubilee Coalition, with Kenyatta as president and Ruto as his deputy.

Their partnership secured electoral victories in both 2013 and 2017, but cracks began to show during Kenyatta’s second term.

The turning point came in 2018 with Kenyatta’s famous “Handshake” reconciliation with opposition leader Raila Odinga, a move that effectively sidelined Ruto and altered the political landscape.

The relationship deteriorated further when Kenyatta endorsed Odinga over his own deputy in the 2022 presidential election, leading to public disagreements and accusations of betrayal that dominated the campaign period.

Since assuming the presidency in September 2022, Ruto has faced significant governance challenges, including widespread public protests over tax policies and the controversial impeachment of his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, in October 2024.

The latter move particularly alienated sections of the Mt Kenya region, Kenyatta’s political stronghold and a crucial voting bloc for any successful presidential campaign.

Recent months have seen deliberate efforts at reconciliation between the former allies.

In December 2024, Ruto made a surprise visit to Kenyatta’s Ichaweri home, marking their first significant private engagement since the bitter 2022 election campaign.

This was followed by Ruto’s strategic appointment of several Kenyatta allies to key cabinet positions, moves widely interpreted as attempts to rebuild bridges with the Mt Kenya region.

“This meeting demonstrates remarkable political maturity from both leaders,” observed political analyst Herman Manyora. “While they’re addressing serious regional security concerns, the personal reconciliation sends a powerful message about putting national and continental interests above individual political differences.”

The diplomatic context of their reunion adds another layer of significance.

Kenyatta emphasized during the summit that the new unified approach to DRC peace processes represents strengthening rather than replacement of existing efforts.

“This is not about replacing one process with another, but fusing our efforts to make them stronger,” he stated, reflecting a philosophy that could equally apply to their personal relationship.

The joint communique from the summit outlined ambitious resolutions including the formation of a Joint Secretariat under the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, unified terms of reference for all facilitators, and a comprehensive Resource Mobilisation Framework to support peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance in the DRC.

“This is about charting an African path to peace. We must harmonise our strengths and speak with one voice,” the communique declared.

For Ruto’s administration, the collaboration with his predecessor serves multiple strategic purposes.

It projects an image of inclusivity and national unity at a time when his government faces domestic political pressures.

The gesture also potentially helps rehabilitate his standing in Central Kenya, where Gachagua’s impeachment created significant political fallout.

Public reaction to the State House tour was notably positive, with many Kenyans expressing satisfaction at seeing their current and former presidents working together.

Social media responses praised both leaders for demonstrating that political differences need not permanently damage personal relationships or derail important national and continental responsibilities.

The summit’s timing also addresses growing tensions within the East African Community, where disputes between member states have threatened regional unity.

Kenya’s role as host, combined with the visible cooperation between Ruto and Kenyatta, demonstrated the country’s continued commitment to regional leadership and dialogue.

As the two leaders concluded their tour of the renovated State House, their rare public reunion offered more than just diplomatic symbolism. Walking together through the same corridors where their partnership once flourished and later fractured, they embodied the possibility of reconciliation and renewed cooperation in service of broader goals.

The State House tour stands as a testament to the evolution of Kenya’s political landscape, where former adversaries can find common ground in shared responsibilities.

As both leaders continue to shape Kenya’s domestic and international trajectory, their renewed collaboration suggests that personal reconciliation and professional cooperation need not be mutually exclusive.

The success of their joint efforts in regional peace processes, combined with the symbolism of their State House reunion, offers hope for both Kenya’s political stability and Africa’s capacity to deliver homegrown solutions to continental challenges.

In a continent often marked by political divisions and personal animosities, the Ruto-Kenyatta reconciliation provides a model for how leaders can transcend past differences in service of greater national and regional interests.

August 1, 2025
Former Nairobi County Executive Tells Court How State House Fixed Sonko

The ouster of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was orchestrated through a calculated plot hatched at State House, the Anti-Corruption Court heard on Monday in explosive testimony that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political circles.

Former Nairobi County Finance Executive Winfred Gathagu made the startling revelations before Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki, detailing how senior State House officials approached her and other county officials to fabricate criminal charges and support an impeachment process against Sonko.

