Citizen 10 2024 indesign

Vol. 27 No. 10 Kenya’s Most Authoritative Political Newspaper www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 1 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Get Citizen E-paper on:- https://weeklycitizen.co.ke/shop/ Vol 27 No 10 March 4 - 10, 2024 Kenya Ksh 50, Uganda Ush 1120, Tanzania Tsh 760, Rwanda RWF 280 Page 10 Kalonzo and Mt Kenya East politics Why Oparanya, Toto face arrest What is cooking at Kuscco Mutual Assurance City county director sinister moves What next for Luhya ODM MPs? Page 15 Page 15 Page 6 Page 3 Page 3 Is Raila confused? Ida Oburu Story page2 Bisibori Exposed: Mombasa tycoon Mohamed Jaffer son Abbas Page 11 Ali Abbas Jaffer Abbas and his wife Abbas enjoying time with family. Solomon Ondego

2 Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Vol. 27 No. 10 Get Citizen E-paper on:- https://weeklycitizen.co.ke/shop/ news Correspondent With Azimio coalition imminent breakup looming, talk in town is that Raila Odinga’s quest for the African Union chair is becoming a smokescreen as he faces new hurdles from different corners, including a neighbouring country that has fronted a rival. And the more it becomes clear that bagging the AU seat is a herculean feat, the more Raila becomes confused. By end of last week, Raila had become the proverbial mtaka yote or want-all who ends up losing all. Raila, it is apparent, wants the AU seat but at the same time does not want to relinquish the seats of Luo tribal kingpin, ODM leader or Azimio leader and is still salivating for seat of opposition leader as he also covets the seat of prime minister. He also wants to be president of Kenya. There are those who say he is also not ready to let go the seat of political leader of the Odinga family. How many buttocks would one person require to sit on all these seats at once or will Raila be resting his feet and hands on some seats? So confused is Raila that his body language is exposing him for the first time in his political career spanning nearly five decades, as a clueless and rudderless political figure, whose fate lies in the hands of others, including his rivals, like president William Ruto. Is it selfishness that makes him fear leaving some seats, and creating opportunity for others? It is now emerging, as a fact, that the AU chair deal is the brainchild of former Kenya smbassador to America Elkana Odembo Absalom, a cousin of Raila. He was Kenya’s envoy to America from 2006 to 2010 during the regime of Mwai Kibaki with Raila prime minister. Odembo’s calculation being that if Raila lands AU chair, he will definitely get a job at AU headquarters, Africa House, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After the hint, Raila is said to have engaged former president Uhuru Kenyatta to use his network to get the slot. Along the way, president Ruto got a whiff of what was cooking in the opposition kitchen, and in his artistic politico modus operandi, he then hijacked it. At first, the state decided to play the art of divide and rule. Here, talk was that Uhuru also wanted the same portfolio. But within the opposition, the AU chair factor was a blessing in disguise. According to top Azimio luminaries, Raila’s exit from national politics was Godsent since he had kept many guessing as to whether he would run for the presidency 2027 or not. His exit from the national political podium is said to have left Raila confused on who to succeed him in the opposition he has jealously consolidated over years against all odds. Political analysts state that as things stand today, nobody in his ODM side can succeed him with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the only person to be rebranded to take over the mantle. Many will agree that the 2027 presidential race will be a two-horse marathon just like the 2022 one. It is either Kenya Kwanza or Azimio. Raila decision to work with Ruto has left him confused which side to be come 2027. That Raila is confused is further manifested in the division in his family on who to succeed him in Luo politics. A signal that Raila is confused is his assertions that Azimio is still united under him and former president Uhuru. His constant claim that he will remain active in local politics even of he clinches the AUC top slot is further exposing him as confused person given that one of the conditions for the holder of the AUC chairperson is to be neutral in politics of member countries. Raila famously described by his biographer Babafemi Badejo as the enigma of Kenya’s politics, is now uncertain of what the future holds for him. His party, ODM is pulling in different directions over demands by the ruling Kenya Kwanza regime that Raila backs the government’s agenda in return for the regime’s rallying behind his candidature for the AUC job.Further, Wiper leader, a key member of Azimio, is charting an independent path that will see him go for the presidency in 2027 with or without Raila’s backing, even as the Orange party leader insists the opposition coalition is intact. The Wiper leader last week met Kanu leader Gideon Moi in the company of Dap-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Usawa Kwa Wote’s Mwangi wa Iria at Moi’s Kabarak home in Nakuru county. Gideon’s reemergence on the political stage since the 2022 elections has raised eyebrows. Kalonzo is said to be trying to capitalise on Raila’s bid for the top seat at the AUC, which could potentially take Raila out of local politics, to rally other Azimio member parties to coalesce around him, and subsequently support him in the 2027 general elections that would hitherto land had him at State House. Prior to the Kabarak meeting, Kalonzo and Gideon had met at the so-called SKM Command Centre in Nairobi, where they reportedly discussed the 2027 elections. The Wiper party leader is said to have lined up a series of joint public rallies with some of the leaders. And as Kalonzo was meeting Gideon, Raila held a meeting with ODM party leaders, Wycliffe Oparanya and former national assembly speaker Kenneth Marende, including ODM Vihiga constituency 2022 aspirant Ken Vitisia. Reports indicate that Raila told them to work with Kalonzo, more so Oparanya. What is further making Raila more confused is the fierce fire that has engulfed Azimio after Jubilee and Narc-Kenya invited 13 parties to plot their destiny following his cooperation with Ruto. The Azimio coalition is governed by two organs: the coalition council and the national coalition executive council with the former being the top organ of the coalition. While Uhuru is the NCEC chairperson, Karua is a member and the deputy party leader of the coalition and the withdrawal of the two important members could be the biggest blow the opposition ever suffered since its formation. What is further worsening matters for Raila is that his bid for the top seat hangs on the decision of the 54 member states some of whom have no time for Ruto, his chief campaigner. In fact, it is said that Raila’s decision to involve Ruto was on the basis of getting Kenya backing him but he is aware that Ruto is not at peace with other presidents in Africa due to his American links. To Raila, Ruto’s backing can be costly, hence his decision to reach out to the sitting presidents using his own network and that of Uhuru. To Raila, Ruto’s factor in Africa politics can be counterproductive. Already, the permanent representatives’ committee of the African Union has proposed a series of changes to the electoral rules that would bar member states that have held the chair and deputy chair positions since 2002 from contesting the upcoming election. If adopted by the heads of state and government, the proposal would spell the end of Raila’s bid, as Kenya and Rwanda have previously held the deputy position. According to a 2018 decision, the position is rotational, and therefore, the next commission chair should come from the East African region. This now means that only Tanzania and the other countries in the eastern region are eligible to put forward a candidate for the AUC’s top job, complicating matters for Raila, whom Kenya has endorsed. Decisions at AU are made by consensus, meaning that a single ‘no’ vote will prevent the proposal from becoming law. The AU chairperson seat will fall vacant next year as its current occupant Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad is set to finish his two-term at the position. The current AU deputy commission chair, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, is from Rwanda, which is grouped among Eastern Africa countries. The previous deputies were Thomas Kwesi, Ghana (2017), Erastus Mwencha, Kenya (2008–2017) and Patrick Kayumba Mazimhaka, Rwanda (2003–08). If the proposal for changes fail, Rwanda might front Nsanzabaganwa to challenge Raila. The fronting of Nsanzabaganwa will be a nightmare for Raila since Kagame has wider networks in Africa than Ruto. If changes are adopted, Raila will be knocked out leaving the candidates to battle for the seat who include Somalia’s former Foreign Minister Fawzia Adam. Fawzia’s candidature has already been endorsed by Somalia president Hassan Mohamud and prime minister prime minister Hamsa Barre who both acknowledged her expertise on matters governance. What is further working against Raila is that during the 37th ordinary session of the assembly of the African Union heads of state and government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ruto was appointed the champion for Institutional Reforms to replace Kagame who stepped down from the role after serving for seven years. In the same meeting, president Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros handed the AU chair to Mauritanian president Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. Kenya, through Ruto now holds a key position in AU and hence other East Africa countries might consider it as too greedy by also gunning for the AUC top slot. Back home, Raila is worried that some of his supporters might desert him as he is being viewed as a project by the government which is keen to provide a suitable exit for him from the political seen after contesting the presidency five times in vain. If he wins the AUC year, the next general election in Kenya in 2027 will find him with two years on his term, a trapdoor of some sort: At the AU, former chair Nkosazana DlaminiZuma refused to contest a second term in 2017, eyeing South African presidency. She lost both. If he loses the AUC slot, he will be subjected to further political humiliation by his rivals such as deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and is unlikely to recover his political careers elsewhere. It is to be recalled that Raila’s stint as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure, where he had been recommended by Uhuru, ended controversially after Ruto requested the AU to sack him. The Kenyan diplomats humiliated him further by sharing the termination letter on social media but Raila downplayed it, arguing he had, in fact, asked out of the job months earlier. What is further making the ODM leader more confused is that whenever the AU has in the past assigned him a task he has underperformed. Such was the case in January, 2011, when he flew to Abidjan as the AU mediator to resolve the political crisis between Laurent Gbagbo and Allasane Ouattara in a post-election dispute. Gbagbo’s side accused him of bias and he quit the role, which Washington had pushed for, including hiring a jet for him. Raila, insiders revealed, is also worried that a AUC member country will raise queries over his academic qualifications. To start with, to qualify for the AUC top job candidate must be a holder of Master’s degree either in Law, International Relations, Economics, Diplomacy, Management, Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences or a closely related field from a recognised institution. A PhD in the same field is also considered an added advantage for interested candidates. But for Raila there has been a raging debate over the validity of his academic credentials. For instance, Ruto, during the 2022 campaigns, questioned the authenticity of Raila’s degree, claiming they were fake. But Raila’s autobiography shows that he spent two years at the Herder Institute, a part of the philological faculty at the University of Leipzig in East Germany soon after leaving Maranda High School 1962. For Raila, he now faces three scenarios, some of which will alienate him from his fanatical supporters. If he bags the AUC seat, Ruto will demand he backs his government’s agenda, which include implementing harsh taxation measures hurting Kenyans and other controversial ones such as sending police officers to Haiti. If he loses or is knocked out of the AUC top job, Raila will become damaged goods. Both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza will demand he backs them in the presidential race since they endorsed his candidature for the AUC job. The end result is that his rivals will paint him as a serial loser, locally and internationally, and thus his political career will end in a sour note. Again, if Raila feels the heat and backtracks in the AUC top job race, he will emerge as a coward who retreats before the real battle. Insiders aver that Raila is also unsure of Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni support, though the Uganda head of state has offered to back him. It is to be recalled that Raila and Museveni have had frosty relations in the past. Reports indicate Museveni is under pressure to front former Uganda vice-president Speciosa Kazibwe for the seat while Tanzanian President Samia Sululu, who has offered to back Raial, is equally under pressure from CCM members to front president Jakaya Kikwete for the seat. Whereas Museveni has agreed to back Raila chances of him springing a surprise by backing a candidate from his country to please the citizens cannot be ruled out. Indeed, one of the untold reasons why Ruto sought to meet Museveni was the realisation that the Uganda head of state was dinning with his opponents, such as Uhuru and former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. The Ruto-Museveni meeting came in the backdrop of Uhuru’s several meetings with the Ugandan head of state the latest being midFebruary this year in Uganda where their talks centered on the East Africa Community-led Nairobi Peace Process which the former president heads and Uhuru’s desire to gun for the AUC top slot. At the time, Raila had not shown interest in the AUC slot and reports indicate Museveni offered to front him but Ruto hijacked the process midway. Raila first got the report of the coming vacancy in AUC top slot from Odembo. Odembo requested Raila to consider going for the job to replace Faki whose second term ends next year. Odembo is said to have blood ties with Raila’s wife, Ida, and the family was instrumental in his 2010 posting to Washington as Kenya’s ambassador to replace Peter Nicholas Rateng’ Oginga Ogego. Ruto is said to have hijacked the idea so as to set Uhuru against Raila, but the former head of state dropped out, thus leaving Raila as the sole Kenya aspirant. For Jirongo, a fierce critic of Ruto, he rattled Ruto when he brokered a deal where a Chinese climate-tech company, LuoKung Technology signed a deal with Uganda to deploy a Digital Measuring, Reporting, and Verification platform that will measure Uganda’s carbon footprint. President Museveni presided over the signing ceremony where a memorandum of understanding that was inked between the Ugandan government and Luokong Technology Corporation, alongside Nairobibased Shiftings Limited. Shiftings Limited chief executive officer is Jirongo and the company represents Luokung’s activities in Africa. Headquartered in Beijing, China, the company was founded in 2009 and is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market. With the deal, Jirongo, who heads UDP which is a coalition partner in Azimio, will rake billions of shillings. Back to Raila, his backyard of Luo Nyanza is crying betrayal after their son and daughters were felled by Ruto regime during the street protests he called, and now, he is backing the man they blame for the killings. To them, Raila and to an extend Odinga family, uses the community for personal gains. The ODM leader also fears a rival AUC member state might table his records that include his role in Kenya’s 1982 attempted coup and Kenya’s 2007/08 post-election violence to paint him as a warmonger not capable, and thus unfit to head the commission. Talk was rife last week that that a section of his detractors were heading to court to block Raila AU bid on matters relating to human rights abuses that has led to loose of lives. Back to Luo politics and ODM, Raila has been engulfed in a battle of succession. Ida Odinga recent remarks in Homa Bay alluding to former MP for Suba John Mbadi being her preferred candidate to succeed Raila has caused deep divisions in the Orange party and Luo politics. Matters are not made easy by another Odinga family member Senator Oburu Odinga vouching for Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi as another heir apparent. Analysts say, such weighty decision has to be made by party organs including national delegates conference. However, the very mention of the two who are members of the Luo community by Ida and Oburu has not only been seen as tragic but also careless and selfish. To imagine therefore that the two senior most Odinga family members are airing their views in blatant disregard to obvious expectations by Kenyans’ that either of the two arty leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho will be proposed to steer the party in the absence of the party leader, is a loaded statement that cannot be ignored. Similarly, it is raising the often unmentionable undercurrents that characterise the party as often felt by other party members outside Luo community. It is important to note that other communities in ODM have always been treated as second class members and one just has to question the distribution of party positions in Parliament. One will always notice that the juiciest parliamentary positions are always reserved for Luos much as their contribution to party’s success is minimal. Why Raila Odinga is confused