“My colleagues and I from Nairobi County were approached on several occasions by senior State House officials who asked us to assist in building cases against my former boss, Mike Sonko for court proceedings, impeachment and related efforts,” Gathagu testified while being led in Sonko’s defense by lawyers Assa Nyakundi and Elizabeth Ochieng’.

The former finance chief revealed that the motivation behind the alleged scheme was Sonko’s relentless campaign against corruption at City Hall.

“All that happened because Sonko was fighting corruption, and the plans to remove him were all hatched at State House,” she told the court.

Gathagu disclosed that she had been caught in the middle of the plot, having initially testified as a prosecution witness under witness protection.

However, her conscience would not allow her to participate in what she described as a fabricated case. She testified as a prosecution witness but declined to lie in court, choosing instead to tell the truth. As a result, the state almost arrested her for her refusal to cooperate with the alleged scheme.

The witness detailed how several strategy meetings were held at State House specifically aimed at engineering a strong corruption case against the former governor.

“I was involved in various aspects of this case, including recording statements and preparing to be a witness. These strategy meetings at State House were specifically aimed at removing Sonko from office,” she said.

Ms Winfred Gathagu, a former Nairobi Finance County Executive Committee Member at the Anti- Corruption Court on July 28 2025.

Despite the explosive nature of her testimony, Gathagu declined to name the specific State House officials involved, citing safety concerns.

She noted that most witnesses in Sonko’s case had testified in camera for the same reason, but indicated her willingness to reveal the names if proper security guarantees were provided.

During her testimony, Gathagu also addressed her role in authorizing payments to Webtribe Ltd, popularly known as JamboPay, the company at the center of Sonko’s corruption charges. She confirmed making payments to the electronic revenue collection firm, emphasizing that these were legitimate payments for services rendered without any external influence.

“I made payments to Webtribe when I served as Chief Officer of Finance. The payments were for services rendered in collecting revenue on behalf of Nairobi County,” she testified, adding that delays were often due to funding issues from the exchequer rather than any corrupt dealings.

Crucially, Gathagu distanced Sonko from any direct involvement in financial dealings, stating that his role was limited to budget-making and that he neither influenced nor directed payments to service providers.

She further testified that Sonko had consistently raised concerns about corruption at City Hall, particularly involving cashiers, and had taken concrete steps to address the problem.

“It is true we discovered irregularities in payment processes. That is why Sonko kept complaining. We took corrective action and fired cashiers who had been in office for over five years and replaced them with new ones,” she told the court.

Under cross-examination by State Prosecutor Wesley Nyamache, Gathagu admitted she did not record any statement with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission about the alleged State House plot, though she had recorded two statements with the EACC on January 15 and 20, 2020, regarding other aspects of the case.

The testimony represents a dramatic turn in Sonko’s ongoing Sh20 million corruption case, with the former governor’s defense team appearing to build a case that the charges against him were politically motivated rather than based on actual criminal conduct.

The hearing is set to continue on August 5, 2025, as the court seeks to unravel what appears to be one of the most politically charged corruption cases in recent Kenyan history.

July 29, 2025
The Behind Scenes and State House Hand That Forced Prof Amukowa Anangwe to Resign as UoN Council Chair

High-level government intervention and faculty pressure culminated in the dramatic exit of the embattled university leader

The resignation of Professor Amukowa Anangwe as Chairman of the University of Nairobi Council on Monday represents the climax of a carefully orchestrated campaign involving Kenya’s highest offices of power, revealing how State House and senior government officials moved decisively to end months of institutional chaos at the country’s premier university.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Anangwe’s departure was far from voluntary, emerging instead from intense behind-the-scenes pressure that escalated to the highest levels of government when conventional ministry interventions failed to resolve the crisis.

The professors’ gambit

The turning point came when the University of Nairobi Professors’ Association (UoNPA), initially serving as mediators between the embattled council and the Ministry of Education, found themselves transformed from peacemakers to power brokers in a high-stakes political drama.

UoNPA Chairman Peter Wasamba’s revelation that the association “escalated the matter to the Office of the President” after failing to broker a solution marks a significant moment when academic disputes crossed into the realm of executive intervention.

“When we were unable to find a solution, we escalated the matter to the Office of the President and sought audience with the Head of Public Service Felix Kosgey,” Wasamba disclosed, underlining how the university crisis had reached a level requiring presidential attention.

The Koskei meeting: A diplomatic ultimatum

The crucial meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025, between UoNPA representatives and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei appears to have been the decisive moment that sealed Anangwe’s fate. While sources remained tight-lipped about the exact content of discussions, the message delivered was unambiguous.

One insider’s stark assessment that the council “didn’t have an option but to resign” suggests that what transpired was less negotiation than notification of an irreversible decision already taken at the highest levels of government.

Koskei’s carefully worded public statement, emphasizing “the government’s commitment towards streamlining matters University of Nairobi,” carried the weight of executive authority behind what appeared to be a final directive rather than mere consultation.

Ministry’s public disavowal

The government’s strategy became clearer when Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala issued her devastating May 9 statement, systematically dismantling Anangwe’s authority by disowning key council decisions, including the controversial appointment of Professor Bitange Ndemo as Vice Chancellor.

Inyangala’s assertion that “no council meeting was ever convened” for these appointments represented more than administrative correction—it was a public stripping of legitimacy that made Anangwe’s position untenable.

The legal squeeze

The timing of criminal charges filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on May 16—exactly seven days after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba’s promise to resolve the crisis “within a week”—suggests coordinated pressure designed to leave no avenue for resistance.

The charges against Anangwe and council members Ahmed Sheikh and Carren Kerubo over the allegedly unlawful reappointment of Brian Ouma as Chief Operations Officer created legal jeopardy that made continued defiance politically and personally costly.

Faculty pressure and reputation damage

Perhaps most tellingly, the professors’ association—Anangwe’s natural constituency—had turned against him. The growing sentiment among faculty that “the hardline stance taken by Prof Anangwe was negatively affecting their reputation and that of the university” represented the collapse of his academic support base.

This institutional isolation, combined with State House intervention, created an impossible position for the embattled chairman.

The orchestrated nature of Anangwe’s downfall sends a clear signal about the limits of institutional autonomy when governance failures threaten Kenya’s flagship educational institution. The involvement of State House through the Head of Public Service demonstrates how university crises can escalate beyond ministry-level interventions when institutional stability is at stake.

Education CS Ogamba’s acceptance of the resignation letters on Monday afternoon marked not just the end of Anangwe’s tenure, but the success of a multi-pronged strategy that combined legal pressure, political isolation, and executive authority to restore order to Kenya’s most prestigious university.

As the University of Nairobi prepares for new leadership, the Anangwe affair stands as a case study in how power operates when institutional governance breaks down—and how far the state will go to protect its premier educational assets from internal dysfunction.

May 26, 2025
Tycoon Doshi Accuses NIS Boss Noordin Haji, State House of Witch Hunt as Court Saves Joho from Jail

Mombasa billionaire launches explosive allegations against intelligence chief while losing major legal battle against Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho

MOMBASA, Kenya – Embattled Mombasa billionaire Ashok Doshi has launched explosive allegations against National Intelligence Service Director Noordin Haji, accusing him of orchestrating a state-sponsored campaign to destroy his business empire in collaboration with State House operatives.

The sensational claims emerged as the Court of Appeal delivered a crushing blow to Doshi’s decade-long legal crusade against Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, overturning a contempt ruling that would have sent the former Mombasa governor to prison.

Court delivers blow to Doshi

In a significant legal victory for Joho, a three-judge Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Agnes Murgor, Jessie Lesiit and George Odunga on Friday overturned a 2020 ruling that had sentenced the Cabinet Secretary and Mombasa MCA George Ogutu to six months imprisonment for contempt of court.

The appellate judges ruled that Doshi and his wife Pratibha failed to prove that Joho was properly served with court papers in their land dispute case.

Adding insult to injury, the court ordered the Doshis to pay all legal costs estimated at Sh15 million.

The contempt case stemmed from allegations that Joho, while serving as Mombasa governor, had violated a court order by demolishing a perimeter wall on the Doshis’ Changamwe property in 2019, despite the couple’s claims of rightful ownership.

“Haji is Ruto’s Attack Dog”

Director General National Intelligence Service Noordin Haji.

According to sources close to the tycoon, Doshi has accused Haji of weaponizing state institutions against him since their earlier legal confrontations when Haji served as Director of Public Prosecutions.

“First Haji tried to jail me over the Processional Way land case using fabricated charges. When courts stopped him, Ruto rewarded him with the NIS job to finish me through dirty tricks,” Doshi allegedly claimed.