Vol. 27 No. 10 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 3 news Our Reporter As Kenya Medical Supplies Authority management announced new reforms in its procurement, human resource, warehousing and logistics sections among others, there is a lot of suspicion in the recruitment processes with word that board chair Irungu Nyakera is planting his friends and cronies in strategic positions to achieve his perceived selfish ends. The move comes after Nyakera and chief executive officer Andrew Mulwa claimed Kemsa is bloated with staff. Majority of Kemsa staff are relatives or lovers to senior managers strategically planted in stores and procurement department to facilitate tender manipulations and supply deals. Weekly Citizen has names of individuals Nyakera and Mulwa have recently employed at Kemsa. Talk is rife that after consolidating his power in strategic positions including procurement, Nyakera’s next target is the CEO slot. Nyakera’s appointment followed the revocation of Daniel Rono’s appointment, Rono had held the post since March 2023. Other persons who were appointed to the Kemsa board were Hezbon Oyieko, Bernard Bett, Jane Masiga and Jane Nyagaturi. What has left tongues wagging is the recent advertisement for the position of procurement director whose applications, accompanied with a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and testimonials should reach the acting chief executive officer and director human resource and administration by March 15 2024. The director human resource and administration is said to be close to Nyakera and runs his errands in recruitment process. Talk is, Nyakera is plotting to have a Kikuyu in plum procurement position. Kemsa board, during a turnaround status update, announced that Gilbert Mamati, the acting procurement director, had been asked to step aside to independently respond to audit queries. Weekly Citizen has information, the manner in which Mamati was haunted out has left many managers reading witchhunt and not work related issues Kemsa board recently reshuffled 23 staff following an internal audit. Earlier, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei had announced that the government would be firing at least 200 workers on contract at Kemsa The director, procurement is responsible for providing leadership and oversight to the procurement function. As per the advertisement which is tailored to land Nyakera preferred person, candidates should have a Masters degree in supply chain management, procurement, commerce, finance or any other businessrelated field from a reputable institution, Bachelors degree in supply chain management, procurement, commerce, finance or any other businessrelated field from a reputable institution, at least 10 years’ relevant work experience, of which five years must be in senior management position and professional qualification from Kenya Institute of Supplies Management or Chartered Institute of Procure- ment and Supply. Reports we have is that many managers are in acting capacity and are set to go. If Mulwa’s removal is effected by the chairman, the person to take over is George Walukana, acting commercial director customer service manager. Nyakera Mulwa Walukana Suspicious recruitment of staff at Kemsa Our Reporter Police in Machakos county are investigating an incident where four men and an estranged wife of a Nairobi businessman went to his Kyumbi village home in a car with government registration numbers plates. What is puzzling the investigators is the mission they were upto, bearing in mind that the businessman and the estranged wife, one Joyce Bosibori Somoni are not staying together. The businessman divorced Bosibori, a deputy director Nairobi city county government. He now fears for his life following the incident that was reported at Kyumbi Police Station. The incident reportedly happened on Tuesday, February 20 2024 at 3 pm according to police report seen by Weekly Citizen. The motor vehicle used has registration GKB 362W, Isuzu D-MAX double cabin. It was driven to his home in Maanzoni area. The vehicle was driven by a male driver with four occupants who included his ex-wife. At first they arrived at Maanzoni Lodge where they left their car, a Toyota Alphard and changed to the GK one. The motive and intention remains unknown but it has emerged that Bosibori was with his brother during the visit. Fear is that they might have been profiling the home with two other strangers with intention of committing a felony or possible assassination after the tycoon secured a divorce against her. The five are said to have been there on a surveillance mission or a possible criminal mission. It is feared that since Bosibori is a senior officer in the county government, she is capable of manipulating things to her personal interest. It is suspected that the woman could be out to harm him after he ended their 24-year matrimony. The car reportedly pulled up at the gate and stopped for a while but occupants neither alighted nor sought to talk to anyone at the home. It then drove ahead a short distance past the gate, made a U-turn and drove off back to Maanzoni Lodge where the occupants are said to have taken a late afternoon meal, and left in the two cars towards Nairobi direction. Sources say, since the divorce, Bosibori has not been herself and has been issuing threats left right and centre. What is top Nairobi county director upto? Our Reporter A move by Kenya Union of Societies Cooperative Company Mutual Assurance to hire a financial adviser has raised eyebrows at the firm. The Mutual Assurance is part of Kuscco investments in insurance industry just like it has done in various sectors including real estate development. Insiders say the move is aimed at the removal of Jackline Atieno, the Kuscco company secretary and of one of the remnants of George Ototo former Kuscco CEO. Atieno by virtue of her position, sits on various Kuscco investments board. It is said, all is not well at Kuscco Mutual Assurance forcing the planned hire of a financial adviser to give guidance. Atieno was a force during Ototo regime. Kuscco management team has Martin Gillo (cooperatives manager) Willis Orwe (audit manager), Allan Mahonga (finance manager), Anthony Muendo (ICT manager), Anthony Yeso (pension and Beryl Nandwa (manager business development). Ever since Ototo left, the company secretary has not been herself as she is said to have played a key role in suspicious dealing during Ototo era. Ototo was unceremoniously removed by a section of the board. Ototo was replaced by Arnold Munene in an acting capacity. Head of Kuscco housing Julius Odera another Ototo ally has also been targeted together with finance George Owino who many expected to have been appointed to act upon Ototo exist as CEO. Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority is currently carrying out an audit on Kuscco following allegations of illegal deposit-taking business. Panic at Kuscco Mutual Assurance Atieno. GATATHA FARMERS COMPANY LIMITED RE:ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT The Chairman and Board of Directors, Gatatha Farmers Company Limited, invite all shareholders to their annual general meeting to be held on Saturday23-03-2024 at 10.00 am at Yara Estate. All shareholders should present their share Certificates, ID Cards and Personal Identification Number (Pin. Number) Cards. Yours faithfully, PETER M.GAKWA CHAIRMAN For GATATHA FARMERS COMPANY LIMITED P.O BOX 14-00900, KIAMBU TEL:066-52103 FAX:020-3537027

4 Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Vol. 27 No. 10 [email protected] @Mzeewakibera EDITORIAL There have been resounding calls of support from home and across for Raila Odinga to ascend to continental politics as chairman of the African Union formerly, the Organisation of African Unity. AU brings together African heads of state and government and Raila’s stab at its helm of the continental body ushers in fond memories of the likes of then OAU precursor Secretary General, the late South African foremost son, Nzo Egangaki, alongside other African luminaries, in bringing Africa to the altar of international politics. The next AU chair must thus bring on the table – the African desire – the desire to emancipate itself from past colonial hegemony – the desire to safeguard the pride of its people for it was in the interest of that course and concept that soon after the independence of its 54 states, the continent had to move on forward and backwards never. If the Kenyan doyen of opposition politics, Raila, surmounts all odds and saddles in one of the continent’s key respected position of leadership, then Raila, despite his spirited fight five times for Kenya’s presidency, he will go down as one Nigerian writer puts it – Raila Odinga: An Enigma in Kenyan politics – and indeed, so to add, the African continent. Should Raila sail through, he will be expected to take over the mantle from former Chadian Foreign Minister, Moussa Faki, who will be exiting office at the AU headquarters at Africa House, in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, and whose tenure of office has been remarkable. For Raila to triumph, he needs grassroots support from home and indeed East Africa. If the support he has received so far in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, including the aggressive push from the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance and its lieutenants, and if that is anything to go by, then the sky is the limit. It was no surprise therefore, that president William Ruto met Raila in the presence of Uganda’s strongman president Yoweri Museveni herding the ankole cows together. If that was to sound to unification of East Africans, then that was a true moment to bring the East African community together and indeed, the dream and concept of the African Union. Africa must unite through the African Union. It is a dream that former Nigerian president, Olegusun Obasanjo, would want to live to see wholly germinate freely without any encumbrances. East Africa must dialogue, agree on quest for AU chair The standoff between the Council of Governors and the National Treasury over disbursement of funds is unnecessary, time consuming and indeed, retarding the gear towards socio-economic advancement in the 47 devolved units across the entire country. During the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council meeting chaired by deputy president Rigathi Gachagua recently, there ought not to be any more acrimony in delaying the remittance of funds to the aggrieved counties. Furthermore, the National Treasury knows too well that it is obligated to pay former councillors in the defunct county and municipal councils their dues as passed in parliament and senate, yet Treasury does not give that an ear as an issue when the former civic leaders continue languishing in poverty! There needs to be no further delay in the disbursement of funds to county governments on the agreed formula. The counties need funds to pay salaries, contractors etc. The National Treasury should not be seen as the bottleneck in the implementation of development projects in the devolved units, but as the mover of the same by releasing the funds to the counties timely, and on agreed shareable formula to stimulate economic growth in every corner of the entire country. Dispatch funds to counties on time OFF-THE-CUFF Muguka drug poses doom to Kenya Help me good Kenyans, and not so good ones, to square these circles. How is it that a chokora in Mombasa can afford cocaine and heroin when in Nairobi, only the rich can afford those drugs? It’s a paradox that has spurned all sorts of conspiracy theories with one that suggests that the drugs in Mombasa are work of America which as part of its war against terrorism. Those of this view say that the implementation of this plan started in the 1990s when islamic radicalism began to take root across West Asia and Africa. A drug addict, Americans know - and they should know because there’s no country with more drug addicts than America - has no time for religion and so the more muslim youth become drug users, the lesser terrorists because where would terrorist recruiters find youth to preach to and radicalise? There have been theories that the drugs in Mombasa are part of the consignments America impounds from drug traffickers and that it is rechanneled to Coast of Kenya to “fight terrorism”. The drugs, you hear talk on the street, are given for free to the distributors who sell it at throwaway price to lent the saga a veneer of commercialism. If this was business in the strict sense of it, one in trying to want to believe this theory asks, Nairobi would be the place to do it because it has more economic power and also has bigger population, market if you like, than Mombasa, so why Mombasa? And one can’t argue that the police in Nairobi are tough and hence deter the vice because aren’t they the same police who are transferred to Mombasa? And one can’t attribute this to gang territories as to say that the drug dealers of Mombasa are kept off Nairobi by the gangs of Nairobi because in any case Nairobi doesn’t have any drugs at least not in the slums like in Mombasa except in upscale areas such as Lavington, Kilimani, Karen, Runda etc where the cocaine that goes for Sh400 in Mombasa goes for Sh10,000. Square this circle for me too. When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanism in 2021, they immediately declared war on opium growing and had hundreds of thousands of acres of poppy destroyed. Poppy is the part of the opium plant whose sap is harvested and processed into heroin. One would have expected America to pat the Taliban on the back for working towards reduction of heroin that goes to America but no. America is against the Taliban for clearing opium plantations. It’s worth noting that one third of the male population of Afghanism is addicted to heroin and are zombies. Zombies of course can’t be radicalised and so those are terrorists out of the math. There are many ways of skinning a cat apparently. Square this circle for me too if you can. Just like other Kenyans, I’ve said bye to our fake political news television stations, radios and newspapers so I watch documentaries instead. I saw a documentary of lorry driver in Bolivia and he was chewing muguka leaves which they call coca there to, in his words, relax and keep sleep away just as they say here. Incidentally, the cultivation of coca which is processed had been banned in Bolivia due to pressure from America but the leftist president Eva Morales has allowed the cultivation saying that it’s what his poor parents relied on to take him to school. You see the women in Bolivia farms pluck the leaves and you’ll think you’re in Embu and you see the peddlers spread it out to air and you’ll think you’re in the streets of Nairobi or the trading centres across Kenya where this drug is waited by the addicted youth to arrive you’d think it’s a life-saving medicine they’re waiting for. At this juncture, let me remind you of the boiling water syndrome so that you can get to know that it’s easier to square a circle than to rectangle a triangle. A frog jumped into a pot of water at night and found the environment in there so good it decided to actually stay. In the morning someone lit the fire under the pot and the frog felt nice as the water warmed, the water was heating so gradually that the frog’s body was adopting to the unnoticeably increasing degrees and so even as the water became hot the frog wasn’t feeling any unease. When the water started boiling, it was too late for the frog to jump out. People, let’s stop burying our heads in the sand or else when we pull our heads out, we’ll find that we have no youth to take over the mantle from us. Not that it’s much of a mantle if how we’re ourselves behaving is anything to go by. If there’s anyone who bears the blame for the doom of Kenya that’s looming, it’s the adult population and moreso the ones in positions of leadership specifically at the policy-formulation level. Like the frog, we’re cooking slowly and the water is just now becoming hot but in one minute the water is going to start boiling. It takes a chemical to turn coca into cocaine and muguka is no different. Lets just say it’s a minute before Kenya becomes the biggest producer of cocaine in Africa. Not that muguka before it’s turned into cocaine is less worse. Already, it has turned Kenyan youth into twolegged goats. Yet to call muguka and miraa eaters goats is to insult goats. While goats provide milk, manure, meat and skin, these two-legged harbivores aren’t productive because they wake up weaker and weaker with every day that follows a night of munching leaves. Matter of fact, it’s only that parents don’t say it but one would rather rear a goat than have a muguka-addicted son. They wish Riggy G would, as he impounds and smashes bottles of liquor, be uprooting muguka and miraa plants. We can’t condone this any further in the name of votes. What would Kenya rather; lose some votes or lose country’s future? Unless we’ve all become goats, it’s clear. It takes a chemical to turn coca into cocaine and it’s the same chemical that would turn muguka into cocaine