The businessman has pointed to what he describes as a pattern of persecution that began during Haji’s tenure as DPP and has intensified since his appointment to head the country’s premier intelligence agency.

The billion-shilling land dispute

At the center of Doshi’s legal troubles lies a prime piece of real estate along Nairobi’s Processional Way, valued at over Sh1.2 billion.

The tycoon and his company Magnum Properties Ltd face four criminal counts including land fraud, forgery and illegal acquisition related to the disputed property.

Court documents reveal that the land was allegedly fraudulently acquired from Greenview Lodge Ltd through a forged stamp duty receipt worth Sh1.2 million in 1992, before being transferred to Doshi’s company Rainy Days Ltd.

Doshi maintains his innocence, claiming the land was legally purchased from former Garissa Governor Ali Korane. He has accused the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of shielding Korane while pursuing him maliciously.

State House connection alleged

The billionaire has suggested deeper political motives behind his legal woes, pointing to President William Ruto’s historical connection to the coveted Processional Way property.

“This is the same land Ruto was forced to surrender during Kibaki’s administration. Now his allies want it back through intimidation,” Doshi reportedly claimed, specifically naming Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi as demanding bribes for “protection.”

Fighting for survival

Despite mounting legal pressure, Doshi appears to be employing a multi-faceted defense strategy.

This includes securing court injunctions to halt criminal proceedings, attempting to rebuild political bridges with government allies despite supporting opposition leader Raila Odinga in the 2022 elections, and launching a public relations offensive to portray himself as a victim of political persecution.

The tycoon’s battle with Joho dates back to their clashes when the latter served as Mombasa governor, with Doshi reportedly spending millions attempting to derail Joho’s Cabinet appointment during his 2024 parliamentary vetting.

Legal battles continue

While Joho has emerged victorious in the contempt case, Doshi’s co-accused in the land fraud case, Harith Sheth, has successfully secured a court order halting his prosecution. Doshi’s own attempts to block the charges were dismissed by Justice Eric Ogola in 2021.

The ongoing saga underscores the complex intersection of land disputes, political power and business interests in Kenya, where prime real estate often becomes the battleground for wider conflicts involving the country’s economic and political elite.

As the various legal proceedings continue, the courts will ultimately determine whether Doshi’s claims of persecution hold water or whether he will face consequences for the alleged fraudulent acquisition of valuable public land.

May 22, 2025
Siaya Leaders’ State House Meeting Cancelled Over Plans To Exclude Governor Orengo

A high-level meeting between President William Ruto and political leaders from Siaya County scheduled for Wednesday has been abruptly cancelled amid allegations of attempts to sideline Governor James Orengo.

The State House meeting, which was aimed at discussing development priorities for Siaya County, was postponed indefinitely on Tuesday, just a day before it was set to take place.

Multiple sources familiar with the situation indicate that tensions arose after reports emerged that certain leaders had planned to exclude Governor Orengo from the crucial talks.

The governor, known for his critical stance toward the Kenya Kwanza administration, has reportedly faced growing isolation attempts despite being the county’s top elected official.

“We were informed of the postponement on Tuesday,” confirmed Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, who was among those expected to attend the meeting. MP Ochanda denied claims that a preparatory meeting held on Sunday was intended to exclude Orengo, stating that “the governor was out of the country at the time.”

The Sunday preparatory session, convened by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi with several Siaya MPs in attendance, had focused on establishing agenda priorities ahead of the State House engagement.

Wandayi hosting former Siaya gubernatorial candidate Nicolas Gumbo recently in his office.

“What we were doing on Sunday was to firm up some of the projects we wanted the national government to prioritise. We wanted to be clear on what to present to the President,” Ochanda explained.

The cancellation highlights the growing political divide in Siaya following the recent partnership between Raila Odinga’s ODM party and President Ruto’s administration.

Governor Orengo has maintained his position as a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government, consistently calling for greater accountability.

In a significant development that underscores the widening rift, Governor Orengo recently sent a formal letter to President Ruto requesting a separate meeting to discuss county matters.

“The purpose of the meeting is to engage you on key development matters affecting Siaya County and to explore collaborative pathways through which the national government and the county government can work together,” Orengo stated in his letter.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has publicly defended Orengo at least twice in April against attempts to undermine his leadership position within the county.

As political tensions continue to simmer in Siaya, it remains unclear when or if the State House meeting will be rescheduled, and whether all elected leaders from the region will be included in future discussions.

May 14, 2025
Ruto’s State House Gets A Facelift And Kenyans Are Unimpressed

President William Ruto’s recent renovations at State House Nairobi has sparked harsh criticism among Kenyans.

The transformation of the historic colonial-era structure for state functions has been a topic of discussion online.

This was after the President’s communication team shared photos of the State reception of Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the visiting Guinea-Bissau President on January 25, hawk-eyed Kenyans quickly noticed the new-look State House.

Evidently, the new look – in the place of the tiled colonial roofing, the House on the Hill now sports a spectacular white flat roof.

Background history of Nairobi State House

The State House in Nairobi, originally known as the Government House, was constructed in 1907 by English architect Sir Herbert Baker. Designed in the Palladian style, it featured neoclassical elements like white columned loggias, reflecting European architectural traditions rather than local influences. Located on a hill near the Arboretum, it served as the governor’s residence during British colonial rule and became a symbol of authority and order. Today, it functions as Kenya’s presidential residence and administrative hub.

The original version.

Sir Herbert Baker (1862–1946) was a prominent British architect known for monumental works across the British Empire. He designed notable buildings such as South Africa’s Union Buildings, New Delhi’s Secretariat Buildings (with Edwin Lutyens), and Kenya’s State House. His work often blended classical styles with imperial grandeur.

Renovations

The renovations, which reportedly includes constructing a special field for evangelism and hosting religious leaders, have been met with mixed sentiments. According to reports from Kenyan media, the cost of these renovations has been a significant point of contention.

Initially, a budget estimate showed that Ksh.11.5 billion of the taxpayers’ revenue would be spent on 13 projects including renovation of State Houses and State Lodges situated at different locations across the country.

The estimates included the refurbishment of buildings at State House, Nairobi, estimated at Ksh.1.7 billion over the next three years, with a proposed allocation of Ksh.250 million in the 2024/2025 budget estimates.

Latest photo showing the new look of State House with recognizable flat roof.

Many have voiced their disapproval, questioning the timing and cost of such expenditures. Critics argue that the money could have been better spent on critical sectors like health, education, ans kenya goes through tough economic hardships.

Most have castigated it, calling it an ugly upgrade with some going as far as stating that historical buildings should he exempt from such refurbishments.

“Sir Herbert Baker’s masterpiece (Government House), now State House, has been violated. Gone is a heritage, an insult to history, and it makes no sense. We gave grabbed our national heritage and violated it. I never thought we could go this low. I am sad.” John Kamau, veteran journalist and historian remarked.

“Refurbishments that alter the historic or architectural integrity of a monumental site like State House should be protected by the Monuments Act. State House is not private property to be remodelled to suit the fleeting tastes of each tenant.” Said Ferdinand Omondi, former BBC correspondent.

“This National Heritage deserved preservation with only necessary repairs/maintenance for generations to come.There’re enough grounds for construction of this new monstrosity. No Public views sought regarding their Monument;this ATTITUDE towards Public Assets!” Lawyer Paul Muite added his voice.

“Ruto is impressed by London Old Monuments but when he comes back home he destroys our own monuments,” another X user said.

The renovations also come at a time when President Ruto has been engaging with regional leaders, suggesting that the upgrades might also serve diplomatic purposes. However, this has not quelled the debate over whether the renovations are a priority at this juncture.

Religious leaders have added another layer to the conversation. The construction of an evangelism field at State House has led to discussions about the separation of church and state, especially after some churches rejected monetary donations from the President.

As the debate continues, it’s clear that the renovations at State House under President Ruto’s administration have become more than just an issue of aesthetics or functionality; they’ve turned into a broader discourse on governance, priorities, and public expenditure in Kenya.

This development is likely to remain a hot topic as Kenyans continue to navigate the economic and social challenges facing the country, with many keeping a close eye on how these changes at State House align with the broader national agenda.

January 26, 2025
Sifuna Reveals The Amount President Ruto Pays MPs To Visit State House

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has accused some Members of Parliament (MPs) of accepting meager handouts, allegedly as low as Ksh100,000, during meetings with President William Ruto at State House.