Vol. 27 No. 10 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 5 Ever since the announcement that the p o s i t i o n chairperson of the African Union Commission would fall vacant and replacement was required, it has triggered speculation that sparked debate in Kenya as the country’s candidate Raila Odinga edge for the job. Un f o r t u n a t e l y, Kenya’s battle for the seat of AU is mixed in the murky and unfinished 2022 election matrix- the William Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila political influence-a battle sharply driven by UDA party and the president who has accused former president Uhuru of backing Tanzania’s candidate Jakaya Kikwete instead of our own Raila. This was sparked by Musalia Mudavadi, the prime cabinet secretary whose docket involves Foreign Affairs, who while in Bondo talked about Raila’s bid as the country’s candidate and said he should not be viewed as the political rival. Other Kenya Kwanza political leaders declared their stand and support for Raila as the most qualified. Still, it must be stated that Africans for decades have suffered from poor leadership. According to the AU website, applicants for the seat must have a Master’s degree in Law, International Relations, Economics, D i p l o m a c y , M a n a g e m e n t , B u s i n e s s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , Political Science and Social Science and PhD degree would be an added advantage. Unfortunately, the continent continues to vote in jokers, weak men and women and cranks who are supported by cheap government ending up with the ‘wrong’ candidates for the job. This time round, we should place the best and ablest at the helm of our continent-after all, we want to win the 21st century as the ‘African Century’ where the geopolitics is key. Eastern African region has to produce AU yardstick – a historic mission to give the continent its Moses. Historically, so far Africa has produced former chairs from other regions of the continent before the outgoing AU CEO Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad who has high qualifications as former prime minister of Chad and a holder of masters of Public Law degree. Former Mali president Alpha Konare was a university professor of History and Archeologist. His successor, Gabon Foreign Minister Jean Ping has a doctorate in Economics. South African Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, a woman is a medical doctor with multiple degrees and diplomas and former Foreign minister. None of the above candidates comes from the Eastern part of Africa and Raila highly qualifies, he is former prime minister of Kenya. The government of president Ruto should continue to support him as a Kenyan candidate and if possible, the battle for AUC seat and bring another ‘handshake’ for the common good of the country. Let us all put politics aside and revisit our patriotism and nationalism that begets Pan-Africanism in the entire continent. Shuttle diplomacy should take the centre stage as campaigns reigns until early next year. In conclusion, the Kenyan government must solidly support its own interest and make sure that Raila gets the job for its own sustained credible image in the continent and a reputation international arena, otherwise a failure will be Ruto’s personal defeat! The author is a lecturer at the School of Information Sciences Moi University in Eldoret. Kurgatmartin1@gmail. com Shuttle diplomacy should take the centre stage as campaigns reigns until early next year. The private security regulation Act 2016 set forth regulations and a framework for cooperation between the private security services industry and the state agencies that deal with security in accordance with the values and principles set out in the constitution of Kenya. The industry now anchored under the ministry of Interior and National Administration established Private Security Regulatory Authority whose mandate is to ensure effective administration, supervision, regulation and control of all the private security services as well as formulate and enforce standards for the conduct in the republic of Kenya. In November 2019, the parliamentary committee on delegated legislation annulled the proposed Private Security (General) Guidelines, 2019 drawn by the ministry of Interior and meant to operationalise the Private Security Regulation Act 2016. The committee cited a lack of public participation in the process of formulating the guidelines as the principal rationale for declining the regulations in entirety. The report was adopted by parliament. Judiciously, chapter 8 of the constitution of Kenya, establishes the legislature as the grand law-making body. Article 94(5) precludes all other persons or bodies from making provisions except under authority conferred by the constitution or by legislation. It is only in certain isolated cases that parliament may pass an Act without making provisions relating to the essential matters of implementation. In such a scenario with the law in force, it is left to the executing body to propose provisions for the Act. Notably, parliament under strict supervision may also delegate its legislative authority to certain government agencies for purposes of coming up with subsidiary legislation. For close to five years, the operations of the private security industry in the country have appeared to be in vacuity. Sectoral actors have continued to apportion unending incriminations against each other and to the government at large. These rifts and wrangles including court battles have deterred reforms in the industry. The majority of private security service providers operate below the required minimum threshold standards. The trickledown effect has yielded preferential noncompetitive tendering processes through undercutting, minimum concern to the general welfare of workers and corruption among other vices in the sector. Whether viewed as escapism or not, stakeholders continue to attribute the challenges and impunity in place as an output of nonexistence of sectoral guidelines. The ministry of Interior and National Administration is reenvisioning the establishment of private security (General) guidelines, 2024 as provided for under the provisions of the Private Security Regulation Act No 13 of 2016. This is a fresh opportunity for the private security providers, employers, employees, consumers of private security services, Unions and the general public to mold the desired footpath by actively submitting their views, proposals and memoranda to the cabinet secretary, ministry of Interior and National Administration or at any of county commissioners offices in the 47 counties. The window for submission is bound to elapse by March 12 2024. All actors are on notice to provide their input in particular on clauses touching on the procedure for the appointment of members of PSRA board, the general guidelines, fidelity fund operations and use of animals in private security services. The gravity of public participation is captured in article 118 of the constitution. It is therefore salient for employer associations such as KSIA, Prosak, MSIA, PSIA, the workers Union; KNPSWU and the labour centre; Cotu(K) to conceptualise and embrace public participation as a foundational principle of democracy. It is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic system of governance as stated in chapter 1 of the constitution of Kenya . Notably, citizenry public participation both at the county and national government levels remains a grey area of concern and continues to be an outcry to a majority with many citing lack of awareness, involvement and deliberate skewing of such forums for self-interests. Citizen involvement in policy-making and implementation strengthens and deepens good governance. International and regional accords to which Kenya is a signatory are spurring governments to take steps to improve transparency and accountability through public participation. Stakeholders need not to be at the fence but actively engage, critic the proposed new regulations and adopt that which is objectively addressing the concerns of the private security sector in fairness. The writer is founder Integrated Development Network [email protected] Private security actors, should embrace public participation forums I can never doubt that president William Ruto understands Kenya’s politics pretty well and above most if not all the current generation of politicians. He has perfected president Daniel Moi giraffe sight of Kenya’s politics. He is thoroughly a Machiavellian and a perfect schemer. The latest manoeuvre to support seasoned Kenya’s opposition maestro and his former friend and later nemesis in politics Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission chairperson should not be taken lightly. For president Ruto it comes with double blessings or more. Win or lose for Raila, Ruto has taken the opportunity to rebrand himself as someone who can cut deals with anybody no matter the prevailing or previous political circumstances. He would obviously want to prove he has no problem with any Kenyan. For Raila’s win, Ruto will have made a lot of peace with his erstwhile friend turned archrival and scoop something significant from his significant political bases in the country. He will inevitably have managed to mute aggressive opposition on the political side from a seasoned never say die politician. If Raila loses he will still have found a way to contain him and more probably have another scheme to mollify him. Either way Ruto will not lose anything on this one. In any case Ruto is not a politician who sits on his laurels and wait for success. I expect he will aggressively reach out to other African heads of states in Africa for the requisite support. Moreover, Raila has his own numerous powerful friends in Africa. For Ruto it is another chapter in his stretch of strategic layering of his political career – building step by step deftly. The Moicraft in Ruo is really smart. He himself is an astute political player and a deft schemer perhaps and based on current circumstances signifies being a step better than his mentor. He sees the risk of current political and economic situations as it heralds to 2027 politics and beyond. He looks more keen to be better prepared than former presidents such as Moi, Kibaki and Uhuru to nurture the kind of paradigm he would want to see after he leaves power whatever time that will be. He understands the tribal dynamics in Kenyan politics and the dangers posed by our economic situation that makes Kenya perpetually on the verge of some instability. The 2027 re-election is obviously in his mind and he knows the risks of some bases exiting from his orbit or lowering their stock of votes for him. Therefore, he has to do proper political risk management and we can see it clearly happening. He has intelligently started adequately early without showing his hands fully. In politics obscuring one moves is part of an important stock in assets. Post his rule he has his mind on perhaps what he feels would be better for him and Kenya. Knowing where we have come from, especially in recent times especially in mind of some of the chaos after some presidential elections more so the 2007 one, he has to take clever gambles early enough. Perhaps mentoring and smoothing the paths for one or two or three potential and preferred successors is embedded in his mind already. He has to prepare the ground for the person or even some few others early enough. He has seen enough of previous succession patterns and knows that circumstances turn around and change completely even with some of the best laid plans. Therefore, an early ground planning, shifting, engineering and reengineering is necessary. For Raila one cannot tell whether clinching the seat means retirement from Kenyan politics. It looks more likely as this is a good soft landing after many years of sweat. In event he loses, Raila would be easily back to Kenyan politics and could come back with a more loaded political arsenal. Consequently, president Ruto has to manage that risk very well and one can bet he is already working on that. Some have been wondering who will check on the government excesses without Raila on the space. The reality is it cannot always be Raila doing the heavy lifting. He himself has a life to live and own interests to take care for. He has fought many battles and he has to start the winding up process. If he wins it would be getting it home, good for Kenya and Africa as well for he has deep political and relational experiences. If he loses, expect him to come back with another political force and energy. I foresee some changes in the constitution notwithstanding Raila winning the AU seat or not. There is some polishing work needed. One however hopes that some of the dear clauses like the two term presidential terms limit remain intact. The same for safeguarding some of the dear freedoms such as those of expression, media and those that help maintain peace and harmony and numerous of those facilitating progress in our society. We need a society with some good level of predictability in our politics, laws and the entire ecosystem managing our country’s affairs. The political activities and scheming by Ruto reminds me of the premier UEFA Champions League. In the finals of 2018, Spanish giants Real Madid was meeting renowned name in the competition English giants Liverpool. Liverpool had two deadly strikers in Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah while Real Madrid had its own top stars led by the Portuguese and global soccer icon Christiano Ronaldo. The deadly Real Madrid defender then was the Spaniard and centre-back player Sergio Ramos. During this contest at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium Kyiv Ukraine, in the early stages of the first half there were good indications that victory could go either way. Sometimes in the same half Ramos was seen having his arm locked around Salah’s shoulder and both subsequently fell down injuring the Liverpool star badly that he had to be taken out on the 30th minute. The striker was later diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder and during the rest of the match he had to watch his Liverpool side succumb to a devastating 3-1 defeat. Salah’s injury devastated the Liverpool team and led by their coach Jurgen Klopp were quite furious and the damaged morale played a big part in the team’s defeat. Combined with Mane at the goal poaching Salah and team would have posed a big threat to Real Madrid and chances of them winning were good at the onset. This analogy could be playing in Kenya politics at the moment. The scenario may not be as brutal as that match of Real Madrid versus Liverpool 2018 UEFA Champions League final especially in regards to the ruthless defending and sleight of hand that was easily perceptible but the politics being played at the top level in Kenya at the moment have some great ramifications to the country going forward and do in some way mimic that sporting event. The writer is a political, economic and social analyst and commentator [email protected] Ruto political schemer who is also giraffe in Kenya’s politics These rifts and wrangles including court battles have deterred reforms in the industry. DENNIS WENDO Why Raila should be AU chair regional candidate MARTIN KURGAT In politics obscuring one moves is part of an important stock in assets. HARRISON MWIRIGI IKUNDA

6 Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Vol. 27 No. 10 news Alex Kazungu Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission have arrested Taita Taveta county deputy speaker Anselm Mwadime for the loss of a staggering Sh17 million in a fraudulent trip to Zanzibar for bonding. According to EACC statement, Anselm with Taita Taveta county assembly clerk Gadiel Maganga, have been under investigations for the trip where the said amount of money was misappropriated after a complaint was lodged. Weekly Citizen has information those who were in the Zanzibar trip will also be forced to pay the dues used. It was here that the county assembly of Taita Taveta allegedly used forged travel clearance letters purportedly issued by the principal secretary ministry of Devolution as authority to travel to Zanzibar. EACC further revealed that out of the 30 officers who were paid imprest to travel to Zanzibar, 25 officials travelled and spent five nights in Zanzibar and one night locally as opposed to six nights in Zanzibar resulting into a loss of Sh1,033,288. It was also established that four officials did not travel, and that one officer travelled for three nights in Zanzibar. EACC says this resulted into a loss of Sh 1,182,263. EACC claims, officers delegated for the training were paid full daily subsistence allowance while in Zanzibar for five nights, yet Bonfire Adventures through WSPUK had paid accommodation at Marijani beach resort and spa hotel at $132 per night for the same officers while attending the conference at the hotel. EACC says this resulted into loss of public funds to the tune of Sh3,965,889. After approval of Directorate of Public Prosecutions, they were charged with abuse of office contrary to section 46 as read with section 48 of the AntiCorruption and Economic Crimes Act No 3 of 2003, wilful failure to comply with the law applicable, regulations and guidelines relating to procurement, uttering false documents contrary to section 353 of the penal code, false accounting by a public officer and financial misconduct. Maganga had gone under fearing arrest. He was said to have taken refuge at Airbnb along Mombasa Road alone. According to our source, in such difficulty situation, one trusts nobody including the wife and secret lovers, and that is exactly what the clerk did. Mwadime is Mwanda Mghange MCA and his political future now is cooked and hangs in the balance as his opponents are already using the case to de campaign him on the ground. A joke is being said of how Mwadime is a cursed person as he used to loot on entertainment. Sources close to the duo claim that they are not themselves but only in deep thoughts. For the clerk, he has to step aside with aspirant in Mwanda Mghanda ward planning to have voters append signatures to recall the embattled MCA. The end of road for Taita Taveta deputy speaker, clerk Our Reporter Former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya faces prosecution over graft related charges following recommendations by the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission after the conclusion of its investigations. Not spared is Kakamega tycoon Cleophas Shimanyula popularly known as Toto, who during Oparanya’s era landed lucrative business deals including cleaning services. Weekly Citizen has information, to the effect that the trouble with Oparanya has to do with Sh15 million down payment to buy one of his Karen house by a contractor namely Sabema International Limited. The payment was done through his lawyers account. Reports indicate that during the dealings, one of Oparanya’s wife became sick and was admitted at Nairobi Hospital. The contractor, thus decided to ask for refund back but Oparanya declined. Those close to Oparanya say, being an accountant by profession, when any money even Sh100 gets into the former governor’s account, it rarely gets out. It is on the said basis that while in office as Kakamega governor, one of his sons was moving around targetting businessmen with a Dagorreti North political aspirant Gilbert Shilibwa.They made a kill of getting tenders to do county supplies. The said son made a loot from former Kesses MP Swarup Mishra. Oparanya is accused of conflict of interest by irregularly benefitting from Sh56 million from the county government during the financial year 2013/2014 to FY 2021/2022 through companies associated with him and cronies. According to the report, the companies sent kickbacks to Oparanya through his close proxies. Some of the companies identified in the report include AFBA Construction Company Limited, Western Cross Express limited, Sabema International Limited and Sesela Resources Limited with the companies said to have been awarded 60 contracts valued at over Sh2.2 billion. Western Cross Express belongs to Shimanyula. The anti-graft agency is also accusing the former governor of entering into a tenancy agreement with the county government for Sh9.2 million which was established to have been his property in the county. Your favourite Weekly Citizen exposed the scandal when Oparanya was in power. “It was also established that the former governor entered into a tenancy agreement with the Kakamega county government for lease of Land Reference No Marama/ Shianda/442 and the buildings erected thereon for Sh9,200,000. The said land was established to be the governor’s property yet again he was being paid by the county government in a clear case of conflict of interest,” reads the report. Oparanya is expected to face four counts, which include conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption contrary to section 47(a)(3) as read with sections 48(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003, conflict of interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with section 48 of the AntiCorruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003, abuse of office contrary to section 46 as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, No 3 of 2003 and money laundering contrary to section 3 (B) (I) as read with section 16 (1) of the proceeds of crime and Anti-money laundering Act 2009. Also to be charged alongside the former governor is his wife Sharon Mirella Wakhu, county officials, Peter Lukoye and John Imbogo. Directors of the firms on the radar are Shimanyula alias Toto, Robert Ouma John, Godrick Ekisa Oduu. Wycliffe Mokongo, Joseph Obulinji, and Kennedy Nyaundi, the lawyer who was involved in the transaction for purchase of property. His name features in the Karen land purchase. Tycoons, EACC plan to arrest with Oparanya Mwadime Mnyambo Joe Rugu A 36-year-old man from Kibingoti village in Ndia, Kirinyaga county was lynched and his body burnt beyond recognition for stealing arrowroots valued at Sh500. Muriithi Muchiri was subjected to the fatal beating after being found in possession of the arrow roots hidden in a sack. According to Kirinyaga West subcounty police commander Moses Koskei, those who lynched him broke the law. Omar Akello Two people among them an officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations were stabbed to death by suspected criminals in the Riat area of Kisumu West subcounty. They were attacked on their way home. A 42-year-old DCI officer based in Nairobi was also attacked by the same gang as he was walking home. According to Dago sublocation assistant chief Mark Odhiambo, they suffered several stab wounds in their bodies. Nothing was stolen from either of them. Omar Akello Two members of the Migori county assembly were s u s p e n d e d from the house for two months for allegedly breaching the house rules and regulations. The county a s s e m b l y speaker Owino Likoa moved on North Kadem ward representative Olima Obonyo and his East K a nya m k a go w a r d counterpart, N o r m a n Ogolla, for being unruly. M C A s Olima and Ogolla were bitter, county assembly leadership was frustrating them because of their stand against alleged massive corruption in the house and the county executive. They have threatened to expose how county assembly and the executive plundered public funds and invite Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. The two MCAs became unruly during the debate, forcing Likoa, a former MP to act by suspending them from the house activities. According to Likoa, they went against the assembly which is guided by its rules and regulaions. Likoa has allegedly pocketed millions in travellimg allowances and on dubious projects together with clerk of assembly. Olima Ogolla Owino Sh500 arrowroots theft sends Kirinyaga man to grave DCI officer slain Kisumu Migori MCAs expose speaker Oparanya Imbogo Shimanyula Sharon