Speaking on January 15, Sifuna criticized these MPs, suggesting the amount was too insignificant for their positions as national leaders.

Sifuna claimed the amounts given to MPs by the President were insubstantial, asserting he could personally loan Ksh100,000 to Ruto if needed:

“When you hear these members talking, some of them are called to State House for as low as Ksh100,000. That is money I can personally give Ruto.”

The senator, who also serves as the Secretary-General of ODM, argued that his responsibilities in the party outweigh those of some MPs who, according to him, prioritize personal gain over service to the public. He accused certain ODM members of aligning with the President for minor favors, such as Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recruitment letters:

“Some elected members are making noise because, over Christmas, Ruto gave them 10 TSC letters to employ their cronies.”

Sifuna emphasized the importance of establishing a fair employment system where opportunities are based on qualifications rather than political connections. He urged young job seekers to remain patient while reforms are implemented:

“Some young people have waited for jobs for eight years. I am sure they can wait two more years while we build a country where knowing someone is not a requirement to access employment opportunities.”

January 16, 2025
MPs Want Halt Of KCC Milk Supply To State House Over Sh14M Debt

Lawmarkers are now pushing for the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) to reconsider supplying milk to government agencies that have failed to settle their debts.

This is after it emerged the milk processor is owed Sh184.3 million by various government ministries.

Cooperatives Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi listed the Ministry of Defence and Administration Police as the biggest debtors at Sh49.5 million and Sh32.4 million respectively.

He made he revelation during an appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on Thursday,

State House debt

Other significant debts include Sh14.62 million owed by State House, Sh10.53 million by Kenyatta National Hospital, and Sh6.79 million by the Presidency.

The Kenyatta National Hospital Private Wing and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital owe Sh4.45 million and Sh4.04 million respectively.

Additionally, the National Security Intelligence Service, the Office of the First Lady, and Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company owe Sh4 million, Sh3.07 million, and Sh2.27 million, respectively.

Other government agencies owe Sh52.24 million.

“New KCC is failing to meet it obligations because of supporting government agencies,” said PS Kilemi while urging the comittee to intervene.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

The committee convened following a request for a statement by Runyejes MP Eric Muchangi regarding delayed payments to dairy and coffee farmers by various cooperatives in Embu County.

Committee Chairperson James Gakuya emphasized that New KCC, as a business, should not allow government entities that owe substantial amounts to hinder its operations, affecting the company’s ability to pay farmers.

“New KCC is in business, and no one compels you to keep supplying milk to government agencies that still owe you money. You cannot tell farmers that you can’t pay them because government bodies owe you,” said the Embakasi North MP .

PS Kilemi committed to the payment of monies owed to farmers by the end of the month acknowledging past delays in payments to dairy and coffee farmers.

The Cooperative Principal Secretary assured the House team that the situation has improved, with payments now up to date until June.

August 23, 2024
State House: There’s No Issue Between Ruto And Gachagua

State House has dismissed reports of strained relations between President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed who was responding to a question by one of the journalists during a press briefing on President William Ruto’s historic visit to the US said there was no issue between the two leaders.

The rumours have been fueled by the absence of the DP from key state functions.

Hussein said the office of the Deputy President has all the capabilities and competencies to respond to any questions regarding the second in command.

“There is no issue between the President and his Deputy. If you have a question or want to find anything about the DP, you can get the information from the Office of the Deputy President which has all the capabilities and competencies” he said.

This is not the first time such rumours are circulating. Last year, Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura termed similiar reports a “creation of the media” stating that the president and deputy are reading from the same script.

The DP on Sunday attended a church service at the Sacred Heart Endarasha Catholic Church, Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.

President Ruto and the First Lady Mama Rachael will kick off their visit to the US on Monday.

“Tomorrow, President Ruto’s US visit will commence in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, then later visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay homage to the civil rights struggle” said Hussein.

On Tuesday, in Atlanta, President Ruto will visit Spelman College, later go to Tyler Perry Studios to explore opportunities, and in the company of First Lady Rachel Ruto, attend a dinner hosted by the state’s mayor, Andre Dickens.

The culmination of the visit will be on Thursday, May 23, when the Kenyan leader will meet his host President Joe Biden.