Vol. 27 No. 10 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 7 Chirima politicspeople Our Reporter If there is a tribe that punches lower than its weight, it is the Kamba. This weakness manifests itself most noticeably in the capital city of Nairobi where as unbelievable as it sounds, Kambas have only one MP out of 17 MPs and only five MCAs out of 39 elected MCAs. It is a number that is in total variance with the fact that Kambas form 11pc of the city population second to Kikuyus who make nearly 30pc of the population. As much as Kambas have such a huge percentage when it comes to population, they do not represent a similar number when it comes to voter registration in the city with many who are counted as Nairobi dwellers when it comes to censors, registering as voters in their rural homes in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni. Not that the voting day migration to Ukambani that makes bus stations in Nairobi look like Christmas exodus as Kambas travel upcountry is entirely to blame for the failure of Kambas to capture seats in Nairobi. A bigger number of Kambas voters approximately 600,000 is left in Nairobi where they cast their ballot. The problem being that as much as Kambas in Nairobi would wish to vote for their tribesman or woman as indeed Kikuyus and Luos do, there are hardly any Kambas offering themselves to be elected. Talking to Kambas in Nairobi both voters and would-be aspirants, they blame Kamba party leaders of not casting their political nets further from Ukambani and extending to Nairobi. It is ironical that Kambas’ proximity to Nairobi has become a curse for the tribe as far as politics goes because Kambas dash to their homes to register as voters and then return to Nairobi. This is the opposite of Luos who because their native homes are too far away for one to afford bus fare to go home and register, they register in Nairobi enmass knowing that if they go to register in Homa Bay or Bondo, then there is a likelihood of them not voting because they might not have the bus fare to and fro Nyanza. The location of Kambas being next door to Nairobi and being as it were, costing them next to nothing in bus fare, has now come to haunt Kambas politically. It is against this background that Kambas in Nairobi have been reduced to onlookers at best and beggars at worst when it comes to the distribution of bursaries and other political goodies that come from the position of MP, governor, senator, woman rep or MCA. Talk on the ground in Nairobi is that Luos and Kikuyus are getting bursaries first before other tribes are considered. The problem is more pronounced in areas where there are Luo MPs with the poor nonLuos saying that they are told that bursary has not been released yet Luo are given bursaries through the backdoor. Go to any part of Kibera or Mathare and the children who are not reporting to school because of lack of bursary will more likely be Kamba or Luhya. Even in areas where there are ODM Luhya MPs, it is said that the first priority when it comes to bursaries and other benefits are Luos. With ODM having seven constituencies it controls, it goes without saying what the community gets the lion’s share of the goodies that constituency power brings with it. Given that there is only one Kamba MP, Julius Mawathe of Embakasi South, the heart bleeds for Kambas as one imagines the hurdles placed on their way before they can reach the table of Nairobi politics to collect crumbs falling off the table where they are not represented and oft times they are the menu. It is for this reason that Kambas wonder what sort of horsetrading Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka does with ODM leader Raila Odinga in their coalition agreement that see Kambas support Raila’s presidency. Unless Kalonzo does not know what he is doing in politics which seems the case going by the fact that he never extracts concessions for the tribe from Raila in exchange of Kambas votes, he is doing a great disservice to Kambas, making them throw away their votes when a vote is an investment a voter puts in expecting to reap the benefits in the form of benefits that come from leadership. Because Raila is always the coalition’s presidential candidate, Kalonzo would, if he truly cared for Kambas or knew what is good for them, would be demanding that Raila party supports Kambas to get seats in Nairobi. But again, there is nothing to be given for free and Kalonzo assuming that he considers himself leader of Kambas should be making forays in Nairobi estates to prop up Kambas willing to contest. As it were however, Kalonzo will never take the trouble of touring any estate in Nairobi for political mission and is always waiting for Raila to call for a rally for Kalonzo to hitch a lift. It is troubling for instance that Kalonzo has never been to Kibera’s Laini Saba which is a Kamba enclave. Laini Saba has one of the five Kamba MCAs John Ndile of Wiper. The other enclave is Mlango Kubwa, popularly known as Kwa Mutisya in Mathare where a Kamba, Susan Makungu is an MCA on Wiper party. Another Kamba enclave is Kware where Wiper won through Scholastica Muthoni. In Pipeline which is known as ushago by Kambas because it is almost 100pc Kamba, the MCA is Musango Maithya. There is also Joel Munuve of Kariobangi North who is independent. Munuve is the Nairobi county assembly minority leader. And they are not the only regions of Nairobi Kambas dominate. In Huruma estate for example, Kambas would take nearly all the ward seats without a sweat if only they set out to and had the support of Kamba parties such as Wiper, Chap chap, CCU, Narc or even UDA whose chairman in the last elections was Johnson Muthama, and whose secretary general is Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka. UDA today has 36 MCAs in Nairobi and none is Kamba. Whoever is going to get the vote for president between UDA and ODM, Kambas in Nairobi have warned, there is not going to be a Kamba vote without an agreement that Kambas will in exchange get no less than five seats for parliament and 15 seats for MCA. It is to be remembered that in the 2022 elections, Kambas had agreed to vote for Raila in exchange of his people voting for Philip Kaloki as deputy governor in Nairobi with Jubilee’s Polycarp Igathe as the governor but Raila quietly had his people vote UDA’s Johnson Sakaja as governor. Sakaja is now repaying Raila handsomely. Kambas have always asked how come Azimio got the senate seat, woman rep seat, had their presidential candidate Raila beat Ruto in Nairobi, had the most of the MCAs but did not get the governor’s seat? In order for Kambas to rally themselves in an organised manner, there is now a Facebook group Nairobi Kambas Public Square to ventilate their concerns and grievances. Among the parliamentary seats that Kamba can easily capture at least three are the Embakasis and Makadara. Indeed, there are those of the view that Kambas can get as many as six seats in Nairobi and the governor seat if they were well organised politically and made deliberate efforts to register in a schemed manner even if it meant Kambas being ferried from nearby Ukambani to come and register in Nairobi. That Kambas are truly the sick man of Nairobi politics is being illustrated by the fact that since independence, they have had only three MPs in Nairobi with Samuel Kivuitu MP for Parklands in the 1970s, George Nthenge MP for Kamukunji in 1992, Mike Sonko MP for Makadara in 2009 as MP for Makadara and now the lifeless Mawathe of Embakasi South. Drama as Kwale treasury boss is re-arrested Kamba tribe: The sick man of Nairobi politics? Kivuitu Nthenge Mawathe Sonko Munuve Alex Kazungu There was drama as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission rearrested Kwale county head of Treasury Vincent Mbito, on matters relating the fraudulent acquisition of Sh3 million from the country government. “Bwani nini tena, bwana nini tena (What is it again, what is it again)”, a sweating Mbito was overheard saying. At Mombasa’s Port Police Station where he was held, Mbito kept on praying, making frantic calls. Friends visited him with food and drinks but it looked he had lost appetite. Mbito and his partners in crime face five graft-related charges. They are alleged og having influenced the award of 10 tenders to two of their firms. Mbito is in trouble with Mongo Mbito Mongo (county revenue officer), Hassan Mbito, (Driver, Kwale Water and Sewerage Company Lim-ited), Mwaiwe Mongo Mbito (Kwale county procurement officer) and Chindoro Mongo Mbito, formerly an intern at Kwale county now stationed at the ministry of health. The five counts are of fraudulent acquisition of public property, engaging in fraudulent procurement practices, engaging in fraudulent practices with the intention of influencing the procurement process for various tenders that were awarded to Chilongola Holding Limited, uttering a false document, and conflict of interest. They are said to have committed all the offenses between June 2018 and July 2021 within Kwale county in the republic of Kenya.” The suspects pleaded not guilty to all five charges and were each granted a Sh1 million bond with one surety of similar amount or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000. The case will go pre-trial on March 12 2024.

8 Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Vol. 27 No. 10 news David Kamren Commonly known as Farouk, his full name is Farouk Teigut Kibet. H e has called the shots around William Ruto over the past decades and now determines the fate of those seeking to get access to the president. Political analysts say, Farouk’s move to join active politics will see two camps emerge in Uasin Gishu politics – one backing him and another for Oscar Sudi, the Kapsaret MP. Sudi has been fighting Farouk at the centre of power but was recently humiliated by the president when he tried to eclipse deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. Aspirants will either be in Farouk camp or in that of Sudi. The president’s personal aide Farouk, is a quiet man but those who cross his way end up regretting. Within the corridors of power, he is the man at the centrr just like Felix Koskei, the Head of Civil Service and Chief-of-Staff. However, Weekly Citizen has information that the president’s right hand man is thinking outside the box and angling to replace second term Turbo MP Janet Sitienei, who is contemplating retiring from politics in what sources say is due to health matters. However, others say Sitienei is being pushed out by Farouk who seems to be charting his political future. Sources have it that Farouk is thinking of post-Ruto era, whether the president wins a second term in 2027 or not. Those who know Farouk recall how he used to roam the streets of Eldoret town in the early 1990s, engaging Kanu youth wingers in animated discussions on how to boost the then ruling party’s fortunes in Uasin Gishu and his home area of Kapkechui-Chepsaita in Turbo division, Uasin Gishu county. His bid for Turbo MP 2027 seat has seen the power b r o k e r engage in a marathon of meetings and fundraisings in Turbo, Nandi county and across the country with an eye on the highly coveted seat. Farouk has also been meeting opinion leaders who have prevailed upon him to represent the Turbo residents in parliament come 2027. Recently, he gave Sh1 million during a fundraiser that was graced by deputy president Rigathi Gachagua at Kurgung Boys High School in Nandi county. It is said Farouk was instrumental in having Gachagua to counter Martha Karua factor in 2022 as Raila Odinga runningmate. Farouk has also been credited with bringing Moses Wetang’ula and Musalia Mudavadi to Ruto’s side in the runup to 2022 elections. Behind the scenes, Farouk is comfortable having a Luhya succeed Ruto. The Luhya factor in Ruto’s succession gameplan has seen those against the idea target Farouk in the corridors of power. As a result, Farouk has been missing in the president’s functions to concentrate on Turbo politics. During the burial of marathoner Kelvin Kiptum, Farouk was missing as Ruto was the mourner-in-chief. Others say that being a Nandi, powerful forces surrounding Ruto from Keiyo Marakwet and Kipsigis are out to sideline Farouk. They claim that Farouk has been using his position to broker major deals including government tenders. During his recent function in Turbo, Farouk presented his gift after delivering a speech during the event. Farouk condemned leaders from the area for failing to support the institution asking DP Gachagua, who was the chief guest, to push for a law that will make it mandatory for governors to oversee the construction and development of high schools. While governors were overseeing the construction of high schools, he proposed that it be made mandatory for MCAs to oversee the renovation and construction of primary schools. Speaking at the event, Koskei stressed the importance of quality education, insisting that the management ensures that the grades of the institution improve. Koskei donated Sh1 million and added Sh100,000 to the students to enjoy themselves. Other leaders at the event included Education principal secretary Belio Kipsang who gave Sh100,000, and Education cabinet secretary Ezekiel Machogu who gave Sh100,000 among other leaders. Gachagua lauded Farouk saying that despite being president Ruto’s righthand man, he always ensures that his people back at home are well taken care of by spearheading development in Nandi. Gachagua also gave the students Sh200,000 to celebrate. Farouk’s unwavering loyalty in the first five years of Ruto’s three terms as Eldoret North MP earned him to nomination to Wareng county council as a councillor from 1997 to 2003. From there onwards, his story began to change and people became more measured on what they say of him and before him. On the other hand, in 2012 after a long service in public service, Sitienei decided to resign from her job as a district extension officer in Bungoma to try her luck in competitive politics. Having established a good social capital in her community, she felt her life in politics would pay off dividends. The 2013 election was the turning point of her political career. She joined the United Republican Party to contest for the Turbo constituency seat. She lost by only 200 votes in an election she says was marred by irregularities. After the loss, she tried to secure a job without much success. She went into farming, using the knowledge she gained while pursuing a degree in agriculture, nutrition and dietetics at Egerton University. In 2015, Uasin Gishu county governor Jackson Mandago appointed her as his political adviser. By 2016, she was enjoying good visibility and political networks and she started readying herself for the 2017 election. Turbo constituency comprises urban and rural areas. Most contestants were competing for the rural vote and therefore, the URP ticket was won by the candidate banking on the urban vote. Sitienei had to quickly change strategy. She applied to vie as independent candidate knowing the masses were on her side. The decision was the best she had ever made. She recorded a resounding win in the election, becoming the MP for Turbo constituency. As the 2022 poll neared, she had grown so strong politically that every political party wanted to identify with her. It therefore did not come as a surprise when she won the 2022 general election on a UDA ticket. Farouk comes from a humble family background in Kapkechui village, Chepsaita, Turbo constituency on the border of Uasin Gishu and Kakamega counties. He is the son of Paul Teigut who died in 2018. Farouk attended Chepkemel Primary School. In the 1990s, farouk was an activist in Eldoret town where he mingled with all kinds of politicians. When Ruto was DP, Farouk supported churches through fundraising. In the recent past, he has organised and supported more than 100 churches in the region. Two years ago, while attending a fundraiser in Trans Nzoia, he saw a poorly done mud house in the area and was told that it was a church. He asked residents to call the pastor to see him at the event. When the pastor arrived, Farouk said he was shocked to learn that the mud house was a church. He then donated Sh300,000 and followed up to ensure a church was built. Farouk has now established a Inside Uasin Gishu politics as Farouk eyes TuSitienie Bartoo Chepkonga Shollei Correspondent A few weeks after Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza was booed by residents during president William Ruto’s tour of the region, the county boss has picked up a new war with his deputy, Isaac Mutuma, claiming that he was part of the gang that planned her heckling. The governor is now demanding her deputy resigns for failing to help her run the county but instead has been working with her opponents to bring her down. Early last month, former Tigania West MP David Karithi, a close ally of the governor, claimed that some Meru leaders bribed residents to shout down Kawira during Ruto’s tour. During the president’s tour, the governor was heckled by residents of Mikinduri. At one time, the president had to intervene to calm down the crowd. The governor’s allies claimed the hecklers were supporters of Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi who they said wants the governor ousted and her position taken by Mutuma. But Aburi dismissed the reports, saying the county boss was booed in the whole of Meru county and not just Buuri and Tigania West. Karithi claimed the governor was being attacked after she started using the mechanical transport fund to build roads instead of using local road contractors, a move that has angered MCAs who had been Meru governor, deputy Mutuma

Vol. 27 No. 10 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 9 network with who-is-who in the corporate and political worlds. He has also maintained close ties with his political mentor, Ruto. Kibet has been instrumental in hosting a series of fundraisers in his backyard as he manoeuvers to clinch the parliamentary seat. Farouk’s influence in local politics saw Uasin Gishu governor Mandago elected as the senator of the county on an UDA ticket after trouncing his only competitor, Robert Kemei. Gladys Shollei also of UDA retained the woman rep seat after beating Dorcas Chebet of ODM. On the other hand, Jonathan Bii aka Koti Moja of UDA resoundingly beat Zedekiah Bundotich aka Buzeki, an independent candidate. In the parliamentary seats, Julius Rutto of UDA clinched the Kesess seat with 32,839 votes against incumbent Swarup Mishra’s 21,404 votes. Alex Kemboi and Stephen Teigut managed 406 and 175 votes to come third and fourth. Both vied as independent candidates. David Kiplagat of UDA won the Soy parliamentary seat after garnering 50,540 to edge out his sole competitor Elias Meli (independent) who managed 14,623 votes. In Ainabkoi, former MP Samuel Chepkonga recaptured the parliamentary seat after garnering 26,479 votes against the incumbent William Chepkut who got 13,510. Teresa Maina had 2,701 votes while Lina Komen came fourth with 735 votes, William Kiptum and Dorcas Chepkemboi received 448 and 274 votes respectively. In Moiben constituency Phyllis Bartoo (UDA) won with 4 0 , 8 9 2 v o t e s trouncing t h e MP Silas Tiren and former MP Joseph Lagat who managed to get 8,790 and 6,784 votes respectively. Sitienei retained her seat while Sudi also retained the Kapseret seat after getting 31,534 votes against an independent candidate, Frank Murgor who managed 11,091 votes. At the same time, UDA won a majority of the MCAs seats in the county losing only three. To demonstrate that he is powerful, president Ruto’s aide has come forward to defend Kenya Kwanza’s decision to support opposition leader Raila Odinga for the African Union chairperson position. news urbo MP seat 2027 Daniel Nyakundi Nyamira county government won a longstanding boundary dispute with Kisii county over Keroka town that has been raging on since 2013. The battle had been seen as a political contest between Kisii governor Simba Arati and his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo. The 11-year-old tussle was finally brought to rest after the Lands and Environment Court sitting in Nyamira town made its pronouncement over the matter. The court through Justice Kamau Mugo relied on the report of the team of experts drawn from National Land Commission, the Survey of Kenya and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission EBC to make its landmark ruling. The boundary dispute case had been lodged in court by Rigoma ward MCA Nyambega Gisesa who had asked the Land’s Court to offer guidance on the exact boundaries of the two counties in the Keroka town, and the general demarcation of the general boundaries of Kisii and Nyamira counties. Justice Mugo ordered then Attorney General Justin Muturi to appoint a surveyor from the ministry of Lands and Physical Planning who does not come from either county to supervise the exercise of ascertaining the exact boundaries of the two counties. The team of experts who were led by Joseph Munyendo, an assistant director of survey and Caro Manyange, manager IEBC and Gerishon Otachi of NLC moved to the ground and came up with the report which they tabled in court that laid the basis of the magistrate’s ruling Nyambega had prayed to the honourable court to have the NLC to investigate, survey and erect beacons to clearly demarcate the boundaries pursuant to article 67 of the constitution and section 15 of the NLC Act No 5 of 2012 and resolve the simmering boundary dispute pitting Nyamira and Kisii counties over Keroka market centre. In the report, the team analysed that used districts and provinces Act 105A of 1992 revised 2012 maps of Nyamira and Kisii constituencies and county wards maps published and printed by IEBC 2012 to come up with the verdict. They also relied on Kisii and Nyamira districts boundary maps with land registration sections revised March 1970. From the survey, they came to the conclusion that most of the built up areas at Keroka falls within Nyamira county. The report also indicated that the ascertainment of the boundary was based on the existing records kept by the office of the director of survey and ascertained as factual and reproducible. They also indicated that it is prudent to have the boundary line at Keroka market defined with permanent beacons for the knowledge of the general public and the administrators and service providers to know their areas of jurisdiction. The team also noted that counties were created out of then districts as described in the Act 105A, hence they have the same respective boundaries. Making the ruling, justice Mugo said there was no boundary dispute in the town but the issue of revenue. “The boundary dispute started during the tenure of governors John Nyagarama (Nyamira) and James Ongwae (Kisii) who were both serving their second terms and the former Nyamira senator Okongo Mongare and his Kisii county counterpart Chris Obure,” Mugo stated. He ruled that the boundaries still remain as per the report of the team of experts, “I am cautioning against any person who may interfere with it”. “Land and boundary issues are emotive and I don’t want to see peace disrupted over a nonexistent issue,” he ruled. On the issue of revenue collection, the judge referred the matter to intergovernmental agreement which the two counties had signed. “If you fail to agree in the governmental meeting, then the aggrieved party can move to court for further direction,” he added. Kisii county government through advocate Achieng Oginga said they would challenge the ruling in the Court of Appeal. Oginga sought for the stay of execution but the judge declined to grant it. Advocate Jusus Maeche who represented the petitioner Gisesa thanked the court for upholding the rule of law over the matter. Maeche said that there was no boundary dispute between the two counties but what was playing out was retrogressive petty politics by some politicians who do not even understand the exact boundaries of the two counties. Governor Nyaribo of Nyamira county government who was present and the petitioner Nyambega welcomed the ruling. How Nyamira won boundary dispute with Kisii Nyaribo Arati Bii Nyambega receiving bribes from contractors. He said the project is good as most contractors do shoddy jobs but expect to be paid, adding there was no way the government-owned MTF would steal from the county. Meru senator Kathuri Murungi is among those opposed to the MTF building roads in Meru, arguing the projects would lead to capital flight from county coffers. The MTF is based at the Transport and Infrastructure ministry under the roads department and enters into agreement with county governments on supply and maintenance of road construction equipment. On December 13, last year, Kawira signed an agreement with MTF and injected Sh531 million into the fund to undertake roads projects dubbed Mwangaza Barabarani. And now, Mutuma is claiming that the governor wants him to resign as deputy governor. The latest is among the many hostilities that have engulfed Meru county since the August 2022 general election. The governor has been impeached twice by the Meru county assembly, only for her fate to be decided by the senate which reinstated her. Mutuma defended the fact that some of his staff were close to him, saying the law allows one to have people they can trust. But Mwangaza produced a letter from the county public service board approving the sacking of Mutuma’s staff. The two clerics from different ministries rode on Kawira’s Okolea kana ka Meru, a charitable programme for vulnerable people in the grassroots. war erupts again Kawira

10 Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Vol. 27 No. 10 news Correspondent With the political fortunes of Mt Kenya East that comprises Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi taking a nosedive in Kenya Kwanza administration, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who hails from the neighbouring Kitui county has started positioning himself to fill the void. Kalonzo is not new to the region inhabited by the Merus and Embus, having schooled at Meru for his A-levels in 1973. There are reports linking his heritage to Meru. He has declared that he is a Tharaka and not a Kamba. Indeed, his father Paul Mairu had a home and another wife across the border in Tharaka Nithi. With an eye on the 2027 general election, the Wiper leader is targeting the about 1.5 million votes from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi to boost his chances of defeating president William Ruto and other presidential candidates. In the 2022 general election, Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi were among the 10 Mt Kenya counties that gave Ruto over three million votes. Besides the three, the others were Laikipia, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua and Nakuru. The Wiper leader is capitalising on William Ruto’s economic blunders and punitive taxation policies that are seeing Mt Kenya East become slippery for him ahead of the next polls. Two weeks ago, Kalonzo launched Wiper membership registration exercise in Embu and Meru, starting at Muthara Nchui Methodist Church, Kiengo AIPC Church and a rally in Maua stadium. He also had church leaders’ breakfast meeting before addressing rallies at Gakoromoni and Chuka. He addressed the public at the matatu terminus in Embu town before opening Wiper office at Karaba and later addressing the public at Makima and Kiritiri. After the visit, the former vice president stated that he is greatly encouraged by the reception the people of Embu county gave him. The Wiper leader is seeking to fill the void as Meru political heavyweights seem to have lost steam. Prior to the 2022 general election, Kithure Kindiki who was then the Tharaka Nithi senator was positioning himself to become the regional kingpin. But Kindiki who was eyeing Ruto’s running mate slot was left high and dry after Ruto picked Rigathi Gachagua, a Kikuyu from Nyeri, as his running mate. Kindiki was forced to settle in the Interior docket, which also lost some of its powers like running the police budget. Agriculture cabinet secretary Mithika Linturi was also eyeing the regional kingship. But he lost steam to gun for the position after losing the Meru gubernatorial race to independent candidate Kawira Mwangaza. Kiraitu Murungi was also eyeing the regional kingpin but had to watch from the sidelines after losing the gubernatorial seat where he contested via Devolution Empowerment Party, then an affiliate party in Azimio. Kiraitu was among the first Azimio politicians to cross over to Kenya Kwanza after the polls following defeat of its presidential candidate, Raila Odinga. Justin Muturi who hails from Mbeere in Embu was also positioning himself to get the seat. Cicily Mbarire is Embu governor and close to powerful State House officials. But Muturi now the AG finds himself an outsider in Ruto’s administration since his office has been made toothless. There are reports that the former national assembly speaker is regretting abandoning his bosom friend, former president Uhuru Kenyatta for Ruto at the hour of need. What the current developments means is that Mt Kenya East currently does not have a strong politician who can fill the shoes of the likes of Jeremiah Nyagah and Jackson Angaine. In Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s era, Angaine ran the powerful Lands and Settlements docket and was christened the king of Meru. Already, Kalonzo has received the backing of some Meru MPs who want to break away from the Mt Kenya political grouping and forge new alliances with the Kamba, Embu and Tharaka communities. The Merus who live on the eastern side of Mt Kenya say they are tired of being used in every election to propel their Kikuyu brothers to power. Recently, 11 MPs from Meru county led by Buuri’s Mugambi Rindikiri, who were all elected on United Democratic Alliance approached their Kamba counterparts to forge a political alliance for 2027 polls. Rindikiri even asked Kathiani MP Robert Mbui to convene MPs from Kitui, Machakos and Makueni to discuss a broad crossparty political caucus that would bring together leaders from different communities in the Eastern province and back Kalonzo for presidency. Rindikiri said they would write a letter to Ruto to inform him that citizens have lost hope in him and they plan to field Kalonzo in 2027 for presidency. Kalonzo says he will run for president in 2027, whether backed by ODM leader Raila or not. While in Meru, the Wiper leader declared he has started the journey to remove the Kenya Kwanza government from power. Kalonzo who was accompanied by former cabinet secretaries Peter Munya, Eugene Wamalwa and Kitui senator Enock Wambua, said Kenya Kwanza Ruto’s administration had mismanaged the country. Speaking at Nchui Methodist church in Tigania East, he accused the government of trying to capture the judiciary by planning to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome, who hails from the region. By defending Koome, the former vice president was endearing himself to the electorate who would not like to see their daughter kicked out of the high office. Curiously, Munya, the Party of National Unity leader, during the tour heaped praise on Kalonzo, who other leaders in Wiper said they will support for presidency in 2027. Kalonzo, who rose from the dry, windswept town of Tseikuru on the northern fringes of Kitui county to become a cabinet minister and eventually the 10th vice president of Kenya, is trying to rebrand himself as he seeks to fill shoes that could be left by Raila if he lands the African Union Commission job. He knows well that militancy moulds Kenyan politics and that is why ODM is demanding the former vice president starts organising and participating in street protests. But Makueni governor Mutula Kilonzo has dismissed the demands and advised Kalonzo to treat such conditions with the contempt. While in Meru, Kalonzo met Joseph Muturia, the former assistant minister and longserving MP of Ntonyiri constituency now known as Igembe North constituency, for his counsel and observations on Meru politics. The Wiper party boss has also opened several offices, among them in Kitengela. Kalonzo is now taking the bull by the horns as evidenced by the Azimio statements he is releasing. Recently, he released a statement attacking Ruto for burdening Kenyans with more taxes. But even in the Kikuyu-speaking Mt Kenya West, Kalonzo is receiving attention. Recently, Yatta MP Robert Basil suggested that a presidential ticket for Kalonzo and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro would work best for Kenya. Kalonzo has already received the backing of Wiper national executive council to crisscross the country in readiness for the 2027 presidential contest against Ruto. Aware that president Ruto will use the state machinery to defend his seat, the Wiper party told Kalonzo to consolidate his support political bastion and attract other like-minded friends to build a formidable force. The Wiper MPs have also shrugged off attempts by Ruto to buy their loyalty. Recently, they allegedly rejected an invitation to meet Ruto at State House. Kalonzo speaking after a twoday retreat in Nakuru where alleged the leaders were among opposition members of parliament who had been invited to State House in a bid to shift allegiance to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. At least 30 Jubilee and nine ODM MPs pledged to work with Kenya Kwanza administration after a meeting with Ruto and Gachagua at State House. The legislators have since been labelled traitors by their colleagues in Azimio who claim the coalition’s leader was rigged out in the last presidential election. Yet Raila is now leading ODM to start working with Ruto. Kindiki Mugambi Linturi Munya Muturi Mbarire Will Kalonzo harvest Mt Kenya East 1.5m votes? Daniel Matsanza The race for woman representative seats in Western region in 2027 has already kicked off in earnest, three years to the next general elections. Vihiga county politician Winnie Majani has dismissed claims that she will be vying for Hamisi parliamentary seat saying she still targets Vihiga county woman representative seat. Majani while addressing the press in Hamisi said she will be contesting for woman rep’s seat on ODM ticket and already, she is on the ground drumming up support for the decisive race come 2027. “I want to tell my supporters and the people of Vihiga county that I’m still in the Vihiga county women representative’s race. I’m determined to replace the incumbent woman rep Beatrice Adagala who is said to be eyeing Vihiga gubernatorial seat,” said Majani. The ground is not good for Adagala since she won the second term as Vihiga woman rep. Adagala is shifting political base to Vihiga governorship. In the 2022 general election, seven aspirants had shown interest in the race to unseat Adagala. They were Ruth Bukachi, Rhoda Mbandu, Afandi Lukalo, Mary Amalemba, Jackline Mwenesi, Majani and Violet Bagada. Bagada and Mwenesi had been nominated to the Vihiga county assembly after the 2017 general election. Bukachi is now eyeing Emuhaya parliamentary seat to succeed Milemba Omboko. Adagala was elected as the Vihiga woman rep in 2017 after the incumbent Dorcas Kedogo moved to contest for Vihiga parliamentary seat under the ODM party. In Kakamega, woman representative Elsie Muhanda just like Adagala, has shown interest in the governor’s seat which is currently held by Fernandes Barasa. In the 2022 general election, the woman rep was overwhelmingly reelected for a second term. Muhanda who ran on an ODM ticket won a landslide 300,426 votes against her closest contender Naomi Shiyonga who managed 67,351 votes. There were six other contenders. Shiyonga was then a nominated ODM senator in but in the election, she ran on a Dap-K ticket after falling out with ODM. Others included Hadija Nganyi of UDA who garnered 64,128 votes, followed by Consolata Lusweti of ANC with 26,044 votes. Former radio presenter Lydia Inyangala got 20,245 votes, Loice Agoi (Kanu) 13,156 votes and Ayuma Musawa with 6,427 votes. Another entrant in Kakamega woman rep race is a police officer based in Nairobi area by the name Janet. In the 2022 general election, sworn political rivals were out to prove their mettle at the ballot as they sought the seat. Muhanda, Shiyonga and former senior county employee Peninah Mukabane were engaged in a fierce battle for the position. Mukabane kept accusing Muhanda of fighting her when they served in the county government. Mukabane appeared to be the Kenya Kwanza automatic candidate. Muhanda was ODM’s flagbearer while Shiyonga ran on a Dap-Kenya ticket, both under the Azimio la Umoja movement. Mukabane backed the governor bid of former senator Cleophas Malala, and his predecessor Bonnie Khalwale, who wanted to reclaim the senate seat. Muhanda was rallying behind candidature of ODM governor aspirant Fernandez Barasa while Shiyonga was supporting former Lugari MP Ayub Savula, then eyeing governorship before striking a deal with Barasa to be deputy governor. Shiyonga hails from Malava constituency which has the highest number of voters in the county. Muhanda hails from Ikolomani but is married in the neighbouring Shinyalu while Mukabane comes from Shinyalu and is married in Lurambi. Mukabane is using her closeness to Malala ahead of 2027 polls to reap big. Kakamega, Vihiga woman rep to be vacant as holders eye governorship 2027 Majani Adagala Nganyi