“On Wednesday, President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto will travel to Washington, DC, where they will be officially received with full ceremonial state honors, later meet a congressional delegation, and hold discussions at Capital Hill” Hussein added.

May 19, 2024
My Drive Is To Push Kenyans, Ruto Announces Plans To Keep Taxing Kenyans More In His Term

President William Ruto has announced his intention to continue raising taxes despite cries from Kenyans who feel they’re already overtaxed.

While defending his economic plan, Ruto unveiled ambitious plans to elevate Kenya’s tax revenue to a whopping 22 per cent from the current 14 per cent.

The President made the remarks during an engagement forum with the Harvard Business School students at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday May 14, 2024.

Speaking during the event, President Ruto acknowledged that taxes are painful but necessary to help government reduce borrowing.

“Its going to be difficult, I have a lot to explaining to do, people will complain but I know finally they will appreciate that the money we go to borrow from the World Bank is savings from other countries,” said Ruto.

The president outlined a phased approach to achieve the desired increase, aiming for a rise to 16 per cent in the current year, with a long-term target of reaching between 20 and 22 per cent.

“My drive is to push Kenya, possibly this year we will be at 16 per cent from 14 per cent. I want in my term, God willing, to leave it at between 20 and 22 per cent. It’s going to be difficult,” he added.

Ruto pointed out that Kenya’s tax revenue as a percentage of total earnings trails behind that of peer nations on the continent.

“Our peers in the continent are on an average of between 22 and 25 per cent, which means our taxes are way below those of our peers,” he explained.

Ruto remained confident that the move is essential for Kenya’s economic resilience.

“I know finally they will appreciate that the money we go to borrow from the World Bank is savings from other countries,” Ruto affirmed noting the importance of reducing dependence on external financing.

Ruto’s remarks came barely a week after the introduction of the proposed Finance Bill 2024.

The Finance Bill, 2024 was published on May 9 and is set to be subjected to public participation thereafter.

The Bill contains tax proposals that the Kenya Kwanza government wants to use to raise revenue and finance its ambitious projects.

Top on the list is the increase in the price of bread, and a mandatory tax for all motor vehicle owners in the country as the government funds the 2024-2025 budget.

He added, “And I’m not comparing ourselves with OECD countries. Countries like France are at 45% others are higher. So I persuaded and made a case to the people of Kenya that we must begin to enhance our revenue because if we are a serious State we must be able to enhance our taxes.”

The President also explained that the push to raise more revenue through taxes was part of ensuring that ‘we live within our means’.

“When I came into office I told everybody to tighten up your belts. I am not going to preside over a bankrupt country. I’m not going to preside over a country in debt distress. We have to cut our spending,” he stated.

His remarks came a few days after the controller of the budget raised concerns about wasteful spending including excessive domestic and international travels by government officials.

Meanwhile, the closure of businesses and job losses in the private sector have been attributed to increased taxation in the country.

May 15, 2024
Kanze Dena Reacts To Cancer Rumours

Former State House spokesman Kanze Dena, on April 8, 2024, took to social media to dismiss claims that she is battling with cancer.

This was after rumors circulated on social media platforms for several days, claiming that Kanze Dena was suffering from cancer

Posts on various social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, alleging that Kanze was suffering from nasopharyngeal cancer (throat cancer), went viral, with many Kenyans sending prayers for the former Citizen TV news anchor.

She is a famous Kenyan journalist and former spokesperson in the executive office of the president of the of the Republic of Kenya.

Kanze Dena served as a Deputy State House Spokesperson and Deputy Head of PSCU in charge of coordinating digital, messaging, research, branding and press at State House during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime.

She previously worked as a news anchor for citizen TV before resigning in June 2021.

In a caption on Instagram alongside her photo, she wrote, ”This race called life …not exiting anytime soon. The lord is my refuge and strong tower”

She posted the second photo she wrote,

”Life na good oh!. Not EXITING this race called LIFE anytime soon. Fixing my eye on Jesus the Author and finisher of my life. I stand and declare God’s word that He shall honor me and Satisfy me with long life. No evil shall befall me, neither shall any plague come near my dwelling.

I shall live to declare the works of the Lord in the land of the leaving. GOD I thank you for your word for it shall not go out and return void.
I am confident of this Every tongue that raises itself against me in judgement is condemned. This is my heritage,” she said.

April 9, 2024