Vol. 27 No. 10 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 11 news Our Investigative Team Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General David Kiptoo has enlisted services of two more companies in the lucrative G-2-G oil import deal that has been shrouded in mystery. According to insiders, powerful forces behind the companies have agreed to fund president William Ruto’s reelection bid 2027. In total, five oil firms owned by politically correct individuals are making a kill from the lucrative imports. The new kids in the oil import deal being One Petroleum Ltd and Asharami Synergy Ltd. Under the current arrangement, three Kenyan oil marketing companies own cargo upon delivery to Mombasa port by international Gulf-based oil giants Emirates National Oil, Abu Dhabi National Oil and Saudi Aramco. The Kenyan OMCs are Galana Oil, Gulf Energy and Oryx Energy. By late last year, oil imports under the scheme amounted to Sh592 billion. Letters of credit worth Sh125.4 billion were paid. And now, Mombasa tycoon Mohammed Jaffer and his family are new entrants in the G-2-G oil import saga. The family is associated with One Petroleum, a subsidiary of Mbaraki Bulk Terminal Ltd, a multipetroleum products handling facility at the port of Mombasa. Records at the registry of companies link the Eala MP to One Petroleum. The company directors are Jaffer’s family members Mojtaba Mohamed Jaffer, Ali Abbas Jaffer and Mohamed Husein Jaffer. Others are Solomon Ondego, Ali Salaah Balala and Jonathan James Stokes. Balala serves as its executive director while Nicholas Kokita is the company’s secretary with offices along Dedan Kimathi Road in Mombasa. The Jaffers are also associated with Africa Gas and Oil Company, One Gas Ltd and Grain Bulk Handlers. Sources say Abbas is the most trusted son of the tycoon due to his underworld dealings. He is said to be feared by even the Joho brothers former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and his brother Abubakar Joho or Abu. It is said Abbas was against the Joho family bid to end 24-year monopoly of grain handling by Grain Bulk. The Court of Appeal recently allowed Port Freight Terminals Limited to set up a second grain handling facility at the port to compete with Jaffer. Whispers are that the youthful Ondegos and Jaffers linked firms are being favoured by Ruto’s State House to do lucrative business in Mombasa as the Joho family that was favoured by Uhuru Kenyatta regime strungles. The founders of the business investments are slowly retreating allowing their sons to take over. Mention Abbas name to any senior or junior at any of the tycoons companies and shivers will be send down the spine owing to his style of management that does not value life but money. Those he handlers at Proto Energy, One Petroleum and other Jaffer companies have no kind words for him. Abbas knows the power of money can influence relevant government departments in the energy and security sectors. The manner in which One Petroleum Limited and Asharami Synergetic Ltd late entry in the import deal has been linked to power games at State House using his father Jaffer and bribes at Epra, more so, the CEO Kiptoo who is always seen with the Jaffer smiling whenever he is in Mombasa or they visit Nairobi. Epra has been in gas business with the family owned Pro Gas before they landed oil import deal. The gas firm to knock out competitors has brought on board police to harass smalltime gas retailers. Abbas presence is felt in family business empire of One Petroleum Limited, Africa Gas and Oil Company Limited, One Gas Ltd and Grain Bulk Handling Limited. Despite Abbas being married, those who know his nocturnal social life talk a different story of money making mountains move. The top positions at the companies are handled by expatriates who have no business being in Kenya even as the immigration laws only allow that a job is given to expats if there is no Kenyan who has the knowledge to do it. Abbas handlers are Amanda Donahue and Steve Mutiso. In April 2021, KRA raided Jaffer’s offices and carted away documents which showed that the companies were engaging in tax evasion totalling over Sh60 million. KRA had withdrawn the tax compliance certificates for all the companies owned by the Jaffer family. The case landed in court dying a natural death. Apart from being a director at One Petroleum Limited, Ondego is the deputy director of Grain Bulk Handlers. In 2013, loverbirds Ondego and Cindy Lithimbi wedded in a colourful ceremony in Mombasa. Ondego was then the project manager at the Grain Bulk Handlers while the bride had just completed her Master’s degree at the University of London. Ondego’s father is former Kenya Ports Authority managing director Brown Ondego and mother is Iris Shigee Hilda while Cindy’s parents are former Kenya Association of Manufactures board member Joseph Lithimbi and Jane Gathoni. Brown was appointed by Ruto to serve as chair of the board of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority for three years starting March 10 2023. He is close to principal cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Ernest Ondego is the general manager Mackenzie (U) Limited. His father has interests in Mitchel Cotts. Balala prides himself as a businessman with over 25 years experience in the tea and coffee industry. Balala is the managing director of Africa Tea and Coffee Co Ltd, one of the local tea buying companies in Kenya. Mojtaba is the chief executive officer Grain Bulk Handlers Limited which his father is chairman of MJ Group. Grain Bulk Handlers Ltd. is 80pc owned by Jaffer, whose family has been in the real estate now doing Affordable Housing Projects with Kenya Kwanza. From Jaffer family oil firms, other operatives in G-2-G are Asharami Energy, a subsidiary of Sahara Group, a Gulfbased oil multinational whose shareholders have interests in Emirates National Oil, Abu Dhabi National Oil and Saudi Aramco. Official documents show Oryx Energies Ltd, was registered on March 27 2003. Herve Christophe Bouvet and August Dominick Mrema (both foreigners) are listed as directors while Kenyan Conrad Nyukuri is the company secretary. The shareholders are listed as Overseas Petroleum Holdings SA, whose head offices are in Geneva, Switzerland and Johannesburg-headquartered Oryx Energies SA. Its listed office is Queensway House on Kaunda Street in Nairobi. Galana Energies Ltd has as directors Shivam Raj Khanna (alternate director to Sheetal Rasenda Khan), George Ngige Kahira, Mary Waithera Kabiru and Jonathan Kahira Ngige, Isaac Mukui Nduru, Joseph Gitau Mburu, Sheetal Rasendra Khanna and John Morris Ohaga. Its shareholders are Londonheadquartered Sai Iram Investments Company Ltd and Tapiola Ltd, a shareholder in oil marketer, Galana Oil Kenya Limited. It operates at Cotts House along Kaunda Street in Nairobi. Asharami Synergy Ltd, which indicates its office as being housed at Vision Plaza, Mombasa Road in Nairobi, is owned by Sahara Group, which was founded in 1996 by Adebola Adesanya Ewaola, Tonye Cole and to be Shonubi, in Nigeria. Ewaola is recorded as the director alongside their Kenyan subsidiary Asharami Energy (Kenya) Ltd. A Kenyan Mark Samuel Muriithi is the company secretary. Sahara Group is a leading energy conglomerate with operations in over 40 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Exposed: Mombasa tycoon Mohamed Jaffer son Abbas Ondego Our Reporter Two police officers were last week arraigned before the Isiolo Anti-Corruption Court to face bribery and robbery with violence charges. According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, David Irungu and Hassan Liban Hassan, stationed at Merti subcounty in Isiolo county allegedly demanded a bribe of Sh50,000 from a suspect they had arrested on suspicion of being a member of Al-Shabaab terror group. Additionally, while armed with a rifle, they allegedly frisked the complainant and robbed him of an additional Sh57,000. Both accused individuals pleaded not guilty to the bribery and robbery with violence charges. They were subsequently granted release on a cash bail of Sh300,000 or a surety bond of Sh500,000. The case is scheduled for hearing on May 27 2023. Our Correspondent The ward administrator for Marsabit Central Halkano Dabasso was arrested by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission detectives for allegedly using forged academic papers for gain. Debasso is accused of using a forged diploma in Community Development and Social Work purportedly from the Thika Institute of Business Studies and a KCSE certificate to fraudulently gain employment in the Marsabit county government where he has worked since 2018. EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi said that besides charging the county official, EACC will recover and return to the government all the salaries and benefits the ward administrator has earned based on the alleged fake certificates over the years. He noted that his alleged illegitimate employment amounts to fraudulent acquisition of public property. “The arrest came after ODPP concurred with recommendations of the commission to charge the ward administrator with the following offences; one count of fraudulent acquisition of public property contrary to section 45(1) (a) as read with section 48(1) of ACECA, one count of deceiving principal contrary to section 412 as read with as read with section 48(1) of ACECA and two counts of Forgery contrary to section 345 as read with section 349 of the penal code,” Ngumbi said. Dabasso applied for employment opportunity at the Marsabit county government in 2018, submitting his curriculum vitae, which indicated that he had a fiploma in Community Development and Social Work. EACC says the suspect altered the grades in his KCSE certificate that he submitted to the Marsabit county government with his diploma in Community and Social Development certificate also a forgery. According to investigators, the suspect was appointed as a Public Participation and Civic Education Officer from January 28 2019, a position that had not been advertised making it irregular. During his time in employment, EACC says the suspect earned a net salary, from April 2019 to September 2013, amounting to Sh1,954,324. Marsabit Central MCA is Jacob Elisha of Upia party. Two Isiolo police officers arrested after extortion bid

12 Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Vol. 27 No. 10 news Our Reporter Kaimosi Friends University is currently engulfed in a leadership tussle that is likely to see a nonLuhya getting the vice chancellor slot due to subtribal politics of animosity and witchhunt. The institution is again caught up in nepotism in employment of staff that is perpetuated by the office of human resource management headed by Patrick Mugesani. Mugesani is said to perfect the art for sex for employment, bribery and at the same time, nepotism. The latest development is just a tip of the iceberg of the behind-the-scenes power games among the university senior management in what has derailed the appointment of a substantive vice chancellor. The university management has Peter Mwita (acting vice chancellor – chairman), Julius Kipkemboi (acting DVC academic and student affairs), Maurice Musasia (acting DVC finance and development), Mugesani (deputy registrar – administration), Jane Amunga, (senior registrar – academic and student affairs), Irene Lumatete (finance officer), Linet Mayavi (university legal officer), Jane Imbunya (director QAMS) and Josephine Namwetako (acting dean of students. It is worth to note that the power games at the University have led to many offices having holders in acting capacities. The university council has Bernatte Mungai (chairperson) and members Fauziya Karama, Prof Mwita (acting VC), Francis Bwire, Rodney Oluoch, John Yiampoi, Josephine Kanyi and Paul Wanderi. Sources say that as the top dons fight, Mugesani has employed Judith Minayo (catering) – sister, Victor Omoke (clinic) – brother, Francis Anzegere (estates) – brother, Millicent Mmboga (deans) – sister, George Muhundi (farm) – brother-inlaw, Tosebellah Naliaka – sisterin-law, Julius Imbwana (School of Science) – cousin, Job Ajenga (cleaning services) – brotherin-law and John Mukhongo (security) – cousin in above positions. According to the most recent statistics report on the regional imbalance in employment in public universities, Kaimosi Friends University was one of the leading universities in promoting tribalism in employment. Back to Luhya politicians’battle and the controversy surrounding the new VC power games, a letter signed by Prof Kipkemboi, acting DVC Academic and Student Affairs has complicated matters worse. The letter Ref:KAFU/500/ DVC/ASA&R/001/VOL 1 (305) dated February 19 2024, appointed Prof Mwita as the acting VC. Mwita is also serving as DVC for research, innovation and linkages at Machakos University. On February 23 2024, Mwita convened with the recently elected officials of the Kaimosi Friends University Student Association. The swearing-in ceremony, administered by the university legal officer, Mayavi, was attended by the two acting deputy vice chancellors, Prof Amadalo and Kipkemboi. Also present were the dean of students, some senators, and election officials led by the chair Amos Wanjara. It is imperative to note that on February 13 2024, then acting vice chancellor Nandi Manyasa moved to court to challenge a recommendation by Education cabinet secretary Ezekiel Machogu to have the university council appoint Mary Onyango as vice chancellor of the university. Through his lawyer Martin Oloo, Odogo claimed he is the rightfully appointed VC, having emerged top of the list of candidates with 80.33 pc. He was followed by James Njiru and Prof Onyango who tied at 71pc. Prof Nandi and Onyango are Luhyas. The council announced Nandi’s appointment on January 2 2024 but CS Machogu, through a letter to the council, would later recommend Onyango for the position. Onyango was fronted by prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi office. She is from Vihiga county but married in Siaya county. Nandi is from Mumias but settled in Bungoma county. Court documents state: “The Public Service Commission, after due diligence and public participation, recommended to the Kafu university council, in their letter dated 15/12/2023, in order of merit at No 1 the petitioner/applicant, followed by No 2 Prof James Njiru and No 3 Prof Mary Abukutsa Onyango”. By letter dated February 1 2024, the applicant further states, Kafu council sought the concurrence of the Education cabinet secretary as by law on the appointment of Nandi as VC. “However, rather than give concurrence, the first respondent (CS Machogu), in a departure from the law, decided to also recommend vide a letter dated February 5 2024, the appointment of Prof Mary Abukutsa Onyango, as the vice chancellor, as opposed to the petitioner,” notes Oloo. Kafu chair Dr Mungai scheduled a council meeting on February 9 2024 to deliberate on the CS’s recommendation to have Onyango appointed as VC. Nandi however, asked the court to halt the meeting on grounds that should the scheduled meeting progress, the council will proceed to appoint Onyango even though the CS’s recommendation is tainted with illegality and procedural impropriety as it is unconstitutional. The court issued conservatory orders restraining the university council from appointing Onyango as VC until February 21 2024 when the case was proceed for further hearing. The entrance of Kafu where all is not well. David Kamren High Court judge Anna Moore ruling delivered on February 13 2024 has laid bare the witchhunting of former vicechancellor of Maasai Mara University Mary Walingo and the council chairman. The case involves the termination of employment of a senior internal auditor Moses Ondieki . Peninah Obudho is the acting VC with industrialist Vimal Shah as its chancellor. Ondieki was university senior internal auditor from November 21 2010 while on permanent and pensionable terms and was earning a monthly salary of Sh245,272 until February 23 2016. He says he was suspended from employment on allegations that were not substantiated. The university advertised his position on March 24 2017, despite not issuing him with a letter of termination. During his employment period, the university deployed staff to his department without consulting him which he says was intended to compromise its independence and oversight functions In responding to the allegations that he failed to detect issues at the Kilgoris Learning Centre, he stated that he requested facilitation in order to audit the centre, but that was declined. Further, he says, detective work was not a primary objective of the internal audit department. The vice-chancellor and the council chairman asked why he was auditing the institutional systems and demanded he not audit or verify anything concerned with the chairman of the council and the vice chancellor contrary to the internal standards issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors, advisories, and other relevant standards for accountants. The VC and the council chairman in court papers claimed that Ondieki was suspended due to his incompetence and misconduct in discharging his duties but retained half his basic salary, full allowances, and other benefits. The university claimed Ondieki was incompetent and that he failed to follow due procurement procedures as he single-sourced the Student Management Information System software for the university without following procurement procedures. It was also alleged that Ondieki was facilitated by the university to audit the satellite campuses and collaborating centres to the tune of Sh153, 500, but he did not submit any report of his findings, e.g., Kilgoris satellite campus. It is also alleged that he failed to detect an act of fraud and that he schemed with the former finance officer to hide suspenseful accounting documents. He is also accused of having written a letter to the ODPP concerning the forgery of cheques at the university in breach of protocol on his part. The judge in his ruling noted that the VC and the chairman made several allegations about Ondieki’s misconduct; however, they did not produce before court any report showing the findings of its investigations concerning the said acts of misconduct by Ondieki. “In view of the foregoing, the claimant’s dismissal was not substantively justified, and the long suspension was in opposition to fair labour practice.” “Having established that the dismissal was both procedurally and substantively unfair, the court proceeds to render judgment in favour of the claimant and orders the respondent to compensate the claimant appropriately as hereunder.”The ruling reads. For compensation for wrongful termination, the claimant is awarded 5 months of the equivalent of his salary, as follows: 245,272 x 5 = 1,226,360. One-month salary in lieu of notice: Sh 245,272. Leave pay of the equivalent of one month of Sh245,272.The former VC is said to have re-united with the husband she dumped for years. Ex-Maasai Mara varsity VC move comes haunting Management curse that is Kaimosi Friends’ University Walingo Obudho Vimal

Vol. 27 No. 10 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 13 news Daniel Matsanza South Eastern Kenya University is again in the news for all the bad reasons following revelations that MPs are investigating its decision to spend millions of shillings on buying water daily instead of drilling boreholes. The lawmakers were shocked to learn that the varsity has been buying water since its inception in 2008. According to Seku vice chancellor Douglas Shitanda, the university has been buying three 10,000-litre tanks of water on a daily basis. One tank costs Sh10,000, translating to Sh30, 000 daily. It is said that the water supplier has connections with a section in the procurement. Prof Shitanda, was appointed by Education cabinet secretary Ezekiel Machogu in September last year to replace the retired Mwanza Muluvi. Seku is a fully fledged university in Kitui county. It is the successor to the South Eastern University College (Seuco) which was a constituent college of University of Nairobi. The university currently has a population of 8,000 students. In a month, the university spends Sh900,000 on water alone. Shitanda said the institution resorts to buying or getting water from Masinga dam, which he said is expensive. However, he did not disclose how much the institution spends on pumping water from the Masinga dam. The committee chaired by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, questioned the logic behind spending millions of shillings to buy water when the university can drill a borehole in the institution. Isiolo MP Bonaya Golo sought to know why the management resorted to the expensive route. Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima demanded that the VC provides the cost Seku has incurred in buying water since its inception in 2008. Bonaya directed Seku management to provide the committee with records indicating the money spent on buying water and details of the supplier. The committee also resolved to invite Attorney General Justin Muturi to explain the inordinate delay in registering three parcels of land belonging to the university but not registered in its name due to ongoing court cases. The management council of Seku was in the news when it gave of Muluvi a farewell package. The former VC negotiated an exit package, including responsibility, hardship, security and commuting allowances at the current rate, but he is not in office. During his 21-month sabbatical and for the rest of his life, the VC will receive the same salary and benefits as he received during his 10 years as VC. The university council does not have a substantive chairperson following the departure of Swabah Omar. The current members are Michael Kipkirui, David Kikaya, Isaac Thuita, Esther Ndirangu, Lydia Kaleli and Koki Muli, John Nyaoko Mose and Mugambi Nyaga represent the National Treasury and the ministry of Education respectively. Sh900,000 monthly Seku water scandal Shitanda Muluvi Jared Opiyo Details have emerged how events that led to State House decision to extend the contracts of Deputy Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and that of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Mohammed Amin was hammered. Kanja has been added a two- year contract, nearly one year after president William Ruto appointed him as the second top powerful policeman in the country. Security experts told Weekly Citizen that the decision to extend the officers’ contract alongside that of Directorate of Criminal Investigation boss Amin was informed by the analysis of security trends in the country since they took over their respective offices. The two police chiefs were given their letters of extension by National Police Service Commission chairman Eliud Kinuthia last Monday. Following the new development, the duo will now work until April 2026. Kanja’s journey to the top management of the NPS started in 1988. Through hard work and sheer commitment to work, he slowly rose through the ranks. Prior to his appointment as the Deputy Inspector of Police, Kanja was the Commandant of the General Service Unit, headquartered in Ruaraka, succeeding Stephen Chelimo in 2018. It was during his tenure as the GSU commandant that Kanja rose into the limelight. S o m e of the operations he has led in the past include O p e r a t i o n R e j e s h a Amani in Isiolo and M a r s a b i t counties and O p e r a t i o n Fagia Msitu in Boni Forest. W h e n he took over from his predecessor George Kinoti as the new DCI boss, Amin made significant changes at the agency that has helped him manage crime in the country. He recalled all officers of the rank of Assistant Inspector General of police and posted them to directorates. Among those who were recalled are the current DCI deputy John Onyango who was in charge of the DCI in the Nyanza region. Ahead of his recent promotion, Onyango was moved to the headquarters as the Head of Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau. Crib is a critical unit that has helped officers to catch notorious criminals. This unit has the personal details of every individual in the country. It is imperative to note that when he officially took over as the new DCI director, Amin vowed to be firm, precise and fair in his duties. S e c u r i t y observers agree that Amin has been running the outfit professionally as he promised when he took over the sensitive office. How top cops got contracts extended What is happening at Daystar University? Daniel Matsanza A section of religious leaders drawn from the Christian and Muslim faiths have presented a petition in parliament pushing for an immediate inquiry into what they term as the proliferation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer agenda in the country. The clergy claimed that there has been a well-choreographed and wellfinanced plan to fight laws prohibiting homosexuality by persons purporting to represent the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In the preceding events, national assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula last week ordered a probe into the alleged reports of promotion of LGBTQ+ at Daystar University. Wetang’ula also asked a parliamentary committee to investigate claims that Daystar is forcing muslim students to go to the chapel contrary to their rights to freedom of religion. The speaker directed the education committee led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly to conduct the inquiry and report back within the next 14 days. At the same time, Wetang’ula told Education cabinet secretary Ezekiel Machogu who was in parliament to respond to members’ questions, to deploy his team for a fact-finding mission to Daystar University to establish the truth oF the matter, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali had raised the question over the alleged malpractices at the university following complaints in the alleged practice of withholding marks from the said students who fail to attend masses at the chapel. Citing numerous complaints, Ali visited Daystar University to ascertain the truth on the complaints raised where he established that indeed muslim students were being forced to go to the chapel. The lawmaker urged the ministry of Education to be on the alert claiming LGBTQ+ subtly being introduced in school curriculum. Amin Kanja Our Reporter Leaders from Isiolo have petitioned officials of the Kenya National Highways Authority in Nairobi to push for the speedy construction of the 305km Garissa - Isiolo road. The road is among the five Lamu Port, South Sudan, and Ethiopia Transport corridor roads. Isiolo governor Abdi Guyo and county woman representative Mumina Bonaya asked the road agency to prioritise completion of the road, as it is a key development enabler in the county and region. Also present in the meeting were Isiolo county commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, county secretary Dade Boru, majority leader Abdirashid Ali, Isiolo nonstate organisations actors consortium representative Molu Koropu and contractors. Isiolo leaders push KeNHA over key roads

14 Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Vol. 27 No. 10 David Kamren Nakuru county senator Tabitha Karanja has warned the county’s governor Susan Kihika to expect dire consequences from local voters over the ongoing tussle stemming from the War Memorial Hospital takeover. In a press address, Karanja sustained her concerns against Kihika that she unlawfully ordered the county government officers to man the facility and deny anyone seeking access. Weekly Citizen has information that those against Kihika are planning a major demonstrations in Nakuru town to denounce her activities. “Are you doing justice when you refused to obey six court orders? When over 300 health workers are rendered jobless, when thousands of patients are seeking medical attention, when you send country askaris to forcefully transfer patients who are on lifesupporting machines against their will,” she posed to Governor Kihika. The senator further countered commander Ndanyi’s testimony in court that he had withdrawn the officers from the said facility, alleging that the officers are still there and operations have remained paralysed. Following the continued defiance from the governor, Senator Karanja has said that the residents will now take the matter into their own hands and she is willing to comply. “I’m sorry to tell the governor I think people have reached their peak now meaning they will apply Article 1 of the constitution. I have no option but to comply.” The Nakuru War Memorial Hospital management and the Nakuru county government have been embroiled in a tussle over the 25-acre piece of land. That the political war in the county is getting nasty and messy was witnessed recently when the senator and other leaders skipped County Integrated Development Programme (CIDP) that will guide the implementation of development projects on time and within the budget in the next five years fete. Speaking during the launch at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru, Kihika said the document had been subjected to scrutiny by various stakeholders, including the public, and the county assembly. Kihika was mainly with outsiders among them Sports cabinet secretary Ababu Namwamba, governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Wesley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, county executive committee member in charge of finance and economic planning Stephen Njogu and Nakuru county assembly speaker Joel Karuri. The senator and other local politicians were missing. Lusaka challenged county officials to be loyal and supportive of the governor for her to succeed in transforming the county. Gikaria said after serving as a mayor and a councillor in the defunct Nakuru municipality, he was confident that the CIDP was well-developed and focused on key areas of development. news Daniel Nyakundi A showdown looms between Kisii MPs and Education cabinet secretary Ezekiel Machogu over the appointment of the new Kisii National Polytechnic principal which he made last week following the demise of the former principal Daniel Nyariki. The legislators are up in arms with Machogu protesting and arguing that the appointment of the new principal who hails from outside the Gusii community as a replacement of Nyariki is a political suicide, and humiliation to the area elected leaders which Machogu had committed and above all, a betrayal to the community when it comes to such appointments touching his home area. The lawmakers have given Machogu a notice and ultimatum to revoke the appointment of Tom Mulati as the new Kisii National Polytechnic principal failure to which they have vowed that they would carry a revenge mission and a revolt against him which will complicate his leadership not only in the entire Gusii region but the entire nation. The MPs among them Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Samuel Arama (Nakuru town West), Jerusa Momanyi (Nyamira woman rep), Steve Mogaka (West Mugirango) and Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) are now reading corruption and political mischief in the appointment of the new principal which they said must be revoked if peace between Machogu, them and the community has to prevail. The rift between Machogu and the MPs over Kisii National Polytechnic politics and teething problems in Kisii land comes at a time when president William Ruto is scheduled to visit Gusii region on March 10 tihis year. Members of the public and leaders have threatened to dress down Machogu before the president over what they termed as his misrepresentation of the community on both locally and nationally matters. The CS reportedly has cartels ranging from his office, school principals, relatives and his political supporters whom he is using to extort money from those eyeing for positions either in the government or the private sectors where he using his position and authority to influence and secure them employment. It is also alleged that the same cartels had fleeced job seekers especially those seeking teaching jobs millions of shillings where they pay dearly before they are issued with appointment letters claims which the CS is aware of but he has kept mum for reasons known to himself. The cartels have also not spared school principals whom they have also resorted to extorting money from which is popularity being referred to as “protection fees”. It is also alleged that Machogu’s cartels are now having tentacles in primary schools across the country where they receive part of the so-called remedial fees that they reportedly take to Machogu. The remedial fee has been banned by government and declared illegal levy but it has made a return in the era of Machogu as CS. Machogu’s cartels promise promotion to teachers and principals who channel the biggest amount of remedial fee to the cartel. As a result, teachers and principals are working overtime and without fear to fleece parents with the illegal fee. P r i m a r y and secondary s c h o o l s principals who do not give in to the demands of the cartels are blacklisted, b l a c k m a i l e d and threatened with transfer from schools to smaller schools in terms of population and capitation factor or demoted. The remedial fee crime industry runs into tens of billions a term. Some of the principals who talked to this writer but sought anonymity in fear being victimised said they are being harassed, intimidated, terrorised and put under captive from these cartels who are the righthand men of the CS. The legislators are also regretting why president William Ruto appointed Machogu to be a CS a position they claimed he is using to enrich himself, serve his own family members and his Boguche clan instead of serving the entire Gusii region and the entire nation. Arama who is serving his third term as the Nakuru Town West MP says Machogu is a liability and an embarrassment to the Kisii community. The MPs who spoke to Weekly Citizen revealed that the move by Machogu to hire Mulati to head Kisii national polytechnic was purely a revenge mission because of being booed and heckled by mourners during the burial ceremony of the late principal which took place in the compound of the institution. West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka also accused Machogu of keeping quiet over the creation of the administrative units which other counties benefited from two weeks ago. “I thought being a cabinet secretary you also represent the views of your community along the views of other Kenyans when you are a cabinet meeting. Why was Gusii region not given administrative units because this matter was discussed in the cabinet where other counties benefited?” Mogaka posed. Mogaka said that a numbers of principals from the entire Gusii region were qualified for the position of Kisii National Polytechnic and wondered why Machogu ignored them plight as the matter was brought into his attention by the area elected leaders wanted a local. Kenyans have however expressed dismay at the Kisii leaders’ reaction and wondered whether they know the meaning of the word national. If that is the way Kisiis feel, they have been warned, they should as well start vacating from lands they have bought in other parts of Kenya because the indigenous people could also demand that Kisiis settled or working there are not welcome if they do not welcome people to work in Kisii. He said that the political behaviour of Machogu in Gusii land is wanting as it was making the government which gave him the position unpopular and the president too. It is now becoming apparent that Machogu is a lone ranger in Kisii leadership and losing political grip.Machogu has also fallen out with the two Gusii governors, Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo both from Kisii and Nyamira, respectively a factor which has reduced him as a village elder he cannot chair any leaders meeting in Gusii land. Tribal Kisii MPs, Machogu at loggerheads Machogu Mogaka Arama Nyamoko Kihika Karanja Major demonstration against Governor Kihika looms Early schemes for 2027 Luanda MP seat Enock Amukhale The Abasikhale community in Vihiga county has endorsed businessman Ibrahim Omuyaku as their preferred candidate to vie for Luanda parliamentary seat in 2027. The Abasikhale clan said they are fronting the youthful Omuyaku to help them reclaim the parliamentary seat which was once held by Kennedy Marende. The move comes as Abamutete Abalonga, Abasiratsi and Ebbayi elders have been working on a plan to have the next MP from East Bunyore side of Luanda c o n s t i t u e n c y want the seat back in the region after over 30 years lull. They say that in 2022, they voted for Maungu since one of them was not in the race. “We are now fronting Ibrahim Omuyaku Ngoli as our preferred candidate for Luanda parliamentary seat from the larger Abasikhale community to help us reclaim the seat back,” they told press. Marande was Emuhaya MP from 2002 before it was split into two constituencies Emuhaya and Luanda. Omuyaku said he is ready to battle it out for the seat to ensure he brings it back. Omuyaku is a Vihiga based businessman. Already, he has engaged in various projects to support the Luanda community, something that is giving him political mileage over the rest with ambitions of joining him in the ring.“I declare from today that I will be contesting for Luanda parliamentary seat in 2027. I have received full backing from my Abasikhale community who want the seat back. I am already laying out strategies with my team that will help me win votes,” said Omuyaku. Omuyaku will face the incumbent MP Eng. Dick Maungu, Harold Mbati of UDA , Peter Omucheto Olala, and Albert Obuyi among other aspirants. It is said Tom Atingo who vied for Luanda parliamentary seat on UDA ticket is likely not to be in the race. Atingo will only campaign for his close friend president William Ruto to win second term. Maungu

Vol. 27 No. 10 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 15 news Our Reporter Taking a bribe of Sh800,000 from a youth from Kisii in exchange of employment, which was not forthcoming, is the main undoing that has come to haunt Kisii deputy governor Robert Monda whose fate now lies with the senate after MCAs impeached him. But Weekly Citizen has information that Kenya Kwanza senators are lobbying to have Monda saved by the senate as president William Ruto State House has jumped into the fray. Ruto wants the senate to save the DG who is among Kisii politicians backing him. Governor Simba Arati is said to be behind the impeachment. It all started when Gusii Water and Sanitation Company advertised for various job vacancies in April 2023, and the deputy governor alerted Dennis Mokaya’s father that he could secure his son a job allegedly after paying a bribe of Sh800,000 upon his shortlisting and being interviewed for the post. The deputy governor allegedly used his office to improperly confer a benefit on himself when he solicited the bribe from Mokaya and his family in the pretext to secure him a job for the said post of a commercial manager of Gwasco, an entity of Kisii county government. According the mover of the impeachment motion, Ichuni ward representative Wycliffe Siocha, the deputy governor in an attempt to influence the award of a contract of employment to Mokaya, sent via Mpesa Sh100, 000 to the Gwasco managing director Lucy Wahito to influence her to employ the said person which request was not acceded to and the money was returned via Mpesa. But Monda guided by his lawyers denied the allegations at the floor of the assembly, stating that he had received Sh500,000 via Mpesa for a business purpose. “A total of 53 members voted to impeach Monda on four grounds; gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office, gross misconduct and crimes under national law. Another 15 voted against his removal from office. One vote was spoiled while another member abstained. Speaker Phillip Nyanumba while declaring Monda’s impeachment said the assembly had met the two-third threshold. The assembly has 70 members. Last year, Siaya county assembly impeached deputy governor William Oduol over abuse of office and gross violation of the constitution. However, the DG survived the impeachment motion before a special sitting in the senate on June 26 2023, with senators voting to keep him in office. State House wants senate to save impeached Kisii DG Monda Our Reporter A family in Machakos county is seeking justice over a six-acre piece of land allegedly grabbed by influential personalities led by former Machakos senator Johnson Muthama. The land is along the Kangundo - Nairobi road near Tala town. Nicholas Ngoma has written to Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Director of Public Prosecution, Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Office of The Administration of Justice and the management of the National Cereals and Produce Board. A case was filed in Machakos High Court in 2011 by Muthama over ownership of the land. Muthama claims he was sold the land by a person known to him yet documents from the lands registry in Machakos show that the transfer documents were forged. “One of the grabbers, it has emerged, was five years old when he alleges to have owned the land,” said Ngoma. The fingerprints used to authenticate documents were also found to have been forged by the masterminds of the grabbing. The DPP has ordered that the file being held at the Tala Police Station where Ngoma had reported the grabbing incident be forwarded to their Lower Eastern offices in Machakos for further direction. It has also emerged, NCPB Tala depot was also unprocedurally allocated land for its godowns on the disputed land. Monda Muthama Ex-Mwananchi credit manager bitter Our Reporter A senior top manager at Mwananchi Credit Ltd Anne Mukami is fuming fire and brimstone after what she claims to be wrongful dismissal. According to sources close to her, Mukami who has inside operations of Mwananchi wants to sue the credit management firm for damages running into millions. Mukami was close to top management and it is feared if she decides to go public and spill beans, then it is likely to be messy and nasty. Daniel Matsanza Prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi and national assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s endorsement of Raila Odinga’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union is cosmetic, Weekly Citizen has learnt. According to the speaker, if Raila’s bid becomes successful, it would lead him to step back from national politics. Wetang’ula also noted that Raila will be contesting for the position as Kenya’s candidate and not to fulfill his political ambitions. However, political analysts say Mudavadi and Wetang’ula are in catch-22 situation if Raila finds his way in the corridors of power just like it is with deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. Remember, Wetang’ula and Mudavadi left Raila at the hour of need, joining William Ruto side in 2022. The move proved costly for Raila and more so, in Wetang’ula’s Bungoma county. If Ruto brings on board Raila, Wetang’ula and Mudavadi will not be comfortable. Raila in private blames Wetang’ula for his fifth stab defeat. Is Raila joining Ruto to rock Kenya Kwanza from within and eventually rejoin Azimio? Wetang’ula’s recent remarks softening his initial stance on February 25 2024, saw him state that it was time for Odinga to leave local politics after five failed attempts to capture the presidency. If Raila’s bid succeeds, Luhya ODM supporters are likely to be orphaned and many are expected to warm up to Ford-K, ANC and Dap-K a party that is associated with Azimio leading light Eugene Wamalwa. Already, Ford-K is playing it safe ahead of next polls after Wetang’ula stayed put as party leader. He has also consolidated his power base among Western MPs gracing various functions. Many say Wetang’ula can now easily join any alliance if Raila influence in Kenya Kwanza is to be felt. He can also go for the presidency. If anything, many of Luhya MPs will feel comfortable in Ford-K if going in ODM, ANC and even UDA comes difficult. So far, plans are in the pipeline that Kakamega senator Bonnie Khalwale runs for Kakamega governorship 2027 on Ford-K ticket, and so is Busia governor Paul Otuoma. Political analysts say if Raila exits the political terrain, it is a high time the Luhya community consolidated its power base in one political outfit. Whoever between Wetang’ula, Mudavadi and Eugene will capitalise on the unfolding events will end a major beneficiary of the vote rich Luhya community. ANC politicians felt betrayed when Mudavadi relinquished the party leadership to Lamu governor Issa Timammy. This followed the resignation of Mudavadi who stepped down from the position to concentrate on his cabinet docket as the prime cabinet secretary. During the last general election, ODM party extended its dominance in Western Kenya region by winning majority seats across the board. Apart from bagging the governorship in Vihiga, Busia and Trans Nzoia, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition also dominated the majority of elective seats at both national assembly and member of county assemblies levels. In Kakamega county, many of the incumbents retained their seats with the party securing eight of the 12 MP seats with two constituencies of Lugari and Likuyani registering new leaders. Mudavadi’s ANC secured three parliamentary seats of Navakholo, Malava and Shinyalu constituencies, while Eugene Wamalwa’s party, Dap-K bagged one seat of Mumias East. Shinyalu constituency, however, has a new MP Fredrick Ikana who running on an ANC ticket trounced the MP Justus Kizito who came a distant third. Ford-K swept most of the seats in Bungoma as rebels who ditched the party to form a new outfit, Dap-K, lost. Ford-K went back on its feet as Ken Lusaka won governor seat, Catherine Wambilianga woman rep, David Wakoli senator and four MPs won elections. ODM maintained its dominance in Busia after the party won five of the county’s seven constituency seats. Of the five MPs who were elected on the party’s ticket in 2017, four were re-elected. They include Raphael Wanjala (Budalang’i), Funyula’s Wilberforce Mudenyo, Joseph Oyula (Butula) and Geoffrey Odanga (Matayos). The only other MP candidate who got elected on Raila’s party ticket was Teso North’s Oku Kaunya. Geoffrey Omuse (Teso South) who had also been elected on the ODM party ticket in 2017 left the Orange party ahead of the party primaries and defended his seat as an independent candidate. He lost to UDA’s Mary Emase. ODM also won the woman representative seat after Catherine Omanyo trounced her competitors and emerged winner. It is difficult to win a seat on ODM ticket in areas like Western Kenya because in comparison to win a seat on ODM in Luhya land one has to put in double the efforts and resources than a candidate in Luo Nyanza. However, in close scrutiny of use of money, one notices the pattern whose distribution is tilted in favour of Luo Nyanza whether you are talking of key positions at the party headquarters or parliament. Already, ODM deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho who have stuck with Baba for decades are being asked hard questions as to why they stuck with him if they can be so easily wished away by the person who should be very appreciative in the first place - Ida Odinga. A region like Western Kenya has stuck with Raila even at the expense of home parties like Ford-K, ANC and Dap-K. It is against this background that Oparanya singlehandedly delivered three counties of Kakamega, Busia and Vihiga that not only elected governors and MPs but also majority MCAs. Raila’s daliance with Ruto government courtesy of the said AU leadership has ruffled feathers in Western region. In what is turning out to be a shock union between Ruto and Raila, the once bitter rivals have seemingly unleashed a handshake card, in an unprecedented deal presided over by Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni. What next to Luhya ODM MPs as terrain changes? Khalwale Otuoma

16 Weekly Citizen March 4 - 10, 2024 www.weeklycitizen.co.ke Vol. 27 No. 10 Weekly Citizen is a weekly newspaper published by Headlink Publishers Ltd, Summit House 3rd floor, Moi Avenue Offices and Printed by MO Printers, Accra Road. P.O. Box 7693-00200, (City square) Nairobi Hotline: 020-2013246, Fax: 020-2249569 Email: [email protected]. Registered at the GPO as a newspaper. Get us online - www.theweeklycitizen.co.ke/twitter:@citizenweekly Weekly Kenya’s Most Authoritative Political Newspaper John Oroni A Trans Nzoia county National Police Reservist corporal who has demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment to duty is reaching out to Interior CS Kithure Kindiki for assistance in securing a stable job to provide for his family. Samuel Ndiwa along with his 402 fellow NPRs has not received any payment since 2019. He vividly recounts an incident on August 16 2021 when two prisoners escaped while a working at the prison farm. Ndiwa remained undeterred by the challenges, and his determination, coupled with a duty-driven pursuit, proved crucial in recapturing one of the escapees, Enock Mukhisa Wanyonyi, on August 21 2021. As a result of this successful operation, the escaped prisoner received an additional 18-month conviction. Reflecting on the daring recapture, Ndiwa discloses the prisoner was nabbes in an ambush on the outskirts of Kitale town. In collaboration with the then Trans West OCPD Patrick Lobolia and Trans Nzoia county prison commander Emmanuel Odhiambo, Ndiwa and his team apprehended the escaped prisoner following a brief struggle. “We noticed that the prisoner had hidden somewhere in Busia county, but he had to travel approximately 117 km to meet his lover. Little did he know that a trap had been laid, leading to his recapture and the initiation of new charges,” discloses Ndiwa. In another praiseworthy endeavour, Ndiwa aided the police in recovering a Jerico KE:KP 44330865 pistol, reportedly stolen from an OCPD officer in Narok following a hijacking incident reported at Kitale Police Station. Working tirelessly, Ndiwa and his team conducted a week-long investigation, resulting in the arrest of the main suspect and three accomplices. The suspects were subsequently brought to court on charges related to the theft of the pistol, which was loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition. When questioned about rewards for his heroic actions, Ndiwa acknowledged receiving a recommendation letter from the Trans Nzoia West police commander and Trans Nzoia county prison commander. Despite this recognition, he cites the persistent challenge of being unable to adequately provide for his family. “I’m grateful for the recommendation letter from the Trans Nzoia West Police commander and Trans Nzoia county prison commander, but the difficulty lies in my inability to provide for my family,” lamented Ndiwa. Commendation letter from the officer in charge of Kitale Main Prison, Emmanuel Odhiambo states, “The individual mentioned above is hereby acknowledged and commended for his bravery and exemplary response to duty. We extend our sincere appreciation to the officer for his outstanding work and efforts, and we express hope for his consideration for higher roles of responsibility should the opportunity arise.” The chairperson of the Kitale chapter of the Law Society of Kenya Walter Wanyonyi, said the importance of rewarding the mentioned officer for showcasing both honesty and bravery. Kirinyaga illicit drink dealers shift to Nyeri Joe Rugu The war waged against deadly and illegal brews have now moved from Kirinyaga county to Mathira in Nyeri where furious local mobs damaged containers of the brews. The war moved to Mathira because brewers looked for an alternative drinking joint in Karatina after Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru announced that about all 700 bars should be closed pending thorough scrutiny. The furious mob broke into suspected stores in which cartons and crates containing bottles of brews were kept after security police officer disappeared after refusing to co-operate to turn up when asked to do so. Mathira MP Eric Mumbi was among the mob that discovered at least 1,000 cartons and 400 crates containing about 30,000 beer bottles estimated Sh6 million. Women in the furious mob complained that their husbands all time and little money they have on the illegal brews at expense of their families without minding the welfare of their forsaken wives and children. They worry about the young people who lose jobs while others keep out of school under the influence of the deadly illegal brews including the drug abuse. The women who initiated the public outcry are of the view that the young people would be of great importance supporting development projects countrywide if they were not involved in the brews. Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua who first declared the war on brew and drugs challenged Nacada to pull up its socks. Gachagua described reports of Nacada as shallow because the places the illegal brews are made are allegedly known to Nacada. Crates and beer bottles were confiscated pending confirmation by KRA whether the bar owners had permit of operation as they claimed before the exercise. Supporting success of deadly illegal brews in Nyeri, Senator Wahome Wamatinga reiterated that the government would not keep watching as people die from the deadly illegal brews and drug abuse. Women on the ground support the war against the deadly illegal brews and drugs describing them as deep holes in which the innocent, their husbands and young people, perish. They say they face doom. Omar Akello Kabuor clan members in Rangwe, Homa Bay county are against the creation of new administrative unit boundaries by the Interior ministry led by Kindiki Kithure. They say the ministry erred by creating a new sublocation in their area and naming it after an upcoming urban area Asumbi. They want the area named after Kabor which is a clan name. In a gazette notice published on February 14 2024, one of the new sublocations in Homa Bay was identified as Asumbi town in Rangwe subcounty. Kabor community want the name changed and the boundaries of the new sublocation reviewed. Recently, there were demonstrations in Rangwe town and residents held talks with Rangwe deputy county commissioner Alphet Jill to hear their views. In the petition filed by the Kabour community to the Interior ministry on May 25 2023, the clan said they had proposed the name before the boundary review and wanted the new sublocation to be named Kabor. Clan secretary is Stephen Ochando. The area has over 420 households and 17 learning institutions. “The area is also home to markets, health facilities and dairy projects. We humbly request for a positive consideration of this (creation of Kabor sublocation) as it will bring services closer to the people and hence easier to manage,” reads part of the petition. The clan occupies villages in Gem Central location which had two sublocations, Kajulu and Wikoteng’, before the new sublocation was created. In a petition filed on February 6 2024, the community also pushed for Kabor sublocation. According to Caleb Amwata, Raymond Omollo, the principal secretary in the ministry of Interior and National Administration, who comes from the neighbouring Rachuonyo North subcounty has a hand in the saga. The PS is said to have used Homa Bay county commissioner Moses Lilan. According to Amwata, the name of their clan came before Asumbi and this should have been taken into consideration before naming the new sublocation. It is emerging that the name Kabor was first and Asumbi town sublocation second. Fear is that Asumbi town sub-location will lock out a section eyeing new unit as assistant chiefs. Lilan Kindiki Our Reporter A 25-year-old man fractured his hand after jumping from the fourth floor of a building in Sunrise Estate in Embu town. It has since been established that the culprit was trying to escape after promising to pay the lady he had spent a night with but did not have the money. The young man, whom police have since identified as Daniel Mwinzi from Kinyunyini, Makueni is reported to have been visited by a woman at his rented house for sex exploits. He had promised to pay her money they to book a lodging only to discover, he was as broke as a church mouse. Mwinzi climbed the stairs leading to the balcony, before jumping. It has also emerged, Mwinzi was together with the lady whom they had spent last night partying at a nearby night club. Police from Embu visited the scene and talked to the lady. According to her, they had enjoyed the night and was in deep sleep when Mwinzi sneaked out only to be woken by residents. It is said, the outside door had been locked forcing him to jump. Mwinzi according to locals is a familiar face in Embu town social joints where he is known to be a man with loose pants. Mwinzi was admitted Embu Level Five Hospital. Broke Embu sex maniac bid to escape fails Homa Bay residents reject use of Asumbi name Neglected Trans Nzoia NPR corporal petition to Kindiki